About Ubud :

Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's pre-eminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali . Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.

Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali - scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And its central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.

The real Ubud is under the surface. There are plenty of interesting things on the main streets, but most of the magic of Ubud is hidden away. In the backstreets, backwaters, courtyards and cafes. In people's hearts, minds, and dreams. This part of the Bali web site was built to show you how to go behind the facade and find the real Ubud, and the real Bali , without having to spend all your time searching for it. There's no point in repeating what's in the guidebooks, so we've tried not to. If you're interested in Ubud, there are at least a dozen guidebooks on Bali available and they all provide information on Ubud. Use this web site before you go to guidebooks, to find out what makes Ubud so special. Then use it after the guidebooks for up-to-date information, news and features about our extra ordinary town.

Since there are so many other accounts of Balinese Hinduism available in guidebooks and other literature, we will spare you yet another one. Suffice to say, Balinese Hinduism permeates Ubud life as it has for eons. Some observers in fact, have noted a resurgence of religious activity, both in terms of outward devotional practice, and the more introspective, philosophical aspects of religiosity. Ubud is noted as one of the more traditional towns in terms of maintaining the tenets and manifold observances of Agama Hindu Bali. Everywhere you look, every single day, you will see ceremony, ritual and sacred offerings. All of this is carried out in Ubud with a level of devout attention and meticulous care that is rarely exceeded elsewhere. This applies equally to the young generation as it does to their parents and grandparents.

To witness (or participate in) the enactment of religious tradition, visit a temple during a holy day or on its anniversary, called and odalan. Your hotel, guest house, or the Balinese friends you make can tell you when and where an opportunity might arise. Consult the Bali Calendar to check dates of major festivals. You can't go more than a few metres in Ubud without seeing one hanging on someone's wall. Or let Balinese friends and acquaintances know you would be interested to attend a life-transition ritual (three-month birthday of a baby, tooth filing, wedding, cremation, etc.). Chances are, if you stay more than a few days you will have the opportunity to witness such an event.

The main temples in Ubud are the location for a tremendous variety of festivals, special prayers and observances of particular holy days. Following is a list of the some of the main temples and the dates of their odalans, beginning with the three main temples which are requisite to any Balinese desa. Before you attend any religious ceremony or enter a temple, read the "Etiquette and Dress Notice" in these web pages. Our advice is to find a Balinese friend or hotel employee who will take you to a ceremony, and advise you throughout about what is taking place, and how you can appreciate and participate in the ceremony without making a faux pas.

For millennia, Ubud and the areas immediately surrounding it have been "centre stage" for the fascinating drama of Balinese history. During the Bronze Age (from 300BC), the ubud was already a wellspring of culture. This is evidenced by numerous archeological finds in the area, including megalithic ruins and stepped pyramids, some of which are mow the foundations of active Hindu temples. Remarkable Bronze Age artifacts around Ubud include the enormous bronze gong known as “The Moon of Pejeng". It is still displayed in Pura Panataran Sasih in Pejeng, east of Ubud. Nearby at the archaeological museum in Bedulu are a collection of stone sarcophagi unearthed in the area, which give mute testimony to the death rituals of the people's ancestors.