14 Best Things to Do During Your Time in Ubud, Bali!

This post will give you 14 ideas for the best things to do in Ubud, Bali.

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Located in the heart of Bali, Ubud is a popular destination for those visiting the island. The undeniable sense of mysticism attracts more than 3 million tourists annually, all eager to retreat into the calming town where quirky architecture and nature entwine.

Ubud is a must-see destination when you travel to Bali. From wandering around the stunning rice fields to taking part in a water cleansing ceremony, Ubud really has it all!

This post will reveal some of my favourite activities that I was fortunate enough to experience so that you too can pack your itinerary full of incredible moments that will stay with you forever!

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In all honesty, you could spend MONTHS here. I ended up spending a full week however I’m aware due to time constraints that this may not be possible.

I’d recommend planning to stay in Ubud for at least 3/4 days so that you can experience as much as possible. It’s a uniquely special place and is well worth spending a good few days to truly immerse yourself into the Ubud lifestyle.

The famous Sacred Monkey Forest is without a doubt a must-do activity for all tourists.

In this beautiful Balinese forest, you’ll be able to wander around with over 1,200 free-roaming long-tailed macaques. They are completely unphased by humans and some may even interact with you!

The forest itself is magical to experience, featuring beautiful temples and towering trees, it almost feels like a fantasy world.

It’s important to note that these monkeys are extremely intelligent and can be mischievous. Keep your valuables and bags close (especially if they have any snacks inside) because you may not get them back if a hungry macaque has anything to do with it!

This unforgettable experience costs only 80,000 IDR (~£4) on weekdays or 10,000 IDR (~£5) on weekends and you can spend as long as you like inside!

This is definitely a highlight of my trip. Tirta Empul temple is a Hindu Baliense water temple built in the 10th Century.

Here, worshippers perform an ancient cleansing ritual focusing on three key areas: cleansing the mind, body, and soul.

Tourists are welcome to take part and there are guides present who will teach you how to perform the ritual properly and explain the meaning behind each step. Our guide was even kind enough to take photos of us while we completed the ceremony!

You’ll need to wear appropriate clothing since this is an extremely sacred place. I’d also recommend renting a sarong for a small donation at the entrance that you can wear while performing the water cleansing ritual.

You cannot visit Bali without trying the renowned Kopi Luwak. A Balinese special, this coffee is made using the poop (yes I said poop) of the rather cute Asian palm civet.

Tasting Balinese coffee (and not just the poop coffee) and tea is a great experience that should not be missed! We went to an amazing newly opened plantation, Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation, which was only a short 5 minute drive from Tirta Empul Temple.

Since we visited Tirta Empul Temple before we visited the plantation, we were given a full tray of 6 coffee and 6 tea samples to try for free!

I couldn’t recommend Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation enough. The staff were so friendly and we were even given the chance to grind the coffee ourselves! (This is not for the weak haha)

We sat overlooking the beautiful forest and enjoyed tasting the samples while a lovely member of staff explained the process and unique health benefits of each drink.

Since Kopi Luwak is a rarer form of coffee, you will have to pay for a cup. However, the price is much lower (only a few pounds) compared to drinking this coffee in other areas of the world where a single cup can set you back £30-80 in the UK!

Take a walk through the beautiful rice fields on the Sweet Orange Walk Trail.

Along the way, you’ll find lots of little cafes where you can have a refreshing beverage overlooking the stunning scenery.

I loved how peaceful this walk was. It feels so cut off from the increasingly busy town centre since you can’t hear any traffic which makes it a great place to unwind and enjoy the Balinese landscape.

There are so many waterfalls around the Ubud area!

Rent a scooter or take a local taxi to some of the most magical waterfalls in the area.

Some of the most popular waterfalls include Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Tibumana Waterfall, and Leke Leke Waterfall. However, there are so many more to explore! Entrance fees to each waterfall are around 15,000- 30,000 IDR (~£0.75- £1.50), making it an extremely affordable day out that you cannot miss!

Pack your swimwear so you don’t miss out on swimming and relaxing at each of these little paradises.

Ubud is the perfect location to take the time to slow down and go within.

There are so many places that offer great yoga and meditation experiences, The Yoga Barn being one of the most popular.

The Yoga Barn offers a range of different classes and workshops, including breathwork, reiki, meditation, and yoga as well as full retreats!

If you’re looking for a unique deep-healing experience, or simply have a moment to unwind, The Yoga Barn is the place to be!

This scenic walk overlooking the lush hilltops and rice fields of Ubud is a tourist favourite! In total, the walk is around 2km and is suitable for all fitness levels and well-paved the entire way, making it a pleasant walk that anyone can do! However, since there are some slightly steeper sections to the walk, make sure you wear shoes with a decent amount of grip.

