15 BEST Things to Do in Ubud, Bali for Your First Visit!
Are you planning a trip to Bali and wondering what the best things to do in Ubud are?
No trip to Bali is complete without spending at least a few days in Ubud. Tucked away in the middle of the island, Ubud is the cultural hub of Bali, where you can experience its most authentic side.
Having lived in Bali for five years now, I have visited almost all parts of the island, but Ubud is still one of my favourite locations. While it may no longer be a hidden gem, it’s still the perfect place to experience the island’s idyllic scenery of lush rice fields and jungle waterfalls, as well as its spiritual side with local temples and art workshops waiting to be discovered.
In this post, I’m sharing my favourite things to do in Ubud, including top tourist attractions, hidden gems, and some of the best dining spots the area has to offer!
So keep reading to discover the wonders of Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart.
This post was guest written by Mal from Where to Stay Bali.
15 Things to Do in Ubud, Bali: Hidden Gems, Hot Spots, and More!
Overview of Ubud
Ubud is one of the coolest and most interesting places in Bali, so I’d recommend staying for at least 3 days. It is also a convenient base for visiting the north and east side of Bali.
The town of Ubud is actually quite small and very walkable. If you’re traveling solo, the town centre is the best place to stay in Ubud logistically. You’ll be able to walk to many points of interest, and most importantly, you’ll have a vast range of dining options at your doorstep.
A fantastic and very affordable accommodation option in the centre is the Gayatri Hotel.
Or if you’re traveling as a couple, I highly recommend booking one of the private pool villas in Ubud. It will make the stay so much more romantic!
Bliss Ubud Spa Resort is an excellent option and is located only a 5-minute drive from the centre. Many people rent or hire scooters in Ubud to get around the spots further away from the city center.
#1. Saraswati Temple
Located in the heart of Ubud, just off the main street of Jl. Raya Ubud, the Saraswati Temple is the perfect place to start your sightseeing. The temple was built in the 1950s and is dedicated to goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, art, and knowledge.
The sanctuary is also known as Lotus Temple for its scenic pond with lotus flowers located on both sides of the pathway that leads to the main Hindu shrine.
There’s a small entrance fee of 60k IDR per person, which includes traditional Balinese temple wear. The outfit makes for a fun photo opportunity, and you can even purchase a package that includes a professional photo.
And, if you need a break, stop for a coffee at the nearby Starbucks that literally overlooks the temple patio with the lotus pond!
#2. Ubud Palace
If you head east along Jl. Raya Ubud, at the corner with Jl. Monkey Forest, you’ll come across Ubud Palace. The site is relatively small, but since there’s no entrance fee, it’s definitely worth a quick stop!
Once the residence of the royal family of Ubud and a hub for various religious and cultural ceremonies, today you can still admire its remnants – ornate gates, intricate stone carvings, sculptures of figures from Balinese mythology, and majestic courtyards that reflect the area’s royal heritage.
It’s a beautiful stop and great for photos!
#3. Sacred Monkey Forest
A visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest is one of the most exciting things to do in Ubud – if you’re brave enough to stroll among the cheeky Balinese monkeys!
Located just 2 km south of the town centre, this lush park spans over 12 hectares of jungle. It’s home to over a thousand monkeys who roam freely around the park – and sometimes even venture outside!
Upon entry, you’ll receive a map highlighting various points of interest, like ancient temples, water springs, winding paths, and even a cave.
I recommend setting aside about two hours to explore the park. Also, make sure to read the safety instructions before you enter. The monkeys have a thing for snatching small items like sunglasses, plastic bottles, and phones, so it’s best to store your small belongings in a backpack.
Tickets to the Monkey Forest Ubud are 100k IDR per person during the week and 120k IDR on weekends.
#4. Juwuk Manis Rice Field Walk
You don’t have to venture far from Ubud centre to see the Balinese countryside and its local life. The rice paddies are literally hiding behind the main street, and one of them is the Juwuk Manis/Kajeng Rice Field, located at the back of Raya Ubud Street.
To find it, take Jl. Kajeng, keep walking straight until you reach the path.
