Coming to Bali? Then a trip to Ubud is a must! A day or two in Bali’s spiritual, artistic, and cultural capital will give you a whole new perspective on the island and what it can offer.
Located just 1.5 hours away from The Colony Hotel Bali in the heart of the island, you will find that Ubud is a world away from the hustle and bustle of south Bali. Surrounded by deep jungles, lush rice fields, and verdant greenery, Ubud has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to just explore its charming little streets, shop and dine, immerse yourself in vibrant Balinese arts and culture, or have an adventure discovering its many rivers, waterfalls, archeological sites and temples.
Why Is Ubud Famous?
Ubud is so unique and completely different from the busyness of South Bali. Enchanting is one way to describe Ubud but most travelers love the fact that it is quiet, peaceful, and green. A walk amongst the rice fields with a flock of ducks and a picnic is possible here in Ubud, and from some locations, direct views of Bali’s majestic mountains.
Thanks to its location, Ubud is in close proximity to the island’s most coveted waterfalls, mountains, and rivers, with lots of opportunities for activities and excursions. As Bali’s cultural hub, you’ll have access to traditional Balinese performances and arts and crafts like paintings and wood and stone carvings. There are also lots of opportunities for wellness like yoga & meditation, spa, and relaxation.
All of the above paired with friendly locals, five-star hospitality, shopping, dining, and pampering makes Ubud a famous and beloved world-class hub. Let’s take an in-depth look at some must-dos while you’re in Ubud.
Immerse In Ubud’s Rich Cultural Heritage
In Ubud, you can watch Balinese dances and performances: the Legong dance, the Topeng (masked) dance, the Kecak dance, or the Barong dance. There are nightly local productions in almost every street and major landmarks in Ubud including the Ubud Palace, Agung Rai Museum Of Art, Balerung Stage Peliatan, Tamansari Temple, and in a number of locations surrounding the Monkey Forest.
During the day, you can shop for traditional Balinese art and carvings at the Ubud Art Market or explore museums like the Agung Rai Museum of Art, The Blanco Renaissance Museum & Puri Lukisan.
Visit Ubud’s Spiritual Landmarks
As Bali’s spiritual hub, there is nowhere better to immerse yourself in spirituality. Some places that are must-visits include the 27-acre Sacred Ubud Monkey Forest, home to hundreds of long-tailed gray macaques and approximately 115 species of plants and trees. It’s a lovely sanctuary with stone pathways, a small stream, and stone statues as well as a magnificent dragon staircase. There is also an ancient temple on site in the forest, built in 1350 AD.
At Gunung Kawi, you can explore a collection of 10 ancient shrines carved into the side of a rock cliff in the 11th century by the Balinese ruler, King Udayana. The shrines are nestled in a ravine alongside the Pakerisan River, each standing at 8 meters high in its own sheltered niche. It is said that the whole complex was built to honor the king, his queen and their sons, their wives, and concubines.
In Pajeng, there’s a little-known archeological site called Goa Gabeng, a 12th-century site temple, which is also used as a place of study for the Balinese royalty and their children. Another similar location would be Goa Gajah, which is more popular and can be crowded with tourists.
Temples are everywhere in Ubud, each with its own purpose and design. Be sure to add to your list Tirta Empul Temple with its holy spring and fountains, Saraswati Temple with its stunning carvings and lotus ponds, and Pura Dalem with its astonishing carvings and statues.
Discover Ubud’s Natural Attractions & Adventures
While in Ubud, you’ll have easy access to the island’s most beautiful waterfalls, river rapids, mountains, and jungles. This means you can easily go white water rafting on the Ayung River, sunrise trekking or cycling at Mount Batur or even ride an ATV through the jungle if you so wish.
Waterfalls are also very popular, so be sure to include Tegenungan, Taman Sari, Kanto Lampo, Tibumana, and Tukad Cepung on your list. To enjoy a relaxing nature walk, head to Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Ubud’s Wellness & Mindfulness Practices
Ubud’s tranquil atmosphere is perfect for yoga, meditation, and other wellness practices. There are no shortages of yoga studios, meditation centers, and traditional healers here and you can even enroll in a week-long retreat combining yoga with healthy food, cultural excursions, pampering and traditional activities like Balinese dancing and making of Balinese offerings – “canang”.
Dine On Local Cuisine
There are more opportunities for you to taste the authentic flavors of Bali and Indonesia here in Ubud than, say, Canggu. Traditional Balinese and Indonesian cuisine is available in most cafes, warungs, and restaurants. From crispy duck and chicken betutu to babi guling, grilled Balinese satay, and sweet traditional desserts, you’ll be sure to satiate all your cravings for a Balinese feast while in Ubud!
Ubud is easily reachable from The Colony Hotel Bali whether by car or motorbike. Our concierge team will be more than happy to help you arrange transportation and tours of Ubud and activities while you’re there.
Book your stay now with The Colony Hotel for a truly unforgettable experience with prices starting from IDR 1,500,000 per night*.