The once sleepy villages of Seminyak and Berawa in Canggu have morphed into busy centres for hipsters, international restaurateurs and digital nomads and in so doing have exchanged some of their essential Balinese soul for dollars and something some might call 'progress.'

But about an hour north of the airport and nestled among the rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of the regency of Gianyar is Ubud, the island's cultural capital.

Must See

While it is true Ubud has also succumbed to ever increasing numbers of tourists (and digital nomads) and the centre of town can now be as busy as Seminyak, there is still something inherently magical for those that take the time to escape from the hedonistic lifestyle of the west and southern coast beaches.

And if you're looking for a truly authentic Balinese experience, Ubud should certainly be on your list of places to experience.

Foodies Paradise

There was a time when people would come to Bali primarily for the surf and the culture. Many argue it was the surfer community that kick-started tourism in Bali back in the day, and they still play a significant role. But now Bali has fast developed a reputation for being a 'foodies paradise.' Ubud is not being left behind; Mozaic, Locavore, Blanco and Kubu at Mandapa all receive rave reviews on TripAdvisor and for good reason.

Eat, Pray, Love

Elizabeth Gilbert's 'Eat, Pray, Love' had a significant impact on Ubud's tourism industry, attracting many people who resonated with her story and also looking to find their own path. Now it is hard to avoid the many 'Eat, Pray, Love' tours and special offers that have popped up hoping to cash in on the movie's (and book's) popularity.

World Heritage Site

UNESCO recognized the Cultural Landscape of Bali as a World Heritage Site in 2012, focusing on the island's Subak water systems. The Subak dates back to the 9th Century and is a cooperative, democratic and egalitarian water management system of canals, rivers and weirs using to feed rice fields.

Fabulous rice fields around Ubud. Image by Marcello Rabozzi on Pixabay

And some of the best places to see these natural wonders are around Ubud, especially close to Tegalallang.  

Tri Hita Karana

The Subak reflects the philosophical concept of Tri Hita Karana, an ancient way of thinking bringing together the realms of the spirit, the human world, and nature and one that has quite literally shaped Bali's landscape.

Balinese Royalty

Ubud is also the home to one of the leading royal families in Bali and the royal palace in the centre of town is the venue for traditional dance performances and cultural shows that leave both visitors and locals spellbound.

Museums and Art Galleries

Ubud boasts the largest number of museums and art galleries on the island showcasing talented local word carvers, stonemasons, painters and jewelers. The most popular places to visit are Puri Lukisan Museum in the centre of Ubud, Neka Museum in Campuhan, Seniwati Gallery and Agung Rai Museum in Pengosekan.

Things to do in Ubud:
Walk along the Campuhan Ridge - an easy walk with fabulous valley and rice field views. Best early in the morning or late afternoon towards sunset.

Visit the Monkey Forest - as the name suggests this is a forest (and temple) full of monkeys! One of Ubud's most popular tourism sites it is worth heeding the warnings of  'naughty' or 'playful' monkeys who steal ear-rings, sunglasses and other loose items.

Ride elephants in the Taro Elephant Safari Park - operated by Mason Adventures, the park is Bali’s only dedicated elephant rescue facility, home to 31-critically-endangered Sumatran elephants, four of which were born here. The park's most famous recent visitors were the Kardashians and Kanye West, not that that should make a difference, but their visit certainly boosted the park's exposure.

Image by Sean Hamlin on Flickr

Yoga, Wellness and Adventure

There are also a number of classes and facilities to learn and practice Yoga, countless Spas including a former winner of the World's Luxury Spa Awards, at Fivelements, cooking classes so you can learn how to prepare traditional Balinese food at home and adventure sports like white water rafting and downhill cycling.

Land of a Thousand Temples

Any visitor to Bali would find it hard to ignore the thousands of temples and shrines dotted all over the island. Ubud is home to many and a great place to explore some of the island's most famous.

Tirta Empul, Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi and Taman Saraswati temples are all worth visiting.

International Awards

Ubud offers a wide range of accommodation for travelers on a shoestring to the uber-rich and it's in the luxury space that Bali's hospitality industry thrives, regularly wining international awards.
 
Travel + Leisure voted the Four Seasons at Sayan as the #1 Resort in the world in 2018. Overlooking the sacred Ayung River, the Four Seasons
is a wonderful, peaceful retreat.

Condé Nast Traveler voted the Viceroy Bali as the Best Resort in the World 2018. Also overlooking a river gorge the Viceroy is a Balinese inspired retreat that is contemporary enough for today's jet set international traveler.

Luxury Travel Guide awarded the Hanging Gardens of Bali as the winner of the best Private Luxury Hotel in 2018. Another luxury property overlooking the Ayung River, Hanging Gardens feels as if it's in the middle of the jungle.

International Events

And there's more! Ubud's reputation as being a world-class venue for festivals and events is also growing, bringing in local and international visitors by the thousand. The most famous are:
 
Bali Spirit Festival
Started in 2008 this is a holistic wellness and world music event focusing on yoga, dance and music using the Tri Hita Karana concept of living in harmony with our spiritual, social, and natural environments. Bali Spirit Festival is held in March.

Ubud Food Festival
Started in 2015, the UFF is three days of cross-cultural culinary discovery with Indonesian food as the star. In just four years, the festival has grown into Indonesia’s leading culinary event (read Gapura Bali.) Held at the end of April.

Image by Gustra Adnyana on Flickr

Ubud Village Jazz Festival
Created in 2013, the Ubud Village Jazz Festival is a two-day event featuring local and international musicians.

Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
The oldest of the international festivals the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival began in 2004 and offers five days of literary and artistic events. Held in October

Land Prices in Ubud

As with most places in Bali, land prices in Ubud have changed considerably over the last 10-years or so. According to data supplied by Exotiq Property Bali, land in 2007 was selling for around IDR 34 million per Are. Fast forward to 2016 and that number has skyrocketed to around IDR 1.6 billion per Are. That's not to say there aren't any bargains to be found, because there are.

Sustainable Investment Initiatives

Interestingly, Ubud is seeing a wave of entrepreneurs, hoteliers and restaurateurs  keen to work with local communities on sustainable and environmentally sensitive projects. According to Business Insider "many foreigners are beginning to work with locals to build sustainable tourism businesses and many of the best guesthouses, shops, restaurants, yoga studios, tour companies are run by local Balinese or Indonesians."

Sources: Tempo, CNN Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast, Luxury Travel Guide, Traveler, Business Insider, UNESCO, Gapura Bali, Exotiq Property, Bali Spirit Festival, Ubud Food Festival, Ubud Village Jazz Festival,Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, TripAdvisor

Similar to this:

2 in 1 business for sale in the heart of Ubud

Paying Personal Income Tax in Indonesia

Construction Boosting Bali's Economy