Ubud is one of Bali’s must visit places, it’s the spiritual and cultural heart of ‘the Island of the Gods‘ and is blessed with stunning lush tropical nature and magical vibes.
Bali, and particularly Ubud, shot to fame after the popular book and movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love‘ so you’ve probably already seen amazing images of Ubud’s rice terraces on Instagram. But, if you’re wondering what to do in Ubud, other than take stunning photos, then this blog is for you because Ubud is SO much more!
Why I Love Ubud
Ubud is so much more than just an Instagram paradise, it’s a uniquely artistic, healing and spiritual place that has had a special place in my heart since I first visited over 10 years ago.
There’s so many things to do in Ubud, from exploring the sacred monkey forest and the rice fields, visiting the temples and waterfalls, taking part in spiritual rituals and watching traditional dance performances, or just relaxing with a yoga class and a massage and trying all the delicious raw vegan food.
Ubud is a place that artists, yogis and spiritual seekers come to immerse their souls in a sense of nature, adventure and spirituality to recharge their batteries, and from the moment you arrive, you’ll feel it too.
This is a special place that I return to time and time again – there is something very magical and spiritual about this artistic village hidden amongst the thick jungle and rice paddies of central Bali.
While it is possible to visit Ubud on a day tour from other parts of Bali, these tours can rush around ticking of crowded tourist attractions and Instagram spots and won’t allow you to really relax and connect with the unique spiritual side of Ubud.
There’s so much to do in Ubud that you could easily spend a week here and not get bored but to feel the spirit of Ubud you should really stay here at least a couple of days – just be warned that every single visit you’ll find even more reasons to fall deeper in love with Ubud!
As Ubud gets more popular and more crowded I recommend staying a bit outside the center of Ubud for the best experience. My comprehensive guide to where to stay in Ubud describes all the villages that make up what we call Ubud and recommends the best hotels in peaceful areas.
With that said, let’s get on to discovering the best attractions, experiences and activities Ubud has to offer along with some very special, unique and spiritual things to do in Ubud, Bali’s spiritual center.
The Best Things to do in Ubud
Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are probably one of the most iconic scenic attractions in Ubud, and in fact all of Bali, and they really something that you must see!
Tegallalang is traditional rice farming village in the Gianyar Regency and is a leisurely 20-minute drive north of central Ubud. You can catch a taxi, Grab or Gojek to take you there, rent a motorbike, or join a tour.
The area is famous for its terraced rice paddies, and the traditional Balinese irrigation system is known as ‘subak’ by the local villagers. The terraces are technically free to enter, however, the villagers who work in the rice paddies will probably ask for a small donation to take photos. This is of course up to you if you wish to pay, however, this is their livelihood and it’s a little disrespectful to enter without at least giving a small donation.
The best time to visit would also be in the morning before it gets too hot, and there are many restaurants and cafes with lovely views where you can relax, soak up and enjoy the rice terraces. There’s an amazing three-tiered infinity pool and day club at Cretya Ubud where you can swim, eat and relax while soaking up the rice terrace views. There’s also plenty of ‘instagram playgrounds’ with birds nests, bali swings and all the props you could ever need (for a small fee) if that’s your thing.
If you’re feeling more active the best way to experience the rice terraces, and get off the beaten track into the Balinese countryside, is on a downhill biking tour.
Visit the Sacred Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Mandala Suci Wenara Wana (or more popularly known as the Sacred Ubud Monkey Forest) is home to a population of approximately 700 crab-eating macaques (Balinese long-tailed monkeys) who live this forest!
This forest is their protected natural habitat, and a sacred sanctuary for them. The Ubud Monkey Forest is also home to three ancient Hindu temples, which were all constructed in the 14th century.
There are also over 186 different tree species in this enchanting forest, many of which have wrapped themselves around the ancient bridges and temples here. Unlike visiting monkeys in a zoo, these monkey’s roam wild and free and are not afraid of those who visit their playground.
Expect monkey’s to approach you, take food from you, and even jump on you! There are even warning signs on entry and within the forest, reminding visitors to keep their valuables safe and hidden, as these monkeys have been known to pinch things that interest them, such as sunglasses, hats and even cameras!
See the Ubud water palace and Saraswati temple
Another famous Ubud attraction is the beautiful Ubud water palace and Saraswati temple, formally known as the Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati to the Balinese.
Located in a former water palace, the stunning Saraswati temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning. It’s situated on the Ubud’s main street behind Starbucks!
Inside the water temple is a serene and picturesque spot with blooming lotus ponds and intricate traditional Balinese architecture where you can walk around and explore soaking up the peaceful energy (unless there’s a big tour group there already of course!)
