Buckle up and get ready for an adventure at Bali’s art and culture capital!
Perched in the central highlands of beautiful Bali, Ubud is a popular tourist destination where breathtaking waterfalls, lush surroundings, sweeping rice paddies, and rich Balinese culture charm the pants off of everyone who visits. From checking out the frequently-visited temple complexes, like the holy spring water temple, to rip-roaring cave tubing rides, there are countless places to visit and exciting things to do in Ubud, Bali.
And we’ve made it easy for you with our tourist attraction guide that will give you reasons to visit Ubud. Check them out below!
1. Eat, Pray, Love
Heal your soul on this Eat, Pray, Love tour! Credits: Klook
Like Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love, one of the top things to do in Ubud is to experience spiritual healing in this part of central Bali. The Mengening Water Temple is an important holy site that locals and tourists use during a purification ritual to cleanse one’s soul from evil. To take part in this sacred ceremony, you’ll be wrapped in a sarong, and a Hindu priest will guide you into the cool springs to experience their healing properties.
Bonus: When you book the Eat, Pray, Love tour with Klook, you also get to bask in the beauty of Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a can’t-miss UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ubud, Bali. The tour includes round-trip transfers so that you can enjoy the beautiful rice terraces hassle-free!
2. Dig deep into the past at Pura Gunung Kawi
Dive into the history of Pura Gunung Kawi! Credits: @stepnadzeanna on Instagram
Long ago, back in 11th-century Bali, ancient temples and houses were carved out into the rocks. Today, it stands as a testament to time and is one of the top places to visit.
Pura Gunung Kawi is an archaeological site surrounded by rice paddies. Here, you’ll discover the “Valley of the Kings,” an ancient temple complex laden with 12-meter-tall monuments of past kings and truckloads of intricate carvings and secret paths waiting to be explored. If you're a history buff, this should be at the top of your list of things to do in Ubud!
3. Meet Bali’s most playful residents at the Ubud Monkey Forest
Joke around with these pranksters at Ubud Monkey Forest! Credits: @kamirnd on Instagram
Meeting the cheeky primates of Ubud Monkey Forest is by far one of the top things to do in Ubud for animal lovers! Less than an hour away from the lush rice terraces of Tegalalang, this private trip takes you to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where over 700 long-tailed macaques freely roam the jungle, swinging, eating, and doing their monkey business. Catch their funny antics at the sacred monkey forest natural habitat and keep the whole family entertained for hours!
Heads up: The primate residents of Monkey Forest Ubud are known for their intelligence, but they’re not the nicest bunch. There’s a good chance you’ll end up being robbed of your shades, drinks, and other random trinkets they might find on this private tour, so beware!
4. Go on a cave tubing adventure
Go with the flow on this cave tubing adventure! Credits: @kalisucicavetubing on Instagram
Go down the river in the most thrilling way: by cruising in a tub! Perfect for adventurous wanderers, cave tubing is a great way to sightsee as you challenge the river rapids of the Pakerisan River and swim along the caves ‘til you reach the picturesque Tegalalang rice terraces village. You can go in groups of five—or if you’re feeling brave, solo’s the way to go!
5. Take a big leap at Alas Harum
Take your love for nature to new heights at Alas Harum Swing! Credits: Klook
Cross the Ubud swing off your list as you soar to the skies on the Alas Harum Swing. Considered one of the top things to do in Ubud, you can choose between the Super Extreme Swing (dare to fly at 25 meters high!), the Couple Swing, and the Romantic Bed Swing. Each ride boasts fabulous views of the lush nature of central Bali and plenty of photo-ops to feed your Instagram!
6. Chase waterfalls at Central Ubud
Bathe in the majestic waterfalls of Ubud! Credits: Klook
Visiting waterfalls is definitely one of the top things to do in Ubud, Bali! Home to the island’s 24 most jaw-dropping waterfalls, it has become one of the best places to visit for nature lovers. From the famous Tibumana Waterfalls in Central Ubud to the hidden gem that is Tegenungan Waterfalls, the town isn’t short of incredible sights.
And you can visit them with an exclusive Klook tour! Embark on a day-long journey to see Ubud’s best-kept secrets: Kato Lampo, with its small yet refreshing waters, and Goa Rang Rang, a rocky waterfall that plays host to local cleaning ceremonies.
7. Enjoy afternoon tea at Chedi Club
Indulge in the best Balinese cuisine at Chedi Club! Credits: Klook
Had a long day of completing your list of things to do in Ubud? We feel you, which is why an afternoon tea break at Chedi Club sounds perfect! Be in total peace at Ubud’s swankiest resort while you admire the surrounding rice paddies and savor the aroma of the local tea leaves.
Indulge in delicious food featuring spicy Balinese cuisines such as tuna stay, chicken curry puffs, and more! It's a good change of pace after a guided tour of Ubud highlights and visiting rice terraces.
8. Shop ‘til you drop at Ubud Art Market
Show off your bargaining skills at Ubud Art Market! Credits: @franchubavio on Instagram
No list of things to do in Ubud is complete without some shopping! Get into the colorful Balinese art culture by going on a market tour at Ubud Art Market! Unlike your traditional market, Ubud Market is a lively bunch.
It's jam-packed with fresh fruit, meat, and other food from 3 AM to 8 AM but transforms into a bustling Balinese art display by 9 AM! Spot traditional wares and handmade crafts at the Ubud Market and buy your own Bali bag, the perfect souvenir for any Balinese art lover.
9. Marvel at the lotus ponds at Saraswati Temple
Calm yourself at the lotus ponds of Saraswati Temple! Credits: @amanjivraj on Instagram
Looking for relaxing things to do in Ubud? Why not go to the Pura Taman Saraswati Temple in Central Ubud? Surrounded by waters, lotus flowers, and traditional Balinese architecture, the Saraswati Temple is the perfect place to cool off the lingering heat while enjoying its magnificent beauty. At sunset, you’ll be treated to a dance performance to up your dose of Bali culture while hanging out inside the temple complex.
#KlookTip: Entrance to the holy temple is FREE, so make sure to drop by!
10. Chase the sunset at Campuhan Ridge Walk
Get your steps in at Campuhan Ridge Walk! Credits: Big Ben in Japan on Flickr
Great news—you don’t have to spend big on your Bali trip! There are plenty of thrifty ways to enjoy your time here, including sunset strolls at Campuhan Ridge Walk. This lush, scenic road is a popular spot known for its stunning hillside vistas and mellow trails that are great for cycling, relaxing walks, and snapping pretty shots as the sun goes down.
11. Switch off and recharge with a Balinese massage
Revitalize your body at Chapung Wellness Spa! Credits: Klook
Complete your list of things to do in Ubud, Bali, with the ultimate pamper sesh at Chapung Wellness Spa! Recharge your mind, body, and soul with a soothing Balinese Massage. As you soak in Ayurvedic oils and medicinal herbs, you’ll feel all your troubles melt away while on a tropical retreat in the middle of the rainforest.
12. Master the art of yoga
Find inner peace and strike a yoga pose while surrounded by Ubud's natural beauty! Credits: Min An on Pexels
Feel the warm sunshine and cool breeze as you enter the quiet zone. Another great entry to our list of things to do in Ubud is to embrace its tranquil surroundings by getting on a mat, breathing in and out, and striking your best yoga pose. Stretch, meditate, and master the holistic discipline of yoga!
Get the full Ubud experience!
Reconnect with nature with a trip to Ubud! Credits: Leon Bastian via Pexels
Clearly, there are many things to do in Ubud, Bali. The activities mentioned on this list are just a taste of the whole experience. We have yet to mention visiting iconic places like the Ubud Royal Palace, Neka Art Museum, Puri Saren Agung, and Ubud Celuk Village.
There's also the Coffee Luwak Plantation to check out for coffee drinkers and the Guwang Art Market. You can't also forget the Bali Bird Walk, Mas Village, the Ubud Water Palace, and Setia Darma House. The point is that there are many reasons to visit Ubud, and with Klook, you'll get to check out all there is to see!
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