14 Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali for a Soulful First Trip

Looking for the best things to do in Ubud and beyond? Let me share the places that truly stayed with me.

For me, Ubud is a mix of incense scents, greenery stretching to the horizon, and a rhythm that immediately slows you down.

In this guide, I’ve gathered experiences I lived myself – the ones that stayed with me long after.

You’re in for hypnotic evenings with kecak dance, cooking in Balinese homes, temples hidden among lush greenery, and rice terraces that look like dreams.

And that’s just the beginning.

This is my personal, practical guide to Ubud – places I recommend from the heart.

Ready to fall in love with Ubud? Let’s begin.

1. Take a Balinese Cooking Class

Paon Bali Cooking Class – A Culinary Experience with Soul

One of the most beautiful ways to truly feel Ubud from the inside is joining a Balinese cooking class – like the one at Paon Bali Cooking Class.

This place has something special about it. The classes are led by local chefs with huge hearts, and everything takes place in a garden fragrant with herbs and fresh rice.

The atmosphere is warm, familial, and from the first minutes you feel like you’re part of someone’s story.

Perfect option if you want to return from Bali not only with memories, but also with flavors that will stay with you for years.

During the course, you’ll learn authentic, home-cooked Balinese recipes, observe local techniques, and discover that cooking can be a small ritual.

There’s also something beautiful about spending time with people who – just like you – love food and want to feel Bali a bit deeper.

And the best part?

When you return home, you can recreate these flavors in your kitchen and surprise your loved ones with homemade chicken satay or tempe me goreng that smells exactly like there – in the garden in Ubud.

How Much Does the Class Cost and What’s It Like

• A cooking class at Paon Bali Cooking Class costs from 350,000 rupiah per person.
• Morning classes start at 8:30 AM, and afternoon ones at 3:30 PM.
• Worth knowing that afternoon options don’t include a visit to the local market, so if you want to see what real morning life in Ubud looks like – choose the morning session.

2. Watch the Hypnotic Kecak Dance

No stay in Ubud is complete without experiencing the kecak dance – one of Bali’s most hypnotic rituals. This isn’t just a dance. It’s a story where movement, voice, and fire weave into one.

Though its roots reach back to ancient spiritual practices, the modern form of kecak owes its existence to the 1930s and German artist Walter Spies, who helped transform the ritual into the spectacle known worldwide today.

The most beautiful thing is that you can see it in almost every Balinese temple – at sunset, when the air smells of incense and the silence is broken only by the rhythmic chak-chak-chak.

The performance usually takes place around a burning fire. In the twilight, men sit in a circle, moving in rhythm and chanting chak-chak-chak, as if the whole world slowed down to just this one sound.

The atmosphere is so intense that you can easily get goosebumps.

At the same time, dancers dressed as Ramayana heroes perform a fragment of the epic about Sita and Rama’s exile to the jungle – a story full of love, courage, and the battle between good and evil.

This is one of those spectacles you must experience live. Photos don’t capture even half the magic.

Where to Watch a Traditional Performance in Ubud

• One of the most popular places to see kecak dance in Ubud is the Pura Dalem Taman Kaja temple.
• Performances take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and tickets cost around 75,000 rupiah per person.
• It’s also worth asking at your hotel – many places in Ubud regularly organize their own performances, often in beautiful, intimate spaces that add even more magic to this ritual.

3. Visit the Atmospheric Pura Taman Saraswati Temple

One of the places truly worth visiting in Ubud is the charming Pura Taman Saraswati – a 19th–century temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess of knowledge, art, and words.

It’s one of those places that stops you in your tracks from the first moment.

The temple stands over a pond full of pink lotus flowers, and the whole thing looks like a small, peaceful world hidden in the heart of the city. Perfect place for a moment of silence and wonder.

Why Visit

In the courtyard, you can admire intricate architecture and beautiful bas–reliefs that look like they were carved from mist and time.

The main shrine, padmasana, dedicated to deity Acintya, is located in the northeastern part of the complex and is easily recognizable by its characteristic, slender shape.

An added bonus is the regular traditional Balinese dance performances – if you catch an evening show, the temple takes on even more magic.

This really is one of those places you absolutely must see during your stay in Ubud.

Opening Hours and Practical Information

• Entry to Saraswati temple in Ubud is free. Just remember to wear a sarong – it’s a small but important element of respect for local culture.
• Evening dance performances that take place daily at Lotus Café are paid and cost around 100,000 rupiah per person.

