Destination: Ubud

Ubud is a very special place, the cultural capital of Bali, the mountain Kingdom is surrounded by rice paddies, monkey filled jungles, and Hindu temples. It has become one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Southeast Asia. While some people just come up to Ubud for a day, then quickly return to the beaches of Kuta, it's best to spend at least a couple of days taking it all in and exploring the culture and arts of Ubud.

Getting to Ubud:

From Bali's main airport Denpasar, it is about two hour drive, while they do have tourist shuttles, you can add up to two hours to your travel time depending on how often it stops. Tickets will set you back about $12 per person, and most shuttles require a minimum of two people.

Renting a scooter is an option for those who see more adventure in their life, the traffic and erratic driving of the locals means you will need to keep focused. You can rent a scooter for about $10 a day for a 150cc Honda or Yamaha. For a few dollars more you can upgrade to larger scooters and motorcycles from companies like Bali Big Bikes.

Hiring a private driver or a taxi is also common, most hotels can call you a legitimate taxi and driver. A trip to Ubud can set you back around $15-$20 depending on the driver and distance.


Staying in Ubud:

Ubud is such a popular destination there are hotels and hostels for nearly any budget. Hostels in the city center offer dormitory and private rooms for as little as $10 a night. In town there is also a wide selection of more traditional hotels which can be had for between $25-$75 a night. If you plan on staying in the city try to be near Monkey Forest Road or Hanoman Road, so you will have walking distance access to restaurants, shopping, and cultural exhibits.

Outside the city center are  wide selection of resorts that can range from $75-$250 a night on average with some elite resorts and villas charging upwards of $500 a night. Also factor in that you will need to have a rental car/scooter, or a driver take if you plan on visiting the city center.


Food in Ubud:

Ubud is known for it's amazing food culture, from the Bebek Bengil to Warung Babi Guling Bu Oka 3 you can try more traditional Balinese dishes. But because Ubud has become such a hot destination for Expats, you can even get very good Mexican, European, and of course other Asian cuisines.


Things to do in Ubud:

Traditional Shows:

There are several different types of performances common to Bali, the Uluwatu Temple fire show is one of the most popular. There are several to choose from around Ubud and most will cost you $5-10 a person for tickets.


Shopping in Ubud:

If you have ever been to Southeast Asia you know that shopping is a major pastime for locals and tourists alike. However, Ubud is a nice break from the megamalls and packed international boutiques of Kuta. The Ubud Market still has an old market feel where you can shop for products made by local artisans.


Visit the Monkey Forest:

Ubud is famous for it's Monkey Forest, it costs about $4 to enter the forest/temple where hundreds of macaque monkey are waiting to greet you. Watch you hats, sunglasses, cameras, phones, jewellery, well just about anything loose as the monkeys love to grab and go. You can purchase bananas to feed them, if you do be prepared to have a monkey climb on you, don't worry they are very tame.


Get Blessed by Holy Water:

Tirta Empul Tampak Siring is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. Known as the water temple it's waters are said to have healing properties. Note when visiting temples you must wear a sarong if you are wearing shorts. If you have a change of clothes or if you just don't mind being wet you can join the locals and take part in the ritual.

Bonus Photos from Ubud: