10 Amazing Things To Do in Ubud, Bali

We first visited Bali back in 2019 on our journey around the world and have since visited around 5 times.

Almost every traveller we met in South East Asia has been to the island and some even call it their home now.

Back in 2010 most of the tourism was concentrated around the coast but sure enough a town located in the middle of Bali is now trending more than ever before: Ubud.

When you are planning a Bali itinerary, Ubud should be very high on your list and not to be missed.

After several years of foreigners visiting this place, there is now an abundance of activities and restaurants to go to.

We have there for almost 3 months and have tried the most incredible things to do in Ubud.

It would be a shame to hide them from you, so make sure to read on and your holiday will be jam packed with amazing activities.

Whether you are a couple on a honeymoon, a solo traveller or a family on vacation, there are so many things to choose from in every budget category.

This list is in no specific order and can be organised on the go, so you do not have to worry about researching everything months in advance.

Enough of the talking, let’s dive right in.

1. Visit Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Starting with an absolute banger and possibly our favorite place to visit near Ubud, this rice field is listed as an UNESCO world heritage site.

Our favorite time to visit is for sunrise as there are literally no other people around and the lighting shining through the palm trees is something that we have only found in Bali so far.

The best way to get there is either by private driver for the day which can be organized through your accommodation in Ubud (≈60 USD) or by renting a scooter and driving there yourself (≈11 USD).

The drive only takes around 20 minutes and is very easy to organize.

The best time of the year to visit Tegalallang Rice Terrace is from Jan – May when the rice field is very green.

This is perfect for those stunning instagram shots.

The other months of the year, the rice terrace is brown or even full with puddles of water which doesn’t look good on photos.

However, it is still 100% worth the visit.

2. Stroll Through The Monkey Forest In Ubud

Located at the town’s border, the Monkey forest in Ubud is a fun actvitiy that attracts thousands of people every month.

Before we visited, we have never seen a monkey “in the wild” and didn’t know what to expect.

A little scared we entered the premises but were soon suprised that the monkeys were really friendly and didn’t want anything from you, given that you did not have a snack in your shorts.

The location is quite special with an old temple situated deep in the jungle so walking around by itself is already an attraction.

To get there, you can walk from Ubud town centre (you might even see monkeys on the streets) or order a grab in front of your hotel to pick you up and drop you off.

Please do not wear sunglasses or bring a bag with food.

Secure your phone and camera as the monkeys like shiny objects.

Last but not least, do not stare them in the eyes. Monkeys see this as a challenge to fight and will attack you.

If you obey these simple rules, you will have a fabolous visit to this special place.

3. Explore The Palmtree Road Near Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana Waterfall is one of the most famous sights near Ubud but did you know that only a few minutes before, you can find this picturesque palmtree road?

This place is slowly becoming famous on Instagram and we definitely can confirm this road is our number one photo spot for beautiful morning portraits and local life photography.

If you type in “Adilla’s Spot” on google maps, the navigation will take you to this specific road.

Make sure to visit for sunrise to get nice lighting and morning fog.

4. Visit The Beautiful Tibumana Waterfall

Just a 2 min drive after the palmtree road photo spot, you can find one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Ubud region.

Tibumana Waterfall is a constant stream with a natural pool you can swim in and the area itself is breathtaking.

A well kept path leads you down a gorge with tropical flora and fauna.

After you come back up, make sure to stop at one of the many restaurants in the rice terraces for a cold coconut.

The sunsets there are spectecular.

5. Have An Authentic Bali Experience At Banjar Mancingan Rice Terrace

This is probably our favorite spot in Bali alongside Sekumpul Waterfall and blew us completely away the first time we visited.

If you are looking for an attraction far away from the crowds then this is the one for you.

I’d even go as far as saying it is even more beautiful than Tegallalang Rice Terrace.

For sunrise you can experience the light rays shining through the hundreds of palmtrees illuminating the tasty morning fog.

This is a photographers heaven and should be number one priority around march – june when the rice terrace is green.

You can get pictures here with the local farmers and they are the most kindhearted people we’ve met in Bali.

They don’t charge anything for pictures unlike in many other places near ubud where you have to pay for “an authentic experience”.

6. Explore The Magical Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Another stunning waterfall not to be missed on your Ubud itinerary and one of the most magical waterfalls in Bali is Tukad Cepung waterfall.

Known for the natural light show that visitors can experience on a clear day, Tukad Cepung draws the most tourists of any waterfall in the Ubud Region.

Nonetheless, we think it’s one of the best attractions near Ubud and can easily be visited in the morning or evening.

For the famous light rays, we recommend to arrive around 9:30AM to have enough time to walk down the gorge and be at the base of the waterfall by 10AM.

After a hot and humid walk back up, we stopped midway and had a fresh coconut with a jungle view.

7. Try The Best Nasi Campur At In Da Compound Warung

If you are visiting Bali for the first time, there is one thing you are not allowed to miss: eat an authentic Nasi Campur.

Nasi Campur is regarded as Bali’s regional main dish and is one of the best dishes we have tried on our travels.

The Warung “In Da Compound” has perfected this dish and is situated right in the heart of Ubud.

The restaurant is tucked away next to a homestay and the decoration is wonderful.

You will be even more happy and suprised when you see the prices they have on offer.

About 2 USD will get you a beautifully decorated Nasi Campur.

You will thank me later for sharing this one with you.

8. Go On A Sunset Walk Along Campuhan Ridge Walk

Unfortunately not as empty as other attractions on our list but still our favorite sunset walk in Ubud.

Campuhan Ride Walk is truly stunning with a pathway leading through dense jungle with 360 gorge views all around.

Bring your favorite drink and a snack from 7eleven and admire the panorama.

If you want to avoid the hundreds of tourists, we’d recommend to visit for sunrise and you will most likely have this location for yourself.

9. Swim In An Infinity Pool With A Ricefield View At Cretya Ubud

Back in 2019 when we first visited Ubud, this wasn’t an option but now you can swim in infinity pools and relax in a jacuzzi for only the price of a long drink.

The best thing about this is that you will have an amazing view overlooking Tegallalang Rice Terrace and there is no time limit apart from the opening hours.

The food is a little bit cheaper than in Europe but so tasty and the lounge area is absolutely amazing.

We recommend to visit early morning as in the afternoon hundreds of tourists arrive here and you will have to line up for quite a while.

10. Have An Adrenaline Rush On A Rice Terrace Swing

One of the most unique things to do in Ubud, is to try one of the many swings dotted along the rice terraces of Ubud.

Not only will you have an adrenaline rush but it is also an incredible photo opportunity for those important instagram shots.

The locals at the swing will event rent you a red or white dress for your pictures for only a couple of dollars.

Defintely an experience that is hard to replicate anywhere else around the world.

You will have endless views of the rice terraces winding around the jungle and tropical birds flying over your head.

Ubud Hotels

Padma Resort Ubud

If you are looking for luxurious five-star resort in the tranquil surroundings of Ubud’s north, then look no further than Padma Resort Ubud.

The resort has some of the best views in Ubud with its infinity pool overlooking a valley filled with palm trees and rice terraces.

With various options like high-class dining, wellness and other activities, this resort is perfect for couples or families who enjoy being in nature.

We recommend to stay here if you want to explore Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Banjar Mancingan and Tukad Cepung and only occasionally want to visit Ubud as you would have to order a taxi every time to get to the center of town.

Maya Ubud

Our favorite option amongst all hotels and the best comprimise between nature and being close to the action.

One of the only 5 star resorts in Ubud to offer 5 star facilities within just 29mins walking time and only a 12min drive from downtown.

This retreat has won multiple awards and offers a perfect blend of traditional Balinese charm and modern luxury.

We love that they offer spacious villas with private pools which are priced very reasonable.

We found this to be a good option if you’d like to explore the monkey forest and have food options close to you.

Alaya Resort Ubud

This is our favorite when it comes to comfort and proximity to Ubud’s Center.

Only 20 minutes walking distance from town with 5-star facilities?!

Say no more. The resort offers beautiful pools, numerous dining options and stunning rooms.

Unfortunately no rice terrace views but you can’t have everything, can you?

It is easy to organise drivers, even late at night due to the convinient location.

Capella Ubud

The best option if you would like to be situated in the heart of Tegallalang and still have incredible 5 star luxurious facilities.

The overhanging infinity pool is famous for the best views of the thick jungle.

The hospitality and level of service is out of this world and 100% worth the money in our opinion.

Other attractions like waterfalls and rice terraces are easy to reach with a bike or private driver.

Four Seasons Ubud

As a world-renowned five-star sanctuary located just outside of Ubud, it offers all facilities that you would expect of a resort this size.

Ideal for those seeking both relaxation and adventure close to Ubud.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is one of the most beautiful resorts in the world.

Ubud FAQ

Why Is Ubud So Famous?

Ubud is famous due to its spiritual and cultural importance for locals and foreigners alike.

It became even more popular as development of beautiful bars, spas and resorts began in 2000.

Today it is the trendiest location in Bali with thousands of activties to do like rice terrace trekking, wellness and cooking classes.

Is 2 Days In Ubud Enough?

The short answer is: in our opinion no.

But it all depends on your needs.

If you only have 2 days, then we would recommend to visit Tegallalang + Cretya Ubud in the morning, Campuhan Ridge walk in the evening and have dinner at In Da Compound.

Second day, you could potentially manage one waterfall and another activity.

To get the best out of Ubud, we recommend to have 4 full days.

Is Ubud Really Worth Visiting?

In our opinion you shouldn’t ask the question if it is worth visiting as it should be the FIRST destination you visit in Bali and then you can educate yourself on other destinations to visit.

Is Seminyak Or Canggu Better Than Ubud?

In fact, many uneducated tourists only visit Seminyak and Canggu and then say something along the lines: “ewww Bali was so dirty and unattractive”!

Thats why we recommend to only do a day trip to Canggu but stay in Ubud about 4 days because there are so many great things to do there.

Ubud is far superior in our opinion.

What Month Is Best For Ubud?

We recommend to visit Ubud or Bali in general from April – September for the best weather.

In the first couple of months you will encounter significantly less tourists than in August.