Ubud is not just a town—it’s the true heart of Bali, radiating an atmosphere of tranquility, spirituality, and cultural richness. Unlike bustling beach resorts like Kuta or Seminyak, Ubud offers a deeper, more authentic experience, surrounded by natural beauty, ancient temples, and art galleries.
Ubud is the center of Balinese culture, where traditional dance, crafts, and rituals thrive. Here, you can see the real Bali, beyond just the touristy side of the island. Instead of crowded beaches, you’ll find rice fields, jungles, waterfalls, and sacred rivers. It’s the perfect place for yoga, meditation, and relaxation.
A stroll down Jl. Raya Mas (Street of the Masters) will leave you in awe. Here, you can explore workshops and galleries showcasing authentic Balinese wood carvings—a craft in which Balinese artisans have reached incredible heights.
Ubud and its surroundings are home to many of Bali’s most fascinating sites, from sacred forests to palaces and museums. The town is also packed with organic eateries, vegan cafes, and smoothie bars—something you won’t find in such abundance in beach resorts.
Top Attractions in Ubud:
1. Monkey Forest Sanctuary – A famous sanctuary where hundreds of long-tailed macaques roam freely. It’s not just a tourist spot but a sacred site for Balinese Hindus, featuring three ancient temples. (Be cautious—the monkeys may snatch food or shiny objects!)
2. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) – An 11th-century temple complex carved into rock, featuring a demon’s face at the entrance and meditation chambers inside. Nearby are ancient bathing pools and a waterfall, all shrouded in mystical energy.
3. Elephant Safari Park (near Taro Village, 30 mins from Ubud) – Visitors can feed elephants, ride them through the jungle, and even bathe with them in a lake. The "Elephant Talent Show" features painting, basketball, dancing, and even elephant massages.
4. Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) – The 19th-century royal residence, where traditional Balinese dances like Kecak and Legong are performed. Its architecture showcases classic Balinese design with intricate carvings.
5. Puri Lukisan Museum – Bali’s first art museum (1956), displaying works in Kamasan, Ubud, and Batuan styles—a great place to explore Balinese art evolution.
6. Blanco Renaissance Museum – A flamboyant gallery dedicated to Antonio Blanco, the "Dali of Bali". His surreal, erotic, and folklore-inspired works are housed in a fairytale-like palace.
7. Tegallalang Rice Terraces – One of Bali’s most iconic landscapes. Walk through the emerald-green terraces or enjoy the view from a hillside café.
8. Tegenungan Waterfall – Just 30 minutes from Ubud, this stunning waterfall offers a refreshing swim and great photo opportunities.
9. Gunung Kawi Temple – A 10th-century Valley of the Kings, with royal tombs carved into cliffs. The path winds through rice fields and jungle.
10. Bamboo Forest & Penglipuran Village – Nearby, you’ll find enchanting bamboo groves and Penglipuran, one of Bali’s cleanest and most spiritual villages, with traditional architecture.
Ubud is a place where you don’t just vacation—you experience Bali. There are no wild parties, but instead:
✔ Ancient temples and mystical caves
✔ Jungles, waterfalls, and rice terraces
✔ Rich culture, dance, and art
✔ Yoga retreats and spas
✔ A unique sense of peace
