Ubud Region

Though Ubud will always claim the limelight in this region, there are some minor players well worthy of attention. A day spent visiting the temples of Tampaksiring, pausing en route to indulge in a photographic frenzy at the famed Ceking rice terraces, is time well spent, and the same can be said for a visit to the many traditional artisans' villages south of Ubud, which are deservedly famous for the quality of their craftmanship. Basing yourself in Ubud, which is replete with alluring sleeping and eating options, is a no-brainer, but so too is hopping on a motorcycle or organising a car and driver to see the rest that this part of Bali has to offer. There may be few top-drawer sights, but there are many scenic side roads that amply reward exploration.

One of Bali's oldest and most important monuments, this river-valley complex consists of 10 huge candi (shrines) cut out of rock faces. Each is believed to be a memorial to a member of 11th-century Balinese royalty. Legends relate that the whole group was carved out of the rock in one hard-working night by the mighty fingernails of Kebo Iwa. You'll need to be fit to explore here, as access to the valley and shrines is via a steep 250-step staircase.

Mas means 'gold' in Bahasa Indonesia, but woodcarving is the principal craft in this artisans' village just south of Ubud. Stores and galleries line the main road, JI Raya Mas, and workshops are located both here and in side streets.

A symphony of click-klacking looms greets visitors to this large workshop in Blahbatuh, which produces colourful ikat and batik fabrics. The friendly staff will show you through the workshop and explain the process; fabric and clothes can be purchased in an adjoining showroom.

This is one of the best museums in the Ubud area, home to more than 7000 ceremonial masks and puppets from Bali, other parts of Indonesia, Asia and beyond. All are beautifully displayed in a series of renovated historic buildings. Among the many treasures, look for the amazing Barong Landung puppets and the Kamasan paintings. There's also a large collection of puppets from other countries. The museum is about 2km northeast of the main Mas crossroads.

Always lively, this sprawling market is a major source of the flowers, baskets, fruits, knick-knacks and other items used in temple offerings, and also sells fresh produce. Across the road, the so-called Sukawati Art Market sells clothes and souvenirs.