The result of our extensive exploration of Bali’s artistic and cultural hub over many years is our Ubud travel guide. A visit to Ubud Bali is a must for every travel to Indonesia!
Along with an abundance of fantastic cafes, restaurants, and cozy luxury hotels, this town and tourist destination is full of interesting marketplaces, palaces, jungles, and temples to see. It possesses every facet and allure of Balinese culture.
Once you’ve done everything there is to do in Ubud, Tegalalang, Gianyar, and Bangli, which are all within 15 to 30 minutes’ drive, offer even more waterfalls and rice terraces to view.
Here is my Ubud travel guide, along with a list of some of the top activities in Bali’s Ubud! at theworldtravelguy.com
Where in Bali Is Ubud?
To start with, where exactly is Ubud, Bali?
on the center of Bali, Indonesia, on the Gianyar regency’s hills, is Ubud. An hour’s drive will get you there from the Bali airport, which is around 40 kilometers north.
Situated close to the Ubud town core, which is teeming with lodging options, dining options, shopping opportunities, and tourist destinations like the Bali Monkey Forest, is the main Ubud tourism area at theworldtravelguy.com
But there are also plenty of beautiful lodging options in the neighboring districts of Ubud, such as Tegalalang, Gianyar, and Bangli, in addition to a plethora of attractions including rice terraces, waterfalls, and temples that are just waiting to be discovered theworldtravelguy.com/best-things-to-do-in-ubud-bali-monkeys-temples-markets/
How to Navigate Bali’s Ubud
The majority of the attractions are within walking distance if you are lodging close to the Ubud town center.
But, you’ll need to rent a scooter or hire a private vehicle and driver if you want to explore outside of the city (both of these may be scheduled online). You can either make an online reservation or work with your hotel to arrange airport transfers from the Bali airport to Ubud.
For brief trips throughout Ubud, taxis are available, however the costs are exorbitant for visitors. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Go-Jek are available in Ubud, but you will need to use discretion as the local taxi mafia is fiercely protective of its territory and will not tolerate you using them.
Top Activities in Ubud, Bali
1. The Monkey Forest in Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest is the most well-liked location to see the mischievous Bali monkeys, so it should be very near the top of your list of things to do in Ubud.
Visit the well-known Ubud Monkey Forest for a humorous photo opportunity with the Balinese macaques.
They inhabit this jungle in their hundreds, and they are (for the most part) amiable to strangers.
2. The Market in Ubud
The Ubud art market is located directly across the street from the monkey jungle.
There are many unique handcrafted Balinese souvenirs and trinkets available for purchase, such as wood carvings, coconut bowls, rattan hats, purses, and paintings depicting rural life that are reminiscent of the Ubud region.
The typical tourist souvenirs, such as t-shirts and fridge magnets, are also available here. Because some of the sellers start a little high, feel free to haggle for a lesser price. It’s normal to haggle, and it adds to the excitement at theworldtravelguy.com
3. Restaurants in Ubud
You can find excellent cafes and eateries all over Ubud.
Many establishments provide well-known Western cuisine and fresh fruit drinks, such as smoothie bowls, but don’t forget to sample some regional Indonesian specialties like nasi goreng and chicken satay.
While by no means exhaustive, the following is a list of excellent eateries in Ubud to check out:
Watercress Ubud, Milk & Madu, Suka Espresso, Bittersweet, Social Monkeys, and Lazy Cats for breakfast Cafe
Dinner options include Locavore Restaurant, Copper Kitchen & Bar, Hujan Locale, Ibu Susu Bar & Kitchen, Embers Restaurant, and The Grill At Luxe Ethnic restaurants include Pica South American Kitchen (Peruvian), Sweet Orange Warung (Indonesian), Bebek Bengil (Balinese), Toro Sushi Cafe (Japanese), Pesona Lounge (Indian), Uma Cucina (Italian), Nostimo Grill (Greek), Pica South American Kitchen (Peruvian), Bebek Bengil (Balinese), and Wanara Spice (Balinese).
