In the uplands of Bali, there is located this scenic and internationally-known, destination – Ubud. This town in Bali is dotted by the popular Ubud waterfalls like Tukad Cepung and engirdled by lush greenery and nature. Being a popular destination in Bali, Ubud is a busy yet quaint neighborhood to visit. Talking about Ubud Center, well, it is the heart of the town. Here you just get to find a wide range of accommodation options but also a number of attractions to visit. There are natural wonders and architectural wonders to explore and experience. In this post, we will talk about the top 10 things to do in Ubud Center to make your time in the town in Ubud indelible. So, here we begin.
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Top 10 things to do in Ubud Center
Explore Ubud Monkey Forest
There are many amazing things to do in Ubud, but the Monkey Forest stands somewhere on the top of the list. As the name itself says, this is the forest, or I should be the dwelling land of many mischievous monkeys. Sprawls over a large area of 12.5 hectares of land, the Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the must-visit places in Ubud. Along with its pristine natural beauty, the forest is known for a serene atmosphere. Besides, there are traditional stone-carved statues and towering trees that make this place even more compelling to visit. In the forest, there is a compound that is constructed as a manifestation of Tri Hita Karana – an ancient traditional philosophy. Not just this, the compound also includes social halls and temples to explore. However, while on a walk to this popular tourist attraction, be careful of the monkeys. Also, do not feed any monkeys or you will end up attracting numerous monkeys. This is one thing you don’t do in Bali is feed the monkeys.
Get a Massage
While vacationing in Ubud, a massage is a must-thing to do in the Ubud city center. There are plenty of spa centers in downtown to choose from. Almost all offer a variety of massages to tourists. Whether you are a solo traveler or traveling with your partner, there are massages for every type of tourist in Ubud. Some massage centers are even located along the river, and hence, you can expect to enjoy a massage session with picturesque views.
What To Expect – Bali
Visit The Famous Ubud Traditional Art Market – Ubud Shopping Centre
The Ubud Traditional Art Market is one of the most renowned tourist attractions in Ubud center in Bali. Whether you are looking for silk scarves, sculptures, statues, shirts, hats, kites, baskets, or woven bags, Ubud Art Market is a one-stop stopover for all your Bali outlet shopping. This Ubud shopping centre is where you can find some amazing souvenirs and handicrafts to take back home. Most of the goods available in the market are made in the neighboring villages of Payangan, Pengosekan, Tegallalang, and Peliatan. Just to let you know, the market has also been featured in the famous Hollywood movie – Eat Pray Love.
Ubud Palace
Also known as Puri Saren Agung, Ubud Palace is located at a distance of around 160 meters from the Monkey Forest. This makes it easier for you to explore both places at the same time. The royal palace traces its history from the 1800s and it is said to be constructed during the reign of Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel. Despite being a tourist attraction, the palace still serves as the home of the royal family. They still live in one section of the palace. There are also gardens inside the palace that you can explore. The architecture is indeed a talking point of the palace. It is a Balinese ornate architecture. In the evening, the traditional Balinese dance performance is observed in the palace which you definitely should be a part of.
Alchemy Cafe
There are plenty of Ubud Center restaurants that people will recommend to you. However, the one that you will find in every list is Alchemy Cafe. The popularity of this place can be imagined with the fact that it always remains filled with visitors. The key highlight of Alchemy Cafe is that it serves some of the best vegan and raw food in the town of Ubud. All the products are made then and there and you can even expect to savor a full salad bar and vegan cheesecake. If that’s not enough, they are also known to make raw vegan chocolate in their chocolaterie. Do try their raw pressed juices, they are just amazing. Alchemy Cafe comes with a treat (though not complimentary); there is a health store and a clinic located adjacent to the cafe. Here you can find a range of beauty treatments.
Ubud Fitness Center
For all the fitness freaks, Ubud Fitness Center is the perfect place to visit during your month in Bali. Located in the Ubud center Bali, the fitness center boasts a cool and comfortable ambiance. Along with that, it has a nice decor to help to have an amazing workout session. Their gym is split into two floors – the first floor has all the equipment for weight training whereas, the ground floor has equipment for cardio training. There is also a studio where you can be a part of a few Ubud fitness centre classes. This is indeed one of those must-visit places in downtown Ubud if you are looking to stay in Ubud on your long Bali vacation.
What To Expect – Ubud
Ubud Healing Center
If you want to travel like us, then definitely you need some downtime for relaxation. A vacation is not just always about chasing your next destination, especially when you are in a place like Bali Ubud. Sometimes you have to give it a pause (in case of a long vacation) and look for a relaxing time. In downtown Ubud, it is Ubud Healing Center where you can enjoy a traditional Balinese healing massage. Also known as the Traditional Balinese Healing Center, this place is more than just a massage center. Here you can learn about the Balinese medicinal plants that are used in traditional treatments. Some of these medicinal plants are also put up on sale here at Ubud Healing Center. There is also a restaurant that serves Balinese vegetarian delicacies. If you want, you can also learn the traditional Balinese dance here at Ubud Healing Center.
