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Ubud is a town in central Bali, Indonesia. Ubud is a favourite traveler's destination in Bali and is famous as a centre of Balinese culture, arts and crafts.

Ubud Water Palace.

[edit] Understand

Far removed from the drunken bikini scene in Kuta, Ubud can be described as a magical, wonderful, cultural center. Above all, it is famous as an arts and crafts hub. Half (if not more) of the town and nearby villages seem to consist of artists' workshops and galleries, mostly retailing cheap reproductions for tourists. There are some remarkable architectural sights, artistic gems to be found, and a general feeling of well being to be enjoyed thanks to the spirit, surroundings and climate.

Rice Terraces in Ubud.

While Ubud seems to outsiders like one small town, it is in fact 14 villages, each run by its own banjar (the land-owning married men's association; in effect the local government). It's clear that Ubud has been growing rapidly and some central parts are coping less well with the influx of tourists than in previous years (although the drop in visitors following 9/11 and the Kuta bombings slowed development). That said, most developments are sympathetic to the zeitgeist, if not designed specifically in the style of Balinese architecture. Growth is continuing due to the popularity of the Ubud area, but there are still terraced rice fields along the rivers and regular, quiet village life carries on relatively undisturbed just a stone's throw away. However, the encroachment of hotel rooms onto paddy fields, particularly near Monkey Forest and and along the Agung river is noticeable. Many hotels will promote themselves as being "in Ubud" when they are more likely to actually be located in one of the surrounding villages that make up the greater Ubud.

Due to its location 600 meters above sea level, Ubud enjoys somewhat cooler temperatures than the coast (sometimes necessary to bring a pullover for the evening), although the midday sun can still be scorching, and the humidity usually relentless.

[edit] Orientation

Orienting yourself in Ubud is fairly straightforward. The town sprawls for several kilometres in all directions, with all of the small villages within a 5km radius of the central market being loosely referred to as "Ubud." If you choose a reasonably central place to stay, it is easy enough to get around on foot.

Central Ubud has three main streets: Jl. Raya Ubud (the main road) Ubud), Jl. Monkey Forest and Jl. Hanoman. At the intersection of Jl. Raya and Jl. Monkey Forest is the Ubud Market, the Ubud Palace and the main bemo stop.

Jl. Monkey Forest which runs south through town to the Monkey Forest is the most built up area and home to a wide array of accommodation, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and cafes as well a number of local services (schools, sports field, pharmacies, travel agents, etc). Jl. Hanoman, which runs parallel to Jl. Monkey Forest, is a bit quieter and makes for more pleasant walking.

To the immediate west and northwest are the villages of Campuhan and Kedewatan, home to some of the most upmarket hotels in the whole of Bali with views over the valleys sculpted by the the Ayung and Wos rivers.

Directly to the south, past the Monkey Forest and still within a half hour walk of the central market, is Padang Tegal which then runs into the southern villages of Nyuh Kuning and Pengosekan, about 3 km from central Ubud. Directly to the east is the village of Peliatan and then Teges and Bedulu, home of Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave).

[edit] Get in

Ubud is 43 km from Kuta and 30 km from Denpasar. Normal driving time from Seminyak is 45 mins to 1 hour.

[edit] By plane

There are pre-paid taxis from Denpasar's Ngurah Rai airport. Check current prices on the notice board in the taxi office just outside the arrivals hall.

[edit] By bemo

There are regular public bemos from Denpasar's Batubulan terminal to Ubud.

[edit] By taxi

If you want to take a taxi from southern Bali, it's best to charter the vehicle for a return trip, otherwise, you'll be hit with a 30% fee for going out-of-town. Metered fares, one-way not including surcharge, are around Rp 100,000 from Denpasar and Rp 200,000 from Kuta.

[edit] By bus

Perama [1] offers regular direct transfers to Ubud from Ngurah Rai airport, Sanur, Lovina, Candidasa and Padang Bai. These are convenient and inexpensive (Eg: four times per day from Ngurah Rai Airport, Rp 30,000). Rather less conveniently, the Perama terminal is not located right in the centre of Ubud but about 2 km south of the town centre in Padang Tegal (on Jl. Hanoman just south of the intersection of Monkey Forest Rd).

[edit] Get around

Central Ubud can be covered on foot but you will need some form of transport to explore the extended vicinity. On the main streets you wil find plenty of people offering "transport". Prepare to bargain hard, but always keep in mind the bargaining rules: start low, end with a smile, and enjoy the interaction.

It also should be noted that sidewalks throughout Bali are narrow which can make for uncomfortable single-file walking as traffic screams past. Ubud is generally quieter and the streets calmer than the more urbanised parts of Bali. So whilst traffic is slower than in downtown Kuta for example, the sidewalks are often blocked by motorbikes or a collapsed section necessitates a step off the sidewalk potentially placing you in the path of traffic. That traffic could be a tricycle or a truck, so keep your wits about you.

