Looking for some awesome things to do in Ubud, Bali? Well, you’re not going to run out of options! We’ve got some of the coolest things to do in Ubud for you, from beautiful temples to heart-racing ATV rides through the rice paddies, there’s something for everyone!
38 Things To Do Ubud
Ubud Art Market
Ubud Art Market recently suffered a major fire, and it’s fair to say that though a new market arose quickly from the ashes of the old one, it’s not as good.
Now, it’s more of a top spot for trashy souvenir shopping than for buying first-rate Balinese artworks. If you want art, consider Sukawati Art Market, but this place in Ubud’s town centre is worth a visit.
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: N/A but 10,000 IDR for car parking and 2,000 IDR for bike parking
Online: N/A
Visit Ubud Palace
Also in Ubud centre, you will find one of our favourite places to visit, the Ubud Palace, and it’s the seat of the former royal family of Ubud.
Though there is no longer a recognised royal family, the surviving members of the family are still well-respected locally and occasionally turn up to talk to visitors about life before Indonesia became a republic.
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: Free of charge (except for Balinese Dance Performances)
Online: N/A
Tegallalang Rice Terraces And Rice Paddies
The lush rice terraces, rice paddies and rice fields at Tegalalang Rice Terraces are among the most famous in Bali. Though they’re not quite as pretty as those at Jatiluwih, they are much easier to get to when visiting Bali.
So, take a Grab from the town center to the lush rice fields and enjoy a day of exploring the agricultural side of the island’s heritage. It’s best to go before the harvest.
Location: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: Varies depending on the entrance used, typically 25,000 IDR per person. Additional fees for guides and use of photo spots are common.
Online: N/A
The Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest
Ubud has many things to do. Ubud has only one world-famous monkey forest, and this collection of temples, jungle and several tribes of wild monkeys is well worth visiting.
The monkeys are less larcenous than the ones at Uluwatu Temple, but we’d still keep your stuff under a watchful eye and away from prying paws.
Location: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: Weekdays 80,000 IDR for adults, 60,000 IDR for children, weekends 120,000 IDR for adults and 100,000 IDR for children
Online: Monkey Forest
Goa Gajah (The Elephant Cave)
Nobody knows why Goa Gajah is the elephant cave, though it does have plenty of statues of Ganesha, the elephant God.
However, it’s been the elephant cave throughout its history and there’s no doubt that this one of Ubud’s most popular historic temples looks very dramatic in photos.
Location: Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR for adults and 25,000 IDR for children (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: N/A
Pura Gunung Kawi (The Valley Of The Kings)
One place that’s well worth seeing when you visit Ubud is the Pura Gunung Kawi complex, which has intricate carvings of the ancient kings of Ubud.
The ancient carvings are lined up along a river valley, often known as Bali’s Valley of the Kings, and the stunning surroundings at this temple complex are amazing.
Location: Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80511
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR for adults and 50,000 IDR for children (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: N/A
Ubud Water Palace (Puri Saren Agung)
Ubud Water Palace is a lovely place for daytime strolls in the gardens and to enjoy the amazing water features that were built here.
Balinese culture reveres the life-giving properties of water, and everyone should visit at least one water palace while they’re on the island.
Location: Jl. Suweta No.6, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR for adults, 45,000 IDR for children (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: Ubud Water Palace
Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul is the only place in Ubud and one of only a few on the island where foreigners are welcome to take part in a traditional water purification ritual.
You are expected to wear a sarong (included in the fee to enter the pool) as part of this ritual, and it’s a very cool way of connecting with local culture.
Location: Tirta Empul,Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR for adults and 50,000 IDR for children (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: Tirta Empul
Campuhan Ridge Walk?
We confess, when we started this blog, the Campuhan Ridge Walk was awesome and a great way to see the jungles, and rice terraces and rice fields of the area.
Now? It’s not great. The path is overgrown, so there’s no view, and it’s packed with tourists. Go to the Sweet Orange Trail instead. It’s got better views of the rice terraces, it’s free and much less busy.
Location: Sweet Orange Trail,F7W6+652, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: N/A, but this is best visited in daylight hours when the rice fields are less likely to be full of snakes every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: Free of charge (24/7)
Online: N/A
Pura Gunung Lebah
This is one of the oldest temples in Bali and dates back to the 8th century when a visiting Indian priest, Rsi Markandeya, helped to construct it.
