Ubud Indinesia – Top–7 Attractions Not to Miss

Ubud is a wonderful destination for the sightseeing, culturally inclined individual. Moreover, photographers are sure to feel right at home. The town is filled with an inordinate amount of ancient temples, museums that are filled with compelling art, rolling fields of green countryside, and viewpoints that will take your breath away.

Deciding between whether to photograph or just be in the places you’ll find is one of the strongest challenges you’ll face. Bring enough sunscreen to keep you exploring, enough storage space to keep you shooting, and enough pages in your diary to free up your mind at the end of the day.

1. Puri Lukisan museum

You’re no doubt going to be stretched for time during your stay in Ubud. This is just the reality of the situation – there is too much to do, and not nearly enough time to do it all. Insofar as you’re going to have to make some sacrifices, it’s important that you ensure that a trip to the Musuem Puri Lukisan isn’t one of them.

Ubud’s impressive collection of, and culture for art is largely a consequence of the Ubud’s nobles self-pride as patrons of fine art. The well-established and now plentiful galleries are a testament to the indulgent attitude toward art and its creators.

The Puri Lukisan museum is located just a few minutes walk away from the Royal Palace. It showcases possibly the most sublime collection of Balinese art around. The tour is structured brilliantly, taking your through the various styles and stages of development in the art form. Visit each building in strict order and marvel at the intentionality of it all, at the marvellous expression of the soul and the social forms that it can take.

2. Blanco Renaissance Museum

Another brilliant stop for art lovers and culture enthusiasts is the Blanco Renaissance Museum. The house of the late and notably flamboyant Don Antonio Blanco was converted into a museum of his work. Together with his studio, poetry, lithographic artworks, and the most prolific of his paintings, the tour will leave you in awe of the creative energy. If the art is a little too risqué for your liking, take time to enjoy the impressive architecture. However, it must be said, the lithographic pieces of nude Balinese women were our favourite!

Tickets will run you a mere 50, 000 IDR. The museum is open every day between 9.00 AM and 5.00 PM.

3. Tegllalang rice terraces

You don’t go to Bali without taking a few selfies at Tegllalang rice terraces. You just don’t. While the terraces are by no means the largest or most impressive in the world, they are breathtakingly beautiful, and surprisingly muddy – so bring some good shoes! Beautiful palm trees stretch out from the centre of the valley and catch the last of the evening light as the sun sinks below the horizon. The concoction of man-made structure and wild trees, plants and animals makes for a scene fit for a tale from a children’s book.

The terraces are best visited in the latter hours of the day, or at a second best, in the early hours of the morning. Grab a drink at one of the several bars that overlook the terraces. Make small meanders into the greenery and back to the bar. Thank your lucky stars for plane tickets and civilisation and time off-work. Don’t forget your mandatory selfy before you leave. The rice terraces are about a 25 minute scooter ride north of Ubud central and are no problem to find what so ever. Ask a local if you get lost, they’ll know what you’re there for.

Sunset watches, photographers, poets and instagrammers

When you think Eastern religion, you think monks, cloth, incense and interesting architecture. Isn’t that just great? The temples in Ubud aren’t too far from this initial conception.

4. Pura Taman Saraswati

The most prolific of the lot is undoubtedly the temple. The temple has many draws. The first, and possibly most popular, is the lotus-filled pond that sits in front of the temple. The trees, calm water and colours of the temple make for a special shot from your trip. However, the gems of the experience lay beyond the walls of the temple and beyond the ability of the lens to capture it. Venture into its depths and appreciate the small intricacies of its architecture, learn about the Goddess Dewi Saraswati, and if you can, stop by the temple at night for a bit of a show and dance!

Entrance to the temple is free.

5. Tirta Taman Mumbul Sangeh

Tirta Taman Mumbul Sangeh – remember the name. The water temple includes a host of features that makes this trip one that is well worth the short trip out of Ubud. The lake, bathing pools, and enveloping forest make for a paradise of greens and teals and mango shakes. Hear folk tales about the woman responsible for the lake and take a swim in the bathing area so exceptionally beautiful and mystical. Be sure to bring your camera along for this one – it may be the only bath you take that looks exactly like it feels – somewhat different to your usual end of day ritual. The spot, is by and large very quiet, and entrance to the temple is free.

The temple is open every day from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm.

6. Gunung Kawi Sebatu

Easily one of the most serene and uninterrupted of the temples, is Gunung Kawi Sebatu. The temple is few kilometres out of town, set in a narrow valley surrounded by dense jungle. The temple is typified by idyllic and almost archetypal settings. Breathe in everything around you, admire the tiny and deliberate details. A visit here is strongly recommended on the back of how you stand to feel once you leave.

The experience will set you back 15,000 IDR and is available every day of the week between 8.00am and 5.00 pm.

7. Hidden Canyo Beji Guwang

A more unusual item on the itinerary of travellers is the Hidden Canyo Beji Guwang. For the adventurous, geologically appreciative and photographically inclined, the walk/trek through the canyon is one of great interest. For 100,000 IDR, you’ll gain access to the entire gorge with a guide to take you along. Sacred pools, sheer cliffs, shadowed waters, rippling water and sun dappled rocks this a serene and awe-full experience. Bring a good pair of shoes and a dry bag for your electronics. Also bring a snack – there are few better places in Bali for a secluded picnic like this. The end of the trek has you taking a good stroll through fields upon fields of rice terraces – an ideal place for a drone – should you be lucky enough to have one!