TRAVEL | Visiting Ubud Bali : A Cultural and Artistic Journey

A trip to Bali is incomplete without visiting the Ubud district in Gianyar. Renowned as a center for traditional Balinese dance and crafts, Ubud is also surrounded by lush rainforests and rice terraces, adding to its natural beauty. Ubud is considered one of the most popular destinations in Bali with its diverse tourism potential.

Ubud Bali Tourist Attractions :

Here are 10 must-visit attractions in Ubud, Bali, as compiled from various sources:

1. Pura Taman Saraswati

Address: Jalan Kajeng, Ubud, Bali

This Hindu temple is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and arts. It has become a popular spot for Instagrammers due to its stunning lotus pond surrounding the temple. The blooming lotuses transform the temple into an Instagenic photo spot, both beautiful and majestic.

In addition to the lotus pond, the temple also features a Balinese dance performance stage where the Kecak dance is regularly performed.

2. ARMA Museum

Address: -

Bali also boasts a captivating museum, the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) in Ubud. When visiting the ARMA Museum, you can admire a vast collection of Balinese paintings from various eras. You can also witness a serene lotus pond and neatly arranged orchid plants complemented by traditional Balinese sculptures.

3. Ubud Monkey Forest

Address: -

The allure of Ubud Monkey Forest as a tourist destination lies in its well-preserved nature reserve and the abundance of monkeys within the forest. The forest also houses a Hindu temple named Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal Ubud. The monkeys here are accustomed to human presence. However, this does not mean they never bother visitors.

There are several customs and prohibitions you must adhere to when entering this forest area. You can visit this place on Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud. Please note that the tourist attraction is open from 08:30-17:30 WITA.

4. Ubud Royal Palace

Address: Jalan Raya Utama Ubud

You will easily spot this tourist attraction upon entering the central area of Ubud. Its magnificent architecture, complete with its gleaming gold color, is sure to captivate your attention. This palace is named Puri Saren Agung or more commonly known as Puri Ubud.

The palace serves as the residence and center of activities for Ubud's nobility. Every night at 19:30 WITA, there will be a performance of traditional dances such as Barong Dance or Keraton Legong Dance.

5. Ubud Art Market

Address: Jalan Raya Ubud No.35

Ubud Art Market is the center for shopping Balinese souvenirs in Ubud. True to its name, you can purchase various handicrafts made by Balinese people. Items sold in this market include:

T-shirts decorated with Balinese Barong mask screen printing
Silver rings and necklaces with typical Balinese designs
Beach towels
Balinese traditional snacks
Paintings and sculptures with typical Balinese carvings
And much more

The location of Ubud Art Market is very close to Puri Ubud, precisely located on Jalan Raya Ubud No.35. Usually, this market operates from 04:00-18:00 WITA. It is highly recommended to bring cash as the majority of stalls do not provide debit machines.

6. Nyuh Kuning Ubud Tourism Village

Address: Banjar Nyuh Kuning, Desa Mas, Kecamatan Ubud

For those who love Balinese culture, don't forget to visit this tourist village. You can experience the traditional culture and customs of the Nyuh Kuning Village residents, making it one of the cultural tourism sites in Bali.

The villagers' houses can be used as accommodation, and you can also mingle with the locals and experience the atmosphere of old Bali. There are also restaurants serving traditional Balinese food.

In the evening, you can watch various traditional Balinese dances for only Rp 10,000. This village tourism is located in Banjar Nyuh Kuning, Desa Mas, Kecamatan Ubud. For just walking around here, you will not be charged an entrance fee.

7. Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal

Address: Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud, Ubud District

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Ubud's Monkey Forest area, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its original name is Pura Dalem Agung, but due to the abundance of temples with the same name, the locals added the word "Padangtegal" to distinguish it. It is believed that Pura Dalem Agung was constructed around the mid-14th century when the Pejeng dynasty ruled over Ubud Bali.

Witness the vibrant Hindu Balinese community performing their religious ceremonies. The temple is conveniently located on Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud, Ubud District. Admission to the temple is granted with a ticket to the Monkey Forest itself.

8. Pura Gunung Lebah

Address: Jalan Raya Ubud, Sayan, Gianyar Regency

Pura Gunung Lebah stands out for its unique location beneath the Campuhan Ubud River Bridge. The temple's construction is attributed to Rsi Markandeya, an Indian priest, and is estimated to date back to the 8th century.

The temple's history is intertwined with the name of the village Ubud. Initially, settlements were established around the temple due to the abundance of medicinal plants in the Campuhan River area. The village was named Ubud, derived from the word "Ubad," meaning "medicine." The deity revered at this temple is Lord Danuring of Mount Batur.

Pura Gunung Lebah plays a significant role in the purification ritual ceremony held every 100 years. During the temple's annual piodalan (ceremonial) celebrations, the Calonarang dance from Pura Gunung Lebah is performed. The temple is situated on Jalan Raya Ubud, Sayan, Gianyar Regency, close to the Blanco Renaissance Museum. While admission is free, visitors are expected to adhere to the prevailing dress code.

9. Nyuh Kuning Ubud Tourism Village

Address: Banjar Nyuh Kuning, Desa Mas, Ubud District

For those immersed in Balinese culture, a visit to this tourism village is a must. Immerse yourself in the traditional customs and practices of the Nyuh Kuning Village, making it a cultural tourism hub in Bali.

Accommodations can be arranged in the villagers' homes, allowing you to mingle with the locals and experience the ambiance of old Bali. Traditional Balinese cuisine is also available at local eateries. In the evenings, witness a captivating array of traditional Balinese dances for a mere Rp 10,000. This village tourism destination is located in Banjar Nyuh Kuning, Desa Mas, Ubud District. Strolling around the village is free of charge.

10. Rudana Museum and Art Gallery Ubud

Address: Jalan Cokorda Rai Pudak No. 44, Desa Peliatan, Ubud

This museum joins the ranks of art museums in Bali. True to its name, it was established by artist and art collector Nyoman Rudana.

Founded on August 11, 1995, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artworks from renowned artists worldwide. It features works by local Balinese artists like I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, I Gusti Ketut Kobot, Wayan Bendi, Made Wianta, and many more.

The museum also houses pieces by international artists, including Antonio Blanco, Yuri Gorbachev (Russia), Jafar Islah (Kuwait), and Iyama Tadayuki (Japan), to name a few. The museum is located on Jalan Cokorda Rai Pudak No. 44, Desa Peliatan, Ubud. It is open to the public from 08:00-17:00 WITA.