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Art in Ubud and luxury in Nusa Dua: Visiting Bali’s diverse districts
Just a four-hour flight from Metro Manila, Bali is famous for its beaches, its food, and a rich cultural heritage that thrives even in modern times. Spending a moment on this small Indonesian island is an adventure of both the body and the soul.
Ubud
Batik-making is both art and livelihood in Ubud.
We begin with the district of Ubud, otherwise known as the Art Village. Ubud is home to Bali’s most talented artists—here, art is life, not just a form of expression but also a livelihood.
One can be overwhelmed with the parade of artistry exhibited on every street. Women hand-painting batik fabrics, craftsmen carving wood furniture with precision, local painters doing free-hand artwork on canvas, artists creating silver jewelry, painting kites or making masks: these are the daily routines of Ubud residents.
Ubud is also central to eminent yoga schools and is home to the Green School, which aims to give its international and Balinese student body a "natural, holistic" education.
Farming is abundant in this community and is also regarded as art, for agricultural practices are traditions handed down from past generations.
Tourists who fancy this area have a penchant for meditation, tradition and the arts. The town itself, aside from its innumerable museums and workshops, is lined with temples honoring the gods of Balinese Hinduism. And Ubud's atmosphere always has a slight scent of incense.
Seminyak
Then there’s the manic tourist area of Seminyak, Ubud’s antithesis: robust and party-packed.
Seminyak has a dynamic vibe and whether you visit the area in broad daylight or late at night, chances are the atmosphere is charged with energy. Seminyak has pubs and clubs, including some by the beach where watching the dramatic sunset is part of the attraction. The streets are narrow and crowded with local and international boutiques.
Accommodation in Seminyak is diverse, from beachfront five-star hotels to local villas to backpackers’ inns.
This is the area to meet people from across the globe, and unlike Ubud, where Balinese culture permeates every square meter, Seminyak is predominantly a commercial area.
Nusa Dua
One can be overwhelmed with the parade of artistry exhibited on every street. Women hand-painting batik fabrics, craftsmen carving wood furniture with precision, local painters doing free-hand artwork on canvas, artists creating silver jewelry, painting kites or making masks: these are the daily routines of Ubud residents.
Ubud is also central to eminent yoga schools and is home to the Green School, which aims to give its international and Balinese student body a "natural, holistic" education.
Farming is abundant in this community and is also regarded as art, for agricultural practices are traditions handed down from past generations.
Tourists who fancy this area have a penchant for meditation, tradition and the arts. The town itself, aside from its innumerable museums and workshops, is lined with temples honoring the gods of Balinese Hinduism. And Ubud's atmosphere always has a slight scent of incense.
Seminyak
Then there’s the manic tourist area of Seminyak, Ubud’s antithesis: robust and party-packed.
Seminyak has a dynamic vibe and whether you visit the area in broad daylight or late at night, chances are the atmosphere is charged with energy. Seminyak has pubs and clubs, including some by the beach where watching the dramatic sunset is part of the attraction. The streets are narrow and crowded with local and international boutiques.
Accommodation in Seminyak is diverse, from beachfront five-star hotels to local villas to backpackers’ inns.
This is the area to meet people from across the globe, and unlike Ubud, where Balinese culture permeates every square meter, Seminyak is predominantly a commercial area.
Nusa Dua
Bali is known for its beaches, including this private stretch in luxury enclave Nusa Dua.
And last but definitely not least, there's the idyllic district of Nusa Dua.
Nusa Dua is Bali’s most luxurious section, a private gated enclave that offers only five-star accommodations, mostly international brands. The likes of The St. Regis, Amanusa, The Grand Hyatt share space in this village. Lawns are impeccably trimmed and paths are conducive for strolling or rides on rented bicycles. Most hotels have access to private beaches free of vendors, parties and other distractions.
Nusa Dua also has its own commercial area called the Bali Collection, with restaurants serving international and Balinese cuisine, a Starbucks and a few outlet stores.
Nusa Dua is also where two of Bali’s exclusive attractions reside: The Heavenly Spa and The Kids Club, both at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua.
The Heavenly Spa was named one of the Best Luxury Wellness Spas at the World Luxury Spa Awards. I was fortunate enough to experience this sanctuary and it truly deserves the accolade.
The approach is holistic, catering to body, mind and spirit. Traditional therapies and time-honored practices unique to Bali such as Balinese massage as well as meditation and yoga are part of the program.
And for well-heeled tourists traveling with children, a comfort is the Kids Club. It has three distinct areas—one for toddlers, another for older children, and a third for teens—offering daily activities and facilities suited for each age range.
Adding to the delight of children guests are assigned areas in the hotel specially designed for them, such as colorful kiddie-sized tables and chairs in the restaurants, their own buffet, and even a dedicated full-service spa for kids.
Bali may be small, but it’s definitely not short of character. Whether it’s the flair in artsy Ubud, the merry pandemonium in Seminyak or the tranquil opulence of Nusa Dua, whether it’s for the old or for the young, there’s a Bali for everybody. — BM, GMA News
Nusa Dua is Bali’s most luxurious section, a private gated enclave that offers only five-star accommodations, mostly international brands. The likes of The St. Regis, Amanusa, The Grand Hyatt share space in this village. Lawns are impeccably trimmed and paths are conducive for strolling or rides on rented bicycles. Most hotels have access to private beaches free of vendors, parties and other distractions.
Nusa Dua also has its own commercial area called the Bali Collection, with restaurants serving international and Balinese cuisine, a Starbucks and a few outlet stores.
Young guests have their own breakfast area at The Westin's Kids Club.
The Heavenly Spa was named one of the Best Luxury Wellness Spas at the World Luxury Spa Awards. I was fortunate enough to experience this sanctuary and it truly deserves the accolade.
The approach is holistic, catering to body, mind and spirit. Traditional therapies and time-honored practices unique to Bali such as Balinese massage as well as meditation and yoga are part of the program.
And for well-heeled tourists traveling with children, a comfort is the Kids Club. It has three distinct areas—one for toddlers, another for older children, and a third for teens—offering daily activities and facilities suited for each age range.
Adding to the delight of children guests are assigned areas in the hotel specially designed for them, such as colorful kiddie-sized tables and chairs in the restaurants, their own buffet, and even a dedicated full-service spa for kids.
Bali may be small, but it’s definitely not short of character. Whether it’s the flair in artsy Ubud, the merry pandemonium in Seminyak or the tranquil opulence of Nusa Dua, whether it’s for the old or for the young, there’s a Bali for everybody. — BM, GMA News
