Wolfgang's photos with the keyword: Ubud

The “Legong” dance is the quintessential Balinese dance in all its glory. A classical dance that springs from age-old temple dances performed to appease the gods, the “Legong” is the epitome of grace and beauty. It is characterised by highly stylised slow movements. Its delicacy is heightened by the fact that is performed by richly costumed young dancers (sometimes only four years old), many of whom retire at the tender age of 18.

Inside the garden Laka Léké Restaurant in Ubud on Bali.

The view out the restaurant in Ubud called Laka-Léké is very idyllic. During sunset some waiters are lightening the lambs and the lanterns behind the restaurants own paddy field.

Some of these trees are considered holy and are used in various Balinese spiritual practices. Examples include the Majegan, which is used exclusively for the building of shrines; or the Berigin, whose leaves are used in cremation ceremonies.

Deep inside Ubud's Monkey Forest in inland Bali, beautiful statues are posed on both sides of the way. The images look antic but some are produced just during the last years.

Unfortunately there is very little data indicating when structures were historically built within the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal. It is possible that there have been a number of temples and shrines within the Sacred Monkey Forest that were destroyed.

The Monkey Forest of Padangtegal represents a sacred Balinese Hindu site. In trying to understand Balinese Hinduism it is important to keep in mind that Balinese Hinduism is unlike Hinduism practiced in other parts of the world today. Balinese Hinduism combines aspects of Animism, Ancestor Worship, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.