Wednesday, April 3, 2013

5 Things You Can Do in Ubud Without Spending a Dime

If you are in Ubud, Bali and the only thing you can afford is a couple of nights stay at the Hotel Tjampuhan Spa, don’t be discouraged. This Indonesian town offers various interesting activities that will make your trip more fun, and without even spending a single cent. During your visit, step out of your Ubud, Bali accommodation and put these 5 items in your itinerary:

1. Admire the local art

Ubud is considered as the village of artists in Bali, you won’t have a hard time finding local and foreign painters who are active in the Balinese art scene. There are several large museums here that ask around IDR50.000 for entry fees (USD6). If you are a budget traveler, though, this may put a dent in your pocket. Good thing there are many smaller and private-owned galleries like the Neka and the Agung Rai Museum of Art that have no entrance fees.

2. Learn about traditional weaved textiles

A non-profit organization called Threads of Life helps local textile weavers earn a living and keep this traditional custom alive at the same time. They have a gallery in Jalan Kajeng, a few minutes north of Ubud, which offers excellent displays of fabrics from each area of Indonesia. There are educational videos being played there that show how cotton is made into threads for weavings.

3. Put your name on Signature Street

At first look, the place called Signature Street looks like a road vandalized by countless travelers that have set foot in Ubud over the years. But in reality, it is actually the local counterpart for Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. But instead of celebrities, anybody can engrave his or her name or leave a mark on the asphalt without having to pay for it.

4. Hang out by the gorgeous Water Palace

Water Palace is one of Ubud’s many temples. Here, you will feel like you are in an Indiana Jones movie because of the ancient cinematic surroundings. The temple’s carved wooden facade, stone temple guardians, and lotus-filled ponds are a sight to see. Everything here is photo-worthy, so make sure your camera’s battery are fully charged before you leave your hotel in Ubud, Bali.

5. Attend a cremation ceremony

If you are interested in learning more about the local culture, attend a cremation ceremony if you get the chance. Quietly observe the different rituals the locals perform for their deceased relatives. The cremations feature colorful statues that will be set on fire as part of the priest’s routine. Just remember to be respectful, discreet in taking pictures, and put your mobile phone on silent mode until you head back to your room at Hotel Tjampuhan Spa.
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