Top 10 Must-Do Activities In Ubud

Om Swastiastu Wanderlusters! Relaxation and tranquility have come calling to you! If you wish to get on this train to pure serenity hop on because we are going to Ubud! 

Ubud is a quaint little town situated in central Bali. It is famous for its verdant rice paddies, beautiful temples, exuberant culture and rich traditions. Ubud is quite famously known as “the cultural heart” of Bali. 

If true peace is what you’re seeking, it is about time you pack your bags and head straight to Ubud and enjoy the plethora of recreation and recuperation opportunities this charming town has to offer. 

From spirituality, wellness to yoga, Ubud has all that you need to reach the peak of relaxation and of course, the mesmerizing scenic views are definitely part of the whole package. 

There are numerous exciting activities you can indulge in, once you are in Ubud. But first, let’s figure out how to pronounce it correctly. Because you wouldn’t want to sound like a total novice, now would you? So, Ubud is pronounced as, “oo-bood”. 

Whether you’re interested in exploring Ubud’s rich cultural heritage, getting in touch with your spiritual side, or simply relaxing amidst nature, Ubud has something to offer for everyone. 

And we will take you through the best things to do in Ubud, along with some quick tips to help you navigate your entire trip to this beautiful town. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on this adventurous journey through the top attractions you must visit in Ubud. 

So, let’s dive into the beautiful world of Ubud, Bali, and go over all the beautiful places and attractions that will be sure to make your trip unforgettable. 

How To Reach Ubud

If you are an international traveler, the easiest way for you to reach Ubud is to first fly to Bali at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is located in Denpasar. And then from there, you can take a cab or a taxi.

If you’re in Bali already, you can rent a motorbike and ride your way to Ubud. Or avail of the shuttle bus service from other famous travel destinations in Bali Kuta or Seminyak, at very reasonable prices, even. 

Things To Do In Ubud

Now that you know the best ways to get to Ubud, let’s quickly dive into the world of many amazing attractions and activities in Ubud that will leave you mesmerised.

Watch a Traditional Balinese Dance Performance

The traditional Balinese dance performance is truly a feast for your senses and is among the best activities in Ubud. It is an ancient form of art that has been passed down from generation to generation. These dances are not only a beauty to look at but also tell mesmerizing stories of Bali’s culture and history. 

The moment you enter the temple of the outdoor stage, depending on where the performances are taking place, you are immediately greeted by a world of vibrant colors and costumes. The sets also are so well designed that you can not help but admire them in awe. 

The most interesting and charming thing about Balinese dances is the super-expressive eye movements, gestures, and facial expressions. You feel electric energy,  sitting there as you take in the surroundings of the place. 

You must have this truly immersive experience. The performances are held at various venues across the town, including the Ubud Palace and the Ubud Art Market.

Enjoy the Monkey Forest

If you’re seeking a wild adventure, the Monkey Forest in Ubud is exactly where you should be. The lush green jungles of the forest make it a haven of all that’s green, and verdant, and of course, the nature lovers’ paradise. 

The jungle is densely populated by monkeys (over 700 long-tailed macaques to be exact) who love to come to the visitors for a sack or two. You can take walks through the winding paths and enjoy the entertainment of monkeys swinging from one tree to another. 

A quick tip: do not make direct eye contact with the monkeys or try to touch them. But you can definitely feed them the peanuts and bananas they love so much and have an experience of a lifetime.

Explore the Ubud Art Market

If you’re going all the way to Bali, you cannot really go back without getting some fabulous gifts for your loved ones. And that’s where the Ubud art market comes in. The moment you step into it your eyes will sparkle with all the colors you will get to see. 

The market is home to over a hundred stalls selling everything from traditional Balinese sarongs to handmade jewelry. And the best part is that the vendors are quite friendly and love to show you all they’ve got. From art to incense sticks, the place has it all! 

If you’re a fan of the occasional bargaining, this is the perfect place to put your skills to the test. Don’t forget to keep your bargaining hats on to get the best price!

Take a Relaxing Yoga Class

Ubud is quite famous as the yoga capital of Bali, so it’s the perfect place to try out a yoga class. Amidst the arms of nature and all that is serene, Ubud has many yoga studios that offer classes for all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. 

The moment you enter the studio the ambiance quickly takes you in. The scent of essential oils helps you relax and wind down immediately. If you’re looking for a particularly relaxing and tranquil experience to leave you rejuvenated, you must take an Ubud yoga class. 

Let your inner peace come to you! Breathe in and breathe out! Namaste! 