It has a nice view out over the Campuhan Valley and some lovely architecture.
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud No.23, Sayan, Kec. Payangan, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: This temple is free to enter, but a voluntary donation is expected (10-20,000 IDR is appropriate, per person)
Online: N/A
Agung Rai Museum
This is possibly the best art museum in Bali, and it is a centre for both visual and performing arts. There is an excellent permanent collection from Agung Rai himself and various touring exhibits.
Location: Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 150,000 IDR for adults and 50,000 IDR for children (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: ARMA
Take A Cooking Class
Ubud is famous for its delicious food, and it’s part of what makes this place such a popular tourist destination.
So, why not learn how to cook Balinese food while you’re here? Paon’s classes are very good value for money.
Location: Paon Bali Cooking Class, Jalan Raya Laplapan, Petulu, Ubud, Petulu, Kecamatan Ubud, Bali, 80552
Opening Hours: 24/7 every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: From 390,000 IDR per cooking class
Online: Cooking Class Tickets
Tegenungan Waterfall
This beautiful waterfall is not far from the heart of Ubud, and if you visit early, you can often get this spot all to yourself.
Don’t forget your camera as this place is absolutely stunning, it’s one of the best highlights of Central Bali.
Location: Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Opening Hours: 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR for adults and 15,000 IDR for children (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: N/A
Dance Performances At Cafe Lotus
Cafe Lotus has a lovely lotus pond, and it’s right next to Ubud Palace. The lotus pond is a nice draw during the day, but at night, this place has live dances which draw from Hindu mythology and are sacred to Balinese Hindus.
While there are ways to view the performance throughout the grounds, there’s no doubt that the best spots are at the cafe.
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud No.14, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. (dance performances only from 6 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.) every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: Free, but dance performances are 100,000 IDR
Online: Cafe Lotus
Shop For Balinese Art On Jalan Raya Ubud
If you don’t fancy shopping in Ubud Market, there are plenty of art galleries to enjoy on the main road through Ubud.
You might find a hidden gem among them, or stumble into a few local warungs on the way to enjoy some local dishes.
Location: Jalan Raya Ubud, Central Ubud
Opening Hours: 24 hours (but art galleries generally from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: N/A
Online: N/A
Enjoy A Yoga Class
Ubud is famously connected to the spiritual side of Bali, and while much of that is due to the stunning temples and local culture, yoga is also very popular here.
Take a yoga class or a few yoga classes at Alchemy Yoga and see why Ubud, Bali, is considered to have some of the best yoga instructors on Earth.
Location: Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center, Jl. Penestanan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 5-class pass starts at 650,000 IDR
Online: Alchemy
Eat Balinese Food In A Local Warung
Ubud, Bali, is one of the best places to explore the local food culture. There are warungs galore throughout the town, and you can enjoy everything from nasi goreng to sate lilit to babi guling here.
We’d recommend checking out Warung Makan Bu Rus, which is one of the most popular places to eat in town with both locals and expats.
Location: Warung Makan Bu Rus, Jl. Suweta No.9, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: N/A, but you must pay for your food and drinks
Online: Instagram
Enjoy A Relaxing Soak And Massage In An Ubud Spa
After a long day trekking in the rice fields of Ubud, Bali, why not enjoy a nice relaxing time at one of the town’s many spas?
INKA is one of the most reasonably priced and regularly top-rated by its customers. It’s cheaper than the spas in most Ubud hotels, that’s for sure.
Location: INKA Ubud Spa, Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: Massages from 200,000 IDR
Online: INKA
See The Elephants At Bali Elephant Sanctuary, Mason Elephant Park
Elephants are awesome, and in the lush jungle not far from Ubud, you can meet elephants in real life at Mason Elephant Park.
This place is a sanctuary for Javanese Elephants, and you can enjoy spending time with the creatures in the lush landscapes of this area.
Location: Jalan Elephant Safari Park Banjar Desa Taro Tegallalang, Taro, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: from 395,000 IDR per person, depending on the activities you wish to pursue,
Online: Mason
Saraswati Temple
This ancient temple, which is within walking distance of Central Ubud, is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of learning and knowledge.
It’s a place of great beauty, and the dance workshops in the afternoon are worth watching.
