Ubud town
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Ubud - by cocoandwifi from Pixabay
Description
Ubud is Bali's cultural heart; its history can be traced back to the 8th century around Campuhan but it is the arrival of artists such as Walter Spies (1927) or Han Snel that elevated it to the international scene before going into overdrive over the last 20 years. Technically, it isn't a town but a collection of 14 villages that are separately managed by their own banjar (village committee) but they have expanded over time and the transition from one to the next is often seamless. Ubud is popular for its wellness and yoga studios, food scene, arts & craft but also its lush countryside with rice paddies and several rivers.
Access & Transport
Ubud is located among rice paddies in the central part of the island. It is 35km / 75mins north of the airport, 30km / 1h from Kuta-Seminyak and 25km / 45mins from Sanur. There are many shuttles covering those various destinations. It is also 30-35km/1h south of Kintamani and Lake Batur.
Instructions & Recommendations
Ubud is an ideal base to explore the centre of the island, up to Kintamani, the East coast and even possibly Gunung Agung.
Environmental & Social
Not overly built but slowly heading that way unfortunately. Tourism has provided a huge boost to the local economy which is spreading to the various villages. Over-commercialization is creeping in.
Conclusion
Ubud is nowadays suffering of congestion (who would have thought the day would come...) so we think it is a too rushed to be visited as a day trip and get a feel for the atmosphere. If you can, we would strongly advise to base yourself there for a few days and enjoy a range of cafes, visit temples, ride bicycles in the countryside, and take a few yoga classes.
Key positive
Wide range of activities, F&B and accommodations
Enchanting countryside
Key negative
Getting quite busy
Suitability
Suitable for everybody
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:6h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo