When you hear Ubud, most of us immediately picture rice terraces, monkeys swinging through treetops, sunrise yoga, and a spiritual atmosphere that captivates you at first sight. In this guide, Ubud, Bali: 13 Best Things to Do and See, I’ll share the highlights. This small town in the heart of Bali is a place where Hindu temples sit alongside trendy cafes, and there’s truly a lot to do. Let’s take a look at 13 tips on what to see and do.
TL;DR
- The best time to visit is from May to September during the dry season, when temperatures are more pleasant and there is less rainfall.
- Stay either directly in the center (Yulia Village Inn), or in the countryside among the rice fields (Kumala Ubud Villa).
- Main attractions include Monkey Forest, Saraswati Temple, the Royal Palace, and walks along Campuhan Ridge Walk.
- Don’t miss nearby excursions to Gunung Kawi, the sacred Tirta Empul baths, and the Tegallalang rice terraces.
- Practical tips: Rent a scooter for easy travel, respect local culture by wearing a sarong in temples, and taste local specialties in warungs (local restaurants).
Ubud: where to Stay
Choosing accommodation in Ubud mainly depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. You essentially have two options, and both have their charms and advantages.
- Staying in the city center is ideal if you want to have everything within reach. You’ll be just a few minutes’ walk from the main attractions, restaurants, markets, and evening dance performances. Check out Abipraya Ubud and Yulia Village Inn Ubud.
- Accommodation in the countryside among the rice fields is something completely different — here you’ll experience true Balinese tranquility. Imagine waking up in the morning to views of endless green terraces where local farmers are working, while you sip coffee on your room’s terrace. Kumala Ubud Villa, for example, offers such accommodation.
Read also: What to See on Nusa Penida
Ubud, Bali: 13 Best Things to Do and See
Let’s take a look at 13 tips on what to see and do in Ubud.
Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary)
The Monkey Forest, right in the heart of Ubud, is a place you simply must visit. It’s not just a tourist attraction, but a truly sacred site with three 14th-century Hindu temples. Several hundred long-tailed macaques live here, and they’ve become accustomed to human presence, perhaps a bit too much. These clever monkeys can open a backpack zipper faster than you can, and they’re no strangers to mobile phones or glasses either.
When walking through the forest, remember that you are entering their home. While monkeys may look cuddly, they are still wild animals. It’s safest to keep your hands to yourself, avoid smiling at them, and definitely don’t offer them food — if they see you have something, they will immediately try to steal it. The forest is beautiful not only because of the monkeys; you’ll also find magnificent trees, moss-covered deity statues, and three temples.
Pura Taman Saraswati Temple
One of the most photographed temples in Bali is hidden just off Ubud’s main street. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, patroness of knowledge, art, and wisdom. The most beautiful aspect of this temple is its location. Access to it is via a bridge over a pond filled with pink and white lotus flowers. When the flowers are in bloom, it truly looks like something out of a fairy tale.
The best time to visit is early morning or before sunset, when the golden light is most beautiful and there are minimal tourists. The temple also comes alive every evening with traditional dance performances.
Royal Palace (Ubud Palace)
Ubud Palace, or Puri Saren Agung, stands in the very heart of the town and is a living testament to the region’s rich history. For centuries, the palace served as the seat of Ubud’s royal family, and some descendants still reside there today. The palace’s architecture showcases the best of Balinese art: intricately carved wooden pillars, golden adorned gates, and magnificent gardens filled with tropical plants.
During the day, you can explore the palace at your leisure and admire the detailed work of local artisans. However, the real magic begins after dusk, when the palace courtyard transforms into a theatrical stage. Various dance performances are held here every evening.
You might also be interested in: What to Do in Uluwatu
Campuhan Ridge Walk
If city life tires you out a bit, head to the Campuhan Ridge Walk — one of the most beautiful and comfortable treks around Ubud. This nine-kilometer trail will lead you along hill ridges with amazing views of green valleys, rice terraces, and tropical jungle.
You’ll find the starting point just a short distance from the city center; the trail is well-marked and easy, so anyone can manage it. The most beautiful time for the walk is early morning or late afternoon, when it’s not as hot. Along the way, you’ll encounter local villagers on scooters, pass by small shrines, and reach the Sari Organic restaurant, where you can enjoy a well-deserved fresh juice or lunch with views of the rice fields.
Traditional Art Market (Ubud Market)
Ubud Market is the heart of local commercial life. The market spans a large building and adjacent alleys right in the city center. You’ll find practically everything your heart desires here — hand-carved wooden statues, colorful textiles, leather goods, jewelry, spices, and traditional sarongs, which you’ll need for temple visits. Price negotiation here is an art in itself, and vendors expect prices to be discussed. Start by offering about a third of the asking price and gradually work your way to a fair amount that suits both parties.
Blanco Museum
On a hill above Ubud, overlooking the Campuhan Valley, you’ll find a museum dedicated to the life and work of painter Antonio Blanco. This Spanish-American artist fell in love with Ubud in the 1950s and lived here until his death in 1999. Blanco was primarily known for his portraits of beautiful Balinese women, but his work encompassed a wide spectrum, from oil paintings to collages and poetry.
