The town of Ubud is to Bali what Jogyakarta is to Java – culturally speaking. Ubud is where the most accomplished painters, dancers, musicians, carvers and weavers live and work, and there are a number of very good museums and art galleries. Art is the main attraction to Ubud with many and varied galleries throughout the village - from traditional to contemporary and everything in between. The Neka Art Museum is the most famous, but it is also worth having a look at his son's gallery, Komaneka, in Monkey Forest Rd, which specialises in contemporary young artists.
Ubud is great introduction to the people of Bali, the barter system, and just the Balinese way of life in general. The markets in Ubud are well known, as are the many small art shops where the pieces are produced by the villagers on-site.
Because of its location at the base of the mountains (about 19 miles or 30 kilometers north of Denpasar) temperatures are slightly lower than in the lowlands, and year-round rain showers help to grow lush tropical vegetation. The restaurants here are some of the best in Bali and the settings are magical. Lunch in a small restaurant overlooking a river some 1000ft below and have dinner in a restaurant that is a tropical garden illuminated by small candles.
The town itself has developed rapidly during the past decade, and today the main roads are lined with art shops, handicraft and souvenir shops, as well as many restaurants and cafes - but no hawkers. Until late afternoon tourist groups and other day-visitors are roaming shops and eateries. After sunset, Ubud becomes very quiet and peaceful.
Beautiful private villas, many of which are located in Sayan - a few miles away, overlook the picturesque Ayun river valley. All the properties have a character and location which is unique and all have a Balinese flavour.