Ubud is known as the cultural center of Bali, at least by westerners. For sure it has more than its fair share of arts and crafts and the Balinese who live there are extremely serious about their ceremonies and dances.
Here are some of the highlights for visitors to Ubud.
Taking time to check out a few of the great museums (Neka, ARMA, Seniwati) and learn about traditional Balinese art.
Catching an evening dance performance in one of the temples in downtown Ubud.
Watching a ceremony downtown or in any one of the villages that surround Ubud.
Taking a dawn rice paddy hike along one of the many routes on the outskirts of town.
Learning to paint batik from a local artist.
Sampling the fine food available here in places such as Casa Luna, Ary's Warung and Murni's Warung.
White water rafting with one of the many reputable companies such as SOBEK in Sayan.
Bargain shopping for that piece of art to decorate your house.
Exploring this magic little town with all its windy, tree covered routes heading to other villages.
Some people say Ubud is too touristy and certainly it has changed since I first visited in 1993. There is a supermarket, ATM's, internet access. As of yet there is little nightlife (Jazz Café), no McD's, no Starbucks.
To fully enjoy Ubud I suggest staying in a home stay, a locally owned set of rooms that are around 50,000rp per night. You will meet the family, watch their daily rituals at close hand and appreciate the sights, sounds, smells and pace of their culture.
{ 4 comments }
Ubud is a wonderful place to stay but by Bali standards very high priced and as to Ary’s Warung, get real–it’s hardly a “warung” at all and a meal there will cost you triple what you suggest for accomodation (they don’t even bother to list the zeros in the menu on their prices, no doubt because they are so high). Nick, did you really eat (and more importantly pay for) a meal there?? Not quite the soto ayam price level you recently wrote about.
That’s not to say I don’t like the place–I’ve been going there since 1985, or about 10 years earlier than Nick–but hey, maybe no McD or Starbucks, but you will find Polo, Chanel, and Paul Smith (or at least the local versions). Not only that–apart from Nusa Dua, you’ll also find the highest prices on the island and a surprising about of annoying touts (more than Kuta in fact). The cheapo places are gradually being pushed out but some of the highest priced hotels in the world. Great if you can afford it!!
Nick, what happened to posting pictures? They are worth a thousand words remember.
Doesn’t sound like he’s even been there. His recommendations come right out of Lonely Planet. Oh, and he forgot the Monkey Forest!
Not much bargain hunting in Ubud either….
In June 1993, a large container truck pulled up and parked along Jalan Raya Ubud in front of the Lempad Museum. As a crowd gathered and gawked at the behemoth, its side panels opened to reveal an eatery of sorts on 10 wheels. A familiar pong of greasy fried oil swept through the morning air, replacing the ususal smell of motorcycle fumes and incense. Some tourists had their wallets open in their hands. This was when I fell off my mountain bike, blindsided by huge red letters spelling K F C. Thank God for bird flu.
Comments on this entry are closed.