Ubud - The centre of arts & culture in Bali

The village of Ubud can trace its roots as far back as the 8th century. It is documented on lontar (ancient palm leaf scripts) that a holy man from India by the name of Rsi Markandeya embarked on a spiritual journey across Java and eventually came to the island of Bali to spread the teachings of Hinduism.

With a group of followers, Rsi Markandeya was magnetically drawn to a location in the central foothills of the island that radiated light and energy. This place is the Campuhan River in Ubud where it joins with the Wos River; and it was here that he felt compelled to build a temple.

Since being discovered back in the 8th century, the Campuhan area in Ubud has always been highly regarded by Balinese people for its immense spiritual powers. Even the name ‘Ubud’ is derived from the sanskrit word ubad, meaning medicine which refers to the traditional healing properties of the plants that naturally grow there. Generations of Hindu worshippers have made special pilgrimages to this confluence of the Wos and Camphuan River to mediate, bathe and collect holy water for temple ceremonies and cleansing rituals.

Bali experienced a significant influx of overseas visitors during the 1930’s. This first wave of tourism was focused in and around Ubud, and when Walter Spies, the German artist and composer, was invited by the king to live in Ubud a trend was set, and other foreign artists like Rudolf Bonnet and Willem Hofker arrived to set up easel and paint. As word of Ubud and its enchanting beauty spread, the village went on to host a circle of famous people such as Noel Coward, Charlie Chaplin, H.G. Wells and the renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead.

During the 1970's tourism in Ubud had a resurgence when backpackers and hippies set out to seek new experiences. A steady flow of visitors have since found themselves captivated by the intense beauty of the landscape and gracious hospitality of its people.

Today, Ubud has managed to embrace the 21st century with dignity and still retains its timeless artistry, culture and religion. It is a unique destination blessed with a strong sense of community and rare spiritual energy. Attracting artists, musicians, healers and now, the people who are seekers of spirituality, Ubud is a small, friendly village with the energy of on international city.

As well as the rich, verdant scenery, great restaurants and shopping, we offer you a range of unique experiences and stunning resorts, all with great member discounts, to add to your holiday in Bali. You may wish to add a week or two to your holiday, or just do some day trips.

Great Ubud Experiences & membership discounts

ARMA (Agung Rai Museum of Art) in Ubud

As well as being the place to see one of the best exhibitions of traditional and contemporary Indonesian art, at ARMA you can enhance your experience by participating in Cultural Workshops. Have you ever wanted to know how to make some of the magnificent Balinese offerings, play a Gamelan instrument, have a go at Balinese dance, learn to paint, draw or carve a mask? We offer you these workshops packaged with a delicious Balinese lunch all at discounted prices for our members. A great day for the whole family!
ARMA is set in 4 hectares of intricate and stunning gardens.

Click here for more information

ARMA’s Open Stage, perhaps the most beautiful outdoor stages in Bali, presents an extraordinary programme of traditional Balinese dance performances rarely seen by tourists. A must see is Cak Rina, an amazing Kecak only performed at ARMA, with one hundred men and boys on the stage, real fire and trance. The performers tell the story of a battle between two monkey kings, so everyone on stage is performing as a monkey. There is no musical accompaniment, the dancers accompany themselves with a wide variety of Cak (pronounced ‘chuck’) sounds creating an incredibly powerful resonance and building up their trance states. This performance will stun you as the monkeys ‘play’ with fire, and make you laugh at their monkey antics. A memborable experience for the whole family!

Click here for more information

Other outstanding performances at ARMA’s Open Stage

The Barong Keris Dance

Yes, they are using a real Keris (a sacred and wavey edged short sword)! This is an ancient performance that usually leaves the audience in silence. Because of the trance-states and the protective magic of the Barong (pictured in top right-hand corner) no-one has actually been stabbed - yet!

Click here for more information

A Programme of Classical Balinese dance performed by the Masters

Show-casing the classics, performed by the Masters, you will see all of the following:

Pendet is a short welcome dance. The girls perform the entire dance holding a bowl which contains holy water, flowers and incense.

