15 Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali

15 Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali

Are you looking for the best things to do in Ubud? Many people consider Ubud to be an overrated tourist destination, but in our opinion, it is one of the best places on the island and a must-see for those visiting Bali for the first time.

Wondering what to do in Ubud? Enjoy the sunrise at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, watch a traditional Balinese dance, visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, shop at the art market, or experience the Melukat ceremony/purification ritual at the Pura Tirta Empul.

This ultimate guide includes the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, must-see attractions, and the best things to do in Ubud, Bali.

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Best things to do in Ubud

Although Ubud has become a popular tourist destination in Bali, it is still 100% worth a visit. In fact, we have been there twice, and there are still hidden gems and incredible sights that we would love to visit again. So, in the list below, you will find the best things to do in Ubud for first-time visitors.

1. Pura Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul Temple is one of the most iconic spiritual sites in Bali, just a 30-minute drive from Ubud. This water temple is famous for its holy spring water and is believed to have healing powers.

The Melukat ceremony is a spiritual Balinese Hindu ritual that focuses on cleansing the body, mind, and spirit. Pura Tirta Empul is worth a visit even if you don’t want to participate in the Melukat ceremony. But for the best experience, don’t miss the cleansing ritual.

Book a Spiritual Cleansing and Shamanic Healing Tour HERE.

The temple is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. It was very crowded when we were there, and if you don’t want to wait in a long line, we recommend visiting the temple right after it opens.

The entrance fee to Pura Tirta Empul is 75,000 IDR (about 5 USD) for adults and 50,000 IDR (3 USD) for children, and includes the rental of a sarong.

For the purification ritual, you first need to change into a special bathing sarong (which is green with a red sash), and you can rent one near the entrance for 10,000 IDR. You can also rent a locker for 15,000 IDR to safely leave your valuables during the ritual.

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After your visit, don’t miss the nearby Mancingan Rice Terrace, which offers stunning photo opportunities.

2. Goa Gajah, Elephant Cave

Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Cave, is a significant historical site that combines natural beauty with ancient Balinese spirituality. The cave is just a 20-minute drive from the town center and is easily accessible by scooter or Gojek/Grab.

The demon-like face carved into the rock is a symbolic gateway to another world, through the mouth of which you can enter the cave. Goa Gajah is a must for anyone who wants to immerse in Balinese culture.

The entrance fee to Goa Gajah Temple is 50,000 IDR (3 USD) for foreigners and 30,000 IDR for locals and includes a free sarong rental if needed.

When we were there, parking cost 2,000 IDR for a motorbike, and there was a short, steep staircase leading down from the parking lot to the cave.

3. Enjoy a Floating Breakfast – Our Top Tip

Floating breakfasts are very popular in Bali, but are they worth the hype? Absolutely! This was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. This experience is perfect for Instagrammers, couples, or those seeking a breakfast experience beyond the ordinary.

Okay, so what can you expect? The friendly staff will deliver the pre-selected food and drinks on a tray to your villa’s private pool or hotel/day club’s infinity pool so you can enjoy your breakfast while floating in the water.

We’ve tried floating breakfast in different places, and it’s never been boring. Our favorite spots were at Cretya Day Club and Wapa di Ume Resort & Spa.

4. Tegalalang Rice Terraces

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of Bali’s most popular attractions and are still worth a visit. But we recommend arriving early to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the landscape.

The rice terraces are beautifully laid out and offer great photo opportunities, especially at sunrise when you can experience the magical atmosphere.

During our visit, we looked for the best photo spots. Farmers sometimes ask for a small donation to allow tourists to enter their fields and take beautiful pictures. We were lucky because we visited after the rainy season (in April) and the rice had not yet been harvested, so it was a much more beautiful sight.

As the ground is uneven and can be slippery after rain, we recommend wearing sports shoes, especially if you plan to trek on the trail.

It’s good to know that the rice terraces have multiple entry and exit points. The entrance fee to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces is usually 25,000 IDR (1,50 USD) per person, and parking is free.

After your visit, don’t miss the Tis Cafe, which offers an unparalleled view of the rice terraces.

5. Ubud Water Palace

When we first traveled to Bali, we visited the stunning Ubud Water Palace, also known as the Saraswati Temple, and it was a fantastic experience. The temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and the arts.

It’s a peaceful place with a large lotus pond, beautiful fountains, and intricate Balinese carvings. Since you can comfortably walk around it in about 10 minutes, it’s not worth missing.

The entrance fee is 60,000 IDR (about 4 USD) for foreigners and 35,000 IDR for locals. You can book tickets in advance or purchase them at the entrance upon arrival. Traditional purple clothing is provided to enter the temple grounds.

The Water Palace is open every day from 8 AM to 7 PM. However, on Fridays, visitors are welcome until 9:30 PM.

