Where is Ubud? Main attractions of Ubud

Friends, we haven’t written anything on the blog for over a month, and all because we’ve been constantly moving lately. From Indonesia we flew to Vietnam, where we spent 3 weeks, from there by land to China, crossed the country from south to north and left for Russia. The last month has been very eventful! Well, let's clear out the rubble :-)

Today I will tell you about a wonderful place on the island of Bali - Ubud.

Bali is famous not only for its beaches, but also for the magnificent landscapes in the interior of the island, and Ubud is located in the central part. This is a relatively small city (or rather a cluster of villages), located on the hills among rice fields and real rural life.

Unlike the noisy beaches of Kuta, you rarely see night parties, dancing until you drop, and other liberties. On the contrary, Ubud is considered the cultural center of Bali with many temples and ancient buildings - this is where holidays are celebrated on the greatest scale. Such an Indonesian St. Petersburg or Chiang Mai :-) The city became the center of Hinduism in Indonesia after the Islamization of Java began and Hindus were forced to move to Bali. The results of all these cultural and religious transformations can now be seen on the streets of Ubud.

Have you seen the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” starring Julia Roberts? If not, be sure to take a look - a little vanilla, but interesting. So, there the main character comes to fabulous Bali in search of herself and harmony with the world, and finally finds it!

Indeed, there is no better place to search for meaning! Everything here sets the mood for peace and contemplation of natural beauty. Of course, the infrastructure is appropriate: yoga centers, spa centers, ashrams, vegetarian and organic cafes at every turn. Want some fresh juice after your morning meditation and yoga? No problem!

My workplace in Bali

Country life

In addition, Ubud is famous for its workshops for making everything under the sun, art galleries and museums. But it seems to me that the main feature of Ubud is its special atmosphere of friendliness and relaxation. Don't rush anywhere, just sit, looking at the reflection of the setting sun in the water of the rice terraces and enjoy the moment :-)

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that there is no sea here, and it is a long way to get to it. It’s best to come here for a few days, not just to visit the sights of Ubud, but to go to yoga, sit in one of the organic cafes overlooking the green fields, and just relax.

Orientation in the city

There are only a few main streets in the city: Raja Ubud, Monkey Forest and Hanoman. At the intersection of the first two there is a central market and a palace - this is the very center. If you live nearby, you can easily walk to all the interesting places. But I advise you to live closer to the outskirts, it’s much calmer there and you’ll be closer to nature!

On the central streets there are all kinds of hotels, restaurants, shops with clothes and souvenirs. On Jalan Gootama you will find several inexpensive cafes (warungs), and on Jalan Dewisita there are cute shops with clothes, natural oils, soaps, etc.

Still, the most beautiful areas are not in the center: to the west and northwest, in the villages of Penestanan and Campuhan, you can find both luxurious villas and modest guesthouses with stunning views of the rice terraces and surrounded by greenery. Walking here is a great pleasure!

To the southeast and east are the villages of Teges and Bedulu, which are also beautiful and have several points of interest.

How to get to Ubud?

We wrote about how to get to Bali.

In general, public transport in Bali is frankly bad; people mostly use bikes, taxis or book transfers at the hotel. However, you can get to Ubud on your own using local transport.

Ganesha greets you!

On bemo

Bemos are small minibuses (as they are called in Indonesia). They depart from the Batubulan bus station in Denpasar (there are several bus terminals there) and cost 15,000 rupees, an hour's journey. They do not run very regularly, plus the drivers will probably try to deceive you with the price. You can wait quite a long time for the bemo to be completely filled. In general, it's a pain :-) I don't recommend it.

By bus

We used the services of Perama, one of the oldest and most established companies on the island. They have spacious minibuses that travel all over Bali on a fixed schedule with a set price. For example, you can get to Ubud from the airport, Kuta (60 thousand rupees), Sanur (50 thousand), Lovina (125 thousand), Candidasa (75 thousand) and other parts of the island. A ticket can be purchased at offices, which are usually located near the center of a particular resort town, or booked on the official website.

By taxi

The cost of a taxi ride from Bali airport to Ubud is about 300 thousand rupees per car. Fast, comfortable, not very expensive if you go with a group.

Sights of Ubud

What to see and do in Ubud? Oh, the choice here is simply huge!

— Take a walk through the rice fields

Ubud attractions - an atmosphere of tranquility

There are several routes for a couple of hours very close to Ubud. For example, in the northwest - a route to the village of Campuhan along the river (marked a point on the map at the bottom of the post) or a path to the north to the Sari Organic cafe. Third option: right in front of the Puri Lukisan Museum there will be a sign to the left “Rice Terraces”, turn, walk along a narrow path through the vegetable gardens and in 5 minutes you will already be among palm trees and terraces.

— Enjoy delicious and healthy food in one of the many cafes

There are simply a huge number of all kinds of vegetarian/vegan/raw food cafes in Ubud, so lovers of healthy food have plenty of places to turn around :-) Many are located on terraces in the middle of nature. It’s a special thrill to drink freshly squeezed juice and sit in the middle of the greenery, slowly swinging on a bamboo swing. Highly recommended for residents of big cities! Alarm! Perhaps you will never return to your office job for 5 days/8 hours :-)

—Visit spa centers, yoga and meditation courses

This is exactly what the heroine of the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” did! Perhaps you haven’t been into yoga before... try it, you’ll probably get hooked and won’t be able to stop!

— Visit local temples and historical sites

The most significant places are located in the vicinity of Ubud, so to get to them you will need to rent a bike/car or buy an excursion from one of the agencies.

Goa Gajah or "elephant cave" is a small complex around a cave dating back to the 9th century, listed by UNESCO. Located a few kilometers east of Ubud. The cost of visiting is 15 thousand rupees (sarong rental is included in the price, do not believe the sellers who try to sell you them additionally).

Goa Gajah Complex

Gunung Kawi- located in the village of Tampaksiring, 18 km north of Ubud. This is the oldest cave temple in Bali. To get to the complex, you need to go down 300 steps. Here you can see bas-reliefs up to 7 m high, carved directly into the rock. How did they do this?! The cost of visiting is 15 thousand rupees.

Tirta Empul- one of the most revered temples in Bali, built on hot springs. Locals come here to swim and cleanse themselves spiritually; it’s quite an interesting place. Located in the same village of Tampaksiring, only a few kilometers north of Gunung Kawi. The cost of visiting is 15 thousand rupees.

In addition, the Royal Palace and the central market are located in the center. These are the most significant and famous places, and there are a lot of temples in Ubud, you will definitely come across them. Watch the ceremonies in these temples and the people in Bali in general, very interesting!

Tourist market in the center

Ubud hotels – where to stay?

