Gianyar – Ubud and Bali's Art and Cultural Centre
Gianyar Regency lies in the central part of Bali province, stretching from the island's highlands towards the coast. The regional capital is Gianyar town, but world-famous Ubud is its true heart. Gianyar is Bali's cultural and artistic centre: rice terraces, Hindu temples, craft workshops, dance performances and a vibrant international art community define it.
Attractions and Activities
Ubud is Bali's cultural capital: galleries, craft shops, yoga studios and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (a monkey-inhabited sacred forest). Tegallalang rice terraces are Bali's most iconic sight – stepped rice paddies on steep valley slopes. Tirta Empul Temple (Pura Tirta Empul) has sacred spring water used for ritual purification – visited by Balinese Hindus and tourists alike. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) is a 9th-century rock-cut sanctuary. Gianyar Night Market (Pasar Malam Gianyar) offers Bali's best street food.
Culture and Cuisine
Gianyar is Bali's art centre: Balinese painting (Ubud style), wood carving (Mas village), silver smithing (Celuk village), and batik painting are traditions. Legong, barong and kecak dance performances are viewable almost every evening in Ubud. The cuisine is Balinese: babi guling (roast suckling pig), bebek betutu (spiced slow-roasted duck), lawar, and nasi campur Bali are unmissable flavours. Ubud coffee plantations are also known for luwak coffee (civet coffee).
Public Safety
Gianyar is a safe region. Ubud is a busy tourist destination – motorbike traffic is chaotic, take great care as a pedestrian. Petty pickpocketing may occur at crowded places. In the Monkey Forest, monkeys can be aggressive – do not show them food and hide your glasses. Medical care is excellent – Ubud and Gianyar have several modern clinics; for serious cases, Denpasar RSUP Sanglah hospital (approx. 1 hour).
Practical Information
From Ngurah Rai International Airport, Ubud is approximately 1–1.5 hours by car (traffic-dependent). The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation: in Ubud, everything from world-class boutique hotels to simple guesthouses is available.