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Welcome to Ubud: the heart of Bali’s cultural soul.
Nestled among lush rice terraces and misty jungles, Ubud offers a perfect mix of nature, spirituality, art, and adventure. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, joining a sunrise yoga class, exploring ancient temples, or just sipping fresh coconut in a quiet café, Ubud invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-do activities and top places to visit in Ubud from sacred sites to scenic walks and hidden gems.
Ready to discover what makes this place so magical?
In this blog, you’ll discover the top things to do in Ubud, grouped into three main categories:
📝 Why Ubud is the Cultural and Spiritual Heart of Bali?
While Bali is filled with sun-soaked beaches and surf towns, Ubud offers something deeper a connection to the island’s soul. Located in central Bali, Ubud has long been known as the island’s cultural and spiritual hub. Here, you won't find massive beach clubs or late-night parties; instead, you'll discover centuries-old temples, sacred rituals, lush jungle landscapes, and an atmosphere that invites reflection and healing.
Artists, yogis, and seekers from all over the world are drawn to Ubud’s creative and peaceful energy. It’s where Balinese traditions are most alive from daily offerings and temple ceremonies to handcrafted art and community festivals.
Unlike coastal hotspots like Seminyak or Canggu, Ubud moves at its own rhythm. And that rhythm is slower, softer, and for many travelers far more meaningful.
🌿 Nature & Scenic Experiences in Ubud
1. Wander Through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Just a 20-minute drive from central Ubud, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of Bali’s most iconic and Instagrammable landscapes. Lush green steps of rice fields stretch across the hills like a living painting.
You can explore narrow walking paths, sip coconut at a cliffside café, or simply sit and take in the silence (except for the occasional rooster!). It’s also a great spot to learn about subak, the traditional Balinese irrigation method.
- ✅ Perfect for: Photographers, nature lovers, and couples hunting for romantic views
- 📸 Don’t miss: Early morning light for the softest golden glow
- 💵 Entrance fee: IDR 15,000 ($1 USD)
- Website
2. Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk
Water crashes into a wide pool below, where you can swim, take epic photos, or simply enjoy the thunderous ambiance.
There are cafés with waterfall views, changing areas, and multiple viewing decks for the perfect shot.
- ✅ Perfect for: Adventure couples, families, and hot-day explorers
- 💦 Don’t miss: Climbing to the upper viewpoint for a birds-eye look
- 💵 Entrance fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.30 USD)
- Website
3. Cool Off at Tegenungan Waterfall
Unlike many waterfalls in Bali that require serious hiking, Tegenungan is easily accessible and powerful! Water crashes into a wide pool below, where you can swim, take epic photos, or simply enjoy the thunderous ambiance.
There are cafés with waterfall views, changing areas, and multiple viewing decks for the perfect shot.
- ✅ Perfect for: Adventure couples, families, and hot-day explorers
- 💦 Don’t miss: Climbing to the upper viewpoint for a birds-eye look
- 💵 Entrance fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.30 USD)
4. Feel the Rush at a Bali Jungle Swing
There’s nothing quite like flying over the jungle on a massive swing — adrenaline, beauty, and Instagram bragging rights all in one go. Ubud’s jungle swings offer spectacular views over rice terraces and forest canyons.
Many locations offer more than just swings: sky nests, heart-shaped photo spots, zip lines, and welcome drinks are often included.
- ✅ Perfect for: Thrill-seekers, content creators, and honeymooners
- 📸 Tip: Bring a flowing dress or sarong — rental available on-site
- 💵 Price range: IDR 150,000–300,000 (~$10–$20 USD) depending on the package
- Website
🛕 Temples & Culture: Ubud’s Spiritual & Artistic Side
5. Visit the Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung)
Right in the heart of Ubud, the Ubud Royal Palace is more than just a photo stop — it’s a glimpse into the island’s royal heritage. The beautifully preserved stone carvings and traditional Balinese architecture make it a peaceful and impressive spot to explore.
In the evenings, the palace courtyard transforms into a cultural stage, with nightly dance performances featuring gamelan music and traditional costumes.
