13+ Best Things To Do In Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia is probably the most famous inland destination in Bali. Known for its lush green valleys, mountain views, relaxing retreats, and as a home base for exploring some of the best nature in Bali.

The city of Ubud is bustling with shopping, temples, markets, and tons of great restaurants. Honestly, Ubud’s streets were never built to handle the amount of traffic they see now, so it can be a bit hectic.

But if you are looking for a quieter, relaxing experience, just outside Ubud are some excellent resorts and hotels that are immersed in nature.

So let’s get into our Top 10 Things to Do in Ubud!

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Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

This is one of the coolest and most iconic experiences in Ubud. The sanctuary is home to a large population of long-tailed Macaques. And the grounds also have several Hindu temples and other sacred sites throughout this beautiful forest.

Entry to the park is 130,000 IDR (= $7.29 USD).

Monkeys are sacred in Balinese culture and seen as guardians of temples, signifying harmony between humans and nature. And this is one of the best places in Bali to see them up close. But perhaps sometimes a little too close.

Despite their sacred status, they’re also known for getting into mischief, like stealing items from people.

Here are some tips for avoiding any bad encounters.

First, prepare yourself by hiding anything that’s easy to steal and keeping your belongings hidden or held tightly. Be mindful of your hats, sunglasses, jewelry, cameras, and phones. Or even better to keep them out of sight if you can. If you have a backpack, make sure everything is inside the bag.

Observe them from a safe distance. And they say to avoid direct eye contact and smiling at them, because they see showing your teeth as aggression.

And don’t leave any belongings unattended, even for a second. I made this mistake my first time in Bali, and within seconds of putting my backpack down, a monkey had already hopped on it and became aggressive when I tried to get it back.

If they do approach you, stay calm and back away slowly, and try to stow any belongings that might be tempting them.

They tell you not to pose for photos with the monkeys. But then at the entrance they have photoshoot packages to pose with the monkeys, so that was a bit contradictory.

If you follow these rules, you should maintain a respectful and stress-free experience observing these animals.

Waterfall Tour

If you’re the more adventurous type like us, going on a waterfall tour is great way to explore Bali’s natural beauty. There are tons of incredible waterfalls in Bali to visit, some close to Ubud, and others a day trip away.

You can join preset tours that pick all the destinations for you.

Or, hire a private driver and create your own custom tour based on the places you want to visit. Keep in mind that pricing can vary depending on the area you’re exploring. A driver visiting waterfalls and attractions around Ubud will typically cost less than one taking you farther north.

If you’re mainly interested in the Ubud area, check out this private driver tour around Ubud. If you want to explore more of northern Bali, this private driver option is a great alternative.

We’ve been on 3 different waterfall tours in Bali, and here are our best tips.

If you stay more locally around Ubud, you’ll spend a lot less time in the car. But waterfalls will also be more crowded.

In our opinion, the best waterfalls in Bali are 1-2 hours north of Ubud in the more mountainous regions. But they are worth the time if you can commit a full day to the excursion.

Be prepared to pay entrance fees for most popular waterfalls. Usually between 20-50,000 IDR per person ($1.13 – $2.82 USD).

Try your best to visit the really popular waterfalls early in the morning or late in the day to avoid huge crowds. But just be careful of hours of operation. Because overcrowding can really ruin your experience, especially at the ones with narrow access. Standing in a line of people all waiting to take the same photo is a pretty awful way to experience nature. Especially since Bali attracts so many influencer types who like to turn anything into their own personal photo shoot.

So choosing early or late times to visit is usually a much more enjoyable experience at the popular waterfalls.

Also, seeing only waterfalls all day can get a little repetitive, so you can definitely mix in some other kinds of attractions along the way, like temples, coffee tours, rice terraces, and more. And there are also plenty of tours like this that include some variety.

Here is a helpful map of our favorite waterfalls in the area:

But if we had to pick a few favorites….

Kanto Lampo is pretty close to Ubud. It’s a wide cascading wall of water that’s amazing for photos and videos. But it gets really busy.

Leke Leke is another favorite, but we got here right when it opened and we basically had the waterfall all to ourselves. Which really just made it even more magical.

