Wondering what to do in Ubud? Rice terraces, the Monkey Forest, water temples, waterfalls and traditional dance, plus our plan for a day trip from the coast.
Ubud is Bali's cultural heart. Set in the green hills about an hour inland from the coast, it's a town of rice terraces, temples, jungle gorges, art and dance. It's cooler and calmer than the beaches, and the place to see the Bali of temple ceremonies, terraced fields and traditional craft.
We send guests to Ubud on day trips all the time, and many split their holiday between the hills and the coast. This is our guide to what to do in Ubud and how to make the most of your time there.
About 20 minutes north of central Ubud, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces step down a steep valley in curving green layers, watered by the traditional Balinese subak irrigation system. Walk down into the terraces for the best views. Farmers often ask for a small donation at the paths, which helps maintain the fields.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, at the bottom of Monkey Forest Road, is a jungle temple complex with moss-covered statues, giant banyan trees and hundreds of long-tailed macaques. It's beautiful and fun, but the monkeys are bold. Leave food in your bag, keep sunglasses and phones secure, don't touch or feed them, and walk calmly away if one gets too interested.
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a paved path along a grassy ridge between two river valleys, starting near the Warwick Ibah hotel on the west side of town. It's an easy walk of about an hour there and back, with jungle views on both sides. Go at sunrise or late afternoon, as there's little shade in the middle of the day.
Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) sits at the centre of town, opposite the market. The courtyards are free to wander during the day, and in the evening traditional Balinese dances such as the Legong and Barong are performed in the palace grounds and at temples around town. Tickets are sold on the street during the day.
About 30 to 40 minutes north-east of Ubud, Tirta Empul is a holy spring temple where Balinese Hindus come to purify themselves in the bathing pools. Visitors can take part respectfully: wear a sarong (available at the entrance), follow the order of the spouts, and follow the guidance of temple staff. Go early to avoid the crowds.
Just east of Ubud, Goa Gajah is an ancient sanctuary with a cave entrance carved into the shape of a demon's mouth, old bathing pools and a jungle path down to a stream. It's a quick, atmospheric stop that pairs well with Tirta Empul.
The hills around Ubud have dozens of waterfalls. Tegenungan is the most accessible and busiest, while Tibumana and Kanto Lampo are smaller and prettier. Expect steps down and back up, wear shoes with grip, and stay out of the water after heavy rain, when flows can rise quickly.
For the adventurous, the Mount Batur sunrise trek is unforgettable. Tours collect you from Ubud in the very early hours, and you climb the active volcano in the dark with a local guide to watch the sun rise over the crater lake and Mount Agung. It's a steep two-hour climb, so you need reasonable fitness. Book with a licensed guide, and check conditions before you go.
Opposite the palace, Ubud Art Market sells sarongs, baskets, carvings, paintings and souvenirs. Bargain politely and with a smile. Starting at around half the asking price is normal. The streets around it, including Jalan Hanoman and Jalan Dewi Sita, have galleries and more upmarket boutiques.
Right in the centre of town, Pura Taman Saraswati is a temple dedicated to the goddess of learning and the arts, approached across a pond filled with lotus flowers. It's especially pretty when they bloom, and evening dance performances are often held here too.
Ubud is one of the world's great yoga destinations, with open-air studios set among rice fields and jungle. The Yoga Barn is the best known, with drop-in classes all day for every level, and there are many smaller studios around town. Pair a morning class with a massage in the afternoon.
Ubud has some of Bali's best cooking schools, many set on family compounds or organic farms. Most include a market visit in the morning, then you cook and eat a full Balinese meal. It's one of the best ways to learn about local life and food.
Ubud has been an artists' town for a century. The Neka Art Museum and ARMA (Agung Rai Museum of Art) give a good overview of Balinese painting, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum, the former home of painter Antonio Blanco, sits above the river at Campuhan. A good choice on a rainy afternoon.
The Ayung River runs through a deep jungle gorge just west of Ubud, and white-water rafting trips take you past waterfalls and carvings in the rock. Rapids are mostly gentle to moderate, making it a great family activity. Choose an established operator with good safety equipment.
Staying in Canggu, Seminyak or Uluwatu? You can see the best of Ubud in a long day. Leave early with a private driver and try this order:
Ubud is a brilliant place to eat, from healthy cafés to famous local dishes. A few well-loved favourites:
Ubud is roughly an hour to an hour and a half from Canggu or Seminyak, and about two hours from Uluwatu, depending on traffic. The airport is about an hour to an hour and a half away. In town, the centre is walkable, but the main sights are spread out, so most visitors use a private driver, Gojek or Grab. Note that some Ubud streets restrict app pick-ups, so you may need to walk to a main road or use a local driver.
The dry season, from about April to October, is the most comfortable time, with clear mornings and cooler evenings. The wet season (roughly November to March) brings afternoon rain, but the rice fields are at their greenest and the town is quieter. Ubud is a few degrees cooler than the coast all year round, so pack a light layer for the evenings.
Our villas are on the coast, which many guests prefer as a base, visiting Ubud on a day trip. Casa de Loto in Canggu is the closest, at about an hour to an hour and a half away. Our Uluwatu villas, Unite By The Sea and Temple of Tides, are about two hours away and ideal if you want beaches and cliffs as your base. If you want to stay in the hills, a common plan is two or three nights in Ubud followed by the rest of your trip on the coast. Booking direct with us means no platform fees.
Yes. It's the best place in Bali for rice terraces, temples, traditional dance, art and yoga, and it feels completely different from the beach towns. Even a day trip is worth it.
Two to three nights lets you see the main sights at an easy pace and enjoy the town in the evening. If you're short on time, a long day trip from the coast covers the highlights.
Yes. From Canggu or Seminyak it's about an hour to an hour and a half each way, so leave early with a private driver and plan for a full day.
Generally, yes, if you follow the rules: don't carry food, keep loose items secure, don't touch or feed the monkeys, and stay calm if one climbs on you. Staff are on hand throughout the forest.
Choose Ubud for culture, nature and a calmer, cooler stay; choose Canggu, Seminyak or Uluwatu for beaches and sunsets. Many visitors split their stay, with a few nights in Ubud and the rest by the sea.
Base yourself at our villas in Canggu or Uluwatu and visit Ubud on a day trip. Best rates are always here, with no platform fees.
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