For many, Bali is the most enchanting place on earth. Where you wake up to only the sound of chirping birds, where you take a yoga class among the rice fields and where monkeys seem smarter than the average tourist. Yep, you guessed it – we're talking about the magical, of course Ubud!
It's time to stroll around with a coconut in one hand and a list of our 'must-do's' in the other. Let's discover together why this place is not only the heart of Bali, but also has a special place in the heart of every traveler who has ever been there. So, put on your jungle-proof sandals and discover the 10 best things to do in Ubud!
A holiday to Bali does not have to be expensive. Various discounters such as TUI and D-Reizen regularly offer significant discounts.
D-Travel has a separate Bali page where you can find all cheap trips to Bali from various discount airlines. TUI has an extremely popular 14-day tour (Bali Complete) that is often booked. Click on the buttons to view the current offer.
- Cheapest providers for Bali
- Including flights, hotels & transfers
- Fantastic price/quality ratio
Plan your holiday to Asia here
- Specific tours : Bali travel, Thailandtravel en Srilankatravel.com.
- Worldwide tours : TUI, Asiadirect, rickshaw travel, king monkey, sawadee, shoestring en Djoser.
- Flight tickets for Asia you book via Skyscanner.
- Hostels & Hotels in Asia you book with Hostelworld en Booking.com.
- Rental cars book yourself Sunnycars, Alamo en rental cars.
- Tours and Activities in Asia you book via GetYourGuide.
- travel items such as suitcases, bags and more you can buy at Bol.com.
- SIM cards and e-SIMs for Asia you can buy from International sim.
- Parking at the airport you can arrange via Parkos.
1. The Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Ah, the pearl among the rice terraces – those are the ones Tegalalang. As if Mother Nature herself has shaken out her painting palette over the hills of Bali. The Tegalalang Rice Terraces (location here) are just a 20-minute drive from the bustling center of Ubud. There are several entrances along the way and it is impossible to miss. But watch out! If you want to see the terraces without pushing your way through a crowd of tourists with selfie sticks and a blazing sun, get up early and make sure you get there on time.
Tip: Sneak into the rice fields through the back entrance at Warung Pak Damex (location here). But shhh – it's our secret to the ultimate Tegalalang Rice Terraces experience!
2. The sacred spring water of Pura Tirta Empul
Located about a 30 minute drive from Ubud Tirta Empul Temple (Location here). This sacred temple complex is known for its sacred spring water, which comes fresh from the ground and is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water. The water is said to have healing powers, making it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
If you want to participate in this special purification ritual, you can! You immerse your head in the 30 different stations, moving from left to right.
Entrance to the temple costs IDR 50.000 (about 3 euros). In addition to the sacred water pools, you can explore the complex's other beautiful structures, from golden shrines to courtyards. The temple also hosts various ceremonies and festivals throughout the year, giving you a glimpse of the rich Balinese culture.
Tip:: Visitors are expected to dress respectfully. That is why almost all temples provide sarongs to wear within the complex. Bear in mind the sacred nature of the temple and, above all, let yourself be carried away by the peaceful silence that reigns there.
3.Monkey Forest
In the middle of the city you will find a complete park without fences, where a gang of 'wild' monkeys spend their day (location here). Even if you're not a big fan of monkeys, the park is a must-do in Ubud for its scenic walking paths alone. This is the place to observe these mischievous monkeys up close and watch them interact with each other. The entrance fee is 50.000 IDR (about 3 euros).
A little more about those monkeys. Hundreds of gray macaques roam through Ubud's Monkey Forest. And because there are no fences, they chose this themselves. They're not really interested in you unless you have food with you. In that case, you better put on your running shoes 😉.
4. Campuhan Ridge Walk
You can't really say you've been to Ubud if you haven't Campuhan Ridge Walk (Location here) have walked. This walk is free, 2 kilometers long, wonderfully relaxing and beautiful during sunrise or sunset. That makes the Campuhan Ridgewalk perfect to end a day full of sightseeing. The walk starts at the Campuhan Bridge. From there, easily follow the trail and enjoy the panoramic views of Ubud's surrounding jungle-covered hills.
5. Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting in Ubud? Of course! Feel the adrenaline as you rush through the winding rapids of the Ayung River. Not only is it a great adventure, but you also discover a completely different side of Ubud full of beautiful nature and cooling waterfalls. And hey, if you're lucky, you might just come across a monkey curiously watching your raft speed by from the shore.
6. On Waterfall Adventure
Fancy a waterfall adventure in Ubud? Get on that scooter, here are some waterfalls that you can tackle all in one day:
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall (Location here): definitely the most Instagrammable waterfall near Ubud.
- Tibumana Waterfall (Location here): hidden deep in the jungle, Tibumana is one of the best waterfalls to explore in Bali.
- Sari Garden Waterfall (Location here): cool off in a beautiful place near Ubud? That is possible at Taman Sari. The spectacular emerald green pool is large and deep enough for a refreshing dip.
- fortune telling Waterfall (Location here): one of the largest waterfalls in Bali and more than an impressive spectacle and several 'swimming pools'.
Tip: Don't want to drive yourself? Rent here then easily find a day tour driver for next to nothing. This takes you everywhere you want.
7. Stroll through the Ubud Market
Every day, right in the heart of Ubud, you will find the lively and popular Ubud market (Location here). Where negotiating is an art and shopping an adventure. The traditional market is in full swing from 3.00am to 8.00am. Mainly a lot of vegetables and meat are sold. At 9.00am this turns into a lively market where you can find everything from handbags and sarongs to decorations and other essential souvenirs. Don't forget to bargain and, above all, smile a lot at all the pleasant sellers. Let the shopping begin!
8. Coffee Tasting among the Rice Fields
If, like us, you are a coffee lover, then it is a good idea to experience a coffee tasting at a coffee plantation in Ubud. There you can taste different types and colors of coffee. There are plenty of places where you can do this in Ubud.
They often also serve a cup of Kopi Luwak. That type of coffee in which the beans are pooped out by a sweet little luwak animal, but we do not recommend this because of the animal suffering behind it.
Tip: A tasting is usually free, but it is polite to purchase something or make a small donation as a thank you.
9. Climb Mount Batur
We understand all too well that sleeping in is almost equivalent to a holiday. But trust us, for heaven's sake, make an exception Mount Batur (Location here)! Climb this sacred volcano for breathtaking 360-degree views of Bali. Rising high above the landscape, it is the perfect place to watch the sunrise.
The relatively easy trek requires an early start, with most tour companies picking you up from your Ubud accommodation around 2am. This gives plenty of time to drive to the starting point and climb the mountain for the impressive sunrise. Depending on your fitness level, it will take about two hours to reach the top, making it an approximately 4-hour round-trip adventure.
Tip: Choose an overnight stay near Mount Batur, in Kintamani. And then at Sunrise Hill, for a glamping experience that will delight you! View the accommodation here.
10. Cooking class with an Indonesian Family
In Indonesia they have an incredibly tasty and unique cuisine. Would you like to learn more about Balinese culture and the island's traditional cooking methods? Then definitely book a cooking class in Ubud.
After a visit to the local market, where you collect all the ingredients you need. A seasoned chef shares the secrets of authentic Balinese cuisine. This way you never have to buy a jar of Weiko peanut sauce again, but you can make the most delicious peanut sauce yourself!
A holiday to Bali does not have to be expensive. Various discounters such as TUI and D-Reizen regularly offer significant discounts.
D-Travel has a separate Bali page where you can find all cheap trips to Bali from various discount airlines. TUI has an extremely popular 14-day tour (Bali Complete) that is often booked. Click on the buttons to view the current offer.
- Cheapest providers for Bali
- Including flights, hotels & transfers
- Fantastic price/quality ratio
Plan your holiday to Asia here
- Specific tours : Bali travel, Thailandtravel en Srilankatravel.com.
- Worldwide tours : TUI, Asiadirect, rickshaw travel, king monkey, sawadee, shoestring en Djoser.
- Flight tickets for Asia you book via Skyscanner.
- Hostels & Hotels in Asia you book with Hostelworld en Booking.com.
- Rental cars book yourself Sunnycars, Alamo en rental cars.
- Tours and Activities in Asia you book via GetYourGuide.
- travel items such as suitcases, bags and more you can buy at Bol.com.
- SIM cards and e-SIMs for Asia you can buy from International sim.
- Parking at the airport you can arrange via Parkos.
