Bali without Ubud is not Bali. Yes, the beaches of Ubud are fiction, they cannot exist, given the location of this creative town. Accordingly, there is no surfing here, for which many go to Bali, but the city has its own unique atmosphere. This doesn’t mean that you need to spend your entire vacation here, but it’s definitely worth a visit here, because the sights of Ubud are impressive. In this article, I have collected 10 reasons why you should visit Ubud in Bali, and this is actually just the minimum, because there are even more reasons to relax in this the most cozy place in the heart of the island.
So, it’s worth going to Ubud to…
Chat with primates in the monkey forest
What to see first in Ubud? Of course, the sacred monkey forest, which is one of Bali's most famous attractions. Frankly speaking, there are a lot of monkeys on the island, and there are them in other places, but the monkey forest is a whole park with many ancient textured temple buildings. It’s breathtaking to walk here as if in a magical forest, and freely roaming monkeys add a special flavor to it.
By the way, at sunset, ritual services are held here with whole processions of Balinese in traditional dresses. Therefore, I recommend visiting Sacred Monkey Forest in the evening to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Where is: from the main street Jl.Raya Ubud need to turn onto the street Jl. Monkey Forest and follow it until the very end, where you will hit the gate of the Monkey Forest // GPS coordinates: -8.517807, 115.259445.
Where to stay nearby: There are many amazing hotels near the Monkey Forest, to be honest, in this area of Ubud the hotels are some of the best with private bungalows and pools, and at an affordable price. They are located a little further from the road - this is the relaxing Umaya Ubud Villa, in unity with nature ZEN Nyuh Bojog and the very authentic Bali Bohemia Huts.
See the Hanging Gardens of Bali in Ubud
Stay at least for a day in an absolutely luxurious hotel Hanging Gardens near Ubud. This is one of the best and most popular hotels in Bali. If you remember “Heads and Tails,” then it was in the pool of this hotel overlooking the jungle that Andrei Bednyakov dived. There are separate villas for guests here, allowing you to stay alone with the nature of the island.
Where is: the hotel is located at a distance from the center of Ubud, which is understandable - there is a jungle nearby, peace and grace. The hotel has its own shuttle, which brings guests // GPS coordinates: -8.412806, 115.238931.
Where to book: Of course, one of the most reliable will be . But the best prices for this one are not the most cheap hotel It’s better to search using the RoomGuru service, which compares room prices in different systems reservations.
Feel the spirit of antiquity in Goa Gajah
Translated into Russian this monument ancient architecture translated as Elephant Cave. There are no elephants here today, but they are stunningly beautiful temple complex with baths, few will leave anyone indifferent. You can walk here for hours, enjoying the extraordinary sculptures and stone paintings. Very impressive even for experienced travelers!
Where is: south of the center of Ubud. I didn’t see public transport nearby, but if you take a taxi or a rented scooter/car, the drive will take no more than 10 minutes - the distances here are insignificant // GPS coordinates: -8.517807, 115.259445.
Where to stay nearby: near Goa Gajah there are two luxury hotels with villas - Villa Alam Surya and Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, and if you choose something decent nearby, but at a more affordable price - this is definitely Villa Rumah Bakti.
Taste the most expensive coffee in the world
Luwak coffee is considered the most expensive coffee in the world, but in Bali you can taste a cup of this coffee for only $5. Moreover, this cup comes with a tour of an entire coffee plantation, where you can not only see the coffee-producing martens, but also study the entire process of its preparation.
Where is: There are many Kopi Luwak coffee farms in the Ubud area, you can stop by any of them if you see them along the way. The one we were on is located north of Ubud on the road to Kintamani // GPS coordinates: -8.344011, 115.316157.
Where to stay nearby: The place, of course, is very far from the center, in the heart of the island of Bali, so there are no hotels here, except for one resort Puri Sebatu, but this secluded hotel is ideal for a romantic getaway. By the way, the hotel has a free shuttle to Ubud, so if necessary you can easily return to civilization :)
Find out your destiny from a Balinese healer
If you watched the movie (or read the book) “Eat, Pray, Love,” then you probably remember the funny old man who predicted the fate of the main character. Actually, it all started with him :) So this old man is not an actor at all, but a real Balinese healer and fortuneteller, i.e. The film was based on an absolutely real person. True, Ketut himself died literally in 2016, but his work is continued by his son, who inherited knowledge from his father, so you can visit the fortuneteller just for fun.
Where is: Ketut's house is located south of the Monkey Forest, it takes a long time to get there on foot, so only by taxi or rented transport // GPS coordinates: -8.527156, 115.264854
Where to stay nearby: I recommend staying in their wonderful family guest house Liyer Spirit House to feel the whole atmosphere. The guest house itself is incredibly cozy and cute, but the room prices are the most affordable on the island.
Walk along the rice terraces
Bali's climate allows rice to sprout all year round. Seeing emerald fields everywhere, the eye is so saturated with greenery, as if it had taken a killer dose of vitamins) In some parts of the island, rice is planted not just in fields, but in terraced levels, so that moisture from the rains passes from top to bottom, saturating each “floor”. Anyone can take a walk in such “high-rise buildings”, just stock up on mosquito repellent before your trip;)
Where is: the closest to Ubud are the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. It’s easy to get to them yourself if you plan to rent any transport, or it’s much more convenient to go for an inspection from // GPS coordinates: -8.434127, 115.279097
Where to stay nearby: Nearby is the cozy hotel The Kampung Resort with separate houses and right among rice terraces— Villa Wedang with a swimming pool, which offers luxurious views of the terraces.
