Ubud is a town on the Indonesian island of Bali in Ubud District, located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency. One of Bali's major arts and culture centres, it has developed a large tourism industry.
Ubud has a population of about 30,000 people, but it is becoming difficult to distinguish the town itself from the villages that surround it.
History
8th century legend tells of a Javanese priest, Rsi Markendya, who meditated at the confluence of two rivers (an auspicious site for Hindus) at the Ubud locality of Campuan. Here he founded the Gunung Lebah Temple on the valley floor, the site of which remains a pilgrim destination.
The town was originally important as a source of medicinal herbs and plants; Ubud gets its name from the Balinese word
ubad (medicine).
In the late nineteenth century, Ubud became the seat of feudal lords who owed their allegiance to the king of Gianyar, at one time the most powerful of Bali's southern states. The lords were members of the
satriya family of Sukawati, and were significant supporters of the village's increasingly renowned arts scene
Tourism on the island developed after the arrival of Walter Spies, an ethnic German born in Russia who taught painting and music, and dabbled in dance. Spies and foreign painters Willem Hofker and Rudolf Bonnet entertained celebrities including Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward, Barbara Hutton, H.G. Wells and Vicki Baum. They brought in some of the greatest artists from all over Bali to teach and train the Balinese in arts, helping Ubud become the cultural centre of Bali.
A new burst of creative energy came in 1960s in the wake of Dutch painter Arie Smit (1916-), and development of the Young Artists Movement. There are many museums in Ubud, including the Museum Puri Lukisan, Museum Neka and the Agung Rai Museum of Art.
The Bali tourist boom since the late 1960s has seen much development in the town; however, it remains a centre of artistic pursuit.
Town orientation and tourism
The main street is Jalan Raya Ubud (Jalan Raya means
main road), which runs east-west through the center of town. Two long roads, Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanoman, extend south from Jalan Raya Ubud. Puri Saren Agung is a large palace located at the intersection of Monkey Forest and Raya Ubud roads. The home of Tjokorda Gede Agung Sukawati (1910-1978), the last "king" of Ubud, it is now occupied by his descendants and dance performances are held in its courtyard. It was also one of Ubud's first hotels, dating back to the 1930s.
The Ubud Monkey Forest is a sacred nature reserve located near the southern end of Jalan Monkey Forest. It houses a temple and approximately 340 Crab-eating Macaque (
Macaca fascicularis) monkeys.
Ubud tourism focuses on culture, yoga and nature. In contrast to the main tourist area in southern Bali, the Ubud area has forests, rivers, cooler temperatures and less congestion although traffic has increased dramatically in the 21st century. A number of smaller "boutique"-style hotels are located in and around Ubud, which commonly offer spa treatments or treks up Ubud's mountains.
The Moon of Pejeng, in nearby Pejeng, is the largest single-cast bronze kettle drum in the world, dating from circa 300BC. It is a popular destination for tourists interested in local culture, as is the 11th century Goa Gajah, or 'Elephant Cave', temple complex.
Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.
Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali -- scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.
Why peruse these web pages?
The real Ubud is under the surface. There are plenty of interesting things on the main streets, but most of the magic of Ubud is hidden away. In the backstreets, backwaters, courtyards and cafes. In people's hearts, minds, and dreams. This part of the Bali web site was built to show you how to go behind the facade and find the real Ubud, and the real Bali, without having to spend all your time searching for it. There's no point in repeating what's in the guidebooks, so we've tried not to. If you're interested in Ubud, there are at least a dozen guidebooks on Bali available and they all provide information on Ubud. Use this web site before you go to guidebooks, to find out what makes Ubud so special. Then use it after the guidebooks for up-to-date information, news and features about our extra ordinary town.
