Ubud, Bali. Hanging gardens of Ubud. Ubud: what to see?

Ubud is the heart of Bali, its cultural capital. To get acquainted with this wonderful place it is necessary to allocate at least a week, because there are a lot of historical, architectural and natural monuments scattered not only throughout the city, but also far beyond its borders. Europeans have recently discovered this resort, interest in it manifested itself in the 30s of last century. Until now, it remains a mysterious, unexplored until the end of the earth, attracting a magnet to itself. There are no raging ocean waves, snow-white beaches, huge hotels - this alpine resort attracts to itself a calm, relaxing atmosphere, clean air and breathtaking views.

History of Ubud

"Medicine" - this is how the name of Ubud is translated. Bali has always been famous for its pacifying atmosphere, but its cultural center has a special effect on the health and psychological state of people. Here, a lot of medicinal herbs grow, and the merging of the two rivers concentrates the energy of the earth, which makes a person cheerful and cheerful. About Ubud, it is known that in the VIII century meditated here by Rsi Markenda, Japanese Vishnuit. It was he who became the founder of the temple of Pura Gunung Lebach. In the 11th century, Hinduism began to spread actively in these parts, which led to the emergence of new temples: in the coves of Goa Gajah, near Mount Kavi.

Only at the end of the XVI century Europeans first came to Ubud. Bali was first visited by the Dutch, it was they who at the beginning of the 20th century made the island part of the Dutch East Indies. To the local culture the Europeans treated with respect, in every possible way encouraging its development. Thanks to this, the people have preserved their centuries-old traditions, which they honor to this day. The first places to relax here appeared in 1936, since then many things have changed on the island, hotels and numerous bungalows grow, like mushrooms after the rain, but Ubud manages to maintain its original appearance.

Ubud is a city of creative people

Tourists from Europe reached out to Indonesia after visiting these places with Walter Spies. It was the choreographer and film director who discovered the delights of the city of Ubud for Europeans. Bali on the map seems quite a tiny, inconspicuous island, but many do not even guess what beauties are open to travelers. Spies has put the famous ketchak - a spectacular dance of monkeys, which even today gathers crowds of spectators. In the twentieth century Ubud was considered one of the bohemian places, as artists, composers, actors, directors, musicians, in general, all creative people gathered here to gain strength, to inspire the creation of new masterpieces. Among the outstanding cultural figures should be noted Charlie Chaplin, Dorti Lamour, Margaret Mead, Sting.

The mysterious island of Bali. Hanging Gardens of Ubud

Hanging gardens are one of the seven wonders of the world. But if the Babylonian curiosity has sunk into oblivion, the Indonesian delight many tourists. An unusual design of landscapes was borrowed from the plantations of the Semiramis, architects John Pettigrew and William Warren worked on creating a magnificent design. The landscapes created by them represent a surprising sight - tropical trees and exotic plants aspire upwards. In addition to greenery, there are also multi-level infinity swimming pools.

People who seek peace, solitude, relaxation, choose Bali. The hotel "Hanging Gardens" Ubud is great for this purpose, it literally sinks into the greenery, it is surrounded on all sides by exotic plants. Thanks to the special design of the pools located right next to the rooms, tourists can view the surrounding beauty, the rainforest ... They have the impression that they are hovering in the clouds, watching from heaven behind the splendor of the earth. As from the main building, and from small houses-numbers it is possible to behold the hanging gardens of Ubud. The hotel (the price of the tour fully justifies itself) is suitable for people who want to relax, improve their health, do meditation or yoga. Tour "all inclusive" for two for a week is about 6,5 thousand dollars.

Museums of Ubud

Ubud is also called the cultural heart of Bali. For several decades, he turned from an ordinary town into a tourist center. Today, travelers can visit here numerous museums and art galleries. The most valuable collection of works of art is collected in the Nek Museum; They were created by both local residents and visiting masters who lived on the island for a while. Puri Lukisan, also called the "Palace of Art", gathered in its walls a huge number of sculptures, paintings, carvings, and all of them reflect the color, culture of Bali. This is the first private museum of the island, functioning since 1954.

To all admirers of creativity Antonio Blanco, certainly, will want to visit his house. Now it is a museum in which various works of the artist, including erotic pictures from the closed exhibition are stored. The master mainly painted young local girls and his wife. Here you can visit the studio Blanco and aviary with birds.

A full understanding of Balinese art can be made after visiting the museum Agung Rai. Here are the works of Indonesian and foreign painters, including the painting Shpisa "Kalonarang", which he wrote in 1930. The museum consists of a cultural center, an art gallery, several workshops, a research center, a library. Everyone can study folk craft, theatrical and visual arts, history, cooking of Bali. Ubud reviews of tourists get positive, because there really is something to do and what to see.

