I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.
Asia, Indonesia

Ubud: exploring the city center

by admin

If the traffic in Canggu is terrible, the traffic in the very center of Ubud isn’t much better! The good thing is that once you get out of that area the traffic is not that bad. The major difference I found in Ubud was that there were actual sidewalks to walk on and that made all the difference to me because I really like walking and usually I explore most of the places walking.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property. I moved from Canggu to Ubud by Grab bike. I thought the ride would be too long to be done on a motorbike but it was not that bad as my belongings were not that heavy and the driver took my biggest backpack in the front. I thought it would be harder on my back but it was fine. So if you are thinking about doing the same, don’t worry about it.

Monkey Forest

The first day I arrived in Ubud I decided to walk to the monkey forest as it was about a 20-minute walk away and it was not a stressful walk as there was a proper pedestrian area. Maybe I should have read about the forest before cause only there I got to know about the price. I decided to turn back. The ticket was 100K rupees on weekends and I was trying to visit on a Sunday. I decided it was just too much to watch monkeys. It was not my first time seeing monkeys and I usually don’t like them so why should I pay to see them when I’ve seen thousands of monkeys in Southeast Asia? Plus, they steal and can be aggressive, and for a Monkey Selfie, for me, it wasn’t worth it. I had already experienced monkeys stealing my things before in Vietnam, I don’t need the same experience again. The ticket on weekdays is 70K rupees, which I still find expensive, but yeah, if you want a selfie with a monkey you better go, but remember that to get that selfie you will have to pay the guy that trains the monkeys another 50K rupees. Definitely have no regrets about not visiting Ubud Monkey Forest.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

Ubud Palace

In the heart of Ubud, the center of all crowds is Ubud Palace, a great example of Balinese architecture that is possible to visit inside for free, a rare thing. I went here to admire the traditional architecture that I find to be mesmerizing with so many details, absolutely stunning.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

Inside the palace were some young ladies learning the typical Balinese dance moves. Surrounding them was a happy crowd that paid attention to the skilled learners and I decided to stop for a while too, to admire their dance moves. Well, the way they danced was different from dances I have seen before in Southeast Asia. To me, they were mimicking some sort of chicken pose and their heads were always swinging from side to side. I sat there for quite a while admiring the children learning their traditions and it was a pleasant experience. Later I understood that public lessons should be some kind of teaser for the everyday show that happens inside Ubud Palace. For 100k rupees you can see a typical Balinese dance show in Ubud Palace at night time. They have a show every night and you will notice it if you walk around because there are lots of people trying to sell tickets to the show. I didn’t buy the ticket to attend a professional performance cause what I saw before was already pretty cool. But, I think it might be a good experience to attend this show.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

Just in front of Ubud Palace is a massive market filled with all kinds of souvenirs you can think of. The place is very crowded. Prepare to spend some money haha.

Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati

Not far from Ubud Palace is the Lotus Ponds Temple or PuraTaman Kemuda Saraswati which has an entry fee of 30K so I decided to wait in line to check its inside. In my opinion, not that worthy. When I visited there were men cleaning the pond and the flowers were not blossoming. The area you are able to visit is very limited, it is a pretty small space because visitors can’t go further inside, we can only visit an outside area. Everybody is wearing the same clothes that are given to us at the entrance. Probably a way to make sure everyone is dressing respectfully.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.What I was able to see with this ticket was not much. As I had visited the Ubud Palace 10 min before, I thought this one was not worth it because I was basically staring at the same architecture. But this place had some king and queen armchairs where people stopped for pictures. That was pretty much the big difference honestly. So don’t expect to take long to visit this spot.