Sekumpul is probably the most grand, the whole setting is like straight out of an Avatar Movie. But the biggest downside is it’s about 2 hours from Ubud. And you also need a guide for this one, but you can usually hire one when you get there.

Best Waterfalls Close(est) to Ubud

Kanto Lampo
Tukad Cepung
Goa Giri Campuhan
Timbumana
Manuaba
Ulu Petanu
Goa Rajo Waterfall
Taman Sari Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall

Further Away Waterfalls

Leke Leke
Sekumpul
Banyumala Waterfall
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Golden Valley Waterfall
Red Coral
Nung Nung
Git Git Waterfall
Aling Aling Waterfall

Visit Some Temples

Visiting some Balinese Hindu Temples is a fun activity to do around Ubud. They have such a distinct style of architecture and decoration that is so unique to Bali. I just love the intricate stonework prevalent in the buildings and statues.

In Balinese culture, these doorways and gates both hold important roles in the religion. They mark the passage into a calm and spiritual place, and away from the hectic and noisy world of daily life. Which, since the advent of motorbikes, has gotten a lot noisier.

And knowing this reminds us to leave our daily worries behind as we pass through into these sacred spaces.

Speaking of which, it’s important to remember that these are active religious sites, not tourist attractions. So it’s important to follow some simple guidelines for respect.

Dress modestly, which usually just means clothes that cover past your knees and shoulders. They often have sarongs at the entrance that you can borrow. But we like to bring along our own cover-ups, or even a travel towel works in a pinch.
Behave calmly and quietly as to not disturb others.
Remove hats and sunglasses when entering the inner prayer areas.
No photos or videos in the inner prayer areas, and don’t imitate prayer poses for photos.
Don’t climb, sit, or lean on any statues or shrines.
No eating food or smoking is allowed inside the temple grounds.
And don’t shoot the messenger, but women who are menstruating are asked not to enter the temple areas.

Right in the heart of Ubud is Ubud Palace and the Water Palace, two of the most visited temples here. So they’re convenient ones to add in while exploring downtown Ubud. But avoiding the middle of the day is recommended to avoid crowds and heat.

Or a short drive away is Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, one of the oldest temples in Bali, famous for it’s elaborate stone carvings. We actually tried to come here, but because of some miscommunication with our driver, we went to Gunung Kawi Sebatu instead.

But, no surprise, it was yet another incredibly beautiful temple to enjoy.

And just something to note, if you use the popular ride-share apps like Grab or GoJek, just know that in some places outside Ubud, locals aggressively prohibit the ability to be picked up by these apps. So it’s best to go with some kind of organized tour or private driver.

Honestly, we have never had any trouble finding great drivers who are happy to give you their WhatsApp number for any future travel you need.

And there are plenty of smaller temples scattered around Ubud, which might not offer the same “wow factor” as the ones mentioned so far, but a quieter experience without mobs of tourists definitely has its own value.

Kecak Fire Dance

Without a doubt, these performances are one of the most popular cultural experiences in Bali. The Kecak Fire Dance is a traditional Balinese performance of dance, rhythmic chanting, and fire displays.

The one we went to was at Pura Dalem Gede. But they are held at various temples all around Ubud, including the aforementioned Ubud Palace.

It’s possible to book these shows online through platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator. But also walking around the city center of Ubud, you will be approached by promoters selling these tickets in person. That’s how we got ours.

You can expect to pay around 100,000 IDR per person ($6 USD). And it’s recommended to show up about an hour to 30 minutes early to get a good seat.

The Kecak Dance tells the ancient Hindu story of Ramayana. Actors in costume play out the narrative of the story, while a chorus of singers form the musical trance-like accompaniment. The show has an infectious energy, with moments of excitement, sorrow, and comedy. One of the characters even did a little crowd involvement, which was fun.

If I had one complaint, it’s more just because of my personal expectations. I thought that because of the name, the show would involve a lot more fire. But at least in the performance we saw, it wasn’t as prominent as I was expecting. Mostly just some candles and fiery bundles of cloth at the end of the show.

Visit Some Rice Terraces

One of Bali’s most iconic landscapes is its rice terrace farming. This traditional agriculture technique allows crops originally grown in low wetlands to be grown on mountainsides. But this practical feat of human ingenuity turns out to also make some of the most gorgeous scenery. Something about the layers of green and reflections off the water is just so eye-catching.

