While visiting Bali, holidaymakers must not skip Ubud, a subdistrict in Gianyar Regency. This region comprises many traditional villages that are famous for their cultural, artistic, and natural attractions. Therefore, having the Ubud traditional village tour can make your Bali holiday more memorable.
Each village in Ubud offers distinct attractions. A village may be famous for its woodcarving, while others are popular for Ubud traditional dance performances, paintings, or architecture. Ubud also offers a range of fun adventures for tourists.
About Ubud
Ubud is a small town covering a 42-square-kilometer area located in central Bali. Its location is in a river valley. It is also characterized by river gorges, gentle slopes, and dense vegetation.
The Ubud history dates back to the 8th century. According to some literature, a Javanese priest called Rsi Markandya built the first temple in this region. The name of this temple is Gunung Lebah Temple. Until now, this temple remains a pilgrimage destination for Hindu people in Bali.
During the first development of Ubud, this region was the main source of medicinal herbs. The name itself means medicine in Balinese.
Moreover, in the 19th century, this town became the seat of feudal lords. Therefore, it is not surprising that, until now, the surroundings of this region are full of terrace rice paddies, farms, and agroforestry plantations.
Now, Ubud is a popular tourist destination. Tourists can find many villas with Ubud Bali rice terrace views. Moreover, holidaymakers will find many art galleries, artisan workshops, holiday celebrations, and traditional art performances in this region.
The best time to have the Ubud traditional village trip is between April and October. During these months, this region experiences warm sunny weather. Therefore, visitors can enjoy many activities without worrying about the rain.
Those who don’t mind the rainy weather can visit Ubud between November and March. During the rainy season, the scenery in this region is greener and more attractive.
Ubud Traditional Village Tour: Tourist Attractions to Visit
Ubud is the home of 14 villages. Each of them has unique characteristics. Moreover, every village has appealing tourist attractions. Below are some tourist destinations commonly included in a traditional Ubud village trip.
1. Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Monkey Forest is a conservation area and temple complex in Padangtegal village. The forest covers an area of 12.5 hectares. Moreover, it has numerous species of trees and plants, including ancient banyan trees. These floras offer cool shade for visitors.
This forest also features moss-covered stone bridges. Ubud Monkey Forest is the home of approximately 1,200 Balinese macaques. These monkeys are accustomed to humans. However, they may approach visitors to look for food and shiny items.
The temple complex in Ubud Monkey Forest comprises three temples. They are Pura Beji, Pura Agung Dalem, and Pura Prajapati. Before entering this forest, please remember not to bring food and plastic bags. Moreover, please keep your jewelry and sunglasses in your bags.
2. Ubud Art Market
Another tourist attraction that must be included in your Ubud traditional village tour is the Ubud Art Market. It is a traditional market where tourists can find Balinese crafts and arts from nearby villages.
Some of these villages are Mas (woodcrafter village), Batuan (painter village), and Celuk (silver and gold crafter village). Tourists visiting this market must remember to bargain for the prices of souvenirs and local crafts they intend to buy.
3. Ubud Palace
Ubud Palace, or Puri Saren Agung, is the residence of the Ubud royal family. The history of this palace dates back to the 1800s. In 1917, a powerful earthquake damaged a large part of this palace. However, the Ubud royal family rebuilt its structures.
Puri Saren Agung features attractive architectures of wood and stone carvings. While visiting this palace complex, visitors can enjoy beautiful courtyards, a stunning temple (Pura Marajan Agung), and an evening traditional dance performance.
4. Pura Taman Saraswati
Pura Taman Saraswati, or the Ubud Water Palace, is a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Art and Knowledge, Dewi Saraswati. This temple oozes a serene and peaceful atmosphere due to the watery entrance.
Moreover, Pura Taman Saraswati offers stunning architecture and breathtaking surroundings. Visitors of the Ubud Water Palace must wear decent clothes. However, they can rent a sarong and sash near the entrance to cover their legs and shoulders.
Things to Do During the Ubud Tour
Ubud Traditional village tour not only offers stunning tourist attractions, but this region also presents fun activities for holidaymakers. Some of those activities can cause an adrenaline rush. What are fun things to do in Ubud?
1. Ubud Downhill Cycling
Those who love mountain biking must try the Ubud downhill cycling tour while holidaying in this region. This activity typically starts at the hills in Kintamani and ends in central Ubud.
This cycling tour lasts for about 3 hours. While holidaymakers are cycling their bikes, they can enjoy a breathtaking view of lush green valleys, temples, plantations, and traditional villages.
The Ubud downhill cycling tour is safe for beginners. To ensure your safety, you can book the tour from a trusted cycling tour agent. This tour agent will provide you with high-quality and well-maintained bikes, English-speaking guides, pickup and drop-off services, and lunch.
2. Walk in Campuhan Ridge
Campuhan Ridge walk is a paved nature trail stretching for 2 km in central Ubud. Holidaymakers can start the walk from the northern end at Bangkiang Sidem traditional village in Ubud or from the southern end near Warwick Ibah Luxury villa.
The Campuhan Ridge walk offers lush scenery of the Ubud valley. Moreover, you can also enjoy the beauty of Gunung Lebah Temple and traditional village life. The best time to enjoy this walk is early in the morning or in the afternoon when the temperature is cooler.
3. Ayung River Rafting
Joining the Ayung River rafting is another excellent way to make your Ubud tour more memorable. The white-water rafting in this river takes approximately 2 hours, during which holidaymakers paddle through a 10-km stream.
Along the tour, tourists not only enjoy the fun offered by the deep river gorges, but also the beautiful scenery of lush forests and rice paddies. This water adventure is safe for beginners and kids over 6 years old.
Joining the Ubud traditional village tour is a brilliant way to spend your Bali holiday. Ubud is a stunning region with unique villages. This region also offers great adventures, such as downhill cycling and white-water rafting. Book the tour now and enjoy an unforgettable holiday experience.
