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Ubud town

Jalan Raya Ubud, Ubud, Bali

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.

Meta review

The area is a staple of Bali travel guidebooks and bloggers; it needs no introduction, and most travellers have an amazing time staying there. The range of activities is very wide though and there isn't a handful of attractions that defines Ubud so will not attempt to summarize third party reviews and just state that it seldom disappoints travellers who spend several days there.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:6h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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