Top Things to do in Ubud
The first time I arrived in Ubud, I didn’t expect to fall so hard for a place. But somewhere between the scent of temple incense, the sound of gamelan drifting through the trees, and the slow mornings sipping kopi while watching the rain roll over rice fields, I knew I’d found something special.
Ubud has a rhythm of its own. It’s where I walked alongside mischievous monkeys in sacred forests, danced barefoot down muddy trails after a waterfall swim, and learned to cook tempeh curry with a view of the jungle. It’s peaceful, a little wild, and full of soul.
If you’re planning your Bali adventure — or just craving somewhere to pause and breathe — here’s everything I did, loved, and highly recommend. The best things to do in Ubud, one leafy step at a time.
Quick Overview: Best Things to Do in Ubud
- Explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Watch a dance performance at Ubud Palace
- Stroll through Pura Saraswati
- Hike the scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Marvel at the Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Swim under Tegenungan Waterfall
- Discover ancient caves at Goa Gajah
- Shop local crafts at the Ubud Art Market
- Join a Balinese cooking class
- Take a silver-making workshop
- Hike to the summit of Mount Batur
TRAVEL
1. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Deep in central Ubud lies a mossy green forest that feels straight out of a dream — and it’s home to more than 1,200 cheeky long-tailed macaques. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of Ubud’s most famous spots, but don’t write it off as a tourist gimmick — this place has serious jungle energy.
Ancient trees tower over 14th-century temples, vines curl through statues, and monkeys casually leap across pathways like they own the place (because, well… they kind of do).
Travel Tip: Keep your bags zipped and take off any sunglasses or accessories. The monkeys are adorable — and very curious.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 80,000 IDR (~$5 USD)
About
Hi, I’m Nitisha. I grew up in a world that told me to follow the script, but somewhere along the way I traded the script for a compass. These days, I follow where my feet and heart lead, from sleepy towns to saltwater coves, capturing stories that feel like home even when I’m far from it.
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2. Campuhan Ridge Walk
For sunrise lovers and golden-hour dreamers, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the m things to do in Ubud. This easy trail weaves through lush hills and tall alang-alang gra stretch across rice fields and river valleys.
It’s the kind of walk where time slows down. You’ll see locals going for mornin in the breeze, and maybe even a sleepy dog following you for a while.
Pro tip: Start the walk just after sunrise to avoid the heat and crowds. The Ibah Luxury Villas.
Time Needed: 1–2 hours
Distance: ~2 km round trip (easy)
3. Ubud Palace & Traditional Dances
Right in the heart of Ubud, you’ll find Puri Saren Agung, or the Ubud but the intricate stone carvings, traditional architecture, and lotus-fil wander — especially in golden light.
But the real magic happens at night. Almost every evening, the palac performances with live gamelan music. The color, the costumes, the storytelling — it’s pure Bali.
Don’t Miss: The Legong or Barong dance shows — get there early for a good seat.
Dance Ticket: ~100,000 IDR
Location: Jalan Raya Ubud (main street)
4. Pura Taman Saraswati
Just a short stroll from Ubud Palace is Pura Taman Saraswati, a serene templ of wisdom and art. The lotus pond here is iconic — especially when in full blo cutting through like a scene from a fairytale.
It’s small but stunning, and if you’re visiting during a dance night, the temple beco framed by lanterns and incense.
Photo tip: Early morning for soft light and fewer people.
Good to know: You’ll need a sarong to enter the inner temple (free to borrow at the entrance if open)
5. Tegalalang Rice Terrace
No Ubud guide is complete without a visit to Tegalalang — the iconic stepped rice fields that spill across the landscape like green waves. It’s incredibly photogenic, but it’s also a beautiful reminder of how deeply nature and farming are interwoven in Balinese life.
Walk through the terraces, stop at tiny warungs for fresh coconuts, or just perch somewhere with a view and take it all in. And yes, you can do the “Bali swing” here — if you’re into that sort of thing!
Respectful travel: These fields are still working farms. If you walk through them, it’s customary to donate a small tip to local farmers.
Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR (~$1 USD)
Best time to go: 7–8 AM or late afternoon
6. Tegenungan Waterfall
Need a break from the temples and heat? Head to Tegenungan Waterfall, just a 30-minute drive from Ubud. It’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in the area — and definitely one of the most powerful.
Surrounded by jungle cliffs, the waterfall roars into a natural plunge pool where you can take a dip (if the current isn’t too strong). There are several viewpoints on the way down — and a few Instagram-style platforms if that’s your vibe.
Time your visit: Morning for fewer crowds and better swimming. Weekends get busy.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR
Open: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Bring: Water shoes or sandals with grip — the rocks can be slippery
7. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Just outside Ubud is Goa Gajah, an ancient sanctuary carved into a jungle ravine. The cave’s entrance — shaped like a demon’s gaping mouth — is both eerie and beautiful, and once inside you’ll find relics dedicated to both Shiva and Ganesha.
Outside, the grounds are lush and quiet, with bathing pools, stone statues, and little nooks perfect for meditating or journaling.
Why it’s called Elephant Cave? Theories vary. No elephants here, but the Ganesha statue inside may have inspired the name.
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR
Location: Bedulu Village, ~15 minutes from Ubud
Dress Code: Sarong required (usually provided at the gate)
8. Ubud Art Market
If you’re looking for handmade souvenirs, woven bags, batik fabrics, Market is where it’s at. Just across from the palace, this market is a c for a slow wander.
Yes, it’s touristy — but many stalls sell genuinely beautiful artisan wo the market is calm and cool, and always haggle with a smile.
Local tip: The “morning price” is real — first customers often get bet luck.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What to Expect: Prices vary — bags from 100–250k IDR, sarongs
9. Take a Balinese Cooking Class (Vegetarian-Friendly!)
One of the best ways to understand a culture? Through its kitchen. U where you’ll visit a local market, learn about spices and herbs, and c often in an open-air kitchen overlooking rice paddies.
Many classes offer vegetarian and vegan menus, with favorites like g tofu curry, and sambal matah.
Recommended: Paon Bali Cooking Class, Ketut’s, or Bamboo Shoots
Time: Half-day (morning or afternoon)
Cost: 350,000–450,000 IDR per person (~$22–30 USD)
10. Make Your Own Silver Jewelry
Bali is famous for its silverwork, especially in nearby Celuk village — making workshops where you can create your own ring, pendant, or local silversmith.
Design it yourself, melt the silver, hammer it out — and walk away with a piece of Bali on your hand or neck.
Bonus: Great as a couple’s or solo creative experience
Time: 2–3 hours
Cost: 400,000–600,000 IDR (~$25–40 USD) depending on silver weight
Look for studios like: Studio Perak, Chez Monique, WS Art Studio
11. Hike Mount Batur at Sunrise
Okay, this one’s technically just outside Ubud, but it’s worth the early wake-up. Set your alarm for 2:00 AM and prepare to hike by flashlight up Mount Batur, an active volcano in northern Bali. After a moderately steep 2-hour climb, you’ll watch the sun rise above a sea of clouds with Lake Batur glimmering below.
It’s pure magic — and one of Bali’s most memorable adventures.
What to Bring: Hiking shoes, layers (it’s cold at the top), water, headlamp (if not provided)
Height: 1,717 meters
Time Needed: ~6 hours round trip (with transport from Ubud)
Trek Package: ~500,000–700,000 IDR (usually includes guide, breakfast, transport)
Ethical Travel Tip: Skip the Luwak Coffee
You’ll likely come across signs advertising Luwak Coffee (or civet coffee) throughout Ubud and Bali — promoted as the world’s most expensive brew, made from beans digested and passed by civet cats. While it might sound exotic, the reality behind most of these operations is troubling. Today, the majority of civet coffee production involves caged, force-fed civets kept in poor conditions, far from their natural nocturnal habits. What was once a rare, wild-foraged process has turned into an exploitative, high- volume tourist attraction.
Why Skip It?
- Civets are often kept in tiny cages with little to no enrichment.
- They are force-fed coffee cherries, leading to malnutrition and stress.
- The animals are nocturnal and solitary, but are exposed to constant daylight and tourists.
Better Alternatives in Ubud
Sustainable Coffee Tasting
Support Ubud’s ethical coffee culture by visiting local cafés and roast sourcing, and sustainable practices. Some favorites include:
- Seniman Coffee Studio – One of Ubud’s best third-wave coffee site and coffee workshops.
