Written by Charlotte Lock
Posted, 19th March 2025
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Ubud, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re experts on all things Ubud as we run Bali group tours, so we’re constantly looking for new things to do which means we have the best list – we’ll show you things you don’t see on social media.
When you think of Bali and what you imagine Bali is like, it’s pretty much Ubud in a nutshell…it embodies the essence of Bali into just one small town.
So let’s get started into some of the best things you can do in one of Bali’s most popular spots.
Things To Do In Ubud
Ubud is a jack-of-all-trades type of town with so many different natural areas, activities and experiences to enjoy.
Its relaxed atmosphere and endless list of things to do make it one of those places that you could easily spend weeks on end here without getting bored.
Here’s our list of the top 19 things you should have on your Ubud bucket list:
Save1. Spend Time in Day Clubs
Ubud has a great selection of day clubs where you can relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful views. With tropical vibes, delicious food and drinks, gaining entrance to a day club would be the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Check out these great options if you’re ready to enter a state of true relaxation:
- Cretya – Nestled in the luscious jungle, Creyta has a huge three-story infinity pool with panoramic views across rice terrace fields and looks like spa location that you’d only see on Instagram. It has a great easy-going atmosphere and is known for its delicious cocktails. If you’re looking to relax in nature and take some time to yourself, then Cretya is one to look at!
- Jungle Fish – Jungle Fish is an adults-only day club, located on an amazing cliffside that has views across the jungle. Their cave pool area is beautiful and definitely worth the upgrade price!
- Tis Cafe – Tis Cafe is one of Ubud’s cheaper day clubs but it is certainly no less relaxing! With views across some of Bali’s most famous rice fields, a two-level infinity pool and great photo opportunity locations, Tis Cafe is pretty stunning.
- Wanna Jungle Pool & Bar – Wanna Jungle Pool & Bar has some great day pass packages but is a lot less visited than the likes of Cretya and Jungle Fish. As part of a Kayon Resort, it has some incredible facilities and hosts the famous floating breakfast experience for a relatively cheaper price.
- Folk Pool & Gardens – If you’re on a tight budget but want to have a luxurious day by the pool then this one’s for you! Folk Pool & Gardens offers some great facilities but for a much better price and is the perfect place to relax after a visit to the Monkey Jungle, which is just round the corner.
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Save2. Enjoy Fresh Smoothie Bowls
Like the food in lots of towns across Bali, you’re guaranteed to find delicious and healthy foods and snacks while in Ubud and the smoothie bowls are to die for! Topped with fresh tropical fruit, seeds, and granola, smoothie bowls are the perfect way to start your day in Ubud.
Here are the top places you should try:
- Blend Cafe – Packed with superfoods, Blend Cafe’s smoothie bowls are refreshing and energising as well as being beautifully presented. The passionfruit smoothie bowl is definitely the top choice with some amazing reviews.
- Watercress – Watercress take their smoothie bowls seriously, making them with only the best organic ingredients, which are full of nutrients to prep you for a day of exploring.
- Suka Espresso – Suka Espresso is a trendy cafe with a great reputation for delicious food. Their 55,000 IDR breakfast, which runs every weekday until 3 pm, is the perfect excuse for stopping by to try one of their fresh smoothie bowls!
Save3. Go on a Day Trip to some Waterfalls
Ubud is surrounded by breathtaking waterfalls, making it the perfect place to stay if you enjoy exploring nature. With both peaceful hidden gems and powerful cascades, there are plenty of waterfalls to suit every mood.
Make sure to pack your swimwear, put on a good pair of walking shoes and get ready to become lost along Ubud’s famous waterfall trails. Here are some of the top locations we’d recommend you visit:
- Banyumala Waterfall – Banyumala is located in the northern highlands and is a stunning twin waterfall which cascades into a crystal-clear pool at the bottom. It’s a very scenic spot (if at times a little busy) and is a great place to relax and take a dip.
- Sekumpul Waterfall – Sekumpul is often considered on of the most stunning waterfalls in all of Bali. It requires a bit of a hike, but the reward of seeing multiple cascades of water tumbling down the green cliffside is unforgettable.
- Leke Leke Waterfall – Leke Leke is tucked away in the jungle, making it a very peaceful waterfall should you choose to undertake the hike. The trail to it is not too long and is very scenic along the way too!
- Nungnung Waterfall – Nungnung Waterfall is one of Bali’s tallest and most powerful waterfalls. The hike down to its plunge pool is pretty steep (so definitely wear some sturdy shoes!) but the view is incredible. Nature will reward you for your strenuous efforts with a wonderful mist coming from the waterfall to cool you down as you descend.
