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Things to do in Ubud

The lush jungle, sprawling rice fields, and flowing river are what Ubud is famous for. But where is Ubud exactly? Part of the Gianyar Regency, it is about an hour and a half travel time from Canggu and Seminyak. Thanks to its peaceful atmosphere, wellness is an inseparable part of the Ubud experience. Vegan cafés, yoga, and meditation centres are everywhere. Ubud is also home to world-class resorts, hotels, and some of the best restaurants in Bali.

Best Ubud Accommodations

What’s great about Ubud is not only the landscape but also the mixed bag of accommodation. While it’s easy to get world-class amenities and services at five-star resorts or hotels, finding budget accommodation is not out of the question in Ubud.

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Best Restaurants in Ubud

While Ubud’s dining scene is mostly known for its healthy cuisine, it has more variety than you can think of. From fine dining serving an Indonesian menu to casual dining inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, Ubud is one of the best districts in Bali for your gourmet adventure.

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Best Spa in Ubud

Having a spa in Ubud is all about going back to nature in every sense for your body, mind, and soul. The incredible scenery is for your eyes, while the body treatments always combine natural products based on Ubud’s rich heritage and highly skilled therapists.

What to Do in Ubud

So, what is there to do in Ubud? One thing is for sure: you’ll never run out of things to do in Ubud! The Ubud activities you can enjoy depend on how much time you can spare in a day. If you’re an adrenaline seeker, many Ubudguides will suggest you try ATV Riding or water rafting at Ayung River. Having a morning stroll at Campuhan Ridge is a highly recommended thing to do in Ubud as well. As for the cultural tour, the traditional dance performances at Ubud Palace are not to be missed.

1. Monkey Forest

One of the iconic attractions in Ubud to visit is the Sacred Monkey Forest. You may have seen the monkey selfies or the cheeky monkey videos in Bali on your social media. You can experience both here. But Monkey Forest is more than just home to 1,200 long-tailed macaques. It is also a conservation area featuring more than 115 species of trees. Inside the Monkey Forest are three Balinese temples and a cemetery, where religious ceremonies often take place.

Monkey and its baby in Ubud Monkey Forest

2. Enjoy The Stunning Views at Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The layered and unique irrigation system known as subak has become part of the Balinese identity since the 9th century. At Tegallalang Rice Terrace, this system sits front and centre as far as the eye can see. During the planting period in the wet season (from November to March), nothing beats the sprawling green colours of these rice terraces. You can also trek around the rice terraces or stop at some local-owned restaurants to catch your breath.

Woman is walking the path through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces

3. Shops for Handmade Crafts at Ubud Art Market

Visiting the Ubud Art Market is one of the best things to do in Ubud if shopping is high on your list. This is where local artisans show their handcrafted items, from keychains to statues and shirts to traditional kites. Whatever you’re looking for, chances are you can find it at Ubud Art Market. Do you enjoy haggling? Then Ubud Art Market is the ideal place to practice your bargaining skills and get the best price.

Woman is is taking a walk along handicraft shops at Ubud Art Market -

4. Explore the History and Beauty of Ubud Palace

One of the few royal palaces in Bali that are open for the public to visit, Ubud Palace is only a few feet away from Ubud Art Market. You can admire the intricate stone-carved details from the palace courtyard. The garden with tropical trees surrounding the courtyard feels like an oasis in the middle of Ubud. While the entrance fee is free, you will need to pay IDR 100K to see the traditional dance performance in the evening.

The front view of Ubud Palace

5. Take a Peaceful Walk Along Campuhan Ridge

Campuhan Ridge Walk is the place to go if you want a scenic walk in Ubud. For about 2 kilometres, you’ll walk through some of Ubud’s most lush greeneries and hills. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, this activity will give you a nice break from Ubud’s main street, which is usually full of people. At the end of the trek, you can find some local warungs to take a little break before heading back. There is a reason this is one of the most recommended things to do in Ubud.

Tourists are walking on Campuhan Ridge

6. Discover the Ancient Secret of Elephant Cave

Also known to locals as Goa Gajah, Elephant Cave is a religious archaeological spot in Ubud. The entrance resembles a monster with a giant mouth and is decorated with intricate stone carvings. The inside cave is not spacious, but you can find a Ganesha statue. There is also a bathing pool and some 100-year-old trees around the cave. As this is a sacred place, wearing appropriate dress when you visit Elephant Cave is important.

The entance to Elephant Cave in Ubud

7. Admire the Giant Angel Statues at Taman Dedari

Taman Dedari Sculpture Park is a sight to behold. Part of the Royal Pita Maha Hotel and Restaurant, the park showcases 50 impressive statues. Four of the statues are 10 metres tall, four are 4–5 metres, and the rest are smaller. The statues depict goddesses dancing with shawls and are placed close to the Ayung River. The entrance to this park is free; all you need to do is consume something at the restaurant with a minimal purchase of IDR 25K.

