Ubud: what to do & tips | Bali Explorer

Why Ubud? Bali's green, cultural heart: rice terraces, yoga, temples and jungle villas with private pools.

Rice terraces in Ubud, Bali — Rice terraces

Monkey forest in Ubud, Bali — Monkey forest

Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, set inland among rice terraces, river valleys and jungle. Here it's all about temples, art, yoga, wellness and greenery — no beach, but plenty of atmosphere. The centre is lively and at times seriously busy; step a few minutes outside it and you'll find quiet and jungle villas with private pools.

This is the place to slow down: a morning walk along the Campuhan Ridge, a temple visit, a spa or cooking class in the afternoon and a dance performance at the palace in the evening. Ubud draws everyone, from backpackers to wellness luxury.

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What to do in Ubud?

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NatureTegallalang rice terracesIconic stepped rice fields; walk the paths or swing out over the green.
CultureTirta Empul water templeSacred springs where the Balinese perform the melukat purification ritual.
CultureUbud Royal Palace & Legong danceHistoric palace with traditional evening dance performances.
WellnessYoga & spa (Yoga Barn)Yoga, meditation and Balinese massage in a jungle setting.
NatureSacred Monkey ForestForest sanctuary with hundreds of macaques and mossy temples.
AdventureWaterfall tour (Tegenungan, Kanto Lampo, Tibumana)Swim beneath spectacular waterfalls around Ubud.
FunBali Swing & nest photo spotsGiant swings and photo spots high above the valley.
AdventureAyung River raftingWhite-water rafting through lush jungle gorges.
FoodBalinese cooking classShop the market and cook traditional dishes yourself.
NatureCampuhan Ridge WalkEasy morning walk along a green mountain ridge.
CultureGoa Gajah (Elephant Cave)Ancient cave temple with bathing pools, just outside Ubud.
ShoppingUbud Art Market & craft villagesHandicrafts, silver (Celuk) and woodcarving (Mas).
AdventureATV / quad bikingRide a quad through rice fields, villages and the old wartime tunnels.
AdventureRice-field cycling tourA relaxed, mostly downhill cycling tour past rice fields and villages.
FunBuggy ride through the rice fieldsDrive a buggy yourself along the tracks through the rice fields.

Traffic and getting around

Central Ubud (around the palace and market) is small but often gridlocked: narrow streets, tour buses and little parking. On foot you're usually quicker than by car in the centre. The real highlights — Tegallalang, the waterfalls, Tirta Empul — lie 20 to 45 minutes' drive outside the centre. For a day around Ubud it's handy to hire a driver who waits for you at each stop; it saves endless searching and parking.

Rice fields, waterfalls and temples

Tegallalang is the most famous rice terrace (busy, with swings and small entrance donations); quieter and every bit as beautiful are the fields around Sidemen or Jatiluwih a little further on. Around Ubud you'll find waterfalls like Tegenungan, Kanto Lampo and Tibumana, plus sacred temples such as Tirta Empul, where you can take part in a traditional purification ritual. Go early in the day for the best photos and the fewest crowds.

Food, market and culture

Ubud has a surprisingly strong food scene, from vegan cafés to refined Indonesian cuisine. The art market is fun for souvenirs — haggling is part of the deal. In the evening there are traditional dance and gamelan performances at the palace, one of Bali's finest cultural experiences. Nightlife is limited and low-key: Ubud goes to bed early.

When to go and who for

Ubud works all year round; in the wet season it's extra lush and green, with short afternoon showers. Perfect for couples, wellness travellers, culture lovers and families in search of nature. If you also want beach and nightlife, combine Ubud with the south of the island.

Where to stay in Ubud?

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Recommended: 2–4 nights

2-3 nights for the rice fields, a temple or waterfall, a spa or yoga session and the market and craft villages.

Region

Central Bali

Ideal for

couples, wellness travellers, culture lovers

Vibe

Culture, Wellness, Nature

Nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you do in Ubud?

Among others: Tegallalang rice terraces, Tirta Empul water temple, Ubud Royal Palace & Legong dance, Yoga & spa (Yoga Barn). See the full list above and add the place to your trip plan.

Why is Ubud famous?

Bali's green, cultural heart: rice terraces, yoga, temples and jungle villas with private pools.

How many days should you stay in Ubud?

We recommend 2–4 nights. 2-3 nights for the rice fields, a temple or waterfall, a spa or yoga session and the market and craft villages.

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