UBUD INFO
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ABOUT UBUD
Famous for its painter's community, Ubud is special in more ways than one. It has its own magic, and its particularly beautiful surroundings and gracious way of life have drawn celebrities and artists from all over the world in recent decades; some have even adopted Ubud as their own home. Ubud is now more than ever in the spotlight due to the famed book by Elizabeth Gilbert and movie "Eat Pray Love". If I have to describe Ubud Bali in one word I would say "idyllic". Despite the large numbers of tourists visiting this little village with streets that are too narrow for touring buses, Ubud has been able to maintain its traditional life. It is the meditation capital of Bali, many people come here purely to recharge their batteries from the fast paced western life, here you just surrender to the energies and let go. Ubud has been voted the top city in SE Asia in January 2010 by the Condé Nast Traveler, it is not hard to see why; everywhere you look is paradise with dense green jungles, myriads of rice fields and beautiful tropical gardens. Here Balinese men and women still place offerings gracefully on the side of the road and on temples; every day you will see many of them riding beautifully dressed on motor scooters to temples and ceremonies while holding colourful woven baskets, sometimes you can witness even up to four on a bike. |
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This is not a village where you should be up and running...the order of the day is to RELAX and live in the NOW. It is more a place where you'll want to stroll around or just sit with a book and watch the colourful and delightful pictures pass by. If you can’t resist some action though, there is the Monkey Forest where you’ll be greeted by the many Macaque monkeys, they are quite friendly but please do not touch them or smile as they take this as a sign of aggression and will bite you. It's a must to visit Ubud markets which is a maze of shops that sell everything a traveller in Bali can imagine…and more.
The village is surrounded by fertile land which has resulted in the beautiful rice field terraces you always find in travel and photo books on Bali. This is also an ideal location to explore the terraces yourself and take beautiful pictures while standing in the middle of the fields. In the past the rice fields and ideal irrigation systems have provided the people with a surplus in rice yields. Many years ago with time to spare the king of Sukawati ordered the rice farmers to dedicate their excess time on paintings for temples and palaces.
From then this unique location has emerged into a painter’s village that has attracted many people, including foreigners who have played their part in forming various painting styles. It is not surprising to see that many artists feel at home in this village considering the mystical and inspiring setting. Today painting still plays an important role in Ubud and around. There are many galleries where painters sell their work. Additionally there are several important art museums that show special paintings that will create even more appreciation for this attractive and unique form of art.
You can continue your cultural adventure in the evening where you can choose from many Balinese performances such as the graceful Legong dance, the cool-looking Kecak-trance dance and the funny Wayang Kulit shadow puppet plays. This is a great way to end your cultural day experience in Ubud Bali followed by a good glass of wine or a local Bintang in one of the many flower garden restaurants.
The village is surrounded by fertile land which has resulted in the beautiful rice field terraces you always find in travel and photo books on Bali. This is also an ideal location to explore the terraces yourself and take beautiful pictures while standing in the middle of the fields. In the past the rice fields and ideal irrigation systems have provided the people with a surplus in rice yields. Many years ago with time to spare the king of Sukawati ordered the rice farmers to dedicate their excess time on paintings for temples and palaces.
From then this unique location has emerged into a painter’s village that has attracted many people, including foreigners who have played their part in forming various painting styles. It is not surprising to see that many artists feel at home in this village considering the mystical and inspiring setting. Today painting still plays an important role in Ubud and around. There are many galleries where painters sell their work. Additionally there are several important art museums that show special paintings that will create even more appreciation for this attractive and unique form of art.
You can continue your cultural adventure in the evening where you can choose from many Balinese performances such as the graceful Legong dance, the cool-looking Kecak-trance dance and the funny Wayang Kulit shadow puppet plays. This is a great way to end your cultural day experience in Ubud Bali followed by a good glass of wine or a local Bintang in one of the many flower garden restaurants.
