Best Things to do in Ubud Bali

Ubud, a peaceful town in Bali, is a wonderful place to explore. It’s filled with beautiful nature, old traditions, and a lively arts scene. In this essay, we’ll discover the important things you can do in Ubud. If you are planing to your next trip in Ubud, check this article out. We’ll help you have a closer look at the unique blend of culture and nature that makes this town so special as well as the best things to do in Ubud that should not be missed.

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• Best Things To Do & Activities In Bali

Take a walk through the Tegallalang (Ceking) Rice Terraces

Starting your journey by witnessing the sunrise at the Tegallalang Rice Terraces is a great idea. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic attractions in Ubud, famous for its green terraces in the jungle. 

In Tegallalang, people still use Bali’s old Subak irrigation method, with rice paddies organized in descending layers. Here, you can take stunning pictures from above and walk down the valley for a closer look. In addition, there are several swings with excellent backdrops for photos that you can pay to use. Although there isn’t a set admission price to Tegalalang, be prepared to bring cash because some farmers may want it in exchange for letting you through their fields.

The best time to visit is March/April and September/October, as you can witness the greenest and the harvest seasons. Early morning is the ideal time to go, especially before sunrise, as you’ll avoid this kind of crowding and the heat.

Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a vast tropical rainforest, a monkey haven, and a temple complex in Ubud, Bali. This is an ideal place for nature lovers and spiritual seekers to unwind and rejuvenate amidst lush greenery and holy ambiance. 

The sanctuary is home to over 1260 Balinese long-tailed macaques, each with its personality and quirks. These monkeys are not just residents; they are an integral part of the experience and are considered sacred by locals. As you wander through the forest, you’ll have the chance to observe them up close, playing, grooming, and going about their daily lives. Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings, as the monkeys are known to be mischievous!

In addition to the monkeys, Bali is home to 186 different varieties of trees, which offer pleasant shade and fresh air throughout the hot months. It’s an ideal place for a walk. There are numerous ancient temples in this area. Although only those who pray traditionally in the Balinese are permitted to enter the temples, you should dress appropriately when visiting this site.

Explore the Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is a 9th-century archaeological site in Ubud, Bali. The name “Goa Gajah” is somewhat misleading, as the site doesn’t house elephants. Instead, it’s believed that the term refers to the imposing stone entrance carved with elephant-like figures, symbolizing protection and strength.

As you approach the entrance, you’re met with intricate stone carvings, a stunning cave, and a tranquil bathing pool. The cave entrance, resembling a menacing creature, leads you into a dark, narrow passageway filled with ancient carvings and mysterious niches.

Beyond the cave, you’ll find a lush temple complex where locals come to pray and make offerings. The complex features gardens, serene ponds, and traditional Balinese architecture, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The entrance ticket includes a sarong to wear, so you do not need to buy at other shops at a higher price. 

Visit the Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Royal Palace)

The Puri Saren Agung is a historic palace that served as the residence of the royal family of Ubud. Built-in the late 1800s, the palace has a traditional Balinese design, featuring ornate stone carvings, lush gardens, and well-preserved structures. It is free to access and conveniently located in the heart of Ubud, so why not pay a visit while you’re in town?

The palace is pretty small; you can explore it all in about 15 minutes, but if you look closely at its architecture, there are many to see. The palace is a prime example of traditional Balinese architecture at its finest.

As you enter the palace grounds, you’ll be greeted by the exquisite architectural details that adorn the buildings. The gate and main hall, known as the Wantilan Agung, are adorned with intricate carvings, traditional Balinese roof structures, and guardian statues. There is a temple within the palace, but visitors are not allowed to enter, but you still can take pictures from the outside. 

Every day at 7:30 p.m., they will host traditional Balinese dance performances. These captivating performances highlight the delicacy and precision of Balinese dance forms and frequently feature vivid costumes and live gamelan music. If you want to see those beautiful shows, you must buy a ticket.

Have a walk at Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is an easy-to-follow trail that takes you along a ridge with stunning panoramic views of the lush valley below. The path meanders through vibrant rice fields, coconut palms, and tropical vegetation. It’s a serene escape from the urban hustle and a journey into Bali’s rural beauty.

The track is only 2 kilometers long, so it’s a great spot for a stroll. The best times to walk here are early morning or late afternoon when the sun casts a warm, golden glow over the surroundings. Furthermore, the starting point for Campuhan Ridge is only a 10-minute walk from the Ubud Royal Palace so that you can include two of these sites in your sightseeing plan.