After exploring the Water Palace, enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious lunch at Cafe Lotus while admiring the fantastic views of the Saraswati Temple. Don’t miss the Balinese dance show, which typically starts at 7:30 PM and costs 100,000 IDR (6 USD) per person.

6. Leke Leke Waterfall

Looking for the best things to do near Ubud? Leke Leke Waterfall offers an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of Ubud, and we highly recommend this place for nature lovers and photographers. It is a fantastic sight as a narrow stream of water cascades down into a small, shallow pool surrounded by lush jungle vegetation.

The waterfall is not accessible by public transport and is about a 1-hour drive away. You can rent a private car with a driver or join a guided tour that includes transport.

Ubud is a great place to visit nearby waterfalls, so if you’re looking for more unique photo spots during your stay, check out our post on the best waterfalls in Bali.

7. Stay in a Bamboo House

The beautifully designed bamboo houses are surrounded by lush vegetation and jungle, making you feel like you’re in the middle of nature. Most of the bamboo houses are located around Sidemen and have a perfect view of the volcano or the rice fields.

These luxurious houses are becoming more and more popular, and you can now find some of them around Ubud and Canggu. Ulaman bamboo houses harmoniously combine luxury and nature. In contrast, Camaya Bali houses are romantic and the best choice for a honeymoon.

Recommended post → Best and Unique Bamboo Houses in Bali

8. Taman Dedari

Surrounded by lush vegetation, the Taman Dedari Restaurant serves delicious Balinese and Indonesian cuisine. It’s about a 20-minute drive away and is one of the most photogenic restaurants we’ve visited.

These huge iconic angel statues are beautifully designed and free to visit. We recommend visiting here at sunset and enjoying the spectacular view with a refreshing drink.

Keep reading → Best Areas and Hotels in Bali

9. Take a Day Trip to Nusa Penida

Wondering what to do in Ubud? Take a day trip to Nusa Penida and have unforgettable experiences while exploring the island’s beautiful places. During your tour, you can visit stunning beaches, such as Diamond Beach, Kelingking (T-Rex) Beach, and Broken Beach, admire breathtaking views, take amazing photos, and enjoy snorkeling & swimming with manta rays.

The boat ride takes just 30-45 minutes from Bali’s Sanur Harbour, making Nusa Penida a popular day trip destination.

10. Monkey Forest Ubud

One of the best things to do in Ubud is to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The forest covers approximately 12.5 hectares and is home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques.

Since the monkeys roam freely here, this is a great opportunity to see them (even baby monkeys) in their natural environment. During your visit, you can also see ancient Hindu temples, admire impressive statues, and walk along beautiful walkways.

It is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with last entry at 5 PM. The entrance fee to the Monkey Forest is 100,000 IDR (6 USD) on weekdays and 120,000 IDR (7,50 USD) on weekends.

TIP
Visit Ubud’s most popular attractions on this All-Inclusive Tour.

The best time to visit is in the morning (right after opening) or late afternoon, when the weather is pleasant for wandering and the forest is less crowded. Allow enough time to visit, as you can easily spend 2 hours here.

Please follow the rules of the Monkey Forest! (Do not look directly into the eyes of the monkeys, dress respectfully, do not bring food, drinks, or plastic/paper bags, and take care of your valuables.) You can read the full guidelines at the entrance or here.

11. Ubud Palace

One of the most visited attractions is the Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung. It was the official residence of the Ubud royal family. This place offers fantastic photo opportunities, is free to visit, and can be explored in a short time, so don’t miss it.

For the best experience, book a Legong dance ticket and enjoy the performance. Legong is a classical Balinese dance known for its intricate hand movements, facial expressions, precise footwork, and vibrant traditional costumes.

12. Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a free and easy trek, so add it to your list of the best things to do in Ubud. This scenic hiking trail offers fantastic views of the surrounding lush forest, green hills, and rice fields.

The length of the ridge walk is about 2 km, which takes 15-20 minutes each way. Since it is located a few minutes from the center, it is easy to reach. We arrived early to enjoy the silence of nature and the picturesque scenery.

Read the full post → Campuhan Ridge Walk

13. Cretya Ubud

Cretya is a popular, luxurious day club set amidst the lush, green rice terraces of Tegallalang, just a 20-minute drive from the town. The venue features multiple infinity pools, hot tubs, and sun loungers, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, stunning views of the rice terraces, and delicious food at the restaurant.

You can also explore Alas Harum Bali, which offers fantastic photo opportunities.

It is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM.

When we visited, the entrance fee was only 50,000 IDR (3 USD) per person. But now the entrance fee is 150,000 IDR (9 USD) on Monday and Tuesday and 200,000 IDR (12 USD) from Wednesday to Sunday, which includes use of the facilities and a credit that you can redeem for your first drink.