So with a healthy dose of social media hype, rice terraces have become their own sort of tourist attraction in Bali. There are, of course, many people still farming in this manner for no ulterior motive, or smaller family farms that allow visitors for free or small donations. But there are also places that have converted into basically rice-terrace themed amusement parks that allow visitors to explore the rice terraces, eat at cafes, take photos, fly on swings, ziplines, and all kinds of other cliché tourist stuff.

Two popular such places near Ubud are Tegallalang Rice Terrace and Alas Harum. Yeah, they’re a little tacky, but we find them at least worth the price of admission, and you can participate in as much or as little as you want in all the extra stuff. But yeah, expect more of an amusement-park setting than a relaxing, quiet nature experience.

It’s definitely possible to find some more off-the-beaten-path rice terrace experiences. But the two previously mentioned have that really steep terrain that, in my opinion, is more visually interesting.

But in general, rice terraces are not the safest place for walking around, and you can’t just go start exploring someone’s farm without permission. So you are somewhat limited to places that are at least somewhat accepting of tourists.

Here are a few much less busy rice field places to consider…

Subak Juwuk Manis
Mancigan
Bongkasa
Bhala Akas
Jatiluwih

One very important thing to know about rice terraces is that, like any crop, they have cycles of planting, growing, and harvesting. And they can have several cycles per year, so there is no set annual schedule. But if you visit while the rice fields are not bursting with greenery, it’s a lot less visually impactful. So we recommend checking recent reviews and pictures.

Cretya Ubud

One of the most dazzling pool clubs in Bali is just north of Ubud. And admission here also gets you access to the aforementioned Alas Harum rice terraces. So you can experience both with one entrance ticket.

Cretya is a dreamy multi-level pool club with restaurants, infinity pools, hot tubs, daybeds, and DJ’s. It’s perched right on the edge above rice terraces, creating a simply magical setting. Plus it’s adults-only.

They really like to market themselves as a relaxing and exclusive setting. But in our experience, that’s not really what they’ve created. It’s a club after all, with DJ’s playing electronic music all day, building the energy as sunset approaches. So we went into it expecting more of a pool-party atmosphere, and were not disappointed.

And this place is basically an influencer’s wet dream, so just don’t come here expecting a quiet and relaxing experience.

There are many different tiers of entry tickets, from simple admission to hammocks, cabanas, private tables, and more. And just to set your expectations, it’s “expensive” to come here (by Indonesian standards), and there are charges for basically everything. But that’s pretty normal for clubs like this.

But Emily and I are pretty budget-conscious people, and for the cheapest possible experience, you can buy the simple entry ticket for 220,000 IDR per person ($12.46 USD), which includes a free drink.

And there is an additional price for lockers and towels. We brought our own towels, but you basically have to get a locker if you didn’t pay for a private bed because they don’t let you keep belongings around the pools. And there are very few free places to sit without paying for a higher ticket tier. But we knew that coming in, and just expected to spend basically the whole time in the pool or sitting on the edge.

Or now they offer a package for couples that includes entry, locker, towels, two drinks, and a snack platter for 565,000 IDR ($32 USD).

The higher-tier tickets for private seating like cabanas, daybeds, and hammocks are basically priced based on minimum spend. These range from 2 million to 3.5 million IDR ($113-$198 USD). Which, when split by several people, is a bit more reasonable. Then you actually have your own space and seating by the pools.

So, like I said, if you come here with the right expectations, it can be fun, but just don’t expect a quiet and exclusive retreat. For that kind of experience, you are better off staying at one of the many luxury hotels around here that offer that truly quiet and exclusive experience.

Here is a list of some incredible, scenic, and tranquil places to stay with luxury pools.

Hanging Gardens of Bali
Aksari Resort Ubud
Pramana Watu Kurung (<- This is where we stayed and it was incredible)
The Kayon Jungle Resort
Kupu Kupu Barong Villas
Viceroy Bali
Chapung Sebali
Kaamala Resort Ubud
Four Seasons Bali At Sayan

Emily and I actually decided to treat ourselves to a short stay at one of these romantic spots our first time here. We stayed at a villa with our own private plunge pool at Pramana Watu Kurung. And while expensive by Bali standards, we were truly amazed by the value and quality of the experience.

