Ubud is in many ways Bali’s cultural, spiritual and creative centre. Just an hour’s drive north of the airport, it is home to one of Bali’s royal families who actively support the arts, leading to a thriving art scene. If you haven’t visited Ubud yet, you must. Bali is so much more than surf breaks and sun-kissed beaches. Ubud is proof of the spiritual heart of Bali. And if that wasn’t enough, you will love shopping along Ubud’s main street. Here, you can browse through art galleries and stores selling antiques, woodcarvings, bright textiles and beautiful paintings. Ubud is every bit as charming as it is famed to be. 

Discover Batuan Village

Batuan is a village in Ubud noted for its artwork. It contains many cooperative art societies and galleries, which have all played a key role in promoting the local art of Batuan. Batuan is also a style of painting that originated in the village in the 1930s.

Photo credit: Joshua Alan Eckert via Flickr

See Batuan Temple

The Batuan Temple is characterised by towering dark stones. Adorned with Balinese ornaments and elegant black roofs, the temple is known for housing ancient relics from prehistoric times. You will learn from your guide about the influence of Hindu culture in the region, and the origin of the statues on display.

Image by el_ave via Flickr

Marvel at Art

Pause awhile and take a look, spend some time appreciating the abundance of talent. And if you fall in love with a painting (or two), this is the perfect place for you to pick up one to take back home. One such gallery is the Komaneka Fine Art Gallery, featuring work by artists that reflect the ‘lifestyle of contemporary connoisseurs’.

Eat at Hujan Locale

Lunch is at Hujan Locale, which celebrates local cuisine and farm-to-table dining. We love good food and Hujan Locale reflects that. There are vegetarian, gluten-free and nut-free menus for those with dietary restrictions.

Shop in the Market

For a spot of shopping, the markets of Ubud are a short walk from the restaurant. They are great for window-shopping or to pick up souvenirs for friends and family back home.

Explore Tegalalang Rice Terraces

The scenic drive back takes you through lush green Tegalalang Rice Terraces, set on a cliff 600m above sea level. Visually astounding and peaceful, you are free to walk around, capture memories in photographs and just absorb their natural splendour.

Delight in your private villa

Go back home to your private villa, knowing that you have explored the very heart of cultural and spiritual Bali, having felt its beating heart, and touched its very soul.

  • Villa San

  • The Pala Estate – Villa Agung

Ubud is a great place to start when visiting Bali, surrounded by rice terraces, traditional art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces and breathtaking river gorges. Stay in one of our luxury villas in Ubud as you embark on this wonderful journey of the mind, body, and soul.