Shop at the Ubud Art Market

If you’re looking for places to get souvenirs to take home, head to Ubud Art Market. You can find everything you need, from stunning silk scarves to handmade woven bags, baskets, caps, kites, and many more hand-crafted things. Most products are created locally in nearby villages; those authentic souvenirs are unique!

The market is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm and is home to over 1,000 stalls. There is so much to see and buy at the market, so don’t rush; take your time and browse around. The prices are generally very reasonable, but the vendors usually start their prices high, so don’t hesitate to negotiate.

For those who enjoy street-style photography in Asia, the Ubud Art Market is an excellent destination and spot to purchase things. You can take typical pictures of people “passing time.”  The vibrant colors of traditional crafts also add to the beauty of the backdrops. 

Visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum

The Blanco Renaissance Museum first opened its doors on December 28, 1998. This museum houses the work of renowned Spanish artist Antonio Blanco, who was inspired by Balinese culture and art.

The museum’s building itself is a work of art. The architecture combines Balinese and Mediterranean elements, creating an enchanting space as the art within. You’ll discover a vast collection of Blanco’s works in the Blanco Renaissance Museum. His art covers many themes, from sensuous portraits to dreamlike landscapes and vivid depictions of Bali’s rituals and traditions. The intricate details and use of color make his pieces come alive.

After exploring the art and the gift shop, don’t forget to stop by the cafe within the museum. Set amidst lush gardens, this is a perfect spot to relax and absorb the serene atmosphere. You can enjoy a meal or a beverage surrounded by the scenery that inspired Blanco’s art.

Admire the Taman Saraswati Temple

If you’re looking for a place to take breathtaking photos, visit this temple. The Taman Saraswati Temple, also known as the Ubud Water Palace, is a beautiful temple located in the heart of Ubud. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and art. 

The most stunning sight here must be the ornate lotus pond. The temple is surrounded by blooming lotus ponds, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence. You’ll need to cross over stone bridges that seem to float upon the lotus-filled waters to access the temple. That’s such a unique backdrop for your photos. 

Besides, the architecture is also a great thing to see. The temple is serene, featuring intricate stone carvings and ornate architecture. You’ll find statues, shrines, and traditional Balinese structures here. The main prayer area is an exquisite setting for ceremonies and offerings.

Take a cooking class

Food always plays a vital part in a journey, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in this world of taste than by taking a cooking class. In Ubud, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the art of Balinese cooking from skilled local chefs. 

In a cooking class, you’ll often start with a visit to a local market. There, you’ll learn about the key components of Balinese cuisine, such as spices, herbs, fresh vegetables, and proteins. The experience of selecting the ingredients from the market is vital to understanding the essence of Balinese cooking. 

Then, the chef-instructor will guide you through the recipes, explaining the techniques, spice combinations, and cooking methods that make each dish unique. Most cooking classes end with a sit-down meal where you can enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared. It’s a satisfying and delicious way to end the experience.

Visit the Tegenungan Waterfall

This stunning waterfall is great for cooling off on a hot day. Tegenungan Waterfall is around 10 kilometers from Ubud, perfect for a day trip. 

Tegenungan Waterfall, with its 25-meter drop and glistening, emerald-green pool at its base, is a sight to behold. You’ll need to take a short walk down a well-maintained path to reach the waterfall. The path is flanked by lush green, providing ample shade and opportunities for a closer look at the local flora and fauna. 

You can swim or wade in the clear, calm waters at the waterfall’s base. If you prefer to stay dry or admire the waterfall from a distance, there are well-placed viewing platforms where you can take in the stunning view. You can take quite a lot of stunning photos from this viewpoint. 

Visit the Gunung Kawi Temple

Pura Gunung Kawi is a stunning temple complex located in the village of Tampaksiring, about 30 minutes from Ubud, Bali. This temple is believed to have been founded in the 11th century during the reign of King Anak Wungsu. 

The most striking feature of Gunung Kawi Temple is the series of impressive rock-cut shrines and candis (loyal tombs) that are hewn into the face of a rocky cliff. These shrines are large and intricately carved, featuring statues of gods, animals, and symbols important in Balinese Hinduism. The scale and complexity of these carvings make them truly remarkable.

