• About
  • Work With Me!
  • FREEBIES
  • Blog

Travelling Jezebel

  • Anti-MLM
  • Travel
    • City Breaks
    • Destinations
      • Africa
        • Morocco
      • Europe
        • Albania
        • Bosnia & Herzegovina
        • Bulgaria
        • Croatia
        • Czech Republic
        • Germany
        • Hungary
        • Ireland
        • Italy
        • Kosovo
        • Malta
        • Moldova
        • Montenegro
        • North Macedonia
        • Poland
        • Romania
        • Serbia
        • Slovakia
        • Slovenia
        • Spain
        • UK
        • Ukraine
      • Southeast Asia
        • Cambodia
        • Indonesia
        • Malaysia
        • Singapore
        • Thailand
        • Vietnam
    • Hostels
    • Inspiration and Advice
    • Off the Beaten Path
    • Travel Insurance
    • Volunteering
  • Life
    • Blogging
    • Food and Wine
    • Home
    • Human Rights
    • Personal
    • Recommendations

Destinations, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Travel · February 26, 2020

The 16 Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali


This list of things to do in Ubud was last updated on 10/02/2022.

The island of Bali, Indonesia, was the first place I ever visited as a solo traveller back in 2015.

I’d seen Eat, Pray, Love, and, like many before me, became enamoured with Ubud, Bali, the place where Julia Roberts spends the last 4 months of her 12 month trip around the world.

Watching Roberts cycle through rice fields, stroll around local markets and find peace in this tranquil paradise made me yearn for my own Indonesian adventure, and so, I booked a flight to Bali.

Ubud was my fourth stop in Bali (after Kuta, Seminyak and Uluwatu), and as soon as I arrived, I could see exactly why Ubud is considered the cultural capital of Bali.

Not only are there so many things to do in Ubud connected to art, food and spirituality, but the tourist infrastructure is great, making Ubud the perfect destination for first-time solo travellers like me.

In Ubud, you will find ancient temples and serene rice paddies just steps away from bustling markets and stores selling handcrafted artisan gifts.

Raw vegan cafes sit alongside gourmet restaurants, and whether you want to try your hand at batik or yoga, there is a class for everything in Ubud.

Ubud might be touristy (I will talk about overtourism in Bali later in this article), and so if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience then a trip to Ubud might not be for you.

However, I absolutely adored Ubud, and I still believe that it is well worth a place on your Bali itinerary. With that in mind, I decided to put together a list of the best things to do in Ubud, Bali!

things to do in ubud
The stunning rice fields in Ubud


The 16 Best Things to do in Ubud, Bali


1. Visit Ubud Monkey Forest


One of the most popular things to do in Ubud is visit Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, or the Ubud Monkey Forest. I don’t think I met a single person in Ubud that didn’t visit Ubud Monkey Forest, and it’s no surprise – who doesn’t love cute little monkeys?!

Ubud Monkey Forest is actually a series of three temples dating from the 14th century that sit in a nature reserve.

For a small fee you can meander round and take in the beautiful scenery, all the while surrounded by over 600 wild monkeys, which are said to be spiritual creatures that guard the temples!

The monkeys are extremely tame and not at all bothered by tourists, so it’s definitely worth buying a small bunch of bananas (sold onsite) to feed to your new furry friends, although be aware that the little devils are not afraid of climbing all over you in order to get to what they want, and you should take extra care to protect personal belongings such as sunglasses and cameras as they have been known to steal things!

monkey forest Ubud


2. Campuhan Ridge Walk


Campuhan Ridge Walk is located just out of town and is a gentle 2km walk which begins at Gunung Lebah Temple and continues through rolling hills and valleys that seem a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Ubud city centre.

For even more exquisite views, come here at sunset.

Campuhan ridge walk ubud, things to do in ubud


3. Enjoy sacred vibes at Pura Tirta Empul


This is one of the more spiritual things to do in Ubud, and if you’re visiting Bali to find yourself, you should definitely start here,

For one a thousand years, Hindus have been bathing in the holy waters of Pura Tirta Empul water temple. The sacred springs are said to have been created by the god Indra, and Hindus believe that they have healing properties.