4. Meet the Macaques at Ubud Monkey Forest

One of Ubud’s most unique places is the famous Monkey Forest – a green, humid jungle in the very heart of the city.

It’s a space where nature, spirituality, and Balinese daily life intertwine.

Among the trees, you’ll find three Hindu temples important to the local community, and the whole area is inhabited by a large group of curious macaques who observe tourists with surprising self-confidence.

This is a place truly worth seeing – even if just for a moment, to feel this wild, somewhat magical rhythm of Ubud.

What Will You See Inside

About 1,260 macaques live in Monkey Forest, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to encounter them.

During your walk, you’ll see them up very close – jumping on branches, peering into leaves, and sometimes stopping right next to you, as if checking what you have in your backpack.

Just remember to be careful. Macaques are charming but also lightning-quick and clever, and can snatch glasses, a water bottle, or a snack before you can blink.

Despite this minor chaos, visiting Monkey Forest is one of those unforgettable experiences truly worth adding to your Ubud attractions list.

Ticket Prices and Important Tips

• Monkey Forest in Ubud is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM).
• Tickets cost:
  • 100,000 rupiah for adults and 80,000 rupiah for children on weekdays
  • 120,000 rupiah for adults and 100,000 rupiah for children on weekends
• Before entering, it’s worth handing over to staff everything that might disappear into monkey hands – glasses, food, loose items.
• This is the simplest way to avoid funny but still somewhat stressful situations with monkeys.

5. Walk the Campuhan Ridge Trail

One of the most beautiful ways to feel Ubud’s calmer side is a walk along Campuhan Ridge – a gentle, green ridge towering over the Wos River valley.

The trail is about 8.5 kilometers and leads through rolling hills, rice fields, and lush tropical vegetation.

The views are spectacular, but in a quiet, soothing way – as if Bali wanted to show you its most natural, unhurried side.

Why Take This Walk

This peaceful route, beloved by both locals and visitors, lets you see Ubud’s natural, quiet face.

Interestingly, it’s one of the oldest trails in the area and an important place for the local community.

How to Find the Trail Start

• To reach the trail start, begin at the Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas and Spa hotel. When you see the “Going to the hill” sign, turn left.
• Then you’ll reach a bridge over the river – go down the stairs on its right side.
• From there, a straight concrete path leads north, gradually ascending to Campuhan Ridge.
• Perfect, easy trekking with beautiful views from the first steps.

6. Admire Art at the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

If you love art, definitely visit one of Ubud’s most important museums – the Agung Rai Art Museum.

This place created by Agung Rai is a true gem: full of light, silence, and Balinese beauty.

What’s in the Collection

You can see extraordinary works by Walter Spies here, a German artist who had an enormous impact on Bali’s art and culture.

This is the only such museum on the island – perfect if you want to feel its artistic soul.

The museum’s collection isn’t just Spies’ works – you’ll also find pieces by many local artists, giving you a really broad cross-section of Balinese art and the styles coexisting on the island.

The museum itself is housed in traditional buildings surrounded by well-tended gardens full of greenery and silence.

This is one of those places where you want to stay longer – partly for the art, and partly for the atmosphere itself. Perfect for a peaceful, inspiring stop in Ubud.

Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

• The Agung Rai Art Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM).
• Tickets cost 150,000 rupiah for adults and 75,000 rupiah for students.
• And the best part? Children under 7 enter free.

7. Marvel at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

One of the most beautiful experiences in the Ubud area is walking through the Tegalalang rice terraces.

Lush green fields flowing down the valley slopes like waves attract photographers, painters, and everyone who loves nature every year.

As you walk the winding paths, you can see up close the work of local farmers and peek at what rice cultivation really looks like – a slow, demanding, and incredibly soothing process.

This is the perfect place to combine light trekking with awe-filled observation of local life.

And if you feel like relaxing, pop into one of the hillside restaurants – a cup of coffee with a view of the terraces can stay in your memory for years.

Tegalalang is a must–see for anyone wondering what to do in Ubud and looking for places that feed the eyes and imagination.

Tickets, Parking, and Best Time of Day

• Entry fee to the Tegalalang rice terraces is around 25,000 rupiah per person, and the place is open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• It’s most beautiful here at dawn or late afternoon – then the light works magic, and crowds are definitely smaller.
• The terraces are about 20 minutes from Ubud. The easiest way to get there is by scooter, car, or taxi. Parking nearby costs around 10,000 rupiah.
• During your walk, you might encounter people trying to extort money for passage or photos. It’s best to stay calm and simply keep going – firmly but without stress.

