Ubud is the cultural center of Bali with its painters, craftsmen and who tries as much as possible to preserve the traditions. Despite its growing popularity Ubud has managed to retain its authenticity. If you want to see the cultural heritage that Bali can offer Ubud is therefore ideal. We have prepared for you a list of what not to miss in this city. Keep reading!
First of all, a little history around this fascinating city that is Ubud.
At the end of the 19th century, Cocorda Gede Agung Sukawati installed a branch of the Sukawati royal family in Ubud and began many alliances and conflicts with neighboring kingdoms. In 1900 Ubud became, at his request, a Dutch protectorate and concentrated on his cultural and religious life.
In the 1930s the descendants of Cokorda encouraged Western artists and intellectuals such as Walter Spies, Colin McPhee, Rudolph Bonnet to come to the region. These gave a new impetus to local art, launched new ideas and techniques and were at the origin of the promotion of Balinese culture in the world. As tourism developed in Bali, Ubud became famous for the arts and quite popular among Bali photography tours.
The royal family continues to play an important role in the life of Ubud by helping to finance major cultural and religious events.
A bit large forest that you can walk to see over 200 monkeys playing in freedom and see 3 Hindus temples from the mid-fourteenth century, as well as the river and a sacred tree. Nice place to walk around, however, be careful with your business with these monkeys!
You can not miss it it is in front of the royal palace.
Did you know that sequences from the film "Eat, Pray, Love" with Julia Robert have just happened in this market ?!
The food market is only open in the morning and is in the middle of the market. You also have the souvenir market which is open to it all day and which offers you a good overview of Balinese crafts. Don't hesitate to shop there for your gifts.
The royal family still lives in this palace, largely built after the earthquake of 1917. You can walk through most of this vast enclosure, discover the many traditional buildings. It is located in front of the market.
Located in Jalan Kajeng (not far from the royal palace and the street on the right before the Saraswati temple), this street is special because you will find inscriptions on the ground. In fact, these are travelers who have donated 200,000 RP to be able to write what they want in the cement blocks. If you're here for a Bali photo tour, you simply can't miss this place. You could click countless photographs for inscriptions and surroundings.
This money is actually used to renovate and maintain the road, we reassure you. This idea comes from the famous painter Han Snel who had become a legend in Ubud. The idea that we find very nice, original and who knows if you decide to participate in this project and that one day you come back to Bali while walking again in this street you can then review your registration there which will remind you of good memories.
Still, in the same street as the royal palace (Jln Raya Ubud), the Saraswati temple is hidden behind the lotus cafe on this street. You will find a splendid lotus pool and the temple dedicated to Saraswati: Goddess of Wisdom and the Arts who surely watches over Ubud. Dance performances take place every week in the evening and sometimes during the day, painters set up their easels.
This always Jln Raya Ubud museum has fine examples from all Balinese art schools. It has several pavilions dedicated to different exhibitions.
The Campuhan ridge promenade which passes over a lush valley offers spectacular views of small villages and rice fields. Perfect to get away from the activity of central Ubud and create a memorable memory! From Ubud Palace follow Jln Raya Ubud to the west. On the right, you will see the sign for Ibah Luxury Villas. Enter the driveway of the hotel and take the path on the left or a footbridge crosses the river, and you are ready for a new adventure! Rest assured, signs will guide you along the way .
This is Jalan Raya Campuan. The Blanco Renaissance Museum reflects the theatrical sense of the artist who played the eccentric artist in the lineage of Dali. He died in Bali in 1999 and his house became a museum. You can admire extravagant paintings with their frame. A rather kitsch place but worth the detour. The beautiful garden also with the possibility of being photographed for free with parrots.
The warung of Ibu Oka (name of the owner) is located opposite the royal palace. We advise you to go there to taste one of the best babi guling (broached suckling pig) from Ubud which the Balinese love.
In the evening from 7:30 p.m., the royal palace of Ubud offers a different dance performance depending on the day. We advise you to buy your tickets in the morning to be sure to have a room. Other places in Ubud offer beautiful dance performances.