[edit] By bemo

Bemos are the local minibus transport and visitors should expect to pay about double the local price. Bemos are rented by the driver for the day and he gets a cut of the takings so do treat your driver well, and expect the same in return.

[edit] By taxi

Metered taxis are not permitted to pick up passengers in Ubud and any you see will be dropping off passengers from further afield.

[edit] By local car

Most local transport comes in the form of Toyota Kijang SUVs or minivans that can be hired (with driver) for specific trips. Look for the circular yellow "E" logo on the windshield certifying them as Ubud Transport Association members. You can (and should) haggle a bit over the price and be able to pay less than for the equivalent journey in a metered taxi. A short trip is about Rp 20,000 and drivers will be glad to wait for you for a return fare. Also, any guy with a motorbike is implicitly in the transport business and bike rides are about half the price of a passenger vehicle.

[edit] By hotel car

Ubud encompasses a number of neighbouring villages and many hotels are happy to offer a complimentary drop-off and pickup service to central Ubud. Expect to pay taxi prices if you are intending to go further.

[edit] By motorbike

As elsewhwere in Bali, motorbike rental is widely available and you will not be short of options. xpect to pay between Rp 50,000 and 80,00 per day.

[edit] By bicycle

You can rent bicycles for about Rp 20,000 a day. There is a large selection available at the corner of the football field on Jl Monkey Forest.

[edit][add listing] See

• Bali Bird Park, Jl Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir, Singapadu, ☎ +62 361 299352 (sales@bali-bird-park.com), [2]. 9.30AM to 5.30PM daily. A splendid two hectare aviary park with more than 250 species of birds in well thought out, attractive enclosures. The park has an enlightened, modern attitude to exhibiting animals and this is obvious from the very open, walk-in aviaries and the number of free range birds throughout the park. Also has a notably good cafe. One of Bali's best formal attractions. Adults US$ 21, children US$ 10.  edit

• Botanic Garden, Kutuh Kaja (on the road to Kutuh Kaja village which runs north from Jl Raya Ubud close to BCA Bank), [3]. The recently opened Botanic Garden is a wonderful way to spend a few hours walking around and exploring the valley that it fills. It is best to go in the morning and avoid the afternoon heat.  edit

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Bedulu nr Gianyar

• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Bedulu village nr Gianyar. The centerpiece here is a cave dating back to the 11th century, the entrance to which is an ornately carved demon's mouth. Inside are some fragmentary lingam and yoni statues, as well as a statue of Ganesha. Large carved guards stand around pools near the entrance. Other part of the Goa Gajah complex werre not excavated until the 1950s. Nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A little path leads to a waterfall, rice fields and some Buddhist stupa fragments.  edit

Gunung Kawi, Tampaksiring

• Gunung Kawi (Poet Mountain), Tampaksiring (18 km northeast from Ubud). Dating from the 11th century, this is presumed to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his many wives. Reached by climbing down 371 steps, the location at the bottom of a steep valley lined with paddy fields is stunning. The smaller complex on the south side of the river is presumed to have been built for the king's wives, while the larger complex is thought to have been the residence of the King himself and perhaps his concubines. You must take off your shoes before entering into the central pura complex. About one km downstream there are further tomb cloisters. On the way back up, take a break at Cafe Kawi which has cold drinks (Rp 10,000 & up) and fresh breezes (free). Entrance fee is Rp. 6000, sarong is rented for free.  edit

• Monkey Forest, Jl Monkey Forest, Ubud, ☎ +62 361 971304 (info@monkeyforestubud.com), [4]. A sacred forest full of ravenous monkeys, so don't bring any food or risk bites and rabies injections. Stroll through to find Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, a temple of the dead. A visit to the very informative website beforehand is highly recommended.  edit

• Pura Kehen (Kehen Temple), Jl Sriwijaya, Bangli (just north of Bangli town centre which itself is about 30 minutes north east from Ubud). 8AM to 5PM daily. One of the most attractive temples in the whole of Bali and as it is slightly off the beaten path, one which recieves relatively few visitors. The temple was founded in 1206 and has an specially impressive 11-tiered Meru in the inner courtyard. When you vist here take a little extra time to look around Bangli. It is a quiet and attractive market town. Rp 6,000.  edit

Hot springs at Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring

• Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring (20 km northeast from Ubud). One of the holiest temples in Bali built around hot springs that still bubble in the central courtyard. The Balinese come here to bathe and purify themselves physically and spiritually, and during Galungan the sacred barong masks are bathed here. The complex dates to 960, but the present buildings are all modern reconstructions. Rp 6,000.  edit

