Ubud has long been the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali—a serene town surrounded by rice terraces, temples, and a deep tradition of healing and the arts. But for much of the world, it remained relatively under the radar… until 2010. That's when Julia Roberts came to Bali to film the final part of the movie Eat Pray Love, based on Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir.
In 2009, the production team arrived in Ubud and nearby villages like Padangtegal and Nyuh Kuning. Scenes were filmed at iconic places such as the Monkey Forest, traditional markets, rice fields, and a local healer's compound inspired by the real-life Ketut Liyer. Julia Roberts was spotted walking barefoot through Ubud's village roads, interacting with locals between takes. The film, released in 2010, became a global hit. And suddenly Ubud became a pilgrimage destination for women and solo travelers seeking peace, transformation, and healing—just like in the story.
Local wellness businesses flourished: yoga retreats, sound healing centers, vegan cafés, and spiritual workshops became mainstream. Ubud turned into the global capital of "slow living" and self-discovery, attracting artists, authors, and seekers from every corner of the world. But even with the fame, Ubud never lost its essence. The community embraced the wave with grace, blending hospitality with tradition. Ubud was always magical—Eat Pray Love just held up a mirror so the world could finally see it.