The temple complex consists of two separate areas on either side of the Pakerisan River. You’ll have to go down a set of stairs to get to the shrines by the river. On the walk down to the temples, you will pass a few rice terraces, gift shops, and little cafes and restaurants with views of the rice paddies. After wandering around the temple, you can return, grab some souvenirs, and enjoy coffee there. 

Visit the Pura Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple, also known as the Holy Spring Temple, is one of the most important and sacred Hindu temples in Bali. The temple is known for its holy spring water, believed to possess purifying and healing properties. The spring water flowing within the temple complex is considered a direct gift from the god Indra and is believed to cleanse the spirit, renew the soul, and relieve physical ailments. You can bathe in this holy spring, but you must rent or prepare a sarong first. 

The architecture is also a masterpiece, showcasing traditional Balinese temple design and craftsmanship. The complex has several courtyards, shrines, pavilions, intricate stone carvings, and lush gardens. It’s a place of spiritual reverence and architectural beauty. 

Go cycling

Ubud is a great place to go for a bike ride. There are many bike rental shops in Ubud and many scenic roads and trails to explore. Some famous routes to try are Campuhan Ridge, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and Ubud countryside areas.

One of the joys of cycling in Ubud is exploring the town’s cultural and natural attractions at your own pace. You can make stops to admire temples, rice terraces, and art galleries. Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.

Another highlight of cycling in Ubud is connecting with the locals. When you pass through traditional Balinese villages, you can wave hello, interact with local people, and get a closer glimpse into their daily lives.

Visit the Neka Art Museum

Art lovers will surely love Neka Art Museum. The museum is named after its founder, Suteja Neka, a Balinese man with a deep passion for art. Neka began collecting art in the 1960s and established a museum to share his collection with the world. Today, the Neka Art Museum houses over 300 pieces of Balinese art, including paintings, sculptures, and other forms of artistic expression.

The museum’s collection spans centuries of Balinese art, from traditional works inspired by local culture and rituals to more contemporary pieces that reflect the evolving artistic landscape of the island. You’ll find various styles, themes, and artistic movements represented.

The Neka Art Museum’s architecture is also a great thing to see. Lush gardens, fountains, and tranquil courtyards surround the museum. It’s a great place to wander, reflect, and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance that complements the art.

Take a day trip to Mount Batur

This is absolutely a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and hiking lovers. Mount Batur is an active volcano located about an hour from Ubud. Due to its amazing volcanic scenery, the Mount Batur caldera has been listed as a world geopark by UNESCO since 2015.

Mount Batur sunrise hiking is extremely popular because you can see the sunrise from the summit of the mountain, which is generally surrounded by a sea of orange clouds. If you don’t like getting up early, you can try sunset trekking.

The trek is moderately challenging, with around two hours, depending on your fitness level. As a result, you should wear comfortable hiking clothing, sturdy shoes, and layers to adapt to changing temperatures. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket or windbreaker if you plan to hike early in the morning.

Enjoy Indonesian food at Warung Pondok Madu

Warung Pondok Madu is a great place to enjoy authentic Indonesian food casually. The service at Warung Pondok Madu is friendly and attentive. The staff are always happy to help you choose the perfect dish, and most importantly, the food is delicious and affordable. 

The restaurant is famous for its BBQ pork ribs cooked in over ten flavors. They are also famous for traditional dishes, and some must-try dishes are sate (skewered and grilled meats), nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice), and various rendang (spicy meat stew) variations. 

Have a leisure stroll at Ubud Rice Fields Walk

The Ubud Rice Fields Walk is a beautiful and leisurely walk that takes you through the heart of Ubud’s rice fields. The walk is about 4.5 km long and takes about 2 hours.

The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. You will pass through lush rice paddies, traditional Balinese villages, and small temples. During your walk, you may spot farmers working in the fields; you can talk to them to learn more about their agriculture. Also, you can find pretty cafes and gift shops along the road, so whenever you feel tired, you can stop by a cafe to enjoy a drink with a beautiful green field view. 

Consider the time of day for your stroll. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal when the temperatures are more comfortable, and the lighting is perfect for photography. It’s also a quieter time to enjoy the scenery.

In conclusion, the activities mentioned here are just a glimpse of what Ubud offers. Whether seeking serenity, adventure, or a deeper connection with Balinese culture, Ubud promises unforgettable adventures. So, pack your bags, embark on this enchanting journey, and discover the wonders of Ubud for yourself.