Welcome to Ubud

Bali indeed lives up to ranking as Indonesia's tourism hub and a key destination in Southeast Asia. The 'Island of the Gods' has an ensuing thousand temples and infinite shrines, traditional markets, chic boutiques, a collection of rare traditional fare alongside world-class restaurants, lively nightlife scenes, natural splendour and a welcoming people with colourful culture.

It's good to know the best time to visit in terms of the weather, or how to head to your hotel after you touchdown at the airport in Tuban. Whether you plan your trip for business or leisure, Bali welcomes you with exciting possibilities. 

Bali culture is unique and famous especially for its rich and vibrant arts. Various forms of dance and music have made Bali's arts and culture scene one of the most diverse in the world. Hinduisim as the main religion is the major influence behind its development.

Music, drama, dance and costumes become a feast for the senses during temple festivities. Rites of passage at Balinese family households can almost be seen daily, celebrating the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Special cultural dates and highlights also mark the calendar, through annual art festivals and local revelries that visitors should check out to make the best of their visit.

Ubud is considered in many ways Bali's cultural heart. Located in the cool mountains, just one hour's drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is home of one of Bali's royal families. Ubud is also a flourishing crafts centre.

Around Ubud the surrounding villages like Campuhan, Penestanan, Peliatan and Batuan specialise in crafts and woodcarving which are sold all over the island. There are hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, crafts, textiles, paintings and jewellery as well as some of the best art museums in the country, dozens of art studios, an excellent local craft market and galleries.

There’s much you can see and do in the cultural and artistic heartland of Ubud on your first visit. This popular upland destination is also profuse with nature scenes, from green rice terraces and valleys serving as backdrop to many art galleries and age-old temples and palaces. Most highlight spots are also actually within easy walking distance in the town hub alone, allowing for a quick day trip if you’re really pushed for time.

The centrepiece Puri Saren Royal Palace, home of nightly cultural shows, is just across the road from the souvenir-shopping haven of the Ubud Art Market. It’s then just a short walk down to the boutique-lined Jalan Hanoman ending up at the Ubud Monkey Forest. Other highlights such as the Goa Gajah temple are only several kilometres away. Here are some of the most popular travel ideas to help you plan your first visit to Ubud!