• Yeh Pulu, Banjar Batulumbang, Bedulu nr Gianyar (turn off the Ubud to Gianyar main road about 400 metres east of the entrance to the Goa Gajah complex. Drive through Banjar Batulumbang until the road comes to an end. For here walk down the track). This complex of rock carvings is close to Goa Gajah but far less well known. The carvings date from the 14th or 15th century and are in a very attractive rice field setting. You can reach Yeh Pulu on foot through the rice fields from Goa Gajah but you will definitely need a guide for the 45 minute walk as there is no path to speak of. As well as the carvings there is a holy well here and the attendant priest will be happy to bless you with the well water. Temple dress code applies here. This is a much under-rated and under-visited site and is highly recommended. Rp 6,000.  edit

[edit] Museums and Galleries

• Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), Jl Pengosekan, ☎ +62 361 975742 (info@armamuseum.com), [5]. 9AM to 5PM. Showcases works by well known Balinese artists as well as international artists who made Bali their home such as Walter Spies, Adrian Jean Le Mayeur, Rudolph Bonnet and Arie Smit. The only painting in Bali by renowned Javanese artist Radan Saleh is exhibited here. Also run workshops in 13 different areas of Balinese art and culture. Rp 25,000.  edit

• Museum Puri Lukisan (Museum of Fine Arts), Jln Raya, Ubud (on the main road just west of the market), (info@mpl-ubud.com), [6]. 8AM to 4PM daily. The first private museum in Bali which opened in 1954. Three buildings showcasing traditional and modern Balinese art. The displays are a little musty and English labeling is a little spotty, but some of the works, particularly the carvings, are quite amazing. Exhibits by noted artists I Gusti Nyoman Lempad and Rudolph Bonnet, amongst others. Rp 20,000.  edit

• Museum Rudana, Jl Cok Rai Pudak 44, ☎ +62 361 975779 (rudana@senatorrudana.com), [7]. Run by its owner and sole artist Nyoman Rudana.  edit

• Neka Art Museum, Jl Raya Campuhan, Kedewatan, ☎ +62 361 975074 (info@museumneka.com), [8]. Monday to Saturday 9AM to 5PM, Sunday Noon to 5PM. This museum houses perhaps the most important art collection in the whole of Bali. No less than six pavilions house the various collections which include dedicated rooms for artists Arie Smit and I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. Rp 20,000.  edit

• Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women, Jl Sriwedari 2B, ☎ +62 361 975485, [9]. The Seniwati Gallery features art by women; "Seni" is Indonesian for "art" and "Wati" means "women".  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

As a centre of the arts, Ubud has dance and shadow puppet performances every night.

There are also plenty of spas for resynchronizing your healing chakras.

[edit] Cultural performances

Puram Dalem dance performance

• Barong Dance, Batubulan (about 15 minutes south of Ubud of the main road to Sanur). A Barong dance performance takes place here every day at 9:30AM and lasts about an hour. It is very much a performance for tourists and story is of the never-ending battle between good and evil. There is actually not much dancing and a lot of talking in this performance. While buying a ticket, you will get a description (aka libretto) of what will be performed. Rp 50,000.  edit

• Pura Dalem, Jl Raya Ubud. One of the best kecak performances in Ubud every Friday and Monday evening. Staged in beautiful surroundings outside under the banyan trees and followed by a fire dance. Rp 50,000.  edit

• Puri Saren & Puri Saraswati (just east of Jl Monkey Forest), Jl Raya Ubud. Smack dab in the centre of town, dance performances are staged here almost nightly. Rp 50,000 +.  edit

Legong dance performance

[edit] Spas

• Bali Healing, Jl Hanoman 43, Padang Tegal, ☎ +62 361'' 7911104. This six-bed massage shop is incredible. Even for the experienced massage consumer, this is an experience. A one-hour massage is Rp 60,000. For an extra treat try the the Magic Warm Stone Massage for Rp 100,000 or in combination with stone and lomi lomiSeveral other deep tissue and reflexology treatments are available from Ni Made Suweti and her skilled team.  edit

• Bodyworks Healing Centre, Jl Hanoman 25, ☎ 62 361 975720, [10]. Ubud Bodyworks Healing Centre was founded by Ketut Arsana 25 years ago and was the very such establishment in Ubud. Still the home of Ketut Arsana, this family compound was already a place where many Balinese people would come for healing before the tourists arrived.  edit

• Padma Hastaa Spa, Jl Monkey Forest, ☎ +62 081 23986311. This place offers a 3 1/2 hour spa treatment including milk bath, facial, body scrub, body massage and hair treatment and is a good way to spend an afternoon. Rp 205,000..  edit

• Pertenin Body Care, Jl Jatayu, ☎ +62 361 972 834, [11]. Facial treatments and massage in a relaxing modern environment, allows the custmer to select oils and herbs for the treatment themselves. Pretty competent staff. Rp 85000/hour, free pick-up.  edit