Dessert: Yugurt Republic, Room4Dessert, Caramel Patisserie & Cafe, Monsieur Spoon, Daily Baguette, Frozen Yogi, Gelato Secrets, and Tukies Coconut Shop
Of course, if you poke about in the back lanes and outside the main town center, you’ll also find a ton of inexpensive, genuine Indonesian “warungs,” or small family-run eateries. Bali is essentially a budget-friendly gastronomic haven at theworldtravelguy.com
Later on, in another Ubud travel guide, we will go into greater detail about food and restaurants, so be sure to save this page and come back!
4. Massage in Bali
There is a massage parlor in almost every third building in Ubud.
A one-hour body massage in Bali may be had for as little as 150k Rupiah ($10 USD), and the massages are excellent at theworldtravelguy.com
5. The Royal Palace in Ubud
This elegant castle from the 1800s, with its breathtaking Balinese stone carvings and courtyards, is located on a corner in the heart of Ubud. It’s a brief (15 minutes) but highly valuable stop!
6. Rice Terraces in Tegalalang
Tegalalang, about 15 minutes’ drive north of Ubud, is home to Bali’s most well-known rice terraces.
Layered rice paddies in vivid green hues can be seen here. The water steps through the terraces, irrigating the rice for the farmers and forming a picturesque scene in the process.
The entire valley may be explored on foot pathways, providing up-close views of the terraces. It’s among Bali’s most recognizable images!
7. Elephant Sanctuary in Bali
Established in 1997, Mason Elephant Park is a rescue park dedicated to the conservation of Sumatran elephants, an endangered species on their home island of Sumatra in Indonesia.
We had a wonderful day, and I must say that the park is immaculately maintained and expertly handled in every way. It’s evident that the elephants like human attention and are content and healthy at theworldtravelguy.com
From Ubud, the park is a 30-minute drive away.
8. The Saraswati Temple
Some of Bali’s most interesting wall patterns and sculptures may be found in the Saraswati Water Temple, which is located in the heart of Ubud. The doors are incredibly ornate and intricate. Dragons, flowers, representations of demons, and more.
9. Temple Pura Dalem
Of all the Bali temples, this one in the heart of Ubud is renowned for having some of the strangest and most elaborate figures. Here, monstrous monsters such as lions and demon goddesses stare back at you.
10. Elephant Cave in Goa Gajah
Among the strangest temples in Ubud, this one is also one of the oldest. Goa Gajah has been there since the ninth century. The cave’s entrance is quite strange and unusual—it almost seems like you’re entering the stomach of a large rock monster!
There is a picturesque banyan tree with enormous roots outside the cave, and inside is a small path that descends about 15 meters. Inside the cave, there are some burning Hindu incense baskets at theworldtravelguy.com
All things considered, Goa Gajah is among the most unusual temples in the Ubud region.
11. Temple of Samuan Tiga
Situated between Ubud and Gianyar, this large tenth-century temple is only 800 meters from the Goa Gajah temple and ten minutes’ drive from the heart of Ubud. Though not many tourists seem to know about it, this temple is well-known for Hindu rites despite its odd quietness theworldtravelguy.com/best-things-to-do-in-ubud-bali-monkeys-temples-markets/
12. Waterfall Layana
One of the most accessible waterfalls in Ubud is this one. The Layana town center may be reached by car in only ten minutes.
You don’t have to order anything in order to see the falls; however, there is a warung above it where you can have food while taking in the vista.
13. Tibumana Waterfall
Tibumana was formerly a hidden waterfall, but in recent years, it has become highly popular and is now visited by many Instagrammers. You should still go there!
There are a few smaller waterfalls close by, and the route to this one is very picturesque as it travels between palm palms and verdant rice fields at theworldtravelguy.com
14. The Suwat Waterfall
This waterfall, which is close to Gianyar and Ubud, is a rising hidden gem. It’s a nice place to swim, and you can even paddle around on a cute little bamboo raft.
Short and easy, the climb to Suwat Waterfall passes through a tiny bamboo grove and other tropical flora.at theworldtravelguy.com
15. Waterfall in Taman Sari
There is an alternative route that leads to Taman Sari Waterfall that is only 500 meters from the Tibumana gate.
It’s also known as the Pengibul Waterfall, and it’s a little, uncrowded 2-step cascade that takes 5 to 10 minutes to get on foot. It’s definitely worth seeing while visiting Tibumana!