GETTING AROUND
Ubud is an ideal place to walk around, especially if you check out the small streets and alleys on the side of every road. They lead you to amazing places such as rice fields, river valleys, temples and Balinese living court yards. Ubud Bali has three big main roads which are all one way-streets. So you will definitely drive through them regularly if you are finding your way through Ubud by car, bike or motor scooter. The busiest and one of the longest is the Monkey Forest Road. This road starts in the south when you come into Ubud and ends all the way in the north at the crowded Ubud Market. This street has many shops, restaurants and places to stay. The many small alleys on both sides of the road are passages to tucked away hotels (many cheap homestays), spas and restaurants.
Jalan Raya (the Royal Rd) is a road that crosses Monkey Forest Road in the center of Ubud Bali. To the left, this road leads you to the Campuhan area. Passing down this road about 300 metres you can take a road to the right where you can start a rice field walk that goes on further north of Ubud to the Pyramids of Chi and the enchanting villages of Bentuyung and Kelabang Moding
Another road that you’ll certainly come across is Jalan Hanoman. Like Monkey Forest Road, this street is long and it has many shops, restaurants, hotels and homestays. Going towards Monkey Forest Rd, Jalan Hanoman comes to a fork, the right veers off to Monkey Forest Rd, whilst to the left is still Jalan Hanoman and goes on passing the ARMA museum then becomes Jalan Raya Pengosekan that takes you on to Lutundoh village.
Ubud is relatively small so if you have the time you can easily walk around and see a lot. The streets and footpaths are a little bumpy, occasionally you might find a hole or two or a loose pavement so be careful (Hati Hati) of your footing. However look out for the colourful offerings which are placed along the streets and in front of shops. You can easily crush them with your feet while window shopping which is insulting to the Balinese.
Along Monkey Forest Road there are many bicycle and motor scooter rentals, usually the price drops the longer you rent them. Before you hop on, check the profile of the tyres are still good. It can get quite slippery when it rains. An accident is the last thing you need during your well-deserved holidays...
Everywhere in town you will find many private drivers sitting in the shade of a tree only to jump up when you come in sight. Instantly they will make this driving movement with their hands and at the same time wiggle a little with their body. ‘Transportation or TAXI...?’ is the first thing they say. If you reply with: ‘No thank you...’ ot 'Tidak Teramikasi' (pronounced as 'tear out my car seat'), you can immediately expect the next question ‘How about tomorrow...yes?’ They are harmless but can get on your nerves after passing dozen of them within minutes.
But if you are considering touring around for a day then a private driver is what you need. Check out if you like their car and then bargain for a price that suits you. Usually it is around Rp.600,000 per day (7 hours) including a chatty driver and fuel, also when talking with the driver make sure you can understand him as you will have many questions while touring and he will have a lot he wants to tell you. Some drivers are very proficient with their English and a number also speak other languages such as German, French, and Chinese so take your time to find the right one, do not feel pressured in any way. Asking a few simple questions (such as 'Tell me more about what you can show me?') and listening to their replies will help your decision making.
Ubud is an ideal place to walk around, especially if you check out the small streets and alleys on the side of every road. They lead you to amazing places such as rice fields, river valleys, temples and Balinese living court yards. Ubud Bali has three big main roads which are all one way-streets. So you will definitely drive through them regularly if you are finding your way through Ubud by car, bike or motor scooter. The busiest and one of the longest is the Monkey Forest Road. This road starts in the south when you come into Ubud and ends all the way in the north at the crowded Ubud Market. This street has many shops, restaurants and places to stay. The many small alleys on both sides of the road are passages to tucked away hotels (many cheap homestays), spas and restaurants.
Jalan Raya (the Royal Rd) is a road that crosses Monkey Forest Road in the center of Ubud Bali. To the left, this road leads you to the Campuhan area. Passing down this road about 300 metres you can take a road to the right where you can start a rice field walk that goes on further north of Ubud to the Pyramids of Chi and the enchanting villages of Bentuyung and Kelabang Moding
Another road that you’ll certainly come across is Jalan Hanoman. Like Monkey Forest Road, this street is long and it has many shops, restaurants, hotels and homestays. Going towards Monkey Forest Rd, Jalan Hanoman comes to a fork, the right veers off to Monkey Forest Rd, whilst to the left is still Jalan Hanoman and goes on passing the ARMA museum then becomes Jalan Raya Pengosekan that takes you on to Lutundoh village.
