5 Unique Nights Out In Ubud
Ubud is unique - few could dispute that. The exceptional warmth of its people, its spectacular scenery, the sheer number of wellness retreats, and the aura of mysticism that envelopes the entire area - you will struggle to find another place like it. So when it comes to an evening’s entertainment, it’s no surprise Ubud has plenty that’s a little off-beat, a little unusual and a little quirky to offer.
Steam Sauna at Dragonfly Village
Located in the middle of the rice fields but just a short walk from the center of Ubud, Dragonfly Village is an oasis truly deserving of the word. Surrounded by endless greenery, and in the far distance the silhouette of Mount Agung, it offers peace, tranquility - and also a night out with a difference. Every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 6-9pm, they have a steam sauna and bonfire. For only 100,000 rupiahs you can experience next-level relaxation in a natural herbal sauna. Sweat away all the stresses of sight-seeing before jumping in the salt-water pool. Then warm up again around the bonfire with some herbal tea. It’s a unique place, and a great opportunity to meet other travelers. Or perhaps just enjoy the peace and quiet: on Thursdays, the sauna is silent. When hunger strikes, you have the Dragonfly Cafe, vegetarian and vegan food only, sourced from the nearby organic garden.
Newearth Haven
10 minutes from Ubud but a million miles from mainstream nights out, Newearth Haven is a multidisciplinary venue that includes the Akasha restaurant and villa, a juice-bar, apothecary and a natural bio-pool. The initiative seeks to provide a sanctuary where people can learn, teach, and grow. A place for celebration, self-expression, self-empowerment, and healing. A project that aims to change perspectives and question values, shift paradigms and evolve collective consciousness. This ethos translates into a physically gorgeous and eco-friendly space that includes a stunning bamboo superdome and a spectacular villa. The venue regularly hosts performance art, live music, movie nights, workshops and hosts guest speakers delivering talks on a range of intriguing subjects that aim to challenge status quo ideologies. From its conscious chillout dance parties to cacao ceremonies, whatever you attend at Newearth Haven will be a night out with a difference. Oh, and there’s also a free shuttle from central Ubud.
Bali Bohemia
Another quirky and unconventional venue that is so much more than just a place for a drink is boutique hotel Bali Bohemia. Billing itself as a gathering place for local artists and a place to make cultural connections in a free-spirited atmosphere - alongside enjoying delicious food, of course - Bali Bohemia holds weekly arts-themed events such as open mic sessions, traditional Balinese dances, jam nights, poetry readings and many others. Head along for the chance to connect with other like-minded people - and perhaps a furry visitor from the nearby Monkey Forest. On display is the work of local artists, all of which is available for purchase, allowing the venue to give back to the community, and provide travelers with a glimpse into Ubud’s vibrant creative scene. If you find yourself falling in love with this unique place you might consider staying in one of Bali Bohemia’s 12 huts, a little village of traditional thatch-roofed rooms, each completely different. Bright colors, mismatched fabrics and characterful murals - plus a bamboo-railed veranda space for guests to enjoy too. Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, you’ll leave feeling like one.
Catch a traditional dance
For a more traditional Balinese evening, head to one of Ubud’s many temples and palaces which, at night, are the setting for enchanting dance performances, dances that are both religious rituals and an ancient art form. Royal Ubud Palace is one of the best places to watch a dance. With a backdrop just as beautiful as the performance itself, you can watch a magical Legong Dance here every evening. Meanwhile, the temple at Junjungan village hosts Kecak dances, a hypnotic fire dance involving a group of around 40 men, clothed in traditional black-and-white checkered cloth. Around a fire, arms raised, they chant a trance-like tune that will totally mesmerize you. The musicians are incredible, the dancing unique, and the storylines - all conveyed through movements of the body, face, and even the fingertips - are otherworldly. Arrive early for the best seats, and read the story before the show starts so you have a better idea of what’s going on. Trust us, you won’t forget this night in a hurry.
Bar Luna Basement
For yet more bohemian vibes, delicious food and drinks, and, of course, thought-provoking discussion, elegant and sophisticated Bar Luna has you covered. A dynamic hub that attracts writers, artists, and the general creative, it also serves super tasty tapas and has a happy hour just as thrilling as its talks. Located in the basement of Casa Luna, the Ubud landmark that has been entertaining guests for more than 25 years, Bar Luna hosts literary evenings, art movie screenings, music performances - including jazz nights on Sunday - and more. It has even been dubbed Ubud’s version of Paris’ iconic Les Deux Magots, rendezvous spot for the city’s literary and intellectual élite. So expect to find some inspiring thinkers here too. It’s also an important venue during the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival. Feed your stomach and your mind at Bar Luna. You’ll never want to go to a conventional bar again.
