Wellness boom in Indonesia: Bali: How Ubud turned from an artist village into a cult destination
At the latest since "Eat Pray Love" hit the cinemas, Ubud has finally taken to the world stage. The town on Bali attracts both yogis and digital nomads. Has mass tourism destroyed the magic?
Ubud, a town in the heart of Bali, has been a haven for spiritual seekers and artists for decades. The town, known for its yoga studios, retreats, and meditation centers, attracts millions of tourists every year, with over three million foreign visitors in 2022. German artist Walter Spies, who arrived in Ubud in the 1920s, played a significant role in popularizing the town among Europeans.
However, the town's growing popularity has brought challenges, including traffic congestion and changes to its traditional character, lamented by long-time resident Shervin Boloorian, who describes the shift from a peaceful and original town to a crowded tourist destination.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
