Bali. The very name conjures up images of white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and endless sunshine. But there is so much more to this Indonesian island than just its beaches. One of the best places to experience all that Bali has to offer is Ubud, a town located in the central foothills of the island. Here are 5 reasons why Ubud should be your next holiday destination.
1. The People are Wonderful
One of the best things about Ubud is its people. They are some of the warmest, most welcoming people you will ever meet. They are also very proud of their culture and are more than happy to share it with visitors. You will quickly fall in love with the Balinese way of life and find yourself wanting to return again and again.
2. It is Very Inexpensive
In recent years, Ubud has become something of a playground for the rich and famous. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that it is an expensive place to visit. On the contrary, Ubud is very affordable, especially when compared to other luxury destinations around the world. You can easily find 5-star accommodation (we love Villa Sagitta) for a fraction of the price you would pay in Europe or the United States. And once you’re here, you’ll find that there are plenty of free activities to keep you busy, from exploring rice paddies and temples to taking part in one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year. Be sure to bring an extra suitcase for all of the souvenirs you’ll want to bring home!
3. It is Luxurious
Despite being very affordable, Ubud is still a luxurious place to stay. There are plenty of high-end hotels and resorts dotted around town, as well as boutique shops selling everything from hand-crafted batik fabrics to locally-sourced coffee beans. If you’re looking for a bit of pampering during your holiday, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Ubud’s many spas and wellness centres offering treatments such as Balinese massages and reflexology at very reasonable prices.
4. The Culture is Immersive
Ubud is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Balinese culture. From watching a traditional Legong dance performance at one of the many temples to participating in a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make authentic Balinese dishes, there are myriad opportunities to get a taste (literally and figuratively) of what this fascinating culture has to offer. If you really want to go deep, there are even cultural immersion programs available which will allow you to live with a local family for a few weeks and experience day-to-day life in Ubud firsthand.
5. The Food is Amazing
Last but not least, the food in Ubud is absolutely amazing! Whether you’re looking for healthy vegan fare, hearty Indonesian classics such as nasi goreng (fried rice), or a luxurious tasting menu (check out Locavore), you’ll find plenty of delicious options to choose from throughout the town. Be sure to wash it all down with one (or two) of Bali’s famous Bintang -you won’t regret it!
Ubud LGBT Safety Check
As an openly gay bi-racial couple, we have always felt safe and welcomed in Ubud. The staff at Villa Sagitta have welcomed us with open arms. Restaurants and attractions in town do not show any signs of discrimination.
