Text & Pix: Siddharth Birla
It is known as the cultural heartland of Bali, and for all the right reasons. Ubud is the perfect place to visit when you need some time away from the clamor. Nestled in the lap of lush greenery, this town captivates you with its charm, as Siddharth Birla writes :
“Ubud was perhaps the most unexpected of all the experiences during my stay in Indonesia. In fact, we only meant it to be a short stop for lunch as per our itinerary. But I was so taken in by the beauty of this place that the idea of not exploring it further seemed criminal. So, I along with a couple of fellow travellers decided to chuck the plan for white river rafting and took a cab back to the craft capital of Bali made super famous by Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestseller ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’
Far removed from the beach party scene of Bali, Ubud, was calm, serene and artistic. Dotted with lush green landscapes on the outside, the central streets of Ubud were bustling with European and Australian tourists, weaving their way in and out of shops, restaurants, and temples.
To begin with, I gleaned through the Ubud Art Market, with a range of beautiful hand-crafted goods. These included Balinese-style paintings and silk scarves, along with handcrafted jewellery and Buddha figurines that make for the perfect souvenirs.
We then moved across the street to the impressive Ubud Palace, home to the royal family. It occupies the centre of the town, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions here. The palace’s compound is worth checking out for the ornate stone carvings and gates resembling the set of an Indiana Jones movie. Visit the palace in the early hours to soak in its beauty without worrying about the crowd.
Next, we moved on to the nearby Pura Taman Saraswati, the only temple in the world dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Built by a Balinese prince, the temple stands behind a beautiful pond overflowing with pretty lotus blossoms. The intricate carvings on its walls add to the allure of the place. Essentially, it was the aura of it that summed up why Ubud was a hot bed for spiritual healing.”
Our Hosts: Indonesia Tourism
Here’s a 3-day guide to help you plan your next trip to Ubud! And if you’re a lover of all things art, this village in Thailand might just be the next best place for you to visit. Happy travelling!
