Cultural hub in Bali's heart, surrounded by rice fields and jungle. Home to artists, musicians, and dancers. Yoga centers, spas, and art galleries line the streets.
Ubud, located in central Bali, is known for its artistic community, traditional customs, and surrounding natural beauty. In this town, you can explore ancient temples like Pura Taman Saraswati, observe long-tailed macaques in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or learn Balinese cooking techniques in a local class. The area's rice terraces and forests create a relaxing environment for your visit.
Location and Landscape
Ubud is situated in the central foothills of Gianyar regency, approximately an hour's drive north of Bali's main airport. Rice paddies and steep ravines surround the town, forming a green, hilly landscape. Central Ubud is relatively compact, with Jalan Raya Ubud as the main street running east to west.
Art and Culture Scene
Ubud has been a center for Balinese art for many years. You'll find many galleries and workshops displaying traditional and contemporary Balinese art. The Puri Lukisan Museum houses a collection of modern traditional Balinese paintings and wood carvings. For a different perspective, visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum, which features the works of the Philippine-born artist Antonio Blanco.
Natural Attractions
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces, located north of town, present a view of green stepped rice paddies. Visit early in the morning when the light is soft and the air is cool. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to over 700 long-tailed macaques and contains several Balinese temples and statues covered in moss. As you walk through the forest, you'll see these monkeys in their natural habitat.
Temples and Spiritual Sites
Ubud has many temples that represent Balinese Hindu architecture. At Pura Taman Saraswati, dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and the arts, you can see a water garden filled with lotus blossoms. Tirta Empul, a water temple founded in the 10th century, is where locals go for ritual purification. You can observe or participate in the cleansing ritual in the temple's spring-fed pools.
Food and Dining
Ubud's food options range from traditional warungs to cafes and high-end restaurants. You can try local dishes like babi guling (suckling pig) at Ibu Oka or sample innovative takes on Indonesian cuisine at Locavore. For a meal with a view, eat at Swept Away, a restaurant on the banks of the Ayung River.
Getting Around
You can walk around central Ubud, but it can get hot during midday. Renting a bicycle is a good way to explore the town and nearby villages. For longer trips, you can hire a driver or rent a scooter if you're comfortable with Bali's traffic. Many hotels also provide shuttle services to popular sites.
When to Visit
Ubud has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season, from April to September, typically has less rainfall. However, this is also when Ubud receives the most visitors. If you don't mind occasional rain showers, visiting from October to March means you'll encounter fewer tourists and see lush, green landscapes.