- ✅ Perfect for: Culture lovers, photographers, and first-time Bali visitors
- 🎭 Don’t miss: The nightly Legong dance show, tickets sold at the gate
- 💵 Entrance: Free to enter the courtyard, performance tickets ~IDR 100,000
6. Join a Purification Ritual at Tirta Empul Temple
One of Bali’s most sacred water temples, Tirta Empul is famous for its holy spring water where locals and visitors alike take part in melukat, a traditional purification ritual. Lined with 30 spouts, each water stream is said to cleanse different parts of your spirit and body.
Even if you don’t join the ritual, the spiritual atmosphere and peaceful temple grounds are deeply moving.
- ✅ Perfect for: Spiritual travelers, wellness seekers, anyone needing a reset
- 🧘 Tip: Bring a change of clothes if you plan to enter the water. Sarongs are available on-site.
- 💵 Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 ($3 USD)
7. Browse the Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud)
Directly across from the Royal Palace, the Ubud Art Market is your go-to for handmade Balinese goods, from woven bags and silk scarves to wood carvings and dreamcatchers. It’s colorful, chaotic, and a true cultural experience in itself.
Haggling is part of the fun here, and mornings tend to be less crowded.
- ✅ Perfect for: Shoppers, souvenir hunters, boho-style lovers
- 🛍️ Hidden gem: The indoor section in the back has quieter stalls and unique finds
- 💵 Tip: Start by offering half the asking price — bargaining is expected!
8. Explore Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Despite its name, you won’t find elephants here — but you will discover a mysterious cave entrance carved with demonic faces, lush temple grounds, bathing pools, and centuries of history. Dating back to the 11th century, Goa Gajah blends Hindu and Buddhist elements and feels like a real-life Indiana Jones set.
It’s a relatively quick visit (30–45 mins), but incredibly atmospheric.
- ✅ Perfect for: History buffs, spiritual explorers, and curious wanderers
- 🐘 Fun fact: The name "Elephant Cave" likely comes from the nearby river, once called Elephant River
- 💵 Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 ($3 USD)
- 🧣 Note: Sarong required (included with ticket)
🧘♀️ Yoga, Wellness & Spiritual Experiences in Ubud
9. Take a Class at The Yoga Barn
The Yoga Barn is one of the most iconic yoga and healing centers not just in Ubud but in all of Southeast Asia. Tucked away in a lush jungle oasis just a few minutes from central Ubud, it offers daily yoga, meditation, breathwork, and holistic healing sessions for all levels.
Whether you're a beginner or a lifelong yogi, you'll find a class that suits your mood — from gentle yin to dynamic vinyasa.
- ✅ Perfect for: Wellness seekers, spiritual travelers, digital detoxers
- 🌿 Tip: Arrive early to chill at the café or book a massage after class
- 💵 Drop-in class: Around IDR 140,000 (~$9 USD)
- More Details About Classes
10. Join a Sound Healing Session at the Pyramids of Chi
Ubud is filled with places offering sound healing, a powerful meditative experience using gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, and crystal vibrations. One of the most popular spots is the Pyramids of Chi, where sessions take place inside geometric sound chambers shaped like pyramids.
Expect to lie down, close your eyes, and be taken on a deeply relaxing inner journey.
- ✅ Perfect for: Anyone feeling stressed, anxious, or spiritually curious
- 🔮 Vibe: Cosmic, calming, and a little bit magical
- 💵 Session price: Around IDR 250,000–350,000 (~$15–$25 USD)
- Website
11. Detox with a Wellness Retreat
Ubud is the wellness capital of Bali, and there’s no shortage of multi-day retreats that include yoga, plant-based meals, spa treatments, and emotional healing. Whether you're looking for a juice cleanse, chakra realignment, or just time offline, there’s a retreat for you.
Popular options range from luxury eco-resorts to budget-friendly jungle bungalows.
- ✅ Perfect for: Burnt-out professionals, solo travelers, soul searchers
- 🌺 Tip: Look for retreats that include excursions to waterfalls or temples for a deeper connection to Bali
- 📅 Best time: Many retreats offer 3–7 day packages — book ahead!
🍛 Famous Balinese Dishes & Drinks to Try in Ubud
Curious about what to eat in Ubud? Here’s a quick list of the most iconic local foods and drinks you should taste while exploring Bali’s cultural capital:
🥘 Traditional Balinese Dishes
- Nasi Campur – A mixed rice plate with vegetables, meats, tofu, tempeh, sambal, and a boiled egg. No two are the same!
- Babi Guling – Spit-roasted suckling pig, usually served with crispy skin, rice, and spicy sides. A Balinese specialty!
- Bebek Betutu – Slow-cooked duck marinated in rich Balinese spices, wrapped in banana leaf and roasted for hours.
- Lawar – A mix of minced meat, grated coconut, and spices. Often spicy and served fresh.
- Mie Goreng / Nasi Goreng – Fried noodles or rice with vegetables, egg, and optional meat. Simple, cheap, satisfying.
- Satay Lilit – Minced chicken or fish mixed with coconut and spices, wrapped around lemongrass sticks and grilled.
- Tipat Cantok – Steamed rice cakes with peanut sauce, usually served cold — a favorite street snack.
🍹 Popular Local Drinks
- Jamu Kunyit Asam – Traditional herbal tonic made with turmeric, tamarind, and palm sugar. Great for digestion!
- Es Cendol – Shaved ice dessert-drink with coconut milk, green rice jelly, and palm sugar syrup. Refreshing and sweet.
- Kopi Bali (Balinese Coffee) – Strong, unfiltered coffee usually served black and thick. Try it at a plantation!
- Coconut Water (Kelapa Muda) – Fresh from the coconut, served cold with a straw. Nature’s electrolyte drink.
- Arak Bali – Local rice spirit — very strong and usually homemade. Try in cocktails, not shots!
☕ Top Warungs & Cafés in Ubud
Whether you're craving traditional Balinese food or a stylish plant-based brunch, Ubud has it all. Here are some of the most popular and well-loved spots to eat and relax:
🍛 Top Local Warungs (Authentic & Affordable)
Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka
- Legendary spot for babi guling (roast suckling pig). Anthony Bourdain ate here — enough said.
- 📍 Location: Near Ubud Palace
- 💵 Price: ~$3–5 USD
Warung Mendez
- Home-style Balinese and Indonesian dishes in a cozy setting. Great for bebek betutu and nasi campur.
- 📍 Location: Penestanan area
- 💵 Price: ~$2–4 USD
Warung Pondok Madu
- Small but hugely popular for grilled meats, flavorful local sauces, and chill vibes.
- 📍 Location: Jalan Jero Gadung
- 💵 Price: ~$3–5 USD
Fair Warung Bale
- Serves tasty fusion food for a cause — proceeds fund healthcare programs for locals. Delicious AND meaningful.
- 📍 Location: Jalan Sriwedari
- 💵 Price: ~$4–6 USD
🥑 Popular Cafés & Vegan Spots in Ubud
Zest Ubud
- A breathtaking jungle-view café offering high-vibe vegan food with artistic flair. Think smoothie bowls, vegan sushi, and coconut-based everything.
- 📍 Location: Jalan Penestanan Kelod
💻 Bonus: Great Wi-Fi for digital nomads
Sayuri Healing Food
- Raw vegan café + healing community space. Try the raw lasagna or their signature probiotic drinks.
- 📍 Location: Jalan Sukma Kesuma
- 🧘 Bonus: They also offer wellness workshops
Alchemy
- Bali’s first fully raw vegan café. Salad bar, raw chocolate, cold-pressed juices — clean eating heaven.
- 📍 Location: Penestanan
- 🛍️ Bonus: Attached health store & apothecary
Folk Pool & Gardens
- Want to brunch AND swim? This café-pool combo has a tropical garden vibe with Western and Indonesian menu options.
- 📍 Location: Jalan Monkey Forest
- 📸 Instagram-friendly lounging spots
✅ Not: Many cafés in Ubud double as co-working or slow-living hubs. Bring your laptop, sip your coconut latte, and let the jungle energy do its thing.
🌋 Unique Experiences & Day Trips from Ubud
Whether you're craving sunrise hikes, hidden waterfalls, or the best coffee of your life; Ubud is the perfect base for unforgettable day trips. Here are the top off-the-beaten-path experiences to add to your itinerary:
🏞️ 1. Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur
One of Bali’s most iconic adventures, the Mount Batur sunrise hike starts in the middle of the night (around 2:00–3:00 AM) — but it’s worth every step. After a 1.5–2 hour moderate hike, you’ll watch the sun rise over Lake Batur and Mount Agung, often above the clouds.
