Gianyar regency has an area of 368 square km; it is the second most densely populated district in Bali (after Badung). Although Badung Regency, Denpasar and Gianyar Regency are the three richest regions in Bali and most of their wealth comes from tourism, in February 2012 Gianyar Regency officially banned the construction of new increasingly popular condominium hotels (condotels) and apartment facilities in order to protect the local entrepreneurs.

The town of Ubud, a centre of art and tourism, is located in Gianyar. The once small village of Ubud now spreads itself across an undulating landscape of verdant valleys, ridges, rice paddies and rolling hills, all interspersed by countless peaceful and picturesque neighborhood streets and hamlets where one can still feel the essence of village life from days of yore.  Ubud’s main thoroughfare is the junction of Monkey Forest Road and Jl. Raya Ubud. It is where foot easily accesses distinctive boutiques and restaurants, markets stalls, ornate temples and palaces where accomplished dancers and gamelan orchestras perform each evening.