Ubud
Ubud is a town in central Bali, Indonesia. After Kuta, Ubud is the other favourite traveler’s destination in Bali and is famous as a center of Balinese culture, arts and crafts.
From :
Eyewitness Travel Guide Bali and Lombok
The guide that shows you what other travel books only tell you! Besides being one of the top ten honeymoon destinations in the world, Bali has been called the Best Island in the World. Previously known for attracting backpackers, the island now caters to more sophisticated travelers and DK’s Eyewitness Travel Guide: Bali & Lombok puts everything at your fingertips. Experience the world’s largest collection of Balinese art at the Bali Museum in Denpasar, the sacred Pura Luhur Uluwatu, exotic wildlife at the Bali Bird Park, the royal palace at Taman Gili, and the temple at Taman Ayun. Highlights in Lombok include: the Taman Naional Gunung Rinjani, the beach resorts at Senggigi, and the Mayura Water Palace. With over 700 full-color photographs and street-by-street maps of Kuta, Ubud, Singaraja, this guide shows why Bali and Lombok are becoming increasingly popular holiday destinations for all types of tourists.Encyclopedic in scope, it’s meant to be used before, during, and after your stay. (Travel & Leisure) Both novice and experienced travelers will be captivated. (U.S. News & World Report) Each book is a visual as well as informational feast about a particular place. (The New York Times) The best travel guides ever. (Sky Magazine) For comprehensive advice that is attractively presented, publisher Dorling Kindersley’s guides for serious travelers are tough to beat. (US News & World Report) Hats off to DK for the Eyewitness Travel Guides…[they] raise the bar for all others. (Dallas Morning News) The most graphically exciting and visually pleasing series on the market. (Chicago Tribune) Eyewitness Travel Guides are marvels of writing, color photography and illustration. What makes these so special is their thoroughness. (New York Times Syndicate) This is a guidebook series that always seems to inspire smiles…You feel, looking at them, as if you could close the book and step into the street. (Contra Costa Times ) Want to know where to get a great espresso
Ubud Water Palace.
Understand
Far removed from the drunken bikini scene in Kuta, Ubud can be described as a magical, wonderful, cultural center. Above all, it is famous as an arts and crafts hub. Half (if not more) of the town and nearby villages seem to consist of artists’ workshops and galleries, mostly retailing cheap reproductions for tourists. There are some remarkable architectural sights, artistic gems to be found, and a general feeling of well being to be enjoyed thanks to the spirit, surroundings and climate.
Rice Terraces in Ubud.While Ubud seems to outsiders like one small town, it is in fact 14 villages, each run by its own banjar (the land-owning married men’s association; in effect the local government). It’s clear that Ubud has been growing rapidly and some central parts are coping less well with the influx of tourists than in previous years (although the drop in visitors following 9/11 and the Kuta bombings slowed development). That said, most developments are sympathetic to the zeitgeist, if not designed specifically in the style of Balinese architecture. Growth is continuing due to the popularity of the Ubud area, but there are still terraced rice fields along the rivers and regular, quiet village life carries on relatively undisturbed just a stone’s throw away. However, the encroachment of hotel rooms onto paddy fields, particularly near Monkey Forest and and along the Agung river is noticeable. Many hotels will promote themselves as being “in Ubud” when they are more likely to actually be located in one of the surrounding villages that make up the greater Ubud.
Due to its location 600 meters above sea level, Ubud enjoys somewhat cooler temperatures than the coast (bring a pullover for the evening), although the midday sun can still be scorching.
