Far from the boisterous beach party scene of Kuta, in the central region of this remarkable little island, lies Ubud - the cultural centre of Bali. Surrounded by lush, terraced rice paddies, and exquisite temples, Ubud is jam-packed with tourist attractions. Its busy town centre is lined with a slew of art galleries, cafes, craft shops, and spas. One of the town’s most visited sites is the Sacred Forest Monkey Sanctuary, home to hundreds of wild monkeys as well as three Hindi temples. Spend your days strolling around the lively streets of central Ubud or get away from the hustle and bustle by cycling along ricefield-lined rivers where traditional village life carries on relatively undisturbed. Nights can be spent enjoying live music concerts, or one of the nightly Kecak Fire and Dance or shadow puppet performances.
Once a small fishing village, Jimbaran is now scattered with 5-star resorts and high-end villas, earning it the nickname of ‘The Beverly Hills of Bali’. Visitors to the area spend their days luxuriating on the white sand beaches, browsing the chic boutiques or swimming in the crystal waters of the bay. Dinner time in Jimbaran is a unique experience – diners can select their own live seafood at any of the restaurants along the waterfront, where it will be prepared immediately and cooked over a fire of coconut husks – a distinct and delectable taste sensation.