Experience Balinese art at the Blanco Museum
Antonio Blanco was a very extraordinary artist, and did not come from Bali at all, but he adored this island so much that he married a local girl and in his work elevated Balinese culture, which is why in his museum you can see many paintings dedicated specifically to Bali.
And on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 19.30 there are performances here, free for museum visitors, in which miniature Balinese women in national costumes perform traditional dances.
Buy unusual souvenirs
Ubud, steeped in creativity, is home to one of the most famous markets, Ubud art market ( Pasar Seni Ubud). The market is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00. Here you can buy not only a variety of souvenirs, but also many works of art, wooden products, fabrics painted using batik technology, and much, much more. To be honest, my eyes widen when visiting this market!
Where is: The market is located in the very center of Ubud, opposite the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace. // GPS coordinates: -8.507050, 115.262509.
Where to stay nearby: if you choose any hotel in the city itself and not in the surrounding area, then getting to the market will not be a problem. Here is a ready-made selection of hotels in the center of Ubud.
Meet the spirits in the temples of Ubud
A huge number of temples are scattered throughout Bali, but in Ubud their concentration is simply off the charts. Here you can literally see assorted monsters symbolizing evil spirits on every corner. And at every step there are offerings to these voracious creatures. Well, the main home in Ubud for the mystical residents is the temple Pura Taman Saraswati with a beautiful pond and altar.
Where is: this temple is located literally a block from the aforementioned market. // GPS coordinates: -8.506010, 115.261460.
Where to stay nearby: As with the market, it is ideal to stay in any hotel in the center of Ubud so that you can easily walk to the temple.
Try strawberry pizza
There are entire strawberry plantations in Bali, so here you can taste delicious strawberry juice. It was in Ubud that I first came across bottles of this nectar everywhere. Moreover, it is not necessary to order natural strawberry juice at local restaurants, you can buy it in supermarkets, in my opinion it is not at all inferior to freshly squeezed. But it’s worth going to the restaurant at least once Umah Pizza in Ubud to order strawberry pizza!
Where is: from the market to the pizzeria you need to walk a couple of blocks, and then turn onto Jl.Bisma street. // GPS coordinates: -8.506991, 115.259097.
Where to stay nearby: again, since this is the center of Ubud, you can choose from dozens of hotels to suit your taste and budget.
As you can see, the attractions of Ubud are completely different and unique. And most importantly, nothing compares to his special spirit.
To see everything, I recommend coming to Ubud for 2-3 days, staying in one of
Ubud is the heart of Bali, its cultural capital. You should set aside at least a week to get to know this wonderful place, because there are many historical, architectural and natural monuments, scattered not only throughout the town, but also far beyond its borders. Europeans discovered this resort relatively recently; interest in it appeared in the 30s of the last century. Until now, it remains a mysterious, unexplored land, attracting like a magnet. There are no raging ocean waves, snow-white beaches, or huge hotels - this high-altitude resort attracts with its calm, relaxing atmosphere, clean air and breathtaking views.
History of Ubud
“Medicine” is how the name of the city of Ubud is translated. Bali has always been famous for its peaceful atmosphere, but its cultural center has a special impact on the health and psychological state of people. A lot of medicinal herbs grow here, and the confluence of two rivers concentrates the energy of the earth, which makes a person vigorous and cheerful. It is known about Ubud that in the 8th century Rsi Markendya, a Japanese Vaishnavit, meditated here. It was he who became the founder of the Pura Gunung Lebah temple. In the 11th century, Hinduism began to actively spread in these parts, which led to the emergence of new temples: in the caves of Goa Gajah, near Mount Kavi.
It was only at the end of the 16th century that Europeans first came to Ubud. The Dutch were the first to visit Bali; it was they who made the island part of the Dutch East Indies at the beginning of the 20th century. Europeans treated local culture with respect, encouraging its development in every possible way. Thanks to this, the people have preserved their centuries-old traditions, which they honor to this day. The first vacation spots appeared here in 1936, since then a lot has changed on the island, hotels and numerous bungalows are springing up like mushrooms after rain, but Ubud manages to maintain its original appearance.
Ubud - a city of creative people
Tourists from Europe flocked to Indonesia after Walter Spies visited these places. It was the choreographer and film director who discovered the delights of the city of Ubud for Europeans. Bali on the map seems like a very tiny, inconspicuous island, but many don’t even imagine what beauties travelers can discover here. Spies staged the famous kecak - a spectacular monkey dance that still attracts crowds of spectators today. In the twentieth century, Ubud was considered one of the bohemian places, since artists, composers, actors, directors, musicians, in general, all creative people came here to gain strength and be inspired to create new masterpieces. Among the outstanding cultural figures, we should mention Charlie Chaplin, Dorthy Lamour, Margaret Mead, and Sting.
