Ubud is a Town on the Indonesian island of Bali, located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency. One of Bali's major arts and culture centres, it has developed a large tourism industry.

Ubud tourism focuses on culture, yoga and nature. In contrast to the main tourist area in southern Bali, the Ubud area has forests, rivers, cooler temperatures and less congestion although traffic has increased dramatically in the 21st century. A number of smaller boutique style lodgings and villas are located in and around Ubud, which commonly offer spa treatments or treks up Ubud's mountains.

Secluded romantic accommodations, luxury riverside condo rentals, vacation rentals, villa rentals and accommodations with rice paddy views are on offer here.

Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali -- scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap vacation rental, villa rental and unique luxury accommodation. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns. Towns around Ubud also vacation rentals and villa rentals offer for all budgets.

Orienting yourself in Ubud is fairly straightforward. The town sprawls for several kilometres in all directions, with all of the small villages within a five km radius of the central market being loosely referred to as "Ubud". If you choose a reasonably central place to stay, it is easy enough to get around on foot. Ubud is so crammed with attractions and visitors who jump up to Ubud for just two or three days of their Bali holiday, stand little chance of understanding much of what is going on around them.

There is more to this cultural Balinese town than just relaxing by the river and lounging around beautiful lush forest accommodation. There are many wonderful walks in every direction from Ubud, through villages, rice terraces, jungle gorges, and grassy hilltops. Just strike out in any direction and walk anywhere you like. The best of the Ubud area is off the roads, so grab a map, or just go rambling without. Often the best discoveries are purely coincidental and can't be found in any guidebook. Elephant Trekking is now available in the village of Taro, twenty minutes north of Ubud. You can ride an elephant, then feed it and give it a bath. Open 9 to 4 every day, no reservations necessary, just show up. Take this opportunity and explore some more of the area and stay in a truly authentic vacation rental, villa rental or condo rental.

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