A Day in Ubud

The Neka Art Museum showcases traditional and contemporary Balinese art. Several pavilions form an exciting collection focusing on Bali’s artistic heritage and evolution, including paintings, sculptures and photography. Highlights include examples of Batuan, Kamasan and Ubud painting techniques, as well as the Arie Smit Pavilion, dedicated to the Dutch-born artist who significantly influenced modern Balinese art.

Ubud’s Royal Palace, Puri Saren Agung, was founded during the late 19th century and served as the official residence of the ruling family of Ubud. It’s built in the traditional Balinese architectural style, with intricately carved wooden structures, pavilions and open courtyards with symbolic motifs and details. Parts of the palace are still occupied, but it is also an important cultural centre, hosting traditional Balinese dance performances and various religious ceremonies and festivals. The gardens are a quiet haven away from Ubud’s bustle.

The Blanco Renaissance Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the Spanish-born artist, Don Antonio Blanco. Blanco was an eccentric, who settled in Ubud in the 1950s and founded the museum himself to exhibit both his own artwork and the cultural fusion between Balinese and Western art traditions. The collection is eclectic, ranging between mediums and subjects, from surreal portraits to Balinese landscapes and mythology. A standout part of the museum is Blanco’s former studio, which has been fully preserved.

The Agung Rai Museum of Art is located in Pengosekan village, south of Ubud’s town centre. It has an important collection of traditional and contemporary Indonesian art and artefacts, including work by Affandi, Raden Saleh and Walter Spies. Their temporary exhibitions are usually excellent, and celebrate various aspects of Indonesian art, culture and heritage.