29 Top Things To Do In Ubud

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Searching for the top things to do in Ubud, Bali? This post is going to share with you 29 top things to do in Ubud and the surrounding area including waterfalls, walks, shopping, relaxation and eating. I will break these top things to do in Ubud down into different categories so that you can skip to the area that interests you including classic, zen, active, and cultural activities.

In this post, I will be sharing with you not only these top places, but also cool things to do in Ubud, answering the question: Is Ubud worth visiting? And giving you some of the best day trips from Ubud.

This post is all about the top things to do in Ubud.

General Information About Ubud:

Ubud is the cultural hub of Bali and is home to jungle, rice paddies, a bustling town and local life. Tourists come for many different reasons ranging from relaxation with spas, retreats, yoga and meditation, to adventure activities such as white-water rafting, ATV and trekking.

Is Ubud worth visiting?

100% yes! Ubud is definitely worth visiting and the town really has something for everyone. Whether you are an adventure adrenaline seeker or you are looking for a relaxing retreat. Ubud has it all!

Read below for the top things to do in Ubud.

Top Things To Do In Ubud Centre: Classic:

1.The Monkey Forest

A trip to Ubud, would not be complete without a trip to the famous Monkey Forest. Here, you can walk around and see lots of monkeys up close and personal. It is also possible to have a monkey sit with you for a photo, however, make sure you do it with one of the park rangers as sometimes the monkeys can get angry and bite.

You must pay to visit the Monkey Forest and prices vary depending on the day. A weekday ticket for an adult is 80k IDR, but at the weekend it goes up to 100k.

However, if you are wanting to see monkeys and wander through a beautiful forest, I would highly recommend visiting. If you are wanting to see monkeys but don’t want to go in the monkey forest, just walk along Monkey Forest Road and you will be very likely to see some!

P.S For those scared of monkeys (like me), it is still a good experience. I found it much better than when I went in 2018. Now, it seems you cannot feed the monkeys, the rangers put food out, so the monkeys do not pounce on you as much as in the past! (Thankfully!)

2.Capuhuan Ridge Walk

If you Google things to do in Ubud, the Capuhuan Ridge Walk is always listed. This is a short walk (around 2.5km return) that is free and offers nice views of the jungle and valley. At the end of the ridge walk, there are also some nice cafes where you could take lunch/dinner or just have a cold drink.

One recommendation: Do not go in the heat of the day as there is really not much shade! I made this mistake the first time I went. However, for sunrise and sunset, it is much more bearable and very pleasant!

3. Saraswati Temple

Saraswati Temple is also known as Ubud Water Palace. It is a free temple to honour the Hindu Goddess Saraswati. It is a beautifully decorated temple with an amazing water garden and lotus pond. Tourists are not able to enter the temple itself as it is reserved for visitors who want to pray.

It is located in Ubud city centre, next to Starbucks on Jl. Raya Ubud. I would recommend visiting the Sarawati Temple and Ubud Palace at the same time as they are right next to each other. They also offer cultural shows in the evening for around 100K.

4. Ubud Palace

Ubud Palace or Puri Saren Agung is a palace which belongs to the royal family. It has very traditional architecture and is an important landmark in Ubud for art and culture.

It is completely free to enter during the day. However, if you would like to watch a traditional dance performance which is shown every night, you will need to pay 100k IDR.

5. Sample the cuisine

Ubud is a foodie’s paradise! There are so many cafes and eateries, you are spoilt for choice. Food ranges from local Warungs, to Western restaurants. Ubud is also very well known for healthy food and vegan cafes. There are many of these around town.

If you are looking for local Warungs and cheap food, I would highly recommend Warung Lemongrass or Sun Sun Warung. Warung Lemongrass is run by a lovely lady who serves cheap, delicious meals. Sun Sun Warung is a very popular warung where it is very likely you will have to wait for a table. I have been there around 6 times and had to wait each time, but the food is presented beautifully and is well worth the wait!

If you are looking for healthy, western food, I would recommend checking out Kafe, Sayuri Healing foods or Alchemy. Kafe is in the centre of Ubud and has a range of different meals and cuisines. Sayuri Healing foods offer a range of raw vegan dishes and they have a menu that changes each day, If you see the Mac’n’Cheese on the menu, I highly recommend it! Alchemy is another raw vegan café which also has a shop attached to it. The food and desserts are delicious!

