Days 4 and 5: Central Bali

Where to Stay

The centrally located hotels around Ubud are ideal for visiting villages and monuments in the area.

Terraced rice fields, the mighty Ayung River, classical villages and lush hillsides characterize this region of the island...

• Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah – Fusing classic Balinese architecture with contemporary flair, these villas, suites and glorious gardens are elegant and comfortable

• COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri – This dazzling resort was featured in Architectural Digest and houses the world-famous COMO Shambhala Spa.

• Alila Ubud – Achieving a Green Globe certification, this hotel chain strives to protect the local environment by blending natural conservation, community and commerce without sacrificing style, comfort or service.

What to Do

Terraced rice fields, the mighty Ayung River, classical villages and lush hillsides characterize this region of the island. Ubud, the former kingdom and contemporary cultural center, is the perfect central location from which to discover the nearby rich natural and artistic treasures.

• Hiring a car and guide is the easiest way to get around, although tourist shuttles stop at most major sites.

• It can get much chillier in the central highlands, especially in the evening.

• Ubud – Art galleries, craft workshops, farmers market and a museum are found in the center. Being the artistic and cultural heart of the island, music, dance and theatrical performances can all be attended here

• Jalan Wanara Wana (Monkey Forest Road) – Restaurants, galleries and affordable guesthouses line this road

• Pasar Ubud – Features stalls selling crafts and foods as well as a morning farmer’s market

• Museum Puri Lukisan – Houses an impressive collection of intricate mainly 20^th century Balinese paintings and sculpture

• Puri Saren – Ubud’s royal palace dating from the 1890s

• Pura Taman Saraswati – Built in the 1950s this temple is surrounded by a water garden and lotus pond

• Hiking in the Countryside – It is possible to walk around the outskirts of Ubud, wandering among rice paddies, small temples and shrines and an artists’ settlement

• Traditional Dance –Balinese dances are performed daily in Ubud in the outdoor courtyard at Puri Saren and other venues.

  • Performances of the Hindu epic Ramayana are popular but most spectacular is the Kecak Fire and Trance Dance

• Shadow Puppet Theatre – Delicately cut and painted leather puppets depicting gods and figures from the Ramayana act out scenes behind a screen backlit by a flickering candle

• Ayung River Gorge – Magnificent scenery and white water rafting are two reasons to visit this ravine

• Tegallang – This nearby village is the center of the woodcarving industry of Bali. Stop here for lovely pieces off the shelf or custom orders

• Sukawati – Primarily a handicraft foundation, this village has a remarkable artisan market, Pasar Seni, selling all types of local wares

• Bali Bird Park – Over 1000 types of exotic birds are on view here, many endangered

• Pura (Temples) – There are numerous temples across the region, some notable examples are:

  • Pura Pengastulan in Bedulu, with Art Deco flourishes

  • Pura Arjuna Metapa, out in the rice fields of Pejeng

  • Pura Kebo Edan featuring demonic sculptures

  • Pura Pusering Jagat, housing a carved stone urn

  • Pura Penataran Sasih, harboring a sacred bronze drum

• Taro – This village north of Ubud contains the large Pura Gunung Raung and an Elephant Safari Park

• Gunung Kawi Royal Monuments – Nine massive 11^th century shrines carved into rock walls

• Pura Tirta Empul – A large hallowed spring and courtyards are the highlights of this 10^th century sanctuary