Ubud

Bali's cultural heart, known for its arts, crafts, traditional dance performances, and rice terraces. It offers galleries, markets, yoga retreats, and authentic Balinese experiences away from beach tourism.

Things to do

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary — Explore a 27-acre forested temple complex home to over 700 long-tailed macaques, with ancient carved stone temples and moss-covered statues.
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces — Walk through emerald-green rice paddies carved into steep hillsides, with traditional irrigation systems and stunning photo opportunities.
• Ubud Traditional Market — Browse a bustling local market selling fresh produce, textiles, crafts, and souvenirs while experiencing authentic daily Balinese commerce.
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) — Visit an 11th-century carved temple sanctuary with an intricately decorated entrance carved from volcanic rock and ancient meditation chambers.
• Campuhan Ridge Walk — Hike a scenic valley trail between two ravines with views of emerald rice fields, waterfalls, and traditional villages along a 2-kilometer path.
• Ubud Palace — Tour the still-inhabited royal palace with traditional Balinese architecture, intricate carvings, and traditional courtyards open to respectful visitors.
• Arma Museum — Explore contemporary and traditional Balinese art in a museum set among terraced gardens, featuring rotating exhibitions and artist studios.

Food to try

• Babi Guling — Roasted suckling pig seasoned with spices and served with rice, crackling skin, and spicy sambal sauce, a festive Balinese specialty.
• Nasi Kuning — Yellow turmeric-infused rice cooked in coconut milk and served with fried chicken, tempeh, and sambal, a staple comfort dish.
• Soto Ayam — Aromatic turmeric chicken broth served with shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy fried shallots over rice or noodles.
• Lawar — Traditional minced meat salad mixed with grated coconut, spices, and raw blood (in authentic versions), served as a ritual and festive dish.
• Satay (Sate Lilit) — Ground meat mixed with coconut and spices, molded onto bamboo skewers and grilled, served with peanut sauce for dipping.
• Jaja Laklak — Green pandan-flavored rice flour dumplings with palm sugar filling, served in coconut milk for a sweet and delicate dessert experience.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Temple Etiquette — Wear a sarong or sash (often provided at entrances), avoid pointing at people or deities, and don't photograph ceremonies without permission.
• Learn Basic Balinese Greetings — Use 'Om Swastyastu' for hello and 'Terima kasih' for thank you—locals appreciate efforts to speak their language, even imperfectly.
• Observe Quiet Hours at Sunrise — Many Balinese practice morning meditation and prayer rituals; keep noise levels low and avoid crowding popular spiritual sites before 7 AM.
• Avoid Lefthand Eating and Gestures — The left hand is considered unclean in Balinese culture; eat and hand items with the right hand, and never point with one finger.