Ubud is one of the most beautiful places in Bali. While in Bali, spending a few days in Ubud is a must. There are so many things to do and see. Therefore, it is important to have an organized itinerary when visiting Ubud.
Every week, a large number of tourists visit Ubud, but the town is very successful in maintaining its unique identity and reputation as Bali’s cultural center. The town center still keeps many of its original buildings and architecture. The religious rituals and ceremonies of the local Balinese people can be seen everywhere in Ubud every day, even with the bustling tourist scene around them. Ubud is the best place to learn more about the history and culture of Bali.
Just a few minutes’ drive from the town center, you’ll find yourself in a rural setting with beautiful scenery and farmers working the same way their ancestors have for centuries. It’s possible to explore many attractions on the outskirts of Ubud, such as temples, rice terraces, volcanoes, and waterfalls.
Ubud also offers great restaurants and shopping, especially for those looking for typical Balinese gifts and souvenirs. There are many small shops in town and its surroundings with a huge variety of art made by local people that can be bought for a very cheap price if compared to stores selling souvenirs in western countries.
An eighth-century legend tells us of a Javanese priest, Rsi Markendya, who meditated at the confluence of two rivers (an auspicious site for Hindus) at the Ubud locality of Campuhan. Here he founded the Gunung Lebah Temple on the valley floor, the site of which remains a pilgrim destination.
The town was originally important as a source of medicinal herbs and plants; Ubud gets its name from the Balinese word ubad (medicine).
In the late 19th century, Ubud became the seat of feudal lords who owed their allegiance to the king of Gianyar, at one time the most powerful of Bali’s southern states. The lords were members of the Balinese Kshatriya caste of Suk, and were significant supporters of the village’s increasingly renowned arts scene.
Antonio Blanco, a Spanish-American artist, lived in Ubud from 1952 until his death in 1999. A new burst of creative energy came in the 1960s after the arrival of Dutch painter Arie Smit and the development of the Young Artists Movement. The Bali tourist boom since the late 1960s has seen much development in the town.
In 2002, terrorist bombings caused a decline in tourism throughout Bali, including Ubud. In response to this, a writer’s festival was created, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, to help revive tourism, the island’s main economic lifeline.
Since Ubud is relatively small, you can explore the town on foot or hire a bicycle or motorbike. Bear in mind that as this is hilly terrain, do ask locals first which places are easier to explore on foot, by bicycle, motorbike, or by car.
Ubud is a perfect place for you to experience spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Visit Ubud to experience its excitement, peace, and tranquility!
Various modes of transport are available from all over Bali. If you decide to visit Ubud directly from the airport, you can hire prepaid cabs, but the fee may be quite hefty. You can also take regular taxis or rent a car. Public transportation, such as buses, can also take you to Ubud.