This area is also home to a number of working art workshops, so feel free to pop into any that catch your interest. During my visit, a local woman was selling fresh coconuts by the road – sipping one straight from her stand was such a lovely experience.
You’ll likely spot local rice farmers tending to their fields, too. The paddies are gorgeous, but the work involved in cultivating them is so tough!
Continue your stroll towards Sweet Orange Warung, a great spot to rest and grab a bite. The path will eventually lead you back to the main road, or you can always go back the way you came from if you prefer.
#5. Lazy Cats Cafe
Lazy Cats Cafe is my favourite vegetarian spot in Ubud, and trust me, even if you’re not vegetarian, it’s worth a visit. Located in the heart of Ubud, I always stop by for lunch whenever I’m in town.
The atmosphere is quirky and cosy, with vintage décor, soft armchairs, and bizarre paintings on the walls. There’s even a balcony that’s perfect for some people-watching while you enjoy your meal.
The menu is full of healthy, whole-food options, and one of my go-to dishes is the falafel pita bread – it’s absolutely delicious.
If you’re there in the evening, don’t miss their 2-for-1 cocktails; they’re a real treat. My favourite is the gin and tonic, infused with lemongrass and pink peppercorn for a unique twist.
And if you’re really hungry, their tapas set is a must-try, delicious and incredibly filling.
#6. Campuhan Ridge Walk
Even if you’re not a big hiker, you have to check out the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is right outside of Ubud.
Hiking Campuhan Ridge Walk is free, and it’s one of the most scenic things you can do in Ubud. The 2 km trail is a favourite among locals, who you’ll often see here in the morning, walking their dogs and enjoying the peaceful nature.
The path starts just behind the Ibah Hotel, but the easiest way to find it is by using the Google Maps location. I recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
If you’re staying in the town centre, it’s a short walk, but if your hotel is further out, you can easily grab a lift via GoJek or the Grab app.
And if you happen to have a drone, definitely bring it along – the views from above make the ridge walk even more spectacular!
#7. Ubud Art Market
No list of the best things to do in Ubud would be complete without at least one shopping activity, and there is no better place to go on a shopping spree than the Ubud Art Market.
Located on Jl. Kajeng, the market is just off the main road that runs through the centre. It gathers local vendors who specialise in Balinese souvenirs. Here, you can find anything from Bintang T-shirts and magnets to handmade dreamcatchers and wicker handbags.
The choice is vast, but remember that the initial asking price doesn’t have to be the final price you pay, meaning that you’re welcome to negotiate the prices respectfully.
If you still haven’t found what you were looking for, there is another market across the main street, the Jl. Raya Ubud.
#8. Taman Dedari
Located in the Kedewatan neighbourhood, a 15-minute drive northwest of Ubud centre, Taman Dedari is an Indonesian restaurant that is a great dining spot for some yummy local cuisine. But what’s truly special about this place is the restaurant’s gardens!
The gardens overlook the Ayung River Valley and are home to two giant angel statues representing personas from Balinese mythology.
I recommend coming in the evening during the golden hour and ordering something Indonesian as the Western food I had there on my first visit was very average.
Take a stroll around the park, and bring your camera for the obligatory picture with the epic statues.
#9. Tegalalang Rice Fields
A must-see for anyone visiting Bali for the first time is the Tegalalang Rice Fields – arguably the most scenic rice terraces on the island. It’s no wonder they’re a major tourist hotspot! Photos honestly don’t do this spot justice.
I recommend visiting the rice paddies as early in the morning as possible. In the morning, you will not only get that soft, golden light perfect for photos, but you will also beat the crowds and avoid the midday heat.
Tegallalang is just a 20-minute drive from Ubud. You can enter the fields from different spots along the busy road, which also has some cafes and warungs offering great views over the terraces. It’s definitely worth a stop!
The tickets cost 25k IDR per person, so make sure to have coins with you.
If you don’t want to get here yourself, you can book a tour that also includes other famous spots around Ubud, like the Pura Tirta Empul Temple (more on that below!)