ubud hotels less than usd 50
 | Ubud Village Hotel
From US$ 50 >, Central Ubud, Resort Hotels
Ubud Village Hotel is located strategically at Monkey Forest Street in Ubud that are about 45 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport and a minutes away from |
 | Komaneka at Monkey Forest
From US$ 100 >, Central Ubud, Villa Resorts
Located in the center of Ubud, the Komaneka at Monkey Forest is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and an abundance of exotic plants, a veritable |
 | Beji Ubud Resort
From US$ 100 >, Central Ubud, Resort Hotels
The Beji Ubud Resort is a small boutique resort in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. If you are looking for a quiet place where you can totally relax but would a |
 | Yulia Village Inn
From US$ 50 >, Central Ubud, Boutique Hotels
Yulia Village Inn Bali is blissfully nestled on the Monkey Forest Road near the sanctuary of Monkey Forest. International Airport is located at a shor |
 | Komaneka at Bisma
From US$ 200 >, Central Ubud, Villa Resorts
the Komaneka at Bisma is nestled upon the hillsides by the Campuhan River valley, with amazing views of the river, sloping rice fields and the coconut |
 | Komaneka at Tanggayuda
From US$ 200 >, Kedewatan, Villa Resorts
Komaneka is designed to reflect a contemporary interpretation of traditional Balinese style and architecture. Constructed with local materials, includ |
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 Anini Raka Resort & Spa
Price: From US$ 50 >, Resort Hotels, Ubud Outskirts
Anini Raka Resort & Spa Ubud uniquely set amid rice paddies, offers tranquillity and relaxation with a distinctive and authentic local Balinese touch. |
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 Arma Resort
Price: From US$ 50 >, Resort Hotels, Central Ubud
Arma Resort located on the outskirts of Ubud within the lush and serene environment of the internationally acclaimed "village of artists". In this secluded haven your privacy and peace is enhance by the surroundings calm natural views. |
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 Bali Spirit Hotel and Spa
Price: From US$ 50 >, Villa Resorts, Ubud Outskirts
Bali Spirit Hotel and Spa brings together the traditional healing arts and ritual life of Bali in a serene, intimate setting of total comfort and top quality design. We are in close walking distance of Ubud the island’s cultural hub. |
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 Bumi Ubud Resort
Price: From US$ 50 >, Boutique Hotels, Ubud Outskirts
Bumi Ubud Resort is an exotic boutique hotel with 14 villas with a unique Balinese architectural and each villa has own private garden with bale bengong or gazebo surrounded by Balinese traditional culture. It is the only hotel in Ubud that offers butler services. |
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 Champlung Sari Hotel
Price: From US$ 50 >, Boutique Hotels, Central Ubud
The hotel has an unrivaled location in Ubud Bali. The exclusive shopping area of Ubud and the forest are just on the doorstep, while the Museum and the city-center are only minutes away. The Champlung Sari Hotel has a reputation as an enchanting boutique style hotel. |
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 Pertiwi Resort & Spa
Price: From US$ 50 >, Resort Hotels, Central Ubud
Pertiwi mean Mother Earth, is an exotic name well known in the heartland of Ubud, a perfect retreat for those who appreciate informality and total privacy but want to be close to Ubud’s tourists interests and cultural center. |
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Ubud Village Hotel
Price: From US$ 50 >, Resort Hotels, Central Ubud
Ubud Village Hotel is located strategically at Monkey Forest Street in Ubud that are about 45 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport and a minutes away from restaurants and shopping area in Ubud. |
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Yulia Village Inn
Price: From US$ 50 >, Boutique Hotels, Central Ubud
Yulia Village Inn Bali is blissfully nestled on the Monkey Forest Road near the sanctuary of Monkey Forest. International Airport is located at a short drive away from here. The place is dotted with numerous of Ubud is at your next door and the art gallery.