- Tibumana Waterfall – Tibumana is surrounded by dense, lush greenery and is relatively easy to get to. It has a calm, shallow pool at its base that is perfect for swimming.
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall – Kanto Lampo flows over tiered rock formations, looking quite different from the others on this list but still very scenic. It’s one of the easiest waterfalls in Ubud to access.
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Save4. Take a Silver Making Class
Ubud is known for having a rich arts and crafts scene, and one of the most unique experiences you can have while visiting the town is learning the traditional craft of silver jewellery making.
With plenty of hands-on workshop experiences on offer, there are lots of great opportunities for you to design and create your own piece of jewellery under the expert guidance of skilled local artisans.
A silver making class is a great way to immerse yourself in Balinese culture and take home a unique and meaningful souvenir.
Save5. Get Flexible at Yoga Classes
Ubud has a very big yoga culture and is one of the best places in Bali to take some time out to deepen your yoga practice or even try it for the very first time. With such a laid-back atmospheres, these yoga studios are the perfect place to unwind and release your stress:
- Yoga Barn – Yoga Barn is a world-famous yoga hub that provides a wide variety of classes, from vinyasa and yin to meditation and sound healing. Its jungle setting and holistic approach make it a must-visit for “yogis” of all levels.
- Alchemy Yoga – Focusing on mindful movement, Alchemy Yoga is a calm, boutique studio that offers a peaceful escape for everyday life. It’s the perfect place to slow down and find your balance again.
- Lumeria Yoga – Tucked into the luscious jungle, Lumeria Yoga provides a serene location for practising your yoga skills, with amazing open-air studios and classes which will help you reconnect with nature.
- Heart Space Bali – Heart Space is a very welcoming and inclusive yoga studio that focuses on getting you grounded and feeling uplifted. It’s the perfect place if you’re a yoga novice and would like to deepen your practice.
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Save6. Visit the Rice Terraces
You haven’t visited Bali until you’ve seen its incredible rice terraces up close and personal and Ubud is the perfect place to do so! These lush and cascading fields are not only stunning but give you a glimpse into Bali’s traditional farming practices that help to keep the economy alive.
The most famous spot is Tegallalang Rice Terrace which is made up of a series of beautifully arranged rice paddies and is surrounded by lush palm valleys.
It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely walk or makes the perfect backdrop for a relaxed meal, with plenty of cafes overlooking the greenery.
Save7. Hike Mount Batur at Sunrise
Hiking Mount Batur is on many travellers’ bucket lists and promises to be challenging but equally rewarding.
Mount Batur is an active volcano which offers one of the best panoramic views across Bali and it is definitely up there with the best spots for watching the sunrise.
Taking around two hours, the hike is quite strenuous but is manageable for most fitness levels, with local guides leading the way and keeping you at a good, steady pace.
At the top, you’ll take in the breathtaking views of Lake Batur and even see the distant Lombok Island if the skies are clear enough.
Top Tip: Bring a jacket with you – even if it’s a hot day, the summit is pretty chilly, especially first thing in the morning!
Save8. Have a Flower Bath
Want some aesthetic Instagram photos to share with your friends and family? Then make sure to enjoy a flower bath while in Ubud.
Surrounded by brightly coloured petals and oozing the calming scents of essential oils, flower baths are not only a beautiful experience but are also great for calming your mind and body.
Visit Kevari Spa or Mekar Ubud Jungle for the best experience. These locations promise wonderful flower paths in scenic settings that will have you nice and relaxed in seconds!
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Save9. Taste Coffee and Teas at Local Plantations
Ubud is home to several tea and coffee plantations that allow you to sample a variety of locally grown blends while learning all about the traditional Balinese brewing process.
Many plantations around Ubud offer guided tours where you can see how the coffee is cultivated, roasted and brewed while surrounded by natural beauty.
One of the most famous coffees to try is Luwak coffee, but we don’t actually recommend trying it as there is a dark background of animal cruelty in the production process.
Thankfully, there are plenty of other different types of coffee you can try…and they’re all delicious.
And if you prefer tea then you can also visit tea plantations where you can sample all kinds of herbal teas infused with natural ingredients like ginger, lemongrass and rosella.
10. Participate in an Offering Making Workshop (Canang Sari)
One of the most culturally immersive experiences in Ubud is learning how to create Canang Sari which is a traditional Balinese offering made from flowers, palm leaves, and incense.
These offerings are a beautiful part of Balinese daily life, used to show gratitude and respect to the gods.
In a workshop, you’ll be guided by skilled locals who will teach you the intricate art of crafting your own offering. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the spiritual and cultural traditions of Bali while also making a unique keepsake to take home.
