Ubud
District: Gianyar
By road: from Denpasar north-east via Kesiman and Sukawati.
Bus: several services daily from Denpasar-Kereneng.
Bemo: not recommended from Denpasar.
Ubud, Bali's "artistic heart", lies 25 km (15 mi.) north-north-east of Denpasar on the southern edge of
the central Balinese heartland, in a region of charming tropical landscape.
The well watered soil, irrigated by an intricate network of canals, enabled the population for many centuries to prosper on the proceeds of agriculture; nowadays an increasing proportion of their income comes from the tourist trade.
Arts and crafts Ubud is regarded as the artistic and cultural center of Bali. Many artists still live here, finding their inspiration in the beautiful country around the town. Some of them - painters, sculptors, woodcarvers, etc. - have formed artistic communities.
Ubud and the surrounding area are a good "shopping center" for traditional Balinese handicrafts; and with luck you may come upon some genuine antique - remembering that you require an export permit to take it home.
Although Ubud has little in the way of tourist sights to back up its attraction as an artistic center, it is well provided with accommodation for visitors and makes a good base from which to explore the surrounding country.
Ubud has a number of charming temples, and there are a variety of temple festivals and other ceremonies throughout the year.