16. Waterfall at Goa Rang Reng
Be cautious around slick rocks! There are three waterfalls in Goa Rang Reng, but my personal favorite is the first one—a large, sloping cascade that resembles a real Slip N Slide at theworldtravelguy.com
17. Waterfall Kanto Lampo
Kanto Lampo is a waterfall that cascades over rocks and into an underground natural pool. You also get to witness some eerie engravings in the surrounding rock walls.
18. The Waterfall Tegenungan
The busiest and most popular waterfall in Bali is Tegenungan. Although you probably won’t be driving past it, this is a pleasant place to have lunch if you want to avoid the throng.
19. Kemenuh Butterfly Park
The largest moth in the world, the Atlas Moth, is best held in your hands. There are hundreds of butterflies in this little park. Giant stick bugs from Borneo are also available.
20. Zoo Bali
There are many amazing species of wildlife at the Bali Zoo, some of which are indigenous to Indonesia. In addition to offering the opportunity to take pictures with tropical birds, the park’s amenities and animal care appear to be of the highest caliber.
21. Bali Reptile & Bird Park
More than a thousand birds and reptiles, including Komodo dragons and tropical parrots, can be found in this park. Everything is really well managed, and the grounds feature an antique “Angkor Wat” concept that blends in wonderfully with the nature at theworldtravelguy.com
22. Wood Carving of Mas
The woodcarvers of Mas village are renowned for producing some of the best Balinese wood carvings in all of Southeast Asia. But beware—some of these can get very expensive. Before you buy, do some research and bargain.
23. The Waterfall of Goa Giri Campuhan
There are many beautiful waterfalls in the Bangli area, which is close to Ubud. Begin near the northern Goa Giri Campuhan waterfall. You have to go through a few cool caves to get to this one because it’s hidden.
24. Garba Goa
This historic cave temple dates to the 12th century and is located in the village of Pejeng.
Goa Garba served as a learning center and school for the offspring of the Balinese kings. These days, it’s a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path area in the jungle where you can see some ruins and avoid the hordes of tourists at theworldtravelguy.com
25. Ruins of Gunung Kawi
It goes without saying that I had to include Gunung Kawi in my travel guide to Ubud!
This is one of Bali’s most distinctive and fascinating temples, in my opinion. In reality, Gunung Kawi is an underground temple etched into a cliff face at theworldtravelguy.com
You can tell by looking at this temple that it dates to the eleventh century.
26. The Temple of Gunung Kawi Sebatu
This temple is not nearly as well-known as Gunung Kawi, despite having a similar name and location. This water temple is situated in a lovely jungle.
27. The Empul Spring Tirta
Because of the Hindu holy spring nearby, where guests—including tourists—are welcome to bathe and offer prayers, if that’s your thing, this is one of the most well-known temples close to Ubud.
28. The Temple of Batuan
Situated midway between Ubud and Sanur in Batuan village, this historic temple dates back to the 10th century. The entire temple complex is accessible to visitors, and many of the structures and sculptures are unique from those found at other Balinese temples.
29. Sangeh Forest of Monkeys
Another protected jungle in central Bali is the Sangeh Monkey Forest, where you may play with hundreds of amiable but untamed monkeys.
You might want to visit the monkey forest in Sangeh if you find the one in Ubud to be too crowded. While it’s only thirty minutes away from Ubud, it’s less crowded, less expensive, and quieter at theworldtravelguy.com
30 Temple Taman Ayun
This is one of Bali’s nicest temples, in my opinion; it’s incredibly picturesque and not too close to the main tourist attractions, so it doesn’t get too busy. Taman Ayun is located quite near to both the Sangeh Monkey Forest and Abiansemal at theworldtravelguy.com
31. Sunrise Trek on Mount Batur
A well-liked day trip from Ubud is the Mount Batur trek in east Bali, particularly around sunrise when you can take in breathtaking views of the rising sun from the summit of an active volcano!
Additional Travel Advice for Bali
- I appreciate you looking! This is my list of the top activities in Ubud, Bali, and I hope you enjoyed it!
- Check back later as we intend to add more advice to this Ubud travel guide.
- Remember to look over my comprehensive Bali travel guide for additional advice, details, and pictures!