Ubud is where you’ll find the real Bali – rice terraces, ancient temples, and jungle adventures all in one place. Located in Gianyar’s highlands, things to do in Ubud range from meeting playful monkeys to rafting down rushing rivers.
Whether you’re after culture, nature, or just good vibes, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest
Things to do in Ubud start with this forest sanctuary. Over 1,200 long-tailed monkeys live here among ancient temples and huge trees. The forest covers 12 hectares right in central Ubud. You can walk through on stone paths while monkeys play around you.
Entry costs about 80,000 rupiah for adults. It opens at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM daily. Keep your sunglasses and phones secure – these monkeys are cheeky and will snatch stuff. There are lockers at the entrance if you need them.
The forest has three old temples inside. Pura Dalem Agung sits in the center and dates back to the 14th century. It’s pretty cool to see how nature and culture mix here.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
This is probably the most photographed spot in Ubud. Green rice paddies step down the hillside in perfect layers. The traditional subak irrigation system here is a UNESCO World Heritage thing. Things to do in Ubud Bali don’t get more iconic than this.
Tegalalang is 20 minutes north of central Ubud by scooter or car. Entry is 20,000 rupiah per person. Come at sunrise or early morning before tour groups arrive. The light is better and you’ll actually be able to take photos without people everywhere.
You can walk down into the terraces on small paths. Some cafes on the ridge offer great views while you drink coffee. Just watch out for uneven steps if you go down.
Ubud Art Market
Pasar Seni Ubud opens early morning and runs until evening. You’ll find handmade crafts, paintings, sarongs, and baskets here. This is where locals from nearby villages sell their stuff. Things to do in Ubud include bargaining at this market – it’s expected and part of the fun.
Come before 10 AM for the best selection and less crowds. Vendors are friendly and love to chat. Don’t pay the first price – negotiate with a smile and you’ll get a fair deal.
The market sits opposite Ubud Palace on Jalan Raya Ubud. You can easily hit both spots in one morning walk.
Ubud Palace and Dance Shows
Visiting Ubud Palace is one of the classic Things to do in Ubud, especially if you love traditional culture. Puri Saren Agung sits right on the main street and dates back to the 1800s. The royal family still lives here, and you can wander through the courtyards for free during the day. The Balinese architecture is beautiful and easy to appreciate even on a quick visit.
Every night at 7:30 PM, the palace hosts traditional dance performances. Legong, Barong, and Kecak rotate throughout the week, and tickets are around 100,000 rupiah. It’s open air, so arrive early if you want good seats—shows fill up fast.
Cultural Experiences
Balinese Cooking Class
Joining a Balinese cooking class is one of the most enjoyable Things to do in Ubud, especially if you love learning by doing. Most classes take place in organic farms where you’ll pick fresh vegetables and herbs before cooking 6–8 traditional dishes. Satay, lawar, and yellow curry are usually on the menu, and the whole experience lasts around five hours, including lunch.
Prices usually range from 350,000 to 600,000 rupiah per person. Since many farms sit in the peaceful countryside, transport is often included. You’ll also get recipe cards to bring home, making it easy to recreate the flavors later.
Goa Gajah Temple
A visit to Goa Gajah is a classic Things to do in Ubud for travelers who enjoy history and unique architecture. Known as the “Elephant Cave,” this 9th-century site features a dramatic stone entrance carved with demon faces. Inside, you’ll find a small meditation cave, while outside, ancient bathing pools and fountains tell more of its story.
Entry is 50,000 rupiah, and it’s only about 10 minutes from central Ubud. The cave itself is small, so most people spend around 30 minutes unless they take time to explore the detailed carvings.
Water Purification Ritual (Melukat)
Tirta Empul Temple offers traditional Balinese purification ceremonies. You’ll wade into holy spring pools and pray at each fountain spout. Local priests guide you through the ritual if you want. It’s a spiritual experience that many visitors find meaningful.
Entry to Tirta Empul is about 50,000 rupiah. Sarongs are provided. Bring a change of clothes since you’ll get completely wet. The temple is 30 minutes north of Ubud center. Things to do in Ubud like this give you real insight into Balinese spirituality.
Nature and Adventure
Ayung River Rafting
If you want something adventurous on your list of Things to do in Ubud, rafting the Ayung River is a fun pick. The river runs through jungle walls, hidden waterfalls, and stone carvings, with Class II and III rapids that are beginner-friendly. The rafting portion lasts about two hours, and guides handle the technical parts so you can just enjoy the ride.