Baris is a warrior dance, with dynamic movements. It is a ritual dance, perfomed at the temple courtyard during temple festivals. Usually danced by a young boy.

Legong is a true Balinese classic and and there are many different Legong dances. This one is called Legong Lasem, which portrays the story of King Lasem, who captured Rangkisari who he wanted to marry but she refused, because was already promised to Prince Panji.

Kebyar Terompong is a solo dance, usually by a male. The dancer frequently beats the Terompong to produce sounds which enhance the melody of the Gamelan orchestra.

Oleg Tambulilingan is the dance two bumble bees chasing one another in a flower garden. First comes a female dancer, followed by a male dancer, they make a circle formation. The dance was created by the late and famous Mario in 1952

Taruna Jaya was created by the late Gde Manik a famous choreographer from Sinagaraja. The dancer is a female, dressed in a male costume. This performance is characterised by its distinctive and dynamic movements.

Click here for more information

Topeng (Mask) Jimat

Made Jimat is one of the most renown dancers and actors of the great classical Balinese dance masters. He was born in 1948 in Batuan Village. In his newly choreographed dance drama “Kang Cing Wi”, Jimat, re-interprets an ancient legend into Topeng (masked) theatre and in a very selective manner expresses its beauty in worldy themes so that they may be better appreciated.

Arrange it all through your REX office, or call at the reception of the Royal Bali Beach Club to arrange your booking. You can make a day of it with a workshop and a tour of the art exhibitions followed by a performance and dinner, or you can do them separately.

Click here for more information

Fabulous Festivals

Ubud has fabulous festivals during the year, and we aim to keep you informed and offer you tickets to the festival events as well as an elegant choice of resorts to stay in – all at discounted rates for our members. Check out these resorts:

Ubud resorts & hotels, to enhance and extend your holiday
Royal membership discounts

ARMA Resort is within the grounds of the musem, so if you would like to add the whole ARMA experience to your holiday, we offer you great discounts to stay at the resort either before or after your stay at the Royal Bali Beach Club.

For more information or a booking click here...

Ubud Village Resort & Spa is spread out on the verdant hillsides of Ubud, the Ubud Village Resort & Spa is a perfect Balinese hideaway for romantic couples, honeymooners and families alike. Overlooking an expanse of ever-changing terraced rice paddies, Ubud Village Resort and Spa has a relaxing atmosphere throughout which is further enhanced by excellent service and guest amenities. Set within luxuriant landscaped tropical gardens - with coconut palms, manicured lawns, lotus ponds and our own rice paddies - Ubud Village Resort & Spa is a retreat style boutique resort designed for relaxation, invigoration and peaceful contemplation.

For more information or a booking click here...

The Royal Pita Maha is a captivating resort of refined Balinese villas embracing a precious parcel of valley landscape that descends down to the Ayung River. Located on the outer boundary of the spiritually charged village of Ubud, this private retreat ensures that every stay is an enriching experience.

For more information or a booking click here...

Pita Maha Resort & Spa is etched into the hillside that overlooks the Campuhan valley in Ubud and encompasses 24 private villas in a style reminiscent of an intimate Balinese village.

For more information or a booking click here...

Ubud Village Hotel is located at the heart of Monkey Forest Road right in the centre of Ubud, minutes away from all the restaurants, art galleries and fabulous shopping opportunities. The hotel features Superior, Deluxe and Super Deluxe rooms which have private gardens, a balcony and forest view on the second floor.

For more information or a booking click here...

A Great Spa Experience in Ubud

Founded by Ibu Ketut Jasi, Cantika Spa is a unique experience. All of her products are crafted by hand in a traditional Balinese kitchen using freshly harvested, chemical-free herbs, flowers and other plant material from her two gardens. Actually, you can watch as your body scrub or facial products are being made, just before they are all used on you. You will also be amazed at the results of these treatments which leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuninated.

As well as having an incredible spa experience, you are welcome to sign up to learn how to make the products they use for their healing and beauty treatments (only on Sundays). Ibu Ketut Jasi learned her craft from her grandmother, and has been constantly researching and improving these traditional recipes for over 10 years.

 

 

Read More