The city of UBUD
Rather in the center of Bali, this city experienced a first great boom thanks to the exploitation of medicinal plants. Moreover, its name comes from the word UBAD meaning medicine in Indonesian. Then later, with the arrival of well-known painters, UBUD has attracted artists from all over the world. And, for several years, it is the tourists who favor the economic development of this city.
- But why this success?
- What are tourists going to look for in this city?
- Why choose this city over another in Bali ?
This is what we will see in the following article in order to help you choose the best place in Bali !
Choose UBUD for its geographical location
It will take you around 1h30 by taxi to reach the center ofUbud from Denpasar airport.
For your transport in Asia, here is a very practical link: 12go.asia
Ubud is located on the highlands in the center of the island of Bali in the heart of a very green nature made up of forests and rice fields.
The landscapes aroundUBUD will therefore attract fans of lush landscapes. They will be able to bathe in the Tegenungan waterfall, go down there Ayung river by kayak, visit typical small villages, temples, walk along campuhan, take a walk in the heart of the rice terraces ...
Its location in the center of BALI allows you to land there and flutter all around to discover all the surrounding sites in several days.
In addition, it is very easy to get around UBUD : on foot, by bike, by scooter or by taxis for more distant sites.
Choose UBUD for its tourist assets
The main tourist attractions:
- La monkey forest or his real name “Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary” cf. my article: https://sacavoyage.fr/jour-9-marche-dubud-foret-des-singes-restaurant-ibu-rai/
- Temples and Rice Terraces :
Temples, in and all aroundUBUD, are numerous and all equally interesting (Pura Taman Saraswati, Ubud Palace, Ubud Water Palace, Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi Sebatu…).
You can combine the visits by scheduling, for example, a day to visit the village of Penglipuran, Kehen temple, the village of Rendang and walk around rice terraces of Rendang…Cf. https://sacavoyage.fr/jour-8-village-de-penglipuran-temple-kehen-rizieres-en-terrasses/
The rice fields above the small village of Tegallalang are also to be discovered!
- Its market : cf. my article https://sacavoyage.fr/jour-9-marche-dubud-foret-des-singes-restaurant-ibu-rai/
Choose UBUD for its cultural heritage
Balinese dance shows, yoga classes, meditation sessions, Indonesian cooking classes ... impossible to get bored at Ubud And there's something for everyone !
And if you like art galleries and painting, you will be spoiled!
Indeed, you can discover along the streets of small Balinese art galleries but especially beautiful museums such as the Neka Art Museum, the Puri Lukisan Museum, Don Antonio Blanco Museum, the Agung Rai Art Museum (ARMA ) ...
Choose UBUD for its entertainment and restaurants
Is it because of or thanks to tourism… but UBUD is an explosive, lively, bustling, noisy city some would say.
UBUD center will suit all those who like places which move, bars, discotheques, etc… And for those which prefer calm, hotels or guest-houses a little outside the city center will be perfect!
Finally UBUD will delight especially all those who like to eat! Indeed, there are restaurants on every street corner and the majority are very good (Ibu Raï, Melting wok warung…) and not expensive. Note that it is also a paradise for vegetarians and organic lovers. (Wulan Vegetarian Warung, the elephant…).
Another nice and well-known address to combine restaurant and dance show: Le Cafe Lotus.
Choose UBUD for shopping
Obviously, you can do your shopping at the market but as it is very touristy, the prices are higher than elsewhere.
Otherwise, on each side of the two main arteries of UBUD: Highway and Dewi Sita, you will find clothing, jewelry, souvenir shops ... for all budgets.
And, in the street Jalan Monkey Forest which starts from the monkey forest and arrives at the art market, you will also find beautiful shops selling paintings, sculptures, jewelry, clothes ...
Choose UBUD for its hotels
There is a great hotel offer for all tastes and all ranges, both in the city center and in the surrounding countryside. Prices range from 15 Euros to well over 100 Euros for the most luxurious accommodations.
For my part, it is a guest-house (which looked more like a hotel) that I had chosen for its very low price : ESTY HOUSE.
It was a great discovery and I recommend this accommodation if you are looking like me:
- A situation in the heart ofUBUD close to the market and good restaurants,
- A calm location ;
- Spacious, clean, air-conditioned rooms with a small terrace equipped with a rattan lounge…
- A swimming pool in the middle of a small tropical garden IN THE CENTER OF UBUD !
- Free WIFI ;
- Good breakfasts included in the price: 20 Euros per night!!!
What can we blame UBUD for?
- To be too noisy and with too many people (necessarily because of tourism);
- To become more and more expensive even if the prices are still very low (inevitably because of tourism);
- To lose some of its authenticity (necessarily still because of tourism)!
If you want to know a little more about other towns or villages in Bali, feel free to visit my other articles:
Why choose AMED for your stay in Bali?
Why choose SEMINYAK for your stay in Bali?