Here Are Some Incredible Things to Do in Ubud, Bali

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 this handy guide that will give you reasons to visit Ubud. Check them out below!

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. 

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. The tour includes round-trip transfers so that you can enjoy the beautiful rice terraces hassle-free!

If you want to add more to your healing experiences in Ubud, you can also book a classic spa session at Ubud Traditional Spa that will leave you rejuvenated from head to toe. You’ll first be welcomed with drinks, then once you’re ready, you can go ahead with your 60 to 90-minute massage experience. Remember to clear your mind, take deep breaths, and relax throughout the session. 

At Starlight Cinema in Alila Ubud, you can watch a movie on a big screen by the pool! Your movie ticket will come with headphones already, so as you watch on the screen, the audio will be clear. But to really get the full experience, we highly recommend booking the movie ticket package that comes with snacks and drinks like popcorn, pizza, tacos, chips, iced tea, soft drinks, beer, or a cocktail.

To see what movies to expect, click here.

Meet Bali’s most playful residents at the Ubud Monkey Forest

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!

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!

But to give you more water activity ideas, you can also try river rafting! Take on the waters of the Ayung River, and as you do so, don’t forget to marvel at the breathtaking views of the rainforest and waterfalls. This activity is best experienced in groups, so make sure to have your friends and family tag along. And hey, the experience comes with lunch already.

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!

If you’re looking for more adventurous things to do in Ubud, then try this Ubud Gorilla ATV Adventure! Here, you’ll get the chance to drive and ride against stunning views of nature and other sights like rice paddy fields and rivers. You can choose to ride alone or with a companion. Either way, it will be so much fun!

Another exciting way for you to see Ubud’s nature views is through this downhill cycling tour! This experience is just as adventurous as the swing and ATV ride as you will be cycling through Bali’s remote countryside with lush jungles and a completely serene environment. Your tour will include stops at the Orange Flower Plantation, an elementary school, a local Balinese house, and more!

For those who have not done carting through a jungle, then Bali is your best excuse to finally do it! This must-do cart experience will allow you to see Bali’s sacred jungle, traditional Balinese villages, temples, and rice fields as well. Imagine the fun of driving around Ubud’s scenic jungle with friends and loved ones!

Visiting waterfalls is definitely one of the top things to do in Ubud! 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.

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 a delicious food featuring spicy Balinese cuisines such as tuna satay, chicken curry puffs, and more! It's a good change of pace after a guided tour of Ubud highlights and visiting rice terraces.

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 fruits, meat, and other food,  then transforms into a bustling Balinese art display later in the day! Spot traditional wares and handmade crafts at the Ubud Market and buy your own Bali bag, the perfect souvenir for any Balinese art lover.

Apart from shopping at Ubud Art Market, you can also try your hand at making souvenirs yourself. This silver jewelry-making class will teach you all the basics like tools to use and some simple techniques. Learn it all from Ubud’s professional silversmith during your class! After the workshop, you get to take your personalized jewelry made of 5-7 grams of pure Indonesian silver home to commemorate the experience.

This Ubud Cocktails Tour by Tikibus Bali will give you a taste of Ubud’s finest cocktail mixes. While onboard the 8-seater Tikibus, you get to enjoy lively music and free WiFi, along with the intimate company of fellow travelers. Indulge in well-crafted cocktails and mocktails by the expert mixologist who’ll be with you throughout the tour. Get ready to go around Ubud’s landmarks while you savor the goodness of local cocktails!

Another place for you to get your cocktail fix is at D'Tukad Coffee Club in Ubud. Here, you can enjoy your cocktails while admiring the stunning beauty of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces or while chilling by the pool. It’s up to your preference. They also have a Bali swing, so if you want to try it out, then make sure to get the package type that comes with a ride on the swing. Alternatively, if you want tea instead of cocktails, they offer an afternoon tea package too — inclusive of hot or iced tea or coffee, and some snacks such as chocolate brownies, pumpkin cake, chicken spring roll, and chicken bruschetta.

This private tour in Ubud is perfect for those looking to see famous and iconic spots in the town like the Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Kumulilir, Tirta Empul Temple, and more.

But if you’re eyeing something more cultural, then the Private Classic Cultural Ubud Tour is for you. The tour will take you to see a traditional Barong and Kris Dance. You’ll also get to visit Prapen Jewelry & Artifacts located at Celuk Village, where you’ll have the opportunity to witness the production of silver and gold jewelry. You’ll visit the Dewa Putu Toris Gallery too, packed with Balinese paintings and artwork.

Complete your list of things to do in Ubud 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.

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! Clearly, there are many things to do in Ubud. 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. Don’t forget about the Bali Bird Walk, Mas Village, the Ubud Water Palace, and Setia Darma House too. There are many reasons to visit Ubud, and with Klook, you'll get to check out all there is to see!