The majestic city of Ubud is considered by many to be the epicenter for arts and culture in Bali. Ubud (pronounced “Ew-bood”) has established a reputation as a location with a positive vibe and perhaps explaining why so many musicians and naturalists have settled into the lush, green places around town. Though tourism at Ubud is increasing quicker than the city can keep up, there is still absolute tranquility and joy to be found in the sterile air. The city has turned into a favorite and peaceful retreat from the parties and crowded madness of Kuta two hours away.
- Visit Ubud’s Art Museums & Galleries
Ubud is called a hothouse for good art in Bali. It is down to the town’s royal family, which includes artists. The King of Ubud himself is the co-founder of the Pitamaha Artists Cooperative from 1936, which was responsible for its cross-pollination involving traditional funerary art and Western art (symbolized by the ex-pat artists Rudolph Bonnet along with Walter Spies, two westerners who settled in Ubud). You’re able to observe the growth of Ubud fine art through its set of museums: the Blanco Renaissance Museum and the Museum Puri Lukisan, among others, feature two dreams of Balinese artwork, the prior a one-person perspective, the latter a more general overview of the 20th century and its artistic output.
- Walk Through Ubud’s Rice Fields
Ubud has scattered out into its tiny surrounding towns. Still, the expansion hasn’t ruined the sterile environment of the gorgeous environment. Green rice fields nevertheless blanket much of the area and can easily be reached by foot or bike. The fields could be improved along a winding route for miles through miniature, thatched-roof villages. You will find the beginning of one of the trails just past the little market beyond the “leading” entry of the Ubud Monkey Forest. Hiking these tranquil areas in the afternoon to the village lifestyle’s sounds is something you’ll never forget.
- Get Holistically Healed
With dozens of holistic medicine professionals now residing around Ubud, it’s not surprising that so many spas and meditation centers have opened. You can quickly locate all types of Eastern and Western massage centers, reiki healers, herbal drug stores, and even acupuncture professionals in the town. The Bodyworks Healing Centre was the original of the before-mentioned areas and provided natural healing to the local people before Ubud was on the tourist map. For a more upscale wellness experience, take a look at the Spa Alila at the Alila Ubud, only ten minutes’ drive from the town.
- Get Lost in the Ubud Monkey Forest
The shady, green Ubud Monkey Forest is the most famous stop for visitors in Ubud’s town itself. Hundreds of interactive and lively Macaques monkeys phone the holy woods home and roam freely around the shrub canopy and temple complex. Walking around the meandering, moss-covered brick trails of the Monkey Forest is a great way to escape the day’s heat but mind your belongings. The steady flow of tourists has made the monkeys daring enough to reach into pockets Seeking something interesting
- Go Shopping in Ubud
The influx of tourism in Ubud, combined with many artists’ proximity, has caused a lot of special boutiques and stores to start. Contrary to the tacky, beach-tourist sense of purchasing Kuta, Ubud supplies a far more sophisticated experience. Local stores are filled with distinctive and beautiful crafts, artwork, carvings, jewelry, and gifts to return home. The sprawling, indoor Ubud Market caters mainly to tourists seeking cheap souvenirs. Be sure to haggle costs – discussion is expected – or you may end up paying triple what a thing is worth. Be sure to visit the Ganesha Bookstore, known as the best second-hand publication in Bali or Indonesia.
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