Planning a trip to Ubud, Bali? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Located in the central highlands of Bali, Ubud is a popular destination with stunning waterfalls, lush green rice fields, and a rich cultural heritage that mesmerizes everyone who visits, Ubud offers a myriad of experiences for every traveler.
From exploring ancient temples to indulging in rejuvenating wellness activities, there's no shortage of things to do in this enchanting town. In this guide, we've compiled a list of the top 20 best things to do in Ubud. Check them out below!
1. Monkey Forest Ubud
Embark on a thrilling adventure at Ubud Monkey Forest, where tourists can meet the island's cutest primates. Inside the Ubud Monkey Forest, the monkeys live in their natural habitat amidst ancient temples and lush trees. More than 700 long-tailed monkeys freely roam the forest, swinging, eating, and doing their monkey thing. Watch their antics and keep the whole family entertained for hours! Expect to spend about 2 hours here, strolling around the park. The entrance fee is IDR 50,000 per person.
2. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Marvel at the mesmerizing beauty of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, where the terraced rice fields create a stunning backdrop for strolls and beautiful photo opportunities. Visit when the sun is just rising, bathing the rice fields in a beautiful glow.
3. Explore Ubud Art Market
Experience Bali's colorful art culture by stopping by Ubud Market! Not your typical market, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs made by local artisans. This one is very busy, jam-packed with fresh meat and food from 3 am to 8 am, and turns into a bustling art market at 9 am! Find traditional goods, and even buy your own Balinese bag as a souvenir.
4. Experience the Campuhan Ridge Walk
Start a quiet walk and enjoy your journey while enjoying the sunset at Campuhan Ridge Walk. This lush and scenic road is a popular spot known for its stunning hillside views and gentle paths, perfect for cycling, leisurely strolls, and taking gorgeous photos at sunset.
5. Visit the Goa Gajah Temple
Discover the ancient mystery of Goa Gajah Temple, also known as Goa Gajah, This small temple with a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture features an elephant statue carved into the rock face. Goa Gajah is an impressive meditation cave and an important cultural site in Bali. It is located just 6 kilometers south of the city and can be easily reached by tourists, and the entrance fee is IDR 50,000 per person.
6. Unwind with a Spa Day
Treat yourself to a luxurious spa day and indulge in traditional Balinese massages, scrubs, and wellness treatments to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
7. Attend a Traditional Balinese Dance Performance
Immerse yourself in Balinese culture with mesmerizing dance performances, featuring traditional music, elaborate costumes, and captivating storytelling. Traditional dances in Bali include Kecak Fire Dance, Barong Dance and Keris Dance, Legong Dance, Line Dance, and others. Tickets for the Ubud Kecak & Fire Dance Show start from IDR 100,000 per person.
8. Discover Puri Agung Ubud
Step back in time at the Ubud Royal Palace, where you can admire the ornate architecture, lush gardens, and historical artifacts dating back to Bali's royal era.
9. Discover Hidden Waterfalls
Bali is known for having some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia. Embark on a thrilling adventure to discover a hidden waterfall nestled amidst the lush jungle landscape of Ubud, offering a refreshing dip and scenic natural beauty.
10. Take a Cooking Class
Learn the art of Balinese cuisine by taking a hands-on cooking class, where you can explore local markets, prepare traditional dishes, and enjoy the authentic flavors of Balinese cuisine. At Balitri, we have partnered with a professional cooking class service. The normal class costs 700k/person minimum of 2 people This includes all materials and explanations is available in English and Bahasa.
11. Visiting the Blanco Renaissance Museum
Explore the artistic legacy of Antonio Blanco at the Blanco Renaissance Museum, where vibrant paintings, sculptures, and artifacts showcase the artist's life and work. The Blanco Renaissance Museum is located on the street of Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali. The entrance ticket to the Blanco Renaissance Museum is IDR 100,000.
12. Hike to Mount Batur
Embark on a thrilling climb to the top of Mount Batur to enjoy incredible 360-degree views across Bali. The mountain towers over the surrounding landscape, making it the perfect place to watch the sunrise. Look out for the pink and orange clouds drifting far below, or check out the endless valleys that stretch between the island's green forests. Balitri has a Hike to Mount Batur hiking tour service that you can learn more about here.
13. Discover Street Art in Ubud
Wander the streets and alleys of Ubud to discover vibrant murals, graffiti art, and street installations that showcase the creative spirit and artistic expression of the city.
14. Attend a Yoga Retreat
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by attending a rejuvenating yoga retreat in Ubud, where you can practice mindfulness, meditation, and yoga amidst the serene nature. There are several places we recommend for these yoga retreats, which you can find here.
15. Explore a Coffee Plantation in Ubud
Take a tour of a coffee plantation and learn the traditional methods of coffee production, from bean to cup, while enjoying freshly brewed Balinese coffee and exotic blends. Here are the top 5 recommendations for Coffee Plantations in Ubud.
1. Satria Agrowisata 2
2. Bali Pulina plantation
3. Alas Harum Agrotourism
4. Seniman Coffee Studio
5. Munduk Moding Plantation & Resort
16. The Holy Spring of Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul Temple is a sacred temple complex famous for its holy spring water, fresh from the ground. The water here is believed to have healing powers, making it a popular spot among locals and tourists looking to cleanse themselves in the pool. And the entrance ticket to this temple costs IDR 50,000.
17. Discover Traditional Balinese Architecture
Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of traditional Balinese architecture as you explore the ancient temples, palaces, and sacred sites scattered throughout Ubud and the surrounding villages.
18. Embark on a Cycling Tour
Explore the beautiful countryside of Ubud on a leisurely cycling tour, where you can pedal through lush rice fields, traditional villages, and beautiful rural landscapes. Balitri has a cycling tour service that you can learn more about here.
19. Indulge in Balinese Cuisine
Savor the authentic flavors of Balinese cuisine at Ubud's local restaurants, where you can sample delicacies such as fried rice, babi guling, and Ayam Betutu (Chicken). The price of 1 portion of Ayam Betutu varies greatly, ranging from Rp. 64,000 for half a bird and Rp. 100,000 for 1 chicken. Here are 5 recommendations for the most popular and delicious Balinese Ayam Betutu in Bali.
1. Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh
2. Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk
3. Ayam Betutu Mek Nengah
4. RM Ayam Betutu Pak Man
5. Warung Betutu Liku
20. Other best things to do in Ubud, Relax by the Pool
Relax and unwind by the pool at one of Ubud's luxury resorts, where you can soak up the sun, enjoy a refreshing cocktail, and admire the stunning panoramic views of Bali. Many villas in Ubud offer swimming pool facilities in the villa, Balitri is one of the villas with a swimming pool that has a beautiful view of Ubud and offers a lot of facilities that you can enjoy with your family or friends.
With a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and an endless array of activities, Ubud offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Whether you're exploring ancient temples, indulging in wellness activities, or simply enjoying the beauty of the Balinese countryside, Ubud has something to offer for every traveler. So pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the cultural heart of Bali.