Ubud is the place to go for culture.

Well-known as the art and wellness destination of Bali, Ubud offers a wide selection of things to do for culture enthusiasts. Ubud Palace hosts the Legong and Ramayana Ballet, a combination of gamelan music and dances that tells the story of Rama and Shinta. The majestic backdrop of the Ancak Saji Ubud Palace, build in the 16th century, makes this the best venue for a cultural performance.

Curious about the healers in Julia Robert’s Eat Pray Love? Ubud is home to the traditional healing scene, and the famous movie has helped raise the profile of the local shamans called Balians. They are known for mending broken hearts, providing respite from chronic pain and relieving stress. A unique experience in its own right, some of these Balians, like Pak Man Arya Dunung, have achieved international reputation. There are some rules of courtesy to follow when visiting a healer, such as wearing covering clothes and not putting money into the healer’s hand.

Looking for a more hands-on experience? Try the Balinese food cooking classes offered by different villas and restaurants around Ubud. The Permulan Bali Farm Cooking School is worth a try, because it’s the only cooking school with an organic farm. Aside from cooking, participants will be able to see how the ingredients grow as well as learn more about fruits and vegetables. The farm, which is located in Banjar Patas in the Taro area, offers half-day classes, advanced classes and a Cook & Stay package. Morning classes include visits to the traditional Tegallalang Market or Pujung Market, but afternoon classes are popular due to the sunset experience. There is a free pick-up if you stay in central Ubud; otherwise you can always go to the Ubud Tourist Information to catch a ride to the farm.

Another cooking class, Lobong Culinary Experience Bali, pairs participants with family hosts that will introduce you to the selected fresh herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables used in your cooking. Cooking at Lobong also means learning about the Balinese lifestyle, families, home shrines and culture. However, if you don’t have much time to travel for a cooking class, something closer to where you stay, like the Jambangan Bali Cooking Class located just a 15-minute drive away in the cool and scenic highland village of Tegallalang, might be the best option. The classes are usually small, so there’s no need to worry about missing a fun step in creating the best dish.

Wind down your journey by marveling at the masterpieces in the many art galleries across Ubud. The Blanco Renaissance Museum is one famous Ubud landmark and home to paintings, collages and illustrated poetry by the late Philippine-born maestro Don Antonio Blanco, a flamboyant character. In the same Campuhan area, you’ll find the Neka Art Museum, which was established in 1976 by Wayan Suteja Neka. Expect more than just paintings here, because this Balinese art lover, whom you might encounter during your visit to his museum, also collects sculptures and kris, as he himself is a descendant of a craftsman of the traditional Indonesian dagger. While you’re in Ubud, spend some time visiting other art museums, like Museum Rudana in Peliatan or Museum Puri Lukisan, which is located on Jl. Raya Ubud.

Shopping can also be a fun cultural trip, if you skip the modern malls and try bargaining at local markets. The Ubud Traditional Art Market, known locally as Pasar Seni Ubud, is the place to go for hand-crafted items. Located right across from the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace, the market opens at 8 a.m. While most stalls close when the sun goes down, usually around 6 p.m., some stay open late. There are two parts to this market, one for selling artworks and handicraft from the neighboring villages of Pengosekan, Tegallalang, Payangan and Peliatan, the other a traditional market for groceries and everyday necessities.

Ubud is the best place to go for culture, but that doesn’t mean tourists have to go to Ubud for an authentic Balinese cultural experience. Uluwatu Temple’s kecak dance is one famous cultural tourist attraction to witness. If you haven’t seen a kecak dance, attending the one in the amphitheater of Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a must. Staying in Denpasar? Make time to visit the Kumbasari Art Market, located across from the Badung River, for some art shopping. Tourist can still buy art pieces from Ubud as well as other parts of Bali at this market without travelling far into the island. Open since the late 1970s, the art market is busy in the mornings, so it’s best to visit around noon, when the morning crowds are done with their shopping and most art stalls are still open.

Some might recommend a visit to Bali during one of its festivals to experience unique scenes. Accommodation is still available during the prominent Nyepi holiday, affording tourists the chance to experience the Day of Silence together with the islanders. Arrive early to see the Ogoh-ogoh competition and other memorable ceremonies held before the day. Galungan and Kuningan are another two important holidays for the Balinese people, which will allow you to partake in festivities in every village and temple as people celebrate the victory of good over evil. The Bali Art Festival is held in the summer months in Denpasar, with performances and parades you don’t want to miss.

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