Mysterious Hanging Gardens of Ubud
The Hanging Gardens are one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But if the Babylonian curiosity has sunk into oblivion, the Indonesian one delights numerous tourists. The unusual design of the landscapes was borrowed from the plantings of Babylon, and architects John Pettigrew and William Warren worked to create the magnificent structure. The landscapes they created are an amazing sight - tropical trees and exotic plants strive upward. In addition to greenery, there are also multi-level infinity pools.
People looking for peace, solitude, and relaxation choose Bali. The Hanging Gardens Hotel Ubud is perfect for this purpose; it is literally immersed in greenery, surrounded on all sides by exotic plants. Thanks to the special design of the swimming pools located right next to the rooms, tourists can admire the surrounding beauty, tropical forests... They get the impression that they are floating in the clouds, observing the splendor of the earth from heaven. Both from the main building and from the small house-rooms you can admire the Hanging Gardens of Ubud. The hotel (the price of the tour is quite justified) is suitable for people who want to relax, improve their health, or practice meditation or yoga. An all-inclusive tour for two for a week costs about 6.5 thousand dollars.
Ubud Museums
Ubud is also called the cultural heart of Bali. Over the course of several decades, it turned from an ordinary town into tourist centre. Today, travelers can visit numerous museums and art galleries. The Neka Museum houses the most valuable collection of works of art; they were created both by local residents and visiting craftsmen who lived on the island for some time. Puri Lukisan, also called the “Palace of Art,” has collected within its walls a huge number of sculptures, paintings, carvings, and they all reflect the flavor and culture of Bali. This is the first private museum on the island, operating since 1954.
All admirers of Antonio Blanco's work will certainly want to visit his house. Now it is a museum that houses various works of the artist, including erotic paintings from a closed exhibition. The master mainly painted young local girls and his wife. Here you can also visit the Blanco studio and an aviary with birds.
You can get a complete picture of Balinese art after visiting the Agung Rai Museum. The works of Indonesian and foreign painters are collected here, including Spies’ painting “Kalonarang”, which he painted in 1930. The museum consists of a cultural center, an art gallery, several workshops, a research center, and a library. Everyone can study folk craft, theater and art, history, cooking of Bali. Ubud receives positive reviews from tourists because there really is something to do and see.
Architectural monuments
Indonesian architecture is a very interesting sight: it embodies culture, ancient traditions, worldview local residents. The many man-made monuments scattered throughout the island are worthy of attention, but a tourist will be impressed even if he only sees what Ubud has to offer. Bali amazes with its beauty at every turn. You can start the tour from the Kehen Temple, recognized as the most attractive structure on the entire island. It was erected in 1206, and the place on which it stands has been used for rituals for centuries. The temple is surrounded on all sides by trees and hills and is open to the public every day.
You can also see the impressive ancient royal palace of Puri Saren Agung, decorated with statues and stone gates. Some descendants of the royal family still live in the palace, and most of it is open to the public. The palace hosts dance shows almost every day. You can also follow the pilgrim route and explore the Tirta Empul temple, near which there is a healing spring created, according to legend, by the King of the Gods, Indra. A very interesting structure is the Mount of the Poet, or Gunung Kawi. The building was created in the 11th century and is the burial complex of King Anak Vungsu and his wives. The building is located in a very picturesque place.
Natural attractions
Many beautiful and interesting places Ubud delights travelers. What to see here first? Perhaps you can get acquainted with the local beauty in the Monkey Forest Nature Reserve. Three temples were built here, surrounded on all sides by greenery. More than a hundred macaques live in a small forest. Visitors love to take photographs of the cute creatures, but they should be careful because the monkeys are not so harmless: they steal sunglasses, hats and anything else they can steal from passers-by. It is better not to feed them by hand - they may bite.
In 1965, 100,000 Balinese became victims. Snowy herons flew out of nowhere to their burial site and stayed there to live. Anyone can visit the Petulu Nature Reserve to admire the “souls” of the dead. You can see the elephants in the Elephant Safari Park: animals that were rescued in Sumatra, where they were used in logging, live here. For an additional fee you can ride these giants. Ubud boasts picturesque landscapes, rare plants, exotic birds and reptiles. We told you what to see here. But it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times. Therefore, you need to stay in the city for at least a week to get to know all the sights.
Local population
Residents have a favorable attitude towards foreigners. These are positive, creative people involved in painting, music, dancing, and woodworking. The local population considers themselves creators; there are several galleries and workshops on almost every street. The Balinese honor their traditions, so they perform various rituals every day. Even the souvenirs here are not simple low-quality fakes, but real works of art into which the residents of Bali have invested a piece of their soul. Ubud (a souvenir photo taken in these places will bring back memories of the trip for a long time) always welcomes guests kindly, cordially showing all its attractions.
Nutrition
Ubud is remembered by tourists not only for its beautiful landscapes, exotic animals and unusual culture, but also for its delicious cuisine. If we compare the variety and quality of dishes, the resort is second only to the city of Seminyak. Wide choose restaurants and cafes, very tasty, original and inexpensive food - all this attracts travelers to Ubud. Bali offers several cuisines to choose from, but of course you can't visit the island without trying the local dishes.
