Exploring the Artistic Villages of Ubud

This regency offers a wealth of artists. The highway from Batubulan to Ubud passes through a continual line of smaller villages, each specialising in their own art form: whether it's gold (Mas), silver (Celuk), wood carving, sculpting or painting, it is certainly a great place to explore and shop. Ubud, located 25 km north of Denpasar, is home to countless generations of craftsmen and healers, and is also renowned for being a chic retreat for foreign artists. It is now a fully-fledged tourist centre, offering dozens of shops, restaurants, markets. Museums displaying high quality traditional and modern Balinese arts include Neka, Puri Lukisan, and Agung Rai. One of Bali's most visited tourist sites, this complex comprises of a man-made cave with elaborate stone carvings and stupas. Just north of Tampaksiring lies the sacred spring of Tirta Empul, a holy bath with rejuvenating powers since the 10th century.