• SANg Spa, Jl Jembawan 29B (at the bend on the south part of Jl. Jembawan, walk down a small sidestreet.), ☎ +62 361 8631816, [12]. 9AM to 9PM. A small full-service day spa owned and run by a young couple named Ngurah and Asti. Their location is simple and secluded but very clean and nicely decorated. Very professional staff and affordable also.  edit

• Ubud Sari Health Resort, Jl Kajeng 35, ☎ +62 361 974393, [13]. A resort with emphasis on Balinese-style healing therapy, offers an alternative health care, spa, beauty salon, health massage, vegetarian restaurant, yoga, wedding package.  edit

• Verona Spa, Jl Monkey Forest (at the end of the alley by Yulia Hotel), ☎ +62 361 970975, [14]. Verona offers individual or couples rooms that open onto a rice terrace yet remain private because of strategically placed plants and greenery. Go for the 4-hour package called the Verona Spa Experience, complete with a massage, body scrub, flower bath, facial, manicure, pedicure and the most divine hair creme bath (not to be missed if you like having your head massaged) Rp 330,000.  edit

[edit] Yoga and Meditation

• Taman Hati Yoga and Meditation Center, Banjar Nyuh Kuning, ☎ +62 361 974739 (tamanhati2000@yahoo.com).  edit
• The Yoga Barn, Padangtegal, [15]. Lovely yoga centre with a range of classes, and excellent set of teachers mostly in the ashtanga/vinnyasa school... upper studio has great views of surrounding terraces  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

Inside Ubud Market

Ubud has a vast assortment of art and jewelry shops. Head for boutiques for higher quality (and higher prices), or down to the market for bulk-produced cheapies.

[edit] Ubud Market

Located at the corner of Jl Monkey Forest and Jl Raya Ubud. A two-story warren of stalls bursting at the seams with wood carvings, batik shirts, sarongs and anything else a tourist could possibly want as souvenirs. The merchants here haggle with tourists for a living and think nothing of asking for ten times the going price, so try to establish a baseline before you go in and buy. Most of the merchants downstairs will lose interest if you try to get a reasonable price. It is better to try the shops upstairs where you will find the same products often for sell at lower prices. You will still need to use your bargaining skills of course. Try to avoid busy lunchtimes when the tour buses arrive.

If hiring a car for a day, it is worth to make a stop in the art markets of Sukawati and/or Tegallalang. Here you will find the wholesalers from whom the market merchants buy their products. Prices are usually lower and you do not need to bargain so much.

[edit] Craft villages between Sanur and Ubud

The road to Ubud from the south passes a series of small towns and villages which specialize in the production of particular arts and crafts. The towns are Batubulan/Singakerta for stone carvings, Celuk for silver jewelry, Batuan for paintings and Mas for wood carvings. The whole area is sometimes referred to as the "craft villages" of Bali, though the area is a bit more built-up and congested than one might infer from the term "village." It is the best area to see and buy a wide variety of the best Balinese craft work in a short period of time. There are many large showrooms where arts and crafts in the Balinese style are offered for sale. Nearly all organized day-tours of central Bali stop at one or more of these showrooms (and the tour operators usually have a financial tie-up with the places where they stop, collecting a commission on purchases.) Even individual taxi drivers have their preferred stops.

[edit] Other Shops & Markets

• Ganesha Bookstore, Jl Raya, (info@ganeshabooksbali.com), [16]. The best second hand bookstore in Bali bar none. Also has great range of new books about Bali and Indonesia. Been around since 1986 and now has a second branch in Seminyak.  edit

• Murni's Warung Shop, Campuhan (At Murni's Restaurant right by the Campuhan bridge), ☎ +62 361 972146, [17]. 8AM-10PM. Murni collects things and exhibits abroad. When she looks around her home and finds too many things, she puts them in her shop. Whether you're looking for antiques, collectibles or a special Balinese gift, there is a good chance you'll find it in Murni's collection.  edit

• Sukawati Art Market, Sukawati town (just after Celuk if coming from the south). This huge market is like a one-stop centee for all the craft villages between Sanur and Ubud, except maybe for the huge stone carvings. Many souvenir shop owners from around Bali purchase their items here and prices are considerably lower than in the tourist centers like Kuta, Sanur and Ubud town. For a taste of every-day, go to the food and produce market opposite the art market.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

• Warung Igelanc (Iggy's), Jl. Raya Ubud, ☎ +62 81 58943251. Cheap and cheerful Indonesian favorites like nasi campur, fried rice and noodles, plus (this being Ubud) a range of herbal drinks, such as Ginger Jive.  edit

• Dewa Warung, Jl. Gootama. Dewa's is one of the best and cheapest places to eat in town; serves all the usual Balinese dishes. The most expensive item on the menu is the Cashew Ginger Chicken at Rp 15,000. Be sure to say hello to Ibu Dewa.  edit

• Warung Lada, Jl. Hanoman. Choose from the various Indonesian side dishes (nasi campur-style) that are displayed behind the counter. You can pick as many dishes as you like as you pay for each serving. A full plate is around Rp 25.000 including a fresh fruit juice. Be on time for lunch because it is usually packed.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Cafe des Artistes, (located in Jalan Bisma), ☎ +62 361 972706. Every day from 11AM till Midnight.. his Belgian-owned eatery serves delicious Indonesian dishes as well as a vast array of International classics. Famous for their grilled Tenderloin steaks, the place is always crowded with expats, locals and tourists alike. Extensive winelist, cocktails, belgian beers and homemade desserts. Free Wi-Fi from 11AM till 6PM. To make sure you get a table for dinner, call ahead  edit

• Ibu Oka Warung Babi Guling, Jl. Suweta (Located behind Ubud's banjar, just north of the Jl Raya Ubud-Jl Suweta-Monkey Forest Road crossroads in the middle of Ubud town.). Eating at Ibu Oka is the ultimate Bali culinary experience. The babi guling (spit-roasted pig) is almost world-famous and for regular pork lovers. This humble eating place is virtually a place of pilgrimage. Ibu Oka's deliciously flavoured spicy roast pork (as well as many other parts of the pig) is served on top of white rice. Order the special (Rp25,000) and you get a bit of everything. There are normal tables and chairs but you can also sit on the floor at low tables inside the bale (pavillion). Ibu Oka also has a branch in Mas (Tel: +62 361 976345) on the main Teges-Sukawati road, which makes it on the way between Ubud and the airport. Unlike the one in Ubud town, this outlet is a two-story restaurant which is spotless, airy and comfortable. And the food comes at no extra cost. From Rp. 25,000.  edit

• Warung Aja, Monkey Forest Road (About halfway between the Monkey Forest Road-Jl Raya Ubud intersection and Monkey Forest. The warung is set back away from the road, on the right side if heading south towards Monkey Forest.), ☎ +62 361 973398. 9AM to late. Cosy and friendly, Warung Aja is run by a couple from Java and is a good place to sample Indonesian food from Java, such as nasi rawon, nasi kuning and pecel. There are also the usual Balinese food items on the menu like sate lilit and duck. Meals from Rp26,000.  edit

• Murni's Warung, Campuan_ubud (By Campuan Bridge over the river), ☎ +62 361 975233, [18]. 8AM-10PM. In 1974, Murni opened Ubud's first restaurant and since then thousands of people have enjoyed her food and hospitality. It's an institution. Today, Murni's Warung has four open-air levels that step down the steep hillside overlooking the river and it is still Ubud's most popular restaurant. Free WiFi.  edit

• Casa Luna, Jalan Raya Ubud, ☎ +62 361 973282, [19]. Western and local dishes, sometimes falling somewhere in between.  edit

• Dragonfly, Jl. Dewi Sita (off Jl. Monkey Forest at football field), ☎ +62 361 972973, [20]. Opened in 2006, this conveniently located restaurant offers fusionesque "West-East" eats, traditional Indonesian fare, and even a few Mexican dishes. It also has free WiFi.  edit

• Naughty Nuri's Warung and Grill, Jl. Raya Sangiggan (opposite the Neka Art Museum half way up the hill heading north out of Ubud), ☎ +62 361 977547. laidback roadside watering hole that is a favorite of local expats. Microbrews, great martinis, and possibly the best large slabs of BBQ ribs in South East Asia! Main courses Rp.15,000 - Rp.60,00.  edit

• Nomad, Jl. Raya Ubud 35 (Ubud Main Road), ☎ +62 361 977169, [21]. A long-steanding institution that serves up a good selection of Balinese, Indonesian and Western dishes, but deservedly popular is their "tapas" selection, consisting of bite-sized portions of local flavors. 12 tapas with rice costs Rp. 60,000 and feeds two. Also, they serve wide-range of cocktails and spirits.  edit

• Tutmak, Jl. Dewi Sita (next to the football field), ☎ +62 361 975754. A favorite with the expat crowd, Tutmak offers an international menu and an extensive selection of coffees.  edit

• Batan Waru, Jl. Dewi Sita. Amazing Balinese and Indonesian food in a great space with colonial accents. Indoor and outdoor seating. Great coffee and desserts also available.  edit

