When you are tired of partying, shopping or the hustle and bustle of Kuta, come to the lush tropical heartland of Bali and visit Ubud. Ubud is considered in many ways Bali's cultural heart. It is the meditation capital of Bali, many people come here purely to recharge their batteries from the past paced western life, here you just surrender to the energies and let go.
If I have to describe Ubud Bali in one word I would say “mystical village”. Despite the large numbers of tourists visiting this little village with streets that are too narrow for touring buses, Ubud has been able to maintain its traditional life. Ubud has been voted the 6th best city in Asia in October 2012 by the Condé Nast Traveler, it is not hard to see why; everywhere you look is paradise with dense green jungles, myriads of rice fields and beautiful tropical gardens.
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.
Ubud is located 35 km northeast of Bali's International Airport. It is attractive to tourists for a variety of reasons. On a relatively small island with a horde of attractions, Ubud is centrally located and sits around two- to three hundred meters above sea level. Surrounded by rice fields, Ubud is noticeably cooler than then other tourist destinations in Bali. Neighbouring villages are well known for unique bamboo crafts and furniture, wood- and stone carving and many other crafts.
Ubud is popular in part today because it is the best place in Bali to break out of the tourist mode and get off the beaten path, although far from undiscovered. Hotels are plentiful; home stays and Indonesian guesthouses (losmen) are easily available to the foreign tourist. Many tourists simply base their entire stay in the city and travel to other destinations from Ubud.
Accommodation in Ubud is reasonably priced compared to the coastal towns of Bali. However it is the atmosphere that is perhaps the major attraction. It depends on what you are looking for in Bali, some people might assess that Kuta is madness, Sanur is sterile, and Nusa Dua is culturally isolated., and for relaxation Ubud is the place to go.
Ubud is a charming town in central Bali, known for its lush green rice terraces, ancient temples, and vibrant art scene. It is also a popular tourist destination, with plenty of accommodation options for visitors. But with so many different areas to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to stay. Here are some of the best areas to stay while visiting Ubud.
Ubud Center. The center of Ubud is the most popular area for tourists to stay in. This area is known for its lively atmosphere and convenient location, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions. Some of the top accommodation options in this area include Komaneka at Bisma, Kamandalu Ubud, and Royal Kamuela.
Penestanan. Penestanan is a quiet and peaceful village located just a short walk from the center of Ubud. This area is known for its beautiful rice terraces and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Some of the top accommodation options in Penestanan include Bisma Eight, Alaya Resort Ubud, and Villa Kayu Lama.
Sayan. Sayan is a beautiful area located just outside of Ubud, surrounded by lush tropical forests and offering stunning views of the Ayung River. This area is known for its luxury resorts, including Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, The Samaya Ubud, and Amandari. Sayan is a great choice if you are looking for a secluded and tranquil retreat.
Campuhan. Campuhan is a beautiful and serene area located just north of Ubud. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including a picturesque river and a beautiful ridge walk with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Some of the top accommodation options in Campuhan include Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa, Maya Ubud Resort and Spa, and Como Uma Ubud.
Tegallalang. Tegallalang is a village located just outside of Ubud, known for its beautiful rice terraces and traditional Balinese culture. This area is perfect for those who want to experience the local way of life and immerse themselves in Balinese culture. Some of the top accommodation options in Tegallalang include The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, The Kayon Resort, and Hanging Gardens of Bali.
Ubud offers a range of accommodation options in different areas, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of Ubud Center, the peacefulness of Penestanan, the luxury of Sayan, the serenity of Campuhan, or the traditional culture of Tegallalang, there is an area to suit every taste and budget. So, choose your area wisely and get ready to experience the magic of Ubud.