Tours are usually 300,000 to 500,000 rupiah per person, including transport and lunch. You will get soaked, so leave anything important in the locker. The river is calmer in the dry season but runs year-round. Most operators offer hotel pickup, and booking ahead is smart during peak months like July and August.
ATV Jungle Rides
ATV rides are another active option under Things to do in Ubud, perfect if you like muddy jungle adventures. These tours take you through rice fields, forest trails, and quiet Balinese villages for about 2–3 hours. Helmets and boots are provided, and you can choose single or tandem ATVs.
Prices start around 450,000 rupiah per person. Some companies even bundle ATV and rafting for a full-day combo. The routes go off the beaten path and take you to spots most visitors never see.
Waterfall Hopping
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Water flows over layered rocks here, creating a curtain effect. It’s shallow enough to walk around and pose on the rocks. Instagram made this place popular, so expect people during midday.
Entry is 15,000 rupiah. It’s 20 minutes from central Ubud. The rocks can be slippery, so watch your step.
Tibumana Waterfall
Quieter than Tegenungan, this waterfall sits in a jungle valley. The walk down takes 10 minutes on good steps. The pool at the bottom is deep enough for swimming. Entry costs 15,000 rupiah.
Pack a waterproof phone case if you want photos. The spray is constant. Things to do in Ubud include finding these hidden spots away from crowds.
Tegenungan Waterfall
This powerful waterfall is 15 minutes south of Ubud. Water crashes down 15 meters into a pool where you can swim. Stairs lead down to the bottom – about 100 steps. Entry is 20,000 rupiah.
Come early morning before buses arrive. The mist feels amazing on hot days. There’s a small warung at the top if you need drinks.
Wellness and Relaxation
Traditional Massage and Spa
A Balinese spa session is easily one of the most relaxing Things to do in Ubud. Local spas offer traditional massage using warm oil and long pressure strokes, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Sessions usually run 60–90 minutes, with prices ranging from 150,000 rupiah at simple spas to 500,000+ at luxury resorts.
Many spas are set in lush areas overlooking rice fields or rivers. Afternoon appointments are ideal since you’ll feel too relaxed to do much afterward. Popular choices include Karsa Spa and Ubud Sari Health Resort.
Healthy Cafes
After yoga or spa, hit up Ubud’s health food scene. Alchemy serves raw vegan food and killer smoothie bowls. Clear Cafe does organic Indonesian dishes. Prices are reasonable – 50,000 to 100,000 rupiah for mains.
These cafes have fast wifi, so digital nomads pack them during work hours. Go for breakfast or late lunch to avoid the crowd.
Yoga Studios
Joining a yoga class is one of the most popular wellness-focused Things to do in Ubud. Studios like Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive offer daily sessions ranging from gentle flow to power yoga. Drop-in classes usually cost 100,000 to 200,000 rupiah.
Many studios are open-air spaces with jungle views, making morning classes especially peaceful. Mats are available for rent if you didn’t bring your own.
Unique Activities
Coffee Plantation Tour
Visit a coffee farm to see how Bali’s famous luwak coffee gets made. Tours show you coffee, cacao, and spice plants. You’ll try 12+ types of coffee and tea for free. The luwak coffee (yes, from civet poop) costs extra if you want to buy some.
Entry is usually free – they make money selling coffee. Tours last about 45 minutes. Satria Agrowisata and Bali Pulina are popular spots.
Art Galleries
Ubud’s art scene includes museums and galleries showing Balinese paintings. Neka Art Museum has a huge collection from local and international artists who worked in Bali. Entry is 75,000 rupiah.
Blanco Renaissance Museum showcases work by Antonio Blanco in his former home and studio. The building itself is worth seeing. Entry costs 100,000 rupiah.
Bali Swing Experience
Multiple swing venues around Ubud let you soar over jungle and rice fields. The swings hang from tall poles – some go out over 10 meters. Professional photographers capture your flight. Things to do in Ubud tourist attractions like this are super popular with visitors.
Packages cost 300,000 to 500,000 rupiah with multiple swing rides and photo locations. Some venues also have nests and hanging heart frames for photos. Book online to skip queues.
Best Food Spots
Local Warungs
Try authentic Balinese food at small warungs (family restaurants). Nasi campur (mixed rice) costs 25,000 to 40,000 rupiah. Babi guling (roast pork) and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck) are local specialties worth trying.
Warung Biah Biah and Warung Mak Beng serve great local food. These places fill up with locals during lunch – always a good sign.