Shopping
Ubud is a wonderful place for all shopping lovers. The city has many shops selling clothes, souvenirs, and paintings. The main market is located in a large two-story building, the main products are national clothing, wood carvings, batik... that is, those things that interest tourists. You definitely need to bargain with the sellers; in some cases, the price can be reduced by half. It is better to make purchases on the second floor, since goods there are much cheaper. If you are interested in art objects, then you should go to nearby settlements - there you can buy silver jewelry, things with stone and wood carvings, and paintings.
What is so attractive about Ubud?
Indonesia is a paradise on earth; people come here for inspiration, complete relaxation of body and soul, and new impressions. Ubud cannot boast of an ocean coast, but there is such a peaceful atmosphere here that tourists do not want to go back home. The resort is surrounded by greenery; there is no need to look for attractions here - they are found at every step. The city has ancient history, which is interesting for lovers of antiquity, archeology, and cultural researchers. In Ubud, various rituals are held almost every day, which will be interesting to watch. Visiting nature reserves, historical and cultural monuments, and entertainment venues will make your vacation rich and interesting.
Who is Bali suitable for?
The Hanging Gardens Hotel in Ubud attracts the attention of exotic lovers. Indeed, not in every country you can swim in infinity pools and at the same time admire the surrounding splendor and lushness of nature from a bird's eye view. The resort is suitable for people seeking to find peace of mind and recharge with positive energy. This is why many celebrities come to Ubud in search of inspiration. This resort is also called the city of artists; here you can discover your talent and truly relax.
Family Jimbaran with best beach on the island and a string of seafood restaurants... But Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali, occupies a special place among them. This is exactly what it's about interesting resort and will be discussed below.
How to get there
Ubud is a beautiful green town in the heart of Bali. Strictly speaking, this is not a city in the traditional sense of the word, but about a dozen villages standing close to each other. And this resort is located about an hour’s drive from the airport.
Of course, the easiest way to get here is by taxi - with public transport, going to the center of Bali, things are looking bad. Finding a car will not be difficult - the official counter is located right at the exit from the airport. There you need to contact a service employee and name the resort you are planning to go to. Payment is taken in advance.
However, original Indonesia can still offer tourists an alternative mode of transport - small bemo minibuses. They are also available in Bali - travelers who want to save money can try looking for bemo minibuses near the Batubulan bus terminal, which is located in Denpasar. That is, you first need to take a taxi to the Balinese capital - it will not cost much, since it is very close to the airport. And then transfer to a bemo and use it to get to Ubud.
However, choosing this a budget option, you should know that bemos run between cities only until 16:00. It will take longer to travel than by taxi, since minibuses stop endlessly, dropping off passengers and picking up new ones. It can be quite crowded here, and it is better to ask the locals in advance for the price, since the driver may inflate it if he sees a tourist. But in the end, bemo will cost an order of magnitude cheaper.
And if the hotel is booked in advance, it is worth asking if it provides a transfer service. And if so, then it’s better to take advantage of this and comfortably get from the airport to the very doorstep of the hotel.
Ubud Hotels
Like hotels in other resorts, hotels in Ubud are divided into luxury and budget.
The most expensive of them are the so-called boutique hotels. These are exclusive five-star villas with a small number of rooms, immersed in luxury. The most famous tourists who are attracted to Indonesia stay here - politicians, big businessmen, actors. The territory of such boutique hotels amazes with incredible landscapes and fabulous views from the windows of the wild jungle, majestic mountains, rice fields and wayward fast rivers. As a rule, all hotels of this type have infinity pools with a visual effect of infinity, swimming in which you can fully enjoy the surrounding nature.
One of the best such hotels is Ubud Hanging Gardens, which translates as . Its highlight was the landscape design in the form of tropical gardens, which consist of plumerias, coffee trees, bamboo, rambutans, palm trees and orchids different types. The approximate cost of living in such a villa is $700-800 per day.
For travelers on a budget, Ubud offers guest houses- guesthouses. These are modest hotels that meet the two-star level, with a minimum range of services. They often do not have their own restaurant; instead, visitors can use the kitchen and prepare their own food. Which, again, will save money. Breakfast here is served directly to your room.
Among such hotels, Dani Home Stay 2*, Bumi Muwa 2*, Bali Moon are popular Guest House 1*, Goutama Homestay.
Creative people will surely love the atmospheric Santa Mandala Hotel. The owners call it an art residence. Here you can live in rooms with a unique interior, listen to live music in the evenings and meet interesting people. But in terms of service, everything here is as simple as possible.
In short, Ubud hotels are very diverse, and everyone can easily choose accommodation to suit their taste and budget. And for those who want to live here with their family for a while, entire Balinese-style houses are available for rent.
Attractions
Ubud will not give tourists beach relaxation - this resort does not have access to the ocean, and it takes an hour and a half to get to the nearest beach. This is the most ancient city Bali, and people come here for aesthetic pleasure and cultural recreation.
Puri Lukisan
Puri Lukisan is the main and oldest art museum in Ubud, also called the Palace of Painting. It consists of three pavilions. The first features paintings in the Balinese Kamasan style with religious, mythological and everyday themes. The second pavilion will show its visitors paintings by contemporary Bali artists, and the third is reserved for temporary exhibitions. You can also see beautiful handmade wooden sculptures in the museum.
