Ubud is located in the mountainous center of Bali and is an extraordinary holiday destination, completely different from the island’s well-known seaside resorts. The sea is more than an hour away; instead, the landscape is characterized by hills, dense jungle, rice terraces, and deeply incised river valleys.
The historic town of Ubud is considered the cultural heart of Bali – a center for handicrafts and traditional arts. Here you will find renowned jewelry galleries, woodcarving workshops, as well as studios and exhibitions of Balinese batik art.
Ubud is home to exclusive boutique hotels and villas – often too small to be officially classified, but comparable in standard to 5-star luxury resorts. These properties are a popular retreat for business people, artists, public figures, and increasingly for newlyweds. Even small boutique hotels usually feature:
Ubud is a paradise for foodies. More than 250 restaurants offer high-quality cuisine, often with a focus on healthy, fresh ingredients. Prices are slightly higher than in the rest of Bali, and a 10% government tax is added to every bill.
Puri Lukisan – the most important art museum in the city, surrounded by well-kept gardens
Pura Saraswati – a temple in the middle of a water and lotus garden, dedicated to the goddess of wisdom
Lempad House – museum of the famous local artist and architect I Gusti Nyoman Lempad
Senivata Women’s Art Gallery – gallery of female artists from Bali and other countries
The most famous attraction is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The small forest park is home to a large population of macaques and also includes the traditional “Temple of the Ancestors” of Padang Tegal.
A special attraction are the popular Bali Bird Walks, which take place several times a week in the morning and cost around 30 USD. The guided tours offer exciting insights into the birdlife of the region.