Things to see and do in Ubud

On the well-known island of Bali, the dreamy landscapes abound, where nature takes its most vivid colors and leaves us authentic wonders in the form of waterfalls, beaches and deep jungles. There exists a town in which the art takes the most important role on its streets: Ubud. In addition to the centers of art, the gastronomic wealth of the place is also a claim for all the travelers who set their sights on Bali, but there are still more things to do in Ubud.

And the immense majority of tourists who arrive from other countries are captivated by the spectacular temples of Ubud, as well as of the natural enclaves that surround the whole village. In Ubud you will find forests conquered by hundreds of monkeys, you will walk through extensive rice fields and you will fall in love with the powerful waterfalls. Read on, and we’ll tell you everything and more about Ubud’s hidden secrets.

What are the best places to visit in Ubud?

1. The ‘Monkey Forest’

We think there’s no better way to start this journey through charming Ubud than by entering the gigantic Monkey Forest, a unique sight in Ubud. In its more than 10 hectares, you will find dozens of species of trees, monumental temples and of course, hundreds of monkeys that made it their own kingdom.

This natural reserve is a unique space and is especially close to the historic center of the city. So, a visit is almost mandatory and it is often the reason why travelers decide to visit Ubud. As you say hello to the Balinese long-tailed monkeys, you can wander throughout the forest and appreciate the sculptures, temples and charming places found here.

You should still follow a series of recommendations to have a safe visit to the park, among which are the following: do not disturb the monkeys in any way, do not bring food with you and do not stare at them in the eyes. You should also hide objects that may attract the monkeys, such as jewelry, cameras, sunglasses and bottles, as this may cause the monkeys to try to steal them. Visiting hours are from 8:30 to 18:00 and has a price of about 5 €.

2. The Rice Paddies of Ubud

Undoubtedly, one of the most typical pictures and that come quickly to the imagination when we think of Indonesian landscapes, specifically the Balinese, is that of the extensive rice fields that are in different parts of Ubud. These verdant spots are certainly unique and something we recommend you add to the list of things to do in Ubud without hesitation.

You can enjoy these beautiful views in different places in and around Ubud, as well as have fun climbing on the typical swings over the rice paddies. Surely you have seen a picture or two of this and it is certainly worth visiting. To get to the rice paddies, we recommend two places in particular: Campuhan Rige Walk and Tellagalang.

With regard to the first option, the truth is that the name actually refers to a route (beautiful, by the way) that goes through the mountains near Ubud and passes through authentic natural paradises. The route is not particularly difficult (about two hours in total) but we recommend you to get up early to avoid the heat. The other option is Tellagalang, the rice terrace par excellence. It is located about 10km north of Ubud and as with the previous option, it is advisable to get up early to enjoy these spectacular views while the sun rises.

3. The Royal Palace of Ubud

In the heart of the village of Ubud, you will find one of its most emblematic monuments (or set of monuments really) and with greater historical significance: the Royal Palace of Ubud. This complex has been the official residence of the royal family of Ubud for dozens of years. For this reason, the entrance to the palace is limited to a specific area, so you can only visit the central courtyard.

Anyway, the visit is really worth it. Not only for all the unique symbolism you can see on its facades, but also for the sculptures of Indonesian folklore characters that adorn its corridors and thresholds. It is a perfect place for photography lovers, since the palace offers charming corners to take pictures of.

4. Tirta Empul Temple and other temples in Ubud

If the rice fields are the natural attraction to visit in Ubud and these dreamy lands, the temples of the village are the architectural attraction of reference of these parts. There are different temples in the territory, so we have tried to choose the ones that we found most striking so you can enjoy them during your trip to Ubud, Indonesia.

The first and absolute must-see for countless travelers is the Tirta Empul Temple. This is largely because a very striking purification ritual takes place there. Believers bathe in the temple’s sacred waters to cleanse themselves. In fact, this temple, founded more than 1000 years ago, is erected in honor of Vishnu, the god of water. It is somewhat far from the center, about half an hour by motorcycle or car; the entrance fee is about €3 at the exchange rate.

