Bali's Green Heart: Exploring Ubud and the Highlands

Tear yourself away from Bali's golden beaches and you'll discover the island's true soul. Stretching from the cultural hub of Ubud to the cool highlands of Bedugul and the sacred landscapes of Karangasem, Bali's interior is where ancient traditions, spectacular scenery, and everyday life intertwine.

This is a place where farmers still tend impossibly green rice paddies using centuries-old irrigation systems, temple ceremonies spill onto village streets, and volcanic peaks disappear into the morning mist. It's quieter than the coast, slower paced, and every bit as captivating.

Ubud: Bali's cultural capital

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Rice terraces offer a glimpse into the ancient subak irrigation system that has sustained local communities for more than a thousand years

No visit to Bali's highlands is complete without time in Ubud. Surrounded by rice fields, jungle-clad valleys, and traditional villages, this vibrant town has long been the island's creative and spiritual heart.

The famous rice terraces just outside town remain one of Bali's defining landscapes. Cascading down the hillsides in brilliant shades of green, they offer a glimpse into the ancient subak irrigation system that has sustained local communities for more than a thousand years. Wander the narrow paths between the paddies, stop at a hillside café, and take in views that seem to stretch forever.

Back in town, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary offers a fascinating blend of nature and spirituality. Hundreds of long-tailed macaques roam freely among towering banyan trees, moss-covered statues, and ancient temples, creating an atmosphere that feels equal parts jungle and sacred sanctuary.

Ubud's cultural riches continue at Pura Taman Saraswati, one of the island's most elegant water temples. Framed by lotus ponds and intricate stone carvings, it's particularly beautiful in the soft light of late afternoon, while evening dance performances bring centuries-old Balinese stories vividly to life.

Just around the corner, Ubud Market buzzes with color and creativity. Browse handwoven textiles, wood carvings, paintings, jewelry, spices, and locally crafted souvenirs before stopping at one of the town's many cafés or restaurants, where traditional Indonesian flavors meet contemporary culinary flair.

Whether you're joining a yoga class, sampling Balinese cuisine, or simply wandering its leafy streets, Ubud has a way of encouraging visitors to slow down and savor the moment.

Karangasem: Temples and living traditions

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Mount Agung is a striking presence on the horizon of Karangasem

East Bali offers a quieter, more authentic side of the island. With fewer crowds and a landscape dominated by the towering presence of Mount Agung, Karangasem is rich in history, spirituality, and traditional village life.

The region's spiritual center is Besakih Temple, Bali's largest and most sacred temple complex. Spread across the slopes of Mount Agung, dozens of intricately decorated temples rise one above another, creating a spectacular setting that reflects the island's deep Hindu traditions. On festival days, worshippers dressed in white and gold arrive carrying colorful offerings, adding even greater vibrancy to the sacred site.

Nearby, Tirta Gangga offers a very different experience. Once a royal water palace, its peaceful gardens feature elegant fountains, koi-filled ponds, and ornate stepping stones surrounded by tropical greenery. It's one of Bali's most photogenic attractions, but also one of its most tranquil.

For a glimpse into Bali's oldest traditions, visit Tenganan, one of the island's original Bali Aga villages. Here, customs, architecture, and ceremonies have changed remarkably little over the centuries. Skilled artisans continue to produce the rare double ikat weaving known as geringsing, one of the world's most intricate textile traditions.

Bedugul and Upper Tabanan: Bali's cool mountain escape

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Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sits surrounded by tranquil waters in Bali's highlands.

In the cool highlands of central Bali, the landscape changes once again. Temperatures drop, forests thicken, and volcanic lakes reflect temples that appear to float on the water's surface.

The region's most iconic landmark is Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, one of Bali's most photographed sites. Set on the shores of Lake Beratan, the temple's elegant multi-tiered shrines seem to drift across the lake when morning mist rolls in. The surrounding lake provides a peaceful backdrop for leisurely walks and boat rides, while nearby botanical gardens and fresh mountain air offer a welcome contrast to Bali's tropical coastline.

Rising nearby, Mount Batukaru is Bali's second-highest volcano and one of its most sacred peaks. Dense rainforest blankets its lower slopes, sheltering waterfalls, wildlife, and quiet walking trails far removed from the island's busier tourist routes.

No visit to the highlands is complete without exploring the magnificent Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these vast emerald landscapes showcase the subak irrigation system on a breathtaking scale. Unlike some of Bali's more famous rice terraces, Jatiluwih remains wonderfully spacious, allowing you to wander peaceful paths through seemingly endless fields while enjoying panoramic mountain views.