The attractions of Ubud are primarily related to the cultural and religious heritage of these places.
Painting Palace
The artisanal and ethnographic Puri Lukisan Center, also known as the Painting Palace, is regarded as Ubud's main art museum. This cultural tourism center has amassed a significant collection of artworks. The term "Castle of Paintings" is a direct translation of the Indonesian word "purilukisan." It was established in 1956 with the assistance of Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet.
The museum's three pavilions are set amidst picturesque lotus ponds. The first pavilion houses works in the traditional Balinese kamasan style, depicting religious, mythological, and everyday life themes. The second pavilion showcases works by young Balinese artists, while the third pavilion hosts temporary exhibitions, providing insights into Bali's original arts, music, and dance. Admission costs IDR 10,000 for adults, which is less than one USD, and children under 15 accompanied by an adult can enter for free.
Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati Temple
This Hindu temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati is one of the most exquisite places in Ubud. Unofficially known as the "Palace of Water," in ancient times, the goddess was associated with rivers. It stands as a remarkable example of Balinese architecture, adorned with intricate carvings, bas-reliefs, and depictions of local deities.
Surrounded by a pond where lotuses dedicated to Saraswati flourish, you can enter the temple grounds through the Lotus Cafe, which is adjacent to the temple. This is the only place in Ubud where you can enjoy a barong dance performance during dinner. The show takes place in the evening at 8 pm or 9 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The temple grounds feature ponds adorned with numerous lotus flowers, visible from a distance and beautifully illuminated with lamps in the evening. Entrance to the temple is free.
Lempad House
Lempad House is a museum dedicated to the most renowned local painter and sculptor, who served as an inspiration for the Balinese Renaissance. Puri Lempad Bali proudly showcases the artistic works of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a celebrated painter, sculptor, and architect. Remarkably, the museum is still the residence of the artist's family, making it resemble a home more than a traditional museum. Lempad adorned his house with exquisite wooden carvings, and those interested have the opportunity to purchase some of Lempad's works.
Many of Lempad's creations are also displayed in other museums across Bali, including the Museum Puri Lukisan and Neka Art Museum. Lempad House welcomes visitors every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Members of Lempad's family are enthusiastic about showcasing the house, along with the paintings and drawings of this renowned artist.
Seniwati Women's Art Gallery
An intriguing destination to explore in Ubud is the Seniwati Women's Art Gallery. This gallery not only houses its own collection but also showcases and sells artworks from at least forty local and international female artists.
If you visit other museums in the city, you'll likely observe that they predominantly feature works by male artists. In Bali, women have historically faced significant challenges, with many schools, including specialized art institutions, refusing admission to girls until relatively recently, even within the past two decades. The establishment of this gallery aimed to address this gender disparity. All artworks on display are available for purchase, and you can find calendars, T-shirts, notebooks adorned with artwork featuring women and children. All proceeds from sales contribute to the education of talented girls and the support of female artists.
Monkey Forest
If you're looking to capture vibrant photos of Ubud's attractions, the Monkey Forest Reserve should be on your list. Here, visitors are drawn to the presence of playful monkey troops. Hidden within the forest's depths lies the active temple of the deceased in the Padang Tegala community. This temple is regarded as a sacred place with potent magical energy and is believed to be a sanctuary for spirits.
Bali Birdwalks
If you prefer to explore the sights of Ubud with Russian descriptions, you'll find it easy to navigate the city. Keep an eye out for Bali Birdwalks, organized by the owner of the Beggars Bush & Bar Restaurant. These bird walks typically occur in the mornings, three to four times a week, and cost approximately 30 USD.
Ubud Temples Around the City
There are numerous temples in and around Ubud where you can immerse yourself in Bali's ancient culture at an affordable cost. Among the most popular options are:
Elephant Cave
Operating hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Ticket price: IDR 15,000, including sarong rental. Dating back to the nineteenth century, the cave features an entrance in the form of an ornate demon's mouth. Large carved guards surround pools near the entrance, and a pathway leads to a waterfall, rice paddies, and fragments of a Buddhist stupa.
Gunung Kawi (The Poet's Mountain) in Tampaksiring
Located 18 kilometers northeast of Ubud, a ticket costs IDR 15,000, including sarong and scarf rental. This site is believed to be the burial place of King Anak Wungsu and his wives. After descending 371 steps, you'll reach a breathtaking location at the bottom of a deep valley surrounded by rice paddies. Please remove your shoes before entering the central temple complex. On the way back up, you can take a break at Kawi Cafe, which offers cold drinks starting from IDR 10,000. Cab drivers from Ubud may charge as little as 150,000 IDR for a round trip, and they can wait for you while you explore the surrounding area.
Pura Kehen (Kehen Temple) on Jl. Sriwijaya, Bangli
Located north of Bangli town center, 30 minutes northeast of Ubud. The entrance ticket costs 6,000 IDR. The temple was established in 1206.
Puri Saren Agung (Royal Palace) and Water Palace
Located across Jl. Raya Ubud from Ubud Ryn. This was the royal palace of Ubud's kings until the 1940s, and some royal descendants still reside here today. While parts of the complex are closed to the public, entry to the remaining areas is free. You can also enjoy dance performances here.
Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring
Located 20 kilometers northeast of Ubud, the entrance fee is 15,000 IDR, which includes sarong and scarf rental. This holy temple in Bali is built around hot springs, where Balinese people come to bathe and purify themselves both physically and spiritually.
Yeh Pulu in Banjar Batulumbang, Bedulu, Gianyar
Near the Ubud-Gianyar highway, approximately 400 meters east of the entrance to the Goa Gajah complex. Drive through Banjar Batulumbang until the road ends, then continue on foot along the path. Entrance fee is 15,000 IDR. Here, you'll find a holy well, and a priest can bless you with holy water. Please adhere to the temple's dress code. This place is relatively less visited.
Mother Goddess Chapel (Rajarajeshwari Tripurasundari, Jl. Sri Wedari Km 3)
Located 3 kilometers north of Ubud's main street. Entrance is free, but donations are accepted. This modern chapel is dedicated to the feminine essence of the divine.