Here, everyone has the right to attend a fascinating master class: learn batik painting, play Balinese instruments, wood carving, mask painting and master other exotic crafts. Of course, all this comes at an additional cost.
The territory of Puri Lukisan also deserves attention - the pavilions are surrounded by a shady tropical garden and pools with lotuses.
The museum is open from 9:00 to 18:00. A soft drink is included in the ticket price. Children accompanied by adults enter free of charge.
For those who want to get to this attraction on their own, it will be useful to know the exact address: Jalan Raya Ubud, Gianyar, 80571 Bali.
Pura Saraswati
This is a stunning Hindu temple complex on a lake, dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and knowledge, Saraswati. The colorful structure is a classic example of Balinese religious architecture.
The path to the temple is surrounded on both sides by water, dotted with many blooming lotuses, and along its entire length there are fountains in the form of stone sculptures.
The buildings themselves look amazing and a little mysterious. They are decorated with carved bas-reliefs, fantasy sculptures and, of course, images of Saraswati herself. There is a cafe on site where you can have dinner and watch the Barong, the national Balinese dance. The performance takes place twice a week, on Saturdays and Tuesdays, and starts after 20:00.
And if a trip to Ubud falls in June, tourists have a chance to visit the temple during the annual celebrations in honor of Saraswati, see with their own eyes original shows with stunning scenery, many locals dressed in their best outfits, and plunge into the unique national atmosphere. On this day, it is customary to wear yellow clothes and treat each other with sweets.
Temple address: Jalan Raya, Ubud, Bali. The entrance is free.
Elephant Cave
Goa Gajah, the Elephant Cave, is located a couple of kilometers from Ubud and can be easily reached by motorbike. It's ancient and mystical place, which is definitely worth a visit! You just need to dress comfortably and choose a sunny day for your trip - it’s uncomfortable to walk in these places in the rain, and you can easily hurt your leg on the slippery paths.
The Elephant Cave was discovered almost a hundred years ago, but in fact it is much older - several hundred centuries old. The entrance there is made in the form of a relief gaping mouth of a huge demon, which, according to legend, devours all the dark thoughts of those who enter and thereby helps to achieve purification. Inside there is a statue of Ganesha - the god of well-being and three lingas of Shiva - phallic symbols, a sign of the divine generative force. Here you can ask for your wishes to be fulfilled.
Not far from the cave there is a staircase leading into the jungle. Going down it, you can see a huge tree with intricately branched roots, a swimming pool, the remains of an ancient Buddha statue, overgrown with moss, and much more interesting things.
Goa Gajah is open to visitors from 8:00 to 18:00 daily.
The attractions of Ubud do not end there - there is also a Monkey Forest with macaques, and royal palace, and a crafts market, and a bird park, and raw food cafes... So, if Indonesia is on your vacation plans, try to choose a time and visit Bali and this wonderful resort without beaches - believe me, you will remember it for a long time!
Friends, we haven’t written anything on the blog for over a month, and all because we’ve been constantly moving lately. From Indonesia we flew to Vietnam, where we spent 3 weeks, from there by land to China, crossed the country from south to north and left for Russia. The last month has been very eventful! Well, let's clear out the rubble :-)
Today I will tell you about a wonderful place on the island of Bali - Ubud.
Bali is famous not only for its beaches, but also for the magnificent landscapes in the interior of the island, and Ubud is located in the central part. It's relative small town(it would be more correct to say a cluster of villages), located on the hills among rice fields and real rural life.
Unlike the noisy beaches of Kuta, you rarely see night parties, dancing until you drop, and other liberties. On the contrary, Ubud is considered cultural center Bali, with its many temples and ancient buildings, is where holidays are celebrated on the greatest scale. Such an Indonesian St. Petersburg or Chiang Mai :-) The city became the center of Hinduism in Indonesia after the Islamization of Java began and Hindus were forced to move to Bali. The results of all these cultural and religious transformations can now be seen on the streets of Ubud.
Have you seen the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” starring Julia Roberts? If not, be sure to take a look - a little vanilla, but interesting. So, there the main character comes to fabulous Bali in search of herself and harmony with the world, and finally finds it!
Really, best place there is no meaning to be found! Everything here sets the mood for peace and contemplation of natural beauty. Of course, the infrastructure is appropriate: yoga centers, spa centers, ashrams, vegetarian and organic cafes at every turn. Want some fresh juice after your morning meditation and yoga? No problem!
My workplace in Bali
Country life
In addition, Ubud is famous for its workshops for making everything under the sun, art galleries and museums. But it seems to me that the main feature of Ubud is its special atmosphere of friendliness and relaxation. Don't rush anywhere, just sit, looking at the reflection of the setting sun in the water of the rice terraces and enjoy the moment :-)
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that there is no sea here, and it is a long way to get to it. It’s best to come here for a few days, not just to visit the sights of Ubud, but to go to yoga, sit in one of the organic cafes overlooking the green fields, and just relax.
