New Acting Governor Of Bali Happy After Visit To This Popular Vacation Town

Share The Article

Indonesia’s election year coming up in 2024, and the country is preparing for formal political campaigning to begin. Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster and Deputy Governor Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, aka Cok Ace, have formally stepped aside and will begin their campaign for a second term in due course.

The new Acting Governor of Bali, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, has got to work straight away visiting the island’s leading tourist destination. 

During his first formal visits as the Acting Governor of Bali, the ex-Inspector General of Bali Police, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, has been re-introducing himself to communities across Bali.

Already a highly regarded political figure, Mahendra Jaya wanted to take some time to explore the tourist destination of Ubud. With so much political dialogue happening over the last few months on the topic of tourism in Bali, Mahendra Jaya was keen to see for himself what the situation looks like on the ground. 

Mahendra Jaya was clearly pleased with what he observed of the tourism offering in the arts and culture capital of Bali.

During a visit to the traditional art market on Jalan Kajeng, Mahendra Jaya met with stall holders and tourists. 

During his visit, the Acting Governor was guided by the Indonesian President’s Special Staff Coordinator, AAGN Ari Dwipayana who explained why Ubud has made it to be one of the most famous and in-demand tourism destinations in the world.

Dwipayana explained that the tourism offering brings together cultural tourism with eco-tourism, spiritual tourism, and wellness tourism in a way that is seldom seen elsewhere in the world. 

@leonie.cecere Things to do in Ubud, Bali incl. prices (indonesian rupiah)✨🌺💖 #bali #ubud #travel #fyp #balifyp #ubudfyp #ubudmarket #monkeyforestbali #ubudpalace #nightmarket #campuhanridgewalk #tegallalangriceterrace ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay

Part of what makes Ubud so charming to tourists is the wide range of accommodations available. Although mass tourism is very much at the heart of tourism in Ubud, the offering is far from commercialized.

There are hundreds of small, independent, and locally owned tourism businesses thriving in Ubud. From cafes to boutique shops, from tour operators to guesthouses, locally run tourism businesses remain at the heart of Ubud. 

Acting Governor of Bali Mahendra Jaya is said to have been pleased with what he experienced at Ubud’s tourism center and it’s easy to see why.

Ubud is a busy and bustling tourism destination with plenty of cultural landmarks, retail experiences, and incredible culinary offerings to explore. 

@adventuringwithclare Only have a short time in Ubud? 📌 Save this 1-day Ubud itinerary to see some of the most iconic places all before lunch 🔹Tegallalang Rice Fields – probably my FAVORITE thing near Ubud! We arrived here right at sunrise and were the ONLY tourists there! 🔹 Cretya Ubud – this is an influencer hub, but damn they make good food!! It opens at 8am so I recommend you arrive right at this time to have some time to take pictures of the grounds before all of the influencers arrive. If you want a table at the pool, there are minimum spends. But if you eat just in their restaurant area it is normal dining. 🔹Tirta Empul Temple – this was my favorite temple! I highly recommend hiring one of the guides, he taught us the meaning behind the offerings and the correct ritual for the springs. PLUS he filmed the entire thing on my phone! There is no set price for hiring the guide, but they recommend 100,000 IDR ($7) If you get an early start, you can be back in Ubud and have the whole afternoon to either relax, go see a waterfall, or head to the monkey forest! Happy trip planning!! ☀️Follow for more travel tips & inspo! #exploreindonesia #vacationmode #whattodoinbali ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris

Ubud is also a fantastic spot to use as a base when planning day trips around the island. Whether planning a trip to the iconic Tellalagang Rice Terraces, a sunrise over Mount Batur, or a day of chasing waterfalls around the Island of the Gods, Ubud has plenty to offer. 

Over the last few months leaders in Bali have been working to encourage tourists to engage in more cultural tourism during their vacations.

Ubud is the perfect place to take a deep dive into Balinese culture and learn more about the unique heritage and way of life on the island.

One of the leading cultural experiences in Ubud is a visit to Ubud Palace. Known locally by its traditional name Puri Saren Agung, the Ubud Palace has been the home of the Ubud royal family since the late 19th century.

The building incorporates some of the finest examples of Balinese artisans craftsmanship on the island.

The walls and doorways are made of hand-carved stone and during a tour of the palace, guests can learn more about the Ubud royal family and Balinese culture. 

Every day at 7.30 pm Ubud Palace becomes alive with music as local dancers come together to perform a traditional Balinese show.

The performance lasts 1.5 hours and takes tourists on a mystical journey through Balinese storytelling and culture. 

For an even more in-depth exploration of Balinese culture in Ubud, be sure to visit the ARMA Museum.

The museum runs daily workshops where tourists can learn everything from traditional music to egg painting, and cultural dance and learn how to make the daily canang sari offerings.