Other temples that deserve special attention are those of Gunung Kawi and Taman Saraswati. Gunung Kawi is just a few minutes away, making it a perfect choice if you decide to go to Tirta Empul. At Gunung Kawi, you will find a solemn temple carved into a hillside in honor of a king named Udayana. Last but not least, we find Taman Saraswati, a temple in the heart of Ubud. The complex is certainly moving since it is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts. A particularly beautiful Balinese dance performance is held there; it is truly a reason to visit.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to do in and around Ubud

The Tibumana Waterfall and other places to visit in Ubud

We cannot fail to mention the wonderful waterfalls that surround the entire space of Ubud. One of the most beautiful you can visit is the Tibumana Waterfall, which despite not being the largest, is a beautiful place to cool off. Moreover, it is very easy to get there, since it will take you about half an hour by motorcycle and it costs only 1€ per person to get in.

Another very striking waterfall that is just a few minutes from the Tibumana Waterfall is the Kanto Lampo Waterfall, a waterfall that has formed a very peaceful natural pool. It will only cost you 1€ to enter and access is really easy. And if you still want to discover more waterfalls of Ubud, we recommend these three: Leke Leke, Nung Nung and Tukad Cepung.

What to do in Ubud in 1 day

Ubud is a village with a lot of history, beautiful scenery and cheerful people. The town and its surroundings are interesting to explore. Every corner of its landscape is unique. So that you don’t miss any of the most essential things in just 1 day in the city, we have prepared a series of recommendations for your visit.

If you want to make the most of it, we recommend that you take advantage of the day from minute one, get a rental motorcycle (or hire a private vehicle) to reach the most remote places. They definitely deserve your attention: the rice fields of Ubud. After visiting some of them during the first hours of the day, go to a waterfall to cool off before returning to the center of Ubud. After lunch, our recommendation would be to go to the Monkey Forest and enjoy its beauty during the last hours of the day.

Where to stay in Ubud

We know that planning everything that a trip includes might be a bit tiring. And to make your stay much more enjoyable, we have prepared one with some accommodations for your days in Ubud:

• Dewa House Bisma: Dewa House Bisma is located in the heart of Ubud and offers everything you need to enjoy your visit at a modest price of around 50€.
• Gayatri: A few meters from the center, Gayatri has spectacular charm, with a stunning pool and surrounded by lush flora. The price is around €100 per weekend for two people.
• Jani’s Place Cottage: A stunning resort, with floral details and lovely pools. It is located very close to the center, priced at about 82€ for a weekend and two people.

Where and what to eat in Ubud

The gastronomy of Indonesia is, without a doubt, one of the main attractions of traveling to the country. That is why we have prepared a recommendation of some places where you can enjoy it on your visit to Ubud:

• Ely’s Kitchen Ubud: A feast of flavors and sensations, in a unique space that will delight your visit. It has an average price of €25 per head, although you can eat for less.
• Tablespoon Bistro: Japanese-style cuisine, with no big pretensions and a wellness-focused mentality. It has an average price of 8€ per person.
• Wayan’s Warung: The purest Indonesian food, with strident flavors and unique dishes: a total Ubud must-try. The price is an average of 7€ per person.

What should I consider before traveling to Ubud

• The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah.
• We recommend to carry cash for small stores.
• Cards are accepted at most tourist sites.
• The best time to visit Indonesian beaches is May, June and September when it’s not raining so much and still warm.
• It is not recommended to rent a car to get around the country. Traffic there is very different from European traffic.
• It is best not to drink the tap water, although if it is boiled it can be used for cooking.
• The official language of the country is Bahasa Indonesia. But in the more touristy areas you will be able to communicate in English without any problems.
• Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured
• Indonesia is a safe country, but just in case be careful with your belongings, especially in the more touristy places.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Ubud

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• Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
• Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travelers the things to do in Ubud, Indonesia.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Ubud