5 Great Attractions in Ubud
Ubud is old-world Bali: cobbled streets, verdant terraced rice paddies and ceremonies at every turn. It’s definitely its cultural centre – it even has its own annual writers festival – and there are art galleries aplenty.
Whether you’re just going for a daytrip or planning on making it your base, we’ve picked out some seriously fabulous things to do whilst you’re here.
The Yoga Barn
There are probably more yoga mats per square metre in Ubud than anywhere else in Bali and the top (downward) dog of the lot is The Yoga Barn. If you can’t find a yoga class to suit you at The Yoga Barn then you’re not looking hard enough; there’s Morning Flow, Slow Flow, Hatha Flow, Vinyasa Flow. Best of all, the studios are set amongst lush rice paddies.
The Yoga Barn, Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, p. +62361 971 236. Open 6am-9pm daily.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
You can’t visit Ubud without a trip to the Monkey Forest but a word of advice – hold on to your accessories! These monkeys particularly love hats and sunglasses, but they don’t mind an earring either so think minimalist. Kids will absolutely love it here as there are hundreds of macaque monkeys jumping, leaping, preening, swimming, swinging, and being downright cheeky in this very stunning sanctuary. Buy a bunch of bananas at the entrance and you’ll be a monkey’s best friend.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, p. +62 361 971304. Open 830am-6pm daily.
Gaya Gelato
Gaya Gelato has the best ice cream in Ubud (and some say Bali). It’s located in an unassuming little bunker so look out for the ceramic stools and tables out front. Owned and run by Italians, this handmade ice cream is the real deal – organic eggs, cane sugar, raw chocolate, and no preservatives. The menu changes daily but we keep our fingers crossed for the chocolate orange is on.
Gaya Gelato, Jalan Raya Sayan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, p. +62 (0) 361 979252. Open 8am-11pm daily.
Naughty Nuri’s Warung
Naughty Nuri’s is an institution with world-famous ribs and brutal martinis. This is old-school Bali so the building isn’t much – basically just a shack with bench tables – and the grill is set up outside so you’ll see and smell the smoke before you arrive. If ribs aren’t your thing, there are many other options. And let’s face it, everything tastes better with a martini.
Naughty Nuri’s Warung Ubud, Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, p. +62 0361 977 547.
Alila Ubud
Staying at the Alila Ubud is like staying in your own luxury tree house. The absolute highlight is the stunning emerald green infinity pool that makes you feel like you’re floating over the valley below. No need to eat out because the restaurant is a stunner – it’s Balinese meets French. Seasonal signature cocktails are a must. Borrow one of the hotel’s bicycles and tour the rice paddies and local villages. Very Eat, Pray, Love.
Alila Ubud, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, p. +62 361 975 963.
The Blanco Renaissance Museum Campuan
Don Antonio Blanco, the so-called Dali of Bali, spent most of his long artistic career painting in Bali. The museum is housed in his former home, a fabulous OTT rococo building, and is a homage to his life and work. His paintings are a wonderful way to see Bali from a bygone era through the eyes of a Spaniard. Apparently Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger have dropped by the museum so you never know who you might bump into.
The Blanco Renaissance Museum Campuan, Ubud, Jalan Campuhan, Bali , Indonesia, p. +62 0361 975502. Open 9am-5pm daily.