Things to Do in Ubud Bali
Nestled in the heart of Bali, Ubud is a magical blend of art, culture, nature, and spirituality. Known for its lush rice terraces, vibrant art markets, sacred temples, and rejuvenating yoga retreats, Ubud offers something for every kind of traveler.
This guide covers everything you need to know about exploring Ubud: activities, must-visit places, itinerary suggestions, accommodation options, local cuisine, and tips on getting around.
Recomendation Activities in Ubud Bali
Best Things to Do in Ubud
Ubud is filled with cultural, spiritual, and scenic experiences. Here are some of the best activities to make your trip unforgettable:
- Visit Sacred Temples: Ubud is home to beautiful temples like Tirta Empul, Goa Gajah, and Saraswati Temple, each offering unique cultural insights.
- Take a Cooking Class: Learn to make traditional Balinese dishes by joining a local cooking class, a great way to immerse yourself in Ubud’s food culture.
- Join a Yoga Class: Reconnect with yourself in one of Ubud’s famous yoga studios surrounded by serene, tropical scenery.
- Explore Art Museums: Discover Balinese art at the Neka Art Museum, Blanco Renaissance Museum, and Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA).
Best Things to Do in Ubud for Couples
Ubud’s enchanting beauty and romantic ambiance make it perfect for couples. Here are some special experiences for you and your partner:
- Take a Romantic Stroll Through Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Walk hand-in-hand through this iconic landscape, perfect for taking in the serene greenery and amazing views.
- Enjoy a Couple’s Spa Day: Ubud is renowned for its luxurious spas offering traditional Balinese massages. Treat yourselves to a rejuvenating experience.
- Dine at a Riverside Restaurant: Ubud has numerous fine-dining options overlooking lush rice paddies and rivers, ideal for a romantic evening.
- Sunset at Campuhan Ridge Walk: This scenic path offers breathtaking views and is especially beautiful at sunset, making it a popular spot for couples.
Best Things to Do in Ubud with Kids
There’s no shortage of family-friendly activities in Ubud. Here are a few suggestions:
- Monkey Forest: Kids will love meeting the playful monkeys at Ubud Monkey Forest, a natural sanctuary and spiritual center.
- Visit the Bali Bird Park: This large aviary offers close-up views of exotic birds from Indonesia and around the world.
- Take a Batik Workshop: Engage kids in a hands-on experience by learning the art of batik, a traditional form of Indonesian fabric painting.
- Explore the Bali Safari and Marine Park: A bit outside Ubud, this park offers a chance to see animals in a safari setting, ideal for family fun.
Best Things to Do in Ubud at Night
While Ubud is generally calm at night, there are still some great evening activities to enjoy:
- Attend a Traditional Dance Performance: Ubud Palace and Pura Taman Saraswati offer nightly performances showcasing Balinese dances like the Legong and Kecak dances.
- Night Market at Gianyar: Just a short drive away, this market offers local street food and is a great place to experience Bali’s culinary culture.
- Dine at a Rooftop Restaurant: For a more refined evening, try one of Ubud’s stylish rooftop restaurants and enjoy the night views.
- Join a Night Yoga Class: Some yoga studios offer evening classes, giving you a peaceful way to end the day.
Free Things to Do in Ubud
You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy Ubud. Here are some free activities:
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: A scenic and free path that takes you through stunning landscapes.
- Explore the Ubud Art Markets: Wander through the Ubud Market, where you can browse local crafts and souvenirs.
- Visit Temples: Many temples in Ubud are free to enter or request a small donation.
- Rice Terraces Stroll: Tegalalang and other rice terraces are open to the public, making it easy to explore on foot.
Visit Places
Ubud Yoga Studios
Ubud is the yoga capital of Bali. Popular yoga studios include:
- The Yoga Barn: Famous for its wide range of classes and beautiful setting.
- Radiantly Alive Yoga Studio: Known for its skilled instructors and community-focused environment.
- Ubud Yoga House: Offers classes overlooking rice paddies for a truly serene experience.
Ubud Rice Terraces
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a stunning example of Bali’s traditional “subak” irrigation system. It’s ideal for scenic photography, hiking, and learning about local agriculture.
Ubud Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to hundreds of grey long-tailed macaques. As a natural and spiritual sanctuary, this is one of Ubud’s most popular attractions.
Ubud Art Markets
Ubud Art Market, or Pasar Seni Ubud, is perfect for finding unique handicrafts, textiles, and art. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs and support local artisans.
Canyoning Ubud by CanyoningBali.id
For thrill-seekers, try canyoning with CanyoningBali.id. Traverse waterfalls, natural pools, and lush gorges for an adrenaline-pumping adventure in Ubud’s pristine environment.
Time Day in Ubud
Things to Do in Ubud in One Day
If you only have one day in Ubud, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time:
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest and then take a scenic walk through the Campuhan Ridge. The fresh morning air and stunning views will set a positive tone for the day.
Midday: Head to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and spend some time exploring and taking pictures. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants overlooking the terraces, where you can soak in the beautiful scenery.
Afternoon: Visit the Ubud Palace and the Saraswati Temple. These cultural landmarks offer insight into Bali’s rich history and architecture. The Ubud Palace often hosts traditional dance performances, adding a cultural highlight to your visit.
Evening: Cap off your day by attending a traditional dance performance at Ubud Palace. After the show, dine at a local restaurant to experience authentic Balinese cuisine.
Ubud Itinerary for 3 Days
For those with more time, here’s a three-day itinerary to fully explore Ubud:
Day 1:
- Morning: Begin with a visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest to see the playful monkeys and ancient temples.
- Afternoon: Explore the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and capture some stunning photos.
- Evening: Attend a traditional dance performance at Ubud Palace and then have dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 2:
- Morning: Start your day with a yoga class at Yoga Barn or Ubud Yoga House to refresh your mind and body.
- Afternoon: Visit the Neka Art Museum to appreciate Balinese art, then spend some time browsing the Ubud Art Market.
- Evening: Enjoy a dinner with a view of the rice fields at one of Ubud’s many scenic restaurants.
Day 3:
- Morning: Take a cycling tour through the countryside to experience the beauty of rural Ubud.
- Afternoon: Join a batik painting class and visit the Saraswati Temple.
- Evening: Relax at a rooftop bar with a drink or join a night yoga class to unwind.
Conclusion
Ubud, Bali, is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of amazing Ubud attractions to explore. Use this guide to plan your trip and immerse yourself in the magic of Ubud.
Ubud offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts like Four Seasons Resort Sayan and Viceroy Bali.
Try local favorites like babi guling (suckling pig) and nasi campur. Restaurants like Locavore and Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka are must-visits.
Ubud is about a 1.5-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. You can hire a private car, take a taxi, or use a shuttle service.