- R.E.A.K. Coffee – Sourced from Kintamani highlands, 100% organic, and fairly traded.
- Anomali Coffee – A well-known Indonesian chain that features beans from across the archipelago.
Herbal Tea Tastings at Satria Agrowisata
Instead of supporting unethical Luwak farms, try a herbal tea and spi Satria Agrowisata. Here, you can sample locally grown lemongrass te more — while learning about Bali’s rich agricultural heritage.
Pro Tip: Always ask about animal practices before participa activities. Even at tea plantations, some still cage civets for dis on spices, teas, and cocoa instead.
Final Thoughts: Why Ubud is Worth More Than a Stopover Ubud is so much more than a checklist of waterfalls and temples. It’s calls, practicing sunrise yoga with jungle views, eating nasi campur in woman place an offering on a mossy doorstep with quiet grace.
So take your time here. Stay in a bamboo villa. Chat with artisans. Vi Ubud will meet you where you are — and maybe even show you who your are.
Map of Ubud’s Top Spots
(Add a downloadable Google Map or embedded pin for blog readers.)
Location: Central Bali, Indonesia — surrounded by jungle valleys and rice terraces.
How to Reach Ubud:
- From Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar):
The drive to Ubud takes 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. The are:
- By Taxi or Private Transfer: Book in advance or use Grab/Gojek for convenience.
- By Shuttle Bus: Perama Tour or Kura-Kura Bus run daily shuttles from Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur,
and Canggu.
- By Scooter: Adventurous travelers can rent a scooter (~80–1 roads are scenic but busy.
Best Time to Visit:
- April to June: Clear skies, lush landscapes, and post-monsoon trekking, and rice terraces.
- July to September: Peak dry season and festival time (expect crowds, but great weather).
- October to November: Start of the rainy season — quieter with misty mornings and dramatic skies (a favorite for photographers).
Low Season:
- December to March: Rainy Expect frequent showers, slippery trails, and fewer tourists — but great for spa days, indoor classes, and moody photography.
Ideal Stay:
- 4–6 days is perfect to balance cultural sites, nature walks, waterfalls, wellness activities, and nearby day trips (like Mount Batur).
Hidden Gems for Photographers:
- Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu: A peaceful, less-touristed temple surrounded by jungle and water gardens
- Paddy Fields Behind Sari Organik: Hidden trails with fewer people and authentic rural charm
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall: Sunlight filtering through the cave makes for otherworldly shots.
- Tegallalang at Sunrise: The terraces glow gold with early morning mist — pure magic.
Top Nature + Cultural Experiences:
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: Gentle trek with scenic valley views and small villages.
- Tegenungan Waterfall: Accessible jungle falls with photo platforms and swim spots.
- Ubud Palace Dance Show: Traditional performance in a temple-like setting.
- Cooking Class with a Market Tour: Learn to make Balinese staples, often with vegetarian or vegan
options.
- Silver-Making Workshop: Create your own jewelry with a local artisan.
- Mount Batur Sunrise Hike: Leave Ubud at 2 AM to reach the summit by sunrise — a must for
adventurers.
Wildlife & Nature Spotting:
- Sacred Monkey Forest: Home to long-tailed macaques and ancient banyan trees.
- Rice Field Trails: Spot butterflies, herons, and farmers in daily rhythm.
- Botanic Gardens Ubud: A lesser-known gem with native plant species and peaceful walking paths.
Pro Travel Tips:
- Bring a light sarong — you’ll need it for temple visits (some provide free, but not all).
- Wear comfortable shoes — Ubud’s paths can be uneven and slippery after rain.
- Bring insect repellent — especially around rice fields and rivers.
- Stay just outside the town center (like Penestanan or Nyuh Kuning) for jungle serenity without the traffic.
- Avoid rush hour (4–6 PM) when returning to Ubud — roads get jammed fast.
- Download Grab/Gojek — for transport, food delivery, and even massage bookings.
- Support local — buy crafts directly from artists, and eat at warungs or eco-conscious cafes.
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Hi, I’m Nitisha. I grew up in a world that told me to follow the script, but somewhere along the way I traded the script for a compass. These days, I follow where my feet and heart lead, from sleepy towns to saltwater coves, capturing stories that feel like home even when I’m far from it.
