Overview
About Ubud
Nestled among emerald rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of Bali, Ubud is a sanctuary for the soul. It is the island’s premier destination for arts, crafts, yoga, and meditation. Here, the air is thick with the scent of incense and the sound of gamelan music, and every street corner seems to hold a beautifully carved temple or a boutique gallery.
What to see & do
Top attractions
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Located in the heart of Ubud, this sanctuary is home to over 700 Balinese long-tailed monkeys. It is a place of spiritual and cultural importance, containing three ancient temples set within a lush, atmospheric forest with winding paths and moss-covered statues.
Practical Information
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Famed for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies, Tegallalang offers a timeless vista of Balinese agriculture. The terraces use the ‘subak’ traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Ubud Art Market
Standing opposite the grand puri (royal palace) in the heart of Ubud, the Ubud Art Market is a vibrant, multi-level labyrinth of tiny kiosks bursting with the color and craftsmanship of Balinese artisanship. This is where the island’s spiritual center pulses with commercial energy. Under the shade of the iconic frangipani trees and open-air structures, vendors display a stunning array of hand-crafted treasures: from intricate Balinese paintings and hand-woven sarongs to delicate silver jewelry and intricate carved masks. Unlike many tourist bazaars, the quality here is genuinely high; master carvers, weavers, and painters from nearby villages often supply their finest wares directly to these stalls. The market encourages bargaining, but always with a smile and a respectful attitude. Even if you don’t intend to buy a boat-load of souvenirs, the sensory experience of wandering through the narrow aisles, caressed by the scent of frangipali and frankincense, is an integral part of the Ubud journey.
Practical Information
Logistics
Practical info
Getting there & around
Ubud’s center is compact and best explored on foot. For exploring the surrounding villages and rice terraces, renting a bicycle or scooter is highly recommended. Private drivers are also easily hired for day trips.
Food & drink
Ubud is a world-class destination for health-conscious and vegetarian diners, with countless cafes offering organic and locally-sourced fare. Don’t miss a traditional Balinese feast, often featuring ‘bebek betutu’ (slow-roasted duck).
Stay aware
Safety considerations
Ubud is very safe, but be cautious with the monkeys in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary—they are expert pickpockets. Always respect local ceremonies and offerings on the streets.