Homestays in Ubud town can easily be found along the streets of Sukma, Suweta, Sugiwara and other small alleyways near the traditional handicraft market. While traveling around Ubud town in Bali island, I stay at Ibu Ratna's homestay on Jalan Sukma. Jalan is the Indonesian word for street. There are three bungalows inside the homestay. Each has got its own bedroom, kitchen and toilet/ bathroom. The bathroom is an Indonesian style one with a shower and water tub for mandi or splash bath. The rate per bungalow per night varies depending on the duration of your stay and the bungalow that you choose. For a long term rent (3 months and more), you can negotiate a price to around 1.8 million rupiahs to 2 million rupiahs per month. This rate is equivalent to 200 - 222 US dollars per bungalow per month if the exchange rate is 1 US dollar = Rp. 9,000.

Homestays along the Jalan Sukma and the upper area of Suweta streets are cheaper than the ones on Hanoman street which is the place where a lot of tourists walk around to buy handicrafts or to eat and drink.

The homestay in Ubud is mostly on separate building from the main dwelling place of the host family. Most of the Balinese traditional houses are built on separate dwelling places which have their own unique functions in Balinese religion and culture. In modern days, these separate buildings are turned into apartments, bungalows or villas for tourists who need accommodations in affordable prices while they travel around Bali - the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia.

The Ibu Ratna's homestay is located on a very convenient place. It is not far from the main street of Ubud but it is not too close either. The rooms in Ibu Ratna's homestay are not air conditioned. The indoor circulation of air is aided by ceiling fan. To create cool air environment, Mrs. Ratna and her family grow various species of flower plants around each of the bungalow. This is an environmentally friendly homestay in Ubud.

There are various kinds of cafes, and restaurants offering Balinese, Indonesian and Western cuisines on both sides of the Sukma street where travelers can dine. The prices of the foods are very affordable.

Monkey forest which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ubud can be reached by bicycle in less than 5 minutes. The Museum Puri Lukisan on the main street of Ubud is around 10 minutes bike ride from Ibu Ratna's home stay.

Ubud town is surrounded by terraces of rice field making it a quiet place for those who like to retreat from the hectic life in big cities for a while doing meditation or yoga. by Charles Roring.