8. Discover the Secrets of Pura Gunung Kawi Temple

One of the most fascinating attractions in the Ubud area is Pura Gunung Kawi – an extraordinary temple carved into rocky slopes.

The complex lies in the picturesque Pakerisan River valley, between lush greenery and high cliff walls.

This place has enormous archaeological significance, but for Balinese people, it’s primarily a sacred space – full of silence, history, and spirituality that you can really feel from the first steps.

History and Legends of the Place

The complex consists of ten rock–carved sanctuaries that according to tradition are the tombs of the royal family ruling this region in the 11th century.

Though their exact origins are still shrouded in mystery, local legend says they were carved by Kebo Iwo himself – a mythical giant of extraordinary strength.

It’s a place full of history, silence, and light magic. It will enchant not only archaeology lovers but anyone who likes discovering places with soul.

How Much Is Entry and What’s the Walk Like

• Entry fee to Pura Gunung Kawi is around 50,000 rupiah per person, and the temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• To reach the valley floor where the rock tombs are located, you need to descend about 300 steps – but don’t worry, the way down and the views along the way are so beautiful it’s really worth it.

9. See the Sacred Springs at Tirta Empul

One of the most fascinating experiences in the Ubud area is visiting Pura Tirta Empul – one of Bali’s most sacred sanctuaries.

This place has attracted Balinese people for centuries who come here for ritual bathing in healing, sacred springs.

The water flows straight from the rocks, and its origin – like many things in Bali – is wrapped in beautiful legend.

This is a space where it’s easy to feel the island’s spirituality – even if you just stand aside and observe how people immerse themselves in the water with prayer and intention.

Purification Rituals and Local Traditions

According to Balinese legend, the sacred spring was created by god Indra, who wanted to resurrect his fallen warriors fighting against the evil ruler Mayadenawa.

Tirta Empul, built around 962 AD, consists of three courtyards with intricately carved altars and prayer spaces.

This is one of those places you really can’t skip during your Bali stay – full of history, spirituality, and incredible peace.

Prices, Rules, and Practical Tips

• Entry to Tirta Empul temple costs around 75,000 rupiah per person, and you can visit daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Remember that you must wear a sarong during your visit – fortunately, you can borrow one for free right at the entrance.
• After visiting, it’s best to return the same way, avoiding the “exit” sign. This way you’ll avoid the dense strip of stalls that most tourists are led through “compulsorily.”

10. Climb Mount Batur at Sunrise

One of the most unique experiences in the Ubud area is trekking to Mount Batur – an active volcano rising 1,717 meters (5,633 ft) above sea level.

It lies north of the city and is one of those places that can change how you see Bali.

Watching sunrise from the summit is a truly breathtaking view – a sea of clouds, the lake below, delicate light filtering through volcanic slopes.

It’s an experience full of adrenaline, wonder, and the silence that only happens high in the mountains.

It’s most beautiful here at sunrise or sunset – then the whole landscape takes on a golden glow, and in the distance, the majestic silhouette of Mount Agung volcano rises.

Climbing to Mount Batur’s summit is relatively simple and takes about 1.5 hours of calm walking.

If you have more time, it’s also worth walking around the caldera – the views are completely different, more raw and full of volcanic energy.

This is one of those experiences that really stay in memory for years.

Getting There and Guide Prices

• Mount Batur is about 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Ubud.
• Most convenient is to come the day before – by taxi or hired driver – and overnight in Kintamani.
• Worth remembering that independent entry to the volcano is prohibited.
• Many hotels in Kintamani organize trekking with licensed guides – prices start from around 450,000 rupiah per person.

11. Visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

Another extraordinary place in the Ubud area truly worth seeing is the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple.

This 17th–century complex is located high in the mountains, right by a peaceful, misty lake.

It’s one of those places that immediately enchant – visited by both locals and travelers seeking a bit of magic and silence.

The Magic of the Temple on Lake Bratan

The temple is dedicated to the water goddess, Dewi Danu.

Though not large itself, its charm makes a huge impression – especially when you see the multi–tiered meru shrines standing on two tiny islands and reflecting in the lake’s calm surface.

The whole thing is surrounded by well–tended, green gardens that add even more magic to this place. Perfect space for a slow, relaxing walk and some truly beautiful photos.

Tickets, Hours, and Best Time to Visit

• Entry to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan costs around 75,000 rupiah for adults and 50,000 rupiah for children ages 5-10.
• The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• It’s most beautiful here in early morning – when the lake is calm, the air cool, and the first sun rays gently illuminate the meru and the whole temple. Perfect moment for a peaceful walk and photos without crowds.