You are unlikely to have any difficulties with accommodation - the choice is very large, and in Ubud, as in Bali in general, there is excellent value for money. Hotels and guesthouses can be found on the main streets, and Jalan Bisma also has a good selection of inexpensive and cozy places to stay.

As I wrote above, the most picturesque and quiet areas are located outside the center, in any direction, but in the west and northwest, there is probably the most choice. There, your bungalow will be right next to fields and palm trees, surrounded by tropical nature in the morning you will wake up to the singing of birds outside the window.

We lived in the luxurious Suly Resort & Spa on a huge grounds with two swimming pools, a super hearty breakfast, a huge room and even a bathroom(!) for only $24 per night (for two). The hotel is located some distance from the center, but surrounded by tropical greenery. They have a scheduled shuttle to the center, but the best option is to rent a bike.

Hotel Suly Resort & Spa

Also, be sure to look at the options on, where you will find unique and traditional houses of local residents (so to speak, for complete immersion) and various villas. By the way, upon registration you will receive a $25 bonus, which you can immediately spend on housing.

Ubud Map

Ubud is ideal for nature lovers, vegetarians, raw foodists, and people seeking peace and tranquility. After relaxing here for a week, we set off on our journey with renewed vigor, this time to Vietnam and China! Come too. Welcome to Bali!

And the road from different points to Ubud is no exception.

From Denpasar Airport

You can take a private taxi and pay about $25 (330 thousand rupees) for a car; a government taxi (cars in much worse condition) will cost $18–20 or 230–260 thousand rupees. The state taxi stand is located at the exit from the airport, there is a prepayed sign hanging there.

If you are coming from Denpasar Airport, this is the only option, since there are no buses or shuttles from there.

Taxi from Kuta and Sanur

Such cars also go everywhere. Getting there from Sanur will cost the same as from Denpasar, time - 50 minutes or 1 hour depending on traffic jams.
From Kuta you will have to drive about an hour and a half and pay for the road (for the whole car) approximately $35 (450 thousand Indonesian rupees).

Clue:

Ubud - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 5

Kazan − 5

Samara − 4

Ekaterinburg − 3

Novosibirsk − 1

Vladivostok 2

When is the season? When is the best time to go

I probably won’t say anything new by saying that you can visit all year round, you just need to be prepared for some of the natural and climatic features of the region. Like everywhere on the island, Ubud has a humid tropical climate, the temperature does not “jump” much throughout the year, only the humidity and the likelihood of rain and winds change. However, Ubud is located in the middle of the island, at an elevation of about 600 meters, which means it is several degrees cooler here than the average. There are two weather seasons:

• From November to February/March – rainy.
• From March/April to October – dry.

Rains can be short-term, or they can be prolonged (usually at night). High humidity is tolerated in general and in Ubud in particular quite easily.

Here are the main characteristics:

• The sunniest months of the year are March, October, November.
• The hottest months are October, November, December.
• The rainiest months are December, January and March.
• The windiest months are July, August and September.
• The coolest are summer ones: June, July, August.

An example of a good rainfall in Ubud is in the photo below.

Prices naturally depend on the weather. From mid-January, when the New Year holidays, vacations and vacations end until the beginning of April, the price tag for everything from air travel to the price of hotel rooms, excursions and even food at markets decreases.

At the same time, the flow of tourists is decreasing, so if you don’t like crowds of people and want to ensure yourself a more or less secluded holiday, then these months are just for you. At any time of the year you will find something to do in Ubud: there are a lot of excursions and active leisure options, in the rainy months you can go rafting on the river, in the windy months you can go surfing, in the dry months you can go to the spa, go to the islands and sunbathe. I don't think you'll be bored.

You can compare prices for tours to Ubud at different times of the year in the travel section.

Ubud in summer

Summer in Ubud is windy but not rainy. The average daytime temperature ranges from +26 to +33 °C, but the heat is not felt. In the evening, especially when there is wind, you may need a sweater or windbreaker. In summer, I advise everyone who doesn’t like excessive heat and stuffiness to come here.

Summer (especially July and August) is one of the peak seasons on. Accordingly, at this time prices for hotels and simply for services in the city rise. On the other hand, you have to pay for comfortable weather.

Ubud in autumn

Autumn is the hottest season in Ubud. September is dry and comfortable, sunny. It is not surprising that it is during this month that an increase in the flow of tourists is noticed.

In October, the humidity rises noticeably, it becomes cool in the evenings, and during the day you increasingly catch yourself thinking that you are in a steam room. Ubud is hot and humid in November. It rains at night. By the way, the duration of daylight hours is reduced by about an hour.

Already since October, the number of visitors has been declining, this will continue for only a few months, until the New Year holidays, when crowds of vacationers will once again flock to.

Ubud in spring

Spring is a transitional season in Ubud. March is still rainy, but the air temperature is already rising and the days are getting longer.

April is a great time to visit, in my opinion. During the day, temperatures can vary from +23 to +32 °C, humidity is around 70%. The tan under such conditions is magical. And experienced travelers know this! After a rainy February and March, they flock to Ubud, and local residents, after a break in raising prices, again demand higher fees for housing, food, and excursions.

May opens the dry season on the island. The temperature ranges from +25–32 °C, a breeze blows from the sea and it is comfortable to relax both actively and on the beaches.

Ubud in winter

I will tell you that there are plenty of hotels, guesthouses and just villas for rent here. People coming to Ubud for up to 5 days usually stay in the center, and the center is the streets of Jalan Raya Ubud and Jalan Raya Andong and the adjacent alleys.

I will explain why tourists choose this place. Here is the famous Ubud market, where you can buy whatever your heart desires, next to the Puri Lukisan Museum and the Saraswati Temple. And, of course, endless shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, raw food and vegan cafes. By the way, Jalan Raya translates as avenue, and Jalan means street.

Hotels, guesthouses and hostels in this region are usually higher in price than the town average. The cost per room is also higher in places of high tourist demand: the Royal Palace of Ubud, the Neka Art Museum, and in the monkey forest area. You can book a hotel on, and you can compare prices from different sites.

In addition to numerous hotels and hostels, you can rent a room in a local house (options and prices). It will be cheaper, and you will immerse yourself in the culture of the island much faster, get closer to everyday life and learn more about home-made Balinese cuisine.
In my opinion, a great option is to find expats who have been living in Ubud for a long time, renting a large house from the locals and renting out rooms. This way you will immediately provide yourself with housing, communication and an assistant who will tell you where, what and how in the city. Most often, Russians, Australians and Italians stay in Ubud for a long time. This option is suitable for anyone who plans to stay in Ubud for more than a week.

Districts of Ubud

Many Russians and foreigners who come for a long time stay in Penestanan.

In this area you can rent a villa overlooking a rice field or a house with a private pool. By the way, the Antonio Blanco Museum is nearby.
List of streets where you will always find housing, food and shops:

• Suweta,
• Hanoman,
• Monkey forest street,
• Srivedari,
• Sugriwa,
• Dewi Sit.

