Ubud

"Ubud" is drived from the word "ubad" which means medicine as the town supplied medicinal herbs during olden days. A former principality, Ubud has several palaces and brahmin mansions, as well as beautiful houses built in the Gianyar architectural style. The modern Balinese art movement began here (see article titled "Paintings"), when artist first began to abandon purely religious and court scenes for scenes of everyday life. ubud is home to many respected local and western artists. the cultural image of Ubud is paramount to the people as home to the best art museums in the country. The Puri Lukisan, a Museum of Fine Arts established in the 50's, displays art from the 30's and 50's, as well as fine examples of modern Balinese art. Ubud is in ideal place to see Balinese dance. Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak, and the Fire Dance, are performed nightly in or around the Ubud area. Ubud gives you the opportunity to see the real Bali. It is a place for leisurely strolls through rice terraces, lush forests, breath taking gorges, and deserted swimming holes, all within walking distance from the center of Ubud