Hey there travelers and welcome to my post where we will check out my 11 best things to do in
Ubud. Nestled in the heart of Bali, Ubud offers a wide range of activities that cater to different interests. Whether you’re a nature lover, art enthusiast or foodie, there’s something for everyone in Ubud.
From the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, to its thriving art scene, to a date with some monkeys, this is the perfect spot to relax away form the hustle and bustle of other areas. Oh, and there are a lot of yoga studios too.
Best Things to Do in Ubud
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day exploring Balinese culture or indulging in a vegan smoothie, Ubud has got you covered. So without keeping you from your yoga mat, let’s check it all out.
1. Explore the Ubud Art Market
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience in Ubud, the Ubud Art Market is a must-visit destination. Located in the heart of Ubud, this traditional market offers a wide variety of authentic and artisanal goods made by the locals.
You can find everything from silk scarves to handmade crockery and woven bags and it is a great place to find souvenirs to bring home to your loved ones. The vendors are friendly and welcoming and they love to share the stories behind their products.
The Ubud Art Market is open every day of the week from around 8am to 5pm, but the opening hours can vary. It’s best to visit in the morning when the market is less crowded giving you more time to browse and negotiate prices with the vendors.
One thing to keep in mind when visiting the market is that the prices are not fixed. It’s common practice to haggle with the vendors to get a better deal. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but remember to be respectful and friendly.
To make the most out of your visit, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable shoes as the market can be crowded and uneven.
- Bring cash as not all vendors accept credit cards.
- Don’t be afraid to bargain, but be respectful and fair.
- Take your time to browse and explore the market. You never know what treasures you might find.
2. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest
One of the most popular attractions in Ubud is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This lush forest is home to over 1,200 monkeys and is a must-visit for animal lovers.
When you visit the sanctuary, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with long-tailed macaques in their natural habitat. Keep in mind that the monkeys are wild animals, so it’s important to respect their space and follow the rules of the sanctuary.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You’ll be walking on uneven terrain and may encounter mud or water.
- Bring mosquito repellent. The forest is home to a lot of mosquitoes, so it’s important to protect yourself from bites.
- Don’t bring food into the sanctuary. The monkeys are very curious and may try to take food from you. This can be dangerous for both you and the monkeys.
- Be respectful of the monkeys. Don’t touch or feed them and avoid making direct eye contact. If a monkey approaches you, remain calm and still. And most importantly – NEVER run!
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon. The sanctuary can get crowded during the middle of the day, so it’s best to visit when it’s less busy.
3. Tour the Ubud Palace
If you’re interested in exploring the cultural and historical side of Ubud, a visit to the Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) is a must. This royal palace was once the residence of the royal family of Ubud and has now been transformed into a museum. Here are some things you can expect on your visit:
Exploring the Architecture
The Ubud Palace is an excellent example of traditional Balinese architecture with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. The palace is divided into several courtyards, each with its own unique features. The main entrance is through a towering gate, which leads to the first courtyard, where you’ll find a beautiful pond and a statue of a mythical creature. As you explore further, you’ll come across the second courtyard, which is home to the royal family’s living quarters and a small museum.
Learning about Balinese Culture
The Ubud Palace is not just a beautiful building but also a hub for Balinese culture. The museum inside the palace showcases various traditional Balinese artifacts, including clothing, weapons and musical instruments. You can also attend traditional dance performances, which are held in the palace courtyard every evening. These performances usually include the famous Legong dance, which is a must-see for anyone interested in Balinese culture.
Tips for Visiting
- The palace can get very crowded, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Respect the local customs and dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and legs – sarongs can be hired at the entrance and must be worn.
- Bring a camera to capture the palace’s beautiful architecture and the traditional Balinese performances.
- Don’t forget to bargain if you plan on buying souvenirs from the local vendors outside the palace.
4. Walk Through the Tegalalang Rice Terrace
One of the best things to do in Ubud is to take a walk through the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This beautiful valley of rice paddies is located just a 15-minute drive from the center of Ubud where the steep terraces and endless palm trees make for one of the most picturesque sights on the island, especially if you visit at sunrise.