The giant statues at Taman Dedari, Ubud

8. Visit Tegenungan Waterfall

If you want to explore the waterfalls in Ubud, do not miss Tegenungan Waterfall. Only half an hour away from central Ubud, Tegenungan is one of the top waterfalls in Bali. Though surrounded by jungles, this attraction is easily accessible and does not require walking along challenging paths. The easy access makes Tegenungan Waterfall a must-stop when on a tour of Ubud. Plus, there are restaurants nearby where you can take a break from playing in the water.

The distant view of Tegenungan Waterfall with a lot of tourists

9. Experience Saraswati Temple

Who doesn’t enjoy a lotus pond in the towncentre of Ubud? Saraswati Temple is a temple with an intricate stone carving next to Starbucks Coffee. With the entrance fee of IDR 50K, you’ll get a sarong to wear, as this is still an area of worship. Although you cannot explore all parts of the temple, the detailed ornaments and the lotus pond in the courtyard are enough to take your breath away.

Decorated area of Saraswati Temple with Indonesians around

10. See the Carvings at Pura Gunung Kawi

One of the most impressive architectural wonders in Indonesia is Pura Gunung Kawi. The ten shrines are carved into the rock cliff at a height of seven meters. This monument from the 11th century was dedicated to King Anak Wungsu and his family. Surrounded by rice fields, jungle, and the Pakerisan River, Pura Gunung Kawi is a testament to Ubud’s image, where art and culture are intertwined.

Pura Gunung Kawi statue on the lake

11. Join a Ritual at Tirta Empul Temple

Melukat is a purification ceremony that has been done in Balinese for centuries. Why not have it a go while you’re in Ubud? Tirta Empul Temple is a temple complex just north of Ubud, built in the 10th century. It consists of a few bathing pools with spring water where you will be washing your body as a symbol to cleanse your soul from negative energy. Being one of the most popular destinations in Ubud, it is also an important and sacred place for Balinese.


Melukat ceremony at Tirta Empul Temple, Ubud

12. Meet Gentle Giants at Elephant Safari Park Lodge

For 20 years, Elephant Safari Park Lodge has set the standard for combining the conservation of elephants, a luxury eco-lodge, and a park. Whether you are staying or simply visiting the park, you will have the chance to interact and get familiar with the endangered species of Sumatran elephants. Don’t worry about animal cruelty, as Elephant Safari Park Lodge has strict measures and policies to ensure the well-being of each elephant in the park.

The elephants from Safari Park Lodge are refreshin themselves with water

13. Visit Bali Zoo

As the first zoo in Bali, there are more than 600 rare and exotic animals at Bali Zoo. You can find some of the endangered species, like orangutan, Bali Myna birds, and Sumatran tigers. This is not only a great place to visit with your little ones for educational purposes, but you can also participate in some activities. From breakfast with an orangutan to bathing the elephants, you’ll certainly have a lot of fun here.

Girl is feeding a lemur in Bali Zoo

14. Watch Kecak Dance at Pura Dalem Taman Kaja

There’s no need to go to Uluwatu to see the famous Kecak Dance. Every Wednesday and Saturday, starting at 7.30 PM, there is a Kecak Dance performance at Pura Dalem Taman Kaja in Ubud. With only 100K for the entrance, get ready for the enchanting performance of the dance based on the Ramayana story. Come 45 minutes before the show, as the open venue is always packed with spectators!

The Kecak Dance an the night in Ubud

15. Practice Yoga

There’s a reason why Ubud is the cultural and spiritual center in Bali. And if you’re into yoga, then Ubud is the right place to be. Whether you’re a novice or have done yoga for many years, there are many yoga classes and retreats for all levels. Yoga centers in Ubud often combine yoga classes with other wellness practices like meditation or healing, making it an ultimate destination for a spiritual journey in Bali.

The couple is praticing yoga on the grass

16. Relax with a Sound Healing Session

Through the power of sound, whether it’s from singing bowls or ancient chanting, prepare yourself for a transformative spiritual journey. Sound healing is believed to help you sleep better, reduce stress, and give a deeper relaxation than meditation. Many yoga centers in Ubud have sound healing sessions, and you can attend one of these to help balance your mind, body, and soul.

Singing bowl in the hands during the Sound Healing Session

17. Make Your Own Silver Jewelry

Celuk, a village in Ubud, is known for its incredible silver craftsmanship. Bring your own design, and take it to any of the local artisan shops in the area to get it made. The price is, of course, depending on the complexity and intricacies of your design. But rest assured that you will get your customized, high-quality jewelry in Celuk that you can take home with you.

Silver Jewelry crafting process in Ubud