Architectural monuments

Indonesian architecture is a very curious sight: it embodies the culture, ancient traditions, worldview of local residents. Many man-made monuments, scattered all over the island, are worthy of attention, but the tourist will be impressed, even if he looks only at what Ubud offers him. Bali strikes every step with its beauty. The excursion can begin with the temple of Kehen, recognized as the most attractive building on the whole island. It was erected in 1206, and the place on which it stands, from time immemorial used to perform rituals. The temple is surrounded on all sides by trees and hills, for visiting it is open daily.

You can also see the ancient, impressive royal palace of Puri Saren Agung, decorated with statues and stone gates. In the palace still live some descendants of the royal family, most of it is open for visits. In the palace almost every day there are dance shows. You can also go along the pilgrims' way and see the Temple of Tirth Empul, near which there is a healing spring, created, according to legend, the King of the Gods Indra. A very interesting construction is the Mountain of the Poet, or Gunung Kavi. The building was created in the XI century and is the funerary complex of King Anak Vungsu and his wives. The building is located in a very picturesque place.

Natural attractions

Many beautiful and interesting places please travelers Ubud. What to see here first? Perhaps, see the local beauties can be in the reserve "Monkey Forest". Three temples are built here, they are surrounded on all sides by greenery. In a small forest, there are more than a hundred macaques. Visitors like to photograph lovely creatures, but one should be cautious, because monkeys are not so harmless: they steal from passers-by sunglasses, hats and anything that can be pulled off. With their hands it is better not to feed - they can bite.

In 1965, 100,000 Balinese fell victim to political repression. To the place of their burial, it is not known where the white herons came from and stayed here to live. Everyone can visit the Petulu reserve to admire the "souls" of the deceased. Look at the elephants in the elephant safari park: there live animals rescued in Sumatra, where they were used for logging. For an additional fee you can ride on these giants. Scenic landscapes, rare plants, exotic birds and reptiles boast Ubud. What to see here, we told. But it's better to see once than hear a hundred times. Therefore, in the city you need to stay at least a week to get acquainted with all the sights.

Local population

Residents are favorable to foreigners. They are positive, creative people, engaged in painting, music, dancing, carving in stone and wood. The local population considers themselves to be creators, practically on every street there are several galleries and workshops. Balinese honor their traditions, therefore, daily perform various rituals. Even souvenirs here are not simple substandard counterfeits, but real works of art, in which the inhabitants of Bali have invested a part of their soul. Ubud (photo for memory, made in these places, for a long time will evoke memories of the journey) always meets guests kindly, affably showing all their sights.

Food

Ubud is remembered for tourists not only by beautiful landscapes, exotic animals and unusual culture, but also delicious cuisine. If you compare the variety and quality of food, the resort is second only to the city of Seminyak. A wide selection of restaurants and cafes, very tasty, original and inexpensive food - all this attracts travelers to Ubud. Bali offers a choice of several cuisines, but, of course, you can not visit the island and not try local dishes.

Shopping

Ubud is a wonderful place for all lovers of shopping. In the city there are many shops selling clothes, souvenirs, paintings. The main market is located in a large two-story building, the main products are national clothes, wood carvings, batik ... that is, those things that are of interest to tourists. With sellers it is necessary to bargain, in some cases, the price can be reduced by half. Shopping is best done on the second floor, because there the goods are much cheaper. If you are interested in art, then you should go to the nearby settlements - there you can buy jewelry from silver, things with carvings on stone and wood, painting.

What is Ubud attractive about?

Indonesia is a paradise on earth, here come for inspiration, a full rest of body and soul, new impressions. Ubud can not boast of the ocean coast, but there is such a tranquil atmosphere that tourists do not want to go back home. The resort is buried in greenery, there is no need to look for sights - they are met at every step. The city has an ancient history, which is interesting for fans of antiquity, archeology, cultural researchers. In Ubud, almost every day there are various rites, which will be interesting to see. Visiting the reserves, historical and cultural monuments, entertainment establishments will make the holiday rich and interesting.

Who is the island of Bali?

The hotel "Hanging Gardens" Ubud attracts the attention of exotic lovers. And indeed, not in every country you can swim in the infinity pools and at the same time admire the surrounding magnificence and wild nature from the height of the bird's flight. The resort is suitable for people seeking to find peace of mind, recharge positive energy. That's why many celebrities come to Ubud in search of inspiration. This resort is also called the city of artists, here you can discover your talent and really relax.