The Saraswati temple/ Ubud water palace also hosts traditional Balinese dance performances in the evenings. Watching a dance is the best thing to do in Ubud at night, it’s a lovely way to learn more about local culture and art. If you want late parties and nightclubs, stay in Seminyak 😉
Join a Yoga Class
One of the best experiences in Ubud is joining a yoga class. Ubud is known as the cultural and spiritual hub of Bali, and with that comes plenty of opportunities to connect with yourself through yoga.
There are countless yoga studios in Ubud, including the famous Yoga Barn, offering different types of classes and styles of yoga from gentle Hatha yoga to energetic Vinyasa Flow so there’s something to suit everyone from beginners to advanced yogis.
In fact, the gentle and spiritual Balinese approach and the stunning setting makes Ubud the perfect place to take your first yoga class! In Bali they also practice the Hindu religion (like India the birthplace of yoga) so that’s one of the reasons why yoga is so popular in Bali.
If you’ve already fallen in love with yoga then the perfect place to stay in Ubud is at one of the many beautiful and affordable yoga retreats where you’ll be immersed in peace, nature and spiritual vibes for a relaxing and healing experience.
If you are a more experienced yogi wanting to learn more or perhaps even change your career and teach Ubud is one of the best places in the world to do yoga teacher training and there are numerous yoga teacher training courses in Ubud to choose from.
On a YTT, not only will you get to practice yoga and meditation in a stunning setting, but you will also learn about the history and philosophy of yoga and develop healthier lifestyle habits while making new friends with like-minded people.
Relax with a massage and flower bath
The best thing to do in Ubud after a yoga class is go to the spa! Many retreats also offer treatments but there are also plenty of spas in Ubud to choose and many of them are very affordable.
One of the best and most unique spa experiences you can have in Bali is a traditional Balinese massage followed by a flower bath. This involves being massaged with natural essential oils and then soaking in a tub filled with fresh flowers, usually accompanied by relaxing music and incense.
Balinese massage is more than just a way to relax your muscles, it also incorporates aspects of acupressure and reflexology to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The flower bath is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it is also said to have many health benefits such as reducing stress and improving skin health.
One of my favourite spas in Ubud is Karsa Spa which is located in the lush rice fields just north of Camphun Ridge so you could also combine your spa treatment with a walk over the ridge.
Particate in a water purification ceremony at Pura Tirta Empal
Another profound spiritual experience you can have while in Ubud is participating in a water purification ceremony at Pura Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple just north of Ubud. This centuries-old temple is renowned for its holy spring water and is believed to have healing properties.
The ritual of purification involves immersing yourself in the temple’s pools and allowing the water to cleanse the body and spirit and it’s popular not just with locals but with visitors as well – just make sure to respect the local customs and traditions by wearing appropriate attire and following the guidelines for the ceremony.
You can have a spiritual cleansing and shamanic healing experience with a Balinese medicine man who will let you know the right way to participate in this spiritual cleansing and ancient Balinese rituals.
Visit Pura Gunung Kawi
Close to Pura Tirta Empal is Pura Gunung Kawi, one of the most unique and interesting temples to visit near Ubud. Nestled down in a valley surrounded by rice terraces and lush vegetation, this ancient temple complex dates back to the 11th century and is one of Bali’s oldest and largest monuments.
Pura Gunung Kawi is a Hindu temple with 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) that stand in awe-inspiring 7-meter-high sheltered niches carved into the cliff face. It’s usually not too crowded so you can spend time here soaking up the soothing and peaceful atmosphere.
Try Delicious Raw Vegan Food
Even if you are not vegan, Ubud’s raw vegan cafes are definitely worth checking out. With an increasing focus on health and wellness, Ubud has become a hub for delicious and creative raw vegan cuisine.
One of my favourite vegan restaurants is Alchemy which offers an innovative range of smoothies, juices, salads, wraps, desserts and more made from fresh organic ingredients.
I think one of the reasons I always feel so great in Ubud is because I eat so much raw vegan food – it not only provides a nutrient-dense and energizing meal, but it also supports sustainable and ethical food practices. There’s so many delicious options to choose from in Ubud that you won’t even miss the meat or dairy!
Join a Balinese cooking class or arts and craft making workshop
A great way to learn more and immerse yourself in Balinese culture is to join one of the many cultural, arts and crafts classes and workshops.
There’s so many interesting and unique activities in Ubud to choose from including cooking classes, music and dance lessons, jewellery making, wood carving, Batik and offering making workshops. The best place to find the whole array of workshops and classes available, read reviews, and book your place is on Get Your Guide.