Orientation in the city
There are only a few main streets in the city: Raja Ubud, Monkey Forest and Hanoman. At the intersection of the first two there is a central market and a palace - this is the very center. If you live nearby, you can easily walk to all the interesting places. But I advise you to live closer to the outskirts, it’s much calmer there and you’ll be closer to nature!
On the central streets there are all kinds of hotels, restaurants, shops with clothes and souvenirs. On Jalan Gootama you will find several inexpensive cafes (warungs), and on Jalan Dewisita there are cute shops with clothes, natural oils, soaps, etc.
Still, the most beautiful areas are not in the center: to the west and northwest, in the villages of Penestanan and Campuhan, you can find both luxurious villas and modest guesthouses with stunning views of the rice terraces and surrounded by greenery. Walking here is a great pleasure!
To the southeast and east are the villages of Teges and Bedulu, which are also beautiful and have several points of interest.
How to get to Ubud?
We wrote about how to get to Bali.
In general, public transport in Bali is frankly bad; people mostly use bikes, taxis or book transfers at the hotel. However, you can get to Ubud on your own using local transport.
Ganesha greets you!
On bemo
Bemos are small minibuses (as they are called in Indonesia). They depart from the Batubulan bus station in Denpasar (there are several bus terminals there) and cost 15,000 rupees, an hour's journey. They do not run very regularly, plus the drivers will probably try to deceive you with the price. You can wait quite a long time for the bemo to be completely filled. In general, it's a pain :-) I don't recommend it.
By bus
We used the services of Perama, one of the oldest and most established companies on the island. They have spacious minibuses that travel all over Bali on a fixed schedule with a set price. For example, you can get to Ubud from the airport, Kuta (60 thousand rupees), Sanur (50 thousand), Lovina (125 thousand), Candidasa (75 thousand) and other parts of the island. A ticket can be purchased at offices, which are usually located near the center of a particular resort town, or booked on the official website.
By taxi
The cost of a taxi ride from Bali airport to Ubud is about 300 thousand rupees per car. Fast, comfortable, not very expensive if you go with a group.
Sights of Ubud
What to see and do in Ubud? Oh, the choice here is simply huge!
— Take a walk through the rice fields
Ubud attractions - an atmosphere of tranquility
There are several routes for a couple of hours very close to Ubud. For example, in the northwest - a route to the village of Campuhan along the river (marked a point on the map at the bottom of the post) or a path to the north to the Sari Organic cafe. Third option: right in front of the Puri Lukisan Museum there will be a sign to the left “Rice Terraces”, turn, walk along a narrow path through the vegetable gardens and in 5 minutes you will already be among palm trees and terraces.
— Enjoy delicious and healthy food in one of the many cafes
There are simply a huge number of all kinds of vegetarian/vegan/raw food cafes in Ubud, so lovers of healthy food have plenty of places to turn around :-) Many are located on terraces in the middle of nature. It’s a special thrill to drink freshly squeezed juice and sit in the middle of the greenery, slowly swinging on a bamboo swing. Highly recommended for residents of big cities! Alarm! Perhaps you will never return to your office job for 5 days/8 hours :-)
—Visit spa centers, yoga and meditation courses
This is exactly what the heroine of the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” did! Perhaps you haven’t been into yoga before... try it, you’ll probably get hooked and won’t be able to stop!
— Visit local temples and historical sites
The most significant places are located in the vicinity of Ubud, so to get to them you will need to rent a bike/car or buy an excursion from one of the agencies.
Goa Gajah or "elephant cave" is a small complex around a cave dating back to the 9th century, listed by UNESCO. Located a few kilometers east of Ubud. The cost of visiting is 15 thousand rupees (sarong rental is included in the price, do not believe the sellers who try to sell you them additionally).
Goa Gajah Complex
Gunung Kawi- located in the village of Tampaksiring, 18 km north of Ubud. This is the oldest cave temple in Bali. To get to the complex, you need to go down 300 steps. Here you can see bas-reliefs up to 7 m high, carved directly into the rock. How did they do this?! The cost of visiting is 15 thousand rupees.
Tirta Empul- one of the most revered temples in Bali, built on hot springs. Locals come here to swim and cleanse themselves spiritually, quite interesting place. Located in the same village of Tampaksiring, only a few kilometers north of Gunung Kawi. The cost of visiting is 15 thousand rupees.
In addition, in the center there is Royal Palace and the central market. These are the most significant and Famous places, and there are a lot of temples in Ubud, you will definitely come across them. Watch the ceremonies in these temples and the people in Bali in general, very interesting!
Tourist market in the center
Ubud hotels – where to stay?
You are unlikely to have any difficulties with accommodation - the choice is very large, and in Ubud, as in Bali in general, there is excellent value for money. Hotels and guesthouses can be found on the main streets, also on Jalan Bisma a good choice inexpensive and cozy places for accommodation.
As I wrote above, the most picturesque and quiet areas are located outside the center, in any direction, but in the west and northwest, there is probably the most choice. There, your bungalow will be right next to fields and palm trees, surrounded by tropical nature in the morning you will wake up to the singing of birds outside the window.
We lived in the luxurious Suly Resort & Spa on a huge grounds with two swimming pools, a super hearty breakfast, a huge room and even a bathroom(!) for only $24 per night (for two). The hotel is located some distance from the center, but surrounded by tropical greenery. They have a scheduled shuttle to the center, but the most the best option— is to remove the bike.
