your chance to get out and see the sights
tips on where to go and how to get there for bali and east of bali
Up To Ubud
 Situated near the islands centre and midway between Kuta and the Kintamani peaks, Ubud is by many considered to be much cooler than Kuta. Apart from being home to a vast array of modern art galleries, craft shops and studios, this charming conglomerate of villages is also the ‘royal centre’ of Bali with numerous palaces and temples to be visited. It also offers some of Bali’s best dining experiences.
If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, try biking, walking, trekking, bird watching, herb gathering, kayaking and/or rafting amid the phosphorescent rice paddies, lush tropical gorges and palm waving rivers so characteristic of Ubud. Thus, with all that Ubud has to offer, visitors are recommended to stay at least 2-5 days. Many visitors make Ubud their home base as it is so centrally located and close to all the other attractions in Bali.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
There are tourist and hotel shuttles operating between most major centres. Taxis connect from Ngurah Rai International Airport only an hour away.
Central Ubud is small enough to see on foot. There are no taxis, but minivans are for hire on every corner as are scooters and bicycles.
HISTORY
Over the centuries, Ubud has been influenced by numerous waves of invading armies.
In 1343, the East Javanese Hindu Majapahit dynasty conquered Bali; their descendants still inhabit the palaces of Ubud today. After the fall of the Majapahit Empire in the 16th century (and as a result of the consequent Islamization of Java), many scholars, artists, intellectuals and priests migrated to Bali, and more specifically to the small kingdoms in and around Ubud.
At the end of the l9th century, the Dutch occupation sparked an interest in Bali by Western artists and intellectuals (e.g. Walter Spies, Colin McPhee and Rudolf Bonnet), many of whom visited Bali and settled here during the 1930s.
From the 1970s and onwards backpackers and artists started to arrive, many of whom fell in love with this hilly Shangri-la and still live in Ubud today.
BUYING ART
 Ubud is overflowing with arts and crafts, including: oils, inks, pastels, ceramics, castings and sculpture, basket making, rattan work and weaving, stone, wood, bone and coconut carving, metalwork, furniture making and of course, jewellery. The quality is good and prices are flexible so bargaining is de rigueur.
Check out the up-market art galleries and museums for a guide to some of the best works of art. Exploring back streets and outlying villages with a driver is worthwhile, but you may want to be sure that the driver is following your desired itinerary and not his route for commissions!
Ubud is noted for maintaining the tenets and manifold observances of Agama Hindu Bali. Thus, colourful cere-monies and sacred offerings will make out a natural part of your stay. Ask and you may be warmly invited to a tooth filing, wedding or cremation cere-mony! If planning to attend a ceremony, please read our ‘A Word of Advice’.
PALACES
In pre-colonial Bali, the palaces (or Puri) were the primary patrons of art, music, dance and literature. Although the old Balinese feudal system was superseded by the Dutch colonial government more than 80 years ago, the Royals (or Tjokordas) still retain an important role in Ubud’s society. Many of the Ubud royals have opened hotels and restaurants within the walls of their own Palace homes; so you can in fact sleep and eat in them and, in some cases, join in with the ceremonies of the resident royal family.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Not tired yet? Try some of the more adventurous activities mentioned above. Biking enthusiasts will be in for a treat if pursuing a trip to the Kintamani peaks, the Lake Batur caldera, or to Mt. Agung for a breathtaking 5-hour sunrise summit trek. If you prefer a leisurely stroll, visit the enchanting Monkey Forest. Here you can enjoy feeding the monkeys and will be amazed by the beautiful temples; one temple is magically overgrown and looks like it could have been the source of inspiration for the garden of eden. 
For ‘shop-till-you-droppers’, Ubud offers a great range of quaint little boutiques with quirky yet elegant designs. For people on a budget, the main Market in Ubud sells everything from sarongs and coconut bowls to silver jewellery and ceramics.
The local restaurants are definitely worth a visit, as some consider them to be the best in Bali. Ask around; there are menus and tariffs to suit all tastes.
Visitor Information
A good start to your Ubud stay includes a visit to the Ubud Tourism Information Center (Ph: 977 568) on Jalan Raya Ubud. There are also tourist agencies all over town, and the various excellent bookshops sell maps of Ubud.
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