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Where mind, body and spirit all experience an awakening. Where ancient wisdom is still revered. Where nature has bestowed blessings of abundance. Where art and culture aren’t a part of life, it is life. Where you can have the holiday of a lifetime. Welcome to Ubud, the emerald jewel of Bali, Indonesia’s most popular island destination. Ubud is a town on the Indonesian island of Bali.A soulful cluster of villages situated up in the cool mountains, Ubud is home to temples and palaces, museums and spas, forest trails and waterfalls. Every moment invites you to explore. Inspires you into making discoveries. Encourages you to unwind. Leaves you completely satisfied in the moment, and full of hope for the future
Ubud(Bali) At A Glance | |
Country | Indonesia |
Province | Bali |
Language | Balinese |
Population | 112,490 (as of 2018) |
Dial Code | + 62 (361) |
Currency | Rupiah (IDR) |
Time Zone | GMT+8 |
Area | 5,780 Sq. Km. |
Visit the beautiful temples and archaeological sites of Ubud. Discover the traditional architecture, the detailed craftsmanship and the sacred spirit eternally captured in their complexes. Experience wondrous moments as you see places like Goa Gajah - the Elephant Cave, the exquisite Taman Saraswati water temple, the 11th century Gunung Kawi temples, the stunning Kehen Temple, Tirta Empul with its holy spring, and the vibrant Puri Saren Agung or Royal Palace.
Many of Ubud’s museums and galleries are architectural marvels in themselves. Step inside, and find yourself captivated by the layers of rich stories, supremely well-preserved artefacts and soul-expanding artworks. Get your fill of world and locally renowned artists at the Blanco Renaissance Museum, Museum Puri Lukisan, Museum Rudana, Neka Art Museum, Anung Rai Museum of Art and Setia Darma House of Masks & Puppets. While visiting the historic Gedong Arca Museum gives you the chance to see over 3,000 artefacts that date back to 300 BC!
Away from the museums, Ubud’s culture comes alive through song and dance as well as the myriad indigenous craft styles. That you can witness, and experience first-hand, at the many events, classes, studios, markets and centres. A perfect opportunity to learn something new and find a few souvenirs too. Don’t miss out on the daily performances at the Ubud Palace and Pura Taman Saraswati, or shopping at the Ubud Art Market. While the Taman Nusa Cultural Park and Batuan Village offer a deeper view of the local way of life.
Ubud is natural serenity personified. Here trees, birds, animals and humans all live in harmony, with utmost respect for one another. That’s why you can experience incredible things like hiking through Monkey Forest, soaking in the marvellous vision of lush paddy fields, bird watching at the famed Bali Bird Park and witnessing the Tegenungan Waterfall. For the highly adventurous, look out for outdoor activities such as trekking, white water rafting and canyoning.
Ubud is one of the most relaxing holidays you can take, as it is known for spas, yoga, meditation, traditional medicine and healing centres. So, it’s not just your mind and body experiencing the joys of travel, but your spirit too.
There’s always time for shopping in Ubud. Because you’re never too far away from local markets and craft stores that offer woodworks, handicrafts, jewellery, clothing, books and souvenirs. Your plate will always be full of wholesome, nourishing and delightfully sumptuous food, when in Ubud. Take your pick from rustic vegan shacks, European style cafés and authentic eating houses. Post sunset, head to a lively bar or club.
Ubud is located in the central foothills of Bali, in the Gianyar regency. It is about 2 hours away from Bali Airport.
With tropical rainforest classified climate, Ubud is pleasantly warm all year round yet its 300 m elevation above sea level offers a cool respite from the otherwise humid Bali weather. Spring and summer, from September to February, are the warmer months with less visitors, giving you the advantage of off-season pricing and less crowds. Fall and winter, from March to August, offer cooler climes and a plethora of activities to choose from.
While there are no direct flights to Ubud, there is great connectivity offered from Bali. You can travel by air to Denpasar Bali Airport, located at the southern tip of the island, from where hired taxis or cars, self-drive cars and buses can be availed. Many resorts and hotels also provide shuttle services.
The story of Ubud can be traced back to the 8th century arrival of a Hindu sage, Rsi Markendya, who felt a powerful holy energy at Campuhan and built the Gunung Lebah Temple on the site. What followed was an era of spirituality that the inhabitants not only followed then, but have passed down generations to this very day. Many of the traditions and customs come from this period, including that of the famed agricultural practices. Its modern history and the path to becoming a cultural, artistic and tourist centre, began in the 19th century, with the arrival and patronage of world-famous artists such as Walter Spies, Antonio Blanco, Willem Hofker, Charlie Chaplin, Ari Smit and H. G. Wells, that was backed by then royal rulers.