12.Admire the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO)

Why Is This One of Bali’s Most Beautiful Places?

One of the most beautiful places in the Ubud area is the stunning Jatiluwih rice terraces – huge, green spaces that look like a rolling sea of fields.

This picturesque region is famous for its traditional subak irrigation system and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2012.

This is a place where you can truly feel the rhythm of Balinese life and see how nature, work, and spirituality have harmonized here for centuries.

Perfect for a peaceful walk and a moment of wonder at the island’s simple beauty.

Walking Trails, Tickets, and Getting There

The cooler climate and charming terrain at the foot of Mount Batukaru attract people from all over the world – this is one of Bali’s best places if you love photography and wide, green landscapes.

What’s nice is that Jatiluwih has five different walking trails – from a short, hour-long route (1.5 km) to a longer, roughly four-hour trek (8 km).

This way everyone can choose a pace that suits them best.

Useful Tips

• Entry to Jatiluwih rice terraces costs around 50,000 rupiah for adults and 40,000 rupiah for children.
• The place is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• The terraces are about 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Ubud.
• Most convenient is to get there by rental car or taxi – the road is calm, and you can stop at several beautiful viewpoints along the way.

13. See Bali’s Most Important Temple – Pura Besakih

History and Uniqueness of the Place

One of the most extraordinary attractions in the Ubud area is Pura Besakih – a majestic temple located on Mount Agung’s slopes, considered the most important place of worship on all of Bali.

This place has a very long history – some sources date its beginnings even to the 8th century.

What’s more, in 1963 the temple miraculously survived during the powerful eruption of Mount Agung that destroyed most of the surrounding area.

Today Pura Besakih enchants with its atmosphere, views, and the feeling that you’re standing in a truly sacred place.

The temple complex spreads across several levels, so during your visit you constantly climb higher and higher, discovering more shrines and viewing terraces.

The views of the surroundings are really beautiful – especially in good weather.

This is a unique place for anyone who wants to feel Bali’s culture and history more deeply.

The temple has something majestic yet peaceful – the perfect combination for a spiritual stop on your journey.

Entry Prices and Practical Tips

• Pura Besakih is about 1.5 hours drive from Ubud, so most convenient is to get there by rental car or taxi.
• The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and entry costs around 150,000 rupiah per person.
• Best to arrive before 9:00 AM – then it’s most peaceful, and the temple has even more magic and space for quiet exploration.

14. End Your Day with a Relaxing Balinese Massage

Ubud Traditional Spa

Finally, I have something that perfectly complements a stay in Ubud – a traditional Balinese massage at one of the local spas, for example at Ubud Traditional Spa.

Balinese massage is a unique ritual. It combines pressure techniques, aromatherapy, and Ayurvedic elements, thus restoring harmony between body, mind, and what we so often overlook – inner peace.

In Ubud there are many beautiful spas hidden in green, exotic gardens.

This is the perfect way to recharge and give yourself a moment of breath after a whole day of intensive sightseeing.

Price List and Reservations

• Ubud Traditional Spa is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• An hour-long massage costs from around 480,000 rupiah per person.
• Worth booking your visit in advance to ensure you get a convenient time.

FAQ – Practical Answers

Best Time to Visit Ubud

The best time to travel to Ubud is May-October – then it’s dry, sunny, and pleasantly warm, so ideal for walks, temples, and all outdoor attractions.

Worth avoiding the rainy season (November-March), because though downpours are short, they can somewhat disrupt sightseeing plans.

I visited Ubud in June and most of the time was beautiful, sunny weather – and those few quick afternoon rains even had something charming about them and didn’t interfere with discovering the city at all.

How Many Days to Spend in Ubud

To truly feel Ubud’s atmosphere – immerse yourself in the greenery, visit the most important temples, and find time to relax – it’s best to stay 3-4 days.

This is the perfect time to combine sightseeing with slow mornings over coffee and walks through rice fields.

If you dream of a calmer rhythm, yoga workshops, massages, cooking classes, or just want to slow down a bit, plan 5-7 days.

Ubud is made for slow travel – here it really does good for the soul.

How to Get Around Ubud

Getting around Ubud is part of the whole adventure.

The center is relatively small, but roads can be narrow and crowded, so it’s worth choosing a solution tailored to your travel pace.

