Surrounded by rice fields, villages, temples, palaces, rivers and art and craft communities, Ubud is a cultural center where life moves at a leisurely pace, particularly in comparison to Bali’s more cosmopolitan cities, Denpasar and Seminyak. Ubud is Bali’s center for fine arts, dance and music with convenient access to neighboring villages, well-known for their stone and wood carvings as well as bamboo and wooden furniture. In the town proper, you will find plentiful boutiques, restaurants and massage spas all of which make Ubud one of Bali’s most relaxing and artsy destinations.
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Ubud is known for its verdant rice terraces, a picturesque sight of hand-carved hills and green-carpeted valleys forested with palm and banana trees. A walk or bike ride among the fields is a must-do for any visitor to Ubud and there are plenty to choose among to avoid the crowds.
Ubud’s lush hills and valleys with gentle slopes were made for biking. Take a leisurely countryside bike ride with stops for fresh fruit, secret temples, and even a meeting with local farmers or the medicine man.
There are several trails in Ubud, ranging from easy to challenging, that all offer an escape from town and traffic into the serene countryside. Sunrise and sunset walks are particularly rewarding when the temperatures are cooler and the sunlight crawls against the hills and rice fields.
Ubud is dotted with shrines and temples. Tirta Empul, known as the Water Temple, is a popular place where Balinese Hindus go to bathe in the holy waters. We can take you to a quiet secret temple where you can receive a longevity blessing from the high priest.
Known as the artistic center of Bali, Ubud’s robust art scene is evident everywhere from handmade silver jewelry shops, intricately carved doorways of homes and temples, stone statues that decorate the lanes, and art galleries and museums all over town. Traditionally art was used in Bali for religious purposes and passed down from generation to generation. Painting is the most common art form but silver-smithing, stone and wood carving, basket weaving, and batik also flourish.
Though souvenir shops are ubiquitous across the whole island, Ubud is one of the top places to shop for clothing, accessories, and handicrafts due to its handmade art scene, and the Ubud Art Market is the pinnacle. Spend time wading among the bulk of typical souvenirs and you may come away with quality Balinese ikat textiles, stunning homeware, and other unique handmade treasures.
The Monkey Forest is a natural sanctuary and home to over a thousand Balinese long-tailed macaques. These rambunctious simians can be seen swinging through canopies, grooming, and feeding on bananas. The forest is home to several endemic plant species and also three temples.
Go whitewater rafting on the Telaga Waja River, which starts in east Bali below the great Mt. Agung. Brave class III and IV rapids, discover hidden waterfalls, swim in the pristine water, and feel the might of this river. This is a thrilling way to see Bali's jungles and waterscapes; you will rush past steep banks and ancient hanging trees, whilst rafting straight through cascades of cold, natural spring water.
An integral part of its art scene, traditional dance is famed in Ubud and still performed regularly. The Kecak performance is particularly popular and involves dancers recreating the story from the Ramayana to the backdrop of a chanting audience.
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Spend 13 days taking in the best Indonesia has to offer on this luxury journey. Immerse yourself in Bali’s fascinating culture, learning about rice planting and snakefruit farming, walk alongside the fearsome Komodo dragon in its natural habitat, and explore the ancient architecture of Yogyakarta on this incredible journey.
Explore the town of Ubud, the heart and cultural soul of Bali. This quick and easy 5-day getaway to the lush island of Bali takes you to its verdent rice paddies and ends on the beach.
Island-hop from the bustling island nation of Singapore to the many islands of Indonesia, on this exciting 13-day luxury tour. You’ll capture the Singapore cityscape from atop Marina Bay Sands, raft down the Telaga Waja river in Bali, hunt for dragons on Komodo island, and explore the ancient ruins of Yogyakarta.
Travel 14 days in sheer luxury aboard your private jet to some of the most hidden corners of Indonesia. You’ll explore the ancient Borobudur in Yogyakarta, spot orangutans in Borneo, marvel at traditional burial grounds in Tana Toraja, enter the secret lairs of the Komodo dragon, and stay in luxury Indonesia hotels.
Let a private jet whisk you away on a thrilling 11-day journey through Indonesia’s remarkable history. You’ll fly in style to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Yogyakarta, orangutan rehabilitation grounds in Borneo, the traditional village of Kete Kesu in Tana Toraja, and to your luxury hotel in the cultural center of Ubud.
All fine things in life deserve time. Indonesia is no exception, and after a whole month of this epic journey, you'll want even more. Fly, ride, drive and boat your way around, stopping off to say hi to the inquisitive orangutans of Borneo, hiking past the dragons of Komodo Island and navigating the majestic volcanoes of Java.
On the tropical island of Bali, countless rivers and streams cascade down Mt. Batur. The Pakerisan is the holiest of these rivers and it passes by Hoshinoya Ubud resort on its way to the sea. Like all Hoshinoya resorts, Rie Azuma was tasked with merging distinctively Japanese aesthetics with the charm of local taste. A study of Balinese culture and Hindu temples inspired the resort’s distinctive serenity. A trio of swimming pools stretch across the resort village, connecting its unique villas. Lush water gardens partition the pools, creating a sense of privacy for each villa’s pool space. The structures themselves are the works of master craftsmen of the Ubud region, marrging comfort with class. Guests can enjoy meals by their private pool areas, dine under café gazebos overlooking the surrounding jungle, or enjoy culinary delights at the complex’s leisurely restaurant. The resort also offers spa programs, poolside meditation regiments, and both morning and evening yoga sessions.
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