#10. Pura Tirta Empul
If you want to experience the local culture firsthand, Pura Tirta Empul Temple should definitely be on your list. This Hindu temple complex dates back to 960 AD and is a national cultural heritage site. The entrance fee is 50k IDR.
The name translates to “holy water spring,” which refers to the natural spring that feeds the temple’s pools and ponds, which are all connected to the Tukad Pakerisan River.
The complex has a lush tropical garden, stunning sculptures, and prayer pavilions. But, the main highlight is the large bathing pool, which is used for the purification ritual.
You can watch others, but I’d highly suggest you join in because this ritual is such a unique experience! To participate, rent a locker for your belongings and a green sarong for the ritual.
Then, get ready to submerge your head under 11 streams of freezing water while you pray for the cause of your choosing.
This was one of our favorite things we did on our Bali itinerary!
#11. Tegenungan Waterfall
The island’s mainland boasts many epic waterfalls, so during your stay in Ubud, you’ve gotta check out at least one. Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the easiest to visit since it’s only about 10 km from the Ubud centre, but that’s not the only reason it’s a top spot.
The waterfall itself is stunning, and you can take a dip in its pool if you’re up for it!
But what I really like about the place is that there is a funky day club called Omma with a view right over the waterfall. An afternoon by their infinity pool, sipping on cocktails and enjoying the surrounding nature is another level of pleasure.
The entrance ticket to the waterfall costs 30k IDR. The entrance to the day club is on a minimum-spend basis.
Save this post for later!
Enter your info below and I'll email you the link to this blog post so you can refer back to it later 🙂
#12. Eat At A Warung
If you want to truly experience Balinese food, you’ve got to eat at a warung. Warungs are local eateries and they offer some of the most authentic and delicious meals you’ll find.
And the best part is that they’re super affordable, so you can eat like a local without breaking the bank.
Warungs typically serve traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice with meat or tofu), mie goreng (fried noodles), and my personal favourite – nasi campur (a little bit of everything with rice).
Try Antawali Kitchen, which is a more upmarket warung, perfect for your first time!
#13. Goya Gajah Temple
Another cultural activity on the list of top things to do in Ubud is a visit to Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave Temple, which dates back to the 9th century. The cave itself is fascinating, with intricate carvings around the entrance that set the scene for what’s inside.
Stepping in, it feels almost mystical – dimly lit with the air thick with incense. The temple grounds are also home to a lush garden, a small waterfall, and a pool with three large statues.
The entrance fee is 50k IDR, and that includes a sarong rental, so you don’t have to worry about bringing modest clothing with you.
#14. Alas Harum
Located near Tegalalang Rice Fields, Alas Harum Bali offers a more fun take on Balinese rice paddies.
The park offers various exciting activities, such as a giant swing, a zip line and a sky bike.
It also features different photo spots where you can take some cool shots. Expect lots of different bird nests, suspension bridges, a glass-bottom terrace, and the park’s main attraction – the gorilla-shaped cave!
Finish off your visit at the fabulous Cretya Ubud, which boasts a great infinity pool overlooking the paddies. Here, you can spend a relaxing few hours and grab some lunch.
#15. Relax At A Spa
Bali is famous for its incredible spas, and the best part? They’re super affordable, with hour-long massages starting at under $10! So, during your trip, you absolutely have to treat yourself to at least one spa experience, and Ubud is the perfect place to do it.
The town centre is packed with spas catering to all budgets, so you can easily pop into one and ask for a foot massage or a Balinese massage, which combines stretching with a relaxing hand massage.
For something extra special, book a full spa experience that includes a flower bath, body scrub, and a full body massage. Jaens Spa is the perfect place for that.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide on the best things to do in Ubud has been both useful and inspiring! Ubud is one of the most exciting places to see in Bali for travellers seeking authentic experiences.
It may no longer be a hidden gem, but there’s still plenty of magic to be found. Between strolling through the rice terraces, exploring waterfalls, and conversing with locals, Ubud is an incredible stop on your Bali itinerary.
Enjoy your time in Bali!
Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!
