Ubud
Bali’ s cultural heartland
With an alluring mix of spirituality, culture and natural beauty, this creative inland oasis lies beside the Ayung River amidst picture-perfect green landscapes. Despite being a tourist hotspot, this beautiful area has maintained its charm, making it well worth delving into.
With an arts and craft scene dating back to the 1930s, it’ s little surprise to find a host of museums, galleries, workshops and craft markets. Should you fancy something hands-on, opt to join a class in batik painting, woodcarving, basket-weaving, silversmithing or Balinese cookery. Alternatively, embrace Ubud’ s spiritual side by practising yoga and meditation or indulging with restorative therapies at one of the many spas. And, with surroundings of vibrant rice fields, ancient temples, verdant forests and dramatic river gorges, there’ s plenty of scope for hikes, bicycle rides and even whitewater rafting.
The sacred Monkey Forest nature reserve and temple complex is a popular visitor attraction. This swathe of jungle on the edge of town is inhabited by hundreds of cheeky long-tailed macaques who, locals believe, protect the area from evil spirits.
Temple festivals and ceremonies occur almost daily so you may well chance upon one. Otherwise, several venues offer regular traditional Balinese dance performances.
Ubud’ s food scene is also incredible, from fine dining and vegan eateries to sweet treats and local delicacies, there’ s sure to be something mouthwatering on the menu.
1 Champlung Sari & Ubud Village Resort
2 Payogan Villa Resort & Spa
Ayung River
2
• Neka Art Museum
• Ubud Palace
Campuhan Ridge Walk •
• Museum Puri Lukisan Saraswati Temple •
• Sacred Monkey 1
Forest Sanctuary
UBUD
Getting there: A private transfer by road from Bali’ s beach resorts or airport takes about an hour.
Best time to go: While July to October is considered the best time, there is never a bad time to visit as it’ s generally warm year round. You can expect more rainfall from November to June, although it doesn’ t rain every day, or all day.
Ubud palace
from £ 19 per person per night
Champlung Sari
3Hplus Ubud
This restful retreat is set within a green landscape in the heart of picturesque Ubud, overlooking the sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Close by there are a number of shops, woodcarvers and art galleries for which the area is renowned. At the hotel, clusters of comfortably appointed rooms are scattered around the tropical gardens to recreate the ambience of a traditional Balinese village. Purnama Spa offers a menu of body and beauty rituals which are sure to replenish and rejuvenate. Kamani Restaurant entices with international favourites and local specialities with a view of the pool, while Wanara Restaurant is elevated and has sweeping views of the nearby tropical forest.
Features: 111 rooms & villas • 2 restaurants • bar • 2 swimming pools
• spa • free WiFi
Accommodation: In superior rooms with bath and shower( some have a bath and separate shower), mini bar and balcony or terrace with garden or swimming pool views.
Room upgrades: Larger deluxe rooms from £ 2 • one bedroom private pool villas from £ 51, with living room, dining area and private pool.
Meals: Breakfast. Private transfers: 1¼ hours from Bali airport.
Superior room
118 Bali & Beyond
Deluxe room
Premier Plus
Early booking room discount up to 20 %: On selected dates Aug 25-Mar 27. Family offers: One child 0-11 years stays FREE, when sharing with two adults. For children 0-4 years this includes breakfast, while for children 5-11 years it is room only.
prices & offers change constantly- call for today’ s best available deals!