• Scooter – most convenient and cheapest option. Lets you quickly move between temples and rice terraces. If you don’t feel confident on two wheels, skip it – traffic can be chaotic.
• Taxis and Grab – ideal if you prefer comfort and peace. Prices are affordable, and drivers know the area well.
• Driver for the whole day – great choice if you want to see attractions outside Ubud. It’s convenient and not that expensive a solution.
• Walking – you can get around the center on foot, though sidewalks are sometimes narrow and uneven. Works best for short distances.

Regardless of your chosen option – in Ubud you’ll always find a way that lets you explore at your own pace, slowly and with curiosity.

How Much Does a Stay in Ubud Cost (Attractions, Food, Transport)

Ubud can be really wallet-friendly – everything depends on what travel rhythm you choose.

You can explore it very budget-consciously or allow yourself a bit more comfort.

Here are approximate prices to help you plan your day:

Attractions

• Most temples and viewpoints cost 25,000-100,000 rupiah
• Some larger places – like museums or more important temples – around 150,000 rupiah

Food

• In local warungs you’ll eat a delicious, home-cooked meal for 30,000-60,000 rupiah. In atmospheric restaurants prices start from 100,000-150,000 rupiah

Transport

• Scooter is usually 80,000-120,000 rupiah daily. Grab and taxis are still inexpensive – short trips start from 20,000 rupiah

Massages

• For a traditional Balinese massage you’ll pay 250,000-500,000 rupiah, depending on the place

In summary – you can discover Ubud in many ways, and each can be beautiful. Everything depends on what you currently need: adventure, peace, or a bit of luxury.

What to Do in Ubud If You Only Have 1 Day

If you only have one day in Ubud, choose places that best convey its rhythm – a bit of nature, a bit of spirituality, and a touch of that peaceful Balinese magic.

Morning: Walk Along Campuhan Ridge

Start early when the light is most beautiful. A short, scenic walk will give you breath and first marvels at Ubud’s greenery.

Saraswati Temple and Coffee with a View of Lotuses

After the walk, pop into the atmospheric Pura Taman Saraswati. It’s a small but incredibly photogenic place. Next door is a café with a view of the pond – perfect for a break.

At Lunchtime: Tegalalang Rice Terraces

In the afternoon, head to Tegalalang. Even a short walk between terraces lets you feel Bali’s essence – greenery, peace, and life flowing at its own pace.

Afternoon: Monkey Forest or Light Massage

Depending on your mood:

• Monkey Forest – if you’re in the mood for a bit of life and energy
• or a quick massage (30-60 minutes), if you just want to stop and breathe

Evening: Kecak Dance Performance

End the day in one of the most beautiful ways – a kecak dance performance. Fire, rhythm, chorus of men’s voices… it’s a spectacle you don’t forget for years.

Where to Stay in Ubud

Ubud has a huge choice of accommodations – from luxury hotels with pools in the jungle, through atmospheric guesthouses and private villas, to eco-friendly treehouses where you wake up to the sounds of tropical birds.

Ketut’s Place – Recommended Place for Every Budget

One place I can really recommend is Ketut’s Place Bed & Breakfast.

It has that warm, Balinese atmosphere, is excellently run, and located in a very convenient location.

I stayed there personally – and hand on heart I can say it’s one of those places you want to return to.

One place I highly recommend is Ketut’s Place Bed & Breakfast. It has a unique vibe, friendly service, and a perfect location. I’ve stayed there myself, and I can wholeheartedly endorse it.

The hotel is in a quiet area, away from hustle, yet close enough to the center that you can easily walk to Ubud’s main attractions, including Monkey Forest.

Rooms are clean and comfortable, and the charming garden creates the perfect place for a moment of relaxation after a whole day of sightseeing.

Additionally, the property offers a pool – perfect for a quick cool-down after a day full of walks – and atmospheric cottages where you can really feel the Balinese climate.

Plus the prices are very affordable, so Ketut’s Place is a great choice if you’re looking for something budget-friendly but still with atmosphere and heart.

Summary: 14 Things to Do in Ubud, Bali

Ubud in Bali is one of those Asian gems that stay in your heart for years.

It’s a place full of culture, art, greenery, and quiet magic that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and absorb every moment.

You can discover ancient temples here, immerse yourself in local rituals, walk through rice terraces, and enjoy peace that’s so hard to find elsewhere.

Ubud has everything to make your vacation truly unforgettable.

I hope my guide helped you plan your trip and you now know exactly what to do in Ubud. If so – I’d really appreciate if you share it with friends.

And if you’ve already been there, I’d love to hear your own ideas and favorite places in Ubud and the surrounding area.

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