Ubud is still Bali’s artful and spiritual heartbeat. Set amid jungle ravines and rolling emerald foothills, Ubud has long been the center of Bali’s artisanal traditions and spiritual life. The town itself is no longer the peaceful hippie village it once was, but the wellness scene here is booming. Yoga schools, meditation centers and all manner of raw and vegan cuisine abound. There are cooking schools, art schools, dance schools just to name a few. Shopping for art, wood carving, paintings, batik and all kinds of souvenirs the list is endless.
If the town center is too busy for you, tranquil nature and temples are all nearby, from the Campuhan Ridge Walk, waterfalls, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, sunrise hikes up Mount Batur to iconic temples like Pura Tirta Empul (which is even prettier in person). You could also visit the Bali bird Park or Zoo which are close by. Ubud isn’t the kind of place where you need a long to-do list. If all you did during your stay was eat, walk through the rice fields, and perhaps get a massage or take a yoga class, then that’s a successful Ubud visit. The main Ubud tourist area is concentrated around Monkey Forest Road and adjacent roads which are packed with hotels, restaurants, markets, shops, activities, and attractions like the Bali Monkey Forest.
There are several museums well worth visiting including the Arma (Agung Rai) Museum of Art, the famous Blanco Renaissance Museum and Neka Art Museum all worth a visit and do not forget the Royal Palace.
At night you can take in one of many dance performances, visit a night market for traditional food or dine at international restaurants. There are coffee shops galore and a large selection of bars to enjoy your favourite cocktails, many with live music.
And let us not forget the famous Monkey Forest which Ubud has become famous for at the bottom end of Monkey Forest Road. Remember though to keep all your valuables, sunglasses and other loose objects well-hidden as these cheeky rascals will often run of with them given half a chance!