But right in downtown Ubud, we have always stayed at Dewi Putri House, a delightful affordable little spot that is very conveniently located close to the action, but on a quiet side street.

Go Shopping

The shops in Ubud always make us wish we traveled with a whole extra suitcase just to fill with things to take back home.

Right in the heart of town, you can find the Ubud Art Market and Ubud Street Market.

Both of which are reliable starting places to get into some shopping in Ubud. They’re mostly packed with clothes, art, jewelry, and housewares.

Oh, and remember that nothing has a set price. And in my experience, many vendors start with a price nearly twice the absolute minimum they would accept. So a little bargaining is always worthwhile.

But even the quote-unquote Art Market has less and less art, and more and more cheap imported souvenirs and brand-name knockoffs. Which maybe that’s okay with you, but just know it’s not all high-quality goods.

Also, it’s important to note that the area where they hold the Ubud Art Market turns into a food market every day from 5 to 10am.

And you can still find some gems if you look closely and seek out the right shops. But even for a lot of the art, it wasn’t clear to us if they were authentic or just mass-produced copies.

So to find those really special artisan crafts in Ubud, you need to explore beyond these typical tourist traps.

Just wandering the streets of Ubud is where you’ll begin to find all kinds of unique shops.

Sunrise On Mt Batur

Looking at Mt. Batur from the start point of the hike

One of the most epic adventures in Bali is seeing sunrise from the top of Mt Batur. This active volcano sits in the middle of an ancient caldera.

The most popular way to experience it is with a sunrise hike or jeep tour. The hike is the cheaper, but more physically demanding option. That’s what we did. Or you can pay up for the convenience of the jeep tour taking you to the top.

For the popular sunrise hike, you have to start really early in the morning, because the trailhead is about an hour and a half from Ubud. And then you begin hiking in the dark.

The hike takes about one and a half hours and is steep almost the whole way.

But doing this hike for sunrise is always a bit of a gamble. And we learned that the hard way; thick clouds were surrounding the top of the mountain. And we waited at the top, hoping and praying that we would see the view. But all we got was a tiny glimpse through the clouds.

But when you do get the view, this is one of the most breathtaking views in Indonesia. Well, so we’ve been told. Here is a photo of what it’s supposed to look like at sunrise.

From the top, you can marvel at the rim of the caldera, Lake Batur, Mount Abang, and Mt Agung.

If you do this hike, we hope you have better luck than us.

When we descended below the clouds, we did get some cool views, but the top of the mountains never got out of the clouds.

There are also some locals who offer motorbike rides up the mountain. So, if you decide to take the hiking route but find it’s a little too challenging, you can pay for a bike ride either up to the top or back down. It costs around 350,000 IDR (about $20 USD).

Cooking class

Taking a cooking class is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Indonesian cuisine. Which you have to admit doesn’t have the same global recognition as some of its fellow Southeast Asian countries.

A cooking class helps with not only learning popular dishes, but also the significance of their local ingredients and methods of cooking.

Our class started with a chance to make our own Canag Sari, an important daily offering in Balinese Hindu culture. You will notice these little colorful baskets all over Bali, and it was cool for us to finally learn more about this tradition. The baskets basically are offerings to the gods that invite good karma in return. They shared how the different colors of flowers represent fire, air, and water.

Then we got into cooking some delicious Indonesian foods. We got hands-on, learning the ingredients and what it takes to prepare some classic local dishes.

I think our favorite was the grilled tuna skewers, peanut sauce, and tofu curry. And the give you a cookbook to take home so you can recreate any recipes in the future.

This was also a great rainy day activity if you catch some rainy weather.

🍜 ➡️ Book the same tour we took

And a great benefit is that for the rest of your trip, you have more confidence and familiarity when ordering food or shopping for groceries in Bali.

ATV Adventure Tour

For a serious adrenaline rush, you gotta check out this ATV tour near Ubud.

But this isn’t your average ATV tour. You’ll feel like basically Indiana Jones, passing through caves, rivers, and waterfalls.