There are two purification pools here where you can clean yourself at each of the 30 stations.

If you want to really cleanse your soul and learn about spiritualism, you could take a full-day spiritual cleansing and Shamanic healing tour to Pura Tirta and experience Yagna, Yatra and Mantra healing by healer Cokorada Rai.

learn more about the spiritual healing tour here
ubud attractions, ubud water temple


4. Visit a coffee plantation


Ubud is home to many coffee plantations which harvest and produce the world’s most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak, which can go for as much as 100 USD per cup!

Kopi Luwak is made from the poo of the Asian palm civet. These cute little animals eat the coffee beans and during digestion they pack them full of extra vitamins and minerals, before excreting them ready for us to drink…lovely.

During my visit to an Ubud coffee plantation, the guide told us that the civets roamed freely around in Ubud’s vast rainforests, with the coffee harvesters hunting for the faeces each morning.

However, since tourism in Bali has continued to grow and global demand for Kopi Luwak has increased, it seems as though more and more farms are capturing and caging the civets, and force-feeding them a diet of pure coffee, which leaves them malnourished and miserable.

Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend buying a cup of Kopi Luwak, or buying a packet of the coffee to take home, as you can never be 100% sure that civets are not caged and mistreated (many guides will insist that their plantations are ethical, but this is simply not true).

However, you can still enjoy Ubud’s coffee plantations without trying Kopi Luwak!

For a couple of bucks you will get a tour of the plantation, be taught about the process of making Kopi Luwak, and getting a tasting of seven different teas and coffees.

I was able to try vanilla coffee, cinnamon coffee, ginseng tea and more, all while enjoying the magnificent views over Bali’s rainforests.

ubud coffee plantation, things to do in ubud
ubud coffee plantation, things to do in ubud


5. Explore Ubud Market


Ubud market is the cheapest place in Bali to stock up on beautiful clothes, jewellery and fabrics, and you can find some stunning handcrafted souvenirs here.

Even if you are not looking to buy souvenirs, Ubud market is still a charming place to wander through, so grab a fresh fruit smoothie and enjoy the atmosphere!

ubud market


6. See some live music


If you’re looking for things to do in Ubud at night, I’ve got you.

Ubud nightlife is less about hedonistic travellers partying till the sun comes up and more about relaxing to live music with friends.

For my 23rd birthday, I went to the Laughing Buddha Bar to see an amazing reggae band play and enjoy cocktails and tapas.

The Laughing Buddha has live music almost every night, and showcases everything from jazz to blues, reggae to world music.

Another place that my friends and I loved in Ubud was CP Lounge, which prides itself on being the only place in Ubud where you can ‘get your dance on until the wee hours of the morning.’

CP Lounge is a beautiful open-air lounge bar with palm trees, vines and flowers alongside elegant low sofas where you can drink cocktails, smoke shisha and watch the nightly live music performances, before the party moves inside to the nightclub.

things to do in ubud at night


7. Discover Tegalalang Rice Terraces


Visiting Tegalalang Rice Terraces is another one of the most popular things to do in Ubud, and it’s not difficult to see why. These countless layers of rice fields are absolutely magical, and completely free to walk around and enjoy.

Being one of the main things to see in Ubud, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces can get pretty crowded, but if you walk just a little off-the-beaten-track, it is pretty easy to lose everyone. Another option is to visit early in the morning, avoiding the harsh afternoon sun.

If you want to avoid the hassle of making your own way there, you could always combine a visit to the rice terraces, Monkey Forest and the Tanah Lot temple on a private tour.

click here to book your tour
rice fields ubud
things to see in ubud, rice fields


8. See a traditional Balinese dance


If you’re not worn out by the monkeys and rice fields, one of the top things to do in Ubud is to go and see a traditional Balinese dance, called a Legong dance.

Legong performances are one of the best cultural attractions in Bali, and they tell the story of a maiden who was captured and imprisoned, before eventually being freed.

