Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural and spiritual capital and is the opposite of what you think of when you hear the word ‘Bali’. Once popular as the hippie haven on the island, it has evolved into a modern-day wellness and rehabilitation destination, housing many urban yoga retreats, healthy vegetarian and vegan cafes and restaurants, and serene stays set against the backdrop of rice fields and rolling foothills. Walking and bicycle tours, hikes through rice fields and along temple trails, and even community activities such as cooking classes are the heart and soul of Ubud. Championing sustainable tourism in Bali, Ubud oozes an old-world charm and culture, offering visitors the quintessential traditional Balinese experiences.

Ubud’s humble and understated natural setting is the antithesis of the loud, brash, hard-partying lifestyle that defines Kuta and Seminyak. Featured in the Julia Roberts movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, this town and nearby villages are home to many artists, regarded as the arts and craft hub housing many galleries and workshops. Tourists looking to buy authentic Balinese art or attend local classes can do so at East. Ubud can perhaps be described as a place where things work at their own pace. It is also one of those places which require you to spend a considerable amount of time there to let it grow on you. 

The world-famous Jatiluwih rice terraces and its tranquil and verdant expanses, the multitude of temples scattered in and around Ubud, and the waterfalls that dot the landscape ensure that there is something for everyone looking for a bucolic Bali experience apart from the typical beachside vacation. There are many budget accommodations available around the town, which makes it even more laid back. While Ubud might seem like a small town, it is a cluster of fourteen villages run by its own banjar (village committee).