Real life in Ubud, Bali. In Ubud, the atmosphere is more serene with a strong Balinese culture. The topography of Ubud is generally surrounded by rice fields and forests, bordered by ravines and rivers. This is where the local wisdom of Bali is well-preserved. The rice paddies and trees create an exotic green tapestry. Here, the subak system remains preserved—a traditional irrigation system recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012.