Travel To Ubud, The Cultural Heart Of Bali

Ubud is considered, by many, to be the heart of Bali – a destination where artists, writers and spiritual seekers can slip into a life that’s a little more comfortable than the thumping parties and crowded coastlines of the Kuta coastline. Ubud is a town swathed in a mystical ambience of culture and spirituality, the very ambience that earned this paradise island the legendary moniker, ‘Island of the Gods’.

Expect to be charmed by processions of men, women and children in traditional costumes; the heady scent of incense infusing the air; the dulcet tones of the gamelan; and opportunities to feast your eyes and ears on plenty of art and music.

Ubud is where travellers come to unwind and experience the beauty of Balinese culture. It is a popular destination, particularly since the release of ‘Eat, Love, Pray’, encouraging many a woman to come ‘find themselves’ amongst the tiered, glassy, rice paddies and unique workshops and markets littered throughout the town.

Things To Do

A top draw for visitors is the famous, Sacred Monkey Forest where over 300 long-tailed macaques make their home amongst the trees. A collection of jungle shrines lie within the forest and it is believed the monkeys symbolise the delicate balance between humans and the natural world. The monkeys may well decide to climb all over you so hold onto your hats and sunglasses. It is advisable to consider discarding any food you might have on your person before entering the forest – if you want to feed the monkeys, you can purchase small bananas in the grounds, but expect to become extremely popular.

The stunning scenery that surrounds Ubud is well worth a look. Talk a walk through the elephant grass, palm trees and rice paddies and enjoy the never-ending reflections of blue sky and lush greenery. The landscape to the south and south-east is particularly picturesque whilst up in the north-east, the natural rise and fall of the land has enabled the construction of mirrored terraces.

Art and culture aficionados will be n seventh heaven in Ubud. It is an inspirational place for artists and even the roads to Ubud are lined with small workshops and galleries – there are arts and crafts offerings all over town. Look out for hidden doors and unexpected signs pointing out studios that you might not necessarily have initially spotted. It is even possible to pick up a tourist map with these tucked away galleries detailed for an afternoon of exploration and discovery. Additionally, for a wonderfully comprehensive collection of art, reflecting the history of Bali, visit the Neka Art museum.

There are numerous, tranquil temples around Ubud worth paying a visit too. Puri Sagen Agung, also known as the Water Palace, is an exquisite, traditional example of a Balinese temple. Its long, stone walkway cuts through wide ponds, filled with lily-pads, leading up to the stone guardians keeping watch beneath traditional umbrellas.

Ubud is also famous for its shopping opportunities. For budget buys, there is a large market located on Jalan Raya Ubud. As well as the usual sarongs and carvings, this market also offers a range of quality goods such as patchwork quilts, lanterns and countless other goodies. Remember to break out your haggling skills. Elsewhere, around town, there are many, independent boutiques selling musical instruments, silver jewellery, embroidered fabrics and all sorts of elaborately carved, wooden goods. Without a doubt, Ubud is the best place in Bali to find unusual and unique souvenirs to take home.

As dusk falls, the evening’s cultural entertainment includes magical performances showcasing traditional Balinese dancing, often based around stories from Hindu myth and legend. The Royal Palace hosts an atmospheric version of the Kecak dance. This performance tells the tale of Hindu lovers, Rama and Sita and their battle to be together. Burning fire-brands light the scene, casting flickering shadows as the gamelan orchestra and flamboyantly dressed dancers reel you into the story.

Where To Eat And Drink

There are countless places to eat and drink in Ubud ranging from wonderfully sophisticated fare to simple, budget eateries serving authentic, simple food. Our best budget options are Fair Warun Bali, a popular option amongst backpackers for its low-cost, high-quality, Indonesian food with a cut of its earnings going to help the local community. Who’s Who is another favourite, with simple yet inventive fare utilising local, home-grown herbs as the basis for unfussy yet perfectly prepared, budget meals.

Although not known for its nightlife, there are a few places in Ubud to sink a drink. If you fancy a dose of jazz or world music, Laughing Buddha bar or Jazz Café have frequent performances and happy hours to take advantage of. However, our favourite was Napi Orti bar near Monkey Forest road, where a flight of stairs takes you up to a friendly bar, decorated with twinkling lights and flags and the opportunity to catch some acoustic music.

Where To Sleep

Again, there are a great many options in Ubud with prices to suit all budgets. However, a great street for backpackers is Jalan Kajeng, a road lined with guesthouse options, many with just a few rooms as part of the family compound. Keprabon offered a huge, four poster bed and giant bathroom with free coffee and a tasty breakfast. Remember to negotiate for the best prices.

By Alex Saint