Wherever you go and whatever you eat, I am sure you will discover some delicious food in Ubud!

6. Shopping

Ubud is also a shopper’s paradise. There are all types of shops ranging from local markets, to higher end boutiques. Generally speaking, the shops are mainly either selling souvenirs, jewellery, clothes or active wear. So, overall, the shops are tailored more to women.

Some of my favourite streets to shop on are Jl. Hanoman, Jl. Monkey Forest and Jl. Gootama.

Top Things To Do In Ubud: Zen Experiences:

1.Yoga

Whether you are a yogi master or a complete beginner, yoga is the perfect thing to learn while in Ubud. There are yoga studios EVERYWHERE. One of the main studio complexes is called The Yoga Barn which offer many classes everyday and this studio complex is located in the heart of Ubud. If you would like more information about the Yoga Barn, you can read all about it here.

[Related Post: Yoga Barn]

Apart from the Yoga Barn, other studios I would recommend are: Taksu Spa, and Radiantly Alive. Taksu Spa Yoga is located in such a beautiful spot, down by the river. Classes are small and intimate. Radiantly Alive is again one of the larger studios in Ubud.

2.Massage:

When walking down the streets of Ubud, it will seem that every other shop is offering massages. They are everywhere. Massages in Ubud are often cheap but usually of a good standard! The cheaper spas may have one big room divided by curtains, so you will share the space with other clients (however, typically the quality of the massage is still good). More luxurious options will allow you to have your own private room, or even to have a massage overlooking a river or rice paddy. Whichever option you choose, it can help alleviate those travel aches or destress on your holiday!

I have tried and tested many spas in Ubud and have found some fantastic places. Here are my top recommendations:

Best overall: Putri Ubud Spa 2 on Jl. Bisma:

This spa has to be my all time favourite spa in Ubud! I use it every single time I return to Ubud, and have never been disappointed by the service! They offer a range of different types of massages, scrubs, flower baths etc and the masseuses seem to really know what they are doing. You have your own private room or if you are a couple/ group they also have bigger rooms.

It is better to book in advance, but they typically have availability one day before, or even sometimes on the day!

Prices for a 60-minute Balinese massage: 250k  

Best Local Massage – Ayuning Spa on Gg. Anila:

This little spa only has a couple of rooms and is run by two lovely women. They offer a wide variety of treatments for such a little spa, but the service is great. I have taken a Balinese massage here as well as a head massage on another day. I also have friends who have been to this little spa frequently.

The prices are very affordable and they even have a shower so that you do not have to walk around all oily afterwards. Highly recommend!

Price for a one-hour Balinese massage: 125k

Relaxing And Specialised: KUSH Spa:

KUSH Spa is within the Yoga Barn Complex. They offer a range of Ayurvedic style treatments which will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. You typically have to book some days in advance for this spa, but you can book directly on Whatsapp. For more information about this spa, you can read my article all about the KUSH Spa and the Yoga Barn here.

The price for a 60-minute Abhyanga massage is: 270k

No Frills, Deep Tissue Massage: Julien BodyWork on Jl. Tirta Tawar:

If you are wanting a deep AND I MEAN DEEP tissue massage, then this is the place to go. It is definitely not a place you would go for a relaxing massage, as it is quite basic, with a curtain dividing the room up into different massage booths. However, if you have a particular problem, these people know exactly how to sort it! It was probably the most painful massage of my life, but the lady knew exactly what the problem was and worked out so many knots that the next day, I was feeling great!  

The price for a 60 minute deep-tissue massage is: 185K

3. Flower Bath

A trip to Bali is definitely not complete without experiencing a flower bath! They are offered in many different spas on the island, where you can bathe in fresh flowers while sipping on fresh tea and eating fresh fruit. It is one of the most relaxing things to do.

You can get a single bath, or if you want to have a couple’s flower bath it is usually possible too. Some spas have the bath just in a room, but if you go to some of the more luxurious spas, you will find that they offer flower baths with incredible views over the jungle/ rice paddies or river!

It is not to be missed.

4. Have A Spa Day

Many spas offer packages to have several treatments together. Why not combine these to have a super relaxing day where you are pampered to the max! Most offer lunch or dinner within the package.

Here are some treatments I would recommend:

Javanese Lulur treatment: This treatment is a traditional beauty treatment for Indonesian brides-to-be. It consists of a massage, cleansing and polishing using a scrub and yogurt. It can be the perfect way to make your skin glow as well as creating the ultimate relaxation.