• Babyface Resturant, Jl. Monkey Forest road. Simple two-story building with a wide choice of food (starting at Rp. 30,000 for mains)including indonesian and japanease ome rice (stands for 'one hungry man size, interesting but rather large). This restaurant also has free wifi and lovely staff. The downstairs has more of a restaurant feel but upstairs is more of a lounge, where you can relax and use internet on your laptop. Wifi is free, but if you need to use electricity, the first 20 mins free then Rp. 200 rp a min after that.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Bebek Bengil, Hanoman Rd. Bebek Bengil (Balinese for Dirty Duck) is an interesting restaurant with paddy field view and nice gardens. They are famous for their crispy fried duck, and some European based menu items. They have interesting selections of cakes as well. Expect to spend Rp. 100,000 per head. The fried duck dish is about Rp. 56,000, but for this, you get 1/2 a duck with the trimmings, either sauted potatoes and salad or steamed rice and Indonesian vegetables.  edit

• CasCades Restaurant, Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi, ☎ +62 361 972111, [22]. Classical French food made with local ingredients. Dishes include Un Petit Jésus Dans Une Culotte de Velours (pan-fried duck liver on onion, date compote with passionfruit sorbet). Expect to pay about Rp.400,000 per person..  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Ubud has quite a few hip places for a quiet drink but the strictly enforced regulation that all live performances and loud music must end by 10:30PM puts a bit of a clamp on the local nightlife.

• Ary's Warung, Jalan Raya Ubud 35 (opposite Puri Saraswati), ☎ +62 361 975959, [23]. Don't be fooled by the name, this is a stylish watering hole with a large bar downstairs, complete with sofas and cow-leather bar stools, and a rather less busy restaurant upstairs. Drinks are expensive but generously sized.  edit

• Jazz Cafe, Jalan Sukma No. 2, Tebesaya, [24]. Jazz bar with live bands nightly. A limited food menu and a good selction of selection drinks (Rp 50,000 and up). Cover charge Rp 20,000.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Ubud has a vast selection of lodging for all budgets. Many visitors prefer to stay out in the countryside instead of in the town center, ideally with views of the famous rice terraces, but this can make it difficult to get around.

[edit] Budget

Ubud has many homestays which are the cheapest form of lodging and a good way to meet the locals.

• Dewa Bungalows, 48 Jalan Hanuman, Pedangtegal. Lovely family compound close to the center of town, currently has 8 rooms but expanding to double that soon. Family-run and gracious it has nice little slate pool perfect for noon time dips. Prices range from Rp.90,000-150,00.  edit

• Dewi Antara Homestay, Jalan Sugriwa, Padang Tegal, ☎ +62 361 976072. A Balinese family homestay. Quiet and clean bungalows. The father participates in nighttime activities, so it's fun to watch him in traditional dress. The son will happily give you a ride on his motorbike for free, if you exchange a little English with him. Breakfast included.  edit

• Family Guest House, Banjar Tebesaya 39 Ubud, ☎ +62 361'' 974054 (familyhouse@telkom.net). The superfriendly, devout Hindu family makes you feel right at home. Rooms are placed in a lovely compound and includes a good breakfast.  edit

• Jati Home Stay, Jalan Hanoman, Padang Tegal, ☎ +62 361'' 977701, [25]. Located in the traditional art community of Padang Tegal, Jati has a unique home stay experience. The beautiful facilities are designed with natural, traditional materials of bamboo, marble and thatched roofs.You will feel the atmosphere of art and culture as all members of Jati's family are traditional Balinese artists. You can learn traditional Balinese painting and watch a group of children practice Balinese dancing.  edit

• Ketut and Geks House, Bona, Gianyar Bali (20 minute southeast of Ubud), ☎ +62 361 94583 (ketut@ketutandgekshouse.com), [26]. Nice and cheap place to stay in rural Bali. with cold and hot shower, overlooking rice terrace. long or short stay. Rp.57,000/day with breakfast.  edit

• Mawar Homestay (Jl.Raya Ubud), (On Ubud's main road), (mawarfamily@gmail.com), [27]. Located in the heart of Ubud, only 15 minutes walk from Monkey Forest and 5 minutes walk from Ubud Center,Ubud Traditional Market,approximately 300 meters west of Ubud Palace. Currently has 10 rooms. Room Facilities include: bathroom with hot and cold water and ceiling fans.Breakfast included.  edit

• Melati Cottages, Jl Penestanan Ubud, ☎ +62 361 974650 (melaticottages@hotmail.com). Quack like a classic Ubud rice field duck as you stroll out to these traditional style rooms set around a cafe by a pool. You can walk in from north or south. After dark, listen to nature's night music wafting in from the fields.  edit

• Narasoma Homestay, Gang Beji off Jalan Monkey Forest, ☎ +62 361'' 973404, [28]. Just down a little lane off busy Jalan Monkey Forest, Narasoma is a family home and accommodation surrounded by coconut palms. Nyoman and Charlotte welcome you into their family to experience a Balinese compound setting with exquisitely carved traditional buildings. From the top floor, you will be able to see the sacred mountains to the west of Bali and on a clear day see Mount Agung to the East. Rooms are clean and airy and breakfast is included. A deluxe Balinese Honeymoon suite will be opened soon with a/c. Seasonal Rate start at around Rp.400,000 per night Breakfast included. Rp.140,000-170,000.  edit

