Hidden among rainforests, rice paddies and alternative cafes, the heart of Ubud can be seen in its history of foreign painters and fierce cultural identity. Tanned, smiling expatriates sit alongside sweating tourists and the smell of gourmet food lingers on the air in Bali’s artistic hub.
The Rise of Art in Bali
Bali was a favoured destination for the wealthy, cultured elite in the 1930’s. Influenced by foreign artists such as Rudolf Bonnet and Walter Spies, Ubud’s paintwork evolved from traditional Hindu inspired works to incorporate different styles associated with its passionate expatriates.
Museums such as Agung Ra Museum of Art (0361-976659) and Blanco Renaissance Museum (0361-975502) display collections, while numerous galleries house everything from conceptual art to photography archives.
Artistic Shopping in Ubud
From crafts to home-wares and jewellery, Ubud’s abundant array of shopping options is legendary. The Ubud Market at the intersection of JI. Raya and JI. Monkey Forest (roads) is the place to buy cheap imitations of anything, plus souvenirs and clothes.
But, for unique, one off designs, stores lining JI Monkey Forest (road) are treasure troves filled with interesting buys. Visit Komaneka Fine Art Gallery (0361-976090), Calico Home (0361-972844) and The Drum Factory (0361-978637) for paintings, home-wares and cultural musical instruments.
Exploring the village of Ubud among the chaos of new construction and the peaceful serenity of daily Hindu rituals enables visitors to stumble upon distinctive, lesser known stores. Despite the often oppressive heat, lush greenery and glimpses inside local temples makes shopping along the busy streets an experience unique to Ubud.
Eat in Artistic Surrounds
An international smorgasbord of culinary delights awaits the tired shopper in Ubud. An artist’s enclave at heart, many of the village’s restaurants reflect this in name, décor and inspiring cuisine.
Try Café des Artistes (0361-972706) for Belgian home cooking and The Bridge Restaurant Grill and Bar (0361-975085) for delicious nasi-goreng in an outdoor setting overlooking a lush valley below. Or, attend Balinese Cooking Classes (0361-977565) to improve artistic cooking skills with a Balinese flavour.
Stay in an Artist’s Hut
The first hotel in Ubud, Tjampuhan and Spa (0361-975368) has hosted celebrities and painters such as Walter Spies, a German painter credited with shaping the development of art in Bali. Among rustic cabins and jungle inspired pools, the Walter Spies House is available as a guest room. A two-storey bungalow where the painter once resided, it retains the charm of a former, bohemian era.
Ubud is a village influenced by the mindset of artists over time, creating a sense of inspiration and thriving innovation amidst lush rainforest and a strong, cultural identity.
