Krist S
Ubud is a unique place in Indonesia, and is considered one of the most popular destinations of this small island country, after Bali, of course. Ubud is home to lush greenery and beautiful views, some of which are so sublime that you have to see it to believe it. If you are planning to visit Indonesia any time in the future, remember that Ubud definitely requires to be part of your package itinerary or trip itinerary, based on whether you are planning the package all on your own or are simply buying a package. One of the most beautiful places to see in Indonesia actually is in Ubud, and it is known as the Ubud Monkey Forest. To know more about it, read on below and find out what else is there to explore in Ubud:
- Ubud Monkey Forest: A sanctuary for our four-legged ancestors, the Ubud Monkey Forest is a popular place as well as a religious one to visit in Indonesia. It is actually the natural abode of the Balinese long-tailed marsupials. Nearly 800, and counting, monkeys are present in this enclosure, along with an ancient temple complex that goes back to centuries ago. Apart from these moneys, you can also see a wide range of flora and fauna here, covering more than 12 hectares of land. The Ubud Monkey Forest timings are from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, although the tickets are available from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm only.
- Ubud Palace: Another great place to spend some time, when in Ubud is the Ubud Palace, which is another popular temple here. There are regular shows held here as well, for tourists as well as locals. Also referred to as Puri Saren Agung Ubud, this place is a major attraction for many, since the opening of many international festivals are held here on a regular basis. Built in within 1800-1823, this place was erected by Tjokorda Putu Kandel as a shrine to cultural activities, including art and literature. Make sure to visit this place, but also make sure that you have your tickets booked and your reservations made before showing up here. The Ubud Palace timings are from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Agung Rai Museum of Art: This museum, one of the largest and the most popular museums in Indonesia, was established by Agung Rai, who was a major art connoisseur back in the 1970’s. He was involved in not just selling popular Balinese artwork to foreigners who visited his country, but also built up his own art collection, which is now valued in millions, if not billions. This place now showcases most of his art for the discerning public, with some really popular pieces being the centre of attention. The timings for the Agung Rai Museum of Art is from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Goa Gajah: Also famous as the Elephant cave, the Goa Gajah is probably one of the most well known attractions in Ubud. Considering that the history and roots of this cave structure can be traced back to the 9th century, it is for very good reasons that this is one of the most important places to include in your itinerary when planning a trip to Indonesia. It was initially considered a serene place for mediation and quiet contemplation of life, and it has only in the recent years become a roaring success as a tourist destination. The caves are rough hewn, with a small waterfall nearby and loads of greenery to ensure that you feel like you have traveled back in time to land in the 9th century or so.
- The Blanco Renaissance Museum: The Blanco Renaissance Museum is sure to be nothing like anything you have seen before. There is a varied theme of art here, along with literature and other aspects of early Balinese culture. It was established by Mr. Mario Antonio Blanco, who was an avid art lover himself. It is said that his main muse was his wife, who was a Balinese dancer and performer herself, thereby giving rise to his passion for collection art. The Blanco Renaissance Museum timings are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Make sure that you reach well in time to ensure that you get to view it all in peace.
As you can see, the Ubud Monkey Forest is not the only thing that Ubud is famed for. In fact, it is only one of the really popular ones, thanks to its natural beauty and the chance to interact with the cute monkeys. So, whenever you are making plans to spend some time in Ubud in Indonesia, remember to take out a day to spend here, since the place actually warrants that you spend time here to take in the fresh air and the beautiful views, as well as feel the religious vibes of the temple complex here.
