16 Best Things To Do in Ubud, Bali

Things to do in Ubud, Bali

1. Tegalalang Rice Terraces

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of our favorites in Bali. Countless layers of rice fields spread across the hills, lined by the island’s luscious jungles — it’s pretty magical!

• Entrance fee: 50,000 IDR per person (3 USD).
• Duration: We stayed for an hour or two wandering between the different levels.
• Best time: We came first thing in the morning, which is when they’re quietest (best before 10 AM).
• Location: 20-minute drive from Ubud. The entrance is located on the side of the road. From there, walk down the valley towards the Tegalalang rice terraces. Please stay on the path and respect the local farmers.

Note that drivers will usually take you to Uma Ceking Terraces instead of the official Tegalalang, which is slightly cheaper but busier.

On the outskirts, there are the iconic jungle swings and plenty of small cafes, both of which offer stunning views over the rice terraces. Our favorite spot is Tis Cafe, which has a swimming pool too! (Book your table online here)

2. The Holy Spring Water of Pura Tirta Empul

Pura Tirta Empul is a sacred temple complex known for its holy spring water, fresh from the ground. The water here is believed to have healing powers, so we came to cleanse ourselves in the pools and dip our heads under the 30 different stations, moving from left to right.

• 30 minutes from Ubud
• 75,000 IDR (4,50 USD) entry fee
• Sarongs provided on arrival

3. Ancient Bali: Pura Gunung Kawi

Pura Gunung Kawi is an ancient temple complex just 20 minutes from Ubud. About a thousand years ago, these 7-meter-high shrines were carved straight into the rock face; it’s one of the oldest and most unique places on the island!

We walked down a long flight of stairs to reach the lush river valley below, admiring these ancient remnants and the surrounding rice paddies. It costs 50,000 IDR (3 USD) to enter.

Book a local driver or tour Contact our friend Yande with his Bali Friend Tour team. We've done countless incredible trips with him in the last 6 years!

Contact on Whatsapp

4. Monkey Forest Ubud

One of our favorite things to do in Ubud is to experience the famous Ubud Monkey Forest. It’s right in the center of town, but this peaceful park (without a fence) is where hundreds of cheeky monkeys spend their days roaming free among ancient trees and temples.

We spent about 2 hours here, walking around the park. The entrance fee is 130,000 IDR (7.50 USD). But you could also book a combo tour of Ubud’s most popular sites, including the Monkey Forest.

Note: In the past, the monkeys have not been very interested in us. But we have heard that they can be a bit cheeky at times, stealing sunglasses or other belongings. We recommend sticking to the park rules and keeping your belongings safely out of sight.

5. Campuhan Ridge Walk

At sunset, we went for a beautiful hike over Campuhan Ridge. This 2-kilometer trail is close to the center of Ubud and offers incredible panoramic views of the jungle-covered hills.

We followed the trail from this location, right next to the Pura Gunung Lebah temple. The path winds through lush scenery, rice paddies, and small villages, and was definitely one of our favorite free things to do in Ubud!

6. Visit the Waterfalls (Our Top Tip!)

Some of the best waterfalls in Bali are in the central part of the island, close to Ubud. The waterfalls are the best spot for a refreshing swim, but getting down to the pools usually means a steep, slippery path. Learn from our mistake, and always wear comfortable (good grip) shoes.

Kanto Lampo (Local’s Top Tip)

• 40 minutes from Ubud. Here is the location
• From the parking lot, it only took us a few minutes to walk down
• One of the most popular ones to climb
• Very popular with locals at weekends, so we recommend visiting during the week
• The pool area in front of the rocks is good for swimming

Tibumana Waterfall 

• 15 minutes further from Kanto Lampo. Here is the exact location
• Easy walk to the bottom
• Very strong waterfall here, so be careful (we saw a few people slip)

Tegenungan Waterfall

• The closest waterfall to Ubud (just a 15-minute drive!). Get directions
• A 15-meter-tall stream that flows over a cliff into the pool below
• Steep stairs to the bottom, but doable in good shoes
• Beautiful viewpoints surrounding the waterfall

Good to know: One of our biggest surprises when we visit Bali is the trash problem. Be mindful of your surroundings and the environment, and clean up after yourself (we often bring a bag to collect trash). Learn more about sustainable travel.

