In the quaint town of Ubud, people come to swim into its spiritual and verdant core in the hopes of coming out healed and restored. The name itself derived from the local word ubad, which means “medicine” on account of the fertile land abundant with medicinal plants and herbs.
No wonder it’s also known as the land of the healers.
It’s also a crafty destination. If you wish to know more about the arts and culture of Bali, Ubud is the place to be. Tourism may have created a swirl of traffic at the center of the town, but at its heart the allure or Ubud—tranquil, spiritual, mystical—remains. Here are some of the highlights.
The Temple Where it All Started…
Many believe that Gunung Lebah Temple is how Ubud was born. The temple was built in the 8th century by Maha Rsi Markandhya, the priest who previously had erected the much grander (and considered to be the mother of all temples in Bali) Besakih Temple in Karangasem.
Maha Rsi Markandhya set foot at the river valley of Campuhan and seemingly had an epiphany to lay the grounds for the first temple in the area where he can meditate. That temple was Gunung Lebah, and soon settlements were created around the temple. Many medicinal plants live in the surrounding woods, and thus the name Ubud came to be.
Royal Remembrance
The Ubud Royal Palace is a sprawling and ornate complex that was built in the 15th century. It was the royal family’s residence and center of government until the 1940s. Today, it’s still the home for some of the king’s descendants.
At the front section of the palace you can marvel at the carved motifs that display Bali’s link to India’s culture. You may tour the site alone and it’s free of charge, but if you wish to get an in-depth history of the palace (puri), you may approach a guide who you can easily meet around the wantilan pavilions. In the evening, the palace plays host to various traditional dances such as legong and barong dance.
Market Watch
Just across the royal palace is the always bustling Ubud Art Market. Handicrafts and fashion are marketed side-by-side at the recently revitalized market; offering a wide variety of choices to take home. Yes, it’s touristy, but at least all you need is in one place and supports local economy that creates diverse products from paintings, wood carvings, sculptures, wood-based kitchenware, sarongs, woven bags and big hats, traditional musical instruments, aromatherapy oils, and many more.
Monkey Business
Pass through the Ubud Market and a few walks away is the Monkey Forest. This forest is a beautiful 10-hectare sanctuary that is a religious site and residents often hold ceremonies in the temples inside.
As the name suggests, monkeys (the indigenous long-tailed variety) roam the forest, and you might even catch them hanging out by the side of the street.
You may enter and take your family for a day out in nature, but just beware of your belongings as the monkeys have a penchant for shiny objects.
Village Life
Known as the artist’s village, Penestenan is a perfect spot to seek peace and solitude. The village is surrounded by beautiful rice fields and bamboo forests. You can also find many art galleries, local markets, cafes, restaurants, and traditional Balinese style accommodations.
Another tranquil spot is Pengosekan village, which lies just south of Ubud. Similar to Penestenan, rice fields encircle the neighborhood alongside art galleries and jewelry shops where you can take a crash course in jewelry making. The village is also home to Pura Puseh Batuan Temple, the local landmark that dates to the 11th century.
