Ubud is a prime destination for Indonesian cuisine, culture, and arts. Book one of the picturesque Ubud villa rentals in the area to enjoy this city like a local, with a cozy spot to come home to after a long day exploring the jungles, restaurants, and markets. This vibrant destination offers everything from monkey-filled forests to majestic temples for a fascinating escape.

Ubud has many historical and cultural attractions. In the center of the city you'll find the Puri Saren Royal Palace with its beautiful examples of traditional Balinese architecture. Get a colorful look at Indonesia's culture at the Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets, featuring more than 1,000 masks and 4,000 puppets. The palace stage regularly hosts dance and music performances. Art enthusiasts should visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum and the Agung Rai Museum of Art. If you're interested in exploring Indonesia's wildlife, take a trip to the Bali Bird and Reptile Park to see exotic species such as the Javan hawk-eagle, Bali starling, night pond heron, Nicobar pigeon, and crested serpent eagle. In the Ubud Monkey Forest you can spot the resident grey long-tailed macaques playing in the canopy above ancient temples and majestic guardian statues.

The Bali Spirit Festival is one of the biggest annual events in Ubud. This celebration takes place each March and highlights world music and dance, yoga, meditation, self-development, and spirituality. You can participate in yoga workshops of many styles, from Hatha to Kundalini. Explore various methods of healing, including chakra balancing, massage, sound healing, and breathwork. Don't miss the lineup of nightly concerts. If you want to attend this popular event, reserve your Ubud villa rental as early as possible.

Ubud is an outstanding shopping destination for arts and crafts. The Ubud Art Market is one of the most popular stops, featuring hand-crafted home goods, woven bags and baskets, and colorful silk scarves. The Sukawati Art Market feels a bit more run down than the former, but is a longer fixture of the area and an excellent spot for sculptures, paintings, and other unique pieces of art. Wood carvings abound in the Tegallalang handicrafts market, as well. Come prepared to bargain for the best deals.

Ubud dining ranges from casual street stalls to gourmet meals with a view. Head to the CasCades Restaurant at the Viceroy Bali for breathtaking views of the surrounding forests to relax and unwind as you dine on an exquisite eight-course meal. The Fair Warung Bale takes an innovative approach to dining, serving a meal that gives 100 percent of its profits to free health and medical care programs. If you're interested in trying the area's popular Padang cuisine, head to Puteri Minang for the widest variety, including sambal prawns and deep-fried eels.