7. Goa Gajah, Elephant Cave

This small temple was such a surprise! It features a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, with an intricately carved elephant statue into the rock face. We found it super easy to get there from Ubud (it took us about 15 minutes on a scooter).

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8. Ubud Water Palace

We stumbled across the ancient Ubud Water Palace hidden behind a modern Starbucks! Look out for the intricate carvings and beautiful pavilions sticking out above the other buildings.

The Hindu temple is surrounded by water and beautiful pink lotus flowers — such a peaceful spot in central Ubud. We came in the day, but if you can, revisit at night, when dance performances are often held.

We also had a delicious lunch at Cafe Lotus within the temple grounds, which has the best view of the temple and surrounding water features. Reserve your table here.

Entrance fee: 60,000 IDR (3,50 USD). It’s best to book your tickets in advance, as entry is limited once it becomes too busy.

9. Tubing or White Water Rafting

Tubing and white water rafting are some of our favorite things to do in Ubud! We came on an organized tour with a group of friends, and we highly recommend it (contact our friend Yande to book this experience).

• Float down the river in a large inflatable tube or an inflatable raft
• You’ll have an experienced guide who will tackle the river rapids
• Both tours took around 6 hours (we were there from 8 AM – 2 PM)
• Costs range from 445,000 IDR (30 USD) to 600,000 IDR (40 USD)

10. Relax at a Pool Bar (Hannah’s Top Tip!)

There are so many relaxing pool bars in Ubud that have stunning views of the rice paddies and surrounding forests. We usually rent a lounger or sunbed (and an umbrella), and soak up the sun for a few hours. The perfect lazy day activity! A few of our favorites are:

11. Shop at the Ubud Art Market

Ubud Art Market used to be one of our personal favorites on the island, selling local artwork and handcrafted goods. However, these days it’s a much more modern souvenir market. That said, we still think it’s worth a stop if you have time!

It’s split into two parts: the traditional market, which is in full swing from 3 AM, where veggies and meat are sold. However, from 10 AM – 5 PM, it becomes the lively Art Market (these times are more of a guideline; if there are people around, the market will stay open).

Good to know: Bargaining is very common in Bali, so be prepared to negotiate. We always bring a bit of cash, as some vendors don’t accept cards.

12. Ubud Rice Fields Walk

One of the lesser-known things to do in Ubud is to go on the relaxing rice field walk. This route runs along a path between the stunning rice fields and farms outside Ubud and usually takes us around 45 minutes to complete. Here’s the exact route.

Dinner between the rice fields 

On this route through the Ubud rice fields, we always stop halfway to have a delicious dinner at Sari Organik or Sweet Orange Restaurant. These are two of our favorite dinner spots in Ubud! They serve local classics accompanied by incredible views over the lush rice paddies.

13. Stay at a Bamboo House

For a unique experience, spend a few nights in a bamboo house in Bali tucked between the diverse landscapes of Ubud.

We recently stayed in Bambootel Sawah View, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. Built only with natural resources, it was the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s busier towns. 

Our favorite hotels in Ubud 😴

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Bambootel Sawah View

Ubud

Bambu Indah Resort

Ubud

Eco Six

Ubud

Ulaman Eco Resort

Ubud

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Check available hotels

Check available hostels

14. Hike up Mt. Batur

We’ve hiked to the top of the sacred Mount Batur several times, and the 360-degree views are hard to beat, especially at sunrise.

• Difficulty: Relatively easy
• Time: It took us around 2 hours to reach the summit (a 4-hour round-trip)
• Guide needed? Yes, you have to book a guide/tour to do this volcano hike. We recommend booking with our friend Yande; he’ll pick you up around 2 AM to arrive in time for sunrise.
• What’s included: Transport, a guide, and breakfast and coffee at the summit!
• Packing list: Warm layers, good hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks

Book a local driver or tour Contact our friend Yande with his Bali Friend Tour team. We've done countless incredible trips with him in the last 6 years!

Contact on Whatsapp

Tip: If you don’t want to do a four-hour hike, head to Pinggan, a rural farming village on a mountain ridge with many viewpoints overlooking Mount Batur. We really liked this for an alternative view of the volcano itself.

15. Join a Cooking Class

Indonesian cuisine is one of our absolute favorites, and joining a cooking class in Ubud is one of the best ways to learn (and try!) local dishes. Previous experiences we’ve booked have included a visit to a local market where you pick the ingredients, followed by a lesson from an experienced chef.

16. Join a Bali Local Tour

One of the best experiences we’ve ever had in Bali was a cultural tour with our local friend Yande. His family welcomes you into their traditional home for a real Balinese day: visiting the market, cooking breakfast, making offerings at the temple, and ending at a secret jungle waterfall. Just ask for pickup from Ubud when you book this experience.

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Ubud, Bali

We’ve eaten at so many great warungs (family restaurants) and international restaurants in Ubud. A few of our favorites are:

Where to Stay in Ubud

We’ve visited Ubud on a day trip before, but our best experiences have always been when we’ve stayed overnight. On our last visit, we stayed in this incredible bambootel, which we highly recommend!

Our favorite hotels in Ubud 😴

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Sapodilla Ubud

Ubud

Sunshine Vintage House

Ubud

Kayon Jungle Resort

Ubud

See available hotels in Ubud

Check available hotels

Check available hostels

The center of Ubud is the best for shopping and restaurants. But we tend to stay in the village of Penestanan or the lush region of Tegalalang for something more peaceful.

How Many Days in Ubud?

We recommend 3-4 days to fully experience both the town and the surrounding nature (check out events in Ubud for your trip). It’s also a great base for exploring other locations in Bali!

How to Visit Ubud

Ubud is a 1-hour drive from Bali’s International Airport and popular towns like Canggu and Seminyak. However, the roads are busy, so it usually takes a bit longer to get there. To get there, book a tour, arrange a private car, a shared van, or a taxi. 

There’s also a public bus service operating between Denpasar and Ubud, intended to reduce on-road traffic. The Teman Bus runs daily from 5 AM to 7 PM, and tickets can be booked through its app.

Getting Around

By Motorbike

For us, the best way to get around Ubud is always by motorbike, and the lush surroundings make it even better! That said, Nick is a pretty experienced driver now, so if it’s your first time or you’re not very confident, we wouldn’t recommend it. The roads are good (mainly one-way to reduce congestion), but many accidents still happen among visitors who aren’t used to the heavy traffic.

Motorbike rental: We usually pay around 50,000-100,000 IDR (3-7 USD) per day. 

By Private Driver or Tour

Private drivers in Bali are a great option if you don’t want the hassle of organizing your own travel around the island. Alternatively, book a guided tour, which usually includes several points and a local guide. (You can book tours with our friend Yande on WhatsApp at +62-881-363-9848)

How Much Does Ubud Cost?

Though it’s a popular tourist destination, we find Ubud generally more affordable than places like Canggu and Seminyak. Although prices may be slightly higher during the high season (June – August). 

Best Time to Visit Ubud, Bali 

We last visited Ubud in January, which is typically the wettest month, but we loved it! You just get heavy showers a couple of times a day, and the rest of the time it’s just extra luscious. Plus, after New Year’s passes, it’s quieter than usual.

The best time to visit Bali is June-September. It’s the busiest time, but Ubud sees less rain during these months, which makes exploring easier.