The shows last for 90 minutes, and I paid around £6 back in 2015.

Although I found the plot difficult to follow as I wasn’t aware of the story before attending the performance, it didn’t stop me from enjoying the show and I was blown away by the stunning dancing and incredible costumes.

My ears were ringing afterwards due to the (quite frankly unnecessary!) volume of the music, but overall I’d definitely recommend seeing a show while you’re visiting Ubud.

Legong dance ubud
things to do in ubud, Legong dance


9. Eat Balinese food!


One of the best things to do in Ubud is to EAT, all day every day.

Ubud is a true foodie paradise, and whether your jam is unusual street foods, gourmet fusion food or raw vegan yumminess, you will be spoilt for choice in Ubud.

Ubud was the place where I discovered that tofu isn’t actually awful, that tempeh is a wonderful creation that I wish I’d discovered sooner, and that eating healthily can actually be very fun (and delicious!).

It is partly due to Ubud’s vegan foodie scene that so many digital nomads have chosen to base themselves here – millennials love a good smashed avocado.

If you prefer a bit of fine dining, then Ubud has got you covered as well. Locavore is top of the list on every ‘where to eat in Ubud’ article, and is considered by some to be the most famous restaurant in Indonesia!

Locavore is a fusion restaurant, creating locally-inspired dishes with a foreign twist, and their multi-course tasting menus are famous all over Bali.


10. Take a class at the Yoga Barn


Wondering what to do in Ubud to cleanse your body from all of those cocktails?

Look no further than the Yoga Barn.

Ubud is famous for its yoga and wellness retreats, and by far the most popular is the Yoga Barn, which offers a wide range of classes for all abilities, including ‘cleansing programmes’ which last for upwards of three days.

While I was in Ubud, the Yoga Barn offered one free class every day, and there are also classes for things such as astrology, meditation and sound healing.


11. Pura Taman Saraswati


Pura Taman Saraswati is a Hindu temple in the heart of Ubud dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and art, named Dewi Saraswati.

As well as stunning carvings of the goddess, you will also find a large pond covered with lotus flowers, where Hindus believe that if you bathe in the waters or drink from the pond, you will receive some power from the goddess.

Pura Taman Saraswati is a haven of tranquility in the centre of Ubud, and there are traditional Balinese dances held here every night.


12. Take an art or cooking class


If taking a yoga class in Ubud doesn’t sound like your thing, there are an abundance of other classes that you can take in order to learn more about Balinese culture.

From batik to painting and jewellery-making, to traditional Balinese cooking classes, there are so many options available that you will be spoilt for choice!

check out this 3 hour batik making class
try a balinese cooking class at an organic farm


13. Hunt for waterfalls


Close to Ubud lie some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Bali, popular with locals and tourists alike (for this reason, it is best to visit in the mornings and on weekdays).

Some of the best waterfalls near Ubud include Tegenungan Waterfall (one of the most popular), Tibumana Waterfall and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.

check out this spectacular waterfall tour on get your guide


14. Get a massage!


All across Southeast Asia are very cheap massage parlours, offering 60 minute massages for as little as 6 EUR!

Ubud is known for its fancy spa retreats, but if you are travelling on a budget then there is no reason why you have to miss out on a little bit of pampering – not a week went by during my time in Southeast Asia where I didn’t get at least one massage, and Ubud was no exception.


15. Puri Saren Agung – Ubud’s Royal Palace


Puri Saren Agung, or Ubud Royal Palace, is located in the centre of Ubud, close to the art market.

Although sections of the palace are still home to the Royal Family, the gardens are available to walk around and admire, and there are traditional dance performances here in the evenings.

things to do in ubud
The Royal Palace


16. Pura gunang Kawi


Pura Gunang Kawi is an 11th century temple located 30 minutes from Ubud (close to the sacred water temple), where you can see shrines carved into the rock at the bottom of a river valley.

As with the waterfalls and other Balinese temples, Pura Gunang Kawi is best visited early in the morning to avoid the crowds.


