We always recommend to anyone heading to Bali to spend some time in Ubud. It is a special part of Bali and when it comes to things to do in Ubud. There is something for everyone. This is what we think are the things to do in Ubud that you should consider for your trip.
Visit The Ubud Traditional Market
Whenever we are in Ubud we love heading to the traditional market. Full of colour and excitement. We like to head there first thing in the morning and get some traditional sweets and fruit to start the day.
Go For A Walk and See Some Rice Terraces
There are so many fantastic walks in Ubud that you should definitely take the time to do at least one. Our favourite is probably the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
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If you’re after a walk through rice fields, some of our favourites we have organised through the hotels we have stayed at. Alila Ubud has a great rice field trek. Tegalalang Rice Terrace is good but can be very touristy.
Eat Some Delicious Food
Ubud has some of the best food in Bali. If you’re only there for a few days you may have a harder time deciding what not to eat! Some great warungs and incredible restaurants.
On the restaurant end, Locavore is incredible and if you’re after an unforgettable dining experience it can not be missed, but you will need to book in advance. See our article on our favourite Indonesian food in Ubud.
Swim In A Waterfall
The Tegenungan waterfall is our pick for this. Yes it is popular and you definitely won’t have it to yourself, but swimming takes on a new side when you are in a waterfall.
The power and the beauty are worth the stairs down (and up). There are so many waterfalls to visit that are relatively close to Ubud, so if you want to visit a quieter waterfall that is an option too.
Get Into The Yoga State Of Mind
Bali in general is known for Yoga, and Ubud in particular is probably one of the best places to experience it. Taking a Yoga class in Ubud is becoming more and more popular, whether it be at a Yoga studio or at a beautiful hotel in the jungle.
Brave The Monkey Forest
One of the main things a lot of people do when in Ubud. Definitely an experience. Beautiful mystical forest and too many monkeys to keep track of. They can be cheeky and can be aggressive.
We would suggest wearing jeans and long sleeves, not taking food, walk with confidence and try to avoid touching the monkeys as we have witnessed people being bitten and scratched.
The Monkey Forest does have guides monitoring the monkeys. If you think any monkeys are becoming aggressive head to a guide they will literally put their body on the line. They are cute though, so worth a visit 🙂
Browse the Shops
We are not huge shoppers but there is definitely something for everyone in Ubud. You can easily spend a day popping into all the cute shops around Ubud. We like Kevala for plates, cups and other ceramics and also Mecredi.
Get A Massage
When it comes to a Bali holiday, massages definitely come to mind. This is no different in Ubud, and is one of the great to do in this area
For our favourite head to Tamarind Spa at Murni’s Houses, but the cheap and cheerful massages we have tried in Ubud have all been really good value for money and found everywhere.
Feel The Culture Of Beautiful Local Temples and Places Of Offerings
There are a lot of temples to see. The most well known may be the Saraswati Temple. Worth a visit but some of our favourites are seen if you do one of the walks we talk about. Just keep your eyes open and you will see some bigger, some smaller.
Do Some Rafting
If you’re after one of the more adventurous can to join for holiday in Bali, definitely consider white water river rafting.
There are a lot of companies to choose from, some cheaper than others. Ayung Rafting Ubud is one company that comes well reviewed.
Experience Sunrise at Mt Batur
Not for the faint hearted. Very early morning but Ubud is generally the latest pick-up time so you can get a bit more sleep than from other places 😉 Hike up this active volcano and reach the peak for sunrise.
Learn some new recipes with a Cooking Class
There are many amazing cooking classes in Bali and there is definitely a great cooking class you can do from Ubud too, Lobong Cooking Class. You start off visiting a market and cook inside a Balinese family compound.
Ride Through A Local Village
Some hotels will offer some really great experiences which we have loved (We loved our bike ride when staying at Padma Resort Ubud.) One of our absolute favourites was a bike tour we did with Bali Eco Cycling.
You can start the day with breakfast looking at Mt Batur, get to ride through some villages, see some great scenery and have a great lunch at the end.
There are some incredible things can you choose in Ubud and experiences to be had on your trip. Definitely try to do a few from this article, as in our opinion these really make your time in Ubud the best it can be.
Read also : Top 5 Family Activities in Bali – From Marine Park to Submarine
If you’re after some more recommendations for Ubud see our Ubud Field Guide or for where to stay in Ubud see our favourite Ubud accomodation picks.
