Ubud is a tranquil place that attracts people who prefer arts and culture to the party scene. Still there are things to do in Ubud after dark, including a spot of party action for those who need it.
Balinese people will tell you that Ubud takes its dances and ceremonies just that little bit more seriously than other places on the island, due to its connection to the Sukawati Royal family. Ubud has evening dance performances that are accessible to the general public and which allow a close up view of some of the best Balinese dancing.
Dance performances in Ubud are often packaged into a kind of ‘bento box’ style, with shortened dances offering a chance to see different dances. There will be solo dances, large group performances and dances involving 3 or 4 performers at a time.
The best places in Ubud to see a Balinese dance performance (apart from an actual ceremony) are the Ubud Palace on Jl. Raya Ubud, the ARMA stage located at the southern end of Ubud, Padangtegal stage also is south central Ubud and Pura Dalem Puri located in Peliatan to the east of Ubud. Popular dances performed include the Barong, Legong plus scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is also possible to check out Balinese dances in villages close to Ubud, just ask at your hotel reception if they have any suggestions. Also the Tourist Information desk, located at the top of Monkey forest Rd. on Jl. Raya Ubud can point you to dance performances that are about to start.
Dances performances start around 7.30pm and end around 9.30pm or a little later. For after hours entertainment you might consider checking out some of Ubud’s bars.
Ang Ka Sa
(0361)977395
Located on Jl. Suweta in downtown Ubud. Great place for an early drink.
Planet Warung
(0361)973343
Located downtown on Jl. Hanoman with live music, mostly reggae a few nights a week. Music starts after 9pm.
Naughty Nuri’s on Jl. Raya Campuhan across from the Neka Museum is a favourite with daytime tourists and local expats. Great martini’s in a relaxed warung atmosphere.
Sai Sai Bar
(0361)976698
Located on Monkey Forest Rd, this place is a relaxed and sometimes has evening movies.
Jazz Cafe
(0361)976594
Located on Jl. Sukma in downtown Ubud, just 100 meters from Jl. Raya Ubud. This place is a cool spot for a cocktail or beer, with local jazz musicians sometimes combining with local gamelan musicians.
Beggars Bush
Located in Campuhan, Beggars Bush is okay for a quiet drink in a pub atmosphere.
Ary’s Warung
Located in downtown Ubud on Jl. Raya Ubud, Ary’s Warung is a great place to sit street-side and sip a cocktail.
Onzigo
The closest thing Ubud has to a nightclub is located in Sanggingan, NW of downtown Ubud. This bar has sexy dancers, a DJ and stays open late.
Part of the charm of Ubud is that traffic virtually stops at night and the town feels dead. That will not be the case in 10 years time and people will look back in amazement at the time when Ubud was a sleepy place.
