Bali is a world renowned tourist destination that draws millions of visitors all year around. While many are satisfied with spending their vacation in the beautiful yet crowded beaches, some look for a deeper experience of the island. Celebrated as the cultural capital of Bali, Ubud is a collection of villages that unravels the true nature of Bali to anyone who seeks it.
The current township of Ubud is made up of fourteen villages, each holding artisans and other carriers of traditional Balinese art forms. Accumulating around temples and other ancient religious sites the small hamlets that form the village complex are tightly woven communities, each with its own committee for governance. The plethora of beautiful locations showcasing the heritage of the island can be easily enjoyed on a bicycle. Travellers can choose between guided cycling tours, where meals are supplied, or rent their own ride from a local rental shop.
Whichever method you choose you can ride along the green paddy fields at the foothills of the Kintamani Mountains, through coffee plantations and stop by village temples to marvel their customary architecture. The rock statues of Gunung Kawi can be a bit difficult to reach by bike, but the picturesque Pura Kehen Temple is a closer and well worth the visit. Around 20 km northeast is the Tirta Empul temple- built around a bubbling hot spring. The ride through the valley is gentle with some steep areas but plenty of scenic views and quaint towns to compensate. Around the town you can visit several museums and art galleries that give detailed descriptions of local culture without the use of a travel guide.
When renting bikes or joining a tour group, it is worthwhile to check the equipment beforehand. Also note that temple require appropriate attire, so have a sarong or sash in your rucksack if you are planning to visit any. Organized tours usually supply traditional meals from local houses for local flavour and even arrange coffee tastings in plantations. They also provide pickups and drops at your Ubud hotel. After a fulfilling days ride of discovery relax at a luxury hotel Bali and its culture are captured in the serenity and elegance of the Uma Bali.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.