Things you should know before visiting Ubud


There are so many things to do in Ubud that you will want to stay there for at least 3 nights, or more if possible. I stayed in Ubud for 5 days and there were so many things that I didn’t have time to do!

If you’re planning a day trip from Ubud, Uber is very affordable and common in Bali. My friends and I used Uber to travel all around the island and it was often the cheapest method. You can also use Grab, which is a similar app.

Ubud is a safe place, although petty crime is on the rise, and muggings from people on scooters and motorbikes is common. Most people recommend wearing a bag across your chest, but I don’t recommend this because if somebody tries to snatch it, you will go flying along with your bag. I know a girl that had this happen to her and she cracked her head open on the pavement. Carry your regular bag (on the side of your body furthest from the road) and keep your valuables stored in different places.

Watch where you’re going – the pavements around Ubud are notoriously uneven and damaged, with potholes and broken drainage holes injuring travellers all the time. Taxi drivers often congregate on the pavements offering their services, street food vendors and shop displays take up a tonne of space and the daily Hindu offerings in small baskets (canang) are placed in front of businesses and have to be stepped around.

Never travel without buying travel insurance. I NEVER travel without insurance, and I’ve seen too many others get landed with huge medical bills as a result of not having had insurance, that it’s something I’ll never neglect to buy. My recommendation for great travel insurance is World Nomads and you can read my review of them here.

Remember that all ATMs in Bali give you your money first, and then there is a delay before your card is returned. I lost my bank card in Ubud this way – I simply took my money and walked away, forgetting that I hadn’t received my card back! This is way more common than you think and I know tonnes of people that have made the same mistake!

Dress respectfully when visiting temples and at Monkey Forest – most temples in Bali provide sarongs for men and women to wear, often for free (or sometimes there is a small charge). You must also remove your shoes before entering temples in Bali.

The tap water is not safe to drink in Bali, so make sure to bring your own bottle (most hostels will have filtered water that you can top up with), or a bottle with a built-in filter.

Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws in the world so please do not buy drugs in Bali. Simply being caught with some marijuana on you could land you up to 4 years in jail, and if you’re caught smuggling drugs, you can face the death penalty.


Where to stay in Ubud


I always stay in hostels when I travel, and so here are my hostel recommendations for Ubud. I have tried to select the best hostels for solo travellers in Ubud, as meeting people when I travel is very important to me, and if the Google searches leading people to my blog are anything to go by, it’s important to you guys too!


Here are my top picks for the best hostels in Ubud for solo travellers.


Kuna Bali – with a huge swimming pool, free yoga, BBQ nights and even free massage, Kuna Bali is one of the top rated hostels in Ubud and it isn’t hard to see why.

to view rates and availability, click here


Puri Garden Hotel and Hostel. Some of the things on offer at Puri Garden include free massage, free yoga, free manicure/pedicure, PUPPY THERAPY, live music, traditional Balinese dancers, movie nights in their own cinema room, a free healthy breakfast and more. This boutique hotel and hostel really has it all.

click here for rates and availability


Arya Wellness Retreat. The clue is in the name here, and Arya Wellness retreat offers ‘the perfect balance for a healthy, eco-friendly and social stay.’ Free daily activities include meditation, yoga, pilates, healing circles, fitness classes, cooking classes, spa treatments and their restaurant has an abundance of delicious vegan food.

click here for rates and availability
check out the other ubud hostels on hostelworld by clicking here!


Getting to Ubud


Ubud is around a one hour drive from Denpasar airport. You can use a taxi app such as Uber or Grab, or take a local taxi. To book your airport transfer in advance, you can click here to book with i’way.

Driving motorbikes is very common in Bali but I would only recommend doing this if you are an experienced driver, and be aware that unless you have a licence in your home country, most insurance providers will not cover you for motorbike/scooter accidents when you’re travelling.

If you’re planning a trip to Bali and are thinking of renting a car while you’re there, I recommend using Qeeq.

Click here for a $50 coupon off your car rental and FREE Covid-19 protection! 


Best time to visit Ubud


The best time to visit Ubud (or Bali in general), is from April to October, when it is hot but not too humid and there is little rain.