To make the most of your visit, it is recommended to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat of the day. The hour immediately after sunrise is the best time to visit as you will have the most incredible light for photos.
As you walk through the terraces, take your time to explore all the different levels and angles. You can even have a swing and take some fun photos. The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a great area to wander around and immerse yourself in the beauty of rural Bali.
Here are some tips to make your visit to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace a memorable one:
- Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven and slippery.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Respect the local farmers and avoid stepping on the rice paddies.
- Be prepared to pay a small fee to enter the rice terrace area.
- Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the rice terraces.
5. Experiencing the Campuhan Ridge Walk
If you’re looking for an easy and scenic hike in Ubud, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a must-visit. This two-kilometer trail is perfect for nature lovers, photographers and anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your Campuhan Ridge Walk experience:
- Time your visit: The best time to visit the Campuhan Ridge Walk is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This way, you can avoid the midday heat and the crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The trail can be uneven and slippery, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
- Bring water: There are no shops or vendors along the trail, so make sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated.
- Take your time: The Campuhan Ridge Walk is not a race. Take your time to enjoy the stunning views, take photos, and breathe in the fresh air.
- Respect the environment: The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a natural and cultural treasure. Please respect the environment, don’t litter and don’t disturb the wildlife.
6. Discover the Goa Gajah
If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating cultural experience in Ubud, you should definitely visit Goa Gajah. This ancient Hindu archaeological site, also known as the Elephant Cave, is located just 10 minutes outside of Ubud.
Goa Gajah is a complex that features a cave, a bathing pool and a variety of stone carvings and statues. The cave is the highlight of the complex and visitors enter through a cavernous mouth of a demon.
Inside, you will find fragmentary remains of a lingam, the phallic symbol of the Hindu god Shiva, and its female counterpart the yoni, as well as a statue of Shiva’s son, the elephant-headed god Ganesha.
The complex also features a bathing pool, which was used for ritual purification. The pool is fed by a spring and is surrounded by beautiful greenery and stone carvings. You can also explore the surrounding area, which features rice paddies and lush jungle.
7. Dine at Local Restaurants
When it comes to dining in Ubud, you will be spoilt for choice with a wide array of local restaurants serving delicious Indonesian and Balinese cuisine. Here are two of the best local restaurants that you must visit during your trip to Ubud.
Bebek Bengil
Bebek Bengil, also known as the “Dirty Duck Diner,” is a popular restaurant in Ubud that serves crispy fried duck as its specialty dish. The restaurant is located in a beautiful setting overlooking a rice field, providing a serene and relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy your meal.
Aside from the famous crispy duck, Bebek Bengil also serves other Balinese and Indonesian dishes such as Nasi Campur, Sate Lilit, and Gado-Gado. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options for those who prefer a plant-based diet.
Locavore
If you are looking for a fine-dining experience in Ubud, Locavore is the perfect place to go. This restaurant is known for its creative and innovative dishes that use locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has won numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional cuisine and service.
At Locavore, you can choose from either a 5-course or 7-course tasting menu which changes regularly based on the availability of ingredients. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian tasting menu for those who prefer a meat-free option.
In addition to the delicious food, Locavore also has an extensive wine list and a knowledgeable sommelier who can help you choose the perfect wine to pair with your meal.
Oh, and whilst I am at it, don not miss out on the home made muesli bars from Bali Buda as well.
Check out these: 14 Best Restaurants in Bali
8. Take in a Traditional Balinese Dance Show
A trip to Ubud is not complete without experiencing the traditional Balinese dance shows. These performances offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Bali and are a must-see for anyone visiting this beautiful island.
There are many venues in Ubud and beyond that offer cultural performances featuring traditional Balinese dance, music and theater shows. Some of the most popular venues include Legong and Barong Theater, Ubud Palace and Atlas Beach Club.
