Ubud, Bali : Arts, Rice Terraces, Spa, Yoga

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Ubud, one of the favourite town in Bali, being centrally located and also metaphorically as a cultural centre of the island. Many people who visit Bali, comes first to experience Ubud, which had been well known for arts, culture, people and food. There are also beautiful architectures to behold, many attractions to see and things to do in Ubud.

Though Ubud may be said by some that it is now fashioned towards tourist business, but there are still many local livelihood that permeates the place. It is made of 14 villages that is run by their very own banjar (committee). In Ubud you can still find terraced fields along the rivers and away from the town centre there is still quiet village life going on as usual.

Where is it

Ubud is located at the south of Central Bali, about an hour from Bali’s Airport in Denpasar.

Why go

Imagine a town bursting with activities, energies, arts and culture while surrounded by rolling rice paddies. If you head out to south or southeast of Ubud your breath will be taken away by the greenness of it all. While at the northeast in Tegalalang, you will find the classic rice terraces of Asia that everybody so admire. Imagine picturesque backdrop along the way as you explore Bali whether in a car or on a bike flanking by rice fields as far as the eye can see.

As for the other side of town, north of Kintamani area and the opposite of Campuhan, Sanggingan and Kedewatan areas, you also get landscapes such as gorges, limestones and lush, dramatic valleys. Here is one of the places where it is best explored by a motorbike.

There are also key historical sites like attractions such as Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul and Pura Kehen. A local guide would be nice to help understand and appreciate the cultural and spiritual significance of all these sites besides marveling at all the beauty.

When is the best time to go

It is hard to say when is the best time to go to Bali as you would be hard-press to choose between good weather of dry season which is peak season or less tourists during low season which would be wet season. Nevertheless, it would be your choice cause Bali is actually good to visit all year round. The dry season is April to October while the wet season is November to March but normally only rain in the afternoon.

If it is your thing, come here for Ubud Writer’s Festival in October. Or other Bali Indonesian festivals as Ubud is the center of it like Galungan and Nyepi.

What to see

Neka Art Museum for traditional paintings

Agung Rai Museum of Art for the many cultural activities, and home to many well-known international Balinese artists. There is also a kafe (cafe) with tea and coffee here.

Museum Rudana boasting 400 paintings with a wide range on both traditional and contemporary Balinese styles.

Museum Puri Lukisan with impressive carvings and beautiful garden

Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women, a gallery featuring arts only by women

What to do

Watch traditional dances such as Legong and Barong dance at the south of Ubud on main road to Sanur, which is about a story of never ending battle between good and evil or Kecak dance which is an impressive fire dance.

Walk the Ubud market at Jalan Raya Ubud, located just the corner of Jalan Monkey Forest. This two-storey building is filled with stalls selling all sorts of things like wood carvings, batik, sarongs, souvenirs and such. Shopping tips here is to go upstairs where the prices are often lower but you would need to hone your haggling still here for a good bargain.

Take up a cooking class here to learn Balinese cuisine which is well known for delicious. Famous courses are such as Payuk Bali Home Cooking Class or Paon Bali Cooking Class.

Or you can go for relaxation with either spa, massage or yoga, your take as all are well available here in Ubud.

Take a motorbike ride out and explore the north of Kintamani area for the gorges, limestones and lush, dramatic valleys. Head out west over Campuhan Bridge and all the way via Jalan Raya Sanggingan to Kedewatan. You will not be short of an impressive ride through mesmerising landscapes.

-> Read Top 10 Things to Do in Ubud

Where to stay

Ubud has a big selection of choices from luxury to specialty to budget accommodations to choose from. Many travellers would choose to stay in the outer area from town centre for its beautiful view of the famous rice terraces. If you are in for luxurious splurge then don’t miss out the popular COMO Uma Ubud *, located on the hillside of Ubud. There’s also the Hanging Gardens Ubud *, which has a spectacular view and private pool villas. The Purist Villas & Spa * is another popular place to stay in Ubud, as it’s a stylish boutique villa complete with meal and spa facilities.

For more affordable luxury here, there are The Kayon Resort * and Komaneka at Bisma *. That said living on the outer area means it is harder to get around so you would need to get a transport of sorts. For budget places to stay, you can go to Jalan Monkey Forest or Hanoman *.

 -> Find the best hotel deals in Ubud at Booking.com * 
 
-> Read more on Best Places to Stay in Ubud
 

What and where to eat

Few famous must eat places in Ubud that are well recommended by fellow travelers are Naughty Nuri for its BBQ pork, Sari Organik for fresh off the farm food and Bebek Bengil for the crispy duck. For cheaper and budget options, you will be spoilt for choice for various local warung (stalls) around.

-> Read Top 10 Best Restaurants in Ubud

How to get there

First fly into Denpasar, Bali airport, from either internationally or domestic flights from Jakarta, Surabaya and other major airports in Indonesia. There are many flights whether international or domestic that flies to Denpasar as it is a really popular tourist location.

From Denpasar airport in Bali, there are few ways to get from Denpasar to Ubud:
By taxi
The easiest way which will cost about 200,000 Rp. Some taxis are metred while some would like to set a price before leaving, just make sure you check before going off. Official Denpasar airport taxi will cost 250,000 Rp

By Bus
Cheaper option from Denpasar to Ubud, you can catch one of the buses which runs four times a day. The bus will take you to Perama terminal which is unfortunately not in the center of Ubud, where you need to get another bus to get to town center.

How to get around

You can cover central Ubud by foot itself but if you want to venture further a transport of sorts will be needed. Be careful when walking around as there are many vehicles around and sidewalks are not necessarily available.

Ubud can be quite large if stretch out the the quieter areas and all the beautiful serene surroundings. Many tourist find it fun to rent a motorbike and do self exploration but be careful when driving especially in hectic town center. A motorbike rental will set you back about 50,000 Rp a day.

You can also go around by metered taxi or rent a local car transport with driver for trips further afield. A short trip should not cost more than 30,000 Rp. Or you can rent an ojek (motorbike taxi) for half the price to closer destinations.

You can also rent a bicycle for nearer places that cannot be cover by foot for 20-30, 000 Rp a day cost. You can get a lot of choices for bicycle rental at Jalan Monkey Forest. Though be warned cycling here is not in best condition especially within the town but riding through the rice paddy fields is a wonderful experience though hilly.

Where to go nearby

Check out our Top 10 Must Visit Places in Bali for more places to go nearby Ubud!

For further escape, you can catch a boat out of Bali to Lombok or Gili Islands.

Travel Tips

As in matter of most famous tourist places, touts are everywhere. Beware of your surroundings, take care of your belongings and all else travel safety measures apply here. But most of all, come here with an open mind and heart and you will find that you can enjoy Ubud despite all the facades and touristic setups.

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3 Comments

  1. Isaac David says:

    Dear Rachel,
    Good Day to you. Your in detail information is realy really great. I’m planning to visit Bali somewhere in April 2014. Pls advice if this is a nice time to visit Bali. Planning to stay 4 days and 3 night. Any advive on mid range accamodation in Ubud area?

  2. Hi, we would like to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary followed by my wife’s birthday in Nov’14. Would like to stay, 3 days in Legian and 3 days in Ubud. Would like to experience the culture, cuisine, heritage, natural beauty and shopping. Just to add, I would like to make it special for our 25th Aniv. We are in our late 50’s and on a budget (approx 160USD per day). Any recommendations please. Thanks Kersy (ps I hope I have not duplicate the msg)

    1. In Ubud you may think about pampering both yourself in massage and spa as they do a really good one there. Also check out our Honeymoon in Bali ideas that can also be used for anniversary! :)

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