The quieter (and cheaper!) months will be April, May and October, as they are the shoulder season months.


A few words on Bali and overtourism


Just like many other destinations worldwide, Bali has unfortunately suffered from the effects of overtourism, with traffic and air pollution being two of the major problems in Bali.

In addition to this, tourists are sometimes incredibly disrespectful, trespassing on private property or protected land in order to take Instagram pictures, littering and wearing revealing clothing at sacred religious sites.

That is not to say that you should not visit Bali and Ubud.

Ubud is a wonderful place, and it would be a shame to miss out on experiencing its beauty.

A few tips to keep in mind if you do not want to contribute to the overtourism in Bali are as follows:

Try and stay for a few days in Ubud. Day trippers do not contribute much to the economy and create huge crowds in the afternoons.

There are hotel chains popping up around Ubud. Try and stay at local guesthouses instead.

Do not trespass in order to take the perfect photograph.

Do not dress immodestly when visiting temples.

Try to visit Ubud in shoulder season. This is when it will be less crowded and when the residents need income the most.

I wrote a whole blog post about how to tackle overtourism and visit popular destinations responsibly here if you’re interested in learning more!


Things to Do in Ubud | Final Thoughts


So, here concludes my list of 16 incredible things to do in Ubud!

I absolutely adored Ubud, and I would visit Ubud again in a heartbeat.

Bali is one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia, and I highly recommend adding it to your bucket lists!

Until next time,

xoxo

Buy me a coffee!

If you liked this article and would like to support my work, please click the button above to donate a couple of bucks and buy me a coffee. The ad revenue that I receive on this website is minimal, so support from my readers enables me to keep creating content that you (hopefully!) love to read.

The best things to do in Ubud, Bali's cultural capital. Whether you want rice fields or yoga classes, vegan food or traditional dance, there will be something in Ubud to suit you! #ubud #bali
The best things to do in Ubud, Bali's cultural capital. Whether you want rice fields or yoga classes, vegan food or traditional dance, there will be something in Ubud to suit you! #ubud #bali
Disclaimer: Travelling Jezebel uses affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase on a recommended site then I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Posted In: Destinations, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Travel · Tagged: bali, things to do, things to do in ubud, travel tips, ubud, ubud attractions, ubud bali

You’ll Also Love

solo travel in bali7 Reasons Why Bali Solo Travel is the Best
bali itineraryThe Ultimate 2 Weeks in Bali | A Bali Itinerary
travel fatigueTravel Fatigue – 14 Ways to Deal With Travel Burnout

Comments

  1. Patrice says

    February 26, 2020 at 8:43 pm

    I’ve never been to Bali but learned a lot from your article and lovely photos. Would love to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest!

    Reply
    • Travelling Jezebel says

      February 27, 2020 at 11:02 am

      Thanks 🙂 yes, it’s amazing!

      Reply
  2. Rashi jain says

    February 26, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    My bucket list destination! Very well written ! Really helpful! Thank you❤️

    Reply
    • Travelling Jezebel says

      February 27, 2020 at 11:02 am

      Thank you! <3

      Reply
  3. Monique Cordier says

    February 26, 2020 at 10:14 pm

    Can’t wait to explore Ubud in May, looking forward to it! Your photos are really amazing BTW!!

    Reply
    • Travelling Jezebel says

      February 27, 2020 at 11:02 am

      Ahh so jealous! Aha, a lot of them are not mine, they are from Unsplash 😛

      Reply
  4. Julie Ruhl says

    February 26, 2020 at 10:54 pm

    We plan on going here in a few months and this list of things to do got me very excited. Especially excited to hear about the free yoga class and healthy food options. Thanks for this awesome list!

    Reply
    • Travelling Jezebel says

      February 27, 2020 at 11:01 am

      Have fun, I’m so jealous! I miss food in Ubud so much!

      Reply
  5. Em says

    February 27, 2020 at 12:57 am

    This was a great list. Bali’s been on my list for a while but I’m afraid of how touristy it seems! Thanks for some cool suggestions I haven’t heard before for when I go.

