In the highlands of Bali, Indonesia, there is a picturesque town of Ubud which is popular as a hub for traditional arts and dance. One of Bali's most well-known vistas is the rainforest and terraced rice fields of the Ubud District, with a plethora of ancient Hindu temples and shrines. The beautifully sculpted Goa Gajah also known as the Elephant Cave and Gunung Kawi, with its rock-cut shrines, are examples of ancient holy sites. Be ready to participate in various things to do in Ubud such as exploring Monkey Forest, diving in Tegenungan waterfall, Mount Batur Trek, Pod Chocolate Factory and Cafe, Tamam Saraswati, John Hardy Workshop and Showroom, and many more.
Top 10 Things to Do in Ubud: The Picturesque Tropical Paradise
There are multiple options of must-do in Ubud as the small island of Bali has several world-class traditional attractions to offer its guests. The town is known to be a renowned cultural and agricultural hub. With mysterious caves, rice paddies, agricultural fields, and lush green mountains you can truly experience the best of Ubud. You can gain insight into Balinese culture, society, and history by visiting other distinctive cultural hotspots like Threads of Culture or the Ubud Art Market. So get ready to experience the getaway like never before in the magical land called Ubud.
- A Memorable Trip to Monkey Forest
- Nature Walk in Campuhan Ridge
- Take a Dive in Tegenungan Waterfall
- Relish Pod Chocolate Factory and Cafe
- Thrilling White Water Rafting at Ayung River
- The Jewels of John Hardy Workshop and Showroom
- Enjoying Barong and Keris Dance performance
- Offer Prayers in Pura Tamam Saraswati
- Time to Cover Mount Batur Trek
- The Philosophy of Yoga with Yoga Barn
1. A Memorable Trip to Monkey Forest
One of the biggest animal reserves and environmental conservation centers is in Ubud named as the Monkey Forest, which is situated in Padangtegal. The habitat within the forest, which has developed into a natural gem for the area, and the animals that live there are actively protected and maintained by the locals. In addition to over 186 different species of rare flora, the forest is an abode to more than 700 monkeys, primarily the adorable long-tailed macaques. You can also stroll over 12.3 hectares of undeveloped land that are largely made up of nutmeg trees and scattered with old temples.
- Location: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, 80571.
- Timings: Monday to Sunday (8:30 am – 5:30 pm)
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2. Nature Walk in Campuhan Ridge
Travelers who are looking for some quality time with a serene natural view can explore the place called Campuhan Ridge in Ubud. The trail is covered with lush green rice-terraced fields with more than 9 km in distance taking approximately 2 hours to cover both ways. The trail starts from Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas and Spas and if you are already residing there then you are in luck as you can have a soothing walk in the mesmerizing location and try out one of the unique things to do in Ubud.
Location: The Campuhan Ridge Walk is located at Campuhan in Ubud, Giyanyar
Timings: The best time to go for the Campuhan Ridge walk is either early morning or late afternoon to protect yourself from sunlight and heat.
3. Take a Dive in Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall contributes significantly to the fact that Ubud is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. You can get near nature at Ubud Central thanks to the waterfall, which is halfway between Ubud and Denpasar. If you want to travel by car, it will take you a few hours to get there. Additionally, there are numerous well-known eateries that provide delectable Balinese food as well as the famed crispy fried duck, which is a local favorite. This is the perfect location to be if you want to enjoy a delectable dinner while taking in the breathtaking scenery, making it one of the best things to do in Ubud.
Location: Jalan Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Timings: Daily: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
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4. Relish Pod Chocolate Factory and Cafe
The Pod Chocolate Factory and Cafe is the ideal site for those who enjoy chocolate. You could get accustomed to some of the most unconventional methods to create pod chocolate by visiting the place of manufacture. Additionally, you may make your own chocolates and try them. Additionally, you are going to have a chance to sample raw cacao, cocoa nibs, and a wide range of other foods. In the simplest terms, you will see anything that takes place in a chocolate factory. As a memento, you are welcome to bring some of your own chocolate made at home.
Location: The Pod Chocolate Factory and Cafe is located at Jalan Tukad Ayung, Carangsari, Petang, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM
5. Thrilling White Water Rafting at Ayung River
If you like indulging yourself in thrilling water sports then river rafting in the Ayung River will be a perfect idea to go for. The Ayung River, which is also known as family-friendly white water river rafting, offers rapids of grades I, II, and III plus additional streams to challenge and elevate the pace of your heart. You could additionally have chances to see wildlife, that includes Blue Javan Kingfishers and other species while rafting through the rainforest. You navigate rapids ranging in complexity from grade 1 to 3 over a course of about 12 kilometers.