Most tours include hotel pickup, guide, and breakfast at the summit — sometimes even eggs cooked using volcanic steam!
- ✅ Perfect for: Active travelers, adventure couples, photographers
- ⏰ Tip: Dress in layers — it’s chilly at the top!
- 💵 Tour cost: Around IDR 400,000–600,000 (~$25–$40 USD)
- Bali: Sunrise Mount Batur Hike with Breakfast
- Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike and Natural Hot Spring
🛏️ Where to Stay in Ubud: Best Areas & Tips
🏙️ 1. Central Ubud (Around Monkey Forest & Ubud Palace)
Perfect for: First-timers, walkers, café lovers, nightlife (mild!)
This is the heart of town — ideal if you want to be steps away from markets, temples, yoga studios, restaurants, and all the buzz. Great for those who don’t want to rent a scooter.
- 🛏️ Stay type: Boutique hotels, guesthouses, mid-range resorts
- ✅ Tip: Book early — this area fills up fast, especially in high season.
🌿 2. Penestanan
Perfect for: Digital nomads, long-term travelers, café hoppers
Just a 5-minute ride from central Ubud, this artistic village is known for yoga, vegan cafés, and a relaxed creative vibe. Think rice field views and smoothie bowls.
- 🛏️ Stay type: Stylish homestays, modern villas, affordable retreats
- ✅ Tip: Great balance between quiet and convenience.
🌄 3. Sayan & Campuhan Ridge Area
Perfect for: Nature lovers, couples, peaceful getaways
Home to some of Ubud’s most scenic luxury resorts (like Four Seasons and Alila), this area offers jungle views, riverside villas, and serious tranquility. You’ll likely need a scooter or driver to get around.
- 🛏️ Stay type: High-end villas, boutique eco-lodges
- ✅ Tip: Ideal for honeymoons or wellness retreats.
💸 4. Outside Ubud – Tegallalang, Mas, & Sebatu
Perfect for: Off-the-grid explorers, budget travelers, photographers
If you don’t mind being 15–30 minutes outside town, you’ll find gorgeous budget options surrounded by rice fields, forests, or small villages. Many places offer free shuttles to Ubud center.
- 🛏️ Stay type: Jungle huts, hostels, nature lodges
- ✅ Tip: Wake up to roosters and misty sunrise views — totally worth the trade-off.
FAQs about Things to Do in Ubud
Absolutely! Ubud is one of the top places to visit in Bali for travelers seeking culture, nature, and wellness. From stunning rice terraces and ancient temples to yoga retreats and local markets, Ubud offers a deep, soulful side of Bali you won’t find in the beach towns. If you're looking for a more authentic and spiritual Bali experience, Ubud is 100% worth visiting.
Two days in Ubud is enough to see the highlights, like Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Sacred Monkey Forest, and a temple or two but to truly soak in the atmosphere, relax, and explore nearby waterfalls or join a yoga session, 3–4 days is ideal. Ubud has a slower pace, and it’s worth taking your time.
Ubud is famous for its lush rice fields, art markets, traditional Balinese temples, and spiritual energy. Popular attractions include the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Royal Palace, and its many yoga studios. Ubud is also known as Bali’s cultural heart, with a strong focus on art, dance, and healing.
For a balanced Ubud itinerary, 3 to 5 days is ideal. This gives you time to explore local attractions, take a day trip (like the Mount Batur sunrise trek), enjoy a wellness experience, and simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings. Ubud isn’t a place to rush — it’s best enjoyed slowly.
Yes, central Ubud is very walkable: especially around the Ubud Palace, Monkey Forest, and main street areas. Many cafés, shops, yoga studios, and restaurants are within walking distance. However, for exploring outer areas like waterfalls or rice fields, you’ll need a scooter or driver.
The best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is sunny, humid but manageable, and ideal for outdoor activities. June and July are particularly popular, so book early if you're traveling during these months. Avoid January to March if you’re not a fan of heavy rain.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, meditating at sunrise, bargaining in a local market, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee with a jungle view — Ubud offers an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re planning a Bali trip and wondering where to go beyond the coast, make sure Ubud is on your list. With so many unique things to do in Ubud from sacred temples to jungle adventures; this little town in the heart of Bali might just be the highlight of your journey.
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