If you’re travelling to Bali, Ubud will be at the top of your places to visit. So with plenty of options, here’s our ultimate things to do in Ubud blog.
1. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Possibly the most popular of the things to do in Ubud, and definitely the most famous rice fields in Asia.
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are located in the centre of the island, and are just over a 20 minute drive from the town centre.
It will make for an early wake up call, however sunrise amongst the lush green fields and palms make for an epic way to begin any day of exploring Ubud.
The natural sun rays peaking through the palm trees and bouncing off the rice paddies is truly magical.
Take a walk around, see the local farmers at work, even jump on the zip lines and jungle swings if you’re feeling adventurous!
There’s a specific sunrise spot that has become quite popular for photo opportunities. Once you enter the grounds of Tegalalang, head to the back of the fields.
2. Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Monkey Forest will have you entertained for hours, not only because of the monkeys, but the forest itself too.
It’s also a great place if you want to get a real feel for the true culture and nature of Bali.
Home to a horde of grey, long-tailed macaques and it’s another of Ubud’s most popular attractions.
The monkeys at Ubud Monkey Forest are definitely the tamest we’ve seen in Asia. They have grown up around people their whole lives, so they are used to the constant humans passing through, day in day out.
However, it’s no secret that people HAVE been bitten in Ubud Monkey Forest! We’ve personally never experienced any problems, and have visited a handful of times with friends.
You can really have a great time if you do your research, and follow the safety precautions provided.
You’ll be able to explore the forest and observe the monkeys at ease if you just remember they are not pets, they are wild animals.
Monkeys can become territorial and aggressive in the blink of an eye, so it’s important to follow the precautions.
Please don’t fear though, as it’s simply a must visit on your things to do in Ubud list.
3. Visit The Waterfalls Near Ubud
Some of the waterfalls near Ubud are known as the best waterfalls in Bali.
If you hit them on a hot day, they can be absolute heaven. Take a dip in the water, capture some photos and venture out with friends for an awesome day out.
The most popular of the waterfalls in central Bali is Tegenungan Waterfall. Tegenungan is a social place and is super family friendly.
There’s a part where you can play around with the funny signs and create photos with the waterfall in the backdrop.
Plus there’s also a swing that’s been created for the perfect Bali Instagram photo.
Another couple of our favourite waterfalls near Ubud are Leke Leke Waterfall and Tibumana Waterfall. Both simple yet relaxing waterfalls accessible to the whole family.
4. Hidden Canyon Bali
The Hidden Canyon is no joke when it comes to climbing, jumping and clambering.
With chest high water from the get go, be prepared to get wet and for your feet to go through the trenches on this adventure.
The trek takes 1-2 hours depending on speed and we recommend taking some wet shoes with you if you have some.
So for those that are ready for an adventure, this could be something to add to your things to do in Ubud itinerary.
5. Mount Batur Hike
One of the highlights of our entire time in Bali was trekking Mount Batur.
Although Mount Batur is not located in Ubud, it’s around 40km North, most people choose to do their Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking from Ubud, as it’s convenient for early morning pick ups.
We set off with our Mount Batur trekking guide at around 2am in order to reach the summit for sunrise!
A testing climb at points, but well worth the early wake up, it’s a great team bonding experience to say you’ve climbed an active volcano.
The trek takes on average 1 hour 30 mins to reach the summit, with the aim of arriving at the top for sunrise slightly before 6:30am.
Our amazing Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking experience was organised through Your Bali Trekking Tours and we can highly recommend them.
6. Ubud Art Market
The Ubud Art Market is located smack-bang in the centre of Ubud town, and is another of the most popular things to do in Ubud.
Here you can find beautiful silk scarves, handmade woven bags, baskets, hats and many other hand-crafted goods.
Open daily between 8:00am – 5:00pm, if you’re on holiday in Bali, the Ubud Art Market is a great place to shop for souvenirs to take home.
The items sold are typically Balinese, unique and some are unavailable elsewhere. They are locally made from all the neighbouring towns, so this makes the market all the more special.
Ubud is the artistic region of the island, so you can find all the best handmade goods here.
Not only is the Ubud Art Market a great place for shopping, but it’s also great for those who love street style photography.
There are opportunities everywhere you look to capture those typical ‘time passing’ shots. People come and go, and the backdrops are beautiful.
7. Take A Yoga retreat
A must do in Bali, and where better for a cultural spirituality experience than Ubud.
Honestly our one week yoga retreat was one of the best Balinese experiences we ever had!
Retreat start from 350 EUR per person.
8. Campuhan Ridge Walk
The perfect way to end your things to do in Ubud list, is with a beautiful stroll in the evening along Campuhan Ridge Walk.
With so many photo opportunities, this popular 2km walk take you from one end of Ubud to the other.
The full walk is along a smooth, pathed track. So there’s no need to dress in your hiking gear as it can be just a simple stroll.
The Campuhan Ridge Walk leads you through the middle of Ubud, and at an average pace, takes around 1.5 hours to complete.
There are points that are uphill and downhill but nothing too strenuous.
It’s super family friendly, in fact it’s the perfect place to hang out with friends, and this spot has quickly become recognised for it’s windy block paved path and scenic vistas.
Sunset is the perfect time for visiting, as it’s way cooler and the warm lighting that beams onto the trail makes for the perfect Bali Instagram photo.
Make sure to carry plenty of water, because the Bali humidity can be a little tiring.
9. Take A Yoga Class
A must do in Bali, is a yoga class.Yoga Barn is the largest yoga studio in Bali, and the lush green yoga oasis is famous among yogis all over the world.
