In light of the conflict in the Middle East, there are pockets of Bali that are feeling a little quieter than usual, even for this low season period.
Although flight services have mostly resumed, the knock-on effect of last week’s major travel disruptions is starting to be felt in Bali.
Ubud is one of the areas that is feeling a little quieter than usual right now, and it could be set to stay that way for a couple of weeks more. For those looking for a last-minute escape, Ubud could be the ace to look for.
The general consensus from tourism staff is that Ubud’s top attractions feel a little quieter and less crowded this week. Local police officials are saying the same thing.
The Regent of Gianyar Regency, Made Mahayastra, has told reporters that the local government is currently monitoring the global situation and its impact on the tourism sector. He explained that although the decline in tourist arrivals is not yet significant, the potential for a more significant impact in the coming months remains a concern for the local government. He shared, “We are still monitoring the developing situation. Currently, no specific policies have been taken, including the possibility of budget refocusing.”
There are concerns from tourism leaders that the impact of the conflict in the Middle East will affect Bali’s tourism sector throughout the rest of the year.
This moment of calm and quiet may not, in fact, last much longer, though. As Bali will reawaken after Nyepi Day in the early hours of 20th March, on the 21st March, Indonesia will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, and millions of families will be traveling throughout the country as part of the national holiday.
Bali is the destination of choice for many thousands of families who are expected to travel later this month, though more than 1.7 million people are expected to travel from Bali to visit family and friends in other parts of the country.
For the next week, Ubud could continue to feel this quiet and calm, so for those yearning for a last-minute trip to Bali, now could be your moment!
More realistically, this is a great opportunity for tourists already in Bali to make their way up to Ubud to enjoy all that the arts and culture capital has to offer, without the bustling crowds.
No visit to Ubud would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Ubud Water Palace. Located in the very heart of Ubud, the Ubud Water Palace and Puri Kemuda Sarawati, located next door, are the two finest examples of the legacy of Tjokorda Gde Ngoerah.
The founding father of these two hugely important landmarks lived until the age of 111 and saw Bali through the Kingdom period, through the Dutch colonial occupation, and through to Independence before his death in 1967.
Entry tickets to Ubud Water Palace can be purchased at the admissions counter, though booking online via the official website is advised.
The entry cost is IDR 60,000 per international adult and IDR 45,000 for children. A ticket and photo package costs IDR 100,000 and is one of the most popular options for tourists.
Ubud Water Palace, like all attractions, businesses, and public spaces, will be closed during Nyepi, but otherwise is open from 8 am – 7 pm Saturday through Thursday, and remains open until 9.30 pm on Fridays.
Tourists looking for a hotel in the very heart of Ubud should look no further than Chakra Living Hotel. Located just steps from Ubud Water Palace, this oasis of a hotel offers rooms for as little as USD 75 per night.
