When visiting Bali, you can't just skip Ubud. Pronounced, Oobood, it is the historical cultural centre of Bali. I heard a lot of great stories about the town, and needed to see for myself if they were true! I can now say that it should definitely be on your list when you're in Bali! It has a really unique vibe and you can still notice a lot of spiritual influences here. A lot of people come to this place to practice meditation or yoga. As for culture, on every corner there's people preforming, craftsman with cute shops and small coffee shops!
In and around Ubud, there's some things you cannot miss out on, I listed my 7 favourites for you down below!
- Hire a motorbike and explore your surroundings
A motorbike is the easiest way to get around in Bali. This is not different for Ubud. With a car you will get stuck in traffic and it will take a lot longer. There's heaps of big ricefields and stunning nature here, so get lost and find all of the hidden spots!
Better not drive over it!
Halfway through my day I got a flat tire all of a sudden, watch out that you don't get a flat tire like me! Luckily Balinese people are some of the most friendly in the world! When they saw me on the side of the road they guided me to a mechanic. Of course without sharing a mutual language they saw what was wrong with the bike and offered me a place in the shade. A 14 year old started repairing my bike for a stunning 10.000 Rupiah, the equivalent of 1 AUD. It only took him about 30 minutes! They know what they are doing here in Bali!
After asking if I could take a picture, he smiled and went on with repairing the bike.
- Kampuhan Ridge
Seeing the rice fields from a motorbike is nice, but walking through them is a whole other experience. This 8 km hike guides you through jungle like forests straight to the famous Kampuhan ricefields. The hike starts at the Warwick IBAH luxurious Villa. There's a small alleyway on the left, where you can go down the stairs! It is a 2-3 hours hike if you take your time. There are a lot of artists and craft shops in between the ricefields. Don't be shy and walk through the ricefields, most locals don't mind it at all and there is no better way to see them!
The evergreen rice terrasses! Every one of them has at least one small temple on the corner where locals bring offerings every day!
- The Water Palace
If you are looking for some peace and quiet in the middle of this busy village, definitely visit the water palace. This majestic Palace called Puri Saren Agung in Balinese was home to the royal family in the 1940's and to this day there are still parts of the family living here. It is located across from the marketplace on Jl Raya Ubud a little bit down the road. There is no entrance fee and the place is a haven of calmness. The way to the palace is bordered by two large ponds filled with waterlilies. Do remember, some parts of it are off limits and if you want to enter the public places, the palace is still holy ground so you'll have to cover knees and shoulders.
A safe haven of peace and quiet within an oh so busy center.
- Tegenungan Waterfall
Even though the Tenengunan waterfall is a little bit out of Ubud, it is still a place you want to visit. The perfect spot for a fresh swim in the crystal clear waters. Try to swim against the current into the falling water! You can also climb up higher and get an amazing view from on top of the waterfall!
Challenge: Get a picture of the waterfalls without any people in it!
- Marketplace
The marketplace is in the center of Ubud. It is really hard to miss! It is a gathering of all sorts of different small shops overrun by tourist. If you want to look for less known places, go up the stairs and you'll find heaps more shops. They all sell pretty much the same thing and it will be hard to find anything unique here but never the less it is a great place to buy some souvenirs! Remember, haggling is part of daily culture here and the price you will be given is most likely three times what it usually is, especially on a busy day.
The little walking lanes in between the packed stalls.
- Pura Kehen
This temple is one of the most beautiful ones in the whole of Bali. Nevertheless, it get's surprisingly little visitors. The temple was built in 1206 as a temple for the firegod Brahmen, Kehen means household or fireplace. It is situated about half an hour north of Ubud, just north of the Bangli town center. Remember since it is a temple it is necessary to cover shoulders and knees and wear a temple scarf around the waist. A sarong and temple scarf are included in the entrance ticket of 30 000 Rupiah.
The stunning colorful front of the temple with influences from all over Asia.
- Get a coffee in the oldest ecological coffeeshop of Ubud
When you need a little bit of energy, stop for a coffee or tea in Kafe on Jalang Hanoman. This lovely little place is the oldest of the cafes in Ubud and the atmosphere here is so authentic! What I really loved about this place is the fact that they don't use plastic straws anymore. After see ing how much trash there is in the water, especially straws, this is innovative and a great example for the rest of Bali. Perfect for a little lunch break!
Great coffee, great food and great WiFi! All in an ecological cover!
AS A BONUS: What I would avoid in Ubud!!
Don't visit the Monkey Forest in Ubud. The monkeys here are vicious, even more than in the rest of Bali. When stopping there a monkey tried to pee on me from a tree! Okay, it probably wasn't on purpose, but I've heard enough stories about monkeys acting aggressive here. If you do want to see monkeys, there are enough other options as they are everywhere. Literally.
They might look sweet and calm but I warned you!
There you go! Some ideas to get you started in Ubud. To be honest there is so much more to do! Don't stop with this list and start exploring! It is easy to spend a 2-3 day weekend in and around Ubud and still don't see everything.
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