Hotel Suly Resort & Spa
Also, be sure to look at the options on where you will find unique and traditional houses local residents (so to speak for complete immersion) and various villas. By the way, upon registration you will receive a $25 bonus, which you can immediately spend on housing.
Ubud Map
Ubud is ideal for nature lovers, vegetarians, raw foodists, and people seeking peace and tranquility. After relaxing here for a week, we set off on our journey with renewed vigor, this time to Vietnam and China! Come too. Welcome to Bali!
In the center of the island of Bali, away from the ocean and noisy surfer parties, lies the city of Ubud - a place surrounded by incredible landscapes of tropical forests, multi-tiered rice fields and ancient temples, and is also a real Mecca for yoga lovers.
We stayed in Ubud for 4 days and here, indeed, a completely different Bali - calmer, unlike the coastal one, more Asian (there are far fewer European bars and cafes in Ubud, unlike, for example, Kuta).
In this article we will tell you about the main attractions of Ubud and the surrounding area, about the local cuisine, the most beautiful rice fields and, of course, about the main owners of Bali - the monkeys.
How to get to Ubud
From the areas along the ocean in the south and southwest of Bali, Ubud is approximately 1-1.5 hours away. You can get to it in several ways:
- Using the local taxi app Blue Bird, call yourself a car and go according to the meter. We got about 250,000 - 300,000 rupees one way. Pretty cheap.
- Book a transfer from the hotel or villa you are staying at. It will be significantly more expensive: about 450,000 rupees.
- Get there by bike yourself. We went to Ubud almost immediately after arriving on the island. The bike had already been rented for a whole month (nowhere here without it), but we decided not to ride on it, because we were still not sure that we would overcome this distance without problems. Eh, at the end of the month, having ridden a bike not only throughout Bali, but also in narrow ones, mountain roads Nusa Pennida, we probably would have gone to Ubud on it, because this road no longer seemed long and difficult.
Where to stay in Ubud. Hotels in the jungle
In Ubud, you should definitely shoot something that is located in the thickets of tropical forests, fortunately, there are many similar hotels here. It’s very atmospheric, unusual and I’ll tell you honestly - sleeping with an open balcony that overlooks the jungle and hearing these thousands of sounds from the thicket in the night, inhaling the humid cleanest air A tropical night is great and will be remembered for a lifetime. And no, it’s not dangerous, you won’t wake up hugging a tiger or a boa constrictor, because, naturally, hotels in the jungle have thought about this and outside they are equipped with ultrasonic sensors that scare away animals, but are inaudible to humans.
The choice of hotels in Ubud is large, but, in my opinion, we settled on the best of the inexpensive ones (here, by the way, accommodation is, in principle, much cheaper than in tourist areas near the ocean). Our hotel was called .
Our view from the window of the pool and the jungle. Alam Sembuwuk Hotel
Pros of this hotel: nature (located really on the edge of the rainforest, lush vegetation surrounds it on three sides), rooms and interior in general, swimming pool and sunbathing area, free yoga classes in the morning are included in the price, good service.
Minus: it is located in the suburbs of Ubud and the city (for example, the Monkey Forest) is about 20 minutes by bike. But this did not bother us at all, because we wanted to live in the jungle - they are the main wealth of Ubud, and in the city itself it is too authentic: clusters of wires overhead, dense traffic on narrow streets and noisy - real Asia as it is.
If you still want to live in Ubud itself, then I recommend the hotel - it was also initially considered. This place has a very cool rooftop pool, a restaurant terrace overlooking the green part of the city, and it is also located close to the Monkey Forest (only 700 meters away) and the central streets with a bunch of shops and cafes.
A similar hotel (also with a rooftop pool), central, but quiet and overlooking a rice field.
We looked at all 3 of these hotels and ended up choosing the jungle, staying at Alam Sembuwuk.
What to see in Ubud and the surrounding area. The most-most attractions
It is in the Ubud area that perhaps the most iconic and popular attractions of the island of Bali are located. Over these few days, we covered all the main ones in order.
Monkey forest in Ubud
The famous Monkey Forest or sacred monkey forest is located here. This is a whole complex where, in addition to monkeys that run, jump and want to hang your phone, there are several more temples, a jungle with lush vegetation and a river running over the stones.
Important: Before entering, take off everything that glitters, put away everything that is not lying well, check whether your backpack or bag is tightly closed. These are not comic warnings; any monkey can really snatch yourIPhoneX and rush along the branches into the forest thicket.
One of the inhabitants of the Monkey Forest
Also, read the rules that hang before entering the territory at the ticket office: do not feed the monkeys, do not pet them, do not show aggression. Baby monkeys are very cute, and you want to pet them, but don’t do this, because his mother is nearby - she is aggressive, like any “yazhmat” and can rush at your non-local, impudent, in her opinion, face.
There are several temples on the territory and there are numerous signs leading to them, it is very difficult to get confused.
- The main temple, the largest, is located in the southwestern part and is called Dalem Agung.
- The smaller Beji Temple is located in the northwestern part of the park. Traditional ceremonies are often held here.
