Ubud (Monkey Forest and Royal Palace)

Ubud sits in the central highlands of Gianyar regency, about 25 km north of Denpasar, and is Bali's best-known centre for dance, painting and craft. By road the trip takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic through Batubulan and Sakah, so a private driver or Grab car is the most practical transport; the Trans Metro Dewata bus from Batubulan Terminal is cheaper but slower and needs a transfer. The core of the visit is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary on Jl. Monkey Forest, a temple-studded patch of jungle home to long-tailed macaques, and the Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung) in the town centre, where evening dance performances are staged in the courtyard. Ubud Art Market opposite the palace sells textiles, woodcarvings and baskets, and bargaining is expected. Nearby, the Tegallalang rice terraces and the Campuhan Ridge Walk add scenery for those with extra time. A workable one-day arc leaves Denpasar around 8:00 so that the Monkey Forest is reached shortly after opening, when it is cooler and quieter. Late morning suits the Royal Palace and the art market before the heat peaks. Lunch is easy in the town centre, where warungs serve nasi campur and babi guling at modest prices, and cafes along Jl. Raya Ubud cater to every budget. The afternoon can be spent on the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a gentle ridge path of roughly 2 km, or at a museum such as the Neka Art Museum, before an evening dance show at the palace. The dry season from April to October brings the most reliable weather, while the wet months bring short, heavy afternoon downpours. Departing Ubud before 16:00 avoids the worst of the return traffic towards Denpasar. Modest dress is needed for temple areas, and a sarong is usually provided or available to hire.