Central Bali it is a region Indonesian of the island of Bali.
To know
Central Bali is a mountainous area famous for its art, culture, temples and lakes.
This region is vast and varied and is best known for Ubud, the artistic and cultural capital of Bali, and for the mountains and lakes around Bedugul. Here are also found most of the archaeological sites and two of the main directional temples of the island.
This is why Central Bali attracts especially those who want to take a break from the sun and the beaches and get away from the chaotic party atmosphere of Southern Bali and those who want to know more about the complexity of the island.
When to go
In the higher areas the climate is decidedly cooler than the rest of the island in particular around Bedugul. Bring warm clothing as temperatures drop by 10 degrees at night.
Rain is unpredictable, especially in the mountains. On Mount Batukaru, the humidity is very high and it rains a lot.
Territories and tourist destinations
Urban centers
How to get
By car
The central region is accessible from all other areas. The most common routes are:
- From Southern Bali to Ubud on Jalan Ngurah Rai a Sanur and to the east Denpasar and then Central Bali through the villages of Batubulan and Sukawati a Ubud. Travel time approximately 45 minutes.
- From Eastern Bali to Ubud on the main road from Klungkung through Gianyar. Travel time 1 hour.
- From Northern Bali to Bedugul southbound from Singaraja o Seririt. Travel time 1 hour.
- From West Bali to Bedugul on the north coast road towards Singaraja and then south towards Bedugul. Travel time 2 hours.
- From West Bali to Tabanan on the south coast road. Travel time 2 hours.
By bus
If you are traveling on a budget check the services Perama covering all major areas of Central Bali. There are offices in Ubud isBedugul.
There are also private buses for Ubud from Kuta, Sanur, Lovina. Padang Bai is Candidasa they are highly advertised. Book one day in advance.
Ubud it is connected to the terminal bemo by Batubulan a Denpasar while the bemo for Bedugul is Tabanan depart from Ubung Terminal.
How to get around
By car
There are few taxis here and most tourists rent a car (with or without a driver) or a motorbike. For a good car with driver and petrol you pay around Rp 500,000 per day.
What see
Arts and Crafts
Ubud is the capital of art and crafts of Bali. In the city there are many shops, galleries and workshops dedicated to the various artistic aspects of the island, both modern and traditional.
- Museum Puri Lukisan (Museum of Fine Arts) (Full center of Ubud). The entrance is signposted on the Jalan Raya west of the main market. Opened in 1954, this was Bali's first private museum. It has three buildings in which works of Balinese art (mainly paintings and sculptures) are presented. It is a very interesting place to discover the different art schools of the island and there are often exhibitions dedicated to artists such as I Gusti Nyoman Lempad and Rudolph Bonnet. The latter was one of the promoters of the birth of the museum and donated several of his works.
- Agung Rai Museum of Art (WEAPON) (In the village of Pengosekan on Jalan Hanoman, 1km east of central Ubud), ☎ 62 361 975742.
Entry 25,000 Rp. 
Mon-Sun 9: 00-17: 00. Museum, library and gallery created by the art dealer Agung Rai, exhibits works by local and international artists who have made Bali their home such as Walter Spies, Adrian Jean Le Mayeur, Rudolph Bonnet and Arie Smit. - NEKA Art Musuem (In the village of Kedewetan about 3km west of central Ubud on the Jalan Raya Campuhan.). Entry 20,000 Rp. Mon-Sun 9: 00-18: 00. It houses the most important collection in Bali. Opened in 1982, it has six pavilions with works by artists such as Arie Smit and I Gusti Nyoman Lempad.
Entry 25,000 Rp. 
Mon-Sun 9: 00-17: 00. Museum, library and gallery created by the art dealer Agung Rai, exhibits works by local and international artists who have made Bali their home such as Walter Spies, Adrian Jean Le Mayeur, Rudolph Bonnet and Arie Smit.The areas around Ubud offer a lot from an artistic point of view and each village seems to specialize in some area.
- Mas (2km south of Ubud on the road to Sukawati and Sanur). For woodwork.
- Celuk (A little further south on the same road to Mas). For silver artifacts. Here are jewelry workshops and other simpler shops.
- Singakerta. For stone works.
- Batubulan (Further south of Singakerta). For stone works.