The walk begins next to Warick Ibah Luxury Villas and Spas and ends at the Karsa Kafe. It takes roughly 25 minutes from one end to the other without stopping, however, with all the great photo opportunities along the trail you’re likely to be out there for a long time!

At the beginning of the walk, you can take a look around the stunning Pura Gunung Lebah Temple. This will introduce a feeling of calm that will last the duration of your walk.

At the end of the walk, you can replenish your energy with some flavoursome local food and refreshments at Karsa Kafe or other warungs located in the area that overlook the immense rice fields.

The trail is pretty exposed to sunlight in the day and it can get HOT. I’d recommend taking the hike during sunrise or sunset for a more comfortable experience. The gradual change between day and night at these times gives an ethereal quality to the experience, making it a peaceful start/end to your day. However, if you are planning to hike during the day time take plenty of water and wear sun cream and a hat to protect you from the sun!

Take a wander around Ubud’s traditional art market. Here you’ll find lots of unique artisanal goods sold by the locals. From beautiful silk to timeless handmade wooden crockery (I bought myself the cutest mini salt and pepper pot set from there), you’ll find loads of great gifts and souvenirs to bring some Ubud magic into your own home!

There are actually 12 of these jungle swings located in Ubud, ranging from between 10m and 78m!

Among the best swings in terms of views include Tegalalang Terrace Swing and of course the official Bali Swing!

Tegalalang Terrace Swing is a more affordable option but that doesn’t mean its anything less than incredible. For just £8 you can soar above the breathtaking UNESCO-protected rice paddies, appreciating the Balinese landscapes from a completely unique perspective.

The official Bali Swing is slightly pricier. Entry to the park, plus the swing and lunch will cost £28. However, when you take a trip of a lifetime, it’s well worth spending the money on these extraordinary experiences!

Check out a great best of Bali full-day tour with jungle swing here!

I’m a sucker for cute aesthetic cafes, and if you’re like me then you certainly will not be disappointed in Ubud! Whether you’re heading out for breakfast, lunch or simply just for a refreshing beverage, you are absolutely spoiled for choice.

Some of the best cafes in Ubud you should check out are:

• KAFE
• Herb Library Bali
• Pison
• Clear Cafe
• Melali

Each of these offers a range of beautiful and fresh local and Western dishes. Our go-to was definitely KAFE, located in the heart of the town centre. This cafe is a work of art in itself, being slightly hidden by the vines and greenery of Ubud. We got the most delicious vegan protein smoothies from there too!

The best way to soothe your aching feet from all your exploring is by getting a traditional Balinese spa treatment!

There are so many different spas to choose from which offer a range of services including baths overlooking Ubud’s jungle landscape, healing massages, and rejuvenating facials!

I went to more spas during my travels than I would like to admit. They are seriously addictive and a great way to treat yourself to some much-needed TLC for a fraction of the price compared to home!

The optimal souvenir: learning how to recreate authentic Balinese meals for when you’re home!

I’d recommend Subak cooking class and market tour which fully immerses you in the process of creating delicious Balinese cuisine. You’ll learn how to make 9 local dishes and with 12 being the maximum group size you can guarantee extra attention and guidance from your teacher.

Spend a few hours learning the insights from local silver smiths and create your own jewellery to bring home with you!

This unique experience will leave you a master in designing, cutting moulding, soldering, and polishing silver to create beautiful pieces that you can proudly show off to friends and family.

Although this is not strictly Ubud, depending on how much time you have in Bali, you may want to organise a half-day tour from Ubud to trek up Mount Batur for sunrise! This is quite a common practice for travellers who don’t have the time to spend in Kintamani, the home of Mount Batur.

You’ll be picked up at a very early 2:30 am to ensure you reach the top of the volcano before sunrise. At the summit, you’ll be served a small complimentary breakfast and can enjoy a hot beverage while taking in the breathtaking views.

Tours start from around £25 per person and you’ll receive lots of help from the friendly guides along the way.

Although the climb is hard work, it is definitely an activity I would recommend to anyone visiting Bali. After all, how many times will you be able to say that you watched a sunrise on top of an active volcano?

If you’re worried about not having enough time to fit all these activities into your time in Ubud then booking a day tour is a great hack!

These day tours will include several of these activities for a great price and many will include pick up/drop off services straight from your accommodation. Check out some Ubud tour options here!

This post provides 12 ideas for the best things to do in Ubud, Bali. If you liked this post, please share and save the pin for later!

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