Another treatment I would recommend is a package which contains a massage, scrub and bath. There are not only flower baths available, some spas also offer herbal baths, salt baths and Vitamin C baths. One spa where I have personally done this and would highly recommend is: Putri Ubud Spa 2 or Starchild 2. The herbal bath was divine!

5. Try Your Hand At Silversmithing

Ubud is the perfect place to try something new, and what better skill to learn but silversmithing! During a session, you will learn the basics of silversmithing, design whatever jewellery you would like to make and at the end, you will have a unique souvenir of Ubud to take home with you.

If you would like more information about silversmithing and other art classes in Ubud, why not check out this post all about cultural activities in Ubud.

6. Meditation Class

Ubud offers many meditation classes, and this could be a great way for you to zen out! Most of the yoga studios also offer meditation, such as the Yoga Barn. Some are with music, or singing bowls, others with just some guidance. If you are not sure which one is for you, I would recommend going to the Yoga Barn as you will have many options to choose from on their class schedule.

[Related Post: Find out my favourite meditation class in Ubud here]

7. Wellness Consultation

What better thing to do than while on holiday or travelling, but to improve your health, give yourself extra care and attention and try to better yourself. Ubud has many therapists and wellness consultants for everyone. Whether it is seeing a dietician, improving your digestion, your skin or your mind there are consultants for everyone. Two places I recommend and who I have personally been to in the past are through Taksu and The Yoga Barn. In general, booking in advance is highly recommended, so make sure you do your research, or ask when you first arrive.

8. Wander Through The Rice Fields And Have Dinner

There is a beautiful walk through the rice fields in the centre of Ubud. It is a way to escape the crowds as it is still not a well-known thing to do in Ubud. I would recommend taking the Sweet Orange Warung trail through the Kajeng rice fields. The Sweet Orange Warung offers delicious affordable meals with beautiful views over the rice fields.

It can be a circular trail meaning you can explore more without having to retrace your steps. You can access it by the road next to Starbucks. If you continue up this road until it becomes very narrow, you will see a steep hill. Continue up this hill and you will be in the rice fields. Then, follow the sign for Sweet Orange Warung.

The alternative access is a very small path which can be found on Jl. Raya Ubud after The PAON International restaurant. Follow this path and you will access the Sweet Orange Warung from the other side.

9. Batik Painting

Batik painting is one of the cool things to do in Ubud! You can learn the local craft as well as create a very unique souvenir to take home. There are many studios where you can learn Batik painting, but I would highly recommend Widya’s studio. I have been here a couple of times and have really enjoyed it! For more information about this experience, you can read my post about cultural activities in Ubud.

10. Pyramids of Chi

If you are looking for something spiritual, relaxing but different – this could be the place for you. Pyramids of Chi is located in the North of Ubud. Even though it is not possible to walk as it is quite far out, it is easily accessed by GRAB or scooter.

Pyramids of Chi is a complex with 2 pyramids which offers regular events, workshops and experiences to enhance Sacred Geometry, Pyramid Power and Ancient Sounds.

I personally tried the Ancient Sound Healing and found it very relaxing and therapeutic.

Top Things To Do In Ubud: Cultural Experiences:

Ubud is the perfect place to experience Balinese culture, whether it is deepening your knowledge of the local’s spirituality or learning about the cuisine, there are a huge number of activities available. Here are my top things to do in Ubud for a cultural experience.

1. Offering Class

All over Bali, you will see offerings being placed everywhere at different times of the day. The offerings come in all shapes and sizes. In Ubud, it is possible to go to a workshop to learn all about them and to try to make them yourself. It is a very unique opportunity to get a greater insight into local living. I would highly recommend it.

Here are some possible experiences:

2. Art Classes

There are many art opportunities in Ubud, and these are one of the cool things to do in Ubud. They range from fruit carving to basket weaving, wood carving to painting. Thus, there are so many classes to choose from, you are spoilt for choice. For more information about some of the classes which I did in Ubud, take a read of this post all about cultural experiences.

3. Cooking Class

A cooking class is the perfect way to experience the local cuisine. Most Ubud cooking classes will take you to a local market at the beginning of the class, and then you will go back to the cooking school to cook. For more information, about the cooking class I went to which I would highly recommend, click on this link to read the post about it.

