Ubud – an oasis of relaxation at the heart of Bali
Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali. In this spiritual centre most of Bali’s artists live. Ubud has about 8000 inhabitants and nestles against the slopes of the Gunung Ayung and Gunung Batur, illuminated by glowing emerald rice fields. Outsiders might think of it as a small city, but in fact Ubud is made up of 14 villages, each governed by its own Banjar (governor). Ubud is documented to go back to the 8th Century, when a Buddhist priest from Java founded a meditation centre in the current centre of Ubud. The region became the centre for natural healing. The Balinese ‘ubad’ for medicine, gave Ubud its name.
In and around Ubud museums, workshops and galleries abound. Jalan Raya Ubud, its main road, has restaurants, shops, hotels, cafés and cultural attractions galore. Palace Puri Saren Agung was residence to its Kings until 1940; royal descendants still live there although a large area is now open to the public; Balinese dances are performed there. Typical Balinese stalls immerse anyone visiting the local market dazzlingly colorful experience. It takes your best negotiating skills to not end up paying exorbitant prices, each individually negotiated by its merchants. Monkey Forest is another known attraction with its monkey cave and ancient Hindu temple complex. More than 200 macaque monkeys have made it their home. Do not bring food with you, because they are far from shy.
Ubud is also known for its many spas. Restore your Chakra with the many spiritual, yoga and meditation courses. Our luxury villas in Ubud offer special spa and traditional Balinese treatments; you don’t even have to leave your house.
Being located at 600m above sea level, Ubud has a cooler climate than the coastal area. High humidity can make it uncomfortably hot, making climbing to the temples and in the mountains not something to be lightly undertaken. Daytime temperature is a steady 30 degrees Celsius most of the year. The rainy season is January and February. Ubud is about an hour drive from the international airport.