Rice Field Cafes
Sari Organik sits in the middle of rice fields north of central Ubud. Reach it by walking through the paddies. The food is organic and simple. It’s more about the view and vibe than fancy cuisine.
Swept Away at Samaya Ubud serves Western and Indonesian food overlooking Ayung River. Prices are higher but the setting is beautiful.
THIS IS BALI Eatry
A trip to Ubud isn’t complete without trying real Balinese and Indonesian food, and THIS IS BALI is one of the best restaurant in Ubud to do that. The place is known for its viral aesthetic and modern Balinese interior that makes it naturally photo-friendly and comfortable to hang out in.
They also have Ubud’s first interactive stamp menu, where you collect stamps as you try different dishes. The food highlights simple, bold Indonesian flavours with a fun twist. It’s an easy choice for lunch, dinner, or a quick stop between activities in Ubud.
Where to Stay in ubud
Luxury Options
If you want your stay to match the same energy as all the amazing Things to do in Ubud, the luxury hotels here don’t disappoint. COMO Uma Ubud offers minimalist rooms and a great spa, with rates starting around 3,000,000 rupiah per night. Hanging Gardens is known for its iconic infinity pools that look like they’re floating in the jungle—expect rates from 5,000,000 rupiah and up.
For something completely different, Capella Ubud gives you a luxury glamping experience with beautifully designed tents. It’s stunning, but definitely on the pricey side.
Mid-Range Hotels
Mid-range stays in Ubud offer great value, especially if you’re here to explore many of the Things to do in Ubud without overspending on accommodation. Komaneka at Bisma features pools and wide valley views for around 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 rupiah per night. The Kayon Jungle Resort is another favorite, with rooms overlooking peaceful rice fields.
Most mid-range hotels include breakfast and sometimes even free airport pickup, giving you solid facilities without luxury-level prices.
Budget Stays
If you’re keeping things simple so you can spend more on all the fun Things to do in Ubud, budget stays are easy to find. Hostels and guesthouses start around 200,000 rupiah per night. Places like Soka Homestay and Bisma Sari Resort offer clean rooms with AC, often with breakfast included.
Most budget spots are family-run, so you’ll get warm service and plenty of local tips during your stay.
Getting Around Ubud
Scooter Rental
Rent a scooter for 60,000 to 80,000 rupiah per day. You’ll need an international driving license. Traffic in central Ubud gets crazy, but side roads are calm. Gas stations are everywhere.
Most hotels can arrange scooter rental. Check brakes and lights before you leave.
Private Driver
Hire a driver with car for 500,000 to 700,000 rupiah per day (10 hours). They’ll take you anywhere and wait while you visit sites. Drivers know the best routes and can recommend places. Things to do in Ubud become much easier with a driver who knows the area.
Many drivers speak good English. You can book through your hotel or apps like Klook.
Walking
Central Ubud is walkable but hilly. Sidewalks are narrow and sometimes non-existent. Watch for scooters – they zoom by close. Walking to nearby rice fields takes 20-30 minutes.
You Should Know
Is Ubud safe for solo travelers? Yes, Ubud is very safe. Locals are friendly and crime is rare. Just watch your belongings at busy markets.
When’s the best time to visit Ubud? April-October for dry weather. July-August gets crowded. November-March is rainy but prices drop.
Do I need a car in Ubud? Not for central area, but helpful for temples and waterfalls outside town. Scooters work well too.
Can I drink the tap water? No, stick to bottled water. Most hotels provide free bottles daily.
What should I wear to temples? Cover shoulders and knees. Sarongs are usually provided at entrances. Avoid tank tops.
How much cash should I carry? Bring 500,000 to 1,000,000 rupiah for a day. ATMs are common but can run out during peak season.
Are there mosquitos? Yes, especially near rice fields and forests. Bring repellent. Dengue fever exists here.
Can I use my phone? Buy a local SIM at the airport for cheap data. Wifi is fast at most cafes and hotels.
Is bargaining expected? At markets yes, in shops sometimes. Hotels and restaurants have fixed prices.
How far is Ubud from the airport? About 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Cost 250,000-350,000 rupiah for taxi or pre-booked transfer.
Ubud packs more into its small area than you’d ever expect. Things to do in Ubud range from peaceful temple visits to muddy ATV rides through the jungle. The mix of culture, nature, and great food sets it apart from Bali’s beach towns.
Whether you stay for three days or three weeks, you’ll always find something new. Just remember to slow down a little that’s the real magic of Ubud.
