Ubud is the heart of Bali, its cultural capital. To get acquainted with this beautiful place, you need to allocate at least a week, because there are many historical, architectural and natural monuments scattered not only throughout the town, but also far beyond its borders. Europeans relatively recently discovered this resort, interest in it manifested itself in the 30s of the last century. Until now, it remains a mysterious, unexplored until the end of the earth, attracting a magnet to itself. There are no surging waves of the ocean, snow-white beaches, huge hotels - this alpine resort attracts a calm, relaxing atmosphere, clean air and breathtaking surrounding views.
History of Ubud
“Medicine” - this is how the name of the city of Ubud is translated. Bali has always been famous for its peaceful atmosphere, but its cultural center has a special effect on the health and psychological state of people. A lot of medicinal herbs grows here, and the merger of the two rivers concentrates the energy of the earth, which makes a person cheerful and cheerful. It is known about Ubud that in the VIII century Rsi Markendya, a Japanese Vishnuite, meditated here. It was he who became the founder of the Pura Gunung Lebach temple. In the XI century, Hinduism began to spread actively in these parts, which led to the emergence of new temples: in the caves of Goa Gadzhah, near Mount Kavi.
Only at the end of the 16th century did Europeans first come to Ubud. The Dutch were the first to visit Bali, it was they who made the island part of the Dutch East Indies at the beginning of the 20th century. Europeans treated local culture with respect, encouraging its development in every way. Thanks to this, the people have preserved their centuries-old traditions, which are honored to this day. The first places to stay here appeared in 1936, since then a lot of things have changed on the island, hotels and numerous bungalows grow like mushrooms after the rain, but Ubud manages to maintain its original appearance.
Ubud - a city of creative people
Tourists from Europe reached out to Indonesia after visiting these places by Walter Spies. It was the choreographer and film director who discovered the delights of the city of Ubud for Europeans. Bali on the map seems like a very tiny, inconspicuous island, but many do not even imagine what beauties here open to travelers. Shpis staged the famous Kecak - a spectacular dance of monkeys, which today still gathers crowds of spectators. In the twentieth century, Ubud was considered one of the bohemian places, as artists, composers, actors, directors, musicians, in general, all creative people gathered here to gain strength, to be inspired to create new masterpieces. Among the outstanding cultural figures, it should be noted Charlie Chaplin, Dorty Lamur, Margaret Mead, Sting.
The mysterious island of Bali. Hanging Gardens Ubud
Hanging Gardens - one of the seven wonders of the world. But if the Babylonian wonder has sunk into oblivion, then the Indonesian pleases many tourists. The unusual landscape design was borrowed from the plantations of Babylon, architects John Pettigrew and William Warren worked to create a magnificent design. The landscapes created by them are an amazing sight - tropical trees and exotic plants rush up. In addition to greenery, there are also multilevel infinity pools.
People seeking peace, solitude, relaxation, choose Bali. Ubud Hanging Gardens Hotel is perfect for this purpose, it is literally immersed in greenery, it is surrounded on all sides by exotic plants. Thanks to the special design of the pools located right next to the rooms, tourists can view the surrounding beauty, rainforests ... They get the impression that they are soaring in the clouds, watching from heaven the magnificence of the earth. From the main building, as well as from small house-rooms, you can contemplate the hanging gardens of Ubud. The hotel (the price of the tour justifies itself) is suitable for people who want to relax, improve their health, do meditation or yoga. Tour “all inclusive” for two for a week costs about 6.5 thousand dollars.
Museums in Ubud
Ubud is also called the cultural heart of Bali. For several decades, it has turned from an ordinary town into a tourist center. Today, travelers can visit numerous museums and art galleries here. The Neka Museum has the most valuable art collection; they were created both by local residents and visiting craftsmen who lived on the island for some time. Puri Lukisan, also called the "Palace of Art", has gathered a huge number of sculptures, paintings, carvings, and all of them reflect the color and culture of Bali. This is the first private museum of the island, functioning since 1954.
All admirers of the work of Antonio Blanco, of course, will want to visit his house. Now this is a museum that stores various works of the artist, including erotic paintings from a closed exhibition. The master mainly painted young local girls and his wife. Here you can also visit Blanco Studio and the aviary with birds.
A complete picture of Balinese art can be made after visiting the Agung Rai Museum. The works of Indonesian and foreign painters are collected here, including the Shpis painting “Kalonarang”, which he painted in 1930. The museum consists of a cultural center, art gallery, several workshops, a research center, and a library. Everyone can learn folk craft, theater and art, history, Bali culinary. Ubud receives positive feedback from tourists, because there really is something to do and something to see.