The Monkey forest is home to the popular Monkey Forest: with vines, huge trees, abandoned temples and, naturally, monkeys. At any time of the day (except at night) it is full of curious tourists.

Another area of ​​Ubud, Pengosekan, is very quiet and peaceful, locals live here.

While walking along Jn Raya Ubud, don't pass by the alley at Tirta Tawar. A very interesting and original street, with virtually no visitors, and also with its own small temple, where usually only locals visit.

Nearby is the Ubud Botanical Garden.

In terms of price/quality ratio, I would recommend the Penestanane areas, especially if you plan to stay in Ubud for more than a week or two. If you are willing to overpay a little, but always be in the center, then Jalan Raya Ubud, Jalan Raya Andong and their surroundings are at your service.

Ubud is known as a hub of arts and crafts, it is a cultural city, and even tipsy holidaymakers are rare. Unlike cultural centers such as Kuta and, there is little stealing here, much less pestering tourists. And it is problematic for me to single out at least one area as criminal.

What are the prices for holidays?

The cost of living in Ubud is a very loose concept. Everyone will find offers to suit their taste and budget. If you want, stay in luxury villas, or in modest hostel rooms, eat in an elite restaurant or in a cafe for locals, rent a car with a personal driver, or hitchhike or ride a scooter.

I propose to consider the main cost items and determine the average cost of a holiday in Ubud. In my opinion, for a comfortable stay in Ubud you need:

• housing;
• transport;
• entertainment;
• unexpected expenses;

Housing

The point is important and significant. You can rent a room in a guesthouse for 200 (2.5–3 million rupees) per month, if for a short period, then for 10 per day (130–135 thousand rupees). Further, price options grow exponentially, up to 1000 per villa (per day).

As elsewhere, the cost of housing depends on the location, amenities, presence of a swimming pool, and length of stay. By the way, I noticed that the price is increased for air conditioning and constant hot water. You can rent a house in Ubud for a month (with several rooms, amenities and a normal location) for 300–600 per month (4.5–8.5 million rupees).

Transport

I think it's wonderful to feel free to move around. Moreover, renting a scooter in Ubud will cost $4–6 or 50–80 thousand rupees up to $20 or 260 thousand rupees per day. The usual price for a month is $50–60 or 650–800 thousand rupees.
If you are interested in a car, then the average price per day is $20 or 300 thousand rupees. Cheaper per month – $250–350 or 3,300–4,600 thousand rupees.

Food

Eating in Ubud can be bohemian and expensive, or it can be cheap and colorful. For the first option, you will have to choose one of the restaurants in the city, for the second - look into the nearest warung. Read more about Ubud restaurants and their prices. Lunch for one person in warung will cost 4–50 (50–70 thousand rupees).

The cost depends on the location, the level of service in the establishment, the extensiveness of the menu, and the order of alcoholic beverages.

If you come for a long time, you can’t buy groceries and cook yourself. Shopping can be done at the market or in supermarkets. In general, I think that if you alternate between self-catering and going to a cafe (50/50), then in a month you can spend about 400-450 (5.5-6.5 million rupees).

Entertainment

If we are talking about excursions, leisure and entertainment in Ubud, then I will tell you about them below. In Ubud you cannot go diving or other sea activities, since the city does not go to the sea; for this you need to go to other regions of the island.
Of course, in Ubud the main emphasis is on the cultural component: temples, water palaces, and also rice plantations. Ubud often hosts national dance shows; viewing usually costs from 3 to 7 (40-95 thousand rupees).

Here is the average price of outbound excursions from Ubud (with a Russian-speaking guide):

How to save money in Ubud

You can get there from the city center by taxi or scooter. It will take about half an hour.

Botanical Garden

Located in the center of Ubud and is in great demand among tourists and locals.

About 5 hectares of beautiful flower beds have been laid out for you: palm trees, ferns, bamboo, an orchid garden, tropical trees and much more.

You can enter for a symbolic $1 or (10 thousand rupees). Opening hours from 8.00 to 18.00.

How to get there

Address: Jl. Tirta Tawar, Kutuh Kaja, Ubud, Bali,

The Botanical Garden is located in the center of Ubud, not far from the royal palace.

Satri Coffee Plantation

This is a plantation where you can see how cocoa beans, coffee, fruits, and spices are grown. Here you can arrange a mini-tasting, and, of course, buy something for yourself.

Entrance to the plantation is free.

How to get there

Address: Satria Agrowisata, JL. Raya Tampaksiring, Kintamani Basangambu, Kecamatan Gianyar, .

The plantation is located in the north of Ubud, from the center it takes about 30 minutes by taxi.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

The abundance of small temples is a typical characteristic of Ubud, as well as other Balinese towns. All of them, although similar to each other, are distinguished by their energy and silence (which cannot be said about the city streets). It’s nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle and take a few memorable photos. So, what temples are worth visiting in Ubud?
Of the many places, I would primarily recommend the following.

Gunung Lebah Temple

This is a functioning temple where locals go to pray, where ceremonies take place and religious holidays are celebrated. It is believed to have been built in the 13th century AD and its builder was the Javanese Hindu saint Rishi Markandya. Gunung Lebah Temple is located on the banks of the Ubud River and is clearly visible from the bridge.

It is quiet and peaceful here, the area is well-groomed. To enter, you must have appropriate clothing covering your knees and shoulders (for both men and women). Donations are collected in the temple, the amount is at the discretion of those who come.

The temple is open 24 hours a day and entry is free.

How to get there

Address: Jl. Raya Campuhan.

Pura Dalem Agung

One of the most unusual but interesting temples in Ubud is Pura Dalem Agung Padangdegal, it is dedicated to the world of the dead. As the name suggests, this temple is located near Mount Agung. The wooden and stone structure looks very impressive; there are many statues on the territory, reminiscent of the world of the departed and creating a solemn and oppressive atmosphere.

It is believed that the territory of this temple is full of dark forces and spirits, and therefore long-term presence here is not recommended.
Unfortunately, tourists cannot go inside the temple, but you can wander around the territory as much as you like, having previously paid a little more than $1 (14,000 rupees) for entry.
The temple is open every day from 9.00 to 17.00.

How to get to Pura Dalem Agung

Address: Jl. Nyuh Kuning, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali, .

The temple is located near the Monkey Forest and can be reached on foot or by taxi. From further areas of Ubud it will cost $5 (65 thousand rupees).

Puri Saren Palace

Locals consider it the most beautiful in Ubud. It is also the official residence of the royal family. Judge for yourself how spectacular it is.

The temple holds services and special ceremonies during holidays. People who adhere to Hinduism come here.