Orientation
Orienting yourself in Ubud is fairly straightforward. The town sprawls around for several kilometers in all directions, with all of the small villages within a 5km radius of the central market being loosely referred to as “Ubud.” If you choose a reasonably central place to stay, it’s easy enough to walk about on foot. Central Ubud has three main streets, Jl. Raya Ubud (the “Main Road” of Ubud), Jl. Monkey Forest and Jl. Hanoman. At the intersection of Jl. Raya and Jl. Monkey Forest is the Ubud Market, the Ubud Palace and the main bemo stop. Jl. Monkey Forest, south to the Monkey Forest itself, is the most built up in the area, and home to a wide array of accommodation, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and cafes, and essential services (schools, sports field, pharmacies, travel agents, etc). Jl. Hanoman, which runs parallel to Jl. Monkey Forest, is a bit quieter and makes for more pleasant walking. To the immediate west and northwest are the villages of Campuhan and Kedewatan, home to some of the most upmarket hotels in the area with views over the Agung River valley. Directly to the south, past Monkey Forest and still within a half hour walk of the central market is Padang Tegal, which then morphs into the southern villages of Nyuh Kuning, and Pengosekan, about 3 km from central Ubud. Directly to the east is the village of Peliatan, and then Teges, home of the Goa Gajah elephant cave.
Get in
Ubud is 43 km from Kuta and 30 km from Denpasar. Normal driving time from Seminyak is 45 mins to 1 hour.
By plane
There are pre-paid taxis from Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai airport. Check current prices on the notice board in the taxi office just outside the arrivals hall.
By bemo
There are regular public bemos from Denpasar’s Batubulan terminal to Ubud.
By taxi
If you want to take a taxi from southern Bali, it’s best to charter the vehicle for a return trip, otherwise, you’ll be hit with a 30% fee for going out-of-town. Metered fares, one-way not including surcharge, are around Rp 50,000 from Denpasar and Rp 100,000 from Kuta.
Splurge
Bebek Bengil, Hanoman Rd. Bebek Bengil (Balinese for Dirty Duck) is an interesting restaurant with paddy field view and nice gardens. They are famous for their crispy fried duck, and some European based menu items. They have interesting selections of cakes as well. Expect to spend Rp. 100,000 per head. The fried duck dish is about Rp. 56,000, but for this, you get 1/2 a duck with the trimmings, either sauted potatoes and salad or steamed rice and Indonesian vegetables.
CasCades Restaurant, Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi, Tel: +62 361 972111, . Classical French food made with local ingredients. Dishes include Un Petit Jésus Dans Une Culotte de Velours (pan-fried duck liver on onion, date compote with passionfruit sorbet). Expect to pay about Rp.400,000 per person.
Drink
Ubud has quite a few hip places for a quiet drink, but the strictly enforced regulation that all live performances must end by 10:30PM puts a bit of a clamp on the local nightlife.
Ary’s Warung, Jl. Raya Ubud 35 (opp Puri Saraswati). Don’t be fooled by the name, this is a stylish watering hole with a large bar downstairs, complete with sofas and cow-leather bar stools, and a rather less busy restaurant upstairs. Drinks are expensive but generously sized.
Jazz Cafe, Jl. Sukma No. 2 Tebesaya (in Peliatan), tel: +62 361 976594. Outdoor jazz bar with live bands nightly. A limited food menu and an overpriced selection of drinks (Rp. 50,000 and up). Cover charge Rp. 20,000.
Sleep
Budget
Ubud has many homestays which are the cheapest form of lodging and a good way to meet the locals.
Dewi Antara Homestay, Jalan Sugriwa, Padang Tegal, tel: +62 361 976072. A Balinese family homestay. Quiet and clean bungalows. The father participates in nighttime activities, so it’s fun to watch him in traditional dress. The son will happily give you a ride on his motorbike for free, if you exchange a little English with him. Breakfast included.
Mawar Homestay, Jl.Raya Ubud, Tel: +62 361 975086 , E-mail: mawarfamily@gmail.com. Located in the heart of Ubud, approximately 300 meters west of Ubud Palace. Currently has 10 rooms. Prices range from Rp. 100,000-150,000. Room Facilities include: bathroom with hot and cold water and ceiling fans. Breakfast included.
