About Ubud, Bali

Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's pre-eminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs.

Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five-star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed.

Why Choose Ubud? Ubud still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.

Perfect Base for Exploring Bali

Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali:

  • Scenic rice fields and terraces
  • Traditional Balinese villages
  • Art and craft communities
  • Ancient temples and palaces
  • Beautiful rivers and waterfalls
  • Luxury hotels and villas

Its central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns throughout Bali.

The Real Ubud Experience

The real Ubud is under the surface. There are plenty of interesting things on the main streets, but most of the magic of Ubud is hidden away. In the backstreets, backwaters, courtyards and cafes. In people's hearts, minds, and dreams.

This guide is designed to show you how to go behind the facade and find the real Ubud, and the real Bali, without having to spend all your time searching for it.

Balinese cultural performance in Ubud

Cultural Heart of Bali

Ubud has been Bali's center for fine arts, dance, and music for over a century. Witness traditional performances and artistic expressions daily.

Ancient temple in Ubud, Bali

Spiritual Sanctuary

Experience Balinese Hinduism through daily rituals, temple ceremonies, and spiritual practices that have been preserved for generations.

Rice terraces surrounding Ubud

Natural Beauty

Surrounded by lush rice terraces, tropical forests, and flowing rivers, Ubud offers breathtaking natural landscapes at every turn.

Balinese Hinduism in Ubud

Balinese Hinduism permeates Ubud life as it has for eons. Some observers have noted a resurgence of religious activity, both in terms of outward devotional practice, and the more introspective, philosophical aspects of religiosity.

Ubud is noted as one of the more traditional towns in terms of maintaining the tenets and manifold observances of Agama Hindu Bali. Everywhere you look, every single day, you will see ceremony, ritual and sacred offerings.

Experience Local Traditions

To witness (or participate in) the enactment of religious tradition, visit a temple during a holy day or on its anniversary, called an odalan. Your hotel, guest house, or the Balinese friends you make can tell you when and where an opportunity might arise.

You can't go more than a few metres in Ubud without seeing a ceremony or ritual. Let Balinese friends and acquaintances know you would be interested to attend a life-transition ritual (three-month birthday of a baby, tooth filing, wedding, cremation, etc.). Chances are, if you stay more than a few days you will have the opportunity to witness such an event.

Ready to Experience Ubud?

Choose from our selection of luxury villas in Ubud and immerse yourself in the authentic Balinese experience.

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Historical Significance

For millennia, Ubud and the areas immediately surrounding it have been "centre stage" for the fascinating drama of Balinese history. During the Bronze Age (from 300BC), Ubud was already a wellspring of culture.

This is evidenced by numerous archaeological finds in the area, including megalithic ruins and stepped pyramids, some of which are now the foundations of active Hindu temples. Remarkable Bronze Age artifacts around Ubud include the enormous bronze gong known as "The Moon of Pejeng", still displayed in Pura Panataran Sasih in Pejeng, east of Ubud.

Nearby at the archaeological museum in Bedulu are a collection of stone sarcophagi unearthed in the area, which give mute testimony to the death rituals of the people's ancestors.