Long considered to be the islands cultural capital, this traditional Balinese village plays host to a whole range of cultural and spiritual activities. Visitors can enjoy traditional Balinese paintings, watch dance performances, learn about traditional cooking methods or simply sit back and relax with a pampering, luxury health treatment.The town, which is actually a series of small villages, is small enough to explore on foot or on two wheels. For shopping, head to either Jalan Raya or Dewi Sita which are two of the main shopping streets. Jalan Raya is also where you’ll find the beautiful Puri Saren Palace, home to the town’s king until the 1940s. Today, it is used as a venue for dance performances which change on a nightly basis.Ubud, in keeping with its artistic heritage, has several impressive galleries and museums. They are all highly individual so each is well worth a visit. Main galleries include the Neka Art Museum and the Museum Puri Lukisan. The wonderfully eccentric Don Antonio Blanco Museum is quite unlike any other place on the island and the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) is something of a cultural institution. It offers a huge range of interactive workshops, performances and exhibits all reflecting traditional Balinese culture and art.If you need some time to simply recharge your batteries or indulge in a little pampering, there are several health retreats dedicated to alternative healing and all round rejuvenation. They offer body treatments, raw and vegan cooking and yoga sessions.Other highlights include the Ubud Monkey Forest with its ancient temples, dense forest of banyan trees and a large community of delightful macaque monkeys. Also worth visiting is the historically significant and wonderfully eerie Elephant Cave, which you enter through the mouth of a demon’s head carved from stone. Venture down the steps and you will find ancient ponds filled with sacred water and lined with statues. All of this is set against a stunning backdrop of lush vegetation and the Agung River that flows through it. Situated in central Bali, the village offers accommodation to suit most budgets. Densapar airport is approximately 1 hour’s drive away. Taxis with fixed rates are available.Ubud offers a truly wonderful taste of traditional Balinese life in a rural oasis of tranquillity.
Ubud Travel Guide
Where to stay in Ubud
Ubud City-Centre
Ubud City-Centre is beloved for its spectacular forests. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ubud Monkey Forest and Ubud Traditional Art Market.
Pengosekan
Travellers come to Pengosekan for its forests, and you can see top attractions like Ubud Monkey Forest and Agung Rai Museum of Art while you're in town.
Nyuh Kuning
If you're spending some time in Nyuh Kuning, Ubud Monkey Forest and Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal are top sights worth seeing.
Sambahan
Check out the spas, river views and forests while spending some time in Sambahan. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Alila Ubud Art Gallery or Scenic Rice Paddy Walk.
Kutuh Kaja
While Kutuh Kaja isn't home to many top sights, Ubud Monkey Forest and Ubud Palace are some notable places to visit nearby.
Kutuh Kelod
Kutuh Kelod might not have many top sights, but Ubud Monkey Forest and Ubud Palace are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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Popular places to visit
Ubud Monkey Forest
In this dense magical forest, you will find ancient Banyan trees, Hindu temples and lots of wonderful long tailed Macaque monkeys!
Ubud Traditional Art Market
You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Ubud Traditional Art Market during your trip to Ubud. Amble around this quaint area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Ubud Palace
You can find out about the history of Ubud with a trip to Ubud Palace. Amble around this culturally rich area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Saraswati Temple
You can learn about the history of Ubud with a stop at Saraswati Temple. Make time for the spas and cycling trails in this quaint area.
Goa Gajah
Shrouded in mystery, this cave boasts a Hindu temple, fountains and sacred ponds that are steeped in history.
Pura Dalem Ubud
You can learn about the history of Ubud with a stop at Pura Dalem Ubud. Visit the spas and temples in this culturally rich area.
Activities
Ubud: Floating Breakfast and Hot Air Balloon Experience
Bali Eat Pray Love Private Tour
Alas Harum Swing Agrotourism in Tegallalang Ubud Bali
Reviews of Ubud
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful place, very green and clean. Refreshing!!
5/5 - Excellent
We have been so many times to Ubud, we love the culture and plenty of things to do/see.
5/5 - Excellent
Absolutely beautiful, the country and the people!
5/5 - Excellent
Love Ubud, it’s busy but not like Kuta or Seminyak, food options are plentiful and it’s good to get out into the countryside and experience the culture
5/5 - Excellent
A beautiful more laid back area of Bali
4/5 - Good
We stayed in the hotel grounds as it was so lovely that we just wanted to enjoy the experience for as long as we could.