• Rumah Roda Homestay and Restaurant, (Jalan Kajeng 24 Ubud), ☎ +62 361 975487, [29]. vely family compound with rooms. The restaurant is also a treat, catch the Sunday evening buffet. The book A Little Bit One O'Clock is about this place and family.  edit

• Shana Homestay, Jl Gautama No 7 Padang Tegal (Very close to the traditional & art market and Nomad restaurant), ☎ +62 361 97481. Shana is a place where you feel stay in Balinese family. You wake up in a serene garden-like bangalow with breakfast ready and greetings from all the family members. Total of 3 bungalows, each comes with 2 beds for 3 persons. from Rp.57,000, Breakfast included.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Bali T house village, Lodtunduh Tel, ☎ +62 812 3932000, [30]. Absolutely stunning 1-3 bedroom private villas in a traditional rice farming and carving village only 5 minutes from central Ubud. Daily maid and breakfast service included. Beautiful shared pool with rice-field views. Unlike many other Balinese complexes, the unique Bali T Houses offers visitors the chance to stay in an environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable compound, which is also part of Balinese village life and culture Villas Rp.400,000-600,000, including breakfast.  edit

• Oka Kartini, Jl. Raya Ubud 35 (just across the bridge in Peliatan, east of Ubud town center), ☎ 62 361 975759, [31]. Quirky old Balinese house complex on the edge of town, the rooms here are a bit long in tooth but decorated with more carvings and gold paint than the average temple. Friendly staff watched over by the remarkable lady Oka Kartini herself, large art gallery, small but pleasant garden pool, shadow puppet shows three days a week(separate charge). Fan/AC rooms Rp.340,000-511,000, including breakfast..  edit

• Taman Indrakila, Jl.Raya Sanggingan, ☎ +62 361 975017, [32]. Taman Indrakila offers peace and tranquility in abundance. A boutique hotel situated high above the Campuhan River Valley on the outskirts of the artistic and cultural community of Ubud. Rooms at Taman Indrakila are simply decorated and all have their own terrace  edit

• Ubud, Jalan Hanoman 888, Padang Tega (just behind Zen Spa in a laneway off Hanoman Road), (ubudaura@gmail.com). Accommodation with yoga studio for retreat groups, 14 rooms with yoga studio and swimming pool and rice field surroundings, close to Ubud Centre, .  edit

• Padi Prada Ubud, Raya Monkey Forest, ☎ 62 361 8528521, [33]. Five Balinese-style villas. Restaurant, pool, pa, Jacuzzi and a Rice Bale with an unobstructed view facing the surrounding valley and terraced rice paddies.  edit

• Puri Asri Villa & Spa, Jln. Nyuh Bulan, Nyuh Kuning Village, ☎ +62 361 972550, [34]. Budget villas and accommodation based in Ubud. Located off the main roads, but they offer a couple scheduled shuttle rides to Monkey Forest Rd and back each day. Also within walking distance if you cut through Monkey Forest Park. Villas offer spacious sleeping rooms, A/C, bath and shower (including outdoor showers), patio, and breakfast delivered to your room each morning if you so choose. Great value for money, but take cash as their credit card facilities don't always work. Rp 500,000 including breakfast.  edit

• Sri Bungalows, Jl. Monkey Forest Road, ☎ +62 361 8528521, [35]. Centrally located with 16 bright bungalow-style rooms tucked into lush gardens. It's only about 50 meters from the busy road, but it's very quiet except for the singing of birds. The rooms are simple, but nice. They have bamboo furniture, western toilets and hot water. There's a large pool in the back, and rice paddies beyond the pool. An internet cafe is also on the premises. Fan/AC rooms Rp.280,000-400,000 including breakfast.  edit

• Ubud Terrace, Jl. Monkey Forest Road (About 15 minutes south of the Monkey Forest Road-Jl. Raya Ubud crossroads), ☎ +62 361 975690. Recently has had refurbishment so all rooms are very nice. Breakfast included and has nice swimming pool. Has very friendly staff and you can book all sorts of tours and shuttle buses from reception. Rooms start at Rp.150,000 (fan-cooled) while Rp.250,000 will get you a/c, hot and cold water in a very large room..  edit

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Resorts

• Amori Villa, Bj. Dukuh, Pejeng Kawan, ☎ +62 81 23896114, [36]. Amori Villa is a boutique luxury spa resort situated on the Petanu River valley. It was built and opened in June 2009 with the cooperation of the local banjar. Amori offers just 5 private suites with indoor/outdoor bathrooms, satellite TV, king beds, free broadband internet access plus shared facilities of the infinity pool, lounge/dining, etc. from US$ 210. (8.516907,115.280437) edit

