Ubud

Ubud is a district in Bali located 35 Km northeast of Bali’s International Airport, amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of Gianyar Regency. Ubud is one of Bali’s major arts and culture centers, because of that Ubud has a large tourism industry.

Based on 8^th legend tells that Javanese priest, Rsi Markendya, who meditated at the confluence of two rivers at the Ubud locality of Campuan. Here he founded the Gunung Lebah Temple on the valley floor, the site of which remains a pilgrim destination.

The town was originally important as a source of medicinal herbs and plants. Ubud gets its name from the Balinese word ‘Ubad’ (medicine).

Ubud is famous for it's regularly nightly traditional dance performances, which are part of the traditional culture and are arranged for tourists on a regular schedule. Hindu-Balinese ceremonies take place on a nearly daily basis, especially in the European summer, which is the driest and coolest season here.

Ubud is popular in part today because it is the best place in Bali to break out of the tourist mode and get off the beaten path, although far from undiscovered. Hotels are plentiful; home stays and Indonesian guesthouses (losmen) are easily available to the foreign tourist. Many tourists simply base their entire stay in the city and travel to other destinations from Ubud.

Tourism on the island developed after the arrival of Walter Spies, an ethnic German born in Russia who taught painting and music, and dabbled in dance. Spies and foreign painters Willem Hofker and Rudolf Bonnet entertained celebrities including Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward, Barbara Hutton, H.G. Wells and Vicki Baum. They brought in some of the greatest artists from all over Bali to teach and train the Balinese in arts, helping Ubud become the cultural centre of Bali.

Beside viewing any cultural and art places here, you can do some fun activities. For women you can join in cooking class. Plenty of restaurants in all prices ranges and classes are located in Ubud. For those who enjoy the local food, a walking tour of the traditional markets and herb gardens around Ubud provides clear explanation of the essential ingredients in Indonesia cooking. Combine this with a cooking class and you will learn how to recreate Ubud at home. You can also walking or jogging in the morning while looking at beautiful views in surrounding of Ubud.   

So, just come to Ubud, and get some unforgettable experiences here. After you are going home from Ubud, friendly and peaceful feel will be remained in your heart. And its natural beauty seems like inviting you to come to Ubud again for the next time.