About Ubud, Bali

A visit to Ubud isn’t complete without going to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary south of the village which is inhabited by cheeky monkeys waiting for visitors with peanuts.

Located in the lush slopes leading up towards the central mountains, Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali. A sanctuary for artisans, this quiet Balinese village is 60 minutes by car from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Ubud has a peaceful atmosphere and is a haven from busy Denpasar and Kuta.

Complementing the ancient temples and palaces is the unspoiled countryside that offers picturesque rice paddies, rivers and gorgeous scenery.

There are many wonderful walks in every direction from Ubud, through the rice terraces, villages, jungle gorges and grassy hilltops. Organised walks cover a variety of themes including birdwatching and exploration of historic and cultural sites.

Ubud’s beautiful surroundings and gracious way of life have drawn artists from all over the globe in recent decades, some of whom have even adopted Ubud as their home.

The main gallery areas are Jalan Raya, running from the Peliatan crossroads in the east all the way up to Sayan in the west; the main street through Peliatan; Pengosekan Village; Batuan Village; Penestanan Village; and the town of Mas, where the big-name woodcarvers have palatial galleries with impressive facades and enormous signs.

Ubud is also known for its selection of Batik fabrics, carvings, jewellery and paintings.

Ubud also has several art museums. To gain a true appreciation of Balinese art, visit Museum Neka which features mostly modern works by Balinese, Indonesian and Western artists who have worked in Bali, and also take time to see Museum Puri LukisanUbud’s “Palace of Art”. Founded around 40 years ago by a group of artists and patrons from the Ubud royal palaces, it is set in a peaceful garden with fountains, statues and pools.

The main crossroads in front of the Puri Saren palace is the ‘navel’ of Ubud its cultural and historical focal point. Away from the main streets, Ubud is a quiet place featuring small lanes lined with homestays, warungs and Balinese compounds extending north and south from the main road.

A visit to Ubud isn’t complete without going to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary south of the village which is inhabited by cheeky monkeys waiting for visitors with peanuts. The interesting Pura Dalem Agung (Temple of the Dead) is also located in the forest and features amazing ancient trees and sculptures.

Ubud features a range of accommodations including luxury properties with great spa settings and facilities, wonderful health retreats and spectacular views.

There are cultural shows on nearly every night and organised tours can be easily arranged to visit other parts of Bali. Its central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches and major towns.

The main street is also lined with restaurants and cafés with a wide range of delicious foods to cater for all tastes.

Although visitors often outnumber residents during peak periods, Ubud retains its charming, unhurried atmosphere and distinctive way of life of a small rural community.

Where to Stay

Griya Shanti Villas & Spa
Discover an atmosphere of tranquillity nestled in the verdant Wos River Valley at Griya Shanti Villas & Spa. Peaceful luxury Cocooned privately within a lush tropical jungle, Griya Shanti presents a choice of ... View More »
Dwaraka Villas
Discover a royal Balinese concept of accommodation nestled in the middle of a traditional Ubud village. Utter tranquillity The perfect place to relax and renew, Dwaraka Villas is perfectly located to offer a t... View More »
indonesia bali ubud the royal pita resort aerial view
The Royal Pita Maha
The spectacular Royal Pita Maha overlooks the Ayung River at Batu Kurung. Located in the picturesque area of Kedewatan, a spiritually revered place believed to be blessed by the gods, this exquisite mountain retr... View More »
Viceroy Bali
Crowning a secluded ridge above Bali's Valley of the Kings, Viceroy Bali is a luxurious 40-villa retreat for those seeking the exclusive, the exotic, and the elegant in all things. Regarded as one of the world's ... View More »
Kupu Kupu Barong Villas
Discover an oasis in the heart of Ubud. Set in a magical location, Kupu Kupu Barong is sprawled over three hectares of lush tropical greenery overlooking rice fields and Ubud's rainforest. Initially opened in 1987,... View More »
Senetan Villas And Spa Resort
An extraordinary private villa, Senetan Villas and Spa is nestled in the centre of Bali overlooking the lush forest of Payangan. This magical area is regarded as one of the best-kept secrets in Bali. With easy acce... View More »
The Kayon Resort By Pramana
Nestled deep in the heart of Ubud's lush jungle and verdant rice fields by the historical Petanu River, this enchanting adults-only resort, designed in complete harmony with nature, offers a tranquil retreat. Ret... View More »
The Samaya Ubud
Hidden in the lush hills of Sayan village, The Samaya Ubud is the ideal sanctuary for those who seek the comfort of modern luxury while still enjoying classic Balinese touches at every corner. Showcasing a harmon... View More »
The Kayon Jungle Resort By Pramana
Discover a luxury nature retreat at The Kayon Jungle Resort. Only 20 minutes from Ubud's centre, this boutique resort offers an intimate selection of 38 suites and villas surrounded by beautiful rice terraces and... View More »
Sanctoo Suites & Villas
Retreat to luxurious comfort at Sanctoo Suites & Villas. Rejuvenate mind, body and soul in a tranquil environment while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Wos River gorge, only fifteen minutes from the cul... View More »
Hanging Gardens Of Bali
Hanging Gardens of Bali is an award-winning, luxurious destination nestled deep in the heart of the jungle. Overlooking the Ayung River and ancient Dalem Segara temple, the hotel stands on the edge of a stunning ... View More »

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