Ubud Travel

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Nestled in the hills approximately one hour's drive north of Denpasar, Ubud is known as Bali's cultural and culinary capital. While it was once a haven for backpackers and bohemians, Ubud is now a centre for art collectors and connoisseurs.

Ubud's popularity with visitors has been on the rise for many years. Despite growing commercial interest and visitor numbers, the town has retained its original character and charm.

Ubud is the perfect contradiction for travellers in that while on one hand it offers five star amenities and modern day conveniences, visitors can also step back in time to enjoy the simplicity and beauty of traditional Balinese life.

Surrounding the town are scenic rice fields, small villages, ancient temples, palaces, rivers and most importantly for cultural enthusiasts, numerous art and craft communities.

Walking through these surrounding communities, visitors can see artists and craftsmen at work in open rooms and verandahs busy keeping the proud tradition of Balinese artistry alive.

Ubud's artists are rnowned for creating striking and colourful paintings as well as beautiful woodcarvings and silver jewellry.

Should you fall in love with a particular handicraft, try to speak to the artist direct as you can generally purchase it for a price that is lower than what is on offer in the amazing array of galleries that line Ubud's streets.

True art lovers should also walk through the Agung Rai and Neka galleries to enjoy their excellent and interesting selection of paintings.

One street that has a great selection of art and craft boutiques, as well as restaurants, shops and hotels, is Monkey Forest Road. Strolling down this street, you can discover some small shops that offer intricate woodcarvings, silverware, baskets and quality fabrics, particularly batiks.

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Strolling to the south end of the street will lead you to the Monkey Forest. The Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to a band of playful (and greedy) monkeys who are ever-vigilant for passing tourists with a peanut to spare.

Tourists are asked not to feed them. However be prepared for a tantrum if you refuse their vocal demands. If you make it past the monkeys you will discover the Temple of Pura Dalem Agung, that rests in the forest.

Exploring the exotic sites of Ubud you cannot help but agree that it is truly the cultural capital of Bali. However the town's charms do not end there as Ubud also offers the most diverse and delicious food on the island.

Ubud is a great place to try authentic Balinese dishes. One 'must-try' meal is the traditional Balinese Feast which is served at Ketut's Place up to three times per week. Feast is definitely the right word for the meal that includes Balinese style gado gado, mee goreng, smoked duck, satay, papaya, starfruit and the list goes on.

The culinary delights of Ubud are not restricted to Balinese specialities with the quintessential Ubud restaurant featuring fresh ingredients and an eclectic menu that draws on inspiration from European, US and Asian fare to create 'Balinese fusion cuisine'.

To sample these innovative dishes, you must head to Ary's Warung or Cas a Luna in JI Raya with both restaurants rightly deserving their excellent reputations for high quality and varied dishes.

Traditional Balinese culture is often overshadowed or commercialised by the nation's ever-strengthening 'tourism' industry.

Ubud stands out as an excellent destination for visitors who are interested in going beyond the tourist hype to discover the richness and diversity of the 'real' Bali.

So next time you consider lazing on one of Bali's beautiful beaches, make sure you also take time to head to the hills and immerse yourself in the true Balinese experience of Ubud.

MUST SEE, MUST DO

* Be sure to make time for a performance of the captivating Legong dance and Wayan Kulit puppet theatre. The main venues for these performances are the Ubud Palace, Padangtegal dance stage, the ARMA open stage and Pura Dalem Puri in Peliatan.

* Gain an appreciation of Balinese art by strolling through an Ubud Art Gallery - Agung Rai in JI Peliatan and Neka in JI Raya - or Museum Neka Museum or Museum Puri Lukisan

* Meet up with a guide from 'Keep Walking Tours' at Tegun Galeri Shop for a one to seven hour guided and themed walking tour around Ubud.

* Ubud is also the main centre for adventure excursions in Bali with great opportunities for trekking and white-water rafting.

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Balinese Legong Dance and Ramayana Ballet Evening Tour in Ubud Join a group and experience an evening in Ubud, Bali?s artistic heart and see a cultural performance. There's time to browse around the art galleries and craft shops and have dinner at one of the restaurants before watching one of a number of performances such as the dramatic 'Legong' warrior dance, Ramayana Ballet, Shadow Puppet Show and others.

Visit the Ubud destination guide for more information.

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