ronb
velive
I am going to be moving to Penestanan and renting a place on the side located farther from central Ubud - beyond Cafe Vespa, out in the rice fields.
There are a number of things I'd like to get more information about, and I'm wondering if anyone here knows that area well?
Is there any small shop (near Vespa or in that general environs) which sells fresh veggies, tofu, tempeh, etc.?
I will not be using a scooter myself but will need to get into central Ubud sometimes, so I'd like to know the most cost efficient way to do this. I know about the motorbike taxi stand by Vespa but I don't know how willing they are to bargain for something closer to the local rate.
I recently learned about the service Go-jek and I gave it a try last time I was in Penestanan. I placed an order for motorbike taxi to take me back to central Ubud, but after waiting for quite a while I never got notice a driver had accepted the order. Are you less likely to get a pickup outside of a more populous area?
Also, what is the closest option for an ATM machine. Are there any in Penestanan itself or is it necessary to go into the more central part of Ubud to get access to an ATM?
Thanks for your help.
ronb
Hi Velive and welcome. I guess I am slightly surprised that you have selected somewhere to live without thinking about where you would shop or how you would get there. But never mind, The Bintang Supermarket in Sanggigan is only 1.1 Km from Cafe Vespa for walkers - Google maps estimates 16 minutes walking time - you will find Google maps and invaluable aid to your planning.
How to get around? Ubud drivers charge 50,000 or more for the shortest trips. In contrast in Yogya (I have just been there for a week) Grab will quickly get you short distances for 20,000 or less. We had one short trip at 6,000 because their payment system gives rewards. Ubud drivers have been energetically trying to hound Grab and Go-Jek away from Ubud with some success. Over time this will slowly change.
You say you will need to go to Central Ubud. Maybe your not aware how bad traffic in Central Ubud has become - it is place you will often stay away from by day. Evenings are still OK. So only plan on visiting banks as rarely as possible. Internet banking is the go.
spicyayam
I live in the north so only visit Ubud occasionally. Grab just started in the north, it is like Uber/Gojek. You can also order food from restaurants. It is a great service.It is a shame that the drivers in Ubud don't just try and embrace it. I can only imagine the established drivers hate the lack of control they have over pricing. For people who may not speak English, can't find work or just need some part-time income, I am sure it works great for them.
Take care with ATMs in Ubud as it seems many of them get compromised. Try only to use ones at bank branches, rather than the ones that stand alone or in supermarkets.
If you decide to employ a pembantu (maid/helper) they could do shopping for you and take you where you want to go. You might also find a grocery delivery service. Most restaurants order their food from these kinds of places. Personally, I like to go to the traditional "wet" markets, which have the best quality and best prices. I am sure there are organic delivery services also in Ubud, but probably more pricey and may or may not be organic.
