The charm of nature and the mystical aura of Ubud may already be famous. The Hollywood movie “Eat, Pray, Love” starring Julia Roberts was filmed in a location in Ubud! Escape from the stresses of the daily grind; there’s so much to enjoy at one of Bali’s best holiday destination.
1. What to do in Ubud
Being in Ubud takes you to a journey of natural beauty and of the many Ubud attractions, Guwang Beji Hidden Canyon is a hidden paradise. The layers of rock are dazzling under sunlight and a river runs between the cliffs. Tucked away in a thick forest, it almost feels like you’re transported to a different world.
Spend a refreshing day at Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the most visited natural waterfalls in Bali, and watch the fog roll in in the early morning for a cool photo opportunity. An artificial waterfall but no less impressive is Kanto Lampo Waterfall that was formed after the local irrigation channel of the local Beng village collapsed, creating a rock wall with cascading water.
Visit one of the historic relics in Bali, Goa Gajah or elephant cave that was once used by Buddhist monks in the 13th century. The ruins of stone buildings and sculptures scattered here evoke a sacred atmosphere.
A popular attraction in Ubud is Monkey Forest Ubud, home to about 100 wild monkeys in a protected forest area of more than 27 hectares. You can even feed the monkeys here; just purchase bananas at the entrance or bring your own!
Grab a couple of Bali’s handicraft or unique cloth at Sukawati market which has a complete range of art goods you can buy for yourself or as souvenirs! Remember to bargain and you might just get yourself a great deal.
After watching a sunset at Subak Sok Wayah facing a gorgeous rice field landscape, some of the best things to do in Ubud at night is listening to live bands at The Laughing Buddha Bar or catching a cultural performance at Ubud Royal Palace.
After a tiring day exploring Ubud, why not put your feet up and relax in a true Balinese spa experience? Award-winning spa, Fivelements, provides authentic treatments by local masseuses and therapists, including a full body reflexology to correct imbalance and chakra balancing to revitalize the body. Amandari Ubud has open-air rooms with large bathtubs and signature massages which combine a delicate Balinese hand massage, acupressure and Swedish massage techniques. Como Shambhala Estate Bali is named one of the best spa in Ubud and is a traditional house with luxurious rooms, a swimming pool and a spa.
2. Best places to stay in Ubud
From luxury villas to traditional huts facing nature, some of the best resorts in Ubud allows you to retreat into the comfort of your room after a long day exploring Ubud attractions. Bali Bohemia and Bambu Indah offers unique traditional-style decor, Alam Sari Keliki and Santi Mandala Villa & Spa has expansive hill views, and Atta Mesari Villas and Biyukukung Suites & Spa is surrounded by beautiful green rice fields.
3. How to get to Ubud
There’s no direct public transportation from the airport in Denpasar to Ubud, but take a bus or taxi to Denpasar city and you can hop onto a Kura-Kura bus at T-Galleria (DFS) Bus Bay terminal that has an Ubud-Sanur line going to the major attractions and stops in Ubud. Tickets can be bought at the terminal and costs from 20,000 Rp.
Alternatively grab a Bluebird taxi or pre-book a Grab taxi or hire a car rental service to bring you around. Denpasar to Ubud is about a 45-minute drive.
Canggu to Ubud is about a 50-minute drive and at the moment there is no public transport that takes you from the town in northern Kuta to Ubud.
SGD