The museum is housed in the very home where the painter lived and worked, offering a unique opportunity to glimpse into the artist’s world. Besides his paintings, you’ll also see his studio, the family temple, and magnificent gardens overlooking tropical valleys. Blanco’s son, Mario, also a painter, manages the museum, and sometimes you might be lucky enough to meet him in person.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
About ten kilometers north of Ubud, you’ll find the most photographed rice terraces in all of Bali: the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. They are the result of more than a millennium of rice cultivation tradition on mountain slopes. The terraces are managed by the Subak system, a traditional irrigation system listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sacred Tirta Empul Baths
About twenty minutes by scooter northeast of Ubud, you’ll find one of Bali’s most sacred Hindu temples: Tirta Empul. The name means “holy spring”, and the temple is indeed built around several springs that locals consider healing and purifying.
Every day, hundreds of devotees from all over Bali come here to ritually bathe in the sacred water. As a tourist, you can also participate in this ritual; simply rent a sarong and follow the instructions of other worshippers. You start at the first spring and gradually move through all of them, immersing your head in the water at each one and making a wish or prayer.
Gunung Kawi Valley of the Kings
About fifteen minutes’ drive from the sacred baths, you’ll find the archaeological gem of Gunung Kawi, a complex of 11th-century rock-cut tombs. The journey to them is an adventure in itself — you’ll need to descend nearly 300 steps through the Pakerisan River valley, pass by rice terraces, and cross a stone bridge over the river.
At the bottom, a true spectacle awaits: ten enormous tombs carved directly into the rock face, each around seven meters high. The tombs are not actual burial sites but symbolic monuments to the Udayana royal dynasty. The entire complex is surrounded by lush vegetation and has a very mystical atmosphere. On your way back, you can relax at one of the local cafes and enjoy fresh coconut water.
Yoga and Wellness
Ubud is a global mecca for yoga and wellness, so if you enjoy practicing, this is the place where it truly excels. You’ll find dozens of yoga studios in town, from traditional Balinese to modern international styles. The most famous is The Yoga Barn, a comprehensive center that hosts not only yoga classes but also meditation, dance, workshops, and retreat programs.
If you’re looking for something more intimate, head to smaller studios scattered throughout the town and its surroundings. Some are located right among the rice fields or in the tropical jungle, which adds an entirely different dimension to your practice.
Coffee Plantations and Tastings
The area around Ubud is full of coffee plantations where you can discover the fascinating world of Indonesian coffee, including the famous civet coffee, Kopi Luwak. Visiting a plantation is not only fun but also educational — you’ll learn how coffee is grown, processed, and prepared using traditional methods.
During the excursion, they’ll show you the entire process from coffee bush to cup. You can taste various types of coffee and tea, and often get a small free sample of Kopi Luwak, one of the world’s most expensive coffees. The most authentic experience can be found at smaller family-run plantations off the main tourist routes, where owners are happy to share their knowledge and traditions with you.
Cooking Classes
What better way to get to know the local culture than by learning to cook traditional Balinese dishes? In Ubud, you’ll find several excellent cooking schools offering both one-day courses and multi-day programs. Most courses begin with a visit to a local market, where you’ll get acquainted with exotic ingredients and spices. You can book a course online via GetYourGuide.
Afterward, you’ll move to a traditional Balinese kitchen, where you’ll learn to prepare classic dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), rendang (spiced meat), gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), or sate (grilled meat on skewers). The best part is that you get to eat everything you prepare, so you leave not only with new skills but also well-fed.
Ring Making
If you love silver jewelry, especially rings, like I do, then in Ubud you can make your very own from scratch. You choose the type of ring, and then local Balinese artisans will guide you through the entire production process. You’ll start with a small piece of silver, which you’ll heat, shape, decorate, sand, and polish yourself. And finally, you’ll take home an original souvenir.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Ubud?
The ideal period is from May to September during the dry season, when temperatures are more pleasant (24-30°C) and there is less rainfall. This way, you avoid the rainy season, which lasts from October to March.
How long to spend in Ubud?
A minimum of 2-3 days is sufficient if you want to see the main sights. For a thorough exploration of the town and nearby excursions, I recommend 4-5 days. If you’re seeking spiritual relaxation and want to attend some courses or a retreat, feel free to stay a week or longer.
Do I need a car in Ubud, or is walking enough?
Ubud’s center can be explored on foot, but for excursions to the surrounding areas (rice terraces, temples, waterfalls), a scooter or car is essential. A scooter can be rented for as little as 50,000 IDR (approx. 80 CZK) per day.
What to wear when visiting temples?
To enter temples, you must have your shoulders and legs covered. The most practical items are a sarong and a scarf, which you can buy at a local market or often rent at the temple entrance for a small fee.
Is Ubud safe for travelers?
Yes, Ubud is a very safe place. The biggest “danger” comes from the monkeys in Monkey Forest and heavy road traffic. Basic caution when riding a scooter and interacting with monkeys is entirely sufficient.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