Historical and archaeological sites
The areas of Ubud, Gianyar and Tampaksiring are full of archaeological sites of extraordinary importance. A day here is certainly well spent.
- Goa Gajah (Elephant cave) (In Bedulu village it is 2km southeast of Ubud on the road to Gianyar). The cave entrance is shaped like a demon mouth. Inside there are fragments of the statues lingam is yoni (phallus and vagina) and a statue of Ganesha. The findings indicate that for a long time he was both a Hindu and a Buddhist and for a long time attempts have been made to place him under the protection of theUNESCO.
- Yeh Pulu (Near Goa Gajah). Nearby are the lesser known sculptures of Yeh Pulu from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and located in an area covered by rice fields. To reach them on foot you will need a guide through the fields, otherwise you have to pass the Goa Gajah entrance, cross Banjar Batulumbang to the end of the road, and then walk. There is also a sacred well here and the priests are happy to bathe you with its water. Temple rules apply here, so dress appropriately.
- Gunung Kawi (The mountain of the poet) (The entrance is located 300 meters north of the Tampsaksiring bemo terminal. The area of Tampaksiring it is about 20km northeast of Ubud center). Entry 1,500 Rp. Mon-Sun 8: 00-18: 00, except on religious holidays. It dates back to the 11th century and is said to be the burial place of King Anak Wungsu and his wives. It can be reached after 371 steps, in a truly fascinating place.
- Tirta Empul (500 meters north on the main road). Entry 6,000 Rp. Mon-Sun 8: 00-16: 00, except during major religious holidays. The temple complex dates back to the 10th century and is one of the holiest in Bali, although what you see is a modern reconstruction. Very important for the Hindu Balinese, who come here to purify themselves.
Lakes and mountains
The mountains of the central region of Bali are truly spectacular and are a must-see during your stay on the island.
The area known as Bedugul it is in the center of the mountains surrounded by the volcanic lakes of Bratan, Buyan and Tamblingan.
- Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Temple of Lake Bratan). Entry 5,000 Rp. Mon-Sun 7: 00-17: 00. It is perhaps the most photographed temple in Bali and one of the best known images on the island. It is located on the western shore of Lake Bratan and gives the illusion of floating on water. It dates back to 1633, dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of the lake.
- Bukit Mungsu (One kilometer north). Traditional market where products grown on the fertile lands of the region are sold.
- Bali Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Eka Karya) (Further west), ☎ 62 368 21273. Entry 6,000 Rp. Mon-Sun 8: 00-16: 00. One of the 4 "official" botanical gardens of Indonesia. 160 hectares of gardens and anyone who loves plants and flowers should visit them.
- Munduk. The mountain village of Munduk is the perfect place if you are looking to take some great photos. From Lake Bratan continue north past Lake Buyan and turn left to the north shore of Lake Buyan, past Lake Tamblingan to the villages of Munduk and Gobleg. Stop often, enjoy the view and take photos at will.
- Jati Luwih (South and west from Bedugul). The mountain Mount Batukaru, Bali's second peak, dominates the landscape. This area is protected byUNESCO and is called Jati Luwih and also includes the areas of the villages of Wongayagede, Sanda and Sarinbuana. These are perhaps the most enchanting scenery in Bali. Walk across the fields or stop for a meal at one of the roadside restaurants to admire the view.
- Pura Luhur Batukaru (Batukaru Temple) (Near the village of Wongayagede). One of Bali's 9 directional temples and a pilgrimage site for Hindus. This is a very special place even for the standards of the island and to access it you must strictly follow the rules indicated at the entrance.
Itineraries
- Lovina - A north beach.
- Eastern Bali - Easily reached from Klungkung.
What to do
TO Ubud you can attend the dance shows that are held almost every evening. The city is also famous for its spas and wellness centers.
Explore the valleys and rural areas on foot or climb the mountains.
You can go rafting in the Sayan Valley near Ubud.
How to have fun
This is a quiet region and there is no real nightlife. TO Ubud there are some clubs but the strict rules require that all shows and live music stop by 10.30pm.
At the table
Eating in the central region of Bali is no different from other parts of the island, but one particular thing is the fruit market of Bukit Mungsu in the village of Candikuning a Bedugul. There are many restaurants with great views over the rice fields, especially a Bedugul.
