A year of bucket list experience in Ubud

Holidays at Alila Ubud combine all the joys of a peaceful getaway with the opportunity to explore Bali’s nature, culture, and art through a unique collection of experiences.

Bali Spirit & Ubud Food Festival - April
Ubud is famous for its festivals. As the epicentre of holistic health, spirituality, and yoga, it is the most befitting place for the Bali Spirit Festival, an annual celebration of yoga, dance, and music that will be hosted here in Central Ubud from 2 - 8 April. This will be followed by the annual Ubud Food Festival from 13 -15 April, showcasing Indonesia's diverse cuisines and extraordinary local produce. During these festivals, guests can look forward to an endless variety of fun activities within the vicinity of the hotel.

Galungan - May
Taking place twice a year, Galungan is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. During three days of celebration from 29 - 31 May, guests can enjoy the colourful sight of Bali’s homes and streets adorned with a bamboo pole and young coconut leaf decorations, and the Balinese beautifully dressed in their ceremonial best.

Kuningan Day - June
Kuningan Day on 9 June will mark the final day of Galungan celebrations. The Balinese believe that on this day the spirits of their ancestors return to heaven after having visited earth during Galungan. Kuningan means yellow and reflects the special offerings made of yellow turmeric rice given to the ancestors on this day of farewell. The yellow rice is a symbol of man’s gratitude towards God for all the life, joy, wealth, health and prosperity given.

Active Adventures - July
Perched over the Ayung River valley, surrounded by the Ubud rainforest, Alila Ubud is an ideal base for adventure sports and activities. Its Payangan Countryside Trek takes guests on a walk through the most impressive rice terraces and riverside views in Ubud, accompanied by a Leisure Concierge who will explain the spices, flora, and fauna native to this area. Other not-to-be-missed experiences include river rafting, cycling, quad biking, and The Ultimate Climb, which involves climbing to the summit of Mount Batur, reaching the top in time to catch an unforgettable sunrise view amongst the clouds. A signature experience for the true active spirit!

Jazz Festival and Music – August & September
In August, the Ubud Village Jazz Festival comes to town, an annual international jazz festival with the intimate feel of a community concert, where guests can enjoy local and international music performances amid Ubud’s artistic ambiance.

In September, Continuing the traditions of the Ubud Jazz Festival, Alila Ubud presents a monthly live music performance on Friday evenings in the Cabana Lounge alongside the resort’s stunning infinity pool, showcasing some of Indonesia’s young and talented musicians. Accompanying this sultry night of music is a mouthwatering Balinese and Indonesian-inspired menu that highlights Alila Ubud’s award-winning cuisine, created by Chef Erwan Wijaya and his culinary team.

Ubud Writers and Readers Festival - October
Next, we come to the most famous festival in the Ubud calendar – the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, Southeast Asia’s largest and most renowned cultural and literary event where artists and audiences alike gather to discuss shared inspirations, ideas, and concerns. This year the festival will be celebrating its 15th anniversary with an exciting line-up of activities, from poetry readings to film screenings and much more, from 24 - 28 October.

Balinese Organic Culinary Master Class - November
A favorite experience amongst guests, Alila Ubud’s Balinese Organic Culinary Masterclass takes guests on the entire journey from picking ingredients at the local market to cooking up some of Bali’s most popular and exciting dishes. Guided by the resident chef, who will share about local spices, flavors, and cooking techniques, guests will get to cook close to nature in an outside kitchen in the Organic Garden. They will return home with not only a wonderful story to share, but can also surprise their friends and family with an honest home cooked Balinese meal.

Year-End Festivities - December
Here comes the most wonderful time of the year… This December, Alila Ubud offers an extensive festive program around the theme of “Green Christmas in the Valley”. From a spectacular five-course festive Christmas Eve dinner to a sparkling New Year’s Eve celebration under the stars savoring the finest of epicurean experiences, it’s the most wonderful way to wrap up a beautiful year.