Here are some other cooking schools which are available:

4. Visit A Local Market

Every morning on Jl. Raya Ubud, there is a local market. It is a place where locals buy fresh daily produce. If this interests you, it is better to go earlier as that is when it is more active. It starts at 5am and finishes at 8am.

Also, there is the Ubud Art Market, which is more touristy but offers local handicrafts as well as other souvenirs. This market is open from 10am-5pm every day.

Day Trips From Ubud:

1.Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul is a very popular day trip from Ubud. It is a water temple complex where it is possible to see (or even join) locals bathing under sacred water. This sacred water is supposed to bring health and prosperity to those who bathe under it.

2. Tegallalang rice fields

The Tegallalang rice fields are a very popular choice for many tourists who come to Bali. They are located just outside of Ubud and is a place where you can walk through the rice fields. The rice fields are quite long, so you can walk as little or as much as you want, meaning you could have a quick visit or spend half a day here.

Something else that is very popular to do here, is to go on a swing. There are swings located all over the rice fields, so don’t feel you have to go on the first one you see.

There are also many places where you can eat or get a cold drink, so you could spend lunchtime here if you wanted to.

These rice terraces have become very touristy and less of an authentic experience. The Jatiluwih rice fields in central Bali are still a little bit more authentic.

3. Elephant Cave

The Elephant Cave, otherwise known as Goa Gajah, is a cave which has been carved into a rock. It Is quite remarkable to see as the carvings are so intricate. It is located in a temple complex which is located down by a river, so you can also visit the temple compound, the river and water pools.

It is very close to Ubud, allowing you to add it on as a stop as part of a longer day trip.

4. Timbumana Waterfall

Timbumana waterfall is a beautiful waterfall and is one of Bali’s hidden gems. Not so many people go to it as some of the other famous waterfalls, making it less crowded. It is fairly easy to access as long as you are ok with steps, and the entrance price is 20k IDR per person.

(Note: I went during rainy season – it was also pouring with rain – hence the water being so brown! However, it is not always like this).

5. Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls for tourists to visit. This one can get crowded, so it is better to come earlier. It is 15k IDR per person to enter the waterfall.

On the way down to the waterfall, there are many structures for you to get your perfect Instagram photo with the waterfall as a backdrop.

My most recent visit here was during rainy season (hence why there is so much water and it is is so brown). However, it is not always like that. Normally, you can also go down much closer to the waterfall.

In recent years there has also been some development at Tegenungan where there is now a big day club right next to the waterfall. This club is called Omma . Personally, I didn’t check it out, but it could be something that interests you.

Day trips from Ubud: Active:

If you are wanting a more active adventure while visiting Ubud, why not check out these top active things to do in Ubud.

1. ATV:

Fancy zipping through the jungle on an quad bike? This activity is fantastic for adrenaline seekers who are wanting to get out of the town and get muddy! These tours takes you through different jungle tracks, rice paddies and bamboo tracks as well as seeing a little bit of local life.  

2. Downhill Biking

Downhill biking is the perfect way to get out and see the countryside as well as local life all without being super strenuous and exhausting. The biking companies pick you up from your accommodation in the morning and then take you to the start of the bike trial up near Kintamani. From there, using both roads (don’t worry there is no crazy traffic on these roads!) and paths, you make your way through local villages visiting farms, rice paddies and families on the way.

It is the perfect way to get out and about and do something active as well as understanding more about Balinese culture and way of life.

3.Mt Batur Sunrise and Trekking:

For any hikers or sunrise lovers, this is a great active option for you! You are picked up in the early hours of the morning and you will hike through the dark and dawn up Mt Batur to make it for sunrise and watch a beautiful sunrise burst out of the horizon.

Afterwards, experience the natural hot springs to loosen your muscles.

Although it may be a very early start, and by early afternoon you will be ready for bed, it is another unmissable experience while in Ubud.

4. White Water Rafting

Want to get your endorphins racing? Enjoy watersports? This could be the activity for you. There are morning and afternoon sessions where you can race down the Ayung River learning also about the local flora and fauna. The guide also shows you different hidden waterfalls as well as having the chance to swim.

Here is the experience:

I hope you have found these recommendations useful for the top things to do in Ubud. I think it is clear that the answer to “is Ubud worth visiting?” is YES! I wish you a lovely trip and remember try something new, experience different things and have fun!

Love,

This post was all about the top things to do in Ubud