Ubud located in the heart of Bali, Indonesia, is famous for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and friendly locals. It’s the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of the island. Ubud offers lots of activities and attractions that are sure to keep you entertained during your stay. Let’s dive into the 14 best things to do in Ubud Bali that will make your trip unforgettable.
Best Things To Do In Ubud
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Ubud Art Market
- Take a cooking class
- Mount Batur
- Goa Gajah Temple
- Trying Yoga
- Enjoy a SPA treatment
- Pura Taman Saraswati Temple
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Sacred Monkey Forest
- Neka Art Museum
- Agung Rai Museum of Art
- Pura Gunung Kawi
- Tirta Empul Water Temple
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the most iconic sights in Bali, with its verdant rice paddies cascading down the hillsides.
You can take a leisurely walk through the terraces, learn about the traditional irrigation system, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Ubud Art Market
The Ubud Art Market is a vibrant shopping destination where visitors can browse handmade crafts, clothing, and other souvenirs.
The market is located in the heart of Ubud and is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs to take home.
Take a cooking class
Bali is renowned for its cuisine, and a cooking class is a great way to learn about the local ingredients and cooking techniques.
You can take a class at one of the many cooking schools in Ubud and learn to make traditional dishes like nasi goreng and satay.
Mount Batur
Mount Batur is an active volcano located just a short drive from Ubud. You can hike to the summit to witness a stunning sunrise and enjoy panoramic views of the island.
It’s a challenging hike that usually starts early in the morning (around 3:00-4:00AM), but the views are definitely worth the effort.
Goa Gajah Temple
The Goa Gajah Temple is an ancient archaeological site that dates back to the 11th century.
You can explore the intricate carvings and rock formations, and learn about the temple’s history and significance in Balinese culture.
The entrance fee is 15,000 IDR per person (~1 USD) and sarong are available for free near the ticket counter.
Trying Yoga
Ubud is literally yogi heaven! Ubud is a famous spiritual destination, and you can immerse yourself in yoga and meditation practices.
Whether you prefer fast-paced vinyasa or gentle yin, you’ll find a class to suit you. There are many retreat centers and studios that offer classes and workshops for all levels of experience.
Enjoy a SPA treatment
You can’t talk about Bali without mentioning its luxurious spa treatments, and Ubud is no exception.
You can enjoy a range of treatments such as traditional Balinese massage, herbal scrubs, and flower baths. It’s the perfect way to unwind and relax after a day of exploring.
Pura Taman Saraswati Temple
The Pura Taman Saraswati Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess of learning and arts, Saraswati.
You can admire the temple’s stunning architecture and serene lotus pond in which you can bathe or drink the waters in order to get some of the power of the goddess.
There are also traditional Balinese dance performances held here at night. The temple is fully illuminated and is even more magical than during the day time.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a scenic hiking trail that offers stunning views of Ubud’s lush greenery and rice fields.
It’s a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the town, and a great way to connect with nature.
It’s a very popular place for locals and tourists, so you’ll find people walking with their dog, running, or to taking pictures of the scenery.
Sacred Monkey Forest
One of the most popular things to do in Ubud is to visit the Monkey Forest.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a nature reserve and Hindu temple complex that is home to around 900 monkeys.
You can take a guided tour of the sanctuary, learn about the monkeys’ behavior and habitat, and interact with them in a safe and responsible way.
Here’s how to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest.
Neka Art Museum
The Neka Art Museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
It houses a collection of Balinese and Indonesian art, as well as works by international artists.
The museum is set in beautiful gardens and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Ubud.
Agung Rai Museum of Art
The Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) is a cultural center that showcases traditional Balinese art and culture.
You can take part in workshops, attend performances, and explore the museum’s collection of art and artifacts.
Pura Gunung Kawi
The Gunung Kawi Temple is a stunning archaeological site that is often overlooked by travelers to Bali.
The temple is located in a lush river valley and features ten rock-cut shrines that are believed to be the tombs of Balinese kings.
The entrance fee is 50,000 IDR (~3.40 USD) and includes a sarong, which everyone must wear (just wrap it over your clothes).
Tirta Empul Water Temple
The Tirta Empul Temple is a Hindu temple that is known for its sacred spring water.
You can take part in a purification ritual in the temple’s holy waters, which are believed to have healing properties.
Best Time to Visit Ubud
The best time to visit Ubud is from June to September when the weather is dry and hot during the days and cooler at night which is very comfortable. Actually, you can visit Ubud all year round except during Bali rain season (from November to March).
Final thoughts
Ubud is a destination that definitely have something for everyone. From hiking and exploring ancient temples to shopping and enjoying relaxing spa treatments, there are countless possibilities to enjoy this amazing town. By including these top activities in your itinerary, you’ll get some great memories from Ubud and also a taste of Bali’s rich culture and natural beauty.
FAQ
I think, and most people traveling to Ubud agree that you need at least 2 complete days in Ubud to enjoy the main attractions in the town. The best being for me to spend 3 full days there because it will allow you to explore the Ubud surrounding areas in addition to the town.
Short answer – Yes, it’s totally safe to walk around the town of Ubud at night. Actually, Ubud is a very safe town, even during the day, with a low crime rate.
