Ubud

Ubud is supposed to be Bali’s cultural centre. It used to be more of a backpacker and artists hang out but in recent years the luxury market has bulldozed it’s way in, glamorous hotels and expensive houses have shot up around it’s outskirts and things have become less authentic and more expensive.

As Ubud sprawls outwards it becomes closer to the rice fields and smaller communities with their local crafts and ancient ruined temples and palaces which many people are interested in visiting. Traditionally good for appreciating (and buying) traditional arts, crafts and performances, the famous nightly dances are still held and you can still buy nicer wood or stone carvings, bamboo furniture and textiles than in Bali’s other tourist centres. The best dances are held in the courtyard of the ex-royal residence, now a hotel.
It also has a couple of museums from the time when it was popular with European artists, is close to the international airport and about 15mins from the nearest beach.