Bali is Not Just About the Beach

Filed in archive Hidden Gems on November 4, 2007

Bali is known for its beaches, its surf, and its party scene. Few people know, however, of the island's interior.

The interior highlands are not filled with resorts, but are arguably more exotic than the touristy coastal regions.
A mere 33km from Kuta, it possible to partake both of the sand scene and culture of Bali.

What's so attractive about Ubud? Well, as tourists are discovering, the area is a pleasant mix of culture, natural beauty, and off-beat spots. Off-beat? Try visiting the tame monkey's in The Monkey Forest. Actually, besides being a kind of novelty, I guess, this is a pretty unpleasant excursion as the aggressive monkeys will all but frisk you for handouts.

There are several performances of traditional Balinese dance daily in town.

Tirta Empul is a holy temple complex about 30-40 minutes from Ubud. Balinese have been bathing in the holy hot springs on the temple grounds for over a thousand years. The current temples are all refurbished versions of the originals, but it still an overwhelmingly atmospheric place.

Bali is populated by Hindus, so there are several places to learn or practice Yoga and meditation (Taman Hati Yoga and Meditation Center being one of them). Religion, mostly on the periphery in the area on Kuta, is central in Ubud. There are altars and colorful offerings made from rice flour based dough everywhere.

Kuta is the best beach on Bali, but Ubud is a nice place to get away from the sand and surf scene and immerse yourself in Bali's past and present culture.