- Prajapati Temple. Next to it is a cemetery where cremations sometimes take place.
A lot of locals walk around the park to the temples in elegant traditional clothes, with mountains of dishes on their heads - a beautiful and unusual sight for us.
Jungle path in the Monkey Forest
Everything in this park is permeated with the Balinese love for nature and their unity with it. For example, many of the trees are sacred - they pray to them, the leaves are used during cremation, and sacred masks are created from them. Moreover, for these masks the tree is not cut down, but only a small piece is cut off, and it does not die.
The Sacred Monkey Forest, even despite its great popularity and influx of tourists, remains an atmospheric and inspiring place, the most Balinese in all of Bali.
Ticket price: 50,000 rupees (adults), 40,000 rupees (children)
Opening hours: from 8:30 to 18:00 (tickets sold until 17:30)
Artist's Trail Campuhan Ridge Walk
This is a narrow pedestrian road, three kilometers long. The trail goes along the top of a hill, the base of which is covered with dense tropical forests, so it offers views scenic views: to the jungle and the thin ribbon of the river below, to the villas and hotels opposite, to the rice fields and flowering trees.
The road starts from the Ubud side from the Gunung Lebah temple and a walk along it is free, although you can take some money with you and buy a small painting by one of the local artists, whose shops you will meet along the way closer to the end of the trail (from here, in fact, , and its Russian name).
View of the Artists' Trail from the opposite hill
Important: the trail is not extreme, of course, but there are still ascents and descents, so wear comfortable sports shoes and go for a walk not at noon, when the heat is intense, but early in the morning or closer to sunset, but allow time to get back before dark.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces (Tegallalang)
Another popular Balinese attraction, located from Ubud, 20-25 minutes by bike. It is these terraces that are considered the largest and most beautiful; they are the ones most often published in articles about Bali and guides to the island.
The place is truly impressive, the photos turned out in the best local traditions, even despite the harsh daylight.
Along the edges of the terraces there are a large number of cafes and restaurants where you can hide from the heat and drink juice (I can’t say what kind of food there is, because I don’t eat in such touristy and crowded places and I don’t advise you - well It won’t be tasty, and you also need it - wait 30-40 minutes?).
Tegallalang Rice Terraces. View from the cafe at the entrance. There were a lot of people, but in the photo it seems as if almost no one was there :)
It’s funny: it’s difficult to indicate the cost of visiting the terraces, because the locals are arrogant guys, they charge money not only for parking a bike and at the entrance, but also while walking along the terraces themselves: you can walk along one of the paths and stumble upon a “barrier” in the form a wooden stick and an aborigine who, standing in socks on the ground (!?), will ask you to give you money for the passage “as much as you don’t mind”, while not letting you go further if you refuse to pay and say that you have already paid. We gave one or two of them 2000 rupees each, and then we simply jumped over their “barriers” - we fought, so to speak, their arrogance and outright begging J So, the final cost of visiting the rice terraces will depend on your compassion and generosity.
Saraswati Temple - a work of art
They say this is the most beautiful temple on the entire island, not just in Ubud, and it is definitely worth a visit.
Saraswati Temple
The Saraswati Temple is dedicated to the local goddess of wisdom. Around it there are dense thickets of a park with flowering trees and ponds with wild water lilies. Very photogenic, especially in the evenings when the lamps are lit.
Where to eat in Ubud. Restaurants with great views
In my opinion, nowhere in Bali are there such a number of spectacular restaurants and cafes. Here are just a few of them:
Indus– a place not only with a gorgeous view of the jungle, but also with very good cuisine. Everything they have is tasty, not spicy (this is rare for Ubud) and beautifully served. I especially liked the chicken curry with rice and fish.
View from the terrace of the Indus restaurant
Warung Layana– unrealistic view of the waterfall, unrealistically spicy food. You know, when it’s so spicy that it’s even bitter J And of course, the waiter, not understanding your delicate non-local receptors, will sincerely say before ordering that “not spicy.” But here you can order a delicious cocktail or something Western, for example, a club sandwich.
View from the terrace of the Warung Layana restaurant
The restaurant at the Anahata villa hotel has a view of the jungle and a very authentic interior - stone stairs and lanterns covered with moss. This is the only place to film “The Jungle Book” or something about the adventures of European colonialists in Southeast Asia.
And at the end: a place of 100% relaxation - Folk Ubud
We found this place by accident, based on someone’s photos on Instagram.
Folk Ubud is a bar with a swimming pool, where you can drink cocktails not only sitting at tables or swimming at the bar, but also lying under cozy canopies. There is pleasant music here, dozens of garlands light up beautifully in the evening. All in all, perfect place in order to take a break from a hot day full of impressions.
Bar Folk Ubud
A place under the canopy can be reserved in advance on the establishment's website. For 350,000 rupees you will get towels, the ability to use the pool and a minimum set of snacks, such as canapés and fruit skewers.
Conclusion
Even if you came specifically to the ocean, it’s worth spending at least a couple of days on Ubud and its attractions - temples, jungles, rice fields, gardens, yoga centers. Here time seems to flow more slowly than on the coast, allowing you to enjoy everything that surrounds you, master new asanas and finally bring order to your thoughts.
