Essential tips for 9 best things to do in Ubud while visiting one of the most beautiful village in the world. Since Bali became a popular tourist destination, Ubud has been one of its most well-known cities. It takes about 1.5 hours to get there from Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali. On your way to Ubud, you’ll pass by Kuta and Sanur tourist attractions as well as Denpasar city. As you approach Ubud, you’ll be surprised by how it exists in the midst of the dense jungle. The small city is bustling with activity, yet the giant trees with overhanging branches create a calm atmosphere.
Ubud’s center is small but packed with things to see and do. Despite the busy traffic and tightly packed shops, Ubud maintains a peaceful aura. Unlike Kuta’s lively party scene or Canggu’s laid-back surfer vibe, Ubud is all about health, cleanliness, and self-discovery.
There are many interesting places to visit in Ubud, including markets, palaces, jungles, temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces, as well as great cafes, restaurants, and luxury hotels. We suggest trying a bit of everything, from experiencing the natural beauty to immersing yourself in the local culture.
1. Visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Located just twenty minutes north of Ubud, Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of Bali’s most popular and photogenic attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts large and beautifully contoured rice paddies that are kept alive by an ancient and sophisticated irrigation system tended to by generations of farmers. Visitors are free to explore the area, taking a short stroll down to the bottom slopes, stopping at various viewing points or taking a break at an outdoor café.
2. Ubud Rice Field Walk
One of the highlights of visiting or residing in Ubud is the stunning and vast countryside located just a short distance from the town center. Going on one of the numerous Ubud walks through the rice fields and terraces in the surrounding area is a popular activity. The route takes approximately 45 minutes to walk and provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural surroundings, including birds, ducks, fields, and palm trees, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere of a village.
3. Visit The Sacred Ubud Monkey Forest
Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, also known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, is a sanctuary and natural habitat for Balinese long-tailed macaques. Located in Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali, it provides a natural living environment for the monkeys, who sleep and play in the banyan trees. You can visit their jungle home if you like. If you plan to spend a few days in Ubud, getting to the Monkey Forest is easy. It’s just a 20-minute walk south from the main tourist area, at the end of Monkey Forest Road. You can feed and take photos of the monkeys and even interact with them.
4. Visit Blanco Renaisance Museum
The Blanco Renaissance Museum, situated on a hilltop overlooking the verdant Campuhan valley, is a gallery and studio that belonged to the late Don Antonio Blanco. Known for his lithographs featuring nude Balinese women, the Filipino artist’s collection of paintings, collages and illustrated poetry, as well as his son Mario’s works, are on display here. The museum features a studio where Blanco used to paint and a gallery showcasing Mario’s art. You can also find a gift shop, a Balinese-style café serving European and Asian dishes, and the Blanco family temple on the museum grounds. Although the gallery’s collection may not be suitable for children, the palace-like gardens and courtyard, home to exotic birds and parrots, will undoubtedly delight young visitors.
5. Visit Goa Gajah Temple (Elephant Cave)
Located just outside the town of Ubud in Bali, the Goa Gajah Temple, also known as the Elephant Cave, is a cave that served as a sanctuary and place of spiritual meditation. The exact origins of the cave are unknown, but it is believed to have been built during the 11th century in the Bali Kingdom. The cave features both Hindu and Buddhist imagery, including symbols of Shiva and the image of Ganesha, as well as carved images of stupas and chatter by the nearby river. Today, the Goa Gajah Temple is a significant archaeological site for Hindus and visitors alike and can be reached in just 10 minutes from Ubud.
6. Join Yoga Class
Bali attracts numerous visitors who are looking for peace and tranquility away from the chaos of city life. In addition to its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and thrilling adventures, Bali offers a rich cultural experience that draws many tourists. Moreover, you can also soothe your mind and body by participating in yoga classes amidst the serene natural surroundings of Bali.
7. Enjoy View at Campuhan Ridge Walk
There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Ubud, including some wonderful walks through the village, rice fields, and beautiful natural areas. One of the top must-do walks is the Campuhan Ridge walk, which takes you through lush greenery and rolling hills. While this walk doesn’t feature rice fields and terraces, there are other walks that do. The Campuhan Ridge Walk follows a nice paved path along the ridge, showcasing Ubud’s natural side with its many trees and hilly terrain resembling a jungle or forest.
8. Visit Gunung Kawi Temple
Located in Tampaksiring, Bali, Indonesia, Gunung Kawi is a temple and funerary complex dating back to the 11th century. The temple consists of ten shrines carved into niches in the sheer cliff face, each standing at a height of 7 meters (23 feet). Referred to as Bali’s “Valley of the Kings,” Gunung Kawi Temple is a significant archaeological site that provides a glimpse into the island’s ancient past. The remarkable collection of weathered shrines carved into the cliffs is truly unique and among the most fascinating temples in Bali.
9. Shop at Ubud Art Market
The Ubud Art Market is definitely a must-visit destination for those who want to experience Bali’s cultural and artistic heritage. The market offers a wide range of items such as clothing, jewelry and handicrafts that represent the unique Balinese style. The art market is also an excellent place to engage with local people, learn more about Balinese culture, and practice your bargaining skills. It is worth noting that bargaining is a common practice in Bali, so be prepared before shopping to negotiate prices to get a good deal.
