"Ubud" Ubud by phil_uk_net

Ubud Travel Guide: 556 reviews and 1,295 photos

Ubud

Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali. In the Ubud area there are small villages that specialise in different kinds of art work.
That is, in one area there will be lots of places specialising in stone carving. Move on to another and you will find wood carvings, another paintings, another gold and silver.

The paintings really impressed me - just so beautiful. I was a bit confused with the wood carvings and their true value though.
We saw some lovely carvings that were not cheap but the shop seemed able to make huge discounts straight away. Then, on another part of the island we saw almost identical carvings at a fraction of the price in Ubud.
I don't understand enough about carvings to know why there were such big discrepancies? Are some fake? Are some mass-produced? If I were to buy something I would not know if I was paying a good price or getting ripped off, which is a bit worrying.

Wood carvings

One of the few things I knew about Bali before I visited was that it was famous for wood carvings. The workmanship is absolutely incredible.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Fantastic displays of art work
Cons:You need to know what you are looking for
In a nutshell:This area has some of the best sights that Bali has to offer

Last visit to Ubud: Jan 2003
Intro Updated Mar 8, 2003
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Paintings and artwork Things to Do (3)

Of all the displays of craftsmanship in Ubud, it was the paintings and artwork that impressed me most. The attention to... more travel advice

Wood carvings Things to Do (3)

You must visit some of the woodcarving workshops in Ubud to see the fantastic workmanship. more travel advice

Fine craftsmanship Favorites (1)

Visiting the art workshops and witnessing incredible workmanship in stone, wood and paint. more travel advice

Touts Warnings Or Dangers (1)

Not just in Ubud, but almost everywhere in Bali, you will be harassed wherever you go by people trying to sell you... more travel advice

Comments (10)

mrclay2000 Sep 8, 2003 at 7:54 AM Report Abuse

Interesting stuff. I'll likely not see Bali except for VT's pages. Singapore is perhaps another matter.
orlikins Aug 24, 2003 at 7:18 AM Report Abuse

lovely photos :)
daddygila Jul 4, 2003 at 8:40 AM Report Abuse

Ubud was my favorite place on Bali. Hope to return someday.
jmmorgan May 18, 2003 at 11:28 PM Report Abuse

Looking forward to visiting Bali in the future.
dinhyen May 4, 2003 at 11:42 PM Report Abuse

You're right Phil, the artwork looks incredible. I wouldn't want to put the pair of red guys in my livingroom though, where I may bump into them raiding the fridge at night.
ukirsari May 2, 2003 at 1:55 PM Report Abuse

Thanks to visit my page, Phil :) Bali now is kinda different than usual. A bit silent but still has a magic to everyone who come here! --arie--
kenmerk Apr 9, 2003 at 7:20 PM Report Abuse

Nice info on Ubud, Phil... Those touts can be quite tenacious...
craic Mar 15, 2003 at 8:49 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful Ubud!
Guantanamera Mar 14, 2003 at 1:10 PM Report Abuse

I really liked Ubud, the place has incredible atmosphere... in a way, quite similar to Ojai...
syllybabe Mar 8, 2003 at 5:37 PM Report Abuse

The do have beautiful artwork and woodcarvings. Is Ubud close to Bali?