Often regarded as the most cultural part of Bali, Ubud is a wonderfully artistic and spiritual hub and a world away from the often chaotic and touristy scenes of Kuta. Boasting lovely architectural gems and a myriad of local and unique craft shops and centres, Ubud exudes a relaxing vibe and is the ideal destination for anyone wanting a more authentic Bali experience. Located uphill from the coast, Ubud is also gaining popularity as one of Bali’s best health spa destinations; the chilled out vibe a most delightful incentive to a little soul rejuvenation. So why not get off the beaten path a little and book your holiday rental villa in Ubud when next visiting Bali? It may just be the best choice you’ll make this year. Because Bali’s more than just sand and surf While the tropical haven of Bali is most famous for its sparkling beaches and year-long dreamy climate, there is much more to the island than just fun in the sun. It seems such a pity that most tourists never venture inland, and never get to experience the true heart and soul of this incredible corner of paradise. At over 300 metres in altitude, Ubud is nestled snugly ...

The Bali Kite Festival is an international kite festival, held annually every July in the Padang Galak area of Sanur. Giant traditional kites, four meters in width and almost ten meters in length, are crafted and flown competitively by teams hailing from the villages of Denpasar. This event is a seasonal religious festival sending a plea to the Hindu deities for an abundant crop and harvest, and truly is a feast for all five senses. A gamelan orchestra provides the soundtrack throughout the festivities, as the legion of airborne kites dance to their beat. If you're lucky enough to travel to your Bali accommodation during this time make sure you don't miss this festival! Bebean(fish-shaped), Janggan(bird-shaped), and Pecukan(leaf-shaped) are traditional kites flown during the festival by teams of ten or more adult kite fliers. The Bebean is the largest of these kites, and resembles a broad-mouth split-tail fish. The Janggan kite sports an impressive flowing cloth tail, often reaching one hundred meters or more in length. The Pecukan requires the most skill to fly, due to its relatively unstable form. The traditional colors of these impressive kites are red, white, and black. The sight of these colorful kites gently bobbing in ...