Ubud

A little slice of heaven, there are so many facets to tiny Ubud that it’s hard to describe them all. Terraced rice fields ensconced in a cool mountain climate populated by gentle people whose culture reaches deeply into their souls and an artistic bent in almost everyone, this is what first attracted foreign painters to Ubud in the 1930s. The attention focused on them spread to other artisans – stone carvers, mask makers, silversmiths, woodworkers – as well as painters, dancers and gamelan players, creating the basis for tourism in Ubud back then. Today, thanks in part to the movie and the book Eat, Pray, Love, spirituality and ...

A little slice of heaven, there are so many facets to tiny Ubud that it’s hard to describe them all. Terraced rice fields ensconced in a cool mountain climate populated by gentle people whose culture reaches deeply into their souls and an artistic bent in almost everyone, this is what first attracted foreign painters to Ubud in the 1930s. The attention focused on them spread to other artisans – stone carvers, mask makers, silversmiths, woodworkers – as well as painters, dancers and gamelan players, creating the basis for tourism in Ubud back then. Today, thanks in part to the movie and the book Eat, Pray, Love, spirituality and wellbeing also entice many away from Bali’s beaches and into the hills. If luxury wellness and healing centers, day spas, yoga classes and reflexology appeal to you, this is the place. It also has the highest concentration on Bali – possibly in Indonesia – of organic, raw food and vegan restaurants. Whatever draws you to Ubud, take in as many evening dance performances as you possibly can while you’re there.

About the Expert

Linda Hoffman is a contributing editor for five Periplus guides, including Bali (two editions), Papua, Java, Nusa Tenggara, and eight editions of Insight Guides Indonesia and the Indonesia section of their Southeast Asia guidebook.