Ubud

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.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Rice Terraces

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.

Biking

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.

Hiking

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.

Temples and Blessings

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.

Arts

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.

Handicraft Market & Shopping

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.

Monkey Forest

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.

White-Water Rafting

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.

Traditional Dance Performances

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.

Bali Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Ubud Itineraries

Classic Indonesia

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.

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $21,300
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Rice Paddies and Culture in Bali

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.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,000
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Temples and Dragons: Singapore to Yogyakarta in Style

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. 

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,000
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Far-Reaching Indonesia by Private Jet

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.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $127,100
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Jetting Through Historic Indonesia: Borobudur to Bali

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. 

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,500
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An Epic Indonesian Adventure

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.

Duration
31 days / 30 nights
Price Per Person
From $24,400
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Amandari
Preferred Hotel

Amandari

Ubud, Bali

Amandari welcomes you to stay in central Bali at its 30-suite luxury property designed to resemble a traditional Balinese-style village with coconut wood posts, Javanese marble and volcanic stone. The suites come with a private garden, courtyard and outdoor sunken marble bath. The open-air restaurant serves Indonesian and Western cuisine with views of the lush gorge. Amenities at Amandari include a swimming pool, fitness center with state-of-the-art machines, private outdoor yoga classes, tennis courts and a library. Wi-fi is available...
Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape
Preferred Hotel

Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape

Ubud, Bali

Escape into the wilds of Buahan, an Banyan Tree Escape named for the area’s eponymous village and valley, located just 30 minutes north of Ubud. At this adults-only resort, guests are face to face with nature - lush terraced hills, a gurgling riverbed, wisps of slow-moving mist, and the full cacophony of the jungle - without windows, without walls, without doors. There are only 16 exclusive villas at Buahan, each a slice of paradise, with its own pool and panoramic...
COMO Shambhala Estate
Preferred Hotel

COMO Shambhala Estate

Ubud, Bali

COMO Shambhala Estate is a haven of wellness situated in the heart of Ubud. The Estate is the flagship property of the COMO Shambhala brand and offers the services of a wide variety of health professionals, including a nutritionist, naturopath, Ayurvedic doctor, physiotherapist, as well as fitness, yoga and pilates instructors. The property’s spacious rooms and suites have a host of amenities including direct dial telephones, Internet access, satellite TV, a DVD player, CD player, electronic safe, private bar, and...
COMO Uma Ubud Bali
Preferred Hotel

COMO Uma Ubud Bali

Ubud, Bali

A stay at COMO Uma Ubud Bali in the beautiful, green Balinese countryside guarantees peace and relaxation. From its location amidst rice fields, to its services and amenities, guests are sure to unwind in this tranquil oasis. Just a short drive from Ubud, famous for its artists and culture, the hotel offers a free shuttle bus service and the knowledgeable staff can arrange tours and treks for guests to explore the local area. After a day of hiking, rafting or...
Four Seasons Sayan
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Sayan

Ubud, Bali

Situated above the treetops and perched dramatically over Bali’s sacred Ayung River gorge, the Four Seasons Sayan is a beautifully appointed and secluded jungle retreat. There are 18 suites and 42 ingeniously bamboo-camouflaged villas with private outdoor terraces, all decorated with local art, woodwork and hand-lomed fabrics. There are two restaurants, the casual, open-air Riverside Cafe, which has a wood-burning pizza oven, and the elegant Ayung Terrace, where the outdoor area is jaw-droppingly cantilevered over the gorge for spectacular views....
Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Preferred Hotel

Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Ubud, Bali

Set amid lush rolling hills and rice paddy fields, surrounded by the mandapas for which it is named and overlooking the Ayung river in Ubud, there’s scarcely a more picturesque location for a peaceful getaway then at Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. Each of the 60 private villas and suites is attended by a personal butler and features its own outdoor space with views of the natural scenery in abundance. Guests can relax on their terrace, in their private pool...
The Capella Ubud
Preferred Hotel

The Capella Ubud

Ubud, Bali

Capella Ubud promises to bring guests close to nature while ensuring the luxury for which the hotel group has made its name. Not a single tree was cut in constructing the resorts 22 unique one-bedroom tents and two-bedroom lodges allowing for an immersive experience of the Ubud rainforest. Inspired by European settlers of the 1800s, the resort is designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. Merging the spirit of adventure with modern comforts, all retreats feature a private salt water Jacuzzi...
W Bali - Ubud
Pre-Opening Hotel

W Bali - Ubud

Ubud, Bali

W Bali - Ubud joins W Bali - Seminyak as a sister location, tucked away in the geographical and cultural heart of the Indonesian island. High in the hillside, facing the rising sun to the east and the breathtaking Tanggayuda Valley to the south, the latest "W Escape" property promises the brand's signature bold design, dreamy relaxation and immersion in nature. Comprised of 100 rooms, including 10 pool villas and an "EWOW" (Presidential) suite, the resort also features a "WET...
Hoshinoya Ubud

Hoshinoya Ubud

Ubud, Bali

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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