top things to do in ubud

Introduction : 19 Top Things to Do in Ubud | Your Ultimate Bali Adventure Guide

Ever wondered where the real magic of Bali hides? Spoiler alert: it’s in Ubud! While beach bums flock to Kuta and Seminyak, I’m over here falling head over heels for this cultural wonderland nestled in the highlands. Ubud has completely stolen my heart, and TBH, I’m not even mad about it.

After multiple trips to this enchanting spot (yep, I’m obsessed), I’ve compiled my absolute favorite things to do in Ubud that you simply cannot miss. So grab your sarong and let’s dive into the emerald rice fields, sacred temples, and jungle vibes that make this place so darn special!

1. Get Lost in the Tegallalang Rice Terraces

These aren’t just any rice fields – they’re literally Mother Nature showing off. The cascading emerald terraces look like they’re straight out of a fantasy movie. I spent hours here just wandering and wondering how humans created something so breathtaking.

The best time to visit? Early morning before the crowds and heat take over. Trust me on this one – your Instagram will thank you. And don’t forget to buy something from the local vendors who maintain these fields – it’s how they supplement their farming income.

2. Explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Ready to make some mischievous primate friends? The Monkey Forest is home to over 700 long-tailed macaques living their best lives among ancient temples and jungle paths.

Word to the wise: these little guys are CUTE but crafty! They’ll snatch your sunglasses faster than you can say “selfie.” I learned this the hard way when a particularly bold monkey decided my sunglasses would look better on him. (They didn’t, but try telling him that.)

Leave valuables at your hotel and keep snacks hidden unless you want to become part of the monkey buffet experience!

3. Find Your Zen at Yoga Barn

Ever had a yoga session with jungle sounds as your soundtrack? Yoga Barn offers classes for everyone from “which end of the mat is which?” beginners to advanced yogis who can fold themselves into human pretzels.

I’m somewhere in the awkward middle, but the instructors are so kind that I never felt out of place. Their sound healing sessions are particularly mind-blowing – like a spa day for your brain!

4. Brave the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Looking for those killer views that don’t require killing your legs? The Campuhan Ridge Walk is your answer! This easy trek takes you along a narrow spine between two valleys, with sweeping views that make you feel like you’re walking on top of the world.

It’s about 2km one way (totally doable) and connects to Ubud’s art village. Go early morning or late afternoon unless you enjoy sweating through your clothes. Been there, not recommended. :/

5. Take a Balinese Cooking Class

My cooking skills usually max out at toast, but even I came away from a Balinese cooking class feeling like a culinary genius! Most classes start with a market tour where you’ll learn about exotic ingredients before creating traditional dishes like mie goreng and dadar gulung.

Paon Bali Cooking Class is fantastic, and the hosts are so charming you’ll want to adopt them as your Balinese parents. Plus, you get to eat everything you make – win-win!

6. Visit the Ubud Palace (Puri Saren)

Right in the heart of town sits the royal palace, still home to Ubud’s royal family. The architecture is stunning with intricate stone carvings and traditional Balinese designs everywhere you look.

In the evenings, the palace courtyard transforms into a stage for traditional dance performances. The Legong dance is particularly mesmerizing – those eye movements! How do they do that?!

7. Go Waterfall Hopping

Ubud is surrounded by some of Bali’s most spectacular waterfalls. Tegenungan is the closest (and busiest), but venture a bit further to find hidden gems like Kanto Lampo and Tibumana.

FYI, many waterfalls involve steep steps down (and back up!), so wear proper shoes. I learned this lesson while awkwardly sliding down muddy steps in flip-flops after a rain shower. Not my finest moment.

8. Shop Till You Drop at Ubud Art Market

Need souvenirs that aren’t just the same old tourist trinkets? Ubud Market is a treasure trove of handmade crafts, textiles, and artwork. The market opens early for locals before transforming into a tourist haven around 9 AM.

My pro tip: be ready to haggle, but do it with a smile! Start around 30-40% of the initial asking price and work your way up. I’ve scored beautiful hand-carved masks, batik sarongs, and silver jewelry at great prices here.

9. Savor a Luwak Coffee Experience

Coffee lovers, prepare for something… different. Kopi Luwak is infamous as the coffee that passes through a civet cat before reaching your cup. Yes, you read that right!