Shana Homestay, Jl Gautama No 7 Padang Tegal, tel: +62 361 97481. Very close to the traditional & art market and Nomad restaurant, Shana is a place where you feel stay in Balinese family. You wake up in a serene garden-like bangalow with breakfast ready and greetings from all the family members. Total of 3 bangalow, each comes with 2 beds for 3 persons. Breakfast included, starts from Rp.57,000. Definitely worth a stay.
Melati Cottages, Jl Penestanan Ubud, tel:+62 361 974650, email: melaticottages@hotmail.com). Quack like a classic Ubud rice field duck as you stroll out to these traditional style rooms set around a cafe by a pool. You can walk in from north or south. After dark, listen to nature’s night music wafting in from the fields.
Narasoma Homestay, Gang Beji off Jalan Monkey Forest, tel: +62 361 973404, . Just down a little lane off busy Jalan Monkey Forest, Narasoma is a family home and accommodation surrounded by coconut palms. Nyoman and Charlotte welcome you into their family to experience a Balinese compound setting with exquisitely carved traditional buildings. From the top floor, you will be able to see the sacred mountains to the west of Bali and on a clear day see Mount Agung to the East. Rooms are clean and airy. Start from Rp.140,000-170,000, breakfast included. A deluxe Balinese Honeymoon suite will be opened soon with a/c. Seasonal Rate start at around Rp.400,000 per night Breakfast included.
Rumah Roda Homestay and Restaurant, Jalan Kajeng 24 Ubud, tel: +62 361 975487, . Lovely family compound with rooms. The restaurant is also a treat, catch the Sunday evening buffet. The book A Little Bit One O’Clock is about this place and family.
Family Guest House, Banjar Tebesaya 39 Ubud, tel: +62 361 974054. fax: +62 361 978292, email: familyhouse@telkom.net. The superfriendly, devote Hindu family makes you feel right at home. Rooms are placed in a lovely compound and includes a good breakfast.
Dewa Bungalows, 48 Jalan Hanuman, Pedangtegal, Ubud. Lovely family compound close to the center of town, currently has 8 rooms but expanding to double that soon. Family-run and gracious it has nice little slate pool perfect for noon time dips. Prices range from Rp.90,000-150,000.
Mid-range
Oka Kartini, Jl. Raya Ubud 35 (just across the bridge in Peliatan, east of Ubud town center.), Tel: +62 361 975759 . Quirky old Balinese house complex on the edge of town, the rooms here are a bit long in tooth but decorated with more carvings and gold paint than the average temple. Friendly staff watched over by the remarkable lady Oka Kartini herself, large art gallery, small but pleasant garden pool, shadow puppet shows three days a week(separate charge). Fan/AC rooms Rp.340,000-511,000, including breakfast.
Ubud Aura, ubudaura@gmail.com. Accommodation with yoga studio for retreat groups/ Jalan Hanoman, No 888, Padang Tegal-Ubud. 14 rooms with yoga studio and swimming pool and rice field surroundings. Close to Ubud Centre, just behind Zen Spa in a laneway off Hanoman Road. Nice Pool and clean energy.
Sri Bungalows, Jl. Monkey Forest Road, Tel: +62 361 8528521, . Centrally located with 16 bright bungalow-style rooms tucked into lush gardens. It’s only about 50 meters from the busy road, but it’s very quiet except for the singing of birds. The rooms are simple, but nice. They have bamboo furniture, western toilets and hot water. There’s a large pool in the back, and rice paddies beyond the pool. An internet cafe is also on the premises. Fan/AC rooms Rp.280,000-400,000 including breakfast.
Sri Ratih Cottages, Campuhan, Tel: +62 361 8528521, . 30 rooms set amongst the rice paddy fields of Penestanan. Pool, restaurant. Fan/AC rooms $340,000-$570,000 including breakfast.