The first half was a little more boring, but I think they’re just making sure people know how to ride before getting in the much more intense terrain. Which we appreciated, because it was actually Jake’s first time driving an ATV.

In the second half, we descended some steeper hills into a lush valley. And soon we were riding through canyons, right through rivers and caves, and it was just so fun.

And then you pass this waterfall, and the whole thing just feels like some action-adventure movie.

And at the end of the tour, they have this water track you get to splash through. I think it’s just a creative way to have the customers clean mud off the ATVs. But it’s arguably one of the funnest parts of the experience.

The tour includes a simple lunch, and the option to add transportation for an extra fee.

🏎️ ➡️ Book The Same ATV Tour We Booked

Explore Goutama Street (aka JI Goutama)

This is one of our favorite streets to explore in Ubud because it’s nearly closed off to traffic. So it’s a pedestrian-friendly place of cute shops and restaurants. And there are few micro sized restaurants here that are just so cool.

Visit a Local Restaurant

One of our favorite things about Ubud is just how many incredible restaurants there are. We’ve honestly had a hard time finding a bad meal here! That said, we do quite a bit of research before choosing where to eat, and we’ve found some spots that we’d happily return to again and again.

Here are a few of our favorite restaurants in Ubud that we think are worth checking out:

Indus Restaurant: Come for the gorgeous valley views and stay for the upscale Indonesian and international cuisine. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a more elevated dining experience.
IBU SUSU: A great spot for cocktails and delicious Pan-Asian food, right in the heart of Ubud.
Fair Warung Bale: If you’re looking for something more local, affordable, and incredibly tasty, this is a great choice.
Mudra Cafe: One of our favorites for a diverse menu with plenty of healthy and delicious options.
Warung Citta Ovest: And if you’re craving pizza in Bali, don’t overlook this spot! Their pizza is seriously good.

See what I mean? There are just way too many good places to eat in Ubud!

Take a Yoga Class or Treat Yourself to a Massage

Ubud is the perfect place to slow down and treat yourself, and you’ll find yoga studios, spas, and massage shops practically everywhere. Even better, these experiences are generally much more affordable than you’d expect, especially compared to prices back in the U.S.

If you’ve never tried yoga, Ubud is a great place to give it a shot. There are classes for pretty much every experience level, from relaxing morning sessions to more challenging practices.

Or, if yoga isn’t really your thing, book a Balinese massage or spa treatment instead. After a long day of exploring waterfalls, temples, and rice terraces, there’s honestly no better way to unwind.

Some popular options to check out include The Yoga Barn for yoga classes and wellness experiences, Taksu Spa for a more luxurious spa experience, and Karsa Spa if you want to combine a massage with beautiful jungle and rice field surroundings.

Where To Stay In Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Ubud is rather spread out, which means there are tons of options when it comes to finding the right accommodation for your trip. If you’re looking for a luxury stay with an incredible pool and jungle views, we have a whole list of our favorites below.

Dewi Putri House – Best Value in Central Ubud
This is where we always stay when visiting Ubud, and it’s hard to beat for the price. It’s within walking distance of tons of restaurants, shops, and attractions, plus you get a pool and breakfast included. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s clean, comfortable, and the location is fantastic.

Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel – Best Hostel
If you’re traveling on a budget or looking to meet other travelers, Puri Garden is one of the best-rated hostels in Ubud. It has a beautiful pool, free breakfast, and plenty of activities that make it easy to meet people.

Bisma Eight – Best Boutique Hotel
For something a little more upscale without leaving central Ubud, Bisma Eight is a beautiful boutique hotel with a lush setting, stylish rooms, and a great pool. It’s close enough to walk into town while still feeling like a peaceful escape.

Jiwa’s House – Best Budget Guesthouse
For an affordable stay with a more traditional Ubud feel, Jiwa’s House is a great little family-run guesthouse. It has a pool, breakfast, and a quiet garden setting while still being within walking distance of central Ubud.

Luxury Stays Around Ubud

If you’re looking to splurge, this is where Ubud really shines. There are some absolutely incredible jungle resorts and villas scattered throughout the surrounding countryside. These are some of our favorites: