Ubud

Ubud
The market is a must and has kept much of its traditional charm, you will find everthing imagineable. There are many respected galleries such as Neka, Agung Rai and Rudana, these are well worth a visit. The Seniwati Art Gallery features work by women artists only.

There are countless smaller galleries up and down the main road with varied styles of paintings, handicraft, antiques, jewelery, homewares and clothing.

Museums
The Museum Puri Lukisan
Located in the middle of Ubud, displays fine examples of the whole range of Balinese art.

The Neka Museum
This is in Campuan and has a display of modern Balinese art and fine pieces from western artists who have worked in Bali.

Tours
The Monkey Forest Sanctuary
The main attraction here is the hordes of Balinese monkeys that inhabit the trees and the temples. Visitors should be aware that these monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jewelery should be left behind, well hidden or stored in a bag, before setting off to exlpore. The Monkey Forest Sancturary is open every day and entry is approximately 1200rp.

Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave - near Teges, Gianyar
Dating from the 11 century, there are conflicting opinions as to whether this cave was originally a Buddist or a Hindu hermitage. Although not very large, it boasts some interesting carvings.

Temples
Pura Penataran Sasih
This temple with its huge bronze drum is said to be 2000 years old. A legend tells of it falling to earth as the Moon of Pejeng.

Sakenan Temple
On the day after Kuningan big celebrations are held at this temple.

Hot Springs
Tirta Empul
This small settlement is popular because of the Hot Springs. The water is soothing and is reputed to have strong healing powers.

Health Spas
The natural beauty of Bali entwined with local traditions of natural therapy to nuture the body & soul has made Bali an attractive option as a "Spa destination". Traditional beauty salons all over Bali offer treatments such as "mandi lulur" - exfoliation treatment, "cream bath" - hair conditioning treatment which includes head, neck and shoulder massage, manicures, pedicures, body massages and so on. You can try some of these treatments in the salon or in one of the many world class spas which have mushroomed recently in the five star hotels in Bali.

Pita Maha Spa
The total relaxation of body and mind is paramount in achieving natural healing, the Pita Maha Private Villa Spa features sauna, steam room, hot & cold whirlpools and a spectacular eight metre private pool. Its aim is to provide a combination of traditional treatments, aromatherapy, acupressure massage. All this amidst the sheer breathtaking beauty of the surroundings.

The Tjampuhan Hotel & Spa
The newly opened spa was built with the concept of a spa meeting with the environment of Ubud and the Tjampuhan River. The spa has a sauna, steam room, hot & cold jacuzzi and offers the same range of treatments as it's sister hotel, the Pita Maha.

Kamandalu Resort & Spa
The resort has recently undergone large renovations and expansion. The spa menu is extensive and they offer many different kinds of spa packages to nurture the body and soul plus meditation and yoga classes. Their massage treatments include a choice of Massotherapy, Scandinavian massage, Lomi Lomi massage, Sari Bumi massage, Stress relief massage, Indonesian and Asian massage.

Nightlife & Dining
Ary's Warung
Cool, blue jazz nightly in romantic surroundings. Open until 1am. Jl. Raya Ubud

Funky Monkey
For all jazz and worldbeat music lovers. Happy hour nightly from 7-10pm. Jl. Monkey Forest

Jazz Cafe
Outstanding musicians play acoustic jazz on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. Jl. Tebasaya

Sai Sai
Live modern music, mixed with gamelan on Tueday nights until 11pm. Jl. Monkey Forest

Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner)
Dine out under a canopy of stars beside the rice paddy, amid the lotus pond garden or watch the world go by from the front of the restaurant. Excellent local and western cuisine and the best cocktails in Ubud. Or, perhaps fine dining in the hotels, the Chedi, Amandari and the Four Seasons Sayan are not to be missed.

Activities:
The rivers around Ubud provide pleasant rafting conditions year round. There are enough rapids to make the ride fun, but still mild enough for those who tend to be timid when it comes to whitewater. Rafting also provides an unrivalled way to check out the natural scenery, wildlife and exotic plants of Bali. It is also a good way to cool off if the tropical heat gets oppressive.

Elephant Trekking is now available in the village of Taro, twenty minutes north of Ubud. You can ride an elephant, then feed it and give it a bath. Open 9 to 4 every day, no reservations necessary.