UBUD
Area: Bali
Country: Indonesia


Location:
South-central Bali, 17 miles N of Denpasar, 24 N of the airport.

Telephone code from UK:
62 361

Position:
Nestled in the hills N of Denpasar, in an area with a cooler climate.

Description:
Ubud is in the cultural heartland of Bali's Gianyar region, where painting, wood carving, music and dance all flourish. The first Westerners to settle in Bali chose this area, and it has always been popular with people who want a quiet holiday away from the bright lights. Designated more as a destination for the explorer on a peaceful respite, Ubud offers close contact with the arts and culture of Bali on an individual level. Wander at leisure through museums of art, art galleries and art studios.

Suitability:
All age groups who want to mix with the people and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bali in its natural or processed forms. Great for children.

Accommodation:
Picturesque bungalows, set in tropical gardens and bordering the rice paddies are comfortably equipped and offer a different style of Balinese holiday. Prices are reasonable. At the cheaper end are many "homestay" properties which offer a simple Balinese-style room and living in a family compound. At the upper end are the resort hotels like Amandari and Kupu Kupu Barong.

Shopping:
Speciality shops cater for garments and goods from other parts of Indonesia while the main markets here are full of the handicrafts for which the Balinese are famous. The best one-stop place to buy woodcarvings, paintings, silver jewellery, batik and the varied products of skilled hands.

Entertainments:
Offering performances of Balinese dance and music several times a week, the town is known as the "heartland of Balinese Culture". The town tends to close down early.

Eating:
There are many styles of restaurant which cater to the needs of the discerning visitor. Japanese, Thai and Mexican cuisines compete with Indonesian, Chinese, Western and Balinese restaurants. Quality is the keyword.

Public-transport:
Hotels provide cars and shuttles, an intercity tourist shuttle service is available, and the local public transport facilities are cheap and good for moving in any direction.

Local-excursions:
Walking and cycling are popular. Motorbikes and cars are available for hire. Half day: Goa Gajah Elephant Cave temple; archaeology museum; Sukawati crafts market for even better bargains.