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Save11. Shop at the Ubud Market
Want a unique souvenir to help you remember your awesome Bali trip? Then make sure to head to the wonderful Ubud Market which is full of handmade crafts, local textiles, snacks and spices.
You’ll find plenty of unique Balinese items among the stalls, many of which you’ll be able to haggle over for the best price. Don’t be shy of bargaining – the locals expect it, but make sure you are always haggling respectfully…don’t forget to smile!
A wander around Ubud Marker is perfect for soaking up the local culture, enjoying a delicious snack and for picking up some one-of-a-kind mementoes.
Save12. Take Pics on a Bali Swing
If you’re looking to capture that perfect Instagram shot that is the number one statement of a visit to Bali, then you need to have a go on one of Ubud’s famous Bali swings.
These swings allow you to soar high above the lush green jungle and rice terraces, feel the breeze in your hair and enjoy some unforgettable views, where the sky is the only limit.
Typically each location also has a number of other great photo spots like tree nests and smaller swings allowing you take a whole carousel of Insta-worthy shots.
- Cretya Swing – Located at Cretya Resort, Cretya Swing offers an incredible jungle and river view and is one of the most popular spots in Bali for a swing experience. It might not be the cheapest location, but the amazing photographs you’ll get are worth it!
- Swing Heaven – Nestled in the jungle, Swing Heaven is locally owned and operated and is on the bucket list of lots of travellers coming to Ubud. As the name would imply, at Swing Heaven you can soar right above the clouds with the Ayung River Valley far below.
- Love Bali – As the name suggests, Love Bali provides a romantic and exhilarating swing experience with gorgeous views of the rice fields and valleys. It’s an ideal spot for couples as they have a number of two seater swings.
Save13. Stroll along Campuhan Ridge Walk at Golden Hour
For a peaceful, leisurely stroll and stunning views, take a trip along the Campuhan Ridge Walk towards the end of the day.
This scenic, relatively easy walk offers breathtaking views of Ubud’s jungle and hills. As the sun sets, the landscape lights up in warm colours, giving everything a beautiful golden glint.
The path is lined with vibrant rice fields, palm trees and other tropical vegetation showcasing the very best of Bali’s natural beauty making it a perfect place to disconnect, take photos, or simply enjoy the peace.
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Save14. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest
A visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is a must-do activity and is one of the town’s most iconic attractions.
The lush forest is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques that roam freely, often coming up quite close to humans and even acting quite cheeky and playful with them.
It’s based on the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which is famous in Bali for the harmonious relationships with God, humanity and nature – and it’s fair to say this place incorporates all three perfectly.
As you wander through the forest, you’ll come across ancient temple ruins, statues and huge trees, full of monkeys and other wildlife.
To keep yourself and the monkeys safe, it’s important to follow the sanctuary’s rules of never feeding or touching the monkeys and keeping a good clutch on your belongings since they have quite the reputation of theft!
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Save15. Take a Balinese Cooking Class
No matter where you go, a cooking class is a fantastic way of immersing yourself in a location’s culinary traditions. Taking a Balinese cooking class while in Ubud provides a great opportunity to make new friends, try fresh, local produce and give some new cooking techniques a go.
You’ll be guided by expert chefs who will teach you how to make some amazing, traditional dishes. Lots of classes will also take some time to show you how to make a delicious Balinese spice paste that you can use for lots of different dishes.
As well as learning about how to cook, you’ll also learn a lot about the roles within families and local villages in Ubud as most cooking classes take part in traditional Balinese homes.
And of course, the best part is getting to enjoy the delicious meal that you worked hard to prepare at the end!
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Save16. Go Quad Biking
If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie then quad biking in Ubud is the perfect experience for you.
There’s no feeling quite like riding an ATV through the jungle with views across the scenic rice fields and traditional village. It’s the perfect way to get your heart pumping while also doing a spot of sightseeing.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete beginner, tour operators across Ubud have safety as their top priority and will ensure you have a fun and adventurous ride without any dangerous risks.
Make sure to wear some clothes you don’t mind getting mucky as the rough dirt paths can be quite unforgiving!
Save17. Explore Saraswati Temple
The Saraswati Temple in Ubud is a beautiful and tranquil place to explore, dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of literature, art, and learning.
Set amidst stunning lotus ponds, the temple’s intricate carvings and peaceful surroundings offer a quiet escape from the bustling town centre of Ubud. It’s quite a busy spot for tourists but you’ll also see lots of locals come here to worship too.