Experience Serenity at The Tirta Empul Temple

The famous Tirta Empul Temple is a Hindu temple located in the village of TampakSiring. The visit here is nothing short of a serene spiritual experience, which you will never forget. Once you’re done exploring the town, you can simply visit the temple and relax your soul in the calm and spiritual environment. To get to the temple, you only have to take a short car drive from Ubud.

The temple is quite famous for its holy spring water. And when you visit the temple, you can see the priests performing the rituals of water purification in the sparkling clean waters of the spring. The water is locally believed to have healing powers. What’s more, you can even take a dip in the holy water and participate in a purification ritual. It’s quite a rare experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

The temple is also an architectural beauty with awe-inspiring intricate carvings. 

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Take In The Verdant Rice Paddies

With the Rice paddies of Ubud, you’re in for quite an unforgettable experience. The rice paddies are quite a sight to behold. Ubud is surrounded by lush green rice terraces that are truly breathtaking and make you feel calm and tranquil.

You can take a leisurely walk through the paddies and have a look at the farmers’ hard at work. Or you can hire a bike and cruise around the place at your own pace. It’s the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and connect with nature.

The rice terraces become all the more breathtaking during sunset hours. 

Take a Walk Through Campuhan Ridge

The Campuhan Ridge in Ubud is the best place for you to be at if you enjoy walking and taking in scenic views. Walking through the ridge is an absolutely stunning experience. Especially, as you stroll along the path, and the surrounding verdant greenery takes you in, you feel like there are no worries in this world that could deter you. And the walk only takes an hour to finish. 

The ridge has breathtaking rice terraces on either side. The crisp mountain air is rejuvenating and gives you a sense of vigor. The atmosphere is absolutely peaceful and makes it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. What’s more, the breathtaking views of the valley and distant mountains are truly a sight to behold. It’s definitely a must-visit spot if you’re in Ubud!

Enjoy The Sunrise at Mount Batur

What can be said about the surreal experience of watching a sunrise at Mount Batur in Ubud? Mount Batur is a Volcanic mountain. And the sunrise experience there is quite unforgettable. As the sky slowly begins to lighten, you can feel the anticipation building. Then suddenly, the burst of orange and pink light filling the sky as the sun rises over the horizon, makes you forget everything else. 

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a hike to the sunrise point. The view from the top of the mountain is so breathtaking, it almost makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. 

You feel so at peace as the misty clouds and the surrounding landscapes slowly come into view. All you can do is take in the view, relish its beauty and revel in the surreal surroundings.

Try the Famous Luwak Coffee

Oh, the Luwak coffee will surely open up your tastebuds. This coffee has a very unique and distinct taste. This coffee is made with beans that are first digested by a “Civet Cat” and that is what creates a distinct flavor that is both smooth and bold. 

You can sip on the hot coffee while taking in the breathtaking views of the verdant greenery of Ubud and enjoy the good life. The aroma of the coffee is so enticing and the taste is rich with hints of chocolate and caramel. If you are a coffee lover and well, even if you aren’t, you cannot miss this experience. 

You can also take one of the many coffee-tasting tours across Ubud to taste many different Luwak coffees. 

Exhilarate Yourself With Rafting on The Ayung River

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Rafting on the Ayung River will be quite an exhilarating experience for you. The Ayung River is one of Bali’s most scenic rivers and offers all thrill seekers their chance to get their dose. There are many tour operators in Ubud that offer rafting trips down the river.

Once you’re on the raft and in the beautiful waters of the river, you navigate the rapids, and the cool splashes of water caress your body. And that’s when you will feel a sudden mix of calm and excitement settle. 

The river has a good mix of calm and challenging sections, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced rafters. And if you’re not an advanced rafter and are doing it for the first time, don’t worry, the professional guides will ensure your safety and help you have an unforgettable adventure. 

Finally…

So, folks, that’s a wrap on all the amazing things to do in Ubud! And now you have all you need to plan the most enchanting itinerary to Ubud to make the most of the trip.

Whether you are a nature lover, a foodie, or someone who just wants to relax and unwind, there are a plethora of options for you to choose from. Be it the iconic rice terraces or the lively markets and cultural experiences, Ubud definitely has something for people from all walks of life and with all sorts of interests.

As you pick up your bags and head on towards an adventure of a lifetime, remember, it is the little things that matter much. Don’t forget to take the time to appreciate the little moments along the way. Whether it’s savoring a cup of local coffee or watching the sunset over the jungle, these small experiences will definitely add a lot to your overall travel experience. And who knows, you might just fall in love with Bali! 

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