Ubud is relatively small so if you have the time you can easily walk around and see a lot. The streets and footpaths are a little bumpy, occasionally you might find a hole or two or a loose pavement so be careful (Hati Hati) of your footing. However look out for the colourful offerings which are placed along the streets and in front of shops. You can easily crush them with your feet while window shopping which is insulting to the Balinese.
Along Monkey Forest Road there are many bicycle and motor scooter rentals, usually the price drops the longer you rent them. Before you hop on, check the profile of the tyres are still good. It can get quite slippery when it rains. An accident is the last thing you need during your well-deserved holidays...
Everywhere in town you will find many private drivers sitting in the shade of a tree only to jump up when you come in sight. Instantly they will make this driving movement with their hands and at the same time wiggle a little with their body. ‘Transportation or TAXI...?’ is the first thing they say. If you reply with: ‘No thank you...’ ot 'Tidak Teramikasi' (pronounced as 'tear out my car seat'), you can immediately expect the next question ‘How about tomorrow...yes?’ They are harmless but can get on your nerves after passing dozen of them within minutes.
But if you are considering touring around for a day then a private driver is what you need. Check out if you like their car and then bargain for a price that suits you. Usually it is around Rp.600,000 per day (7 hours) including a chatty driver and fuel, also when talking with the driver make sure you can understand him as you will have many questions while touring and he will have a lot he wants to tell you. Some drivers are very proficient with their English and a number also speak other languages such as German, French, and Chinese so take your time to find the right one, do not feel pressured in any way. Asking a few simple questions (such as 'Tell me more about what you can show me?') and listening to their replies will help your decision making.
LOCATIONS & NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
The Post Office is located on Jalan Jembawan on the east-side of Jalan Raya.
The Ubud Clinic, 24H (0361-974911) for most medical issues can be found on the west-side of Jalan Raya before the Campuhan bridge and here bilingual staff are also available.
If you need the Police (0361-975316) you can find them on Jalan Raya Andong in the north-eastern part of Ubud. Close to the traffic lights at the end of Jalan Raya near the huge statue.
The Tourist Office is open from 8am-8pm daily and located on the crossing of Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Raya, just across the Ubud Palace. Here they can offer you some maps, brochures and the monthly issue of Ubud Community with useful articles and a calendar of events.
Foreign Consulates in Bali
The Post Office is located on Jalan Jembawan on the east-side of Jalan Raya.
The Ubud Clinic, 24H (0361-974911) for most medical issues can be found on the west-side of Jalan Raya before the Campuhan bridge and here bilingual staff are also available.
If you need the Police (0361-975316) you can find them on Jalan Raya Andong in the north-eastern part of Ubud. Close to the traffic lights at the end of Jalan Raya near the huge statue.
The Tourist Office is open from 8am-8pm daily and located on the crossing of Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Raya, just across the Ubud Palace. Here they can offer you some maps, brochures and the monthly issue of Ubud Community with useful articles and a calendar of events.
Foreign Consulates in Bali
- Netherlands, Jl. Imam Bonjol 599, Denpasar (tel. 0361-751904 or 751497, fax 752777)
- France, Jl. Raya Sesetan 46 D, Banjar Pesanggaran, Denpasar (tel. 0361-233555)
- Japan, Jl. Moh. Yamin 9, Renon, Denpasar (tel. 0361-231308 or 234808)
- Germany, Jl. Pantai Karang 17, Sanur (tel. 0361-288535); Italy, Jl. Padang Galak, Sanur (tel. 0361-288996 or 288896)
- Switzerland/Austria, c/o Swiss Restaurant, Jl. Pura Bagus Taruna, Legian (tel. 0361-751735)
- Sweden/Finland, Segara Village Hotel, Sanur (tel. 0361-288407 or 288408)
- U.S.A., Jl. Sanur Ayu 5, Sanur (tel. 0361-288478
- Norway Denmark, Jl. Jayagiri, Gang VIII/10, Denpasar (tel. 0361-235098 or 233053)
- Australia, Jl. Prof. Moh. Yamin Kav. 51, P.O. Box 243, Renon, Denpasar (tel. 0361-235092 or 235093, fax 231990).
