Ubud has a known history back to the eighth century, when the Javanese Hindu priest Rsi Marhandya came to Bali from Java, and meditated at the confluence of the two Wos rivers at Campuan (the area where Purana Boutique resort is located), just South of the modern day town centre. A shrine was established and later expanded by Dang Hyang Nirartha, the Javanese priest who is regarded as the founder of Bali is religious practices and rituals as we know them today. At this time the area was a centre of natural medicine and healing, and that is how the name Ubud originated: Ubad is ancient Balinese for medicine.
Further temples and monasteries were established over the next 400 hundred years or so. The temple complex at Gunung Kawi, and the cave temples at Goa Gajah (just east and northeast of Ubud), are architectural remains from this period. Many of the dances, drama and rituals still practised in Ubud today, originated at this time. King Airlangga ruled all of Java and Bali in this era, and his seat of government was located in what is now the village of Batuan, just southeast of Ubud.
The Javanese Majapahit kingdom conquered Bali in 1343, and the key final victory was against the Pejeng Dynasty centered at Bedulu, just to the east of Ubud. A great flowering of Balinese culture followed, and the ancestry of Ubud is current day aristocratic families can be traced back to this period. In the sixteenth Century, there was a total transplantation of the Majapahit Kingdom to Bali as the Islamisation of Java forced them eastwards. Power flip-flopped between various dynasties and feudal lords, but the Ubud area remained a very important cog in the various regencies which ruled the island.
In 1900, Ubud became a Dutch protectorate at its own request, and the colonialists interfered little, allowing the traditional arts and culture of the area to remain relatively unchanged. The modern era of Ubud is began in the 1930s, when foreign artists were encouraged by the royal family to take up presence in the town. From their Ubud base, the likes of Walter Spies and Rudolph Bonnet were instrumental in promoting an understanding of Balinese art and culture worldwide. Including Mario Blanco, the exotic artist painter who felt in love and marry with Balinese lady, Ni Rondji of Penestanan village. From the 1960s onwards, travelers started to arrive in earnest, mostly intrepid types as the infrastructure was still very limited indeed. Since then, Ubud has developed rapidly into a high profile, top class international destination, whilst still maintaining its integrity as the centre of Balinese art and culture.
Ubud's name derives from the Balinese word "ubad" meaning medicine, referring to the healing properties of medicinal plants that grew abundantly near the Campuhan River. Archaeological evidence suggests the area has been inhabited since the 8th century, making it one of Bali's oldest settlements. The convergence of two rivers in Campuhan was considered sacred, attracting early settlers who recognized the spiritual significance of the location.
Ubud became the seat of feudal lords who pledged allegiance to the king of Gianyar in the late 1800s. The Puri Saren Agung (Royal Palace) was established as the residence of the royal family and remains a functioning palace today. The Sukawati dynasty ruled Ubud and played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Balinese arts and culture. The royal family's patronage of artists helped establish Ubud as a cultural center.
The arrival of European artists Walter Spies (German) and Rudolf Bonnet (Dutch) in the 1930s sparked a revolutionary artistic movement in Ubud. They founded the Pita Maha artists' cooperative in 1936, which brought together local artists and encouraged them to explore new techniques and perspectives while maintaining traditional Balinese themes. This collaboration broke away from the rigid conventions of temple art and introduced more naturalistic styles, individual expression, and everyday life subjects into Balinese painting.
Throughout the 20th century, Ubud solidified its reputation as Bali's cultural heart, becoming renowned for traditional crafts, dance performances, and Hindu temple ceremonies. The town developed into a major center for learning traditional Balinese art forms including painting, wood carving, silver working, and traditional dance like Legong and Barong. Numerous art galleries, museums, and cultural workshops emerged, attracting both locals and international students seeking to study authentic Balinese culture.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, also known as Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana, was established in the 14th century as a spiritual and conservation site. The 12.5-hectare forest is home to over 700 Balinese long-tailed monkeys and houses three Hindu temples: Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal (the main temple), Pura Beji (Holy Spring Temple), and Pura Prajapati (cremation temple). The forest has been managed by the local village community for centuries and represents the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm.
Ubud began its transformation into an international tourist destination in the 1960s and 70s, attracting artists, writers, and spiritual seekers from around the world. Despite rapid tourism growth, the town has maintained much of its cultural authenticity and traditional charm. The 2006 publication of Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir "Eat, Pray, Love" and its subsequent film adaptation significantly boosted global awareness, leading to a surge in visitors seeking spiritual experiences and wellness retreats. Today, Ubud balances its role as a tourist destination with its commitment to preserving Balinese culture and traditions.
The iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces showcase the ancient Subak irrigation system that dates back to the 9th century. Subak is a traditional cooperative water management system rooted in the Hindu philosophy of Tri Hita Karana. This ingenious system uses a series of weirs, tunnels, canals, and water temples to distribute water fairly among rice farmers. In 2012, UNESCO recognized Bali's Subak system as a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its demonstration of centuries-old sustainable agricultural practices that continue to function effectively today.
Ubud has been recognized for centuries as a spiritual epicenter of Bali, distinguished by its concentration of temples, holy sites, and sacred natural features. The area's energy, influenced by the convergence of rivers, lush jungle surroundings, and ancient spiritual sites, is believed to be particularly conducive to meditation, yoga, and spiritual growth. Today, Ubud hosts numerous yoga retreats, healing centers, meditation workshops, and traditional Balinese healing practices like Usada (traditional medicine) and Melukat (water purification rituals). This spiritual heritage continues to attract seekers from around the world.
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