You can walk around the area in about 15 minutes; there are always a lot of people around the temple, many taking pictures by the lotus pond. In the evening there are shows of national Balinese dances.

The temple is open from 8.00 to 19.00.

How to get to Puri Saren Palace

Address: Jl. Raya Ubud, Puri Saren Palace

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

It's not for nothing that Ubud is called the cultural capital. There are many interesting museums and noteworthy art galleries.

And here are just some of the places that I would call a must see.

Palace of Art or Puri Lukisan Museum

Everything here speaks of local culture: carved furniture, sculptures, paintings. The museum is located next to the Royal Palace (within walking distance) and is open every day from 09.00 to 18.00. There is a good restaurant at the museum, open from 10.00 to 21.00.

Ticket price for adults is $7 (85 thousand rupees). Children entry is free.

Museum of Don Antonio Blanco

Across the road, a 3-5 minute walk is the Museum of Don Antonio Blanco. The Spanish artist, at the age of 40, remained to live in the region, married a local dancer and did a lot for the development of the region. He also began to build this museum, but died before its opening.

The museum was completed by Mario Blanco, his son. The works of father and son are now on display inside, but if some of the paintings (mainly images of naked Balinese dancers and dancers) catch your fancy, copies can be purchased here. Next to the museum is a garden with rare specimens of birds.

Opening hours: from 9.00 to 17.00 every day.

Location: Jalan Raya Campuhan, Kedewatan.

Ticket price for foreigners is $6.5 (80 thousand rupees), for locals just over $2 (30 thousand rupees),

Neka Art Museum

Showcases a huge collection of works from the late 19th century to the present day. Contemporary works are given special attention; master classes are often organized here and guest exhibits are exhibited.

Neka Art Museum is located in a well-kept public garden overlooking the river, there are shops and cafes nearby.
The museum is open every day from 9.00 to 17.00, on Sundays from 12.00 to 17.00. The museum is closed on public holidays.

An adult ticket costs $6.5 (75 thousand rupees), children under 12 years old have free admission.
Address: Jalan Raya Campuhan, Kedewatan Village.
The museum is also available for viewing.

Parks

The Elephant Safari Park

If you miss parks and want to be surrounded by greenery, new plants and flowers, admire the well-groomed territory and also have an interesting time, go to The Elephant Safari Park. This trip can be done with the whole family.

This is where you can walk around to your heart's content and also look at the life of giants. The inhabitants of the park are trained and will put on a show (I think this is inferior to the performance of elephants in Thailand, but for those who have not seen something similar, it will be interesting). The performance lasts about 30 minutes, after which you can ride an elephant.

The area is large, well-groomed, there is a small lake where elephants bathe, ponds with fish, gazebos with a chill-out atmosphere. Elephants are everywhere in the park, the animals are well-groomed, and I thought they looked happy. Walking around the territory, you can see enclosures with baby elephants. You are allowed to feed them (bamboo leaves will be provided by the park ranger).

Opening hours and ticket prices

The Elephant Park is open from 8.00 to 18.00.

Ticket prices vary depending on the package you choose:

You can buy a ticket at any street point of sale.

How to get to The Elephant Safari Park

If you're driving on your own, you'll need to drive about 40 minutes north from Ubud on Jl. Raya Andong, Jl. Raya Tegallalang and Jl. Raya Pujung Kelod (straight road). Already halfway there are signs. Don't miss the turn to Jl. Raya Bonjaka, and in just 2 km you will be there.

Address: Jl. Elephant Park Taro, Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali.

What to see in 1 day

If you can allocate only one day to Ubud, you need to spend it intensively and actively, because there are a lot of attractions! From all the variety, you can select the most interesting ones and put them into one route for those who are not lazy. And you immediately need to decide on transport: you will either have to rent a scooter or order a taxi. Public transport in the city is not developed.

So, you are in Ubud:

You can either complete your acquaintance with the city in one of the restaurants, after which you can return to your place of permanent residence, or stay overnight in Ubud.

What to see in the area

There are many interesting places around Ubud that are worthy of attention.

Holy springs of Tirta Empul

Pura Tirta Empul ("Temple of the Holy Water") is a temple built in 923 AD, highly revered throughout the island. There are also water springs here, and the Balinese believe in their magical powers. This is where they even get water for cremation.

Water has a sacred meaning for the Balinese, and temples on the water are held in high esteem. Water washes away both physical and spiritual dirt, which means it is used for ritual ablutions. There are three special swimming pools on the territory for these purposes.

If you don’t mind being cleansed in every sense of the word, join the procedure, which always involves hundreds of people. To do this, you first need to visit the temple, it is advisable to make a donation. Women are only allowed to wear sarongs - this is a traditional waist-length garment, very common in Southeast Asia. It is worn by men, women and children.

To perform the ritual, you need to walk under the fountains while reciting a prayer and plunge headlong into the water. At the very end you need to drink exactly 11 sips of this water. It is done!

How to get to the Tirta Empul springs

The easiest option to get to the springs is to take a taxi or scooter. After leaving the city, you need to move north about 15 km towards the town of Kintamani. The road boasts beautiful views: rice fields, forests, and Balinese villages.

Address: Jalan Tirta, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, .

Gunung Kawi

After your ablutions, you can continue your trip and head to the great caves and monastery complex of Gunung Kawi. The springs are just a stone's throw from them (located 1 kilometer away in the village of Tempaksiring). The caves have been considered a landmark almost since the 11th century. It is said that King Anak Vungsu and his many wives are buried here.

The monastery was built in 1080, it is surrounded by rice plantations, but to get inside you need to pay $1 (15 thousand rupees). The monastery contains not only the monks’ cells, but also 10 niches in the rock, each of them with an ancient burial. This place is definitely worth a visit: it is more than colorful and atmospheric and will remain in your memory forever.

Follow the dress code: either buy a sarong, or just make sure that both your shoulders and knees are covered.

How to get to Gunung Kawi Springs

Address: Banjar Penaka, Tampak Siring, Kec. Gianyar, Bali, .

Located a kilometer from the previous attraction!

Goa Gajah

It is also called the elephant's cave. Not just a cave, but a full-fledged park with a lake, a small temple, and a river.

All the salt is in the entrance to the cave, which is decorated with the head of an elephant. However, versions vary: some say that this is the head of a local witch. Inside the cave are statues of Buddha and many Balinese Gods.

How to get to Goa Gajah

Caves address: Jl. Raya Goa Gajah.

This is just outside Ubud, so the best way to get there is by taxi. The trip costs $30 (400 thousand rupees) round trip.

Food. What to try

Opening hours: 7.30–23.00.

Delta Dewata Store

The site is located next to the store, there is a sandbox, a slide, and several rocking chairs. But in principle, the child will not spend more than half an hour there.

Address: Jalan Raya Andong No.14, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali, .

