Ubud City, Bali

Ubud City, Bali: A paradise for lovers of culture and slow living

If you ask me, mr.hotsia, which place in Bali Thai travelers visit most often and feel most connected to, the answer would surely be “Ubud City.” This small town nestled among hills and lush green rice fields has a charm that makes me want to return again and again to experience its atmosphere.

For Thai tourists, Ubud is a perfect place to rent a bicycle and explore the town and surrounding countryside. I followed the advice to rent a bike early in the morning and head to Ubud’s morning market, which still retains the freshness and lively spirit of local life. The sounds of bargaining and selling make you feel like you’re truly experiencing the local way of life. But I must say, the routes in Ubud are not as easy as they seem because of many hills. Going downhill is comfortable, but cycling uphill can be quite tiring.

After visiting the morning market, I usually cycle around the town to see the ancient palace that still tells the fascinating stories of the Balinese royal family. Of course, the food here is another charm I never miss. Ubud has many delicious restaurants, especially the Indonesian beef massaman curry I tried at a local eatery on the main street. The taste of the massaman here is different from what I’ve had in Thailand — the beef is tender and melts in your mouth, the spices are rich and thick, served with chili paste and cassava leaves that give a creamy texture similar to mulberry leaves. For me, this dish is a must-try.

Besides that, Ubud is also famous for satay, which I really like, especially beef satay (sate kambing) that is fragrant, tender, and served with a perfectly balanced thick and sweet dipping sauce. The chicken satay (sate ayam) is also delicious, tender, and easy to eat. The prices are reasonable, perfect for those who enjoy authentic Indonesian food. If you want full details about Balinese cuisine, I have written an articleBalinese Cuisinefor you.

The lifestyle and culture permeating Ubud City

Ubud is not only about nature and food but also the center of Balinese Hindu culture. Here, you will see small shrines scattered around homes and along streets, creating an atmosphere of deep faith. This aligns with the overall image of Bali thatI have mentioned in the article about traveling from Ngurah Rai Airport to the citythat Bali is an island that strictly practices Hinduism and has traditions related to nature and deities throughout the year.

In the afternoon, I usually choose to get a traditional Balinese massage to relieve fatigue from cycling and walking around the town. The massage here is an experience I really enjoy because it combines deep massage techniques with local herbal treatments, helping me feel refreshed and ready to explore the town in the evening.

In the evening, I never miss watching the “Kecak” dance, a traditional folk performance available daily in Ubud. This show is full of exciting gestures and drum rhythms that make me feel like I’ve truly entered the world of Balinese culture.

Convenient travel and living in Ubud

For traveling from Ngurah Rai Airport to Ubud, I recommend reading the articleTraveling Bali by Yourselfthat I wrote, as it helps you understand the routes and transportation options more easily. Ubud is located in Bali province, which is full of culture and nature waiting to be explored.

Regarding cash withdrawals in Bali, I have encountered some issues from personal experience. Although there are many ATMs from various banks accepting VISA cards, sometimes it’s not easy to withdraw cash. I recommend trying the DABAMOM bank ATM, which I tried and found the exchange rate reasonable and more convenient than exchanging money at Don Mueang Airport. For those staying several days or who don’t want to carry a lot of cash, this method is safe and convenient.

Summary of Ubud travel experience from mr.hotsia

If you like small towns with a slow lifestyle that still preserve unique culture and delicious local food, Ubud is the answer I sincerely recommend. From my real travel experience, I found that Ubud is not just an ordinary tourist town but a place that lets me deeply experience the true Bali — from the fresh morning market, flavorful Indonesian food, relaxing massages, to lively traditional folk performances.

If you want to dive deeper into Balinese culture and have enough time, I suggest combining your Ubud trip with visits to other attractions in Bali, such asUluwatu Templeor crossing over to experience the natural atmosphere atLake Tobawhich I have also written about.

Finally, mr.hotsia would like to say that traveling in Bali is not just about taking photos or relaxing but about understanding and experiencing the beautiful and enchanting way of life of the Balinese people.