Ubud Bali – Art, Culture & Nature Overview

Overview

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart, a unique area where natural beauty blends seamlessly with art and tradition. Surrounded by rice fields, forests, and mountain ravines, Ubud offers a tranquil haven for relaxation and inspiration. The community’s daily life is inseparable from art, with galleries, dance performances, and music filling the village every evening.

Travelers often choose to stay in Ubud to immerse themselves in its atmosphere — enjoying boutique hotels, resorts, and homestays that reflect the area’s artistic spirit.

Top Attractions in Ubud

Museum Puri Lukisan (Museum of Paintings)

Established in 1956 by Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, and foreign artist Rudolf Bonnet.
Bali’s first private art museum, showcasing the evolution of Ubud’s painting and sculpture.
Features works by local maestros such as I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, Ida Bagus Made, and international artists like Walter Spies and Arie Smit.
Includes masterpieces from the Pita Maha period, a pivotal art movement in Bali.

Rudana Museum & Fine Art Gallery

Founded by Nyoman Rudana, inaugurated in 1995 by President Soeharto.
Houses over 400 paintings and sculptures by Balinese, Indonesian, and foreign artists.
The adjacent Rudana Fine Art Gallery, established in 1978, was the forerunner of the museum.
A must‑visit for art collectors and enthusiasts seeking diverse styles and cultural depth.

Puri Agung Ubud (Royal Palace)

Located in the heart of Ubud, once the administrative and cultural center of the ancient kingdom.
Preserves traditional Balinese architecture and layout.
Weekly cultural performances are held in the courtyard, while daily gamelan rehearsals enrich the artistic atmosphere.
A living symbol of Ubud’s heritage as an art‑minded village.

Paddy Terraced Field Attractions in Ubud

One of Ubud’s most iconic landscapes is its rice terraces, showcasing Bali’s traditional subak irrigation system (a UNESCO‑recognized cultural heritage). These terraced fields are not only breathtaking but also reflect the harmony between humans, nature, and spirituality in Balinese life.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Located about 10 km north of Ubud, Tegallalang is the most famous rice terrace in Bali.
Visitors can walk along narrow paths, enjoy panoramic views, and take photos of the lush green terraces.
Cafés and viewing platforms line the area, offering scenic spots to relax with coffee or fresh coconut.
Best time to visit: early morning for fewer crowds and softer light.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Situated about 1.5 hours from Ubud, Jatiluwih is a vast UNESCO World Heritage site.
Covers over 600 hectares of rice fields, showcasing traditional Balinese farming practices.
Less crowded than Tegallalang, ideal for cycling tours and long scenic walks.
Offers insight into the subak system, emphasizing community cooperation in water management.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

While not a terrace, this scenic ridge near Ubud offers views of rice fields and valleys.
A popular sunrise or sunset walk, combining nature with cultural immersion.

Ubud Monkey Forest (Wanara Wana)

Sacred forest in Padangtegal Village, home to hundreds of long‑tailed macaques.
Contains Pura Dalem Padangtegal, a temple dating back to the early 20th century.
Features ancient architecture, stone carvings, and a sacred spring beneath a dragon statue, believed to have healing powers.
Popular for both cultural exploration and wildlife encounters.

Ayung River Rafting

Located west of Ubud, the Ayung River offers white‑water rafting and kayaking adventures.
Scenic riverbanks lined with lush greenery and luxury resorts.
Suitable for beginners and families, with professional operators providing safety equipment and guides.
Combines adrenaline with breathtaking views of Bali’s natural landscape.

How to Get to Ubud

Ubud is located about 35 km northeast of Denpasar and 40 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Travel time varies between 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic.

🚖 By Car or Taxi

Airport Taxi: Available at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Fixed rates apply, but negotiating is common.
Private Driver: The most comfortable option. Drivers can be booked in advance and often include sightseeing stops along the way.
Ride‑Hailing Apps: Services like Grab and Gojek are available, though sometimes restricted in tourist zones.

🚌 Shuttle Services

Several operators run shared shuttle buses between Ubud and popular areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, and Canggu.
Affordable and convenient for solo travelers, though less flexible than private cars.

🛵 Scooter Rental

Renting a scooter is a budget‑friendly way to reach Ubud, especially if you’re comfortable riding in Bali’s traffic.
Travel time from Denpasar or Kuta is about 1–1.5 hours. Helmets and international driving licenses are required.