Location: F7V6+JHX, Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee, but Balinese dance performances here are 80,000+ IDR per person (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: N/A
Pura Dalem Temple
This is something a bit different in Ubud, Bali, it’s the “temple of death”, a place where the spirits of the recently deceased reside before they move on to the next plane of existence.
When you’re ready for a change from the rice fields, this temple is worth a look.
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR per person, which includes the use of a sarong
Online: N/A
Samuan Tiga
A fantastic small temple that really showcases Balinese architecture. It gets fewer visits than the temples closer to the luxury resorts, and if you want an authentic temple experience, it’s very much worth your effort.
Location: Jl. Pura Samuan Tiga, Bedulu, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 50581
Opening Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR per person, which includes the use of a sarong
Online: N/A
Layana Waterfall
This is a very simple 2-step waterfall that is super easy to get to from Ubud. There’s a lovely warung and tropical garden onsite, and it’s only 30 yards from the car park to the waterfall!
However, we should note that this short track can get muddy and slippery at any time of the year, so wear shoes with some grip.
Location: F7HM+3QP, Jl. Raya Goa Gajah, Kemenuh, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (this includes the changing facilities and the Layana Warung by the waterfall) every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 5,000 IDR for parking, 20,000 IDR per person (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: N/A
Jungle Gold Chocolate Factory (Plant-Based Choccies)
Who doesn’t love tasty chocolate? Well, this is your chance to see it being made, or to try some of the produce before you buy!
If you really love the idea of making some chocolate yourself, they run workshops for you to create your own bespoke choccies!
Location: Jl. Denpasar-Singaraja No.29, Werdi Bhuwana, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: The tour of this factory is free, samples are free, you only pay for the chocolate that you take home
Online: Jungle Gold
Suwat Waterfall
This is a picturesque waterfall that flows down a 15-meter cliff face amongst some dense jungle vegetation.
If you want some awesome photos and not too many other visitors to share space with, Suwat Waterfall is a good bet.
Location: Jl. Pura Dalem No.Desa, Suwat, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80511
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR per person (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: Suwat
ATV Tours Of Ubud’s Rice Fields
If rice terrace views need a little frisson of added excitement to get your blood flowing, why not join in an ATV tour of Ubud?
Alasan Adventures can ensure you have an amazing time exploring Ubud and the surrounding region.
Location: Alasan Adventures ATV, Taro, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80572
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: From 2,000,000 IDR for an ATV tour
Online: Alasan
Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
With some cool shrines carved into the stones here and one of the nicest-looking waterfalls in the area, there are some good reasons to hike out this way.
Be warned, though, it’s not the easiest of walks. So, wear some decent shoes.
Location: Jl. Goa Jl. Rang Reng, Bakbakan, Gianyar, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80515
Opening Hours: Daylight Hours every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR per person (plus 100,000 IDR for a local guide) plus 2,000 for parking (all fees are the same for locals and tourists)
Online: N/A
White Water Rafting On The Ayung River
The Ayung River is the most scenic and least challenging of the white water rafting courses here in Bali, and an hour or so of thrills can be had for a very reasonable fee.
Location: Jl. Raya Bunutan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: From 450,000 IDR per adult and 400,000 IDR per child
Online: Ubud Rafting
Kemenuh Butterfly Park
This butterfly park is home to all of the native butterfly species of Bali, as well as many exotic species, and if you love butterflies, you can’t go wrong here.
Location: C7GP+WMJ, Jl. Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 100,000 IDR per adult, 50,000 IDR per child (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: N/A
Bali Zoo
Bali Zoo is one of three places to meet some of the more endangered creatures on the island and to learn more about the natural wonders of Bali.
The zoo isn’t of a Western standard, but it’s much better than the average developing nation zoo, and the animals are well-treated.
Location: Jl. Raya Singapadu, Singapadu, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: From 355,000 IDR per person (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: Bali Zoo
Bali Bird Park
If you love birds, this is a great place to see the bird life of Bali, including a chance to come face to face with the endangered Bali Mynah, the most famous flying inhabitant of this island.
It’s also right next door to the Bali Reptile Park if you want to enjoy two attractions on the same day.
Location: Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir Singapadu, Batubulan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: From 265,000 IDR per person (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: Bali Bird Park
Bali Reptile Park
The reptile park has all the reptiles of Indonesia, including some fearsome Komodo Dragons for you to marvel at.