Activity Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours
6. The Jewels of John Hardy Workshop and Showroom
The magnificent John Hardy Ubud workshop was established in 1975, and it is abode to some of the most beautiful handcrafted jewelry which cannot be found anywhere else in Bali. The showroom offers numerous jewelry options to choose from travelers. If you are searching for a perfect souvenir to take home for your family and friends then this is the perfect choice to take as you will get various options such as beads, bracelets, earrings, necklaces to classic chains, coils, and cuffs, you can find everything in the John Hardy Ubud Workshop and Showroom and get the best experience of shopping in Ubud.
Location: The John Hardy Ubud Workshop and Showroom are located at Jalan Raya Mambal, Br. Baturning, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
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7. Enjoying Barong and Keris Dance performance
Barong is a Balinese mythological figure and leader of goodness, and Rangda is the king of spirits and envy. In addition, Barong is the magical protector of Balinese villages. In short, the dance performance of Barong and Kris highlights the war between good and evil spirits. Barong and Kris's dance performances are one of the most famous dance performances in Bali and a must-see. These dance performances can be found in several villages and most of the village tours offered in Bali include this dance performance. Above all, the dance performances of Barong and Kris tell the story of the battle between good and evil in the form of dance and are a perfect example of mixing myth and history which is one of the must-see things to see in Ubud.
8. Offer Prayers in Pura Tamam Saraswati
Pura Taman Saraswati Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati (God of Knowledge), is one of the most famous temples in Ubud and is visited by thousands of Balinese Hindus every year. One of the main attractions of Saraswati Temple is the pond filled with many lotus flowers. The walls of the temple have very beautiful carvings by Ubud artists. In addition, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm, the temple hosts the Kecak Dance Performance, which costs approximately IDR 100,000 per person and is performed by the Sandhi Suara Dance Group.
Location: The temple is located at Jalan Kajeng in Ubud, Gianyar.
9. Time to Cover Mount Batur Trek
Mount Batur is an active volcano in Bali and a hike to this fascinating peak is one of the interesting things to do in Ubud. If you are an adventure lover, trekking to this peak is a must. One of the reasons why trekking Mount Batur is so popular is that it offers one of the best views in Bali. Whether you're traveling alone or in a group, this adventure has the gear everyone needs. Different tour and trekking packages offer different features like unique trails, lunches, hotel pickup, discounts, etc with Ubud tour packages.
Location: Kintamani, Indonesia
Best Time: Monday to Sunday (3:30 am – 3:00 pm)
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10. The Philosophy of Yoga with Yoga Barn
Bali is very famous for its authentic yoga classes. One such famous yoga place is Yoga Barn. Yoga Barn in Ubud offers daily yoga classes and workshops. In addition to yoga classes, Yoga Barn also specializes in holistic healing, including cleansing and detox retreats, acupuncture, naturopathy, wellness medicine, Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic rejuvenation, and more. The Yoga Barn is a retreat center with nine rooms and about 10-11 yoga classes are held in one day, making it 75 hours a week so you can book a class yourself as it is one of the interesting things to do in Ubud with family.
The best thing to do in Ubud is exploring the ancient temples, majestic royal palaces and green hillsides, and rice terraces. This Balinese city and its suburbs in the government of Gianyar are a treasure trove of cultural sights, where some of the world's foremost artisans and collectors have visited and worked. The Island is the perfect option to get a rejuvenating getaway with your loved ones without any hurdles. If you are into thrilling adventures then you can opt for Ubud adventure packages and leave everything on our hands.
FAQs - Things to Do in Ubud
Ubud is known for its rich culture, heritage, lush jungles, Hindu pilgrimage sites, rice fields, and handicrafts. If you want to see the best of Bali, be sure to visit Ubud.
Ubud Monkey Forest is an abode to more than 700 monkeys and a plethora of plant species that contribute to making a fun-filled day for everyone. It is one of the most famous destinations in Ubud and is known for its community management program.
You need at least 2 full days to choose the most important things to do in Ubud, Bali. If you have three days in Ubud, you can explore the eastern or northern part of Ubud in addition to Ubud town and its surroundings.
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Ubud is June-July-August-September. In July and August (high season) the weather is sunny and very hot during the day and usually clear and cool in the evening.
The best area to stay in Ubud is the city center because it is a tourist area and it is a very safe area. You can stay in one of the many authentic hotels in the city center and easily get around on foot. The main streets are JI Raya Ubud, JI Hanoman, and JI Monkey Forest.
There is a plethora of places to explore in Ubud. Not only is the place an abode of the most serene beaches but it also provides a wide range of adventurous water sports for thrill seekers and honeymooners.
October to March is the cheapest time to visit Bali as it is off-peak, meaning you can take advantage of a great range of high-season offers.
Jalan Raya Ubud is the main street that runs through the center of Ubud, which is widely regarded as the arts and culture center of Bali.