From here you can also explore other nearby attractions such as the Ubud Palace which has some beautiful gardens to wander through and offers some unique insights into Bali’s cultural history.
Save18. Take a Batik Painting Class
Balinese batik painting is a traditional art form that uses wax and dye to create intricate designs and patterns on fabric.
In a Batik painting class, you’ll have the opportunity to learn this technique from skilled local artists. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience with painting, you’ll be guided through the process step by step, learning to create your own unique piece of artwork.
This hands-on class offers a chance to understand Bali’s art traditions while creating a beautiful souvenir that reflects the island’s culture.
Save19. Attend a Sound Healing Journey at a Wellness Centre
A sound healing journey may not sound like your cup of tea to begin with but you’re likely to find it very relaxing if you give it a chance.
Using the healing vibrations of crystal singing bowls, gongs, and even magnets, sound therapy acts to help balance energy centres and restore harmony within the body.
This meditative experience is designed to help you to reduce stress, let go of any negative emotions, and improve your overall mental wellbeing.
Many wellness centres in Ubud offer sound healing sessions, making them quite popular with tourists. Their affordable prices mean you may as well give it a go even if you’re not sure it’s quite your thing!
Is Ubud Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Ubud is definitely worth visiting, no doubt about it. It’s a part of Bali which offers something completely different from beaches and pool parties.
The town is surrounded by terraced rice fields, tropical forests, and river valleys which all come together to create a magical location. It’s genuinely like something out of a dream.
From ancient temples and traditional dance performances to world-class restaurants and wellness retreats, Ubud balances Balinese tradition with modernity perfectly. The art scene is also incredible, with loads of galleries and studios showcasing local talent.
SaveSo no matter what you’re looking for, Ubud delivers on all fronts. It’s one of those places where you’ll just never want to leave.
How Many Days in Ubud?
We’d recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Ubud to really experience what makes this place special.
While you could technically see the main attractions in 2 days, you’d be rushing and missing out on the peaceful, spiritual vibe that Ubud is famous for.
A longer stay gives you time to explore beyond the busy centre, venturing into small villages or walking through the rice fields.
If you’re into yoga, meditation, or wellness treatments, make sure to add a couple more days to your itinerary as there are some incredible opportunities here like we’ve shown throughout this post. After all, relaxing and going at a slow pace is what Ubud is all about!
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SaveBest Time to Visit Ubud
We always say that there’s no bad time to visit anywhere and this applies to Ubud too – it is honestly great all year round.
That being said, the best time to visit Bali and Ubud specifically is during the dry season between April and September as these months offer sunny days with lower humidity, so it’s the perfect balance for exploring the rice terraces, going on jungle treks, and visiting any outdoor attractions without getting way too hot, and without getting caught in frequent downpours.
June until August tends to be the busiest period, as it’s the summer so there are lots of people going on holiday, but if you’re able to, try to visit in the shoulder season (May or September) for the same weather but for a cheaper price and without the crowds.
Lastly, the wet season (October to March) isn’t necessarily bad – the rain typically comes in short, heavy bursts in the afternoon, and the jungle looks incredibly lush and green. If you want the best time to visit the jungle, it’s the wet season – see, we told you there’s no bad to come.
SaveFAQs
Below are some commonly asked questions related to things to do in Ubud along with our expert answers to each question.
Ubud is the cultural hotspot of Bali – it’s got rice terraces, the famous Monkey Forest, art galleries and yoga classes all day every day. It’s what you imagine when you think of Bali…minus the beaches.
2 days is enough time in Ubud to hit the main spots but it will be pretty rushed. Most people leave Ubud wishing they had more time, so try to stay a little longer if you can.
Yep, unfortunately, those little buggers are around, especially near water and at sunset. Make sure to pack decent bug repellant and to cover up, especially in evenings. It’s just an annoying part of an otherwise amazing jungle life.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Ubud
So there you have it, all of the best things to do in Ubud.
Ubud is arguably Bali’s most famous destination and it’s definitely not short of incredible things to do.
We could only include so many things but no matter what you choose to do whether it be the “must-dos” like hiking Mount Batur or enjoying a smoothie bowl, there’s no doubt you’ll fall in love with Ubud just like we have.
And if you want to share our love with Ubud together, you can join one of our group tours in Bali which includes 2 days in Ubud.
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.
Here are a few useful links to help with that planning;
👉🏼 View all Trips
👉🏼 Frequently Asked Questions
👉🏼 Check out our Reviews
👉🏼 Why choose us?
👉🏼 How does it all work?
If you’ve got any burning questions or just need a little travel inspo… jump in the DM’s with the team via either Whatsapp, Livechat or Instagram.
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