Ubud – the soul of Bali
If the beaches of the south are Bali's body, Ubud is its soul. Prepare to be amazed as you delve into the jungles and wander between this ancient town's Hindu carvings. Smoke twists and turns from incense sticks on the streets, bazaars brimming with coffee beans and sarongs spill into the courtyards and there are art galleries everywhere. You'll sleep in Ubud vacation rentals that perch above impossibly green rice paddies or stay in opulent Balinese villas with pools shaded by forests through which monkeys swing. You'll dine on peanut satay sticks in earthy warung kitchens and explore rock-carved temples that are 1,000s of years old.
Folklore and fantastic art in Ubud
For artsy types, Ubud vacation rentals are a prime pick. That's not only because so many come laden with thought-provoking sculptures, mystical Hindu effigies in the gardens and gorgeous Balinese design. It's also because they sit close to some of the island's most iconic galleries. The Neka Art Museum is unquestionably the most prestigious. It's home to 100s of canvasses, photos and artifacts that chronicle the rise of the Ubud school. Meanwhile, the Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets promises to enchant with its African totems and Indonesian animist costumes.
Getting creative in Ubud
There are plenty of reasons why Ubud is hailed as Bali's cultural hub. It's as if the serene surroundings of emerald-green paddies and forests are a muse to artists and sculptors, because courses abound. They range from egg painting to basket weaving to gamelan playing. Prefer sizzling chili and peanut satay? There's a real abundance of folksy warung eateries where you can try your hand at assembling gado gado and grilling tempeh kebabs. Then come the spas and yoga retreats, a mainstay of chakra-aligning Ubud. Head to those for classes in Zen and holistic healing and more.
Ubud is rain-soaked and sunny
Ubud complies with the climate pattern of Bali as a whole. That means a distinct change between 2 seasons, the wet and the dry. If you're looking to explore the streets and see the Hindu temples, cycle through the rice paddies and wander the markets without an umbrella in tow, it's better to come between May and August. During the other times of the year – November to March – as many as 15 rain days in each month is normal. That said, Ubud vacation rentals tend to be cheaper then, the nearby waterfalls look awesome and there are fewer people about.
Greenery all around in Ubud
Green and tropical Ubud is encased in swathes of emerald jungle. It's one of the lushest parts of the island, perched on the rising foothills that eventually climb to the clouds with the smoke-belching volcano of Mount Agung. Just a stroll from the center, you can find the Monkey Forest. That sprouts from the grounds of ancient Hindu temples, vines crawling over carved demigod statues. You'll need to watch out for the 100s of particularly cheeky crab-eating macaques that call it home. A bike tour can reveal the Bamboo Forest, too, and nearby slopes of rice paddies.
Transportation options to and around Ubud
The nearest airport is in Ngurah Rai Intl. Airport (DPS), located 17.7 mi (28.5 km) from the city center.
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