Ubud, central of Balinese culture

What is it about Ubud that one should visit this beautiful village? Because Ubud has much to offer; from its stunning panorama of Ayung River valley and the terraces rice filed, its most talented artist, its typical traditional market and myriad of shops that line the road is a heaven for shopping, its undying culture, its serene environs and plentiful of nice small hotels and restaurants and many more.

Ubud has no great beaches to speak of, no mountain lakes, and no grand hotels .Yet it has the richness of soil and it is the center of Bali's art and culture. If you do not stay in Ubud, or you do not have much time during your Bali Holiday, a visit is worth because it would offer you a memorable stay in Bali.

Driving out of bustling Denpasar, the tranquil green of rice paddies contrast sharply with the boisterous sounds of the city. Palm-leaf carvings of Dewi Sri (the Rice Goddess) guards over the crops, and small thatch huts dot the rice fields, giving shade to those who work them. Temples and small shrines can be seen along the way, women lay out offerings of flowers, rice, incense and holy water to placate evils spirits and please the good one. Even with the great influx of tourism, village life basically goes on the same. Almost every village on the way up to Ubud specializes in some kind of art form. You can stop off and see the artisans at work in their studios.

Many places near Ubud make beautiful side trips. Morning walk through the villages lead to out-of-the-way retreats. The route to Tegalalang offer beautiful views of terraces rice field and myriad of art studios, Mas, Penestanan and Peliatan, the centers of wood carving and painting, Sayan offer a stunning panorama of Ayung River valley and still home to spectacular view of gorges and palms and rice fields. Campuhan , the place where three rivers meet - a sacred site. There is a very beautiful temple called Pura Gunung Lebah is worth a visit.

To the north is Petulu village is known for many things but the most spectacular is the kokokan or white herons. Every morning at dawn and the afternoon around three or four o'clock, you can see them circling the trees in droves.

To the south a short walk you will arrive at Monkey Forest. To visit it, one must by a ticket. There are hundreds of tame monkeys and a temple stands in the middle of the forest. In the center of town the interesting places to see are the Puri (the court of palace of former kings), here every Sunday morning at 10 o'clock dozen of young girls study traditional Balinese dance. Ubud main market just opposite the Puri offer varieties of merchandises; Produce, dry goods, linens, T-shirts, paintings, wood carvings, even traveling medicine men appear here. Closed to market you can visit Puri Lukisan (Museum of Paintings). Established in 1954, it is dedicated to showing the works of local painters. It is the excellent place to get an overview of the stylistic differences between artists.

Ubud is a picturesque township and visitors have been attracted by its charm and beauty for decades. If shopping is your interest, Ubud has a myriad of shops, which line the road to Monkey Forest and the Museum Puri Lukisan. Don't forget to bargain!!! If art is your interest, in Ubud, Mas and Peliatan, one can study dance, music, painting or a number of other art forms. The best way to meet a teacher is to find a style that appeal to you (by going to galleries and watching performances) and than approach the artist directly about lessons.

While you are in Ubud and need more complete information, you can visit Bina Wisata a local Tourism Bureau. It prepare map of Bali and Ubud. There is a massage board, small book store and a printing press on the premises. It's about 500 m past the market.

Waka Namya Resort is a nice place to stay. It offers free luxury shuttle service to the center of town and to the Rudana Museum and Arts Gallery; it is one of the best galleries in Ubud. It also offers a free tracking to the rice field. Excellent service and very friendly staffs. I know the manager very well, so I sand many guests to this resort. Waka di Ume, Komaneka, Santi Mandala Resort and Maya Ubud are also very nice place to stay. For more affordable accommodation you can choose Ubud Sari; small, charming and rustic ambience. It has a complete Spa and Beauty Salon service, Yoga, Chiropractic, Healing Week in Bali Program. Raw Health Food Program and Colonic Hydrotherapy.

So Ubud has many attractive objects can be seen for your Bali Vacation. And do not hesitate to choose beautiful Bali for your holiday. Bali is a small, beautiful island in Indonesia, the ultimate tourist destination in Asia.

The Top 5 Reasons You Should Visit Ubud

1. Ubud is located centrally

As mentioned before it is just 35 kilometers from the International Airport. The centralized location of this charming location offers easy access to the blissful mountains, enticing beaches, and other nature's destinations. The drivers are available at reasonable rates in Ubud, which makes your travel as stress-free one.

2. This is the cultural hub of Bali

And, that is why you could see no dearth to the pouring of artists, writers, connoisseurs, collectors, and nature lovers into Ubud. The place is always abuzz with some or the other interesting cultural activities - painting exhibitions, workshops, and much more. Despite being flooded with people, Ubud always ensures a sense of tranquility and peace, making it a favorite among those who love loneliness

3. Ubud - the ultimate shopping destination

The markets of Ubud are chock-a-block with exquisitely crafted handicrafts and artworks. From the local flower fields to handmade essential oils, from the dizzying array of mystic jeweler to marvelously crafted bowls, you have everything to tickle your luxury senses. The good news is that Ubud is situated very close to the 'Sliver capital of Bali', Celuk. Therefore, make sure that you do indulge in some silver shopping as well.

4. Accommodations are affordable

From simple rooms decorated with delicate local arts to lavishly embellished luxurious hotel rooms or the villas located amidst the serene and picturesque mountains overlooking the incredible rice fields - Ubud offers them all. You will be able to find an accommodation within your budget. Treat yourself to a wonderful Balinese massage with essential oils to unwind and de-stress yourself. Not to mention the food also! You get a wide array of choices, right from the indigenous culinary specialties to international delicacies, and that too at an amazingly reasonable cost!

5. The perfect unwind and rejuvenate destination

Treat yourself to an exclusive massage; or just indulge in a relaxing reiki therapy! Whichever way you choose, Ubud has it all. From the Eastern and Western massage centers to reiki, acupressure, and acupuncture practitioners, Ubud is the abode of countless natural medical therapies. Whether it is just for unwinding or it is for treatment, you could find the person of your need here, and that too an affordable costs.

Lose your trail into the world of nature at Ubud. Be it the temples or the breathtaking beaches! Be it the admirable paddy fields, the Monkey reserve, or the marvelous villas - there is a reason for each of you to stay in Ubud. While these are some of the reasons, you would want to cite for visiting this Bali Island, you, in reality do not need any specific trigger to enjoy the beauty of this blissful location.