Ubud Centre - What You Need to Know Before Going
Ubud Centre - What You Need to Know Before Going
Ubud Centre is the heartbeat of Bali’s cultural scene, blending art, history, and vibrant local life in one place.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to soak in its charm, Ubud Centre has something for everyone.
From traditional Balinese performances to bustling markets, it’s a destination that can’t be missed. Here’s everything you need to know before going.
Check Out: Ubud Past to Present Walking Tour!
Exploring the Art and Culture of Ubud Centre
If you’re a fan of art and history, Ubud Centre will leave you in awe. Known as Bali’s cultural hub, it features must-visit art galleries like the Neka Art Museum and the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA). These galleries are treasure troves of Balinese paintings, sculptures, and history.
Don’t miss the famous Balinese dance performances at Ubud Palace. These traditional dances tell stories from mythology, brought to life with expressive movements and stunning costumes. Watching a performance here is an unforgettable cultural experience.
A Food Lover’s Paradise
Ubud Centre is a haven for food enthusiasts. Start your day with a hearty breakfast and coffee at popular spots like Clear Café or Seniman Coffee Studio. For lunch, dive into authentic Balinese flavors at local eateries, also known as warungs. Some top picks include Nasi Ayam Kedewatan for its signature chicken rice and Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) for crispy duck dishes.
For those seeking healthier options, Ubud Centre also boasts several vegan and organic restaurants, such as Zest Ubud and Alchemy. Whether you’re craving traditional meals or health-focused dishes, Ubud Centre has you covered.
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Shopping for Unique Souvenirs
Shopping in Ubud Centre is an experience in itself. The Ubud Art Market is the best place to find handmade Balinese crafts, including jewelry, wood carvings, textiles, and more. The market is filled with vibrant stalls offering one-of-a-kind items that you can’t find anywhere else.
Pro tip: Be ready to bargain! It’s part of the shopping culture here and adds to the fun of exploring the lively market atmosphere.
Check Out: Best Shopping in Bali: 7 Places to Check Out
Nature is Just Around the Corner
Despite its bustling streets, Ubud Centre offers easy access to serene nature spots. A short walk will take you to the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a scenic trail perfect for morning or evening strolls.
Another popular spot is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you can walk among lush trees and playful monkeys. These peaceful escapes offer a refreshing break from the vibrant energy of Ubud Centre.
Read more: 15 Best Activities in Ubud
Wellness and Relaxation
If you’re looking for relaxation, Ubud Centre is a global wellness destination. Try a yoga class at renowned studios like The Yoga Barn or Radiantly Alive, both offering sessions for beginners and experienced yogis alike.
For ultimate relaxation, visit a local spa such as Kaveri Spa or Taksu Spa. Many spas in Ubud Centre offer traditional Balinese massages, flower baths, and healing therapies to freshen your body and mind.
4 Practical Tips for Visiting Ubud Centre
Planning ahead can make your visit to Ubud Centre smooth and enjoyable. Here are some detailed tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Tip 1. Best Time to Visit
Ubud Centre is lively all day, but if you want a quieter experience, aim to visit in the mornings or evenings. Mornings are perfect for exploring markets, enjoying peaceful nature walks, or having breakfast at a cozy café.
Evenings bring a cooler breeze and are great for watching traditional dance performances or strolling through the streets without the midday crowds.
Tip 2. Getting Around
The streets in Ubud Centre can be narrow and busy, so getting around requires some planning. Renting a scooter is a popular choice for its convenience and affordability. If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, hiring a local guide or driver is a great alternative.
Guides can also share insights about the area and take you to hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
Tip 3. Dress Code
Bali is rich in culture and spirituality, so it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples around Ubud Centre. Make sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Carrying a sarong is a good idea, as many temples require visitors to wear one. Some temples provide sarongs for free or a small fee, but having your own ensures you’re always prepared.
Tip 4. Stay Close
To fully enjoy Ubud Centre, consider booking accommodations within walking distance of the area. Staying nearby means you can easily explore on foot, soak in the atmosphere, and save time on transportation. From budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have a stress-free and memorable time exploring Ubud Centre.
You Might Also Like: 13 Unique Excursions from Ubud You Need to Check Out
Looking to Explore Ubud?
Make the most of your visit by booking a local-led walking tour with Ubud Story Walks here or follow us on Instagram @Ubudstorywalks to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: You can visit art galleries, watch traditional dances, try Balinese food, shop at the art market, and unwind at wellness retreats.
A: It’s about a 90-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
A: Yes! Families can enjoy cultural performances, nature walks, and fun workshops at local art studios.
Join a guided cultural tour with Ubud Story Walks to uncover hidden gems and learn fascinating stories about the area.
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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...
Ubud Story Walks is something different. It’s a fun, entertaining and refreshing way to delve into Ubud’s past. The knowledgeable guides place as much emphasis on how they tell a story as they do on what they’re sharing, which means all sorts of magical and mystifying details are revealed. I believe the best way to get to know a place is to walk its streets, which makes Ubud Story Walks one of the best ways to get to know Ubud.
Julia Winterflood
We had a fantastic time walking around the historical centre of Ubud! Even though we've been based in Bali for a few years, we'd never had an actual tour of some of Bali's most iconic landmarks and learning about the history was fascinating. Our guide was hilarious and full of information and it was a lovely and relaxing way to learn so much. The tour was early in the morning which was perfect timing as the temperature was still cool and we were able to witness the morning bustle of Ubud's famous markets. 10/10 would recommend!
Rahima Saikal
Vicky Ilankovan2024-12-13A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim2024-12-10Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica Hübner2024-12-05Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar2024-12-03I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami2024-12-01I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap2024-11-26It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields2024-11-26Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins2024-11-25We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter2024-11-22Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend 👍.
Shafiga Elshan2024-11-15It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
