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Plus: Dengue Fever in Hawaii and public urination in San Francisco

The author of Telegraph Avenue, Wonder Boys, and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay talks about big family trips, working on the road, and erasing ignorance.

Hiking up Bali’s famous volcanoes gives one writer a new perspective on the island

Announcing the Winners of Westin Weekends with AFAR

The stunning contrast between the modern design of the Ubud Yoga Centre and the lushness of the surrounding landscape makes it a beautiful sight. Whether you want to sit in the open café for a snack or take part in a yoga or Pilates class, you’ll enjoy your time in this very relaxed, social atmosphere. Ubud Yoga Centre is the only Bikram or hot yoga center in Ubud and also offers kundalini, hatha, vinyasa, and Ashtanga classes, as well as something called Inferno Pilates, which is as torturous as it sounds. Parents in need of a sweat and a stretch appreciate the playroom and the Sunday art classes for kids. Check the website for special events and class timetables.

Wandering Mixologist: Scott Beattie in Bali

There’s no one perfect way to take a trip to Bali. On one visit you might decide to spend more time exploring ways to explore your inner self through yoga or taking a ritual bath at Tirta Empul and while exploring the sacred spaces at Pura Besakih. On another? You might be all about going big mountain biking and photographing the rice paddies and terraces. Or, perhaps, all of the above on every trip? From the beaches of South Bali to the cool hills of Baturiti and the cultural hotspot of Ubud, options abound.

A number of organic farms in the region offer cooking classes, but Bali Farm Cooking School is by far the most welcoming, warm, and traditionally Balinese of the lot. If you’re a foodie or just want to get out and see a bit of Bali family life, Wayan and his family will welcome you with open arms. Students begin by heading to the market and touring the farm’s garden to gather fresh ingredients and to learn about local herbs and spices that are used in cooking as well as in herbal treatments for a variety of ailments. Then students work in an open-sided kitchen to prepare some classic Balinese dishes and, of course, sit down to a terrific feast afterwards. The farm is almost an hour outside Ubud, but offers convenient round-trip transportation from central Ubud.

Nestled in the jungle near the center of Ubud, Komaneka at Bisma is a minimalist boutique hotel that celebrates Balinese artistic expression. Local artisans made most of the wooden objects and furnishings in the suites and villas, which emphasize rich woods, cool marbles, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that look out at emerald rain forests. Daily deliveries of fruit, flowers, and cookies make guests feel like family, but high-tech conveniences such as in-room Apple TVs help them stay connected with loved ones back home. The Komaneka Gallery at the Monkey Forest property showcases one of the world’s largest collections of art from the archipelago; Bisma guests can arrange a tour, which is included in the price of their stay. You can also stay on site and choose from a lineup of activities, including rice paddy cycling tours and wood-carving lessons.

Translated as “beautiful bamboo,” Bambu Indah is the passion project of jewelry designers John and Cynthia Hardy. The couple—Canadian and American expats living in Bali for more than 30 years—bought 11 teakwood bridal houses in 2005, then moved them 15 minutes west of Ubud Village before restoring and individually decorating them for visiting guests. Today, the Sayan Ridge residences are surrounded by cutting-edge bamboo dining and lounging structures, an organic permaculture garden, swimming holes inhabited by fish and frogs, and flat green rice paddies. Daughter Elora Hardy is responsible for some of the bamboo architecture and furnishings, while son Orin tends to the edible gardens; spiritual ceremonies, tours, and artisan-led courses involve local friends. Though the decor is heavy on traditional textiles and beautiful objects from around the world, they combine with whimsical surprises, like a boat-shaped treehouse 30 feet in the sky to a rope swing that drops guests into the natural rock pool.

It’s quite a hike to Lempuyang temple, which sits at the summit of Mount Lempuyang, 3,855 feet above sea level, but it’s worth every one of those thousand(ish) steps. Time your trip to arrive at sunrise, when the view of Mount Agung to the north is at its most stunning and the air is still cool. You might even find you’re alone for most of the hike, a rare occurrence in busy Bali. Remember to be respectful and wear a sarong and sash even while climbing. (Women are asked not to visit this or any other Balinese temple while menstruating.) Lempuyang is about 2 1/2 hours from Ubud by car, but close to Amed, a sleepy coastal town with plenty of places to eat and stay.

And enjoy the jungle. It was raining when I visited, which kept the crowds down. Not as many people either.

Spending an early morning with our family in the monkey forest was a nice way to avoid the crowds, and have fun observing the monkeys. We enjoyed exploring this amazing nature reserve and shoot some family pictures given the lovely morning light.

Everyone loves camping...until they have to sleep in an uncomfortable tent and cook their own food and do all that naturey stuff. Glamping has changed all that and now Ubud has it’s very own glamp site just a few minutes out of town. Sandat Glamping Tents are stylishly bohemian and luxurious with plenty of character and romance. However, this isn’t just a gimmick; natural materials have been used wherever possible, waste is kept to a minimum and the restaurant serves fresh local produce.

Teeny-tiny but perfectly formed, Pica South American Kitchen is one of the stars of Ubud’s burgeoning foodie scene. It’s simple, modern interior and social vibe makes it an excellent place to go with friends and share plates of gorgeously flavorful food created by Chilean native Cris and his small team. Sourcing much of their produce locally, Cris and partner Monica deliver mahi-mahi, barramundi, sweet potato and other local fruits and vegetables in ways you have never tasted before. The ceviches with the traditional Peruvian leche de tigre, the vibrant marinade packed with lemon, chili, thinly sliced onion and the juices of the fish, are like no other ceviche I’ve ever tasted and are one of the must order dishes. You’ll also want the Bife Ancho, a melt-in-the-mouth rib-eye steak in 8-hour reduced jus. Don’t forget the large glass of red…and someone to drive you home in your blissful state. With a maximum of 28 diners at a time, you’ll want to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.