The collection of snakes is absolutely fascinating, too.
Location: Batubulan, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80582
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: From 160,000 IDR per person (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: Bali Reptile Park
Mas Village (Wood Carving Balinese Culture)
If you love handicrafts, this village near Ubud specialises in Balinese wood-carvings and it’s a great place to spend some time watching masters of their art at work.
You can, of course, purchase some of their wares to take home or even take part in a basic wood carving class.
Location: Mas Village, Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Opening Hours: 24/7 every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: N/A
Online: N/A
Goa Garba Temple Ruins
This ancient temple is one of the oldest in the Ubud area, and there are ruins on this site as well as some more modern and recently constructed temple buildings.
It’s very easy to find, and the locals are super welcoming to visitors.
Location: Pejeng Kelod, Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 15,000-30,000 IDR as a donation
Online: N/A
Batuan Temple
This temple has a roof made from black palm, fibres which give a wonderful first visual impression and is emblematic of the principle of Tri Murti harmony that Balinese people try to abide by.
It’s a site of active worship, and you can often see people meditating and praying here.
Location: C79G+37, Jl. Raya Batuan, Batuan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR per person
Online: N/A
Sangeh Monkey Forest (The Other Ubud Monkey Forest)
This monkey forest is about 30 minutes outside of Ubud, and it’s much quieter and calmer than the main monkey forest.
The monkeys here are less socialised than the ones elsewhere in Ubud and Uluwatu and tend to shy away from visitors.
Location: Jl. Brahmana, Sangeh, Kec. Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80353
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR per person (inc. guide, peanuts for the monkeys and water for you)
Online: N/A
Taman Ayun Temple
This is a stunning temple complex with some really striking water features. It’s quite a drive from Ubud, but it’s very much worth visiting.
Location: Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 6.15 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR per person (locals and KITAS holders recieve discounted rates)
Online: N/A
Ubud Night Market
There are several small night markets around Ubud, and our favourite is listed below. If you want to enjoy some tasty Balinese snacks and wash them down with a cold beer in a very affordable fashion, that’s what night markets are for.
Location: F7J9+VG7, Peliatan, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571
Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day except Nyepi
Entrance Fee: N/A
Online: N/A
FAQs
Is Ubud Really Worth Visiting?
Yes! Ubud is no longer a sleepy backwater like it once was, but there’s no doubt that the town now has a lot to offer visitors.
There are rice paddies, temples, waterfalls, thrilling rides, relaxing spas, and so much more that it’s hard to get bored in Ubud nowadays.
It’s also home to some of the best resorts and hotels on the island. The only real downside of Ubud is that there’s no beach, as it’s too central in Bali for access to the ocean.
How Many Days Are Enough For Ubud?
It really depends on you, while most people will include Ubud as part of a two-centre holiday here in Bali, there’s no doubt that you could spend 2 weeks easily in this town.
However, if you just want to see the highlights before you move somewhere closer to the beach, then 2-3 days is probably enough.
What To Be Careful Of In Ubud?
Ubud is a very safe part of Bali. However, we would recommend that you take care around the monkeys that inhabit parts of the town and the famous monkey forest.
These are wild creatures and not pets. So, it’s best to keep a respectful distance from them. If you are bitten by a monkey, you should seek rabies vaccination immediately.
While no tourists, to date, have got rabies from a monkey, the disease is universally fatal when symptoms show, so it’s better to be safe than to be sorry.
What Is Ubud, Bali, Best Known For?
Ubud is best known for its cultural and spiritual highlights. The religious ceremonies, temples and water palaces, the connections with nature in waterfalls, walks and rice terraces, the museums, art galleries and markets and the yoga studios.
It has become a more commercial area in recent years, but the real Bali is just beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered. Ubud is also a very popular area with digital nomads thanks to the proliferation of coworking spaces here.
Final Thoughts On Things To Do Ubud
Ubud is famous as the cultural heart of Bali, but don’t be fooled, there’s a lot more than just the spiritual nature of this central Balinese town to keep you occupied.
Whether you want to enjoy the thrills of white water rafting or a gentle afternoon browsing the art in an amazing museum, you’ll find it in Ubud!
It’s also not that far from Canggu, if you want to end the day with a cold drink by the ocean in FINNS, the world’s best beach club.