For foodies, an Indonesian or Balinese cooking class is a must-try experience. As food is at the heart of every culture so taking a cooking class is the best (and tastiest!) way to experience the Balinese way of life.
Cooking classes usually start with taking you out to a local village market, where you can hand-select the exotic ingredients for yourself, and are often held in traditional Balinese family compounds or organic farms which means you’ll also get a great insight into Balinese family home life too.
And of course, the best part of doing a cooking class is the opportunity to taste an array of authentic local cuisine like Sate, Nasi Goreng and Gado Gado that you have helped to prepare yourself and you’ll come away knowing how to recreate your favorite dishes at home too!
Another of my favorite Ubud activities is a silver jewellery making class where you get to design and create your own unique piece of silver jewellery under the guidance of experienced silversmiths. It makes an amazing personalised gift or souvenir.
Also don’t miss the chance to join a Batik making class. Batik is an ancient technique which involves using wax and dye to create intricate designs on fabric. This is a unique and traditional craft that you can learn in Ubud where you’ll create your own unique souvenir to take home.
Shop at the Ubud Art Market
Ubud has long been known as the hub of Bali’s art scene and if you don’t have time to join a workshop and create your own don’t worry because there’s so many opportunities to buy unique souvenirs in the many shops and markets.
The Ubud Art Market, or often referred to as ‘Pasar Seni Ubud’, is one of Ubud attractions that’s just not to be missed if you want to buy some souvenirs from your trip to Ubud. Located opposite the Royal Ubud Palace on the street of Jalan Karna, these markets are the place where you can find a showcase of the most exquisite local handicrafts.
Here you’ll find all kinds of hand made artifacts from wooden carvings to beautiful paintings, woven baskets and bags, silk scarves, and so much more! The best time to go would be early morning before it gets too busy, and it’s also the best time to nap a bargain as the first sale of the day is considered lucky to the Balinese people.
Also, its considered normal practice to negotiate the price of things (within reason) in the markets, so don’t be afraid to ask for a discount if the prices seems to high at first but also be aware that an extra dollar or so can go a long way for a local family in Bali who suffered a lot financially due to lack of tourists when Bali was shut during Covid so be mindful of this when haggling.
Visit the Royal Ubud Palace
The Royal Ubud Palace definitely should be on your itinerary as it’s one of the most interesting, cultural attractions in Ubud. Known as Puri Saren Agung by the Balinese people, the Ubud Palace is a historical building complex that dates back to the early 1800s, and one of the most impressive places in Ubud.
It was built during the reign of Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel and is maintained by the royal families who live there still today. Nowadays, the palace has become a major landmark and tourist attraction of the Ubud region and there are many cultural performances and dances held there daily.
The Royal Palace has been well persevered over the years and really is a great showcase of Balinese architecture and manicured gardens that you really must see. There is an entrance fee to enter the Royal Palace, however, it’s only IDR 100,000 (approx. $7USD). They also host traditional Balinese dance performances here.
Watch a traditional Balinese Dance Performance
One of the best ways to experience the unique and enchanting Balinese culture is by watching a traditional Balinese dance performance. There’s various different dances and places to see them, including the Ubud Palace and the Water Palace (Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati temple.)
Some of the most popular dances include the Barong dance, Legong dance and the Kecak dance. The fascinating Balinese traditional Kecak Dance Performance is one of the most interesting to watch and presents a meaningful insight into the unique Balinese culture which makes it the best thing to do in Ubud at night.
The setting is usually quite intimate as you are able to sit quite close and feel part of the story that is expressed through the dance. You’ll also see men walking on hot coals and fire is used throughout the performance.
The ancient Hindu mythology is about the Ramayana, a epic love story about Rama and his beautiful wife Sita, Hamuman and the demon Ravana and a story about the triumph of good over evil. (Kecak means monkey in Balinese, and Hanuman is a Hindu monkey god.)
You can get your tickets for the Ubud Palace Legong Dance performance in advance here and if you want to learn yourself there’s even Balinese music and dance classes you can join.
Walk through the rice fields or over Campuhan Ridge
Simply going for a walk is one of the best things to do in Ubud – honestly! The Campuhan Ridge walk is one of my favourites, it’s a great way to recharge the batteries with some light exercise, and beautifully lush and scenic views of the surrounding mountain area.
The Campuhan Ridge walking track starts here not far from the center of Ubud and is about 2kms long and there is a lovely cafe and spa called Karsa Spa where you can stop for a morning coffee before heading back. Also at the end of the track is the Pura Gunung Lebah temple which dates back to the 8th-century.