Ubud Terrace, Monkey Forest Road (About 15 minutes south of the Monkey Forest Road-Jl. Raya Ubud crossroads, within two minutes of Monkey Forest). Tel: +62 361 975690. Rooms start at Rp.150,000 (fan-cooled) while Rp.250,000 will get you a/c, hot and cold water in a very large room. Recently has had refurbishment so all rooms are very nice. Breakfast included and has nice swimming pool. Has very friendly staff and you can book all sorts of tours and shuttle buses from reception
Padi Prada Ubud, Jl. Raya Monkey Forest. Tel: +62 361 8528521. Five Balinese-style villas. Restaurant, pool, pa, Jacuzzi and a Rice Bale with an unobstructed view facing the surrounding valley and terraced rice paddies.
Puri Asri Villa & Spa, Jln. Nyuh Bulan, Nyuh Kuning Village. Tel: +62 361 972550. Budget Villas and accomodation based in Ubud.
Ketut and Geks House, Bona , Gianyar Bali (20 minute southeast of Ubud), ☎ +62 361 945833, . Nice and cheap place to stay in rural Bali. with cold and hot shower, overlooking rice terrace. Rp.57,000/day with breakfast. edit
Splurge
Agung Khalia Villa Banjar Sala, Ubud-Pejeng. Luxury 3 bedroom villa with panoramic rice field and Mount Agung views. Private pool, wonderful staff, and excellent service. Only 10 minutes from central Ubud. Grand Opening Special for 2009. Rp.1,500,000-2,000,000 per night for the whole villa.
Barong Resort and Spa Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, 80571. Tel: +62-361-971759. Nestled in the paddy fields of Ubud, the resort provides both accommodation and spa facilities that reflect Bali’s tranquility. Offering 5 star hotel rooms, prices start from Rp.2,300,000.
Bukit Naga, tel: +62 361 730668, . A 6 bedroom private villa with a full staff and private car.
Bumi Ayu Villa . A two storey, two bedrooms, bungalow in the forest on a cliff overlooking the river behind the village of Sebatu. Sebatu is on the road from Ubud to Kintamani. Rp.1,800,000/person/day, including driver available for the full day.
Como Shambhala Estate, . Formerly the Begawan Giri Estate. Price range Rp.3,100,000-41,000,000 per night. About a 15 minute drive from Ubud. Private residences.
Maya Ubud , Jl. Gunung Sari Peliatan, Tel: +62 361 977888. Ten hectare of land with nice villas, excellent spa and good restaurant. Free shuttle to centre of Ubud and two free form pools
Murni’s Villas, www.murnis.com (20 minutes outside Ubud), ☎ +62 361 972146, . Twenty minutes outside Ubud. Murni lives in villa and offers the other to guests. Infinity pool, television, jacuzzi, meals. edit
Nandini Bali Jungle Resort & Spa . Br. Susut, Desa Buahan, Payangan, Ubud, Bali. Tel: +62 361 982777. The 18 guestrooms at the Nandini Bali Jungle Resort and Spa Ubud are designed as separate chalets. All have panoramic views of the forest valley. Balconies grant guests the opportunity to absorb the surrounding jungle’s canopy, while inside the rooms, amenities are functional and straight-forward. Prices start from Rp.1,900,000.
Santi Mandala Villa and Spa Banjar Bucuan, Desa Batuan, Ubud, Bali, Tel.: +62 361 297800. Located at the outskirts of Ubud, the resort has a spa center, poolside sunken bar and large private villas, which start at Rp.1,400,000.
Ubud Hanging Gardens Desa Buahan, Desa Payangan, Gianyar,Bali, Indonesia Tel.: +62 361 982700. Ubud Hanging Gardens is strikingly set with dramatic views over the Ayung River gorge. Two funicular lifts connect the reception to the river gorge and to the pool villas. Built in contemporary Balinese style, each villa uses local furnishing and thatched roofs. Each villa has its own heated infinity-edged pool. Pool villas from Rp.3,800,000/night.
The Viceroy Bali, Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi., Tel: +62 361 971777, . The Viceroy Bali is a luxury resort situated 5 min by car from the center of Ubud and offers private villas with pools, satellite TV, bath, shower, king beds, free broadband internet access and helicopter transfers. Rp.9,000,000-28,400,000 per night.
Villa Alamanda, . A 3 bedroom staffed villa of classic Bali design.
Villa Amala Ubud, . Amala is situated on the edge of a padi field, overlooking the river Wos. It sits between the villages of Sebali and Keliki , in the province of Tegallalang, Ubud. It is an hour’s ride from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport, and only a 15 minute car ride from the famed centre of art and culture – Ubud.
Villa di Abing, . Villa di Abing is a 3-story, 3-bedroom, fully-staffed, luxury villa, in Central Ubud, offering bed & breakfast.This open Balinese-style villa is luxuriously appointed, and has a beautiful pool hugging the contours of a lush stream. Privately nestled with jungle views, the villa is within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.
Villa Melati, . Convienent villa for relaxation with style
Villa Vajra, . A 3 bedroom villa located right in the heart of Ubud. Rates run from Rp. 5,100,000- 6,400,000 per night (depending on the season).
Wakanamya Resort and Spa, Jl. Penestanan, tel: +62 361 975719, 975719. Email: info@wakanamya.com. Waka Namya Resort and Spa is a luxury Balinese Architecture 15 rooms villa in Ubud, Bali with a beautiful spa treatment. The resort is a haven of quite in the bstling heart of Penestanan Ubud, Bali’s famous painter community village, and built in the traditional Balinese architecture or Lumbung design ( Balinese rice storage ). It is developed by Nyoman Rudana, the founder of Museum Rudana. DRIVING HOURS : Ngurah Rai International Airport : 45 minutes drives, Denpasar/Sanur: 35 minutes drives, Ubud Center/market: 10 minutes drives.
Hotel Tjampuhan Spa, ☎ +62 361 975368, . The hotel is located on a spiritually charged piece of landscape at the conjunction of two flowing rivers. It offers inspiring dining alternatives to complement the visual appeal of this historic landmark in local Balinese hospitality. They offer Tjampuhan Spa that is dedicated to the therapeutic properties of water. Hotel Tjampuhan & Spa is a refreshing retreat to unwind amidst the full splendor of nature’s bounty. Jl. Raya Tjampuhan PO Box 198, Ubud. Rates start at Rp.5,200,000. edit
The Royal Pita Maha, ☎ +62 361 980022, . The Royal Pita Maha is a captivating resort of refined Balinese villas embracing a precious parcel of valley landscape that descends down to the Ayung River.It is located on the outer boundary of the spiritually charged village of Ubud. The resort offers a fine collection of aesthetically designed villas for discerning travelers seeking the quality time out surrounded by that natural beauty of the Ubud valley. It was designed as a place for peaceful contemplation with plenty of water features for swimming and to enjoy communing with the environment. Desa Kedewatan PO Box 198, Ubud. Rates start at Rp.18,400,000. edit
Pita Maha Resort and Spa, ☎ +62 361 974330, . Situated into the hillside that overlooks the Tjampuhan valley in Ubud, Pita Maha Resort & Spa encompasses 24 private villas in a style reminiscent of an intimate Balinese village. It ends itself to a diverse collection of enriching leisure activities. Apart from spending time at the pool or indulging in a spa treatment, guests have the opportunity to partake in a number of cultural pastimes. Jl. Raya Sanggingan PO Box 198, Ubud. Rates start at Rp.11,700,000.
Bali Insight Compact Guide (Insight Compact Guides)
Bali Insight Compact Guide (Insight Compact Guides) 3Rev Ed Published in 2001 by APA Publications Pte Ltd,Singapore