 

Kajeng Rice Field

This same day I decided to walk to a rice field area for sunset known as Kajeng Rice Field. Ubud is a great place for rice field walks as there are several rice fields just near the city center and very easily accessible. Not the most beautiful rice fields in Ubud, but still a very pleasant and beautiful quiet walk in this area. The one I chose for this day was the Subak Juwuk Manis Rice Fields Walk as well as the Kajeng rice field. Basically, as you walk you will come across several rice fields, just walk in any direction you want, and you will be surrounded by this beautiful landscape. There are some coffee shops, and restaurants along the way, surrounded by fields and they are a great option to stop for a relaxing drink. Staying in the area for sunset was what I did, and even though it is not the best sunset ever, the calmness of the place makes for a pleasant sunset time.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

Skcript waterfall

I spent a lot of time in Ubud, so I was able to explore many places. One lazy day I decided to go to this waterfall that seemed pretty central and therefore a cheap destination to reach. I ordered a Grab Bike to the Skcript waterfalls. This was not what I was expecting haha.
I was expecting to see a waterfall, I knew it wouldn’t be big, but I thought I could go close to it and enjoy some nature around. This is not the case. You can not walk near the waterfall, there is no path to do so. This waterfall is pretty much visible from a restaurant that has a privileged view of it. It is called Layana Warung. The restaurant stands in front of the waterfall on the opposite side and offers a clear view of it. It is such a pleasant stop though. The restaurant is nice and big, wide open with food, drinks, and not so expensive prices, very acceptable actually for the view it offers. I stayed there for a while enjoying the beautiful scenery and the calming sound of the water falling down the cliff. Great spot.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

Kedai D’Sawah

Once I was done with the spot, I decided to walk to my next destination to relax until sunset time. The place is called Kedai D’Sawah and is worth a visit. It is not much longer than a 10-minute walk away from the Skcript waterfall, so it was perfect. But, not the most pleasant walk honestly. The street is very busy, with no place for pedestrians at all. I didn’t enjoy this walk, but for 10 minutes it was ok.

Kedai D’Sawah is a restaurant surrounded by rice fields. This is a rice field area. Not the most amazing rice fields in Ubud, but I still love having them in sight. At the restaurant you can sit right in front of the rice fields, there is nothing between you and them, they are literally there and you can walk along them. While sitting and enjoying the greenery view, I saw foreigners wandering around those rice fields, so it might be a good place for a green walk. I also noticed some sort of bungalows amongst the fields. They are called Bamboo Eco Hut and seem to me as a great spot to stay away from the crowds and noises. The place is completely surrounded by rice fields! You might wanna give it a check.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

Hot air balloon in Ubud

Then when the golden hour was approaching I saw something unexpected: a hot air balloon. Yes, there is a hot air balloon that rises in the sky for sunset, but it doesn’t go anywhere! It is attached to the floor and it rises above all things and stays there for a while, not that long. The people who pay for it might have a great view of the surrounding rice fields and a pinkish sky, if they are lucky. It was nice watching the balloon going up and down several times while resting at Kedai D’Sawah. The sky turned gold and the spot seemed magical, so quiet with very pleasant music from the restaurant itself. I liked it here!

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

I stayed in the very center of Ubud in a hostel that looked like a temple, and there was in fact an actual temple inside the property.

From Kedai D’Sawah I decided to walk all the way to Ubud center, which took about 50 minutes, but I had nothing else to do anyway and this part actually had a sidewalk so it was a nice walk to the city. Just note that Ubud and Bali, overall, can be very dark at night in most parts of the places. There is no public light on too many roads. Mainly, the lights are in the touristy spots. As I walked along a big street it was not a problem, but once in smaller streets, things would darken up pretty bad, to the point you have to use your phone’s torch.
I visited this place on my last day in Ubud. The next day I’m heading to Nusa Penida, the best part of Bali, in my opinion.

I have spent a week in Ubud and I visited many places near and further the city center. You can read about the waterfalls I have visited, other temples, and rice fields in the next post. I also hiked Mount Batur for sunrise.

Buy bus tickets to Ubud HERE!

Apply for an Indonesian visa HERE!

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