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 Anhera Hotel Bali
Price: From US$ 100 >, Villa Resorts, Ubud Outskirts
Anhera Hotel Bali, a deluxe suite by the green valley of Ubud Bali, located in the heart of central of culture, provide you a total relaxation and rejuvenation, great spa treatment, with suitable facilities for honeymoon in Ubud and unique taste of our Balinese food. |
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 Bagus Jati
Price: From US$ 100 >, Villa Resorts, Ubud Outskirts
Bali’s premier Health and Wellbeing Spa Retreat, Bagus Jati, is set in 5 hectares of hillside gardens amongst lush tropical forests in the mountains of Ubud, Bali. |
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Beji Ubud Resort
Price: From US$ 100 >, Resort Hotels, Central Ubud
The Beji Ubud Resort is a small boutique resort in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. If you are looking for a quiet place where you can totally relax but would also like to be near beautiful shops and restaurants, this is the resort for you. The villas in this resort are spacious and all have a private bathroom and beautiful furniture. |
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Komaneka at Monkey Forest
Price: From US$ 100 >, Villa Resorts, Central Ubud
Located in the center of Ubud, the Komaneka at Monkey Forest is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and an abundance of exotic plants, a veritable oasis in the midst of Ubud’s bustling activities and picturesque Monkey Forest Road. |
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 Kori Ubud
Price: From US$ 100 >, Boutique Hotels, Ubud Outskirts
Kori Ubud located in the Balinese Village of Sanggingan, Kori Ubud is a romantic hideaway lies hidden under Bali’s blue skies and lush green paddies just 4 minutes from the center of artists town of Ubud. |
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 Natura Resort & Spa
Price: From US$ 100 >, Resort Hotels, Ubud Outskirts
the Natura Resort & Spa, is a sanctuary for the senses. Fourteen luxury villas designed by Bali’s prominent local architect Popo Danes enhance the beauty of the site. Access is through the traditional village of Laplapan, just 3 km from the center of Ubud. |
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 Santi Mandala Villa and Spa
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Santi Mandala Villa and Spa can share the taste of Balinese atmosphere and enrich the lives of every visitor. Situated on a secluded place at the bank of Panaraga Giri River makes it an evidence as a peaceful retreat in the natural environment of Batuan, Ubud - Bali. |
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 Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa
Price: From US$ 100 >, Villa Resorts, Central Ubud
Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa is created from a dream of Balinese Royalty. A hotel built to share the rejuvenating qualities of this special place with visitors of other cultures. You will find Warwick Ibah at Campuhan the place where two rivers meet.
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 Elephant Safari Park Lodge
Price: From US$ 200 >, Villa Resorts, Ubud Outskirts
the Elephant Safari Park Lodge is for everyone from elephant lovers, children and families and for those who enjoy peace and tranquility of being ensconced in beautiful tropical parkland surrounds. The Lodge is also ideal for couples seeking a unique and intimate romantic getaway in one of the most spectacular settings in Bali. |
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 Kamandalu Resort & Spa
Price: From US$ 200 >, Resort Hotels, Central Ubud
Nestled in the lush green hills of Ubud, the artistic heart of Bali, Kamandalu Resort and Spa is a five star boutique resort built in the traditional style of a real-life Balinese village with a touch of contemporary style. |
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Komaneka at Bisma
Price: From US$ 200 >, Villa Resorts, Central Ubud
the Komaneka at Bisma is nestled upon the hillsides by the Campuhan River valley, with amazing views of the river, sloping rice fields and the coconut groves in the surrounding, this luxurious resort is only few minutes walking from the center of Ubud. |
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Komaneka at Tanggayuda
Price: From US$ 200 >, Villa Resorts, Kedewatan
Komaneka is designed to reflect a contemporary interpretation of traditional Balinese style and architecture. Constructed with local materials, including “alang-alang” thatch roofing, paras and other Indonesian stones, and exotic native woods. |
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 The Ubud Village Resort & Spa
Price: From US$ 200 >, Resort Hotels, Ubud Outskirts
The Ubud Village Resort & Spa is located on the verdant hillsides of Ubud, a perfect Balinese hideaway for romantic couples, honeymooners and families alike. Overlooking an expanse of gorgeous terraced rice paddies.
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