    Reply
    • Travelling Jezebel says

      February 27, 2020 at 11:01 am

      Yeah, I think it’s definitely still possible to find quieter places in Bali but it’s a struggle!

      Reply
  6. Shannon says

    February 29, 2020 at 9:07 pm

    I love everything about this!! Ubud looks so pretty and rich in culture. I’d love to visit the monkeys!! Looks like you had a blast!

    Reply
  7. Kanupriyaa Choudhary-Legha says

    March 2, 2020 at 2:05 am

    I have been seeing Ubud a lot on IG and it looks amazing! The article is so informative and the Monkey forest sounds awesome. Its the top of my list to visit here this year!

    Reply
  8. Victoria Stadnik says

    March 3, 2020 at 12:35 pm

    The photos are just incredible. I am intrigued! I have never been to Bali, unfortunately. But your blog has moved me there … Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. First Impressions of Belgrade, Serbia – Travelling Jezebel says:
    January 15, 2018 at 2:15 am

    […] kind of coffee imaginable, including the infamous Kopi Luwak which I was lucky enough to sample in Ubud, Bali, and the menu goes into detail about the differences between each blend, complete with pie […]

    Reply
  2. Bali & the Gili Islands - One Month Itinerary – Travelling Jezebel says:
    January 7, 2019 at 11:31 pm

    […] For a full list of things you have to do while you’re in Ubud, click here. […]

    Reply
  3. The Ultimate Bali Itinerary - 2 Weeks in Bali | Travelling Jezebel says:
    August 2, 2021 at 5:30 pm

    […] In Ubud, you will find ancient temples and serene rice paddies just steps away from bustling markets and stores selling handcrafted artisan gifts.Raw vegan cafes sit alongside gourmet restaurants, and whether you want to try your hand at batik or yoga, there is a class for everything in Ubud and you could easily while away an entire week there!There are so many things to do in Ubud that I haven’t made a day-by-day Ubud itinerary – simply choose the ones you like the sound of the most from the list below and work your way through them!I wrote a more comprehensive guide to Ubud and all the wonderful things to do there here. […]

    Reply
  4. Easy Rider Vietnam - Exploring Dalat by Motorbike | Travelling Jezebel says:
    August 2, 2021 at 10:30 pm

    […] coffee beans from the poop of palm civets. I’d actually tried this coffee before, in Ubud, Bali, and I tried it again on my Easy Rider Vietnam tour.However, after finishing our cups, Linh took us […]

    Reply
  5. 7 Reasons Why Solo Travel in Bali is the Best - Travelling Jezebel says:
    April 25, 2022 at 4:30 pm

    […] pretty close together.The longest journey that I took in Bali was the two hour trip from Uluwatu to Ubud. I shared an Uber with a girl I met in a hostel and it was super cheap and convenient.Other […]

    Reply
  6. 8 Gorgeous Temples In Bali That You Should Visit - GlobeTrove says:
    September 8, 2022 at 12:09 pm

    […] I really loved this ravine area and took so many photos here! Keep walking and you’ll find a pond with lilies and a rice paddy field as well. You only need an hour or two to walk around the temple grounds and it’s a great way to spend a morning in Ubud! In fact it is one of the top things to do in Ubud! […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Next Post >

Sicilian Travel – Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Sicily!

Welcome to Travelling Jezebel!

My name is Dani, and here at Travelling Jezebel you'll discover lesser-known destinations in Europe and beyond.
Want to Know More?

Trending Now

  • dubai porta potty The Dubai Porta Potty – Instagram Models Exposed [UPDATED 2022]
  • ping pong show The Ugly Truth About Thai Ping Pong Shows
  • gambian bumster Female Sex Tourism in The Gambia | Secrets of The Smiling Coast
  • slavery in dubai What is Modern Slavery in Dubai and How Does it Affect You?

Links

  • Blog
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Travel Insurance
  • Work With Me!

About

  • About
  • Work With Me!
  • FREEBIES
  • Blog

Copyright © 2023 Travelling Jezebel · Theme by 17th Avenue