In Ubud, you can feel the cultural energy and enchanting atmosphere of traditional Balinese life living side by side with a breathtaking landscape. Ubud is a must-see location during your trip to Bali.
For those of you who plan to go to Ubud, here are 10 best things to do while cruising around the area:
1. Doing yoga
Many people travel to Ubud to practice yoga or to join a yoga retreat to practice yoga every day.
“Yoga is actually part of Balinese ritual, we do it every day and it’s part of us. The phenomena began when foreigners moved here and built a yoga retreat,†says Made Murniati, who is also a yoga teacher and owner of yoga retreat center Pramesti Bungalow on Monkey Forest street.
Most renowned yoga centers offer public or private yoga classes. But you can also join yoga classes at Yoga Barn, Taksu Spa, or join small classes at Pramesti Bungalow Yoga Retreat, which offers many classes daily, or you can have a total yoga retreat at The Como Shambala Estate, and do yoga close by Ayung River.
2. Going organic
One thing that fits well with such soul-cleansing efforts is eating healthy food. Feel totally rejuvenated by eating organic food or perhaps go further by becoming a vegan or even by eating raw food during your stay in Ubud. Forget caipirinha for a moment, healthy elixirs are perfect for detoxing and making you feel refreshed. And don’t worry about the taste. Since Ubud has gained a reputation of being a holistic center, many healthy food chefs pack their bags and move to Ubud to serve yummy, healthy foods, which perhaps can make you forget that you’re eating raw vegetables.
Go to Alchemy to get raw food or Sari Organik for organic food.
3. Getting a spa treatment
A spa treatment is very beneficial, not only for the skin, but also for the body's organs. “It’s a wonderful health producing treatment. I think spa treatments are pretty critical and I think when we put spa treatments and beauty together then it becomes self indulgent. So we have to see a spa treatment as something as important as eating properly or exercising,†says Mary Muryn, author of spa books, Spa Magic and Water Magic.
Try to find spas that use organic based products and choose ones with good views to find a natural feeling. Some of Ubud’s best spas are Tamarind Spa at Murni’s House and the Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, that has introduced a new concept incorporating authentic spiritual traditions, such as chakra balancing, Balinese Ayurvedic practices, yoga and meditation.
4. Walking around Monkey Forest
After visiting the monkey sanctuary, Monkey Forest, take a walk around the area to see interesting artwork such as crafts, painting, accessories and clothes. The Monkey Forest area is located in the heart of Ubud where you can find interesting shops or visit Puri Ubud, Ubud Palace and the traditional market in front of Puri Ubud.
5. Seeing cultural performances
Get enchanted with the eloquent movements of Balinese dancers. This is the reason why many artists fall in love with Bali and decide to move to the island. Reservations will be needed if you expect to watch traditional dances, which are performed during holy ceremonies. Most of the performances are shown during sunset. Learn about life wisdom and philosophy through the stories in movements and listen to the enchanting traditional music that accompanies the dances. You can also watch other cultural performances such as wayang kulit. Tickets are mostly sold by people on the street near Puri Ubud and Pasar Ubud.
6. Visiting museums
Ubud’s museums show a great heritage. See paintings from Ubud maestros such as Antonio Blanco, Lempad and Walter Spies at The Blanco Renaissance Museum, Puri Lukisan or Agung Rai Museum of Art. Keris collections can be found at Neka Museum or various types of masks and puppets at the House of Masks and Puppets in the village of Mas.
7. Visiting artists’ workshops
Visit artists’ workshops and see how their creativity has sparked some wonderful artwork that is available for purchase. You might be able to create your own artwork or at least find a piece to decorate your home, or give it as a present to loved ones. Balinese artists’ workshops can be found everywhere in Ubud and you will soon notice their signs on the road.
8. Wandering or cycling Ubud
Ubud is full of hidden paths, which will lead you to its real gems: beautiful terraced rice paddy fields, fountains, real Balinese villages, lush tropical forests, rivers, or many beautiful things that can't be found on frenzied main roads.
Discover the real Ubud by taking any lanes heading north from Jl. Raya Ubud. You can also take a trek to Tjampuhan Hill from the bridge or to a temple in front of Blanco Renaissance Museum, which will reveal a beautiful hill along Wos River.
9. Learning a new skill
No matter how old you are, learning a new skill can be useful and exciting. Be it dancing or cooking, or maybe just a small course like making an offering or breeding birds. You can visit villages such as Tjampuhan and ask for local painting or silversmith class. Blanco Renaissance Museum also offers interesting classes such as bird breeding or orchid caretaking.
10. Eating, eating and eating
Ubud is famous for its culinary heritage and there are hundreds of authentic restaurants for you to enjoy. Imagine eating pork rib at Naughty Nuri’s, spicey nasi ayam kedewatan and crispy babi guling by Ibu Oka. You might prefer crispy duck a la Bebek Bengil or go for some fine dining at the Mozaic restaurant for special occasions. Culinary trips in Ubud should not be missed.
