Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Ubud





Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.

Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali -- scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.

Why peruse these web pages?
The real Ubud is under the surface. There are plenty of interesting things on the main streets, but most of the magic of Ubud is hidden away. In the backstreets, backwaters, courtyards and cafes. In people's hearts, minds, and dreams. This part of the Bali web site was built to show you how to go behind the facade and find the real Ubud, and the real Bali, without having to spend all your time searching for it. There's no point in repeating what's in the guidebooks, so we've tried not to. If you're interested in Ubud, there are at least a dozen guidebooks on Bali available and they all provide information on Ubud. Use this web site before you go to guidebooks, to find out what makes Ubud so special. Then use it after the guidebooks for up-to-date information, news and features about our extra ordinary town. 

Kecak Dance




The incredible interlocking rhythms of the vocal sound of cak, create the swirling music of the kecak. Based on the hypnotic songs which originated with the Sanghyang trance traditions, the kecak was created by the German painter Walter Spies and artists from Bedulu Village in the l930s for the new influx of tourists at that time. Today, it is one of Bali's most spectacular performances. More than 100 men chant while dancers perform an excerpt from the Ramayana story in the middle of the human circle.

It is to the east of Java across a narrow strait. There are volcanoes from east to the west.Bali is one the many islands of Indonesia.  Bali has beautiful beaches. The major religion in Bali is Hinduism. Balinese believe that Bali is a gift from God. They thank to God through dances, music, and art. Another name of Bali is The Island of God or Paradise Island.