It’s best to do this walk early in the morning before it gets too hot, or late in the afternoon after cools down! Sunset is very photogenic and remember to take water with you, or you’ll have to wait till you reach the cafe at the end of the track. You can also join a walking tour from the Camphun Ridge to the Monkey Forest if you’d like to have a guide and go in a group of like minded people.
It’s also nice to simply walk through the rice fields on the outskirts of Ubud, in less than 10 minutes you’re a world away from the tourists in town walking along the rice fields, enjoying the views, and seeing the farmers and ducks go about their daily lives tending to the rice. There’s even some cute cafes where you can enjoy a coconut or a cold drink while soaking in the views.
Visit Goa Gajah – The Elephant Cave
Traditionally known by locals as Goa Gajah, the Elephant Cave is an archaeological site with considerable, historical meaning to the Balinese people. It’s estimated to date back to the 11th Century!
The site is located approximately six kilometers from central Ubud, on the edge of Bedulu village and there are many tour guides that will take you there. There are various ancient buildings, structures, and artifacts at the entrance and inside the cave that showcase the influence of Hinduism and even Buddism in Bali.
There several theories as to why this sacred place of meditation was called ‘Elephant Cave’, one of the most popular are a place to worship the Hindu God, Ganesh, the remover of obstacles. This place is very enchanting and intriguing and definitely one of the must-sees in Ubud!
Chase Waterfalls!
One of the most popular things to do in Bali is to visit some of the stunning waterfalls, and there are plenty near Ubud to check out – some more impressive than others, and some are more busy that others.
One of the best waterfalls in Bali is the Tegenungan Waterfall, this scenic waterfall is located about 30 minutes drive south of Ubud, is surrounded by lush Balinese jungle, and has a shallow swimming area at its base. The Tegenungan Waterfall is very powerful, and it’s quite impressive to see the sheer volume of water falling from the top.
For those who are up to it, there are just over 100 stairs to descend down to the waterfall area (a nice little workout!) otherwise there’s a great view from the cafes at the top for those wanting a more relaxed day out. To enter the waterfall area, there’s a small fee of 20,000 Indonesian rupees (approx. $1.40USD).
The most popular way to get to this beautiful spot is by joining a tour, or hiring a private driver to take you there and back, or for the more adventurous types you can hire a scooter for about $2-4 USD for the day.
Go white water rafting
If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker, then white water rafting down the Ayung River is an activity that you’ll definitely want to experience!
The beautiful Ayung River runs from the northern mountain ranges, winding through the center of the island and dispersing out in the ocean at Sanur in the south peninsula, and is the longest river on the Indonesian island of Bali.
The white water rafting starting point is only a short 20 minutes drive from Ubud town center and tour packages will all include a pickup and drop off from your hotel. Because of the sheer size and length of the Ayung River, there are sections of river to suit every level of ability, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rafter.
Rafting down the river is also a great way to take in the wondrous, lush scenery of Bali as you pass through rice terraces, thick jungle, and even waterfalls!
Climb Mount Batur
If you’re up for a challenge then one of the most memorable and soul-refreshing things to do in Bali hands down would have to be climbing Mount Batur for a sunrise you’ll never forget.
Mount Batur (which is actually an active volcano) stands at 1717 meters above sea level and the panoramic views from the top are absolutely breathtaking! Climbing Mount Batur is best done as an organised day trip from Ubud. Tour guides will normally pick you up from your hotel around 2-2.30am in the morning to set out for the base of the mountain (yes, it’s an early start but I assure you, well worth getting out of bed for!)
From there you will begin the trek up to the summit, which takes a couple of hours. The timing is planned so that everyone can reach the top at a moderate pace no matter their fitness level, that way everyone reaches before the sun comes up.
At the top, you’re likely to be served a cute, light, mountain village style breakfast of local coffee, hard boiled egg, and banana steamed in its skin, as you eagerly await this magnificent, unforgettable sunrise with anticipation!
I hope you’ve got plenty of ideas for things to do in Ubud, Bali – take the time to stay here and experience this magical place instead of rushing around the Instagram spots on a day trip and you’ll be richly rewarded with a glimpse into the heart and soul of spiritual Bali.
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2 comments
This kecak fire dance is based on Ramayana. These people perform it very well. This is a must-see when you are in Bali.
[…] Whether you want to visit the sacred monkey forest or the Tegalalang rice terraces, go white water rafting or climb an active volcano for epic sunrise views, join a workshop to learn about Balinese art, crafts, cuisine and culture or just relax with a flower bath in the spa or a floating breakfast in an infinity pool there’s plenty to do in Ubud. […]