UBUD: US-based travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler has named the small art village of Ubud in Gianyar as its Best City in Asia.

The decision was based on votes from the magazine's 25,008 readers.

Ubud was given the highest score of 82.5 based on several indicators, including atmosphere, ambience, art and culture, lodgings, restaurants, sites, local residents' friendliness, and shopping facilities.

Other cities in the running included Bangkok (82.2), Chiang Mai (80.9), Hong Kong (81.3), Kyoto (80.2), Singapore (79.6), Shanghai (75.9), Jaipur (74.2) and Tokyo (72.9).

Ubud village head I Kadek Alit Wirawan said the local community should be proud of living in such a beautiful village.

"We will inform all stakeholders in the community about this encouraging news and hope we can maintain Ubud as a top international tourist destination," he said as quoted by beritabali.com. - JP