Architectural monuments
Indonesian architecture is a very interesting sight: it embodies the culture, ancient traditions, the worldview of local residents. Many man-made monuments scattered throughout the island are worthy of attention, but the tourist will be impressed even if he examines only what Ubud offers him. Bali is striking at every step. You can start the tour with the Kechen Temple, recognized as the most attractive building on the island. It was erected in 1206, and the place on which it stands has been used for centuries to perform ceremonies. The temple is surrounded by trees and hills on all sides; it is open daily for visits.
You can also see the ancient royal palace, impressive in its majesty, Puri Saren Agung, decorated with statues and stone gates. Some descendants of the royal family still live in the palace, most of it is open to visitors. In the palace, dance shows are held almost daily. You can also go along the pilgrims' path and see the Tirta Empul temple, near which there is a healing spring created, according to legend, by the King of the Gods Indra. A very interesting structure is Mount Poet, or Gunung Kavi. The building was created in the XI century and is the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his wives. The building is located in a very picturesque place.
Natural attractions
Many beautiful and interesting places delight travelers Ubud. What to see here first? Perhaps you can get acquainted with the local beauties in the reserve "Monkey Forest". Three churches were built here, on all sides they are surrounded by greenery. More than a hundred macaques live in a small forest. Visitors love to take pictures of cute creatures, but you should be careful because the monkeys are not so harmless: they steal sunglasses, hats, and everything that can be stolen from passers-by. It’s better not to feed them from your hands - they can bite.
In 1965, 100,000 Balinese were victims of political repression. Snow-white herons flew to the place of their burial and didn’t live here. Everyone can visit the Petulu Nature Reserve to admire the "souls" of the victims. You can watch elephants in the elephant safari park: there live animals rescued in Sumatra, where they were used at sawmills. For a fee, you can ride these giants. Ubud boasts picturesque landscapes, rare plants, exotic birds and reptiles. What to see here, we told. But it’s better to see once than hear a hundred times. Therefore, in the city you need to stop for at least a week to get acquainted with all the sights.
Local population
Residents favor foreigners. These are positive, creative people involved in painting, music, dancing, stone and wood carving. The local population considers themselves creators, almost every street has several galleries and workshops. Balinese honor their traditions, so they conduct various rituals daily. Even souvenirs here are not simple low-quality fakes, but real works of art, in which the inhabitants of Bali put a piece of their soul. Ubud (a memory photo taken in these places will bring back memories of the trip for a long time) always greets guests with a friendly, friendly display of all its sights.
Nutrition
Tourists remember Ubud not only beautiful landscapes, exotic animals and unusual culture, but also delicious cuisine. If you compare the variety and quality of dishes, the resort is second only to the city of Seminyak. A wide selection of restaurants and cafes, very tasty, original and inexpensive food - all this attracts travelers to Ubud. Bali offers several cuisines to choose from, but, of course, you can’t visit the island and try local dishes.
Shopping
Ubud is a great place for all shopping lovers. In the city there are many shops selling clothes, souvenirs, paintings. The main market is located in a large two-story building, the main goods are national clothes, wood carvings, batik ... that is, those things that interest tourists. You must bargain with sellers; in some cases, the price can be halved. Shopping is best done on the second floor, because there the goods are much cheaper. If you are interested in art, then you should go to nearby villages - there you can buy jewelry made of silver, items carved in stone and wood, painting.
What is attractive about Ubud?
Indonesia is a paradise on earth, people come here for inspiration, a complete relaxation of body and soul, new experiences. Ubud cannot boast of an ocean coast, but there is such a peaceful atmosphere that tourists do not want to go back home. The resort is surrounded by greenery, you do not need to look for sights here - they are found at every step. The city has an ancient history, which is interesting for lovers of antiquity, archeology, cultural researchers. In Ubud, various rituals are held almost daily, which will be interesting to see. A visit to nature reserves, historical and cultural monuments, entertainment venues will make your stay rich and interesting.
Who is Bali suitable for?
Ubud Hanging Gardens Hotel attracts the attention of exotic lovers. Indeed, not in every country you can swim in the infinity pools and at the same time admire the surrounding splendor and riot of nature from a bird's eye view. The resort is suitable for people seeking to find peace of mind, recharge with positive energy. That is why many celebrities come to Ubud in search of inspiration. This resort is also called the city of artists, here you can reveal your talent and truly relax.