Ubud is the cultural and spiritual capital of Bali, miles away from beach resorts such as Canggu and Seminyak. Nestled amidst lush green rice terraces, historic temples, and dense rainforest, this is where people come to unwind, get close to nature, and experience Bali like it was a hundred years ago. Whether you are after catching the sunrise in the rice terraces, shopping at the famous Ubud Art Market, or getting adventurous with white-water rafting on the Ayung River, below are the top 15 things to do in Ubud.
1. Walk Around Tegalalang Rice Terraces
No visit to Ubud is complete without seeing the famous rice terraces of the region. Tegalalang is the most photographed rice terrace near the town center, and it is also an agricultural field that has been cultivated using the traditional Bali subak irrigation method. Make sure to arrive early in the morning and avoid the crowds of tour buses.
Tip: Go beyond the crowded main viewing platform to find some less busy viewpoints and local restaurants that overlook the paddy fields.
2. Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
This nature reserve features more than 1,200 long-tailed macaques living in banyan and nutmeg forests with three ancient temples located on site. Remember to keep your loose items zipped up; the monkeys are very comfortable with people and quite fond of taking anything that interests them, such as sunglasses or food.
3. Visit Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung)
This 19th-century royal palace, located right in the heart of Ubud town, regularly holds traditional Balinese dance performances most nights. Entry to the palace compound is free, and its architecture, including the elaborate carvings on the gates, courtyard pavilions, and walls, is impressive enough to take time for exploration without attending a show.
4. Check out Ubud Art Market
Located just across from the palace, Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) is an entanglement of stalls where you can buy sarongs, wood carvings, paintings, jewelry, and souvenirs. Negotiation of prices is expected practice here; begin at approximately half the asking price.
5. Visit Tegenungan Waterfall
This is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in the Ubud area. Tegenungan is only a short drive away from Ubud town, and there is no need for a strenuous trek up the mountain to get here. It is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to get the obligatory Bali waterfall picture.
6. Take Yoga or Meditation Class
There are many yoga retreats in Ubud as the area has long been associated with health and wellness even prior to the popularity of the movie “Eat Pray Love”. Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive studios offer many different classes, including Hatha and Vinyasa.
7. Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple
This temple is one of the most important temples in Bali and features natural spring water believed to have cleansing powers. One can participate in the purification ceremony called melukat, and should wear a sarong and an extra set of clothes.
8. Take a Stroll on the Campuhan Ridge Walk
One of the most beautiful walks on this list, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a walk through grassy hill country just outside the town center. Do the walk either early morning or late afternoon when it will be cooler and easier on your eyes.
9. See Goa Gajah, the “Elephant Cave”
A small archaeological site from the 11th century which features an elephant cave with a demonic-looking entrance, old bathing pools, and Buddhist as well as Hindu relics next to each other. This place is perfect for those who travel east to Tirta Empul.
10. Take a Rafting Trip Down the Ayung River
If you think Ubud is just full of temples and rice fields, you are in for a surprise! In fact, Ubud is the home of white water rafting in Bali.
11. Visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO Site)
More distant from Tegalalang, Jatiluwih is bigger, less crowded, and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you have a vehicle to use, the trip is worthwhile to enjoy the rice terraces in a quieter setting.
12. Visit Traditional Balinese Coffee Plantation
Outside of Ubud town, traditional Balinese coffee plantations give visitors a chance to taste the world-renowned kopi luwak (civet coffee), as well as other coffees and teas – free tasting with a promise to buy something small.
13. See the Kecak Fire Dance
Performed most days of the week at Ubud Palace, the Kecak dance is an impressive vocal performance of the Ramayana tale that does not involve any music other than the voices of dozens of male dancers chanting in unison.
14. Walk and Dine in Jalan Hanoman Street
This quiet and peaceful area boasts boutiques, bookstores, and some of Ubud’s top coffee shops – an ideal place to stay to get closer to culture and delicious coffee.
15. Visit Ubud and Enjoy ATV or Canyoning Adventure
Ubud’s green landscapes and river valleys make it one of the best locations on Bali to enjoy adventure sports such as ATV rides through rice paddies and local villages or canyoning experiences at the nearby canyons.
How Long Should Your Stay in Ubud Be?
The typical visitor to Ubud stays here for 2 to 3 days, which should be enough to visit all the major temples and rice paddies in Ubud, enjoy one adventure activity, and have at least one relaxed morning.
Best Time to Visit Ubud
Ubud, being an inland area and therefore slightly cooler than other parts of Bali, has the same seasonal patterns as the rest of Bali, namely the dry season (April to October) and the wet season (November to March).
Frequently Asked Questions :
Is it worth visiting Ubud if I’m staying in a beach location?
Yes, Ubud is approximately 1-1.5 hours from Canggu or Seminyak, so it’s very convenient to explore during a day trip, although you’d better stay there overnight in order to be able to see sunrise over the rice terraces without tourists.
Should I book a tour guide to visit Ubud’s places of interest?
It’s not necessary, as the main tourist sights of Ubud can be visited easily on your own; however, a private driver will save you time getting between the sights, and a guide will give you extra information about the temples of Tirta Empul and Goa Gajah.
Can I mix adventures with a visit to Ubud?
Absolutely, Ubud is one of the most appropriate locations in Bali to do rafting, ATVs, and canyoning tours.
Plan your holiday now by browsing our Bali Holiday Packages, where we provide tailor-made packages, or visit our 7-Day Bali Itinerary page for an easy-to-plan route. For more activities in Bali, visit our Activities & Day Tours page.