Ubud, the place which is more famed as the cultural center of Bali, is a place that enchants people with a blend of rich arts, spiritualization and flora. Surrounded by dark green rice paddies and wild jungles, Ubud is a tranquil neighborhood away from the packed tourist areas of the island. Therefore, if you want to appreciate the spirit of Bali, exploring Ubud is certainly another notch worth taking. Now let’s examine the main features and the surrounding area of this charming part of the world.
Ubud’s Charm
At the heart of Ubud is its appreciation of art and imbibed spirituality. As soon as you set foot on this place, there is something about the place that urges people to take time out for contemplation and peace with nature. The township has too many places for art and every art strengthens a culture. From beautiful wood sculpture to elegant images, Ubud has it all.
Make sure to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, a unique place to start your monkey tour. There you can find a dense jungle filled with the most adorable long-tailed macaques you may ever meet. Do not be surprised if they decide to have fun with you and try to take your things! It is also the site of a number of interesting temples including the Pura Dalem Agung … From that vantage point remember to hold on to your bag, they may look innocent but they are quite crafty!
Local Markets and Cuisine
When you have had your fill of the monkey forest, the next stop should be Ubud Art Market, there is a wide range of items here including beautiful handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. All include negotiable prices which are good fun. You can also taste Balinese food, popular among tourists, sold by some street vendors and small restaurants like Babi Guling or rice dishes combining meat called Nasi Campur.
Cooking Classes
If this is not enough, there is a chance to enroll in a cooking class. They are very popular among all the Bali tourists and most of the locals offer them and you participate in the preparation of the traditional dishes of this island with fresh produce sourced locally. This is an interesting and great way to experience the culture and a piece of Bali will always remain with you.
Nature and Scenery
Provided vibrant hills, Ubud boasts of captivating landscapes making it a geologist’s paradise. It is important to pay a visit to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces which are located a short drive from the town center. These are the terraces which are unique landscapes combined with an elaborate irrigation system which supplements the traditional Balinese culture on rice farming. Take a stroll amidst the terraces, do some photography and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Hiking Adventures
Ubud has many paths for every adventurous person willing to seek and find new heights. One of the most favorite paths is the Campuhan Ridge Walk whose beauty is made up of rolling hills and valleys. It is nice to capture this picturesque route in the morning or in the evening as the sight with the settling sun side looks just enchanting.
Wellness and Relaxation
Ubud is famous for its wellness treatments and this is an ideal area that one would visit to relax. There are many Yoga studios and wellness retreats with classes like Antigua and Balinese healing. There are several Spa treatment options where you can also indulge in the blessed massages and therapies using herbal oils to smooth out the ordinary aches.
Rice Field Retreats
Many wellness retreats are situated in the midst of rice paddies enabling you to do wellness and also be in touch with the surroundings. For instance, performing yoga when the sun rises over the fields, and accompanied by chirping of birds and breeze pleasant to the skin. This is both a physical and emotional experience.
Art and Culture
Art enthusiasts will have their fill in Ubud with many galleries and museums harboring local works of art. Especially memorable is the Neka Art Museum which contains a variety of works very characteristic of Balinese culture. Or see ballet storytelling in Khalifa along with a traditional dance performance at the palace.
Workshops and Classes
Partake of creative workshops where you can do batik, make silver jewelry, or learn Balinese dance. Such activities not only aid in understanding the people’s cultures but also offer an opportunity to interact with information seekers and artisans.
Day Trips from Ubud
Ubud is perfect for those who want to know in more detail the other interesting places of the island. For example, how about a day trip to Weda Waterfall Tegenungan where one can swim? Another popular excursion is to the Tirta Empul Temple, famous for its holy spring water, where purification is practiced both by locals and voyagers.
Exploring Villages
Even the nearby villages of Mas and Celuk, famous for wood carving and silver jewelry respectively should not be skipped. These villages provide a more personal perspective on Balinese artisanship, and it is not only the talents of the people that can be appreciated, but also their devotion.
Ubud is perhaps the only tourism spot that touches the heart, mind and spirit of the person. When one talks about Ubud, it is about fascinating heritage, fascinated by appetizing food and wellness, instead. All these things can be experienced in Ubud. There is a sense of calmness and oneness prevalent in this paradise, the island of Bali as you walk its streets and enjoy its beauty.