Insider Knowledge
If you want to beat the crowds and have this magical place all to yourself, book a floating breakfast and enjoy early access (7 AM). The floating breakfast costs 400,000 IDR (25 USD) per person and 750,000 IDR (46 USD) for couples.

14. Try Traditional Balinese Food

I don’t know if others feel the same way, but when we travel to a new country/island, we can’t wait to try the local food and experience the authentic flavors.

Our favorite warungs (local restaurants) were Warung Biah Biah, Warung Janggar Ulam, and Sweet Orange Warung, where we could eat cheap and delicious food.

Our favorite dishes you must try are Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noddles), Gado-Gado (Indonesian salad), Jaje Bali (sweet Balinese dessert), Satay (chicken skewers with heavenly peanut sauce), and Nasi Campur (mixed rice).

15. Shop at the Ubud Art Market

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Ubud is to stroll through the bustling alleys while admiring the various handicrafts and local artworks.

This bustling art market is located in the heart of the town and is usually open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM. However, some stalls open later and stay open until 9 PM.

At the market, you can easily buy the best Balinese souvenirs, such as woven baskets, silver jewelry, sarongs, clothes, paintings, wood carvings, handmade round rattan bags, and much more. It’s good to know that bargaining is a common and expected practice when shopping in Bali. But bring enough cash with you, as not all vendors accept cards.

Where to Stay in Ubud

Ubud is one of the best places to stay in Bali. You could easily spend a week here, as there are many attractions in the area and you can easily take day trips to the Nusa Islands. If you like the hustle and bustle and are looking for cheaper hotels, stay in the center.

However, if you want to stay in a quieter area close to nature, choose hotels further away from the center. Hotels such as Maya Resort & Spa or Wapa di Ume offer a free shuttle bus service to the center several times a day, so getting there shouldn’t be a problem.

For a unique experience, stay in a bamboo house surrounded by lush vegetation and jungle. We have a detailed post on the best bamboo houses in Bali.

Best hotels in Ubud

• Luxury: Kastara Resort
• Mid-Range: Hotel Menzel or Jati Cottage
• Budget: Betutu Bali Villas

How to Get to Ubud

Ubud is the spiritual and cultural hub of Bali, and its central location makes it a very popular destination on the island. Most people head there directly after arriving in Bali at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar Airport. The journey usually takes 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic.

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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Bali.

You can get there by taxi (Gojek/Grab), private transfer, shuttle bus, or local public transport. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike or a car and drive there yourself. But we do not recommend this option if you are visiting Bali for the first time.

Book a private transfer to your hotel HERE.

How to Get Around

Most of the attractions in central Ubud are within walking distance, but to visit the surrounding waterfalls, rice terraces, and ancient temples, you’ll need some form of transportation, or you can join a group or private tour that includes transportation.

We rented a scooter in the town and explored Ubud’s attractions at our own pace. Scooter rental starts from 80,000 IDR (5 USD) per day. If you rent a scooter for several days, ask for a discount. The roads are in good condition, but traffic is chaotic and congestion is common in the town center. Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, and avoid driving at night.

Alternatively, rent a private car with a driver to easily explore Bali’s attractions.

Top-Rated Tours

Monkey Forest, Jungle Swing, Rice Terrace, and Water Temple
Waterfalls, Water Temple & Rice Terraces Private Tour
Full-Day Instagram Highlights Tour
Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm
Kecak and Fire Dance Show Tickets

Best Restaurants, Cafés

The town is home to many warungs (local restaurants), popular pool bars, and romantic dining options. You can sample authentic Balinese cuisine, enjoy a healthy breakfast, and choose from a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options.

• Merlin’s (Perfect if you’re looking for a unique and immersive dining experience. “Where food chooses you”)
• Zest (A popular vegan restaurant with stunning views)
• Terracotta Restaurant (This was our favorite place to eat, where we ate delicious food and heavenly desserts)
• Warung Pondok Madu (It offers a variety of traditional Balinese and Indonesian dishes, and you must try the BBQ pork ribs)
• Pison Coffe (Great breakfast & brunch place)

If you are looking for additional restaurants, we have already mentioned some in points eleven and fourteen.

Best Time to Visit Ubud, Bali

Indonesia has two seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. Bali is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for exploring the best attractions, chasing waterfalls, and visiting temples.

Bali has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather, and the average temperature is around 27°C all year round. The rainy season runs from November to March.

The busiest months are July and August. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation, ferry tickets, and tours in advance.

We visited Ubud in mid-May and had fantastic weather.

How many days do you need in Ubud?

Honestly, we’ve been to Ubud twice, and we still want to go back. The town is a perfect base for exploring nearby ancient temples, stunning waterfalls, and other hidden gems, so the answer is to spend as many days as you can.

But if you have limited time, we recommend spending at least 3-5 days there.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Ubud will help you plan your next trip to Bali. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

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