Opening hours: 8.00–22.00

Tamanak site

A separate playground with its own territory, a fence, benches and gazebos for parents.

For children: swings, carousel horses, slides, a house, climbing frames. The downside is that the site is paved, and the sun and concrete make it very stuffy by 11 am.

Address: Sayan, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Opening hours: 7.00–18.00.

Classes

You can walk through the rice fields, or you can rent a bicycle with a child seat and ride through quiet areas of the city.

Take your child to Yellow CoCo - a creative studio where classes are held for children of different age categories. Singing, drumming, sculpting, drawing, reading. An hour of class costs about $5 (60 thousand rupees).

Swimming pools

In Ubud, as you know, there is no sea. But there are swimming pools that I recommend visiting with your child as a substitute. And here are some of them.

Swimming pool at Swasti Eco Cottages

It is located near the Monkey Forest, where you can not only swim for your child, but also take part in a variety of activities. There are cooking master classes, lessons on modeling and bamboo crafts, drawing, and more.

Entrance to the territory is free, but you must make a reservation at the hotel cafe. You can take a drink, you can have a dish, whatever you want. Cocktails cost from $3 (40 thousand rupees), juices - from $2 (25 thousand rupees).

The pool itself is about 2 meters long, shallow, just right for children. The water is chlorinated and clean, while the baby is frolicking, parents can sunbathe on the sun loungers. Or take photos in the area where there are bridges, flower beds, and a place where they practice yoga.

Address: Jl. Nyuh Bojog, Banjar Nyuh Kuning, Desa Mas, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

The pool can be accessed from 9.00 to 19.00.

Swimming pool at Bali Wood Hotel

The cost of entry to this cute place is a little more than $2 (30 thousand rupees), for both a child and an adult. At the entrance they give you something like a pass card. The territory is huge and beautiful, at least arrange a full-fledged photo shoot. Flowers, gazebos, umbrellas, statues, sun loungers, ponds and even a slide for the children. There is a cafe at the hotel.

The pool is designed like the letter “P”, and in the middle there is a decorative bridge. The pool has different depths, so both children and adults can swim.

The hotel is open 24 hours a day, but it is better to come in the morning.

Swimming pool at Hotel d'Omah Bali

Suitable for teenage children, as its constant depth is about 1 m 30 cm. The pool is about 20 meters long, and there are sun loungers, sofas, and hammocks around it. The area is green, well-groomed, there is a pond with fish. This is the only pool (that I came across in Ubud) without chlorine, but with some other chemical.

Entrance to the territory is paid: children $2 (25 thousand rupees), adults – $4 (50 thousand rupees). You can order a subscription for a week or a month.

Address: Jalan Raya Penestanan Kelod, Sayan, Ubud, Sayan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Opening hours: from early morning until 22.00 for non-hotel guests.

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Anything to add?

Ubud is the heart of Bali, its cultural capital. You should set aside at least a week to get to know this wonderful place, because there are many historical, architectural and natural monuments scattered not only throughout the town, but also far beyond its borders. Europeans discovered this resort relatively recently; interest in it appeared in the 30s of the last century. Until now, it remains a mysterious, unexplored land, attracting like a magnet. There are no raging ocean waves, snow-white beaches, or huge hotels - this high-altitude resort attracts with its calm, relaxing atmosphere, clean air and breathtaking views.

History of Ubud

“Medicine” is how the name of the city of Ubud is translated. Bali has always been famous for its peaceful atmosphere, but its cultural center has a special impact on the health and psychological state of people. A lot of medicinal herbs grow here, and the confluence of two rivers concentrates the energy of the earth, which makes a person vigorous and cheerful. It is known about Ubud that in the 8th century Rsi Markendya, a Japanese Vaishnavit, meditated here. It was he who became the founder of the Pura Gunung Lebah temple. In the 11th century, Hinduism began to actively spread in these parts, which led to the emergence of new temples: in the caves of Goa Gajah, near Mount Kavi.

It was only at the end of the 16th century that Europeans first came to Ubud. The Dutch were the first to visit Bali; it was they who made the island part of the Dutch East Indies at the beginning of the 20th century. Europeans treated local culture with respect, encouraging its development in every possible way. Thanks to this, the people have preserved their centuries-old traditions, which they honor to this day. The first vacation spots appeared here in 1936, since then a lot has changed on the island, hotels and numerous bungalows are springing up like mushrooms after rain, but Ubud manages to maintain its original appearance.

Ubud - a city of creative people

Tourists from Europe flocked to Indonesia after Walter Spies visited these places. It was the choreographer and film director who discovered the delights of the city of Ubud for Europeans. Bali on the map seems like a very tiny, inconspicuous island, but many don’t even imagine what beauties travelers can discover here. Spies staged the famous kecak - a spectacular monkey dance that still attracts crowds of spectators today. In the twentieth century, Ubud was considered one of the bohemian places, since artists, composers, actors, directors, musicians, in general, all creative people came here to gain strength and be inspired to create new masterpieces. Among the outstanding cultural figures, we should mention Charlie Chaplin, Dorthy Lamour, Margaret Mead, and Sting.

Mysterious Hanging Gardens of Ubud

The Hanging Gardens are one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But if the Babylonian curiosity has sunk into oblivion, the Indonesian one delights numerous tourists. The unusual design of the landscapes was borrowed from the plantings of Babylon, and architects John Pettigrew and William Warren worked to create the magnificent structure. The landscapes they created are an amazing sight - tropical trees and exotic plants strive upward. In addition to greenery, there are also multi-level infinity pools.

People looking for peace, solitude, and relaxation choose Bali. The Hanging Gardens Hotel Ubud is perfect for this purpose; it is literally immersed in greenery, surrounded on all sides by exotic plants. Thanks to the special design of the swimming pools located right next to the rooms, tourists can admire the surrounding beauty, tropical forests... They get the impression that they are floating in the clouds, observing the splendor of the earth from heaven. Both from the main building and from the small house-rooms you can admire the Hanging Gardens of Ubud. The hotel (the price of the tour is quite justified) is suitable for people who want to relax, improve their health, or practice meditation or yoga. An all-inclusive tour for two for a week costs about 6.5 thousand dollars.

Ubud Museums

Ubud is also called the cultural heart of Bali. Over the course of several decades, it has turned from an ordinary town into a tourist center. Today, travelers can visit numerous museums and art galleries here. The Neka Museum houses the most valuable collection of works of art; they were created both by local residents and visiting craftsmen who lived on the island for some time. Puri Lukisan, also called the “Palace of Art,” has collected within its walls a huge number of sculptures, paintings, carvings, and they all reflect the flavor and culture of Bali. This is the first private museum on the island, operating since 1954.

All admirers of Antonio Blanco's work will certainly want to visit his house. Now it is a museum that houses various works of the artist, including erotic paintings from a closed exhibition. The master mainly painted young local girls and his wife. Here you can also visit the Blanco studio and an aviary with birds.

You can get a complete picture of Balinese art after visiting the Agung Rai Museum. The works of Indonesian and foreign painters are collected here, including Spies’ painting “Kalonarang”, which he painted in 1930. The museum consists of a cultural center, an art gallery, several workshops, a research center, and a library. Everyone can study folk crafts, theatrical and visual arts, history, and culinary Bali. Ubud receives positive reviews from tourists because there really is something to do and see.

Architectural monuments

Indonesian architecture is a very interesting sight: it embodies the culture, ancient traditions, and worldview of the local people. The many man-made monuments scattered throughout the island are worthy of attention, but a tourist will be impressed even if he only sees what Ubud has to offer. Bali amazes with its beauty at every turn. You can start the tour from the Kehen Temple, recognized as the most attractive structure on the entire island. It was erected in 1206, and the place on which it stands has been used for rituals for centuries. The temple is surrounded on all sides by trees and hills and is open to the public every day.

You can also see the impressive ancient royal palace of Puri Saren Agung, decorated with statues and stone gates. Some descendants of the royal family still live in the palace, and most of it is open to the public. The palace hosts dance shows almost every day. You can also follow the pilgrim route and explore the Tirta Empul temple, near which there is a healing spring created, according to legend, by the King of the Gods, Indra. A very interesting structure is the Mount of the Poet, or Gunung Kawi. The building was created in the 11th century and is the burial complex of King Anak Vungsu and his wives. The building is located in a very picturesque place.

Natural attractions

Ubud delights travelers with many beautiful and interesting places. What to see here first? Perhaps you can get acquainted with the local beauty in the Monkey Forest Nature Reserve. Three temples were built here, surrounded on all sides by greenery. More than a hundred macaques live in a small forest. Visitors love to take photographs of the cute creatures, but they should be careful because the monkeys are not so harmless: they steal sunglasses, hats and anything else they can steal from passers-by. It is better not to feed them by hand - they may bite.

In 1965, 100,000 Balinese became victims. Snowy herons flew out of nowhere to their burial site and stayed there to live. Anyone can visit the Petulu Nature Reserve to admire the “souls” of the dead. You can see the elephants in the Elephant Safari Park: animals that were rescued in Sumatra, where they were used in logging, live here. For an additional fee you can ride these giants. Ubud boasts picturesque landscapes, rare plants, exotic birds and reptiles. We told you what to see here. But it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times. Therefore, you need to stay in the city for at least a week to get to know all the sights.

Local population

Residents have a favorable attitude towards foreigners. These are positive, creative people involved in painting, music, dancing, and woodworking. The local population considers themselves creators; there are several galleries and workshops on almost every street. The Balinese honor their traditions, so they perform various rituals every day. Even the souvenirs here are not simple low-quality fakes, but real works of art into which the residents of Bali have invested a piece of their soul. Ubud (a souvenir photo taken in these places will bring back memories of the trip for a long time) always welcomes guests kindly, cordially showing all its attractions.

Nutrition

Ubud is remembered by tourists not only for its beautiful landscapes, exotic animals and unusual culture, but also for its delicious cuisine. If we compare the variety and quality of dishes, the resort is second only to the city of Seminyak. A wide selection of restaurants and cafes, very tasty, original and inexpensive food - all this attracts travelers to Ubud. Bali offers several cuisines to choose from, but of course you can't visit the island without trying the local dishes.

Shopping

Ubud is a wonderful place for all shopping lovers. The city has many shops selling clothes, souvenirs, and paintings. The main market is located in a large two-story building, the main products are national clothing, wood carvings, batik... that is, those things that interest tourists. You definitely need to bargain with the sellers; in some cases, the price can be reduced by half. It is better to make purchases on the second floor, since goods there are much cheaper. If you are interested in art objects, then you should go to nearby settlements - there you can buy silver jewelry, things with stone and wood carvings, and paintings.

What is so attractive about Ubud?

Indonesia is a paradise on earth; people come here for inspiration, complete relaxation of body and soul, and new impressions. Ubud cannot boast of an ocean coast, but there is such a peaceful atmosphere here that tourists do not want to go back home. The resort is surrounded by greenery; there is no need to look for attractions here - they are found at every step. The city has an ancient history, which is interesting for lovers of antiquity, archeology, and cultural researchers. In Ubud, various rituals are held almost every day, which will be interesting to watch. Visiting nature reserves, historical and cultural monuments, and entertainment venues will make your vacation rich and interesting.

Who is Bali suitable for?

The Hanging Gardens Hotel in Ubud attracts the attention of exotic lovers. Indeed, not in every country you can swim in infinity pools and at the same time admire the surrounding splendor and lushness of nature from a bird's eye view. The resort is suitable for people seeking to find peace of mind and recharge with positive energy. This is why many celebrities come to Ubud in search of inspiration. This resort is also called the city of artists; here you can discover your talent and truly relax.

The attractions of Ubud are primarily related to the cultural and religious heritage of these places.

Palace of Painting

Craft and ethnographic Puri Lukisan center, or the Palace of Painting, is considered the main art museum of Ubud. This cultural tourism center has collected many works of art. Castle of paintings is the literal translation of the Indonesian phrase purilukisan. It was opened in 1956 with the participation of the Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet.

The three pavilions of the museum are surrounded by picturesque ponds with lotuses. The first pavilion features works in the traditional Balinese Kamasan style. They are dedicated to religious and mythological subjects, or everyday life. The second pavilion houses works by young Bali artists, while the third is used for temporary exhibitions. Here visitors are also introduced to the original arts of Bali, music and dance. The cost of visiting is 10,000 IDR for an adult, which is less than one USD. A child under 15 years old accompanied by an adult is admitted free of charge.

Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati Temple

This is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, Saraswati. Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati is one of the most beautiful places in Ubud. Unofficially it is called the Palace of Water; in ancient times the goddess was associated with the river. This is a striking example of Balinese architecture, decorated with intricate carvings, bas-reliefs, and figures of local gods.

The temple is surrounded by a pond where lotuses dedicated to Saraswati grow. You can enter it through the Lotus cafe adjacent to the temple. This is the only place in Ubud where you can watch barong dancing while dining. The performance takes place in the evening at 20:00 or 21:00 on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

On the temple grounds there are ponds with a huge number of lotuses. They can be seen from afar; in the evening the temple is illuminated by lit lamps. Entry here is free.

Lempada House

Lempada House is a museum of the most famous local artist and sculptor, the inspiration of the Balinese Renaissance. Puri Lempad Bali exhibits the works of renowned artist, sculptor and architect I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. The artist’s family still lives there. Therefore, it looks more like a house than a museum. The artist decorated his house with wooden carvings. Those interested can purchase Lempad's works.

Many of Lempad's works are in other museums in Bali - in Museum Puri Lukisan and Neka Art Museum. The house museum is open every day from 8:00 to 18:00. Members of the Lempad family willingly show the house, paintings and drawings of the famous artist.

Senivati ​​Women's Art Gallery

Among the attractions of Ubud is such an interesting place as the Seniwati Women's Art Gallery. In addition to its own collection, works by at least forty local and foreign artists are exhibited and sold here.

If you visit other museums in the city, you will notice that they only display works by male artists. In general, the situation of women in Bali is quite difficult. Even twenty years ago, most schools did not accept girls. This also applied to specialized art schools. The gallery was created to correct the situation. All works can be purchased. Calendars, T-shirts, and notebooks decorated with drawings of women and children are sold here. All funds go towards training talented girls and supporting artists.

Monkey forest

If you want to take vivid photos of the sights of Ubud, the Monkey Forest Nature Reserve is for you. Guests are attracted here by flocks of monkeys. Hidden in the depths is the active temple of the dead of the Padang Tegal community. It is considered an unclean place of the strongest magical power and a refuge of evil spirits.

Bali Birdwalks

Try to get a description of the sights of Ubud in Russian, and you will not have problems walking around the city. Pay attention to Bali Birdwalks, or bird walks, organized by the owner of the Beggars Bush & Bar Restaurant pub. Walks take place in the morning, three to four times a week, and cost about 30 USD.

Temples of Ubud in the vicinity of the city

There are many temples in the vicinity of Ubud where, for a low cost, you can join the ancient culture of Bali. Among these places the most popular are:

Elephant Cave

Open from 8:00 to 18:00 daily. Ticket price 15,000 IDR, including sarong rental. The cave dates back to the 9th century. The entrance to it is designed in the form of a demon’s mouth decorated with ornaments. Large carved guards stand around the pools near the entrance, and a path leads to a waterfall, rice fields and fragments of a Buddhist stupa.

Gunung Kawi or Tampaksiring Poet's Mountain

Located 18 km northeast of Ubud. Ticket costs IDR 15,000, including sarong and scarf rental. This place is considered to be the burial place of King Anak Wungsu and his wives. After going down 371 steps, you find yourself in a rather amazing place at the bottom of a deep valley lined with rice fields. Before entering the central complex of the temple, you must remove your shoes. On the way back up, you can relax at the Kavi cafe, where there are cold drinks from 10,000 IDR. Taxi drivers from Ubud can charge as little as IDR 150,000 for a round trip. A taxi can wait for you while you explore the area.

Pura Kehen or Kehen Temple, JlSriwijaya, Bangli

Located north of Bangli city center, 30 minutes northeast of Ubud. Ticket costs  6,000IDR. The temple was founded in 1206.

PuriSaren Agung, Royal Palace, Water Palace

Located opposite Jl Raya Ubud from the Ubud market. It was the palace of the kings of Ubud until the 1940s, with some royal descendants still living here today. The complex is partially closed, but entry to other areas is free. There are dance performances here.

Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring

Located 20 km northeast of Ubud, price 15,000IDR, including sarong and scarf rental. The Holy Temple of Bali was built in hot springs. Balinese come here to swim and cleanse themselves physically and spiritually.

Yeh Pulu, Banjar Batulumbang, Bedulunr Gianyar

Not far from the Ubud - Gianyar highway, approximately 400 meters east of the entrance to the Goa Gajah complex. Drive through Banjar Batulumbang until the road ends. From there walk along the path. Entrance costs 15,000IDR. There is a holy well here and the priest can bless you with holy water. Temple clothing requirements must be observed. This place is well visited.

Chapel of the Mother Goddess, Rajarajeshwari Tripurasundari, Jl. SriWedariKm 3

Located 3 km north of the main street of Ubud. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. This is a modern chapel dedicated to the feminine essence of the divine.

In the center of the island of Bali, away from the ocean and noisy surfer parties, lies the city of Ubud - a place surrounded by incredible landscapes of tropical forests, multi-tiered rice fields and ancient temples, and is also a real Mecca for yoga lovers.

We stayed in Ubud for 4 days and here, indeed, a completely different Bali - calmer, unlike the coastal one, more Asian (there are far fewer European bars and cafes in Ubud, unlike, for example, Kuta).

In this article we will tell you about the main attractions of Ubud and the surrounding area, about the local cuisine, the most beautiful rice fields and, of course, about the main owners of Bali - the monkeys.

How to get to Ubud

From the areas along the ocean in the south and southwest of Bali, Ubud is approximately 1-1.5 hours away. You can get to it in several ways:

• Using the local taxi app Blue Bird, call yourself a car and go according to the meter. We got about 250,000 - 300,000 rupees one way. Pretty cheap.
• Book a transfer from the hotel or villa you are staying at. It will be significantly more expensive: about 450,000 rupees.
• Get there by bike yourself. We went to Ubud almost immediately after arriving on the island. The bike had already been rented for a whole month (nowhere here without it), but we decided not to ride on it, because we were still not sure that we would overcome this distance without problems. Eh, at the end of the month, having ridden a bike not only all over Bali, but also along the narrow mountain roads of Nusa Pennida, we would probably have gone to Ubud on it, because this road no longer seemed long and difficult.

Where to stay in Ubud. Hotels in the jungle

In Ubud, you should definitely shoot something that is located in the thickets of tropical forests, fortunately, there are many similar hotels here. It’s very atmospheric, unusual and I’ll tell you honestly - sleeping with an open balcony that overlooks the jungle and hearing these thousands of sounds from the thicket in the night, breathing in the moist, clean air of a tropical night is great and will be remembered for a lifetime. And no, it’s not dangerous, you won’t wake up hugging a tiger or a boa constrictor, because, naturally, hotels in the jungle have thought about this and outside they are equipped with ultrasonic sensors that scare away animals, but are inaudible to humans.

The choice of hotels in Ubud is large, but, in my opinion, we settled on the best of the inexpensive ones (here, by the way, accommodation is, in principle, much cheaper than in tourist areas near the ocean). Our hotel was called .

Our view from the window of the pool and the jungle. Alam Sembuwuk Hotel

Pros of this hotel: nature (located really on the edge of the rainforest, lush vegetation surrounds it on three sides), rooms and interior in general, swimming pool and sunbathing area, free yoga classes in the morning are included in the price, good service.

Minus: it is located in the suburbs of Ubud and the city (for example, the Monkey Forest) is about 20 minutes by bike. But this did not bother us at all, because we wanted to live in the jungle - they are the main wealth of Ubud, and in the city itself it is too authentic: clusters of wires overhead, dense traffic on narrow streets and noisy - real Asia as it is.

If you still want to live in Ubud itself, then I recommend the hotel - it was also initially considered. This place has a very cool rooftop pool, a restaurant terrace overlooking the green part of the city, and it is also located close to the Monkey Forest (only 700 meters away) and the central streets with a bunch of shops and cafes.

A similar hotel (also with a rooftop pool), central, but quiet and overlooking a rice field.

We looked at all 3 of these hotels and ended up choosing the jungle, staying at Alam Sembuwuk.

What to see in Ubud and the surrounding area. The most-most attractions

It is in the Ubud area that perhaps the most iconic and popular attractions of the island of Bali are located. Over these few days, we covered all the main ones in order.

Monkey forest in Ubud

The famous Monkey Forest or sacred monkey forest is located here. This is a whole complex where, in addition to the monkeys that run, jump and want to hang your phone, there are several more temples, a jungle with lush vegetation and a river running over the stones.

Important: Before entering, take off everything that glitters, put away everything that is not lying well, check whether your backpack or bag is tightly closed. These are not comic warnings; any monkey can really snatch yourIPhoneX and rush along the branches into the forest thicket.

One of the inhabitants of the Monkey Forest

Also, read the rules that hang before entering the territory at the ticket office: do not feed the monkeys, do not pet them, do not show aggression. Baby monkeys are very cute, and you want to pet them, but don’t do this, because his mother is nearby - she is aggressive, like any “yazhmat” and can rush at your non-local, impudent, in her opinion, face.

There are several temples on the territory and there are numerous signs leading to them, it is very difficult to get confused.

• The main temple, the largest, is located in the southwestern part and is called Dalem Agung.
• The smaller Beji Temple is located in the northwestern part of the park. Traditional ceremonies are often held here.
• Prajapati Temple. Next to it is a cemetery where cremations sometimes take place.

A lot of locals walk around the park to the temples in elegant traditional clothes, with mountains of dishes on their heads - a beautiful and unusual sight for us.

Jungle path in the Monkey Forest

Everything in this park is permeated with the Balinese love for nature and their unity with it. For example, many of the trees are sacred - they pray to them, the leaves are used during cremation, and sacred masks are created from them. Moreover, for these masks the tree is not cut down, but only a small piece is cut off, and it does not die.

The Sacred Monkey Forest, even despite its great popularity and influx of tourists, remains an atmospheric and inspiring place, the most Balinese in all of Bali.

Ticket price: 50,000 rupees (adults), 40,000 rupees (children)
Opening hours: from 8:30 to 18:00 (tickets sold until 17:30)

Artist's Trail Campuhan Ridge Walk

This is a narrow pedestrian road, three kilometers long. The trail goes along the top of a hill, the base of which is covered with dense tropical forests, so it offers picturesque views: of the jungle and a thin ribbon of the river below, of the villas and hotels opposite, of rice fields and flowering trees.

The road starts from the Ubud side from the Gunung Lebah temple and a walk along it is free, although you can take some money with you and buy a small painting by one of the local artists, whose shops you will meet along the way closer to the end of the path (from here, in fact, , and its Russian name).

View of the Artists' Trail from the opposite hill

Important: the trail is not extreme, of course, but there are still ascents and descents, so wear comfortable sports shoes and go for a walk not at noon, when the heat is intense, but early in the morning or closer to sunset, but allow time to get back before dark.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces (Tegallalang)

Another popular Balinese attraction, located from Ubud, 20-25 minutes by bike. It is these terraces that are considered the largest and most beautiful; they are the ones most often published in articles about Bali and guides to the island.

The place is truly impressive, the photos turned out in the best local traditions, even despite the harsh daylight.

Along the edges of the terraces there are a large number of cafes and restaurants where you can hide from the heat and drink juice (I can’t say what kind of food there is, because I don’t eat in such touristy and crowded places and I don’t advise you - well It won’t be tasty, and you also need it - wait 30-40 minutes?).

Tegallalang Rice Terraces. View from the cafe at the entrance. There were a lot of people, but in the photo it seems as if almost no one was there :)

It’s funny: it’s difficult to indicate the cost of visiting the terraces, because the locals are arrogant guys, they charge money not only for parking a bike and at the entrance, but also while walking along the terraces themselves: you can walk along one of the paths and stumble upon a “barrier” in the form a wooden stick and an aborigine who, standing in socks on the ground (!?), will ask you to give you money for the passage “as much as you don’t mind”, while not letting you go further if you refuse to pay and say that you have already paid. We gave one or two of them 2000 rupees each, and then we simply jumped over their “barriers” - we fought, so to speak, their arrogance and outright begging J So, the final cost of visiting the rice terraces will depend on your compassion and generosity.

Saraswati Temple - a work of art

They say this is the most beautiful temple on the entire island, not just in Ubud, and it is definitely worth a visit.

Saraswati Temple

The Saraswati Temple is dedicated to the local goddess of wisdom. Around it there are dense thickets of a park with flowering trees and ponds with wild water lilies. Very photogenic, especially in the evenings when the lamps are lit.

Where to eat in Ubud. Restaurants with great views

In my opinion, nowhere in Bali are there such a number of spectacular restaurants and cafes. Here are just a few of them:

Indus– a place not only with a gorgeous view of the jungle, but also with very good cuisine. Everything they have is tasty, not spicy (this is rare for Ubud) and beautifully served. I especially liked the chicken curry with rice and fish.

View from the terrace of the Indus restaurant

Warung Layana– unrealistic view of the waterfall, unrealistically spicy food. You know, when it’s so spicy that it’s even bitter J And of course, the waiter, not understanding your delicate non-local receptors, will sincerely say before ordering that “not spicy.” But here you can order a delicious cocktail or something Western, for example, a club sandwich.

View from the terrace of the Warung Layana restaurant

The restaurant at the Anahata villa hotel has a view of the jungle and a very authentic interior - stone stairs and lanterns covered with moss. This is the only place to film “The Jungle Book” or something about the adventures of European colonialists in Southeast Asia.

And at the end: a place of 100% relaxation - Folk Ubud

We found this place by accident, based on someone’s photos on Instagram.

Folk Ubud is a bar with a swimming pool, where you can drink cocktails not only sitting at tables or swimming at the bar, but also lying under cozy canopies. There is pleasant music here, dozens of garlands light up beautifully in the evening. In general, a great place to take a break from a hot day full of impressions.

Bar Folk Ubud

A place under the canopy can be reserved in advance on the establishment's website. For 350,000 rupees you will get towels, the ability to use the pool and a minimum set of snacks, such as canapés and fruit skewers.

Conclusion

Even if you came specifically to the ocean, it’s worth spending at least a couple of days on Ubud and its attractions - temples, jungles, rice fields, gardens, yoga centers. Here time seems to flow more slowly than on the coast, allowing you to enjoy everything that surrounds you, master new asanas and finally bring order to your thoughts.