At these shows, you can expect to see vibrant costumes, live music created using local artistes, traditional instruments and performances that depict epic tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The dances are accompanied by gamelan music, a traditional ensemble of percussion instruments, and flutes.
One of the most famous Balinese dances is the Legong dance, which is performed by young girls dressed in colorful costumes. This dance is known for its intricate hand and eye movements and is a true spectacle to watch.
Another popular dance is the Barong dance, which tells the story of the battle between good and evil. The dancers wear elaborate costumes and masks, and the performance is accompanied by the rhythmic beat of the gamelan.
9. Relax at Ubud Spas
If you’re looking for a soothing and rejuvenating experience, Ubud’s spas are the perfect place to unwind. With an abundance of spas to choose from, you’ll find a variety of treatments to suit your needs and budget. These include:
Karsa Spa
Karsa Spa is a tranquil oasis located in the heart of Ubud’s rice fields. Their signature treatment is the Balinese massage, which uses a combination of acupressure, stretching and aromatherapy to release tension and promote relaxation. They also offer a range of other treatments including facials, body scrubs and reflexology.
One of the unique features of Karsa Spa is their open-air treatment rooms, which allow you to enjoy the sounds and scents of nature while you relax. After your treatment, you can unwind even further by lounging in their infinity pool, which overlooks the rice fields.
Ubud Traditional Spa
Ubud Traditional Spa is a budget-friendly option that offers a range of traditional Balinese treatments. Their signature treatment is the Balinese boreh, which uses a blend of herbs and spices to exfoliate and warm the body. They also offer a variety of massages, including the popular Balinese massage and the deep tissue massage.
The spa has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with treatment rooms decorated in traditional Balinese style. After your treatment, you can relax in their outdoor garden area, which features a fish pond and a small waterfall.
Check out these: Best Spas in Bali
10. Attend Local Yoga Classes
Ubud is a hub for yoga enthusiasts offering an abundance of yoga studios to choose from. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, attending yoga classes in Ubud will be a rejuvenating experience for your mind, body and soul. Here are two of the most well known yoga studios in Ubud that you should definitely check out.
The Yoga Barn
The Yoga Barn is one of the most popular yoga studios in Ubud providing a variety of yoga classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. The studio is located in a serene and peaceful environment surrounded by lush greenery which adds to the overall experience as well.
In addition to yoga classes, The Yoga Barn also offers accommodation, spa treatments and a healthy restaurant. The studio has five yoga spaces and a juice bar and the classes are conducted by experienced teachers who provide personalized attention to each student.
Radiantly Alive
Radiantly Alive is another fantastic yoga studio in Ubud offering a wide range of yoga classes including Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga and Hatha. The classes are conducted in a spacious and well-lit studio that provides a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
Radiantly Alive also offers teacher training courses, workshops and retreats and also has a boutique that sells yoga clothing, mats and accessories as well. The classes are conducted by experienced teachers who are passionate about yoga and provide a welcoming and friendly environment for all students.
11. Visit Local Art Galleries
And lastly, Ubud is also known for its vibrant art scene making a visit to the local art galleries is a must-do activity during your trip. Here are two of the best art galleries in Ubud that you should definitely check out:
Agung Rai Museum of Art
The Agung Rai Museum of Art, also known as ARMA, is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum boasts an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary Balinese art with over 4000 pieces on display.
ARMA was founded by Agung Rai, a Balinese art collector, with the aim of preserving and promoting Balinese art and culture. The museum also hosts regular exhibitions and cultural events, so be sure to check their schedule when planning your visit.
Neka Art Museum
Another great art museum in Ubud is the Neka Art Museum. The museum is home to a vast collection of Balinese and Indonesian art, including paintings, sculptures and traditional masks. The museum is set in a beautiful Balinese-style building surrounded by lush gardens making it a peaceful and relaxing place to explore.
The museum was founded by Suteja Neka, a Balinese art collector, in 1982. The collection includes works by both traditional and contemporary Balinese artists, as well as works by foreign artists who were inspired by Bali.
Conclusion
There you have it, my 11 best things to do in Ubud. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