Ubud Retreat Center
There are numerous retreat centers in Bali, but the Ubud retreat center surpasses all when it comes to an ultimate experience. The retreat center is located in a peaceful location and offers a pleasing and comfortable stay to its guests. It has comfortable and spacious rooms, swimming pools, lush green gardens, and much more. The best part about this place is that it offers picturesque views of rice fields. If where to stay in Ubud Center is one of your biggest concerns on your Bali vacation, then Ubud Retreat Center is the solution for you.
Agung Rai Musuem of Art
AGMA or Agung Rai Museum of Art is a place for all art and culture buffs. It is both a gallery and a cultural center. AGMA houses the rich collection of the work of Anak Agung Rai. It is separated into two buildings. If you are an admirer of art, then this is surely a place to quench to evergreen curiosity. The museum cum gallery showcases the kinds of works produced on the beautiful island of Bali.
Take a Cooking Class at Casa Luna Cooking School
Do you love to cook? Well, if so, there is something special for you to do in the downtown of Ubud. Balinese food is one of the best foods I’ve ever tasted and I am sure you feel the same. Casa Luna Cooking School is a popular stopover for tourists who desire to learn to make Balinese food. Not only this place teaches you how to cook Balinese food, but you also get a chance to learn about the culture, history, and religious beliefs and significance with the food in Bali. You can even learn to make those classic Balinese dishes that people die to taste. Unlike any other ordinary cooking school, here at Casa Luna, each and every traditional ingredient is explained to the person. Not just this, you also get recipe cards to take back home. This is indeed an experience that one should indulge in to explore Bali like a local.
How to Get Around Ubud Center
There are plenty of drivers that always await your call. Even if you’re traveling from Canggu to Ubud for the day. You just have to ask for them as you walk around Ubud center. However, rather than hiring taxis from the streets, I would recommend you to ask at your hotel reception. Most hotels in Ubud have their family members or known persons ready to drive you. It is more accountable. However, make sure you negotiate. Grab – the popular ridesharing app is also a quite popular way that solves the concern of how to get around Ubud Center. Tourists also prefer to rent a scooter in Bali to explore the city center of Ubud. In order to hire a motorbike, you must have an international driving license.
What to Eat in Ubud Center
When it comes to what to eat in Ubud center, well, there is a wide range of delectable dishes and no list can include all. From cafes to juice shops to restaurants, there are plenty of places in Ubud where you can savor an ultimate gourmet experience. However, if you are on a budget vacation in Bali, consider eating in the Padang Rumah Makan (eating house) or in the local warungs. Eating at the Warungs will help keep the cost of living in Bali Down. In Ubud downtown, you can enjoy a wide range of delicacies made of fish, eggs, chicken, and vegetables. However, the traditional roast pig is one of the most popular and must-have delicacies in the Ubud center. Besides, you can also expect to eat Padang food, Balinese food, and western food. Indeed, there are so many options for you. Even if you are a vegan, fret not, there are amazing options for you to enjoy food in Ubud. Seeds of Life is one of those amazing vegan places in Ubud where you can savor various delectable delicacies while vacationing in Ubud.
Where to Stay in Ubud Center
Ubud is probably the best place to enjoy a pleasing and comfortable stay. The reason behind it is that there are a large number of Balinese villas and resorts in Ubud. When it comes to where to stay in Ubud center, the downtown has plenty of staying options to book an accommodation in Bali. One of the most popular places to stay in Ubud center is Ubud Retreat Center. Along with that, there are more hotels and resorts in Ubud center where you can consider to book your stay. For budget accommodation, there are many homestays and guest houses listed on Airbnb in the downtown region of Ubud. These guesthouses and homestays also offer breakfast to tourists.
Is Ubud Center Safe?
It is always essential to consider safety before planning a visit to a new destination. Now, if you have the question is Ubud center safe? Well, just to let you know, the town is pretty safe. The crime rate in Ubud center is very low. I must say as a place where tourism is high, Ubud has done a good job to keep the crime rate almost to nothing. Talking about the night, it is also safe to walk around Ubud even during the night. There are no crimes reported with tourists during the night. When you are riding a scooter in the Ubud center, make sure to wear a helmet and keep your documents ready to avoid being stopped by the police. Also, while hiking or biking in the woods, it is also highly recommended that you hire a guide to avoid getting lost. It is also a part of your safety. On the whole, Bali is safe and you can freely explore the Ubud city centre without worrying much. However, mandatory precautions are still recommended to avoid dangers while exploring Bali.
BRING To Bali, Indonesia
So, this was all from these top things to do in Ubud center guide. I really hope you enjoyed our suggestions and this helps you prepare for Bali. Whether you are spending 10 days in Bali or a Month in Bali. I personally believe that Ubud is one of the best-hidden gems in Bali. However, I would request you to be a responsible tourist and make sure not to leave any carbon footprints in this heavenly destination. It is very much important to keep the beauty of our mother earth intact.
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