Ubud at a glance
As the cultural heart of Indonesia, Ubud is famous for its terraced rice paddies, ornate temples, and traditional crafts. Located in the center of the Hindu island of Bali, this artistic hub sits at the confluence of two rivers. You can catch performances of legong and gamelan, the local dance and music, or spend your time exploring the many art galleries. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore here as well, with tropical forests surrounding the town. The name Ubud literally translates to medicine, reflecting a long history of traditional healing. This legacy continues today through the abundance of hiking trails, yoga studios, and spas. You might even find yourself trying a four-hand Balinese massage or digging into local specialties like nasi goreng (fried rice), bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck), and babi guling (Balinese-style roast pork).
The climate is tropical and equatorial, with a dry season from April to October and a wet season from November to February. Heavy rain is most common during January and February.
A jungle downtown, respecting nature and macaques
Start your visit at the Monkey Forest Sacred Sanctuary, located in a wooded area that houses a temple of the dead and evil spirits. Out of respect for local superstition, no one enters the temple grounds. You can still admire the intricate Hindu sculptures and the lively atmosphere. Just stay alert around the thousands of monkeys living here. They are drawn to anything shiny or edible. If you want to feed them, only do so in the presence of monkey experts, who are employees of the nature reserve.
Next, head to the fine arts museum, Purilukisan Museum. You will discover the kamasan painting style along with the work of Nyoman Lempad and Aries Smith. In the evening, make your way to the Puri Saren Ubud, the Royal Palace that marks the center of the village. It hosts impressive traditional performances.
A short distance away, Lempad’s House is worth the stop. This was the home of the renowned Balinese artist Gusti Nyoman Lempad, who lived to be 116 years old. Another notable residence is the Walter Spies House, named after the Moscow-born artist who invited celebrities like Charlie Chaplin to stay there. Today, it is open to everyone as the Campuhan hotel.
Art is everywhere
The Neka Art Museum is a private institution that chronicles the history of Balinese painting and the impact of Western influences on the craft. You will appreciate the educational exhibits, the clear timeline, and the impressive selection of international works.
Art enthusiasts should also visit the museum of Antonio Blanco, often called the Dali of Bali. The setting is a beautifully maintained mansion. His works, some of which are erotic, were once targeted by censors. After touring the studio, grab a drink on the terrace of the Bridge Café. The view overlooking the river and the gardens is quite pleasant.
Down below, do not miss the Pura Gunung Lebah temple, set in a lush environment that is perfect for relaxing.
How to get there
Airlines including Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific offer service from major US hubs to Denpasar with stops in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Doha.
How to get around
Purchase your Blue Bird taxi ride at the airport, which is the national company, for a fixed rate of ±300,000 Rp (about $19). Expect a travel time of 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on when you arrive. Traffic in Bali is very dense, and you will rarely drive faster than 20 mph.
Ubud is compact and pleasant, making it easy to see on foot. To reach the rice paddies, rent a bicycle or a scooter for ±30,000 to 50,000 Rp per day (about $2 to $3).
I completely fell in love with Ubud, on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Located in the middle of rice paddies, it is a haven of peace, popular with Westerners looking for relaxation and digital nomads. The accommodations are affordable and luxurious, often with gardens and pools. The food is varied and high quality. The locals are adorable.
It is possible to take yoga or dance classes and get a massage for a good price. Or you can simply go hiking and biking through the rice paddies and visit the temples and the monkey forest.