While the novelty factor is high, I recommend visiting plantations like Satria Coffee that focus on ethical treatment of the animals. They usually offer tastings of multiple coffee and tea varieties, not just the famous poop coffee. The view from most plantations is worth the trip alone!

10. Find Peace at Tirta Empul Temple

Need some spiritual cleansing? Tirta Empul is a Hindu water temple where locals and visitors participate in purification rituals in the spring-fed pools.

If you want to join the ritual bathing, bring a sarong and change of clothes. The process involves praying at each spring and letting the holy water wash over you. Even if you just observe, there’s something deeply moving about witnessing this ancient tradition.

11. Learn Traditional Crafts

Ubud is Bali’s artistic heart, and workshops abound for everything from silver jewelry making to batik fabric painting. I tried my hand at traditional wood carving and discovered I have all the artistic talent of a potato – but I still had a blast!

The Pondok Pekak Library offers affordable classes, or you can visit villages like Celuk (silverwork) and Mas (woodcarving) to learn from master artisans.

12. Swing Over the Jungle

Want an adrenaline rush with your rice field views? Ubud’s famous jungle swings send you soaring over the treetops with nothing but open air beneath your feet.

The original Bali Swing charges around $35, but several rice fields now offer their own versions at lower prices. Is it touristy? Absolutely. Is it also ridiculously fun? You bet! Some things are popular for a reason.

13. Feast on Bebek Betutu

Bali’s famous slow-cooked duck is a must-try dish, and Ubud serves up some of the island’s best versions. Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) is an institution, serving crispy duck in a gorgeous garden setting.

The duck is rubbed with local spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked to perfection. Make a reservation and come hungry – portions are generous!

14. Hunt for Street Art

Ubud might be known for traditional arts, but there’s a growing street art scene that’s worth exploring. Wander down the narrow alleys off the main streets to discover colorful murals blending Balinese motifs with contemporary styles.

I stumbled across an amazing piece near Jalan Goutama that combined traditional Barong imagery with modern environmental themes – it literally stopped me in my tracks!

15. Take a Ceramics Class

Channel your inner Ghost moment at Sari Api Ceramic Studio, where you can learn to throw pots on a wheel or hand-build your own ceramic masterpiece.

Even if your creation turns out looking like something your 5-year-old cousin made (speaking from personal experience here), you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for the artisans whose work fills Ubud’s shops.

16. Cruise Around on a Scooter

Want to feel like a local? Rent a scooter! At about $5 a day, it’s the most economical way to explore beyond the town center.

Just remember: Balinese traffic has its own special brand of chaos. If you’re not comfortable on two wheels, hire a driver instead. My first scooter experience involved a minor rice field detour that wasn’t exactly planned – but hey, now it’s a great story!

17. Catch a Kecak Fire Dance

Forget boring old dinner theaters – the Kecak dance is one of the most mesmerizing performances you’ll ever see. A chorus of 100+ men chanting “cak-cak-cak” creates the soundtrack for this tale from the Ramayana epic.

The fire dance finale, where a performer kicks burning coconut husks barefoot, will have you on the edge of your seat. Performances at Pura Dalem Taman Kaja are especially good.

18. Splurge on a Luxury Spa Day

Ubud’s spa scene ranges from $8 roadside massages to ultra-luxe wellness experiences. For something special, try Karsa Spa nestled among the rice fields or the riverside treatments at Tjampuhan Spa.

I still dream about the four-hand massage I had at a spa overlooking the Ayung River. Two hours of bliss cost less than a basic treatment back home!

19. Do Absolutely Nothing in a Rice Field Café

Sometimes the best thing to do is… nothing at all. Find a café with rice field views, order a fresh coconut or Balinese coffee, and just be.

Places like Sari Organik and Pomegranate offer bamboo loungers where you can watch farmers tend their crops while the gentle breeze rustles through the palms. It’s in these quiet moments that Ubud’s magic really sinks in.

There you have it – my 19 favorite things to do in this incredible town! Ubud offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation that keeps drawing me back year after year. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, adventure junkie, or just need a beautiful place to unwind, you’ll find your happy place somewhere among these emerald hills.

So what are you waiting for? Ubud is calling, and trust me, you want to answer!