• Como Shambhala Estate (formerly Begawan Giri), [37]. Formerly the Begawan Giri Estate, this is one of Bali's most expensive places to stay and more a collection of villas than an ordinary hotels. Fifteen minutes north of Ubud, close to Payangan. US$ 300 to 4,000.  edit

• Maya Ubud, Jalan Gunung Sari, Peliatan (about 5 minutes east of Ubud town centre), ☎ +62 361 977888, [38]. Ten hectares of land with fine villas, excellent spa and good restaurant. Architecturally, a most impressive resort. Free shuttle to centre of Ubud and two free form pools  edit

• Nandini Bali Jungle Resort and Spa, Br. Susut, Desa Buahan, Payangan (15 to 20 minutes north of Ubud), ☎ 62 361 982777, [39]. The 18 rooms at the Nandini Bali Jungle Resort and Spa Ubud are designed as separate chalets. All have panoramic views of the forest valley. Balconies grant guests the opportunity to absorb the surrounding jungle's canopy, while inside the rooms, amenities are functional and straight-forward. from Rp 1,900,000.  edit

• The Payangan Hideaway, Dusun Selasih, Desa Puhu, Kecamatan Payangan, Ubud (20 minutes north of Ubud), ☎ +62 361 7462267, [40]. The payangan hideaway villas just above the Ayung River. 6 villas (2 Cempaka type,2 Padma type and 2 Jepun type rooms)and 2 Heliconia rooms. Cempaka rooms have own private pool. Gondola lift for room to room access US$ 350 to 650.  edit

• Pita Maha Resort and Spa, ☎ +62 361 974330, [41]. Hillside resort with 24 villas. Pool, spa. Rates start at Rp.11,700,000.  edit

• Puri Wulandari, Kedewatan, ☎ +62 361 980252, [42]. Hidden under Bali blue skies, lush green paddies, and distant sound of aged-old traditions,Puri Wulandari was especially designed for private comfort and absolute romance.  edit

• Santi Mandala Villa and Spa, Banjar Bucuan, Desa Batuan. Located on the southern outskirts of Ubud, the resort has a spa centre, poolside sunken bar and large private villas from Rp 1,400,000.  edit

• Ubud Hanging Gardens, Payangan (about 25 minutes north of Ubud), ☎ +62 361 982700, [43]. Strikingly set with dramatic views over the Ayung River gorge. Two funicular lifts connect the reception to the river gorge and to the pool villas. Built in contemporary Balinese style, each villa uses local furnishing and thatched roofs. Each villa has its own heated infinity-edged pool. An Orient Express hotel.  edit

• The Viceroy Bali, Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi, Ubud. The Viceroy Bali is a luxury resort situated 10 min by car from the center of Ubud and offers private villas with pools, satellite TV, bath, shower, king beds, free broadband internet access and helicopter transfers from US$ 900.  edit

• Wakanamya Resort and Spa, Penestanan, Ubud, ☎ +62 361 975719 (info@wakanamya.com), [44]. Resort in the "painters' village" of Penestanan, built in traditional Balinese style  edit

[edit] Private villas

The following are private, individual villas which only take a single group of customers at a time.

• Agung Khalia Villa, Banjar Sala, Ubud-Pejeng, [45]. Luxury 3 bedroom villa with panoramic rice field and Mount Agung views. Private pool, wonderful staff, and excellent service. Only 10 minutes from central Ubud. Rp 1,500,00 to 2,000,000.  edit

• Villa di Abing, [46]. Villa di Abing is a 3-story, 3-bedroom, fully-staffed, luxury villa, in Central Ubud, offering bed & breakfast. Riverside pool, jungle views, villa is within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.  edit

• Villa Vajra, [47]. A 3 bedroom villa located right in the heart of Ubud. Rp 5,100,000 to 6,400,000.  edit

[edit] Get out

Ubud is well located for moving on to other areas of Bali. If you are moving east, the road to Candidasa and beyond via Klungkung is often busy with trucks, but a nice drive nonetheless. Back to Kuta will take about 45 minutes by car and north to Lovina via Bedugul about 2 hours.

Perama [48] offers regular direct scheduled bus services from Ubud to many locations. There are also other regular scheduled shuttle bus services to Kuta which you will see advertised all over town. Book one day ahead if you can.

• Bedugul has a traditional fruit market, botanical garden and the Ulun Danu Bratan temple, about 1 hour north by car.

• The region around Tabanan has Mount Batukaru and the Batukaru Temple, as well as the rice fields around Jati Luwih, about 1 hour north by car.

• Lovina is an easy-going black-sand beach, about 2 hours north by car.