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THINGS TO DO
In Ubud and its surrounding hamlets cultural influences and artifacts are still found. Besides absorbing the cultural beauty of Ubud there are many other things to do which always seem to be intertwined with the daily village life. For instance the nearby temples show you the historical and religious influences that are still present today while the many museums offer you the opportunity to learn about their Bali paintings, drawings, carvings and statues. Besides this you can also actively learn about the village's culture by participating in dance, paint, mask-making and cooking classes, for which you will need to do some shopping at the local market. These courses are pretty exceptional for Bali and the tourism foundation of Ubud Bali encourages this as this is one of the ways to create a balance between tourism and the locals. Only through this balance can the natural and cultural beauty of the village be preserved. The stunning location of the village also provides enough opportunity to explore the rice terraces or the river valleys that are found in and around the village. When walking through these panoramic sceneries you will find yourself up close with the local people who are working in the fields throughout the day. |
But remember once you are there, take your time and just experience it, Ubud is filled with mystical treasures that need to be unveiled, below are some of just a few activities and places to visit.
But remember once you are there, take your time and just experience it, Ubud is filled with mystical treasures that need to be unveiled, below are some of just a few activities and places to visit.
But remember once you are there, take your time and just experience it, Ubud is filled with mystical treasures that need to be unveiled, below are some of just a few activities and places to visit.
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FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
Ubud is full of all types of restaurants and cafes. After just a couple of meters you will bump into one again. So no chance of getting hungry here. There is a mixed choice of restaurants such as the classy modern looking restaurants, restaurants that only serve organic food and drinks or restaurants that have a gorgeous gardens where you can sit on a big pillow on the floor. But there are also the basic ones (but always with some nice decoration) that just offer you what you're looking for good food.
Below is a list of recommended Restaurants & cafes; it gives you at taste of what you can find in Ubud.
Ubud is full of all types of restaurants and cafes. After just a couple of meters you will bump into one again. So no chance of getting hungry here. There is a mixed choice of restaurants such as the classy modern looking restaurants, restaurants that only serve organic food and drinks or restaurants that have a gorgeous gardens where you can sit on a big pillow on the floor. But there are also the basic ones (but always with some nice decoration) that just offer you what you're looking for good food.
Below is a list of recommended Restaurants & cafes; it gives you at taste of what you can find in Ubud.
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AHOY SHOPAHOLICS
If you are into shopping, well, look no further, there are so many shops and shopping experiences to be had in Ubud and beyond. Below is a list of shops and comments:
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HINDU CEREMONIES & HOLIDAYS
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- Saraswati Day is in honor of Batari Dewi Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Though no reading or writing is allowed on this day, books are taken to the goddess to be blessed.
- Sugihan is a holy day for purification.
- Tumpek Krulut celebrates the arts.
- Tumpek Landep is in celebration of all tools and appliances made of iron (knives, cars, televisions, etc.). There are various temple festivals on this day.
- Tumpek Uye is the day dedicated to the god in manifestation of Rare Angon, through a ceremony for animals.
- Tumpek Wariga is a ceremony for plantations.
- Tumpek Wayang is a ceremony for the leather puppets used in Shadow Puppet performances.
- Waisak (a Buddhist holiday) celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. The most important festivities take place at Borobudur near Yogyakarta in central Indonesia.
PLEASE NOTE: When visiting temples be aware that you should wear long pants or a sarong with a selendang (long scarf) tied around the waist (men and women). Whilst you can take your own, most major temples have selendangs to borrow for a small donation. Women should also cover their upper arms in some way and usually many temples will have a dress display sign out front, so please honour their customs. It is also extremely bad form (in fact it’s taboo) for women who are menstruating to enter a temple.
