13 epic things to do in Ubud, Bali

Ubud, known as the island’s cultural hub, is located in the heart of Bali. With its lush rice terraces, beautiful waterfalls, and ancient temples, it offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re in the mood for exploring or simply unwinding by the pool, Ubud has it all. We spent 3 weeks here, soaking in the laid-back vibe but also discovering Ubud and its surroundings, and we still feel like there’s more to discover. In this guide, we’re excited to share the best things to do, our favorite places to eat, and where to stay in Ubud, Bali.

How to get to Ubud
How to get around in Ubud
Things to do in Ubud
Where to eat in Ubud
Where to stay in Ubud

How to get to Ubud

Ubud is situated in central Bali. It takes about 2 hours to reach from Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS), while the drive from Canggu is a bit shorter at just over an hour. The most convenient way to get to Ubud is by car, and you can easily order a cab through Grab or arrange transportation with your accommodation. If you’re coming from the airport, expect to pay between € 20 and € 30, depending on where you’re staying in Ubud. From Canggu, the cost ranges between € 10 and € 15 (Grab prices in September 2024).

How to get around in Ubud

As in every other place in Bali, renting a scooter is the way to go. We rented our scooters through Arjun scooter rental. We absolutely recommend him! He gave us a great deal because we rented long term, we paid less than 50,000 IDR (€ 3) per day for a 125cc Fazzio. He also delivered and picked up the scooters at our villa just outside Ubud’s center. Lastly, he arranged transport back to Denpasar for 250,000 IDR (under € 15). Great service all round!

Things to do in Ubud

1. Stroll through Mancingan Rice Terrace

Strolling through Mancingan Rice Terrace is one of those experiences that instantly makes you fall in love with Ubud. The calm path takes you through lush rice fields and swaying palm trees, with not a tourist in sight. It’s a hidden gem that hasn’t been discovered by the crowds yet, in every sense of the word. This means you’ll likely have this slice of paradise all to yourself. Along the way, you’ll come across friendly locals selling fresh coconuts and drinks – perfect for a quick refresh and a chance to support the community. There’s no entrance fee, but we highly suggest making a donation at the entrance, where you’ll find a donation box.

2. Visit Mupu Rice Terrace

If you’re looking for a less crowded alternative to the super popular Tegallalang paddies, Mupu Rice Terrace is a must-visit. Located right next to its famous neighbor, Mupu offers the same breathtaking beauty but with a much more peaceful vibe. The journey starts at TIS Cafe, a great spot in Ubud (but more on that later 😉). You’ll enter the rice fields from here and enjoy an adventurous walk that includes crossing a river and navigating a charming wooden bridge.

The best time to visit is early in the morning when the first rays of sunshine light up the terraces. Arriving before sunrise is not needed, so you don’t have to set a super early alarm! Along the way, you’ll find swings and photo spots that offer picture-perfect views. And if you’re lucky, you might run into a cute little kitten, too! There’s no entrance fee, but donations are encouraged to help maintain this beautiful place.

3. Relax at TIS Cafe

We just mentioned TIS Cafe as the entrance to Mupu Rice Terrace, but this place has so much more to offer. Most people head to Cretya Ubud for a pool day with views of the rice fields, but TIS Cafe offers the same experience with fewer crowds and a more affordable price. After exploring Mupu, we returned to TIS Cafe around 8 AM and headed to their pool area. We laid by their smaller pool, which felt like our own private oasis with only four spots available. Surrounded by stunning rice terraces, we spent the day lounging, sipping cocktails, eating great food, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

The minimum spend is 400,000 IDR per person (around € 24), which may not be the most budget-friendly. We do want to say that it’s definitely worth it if you want to treat yourself. The food here is delicious, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and even dinner while soaking in the incredible views over the rice fields.

4. Take an Balinese cooking class

Things to do in Ubud: Balinese cooking class

One of the best things to do in Ubud is taking a Balinese cooking class. We signed up for a class that included a market tour, and it turned out to be an incredible experience! Our day began with a visit to a local market, where we learned about the fresh ingredients we’d use that day. We then headed to an open-air kitchen surrounded by rice fields, which provided a stunning setting for our cooking adventure. Cooking in such a beautiful location was so memorable! We prepared ten dishes, including steamed tuna, mushroom soup, tofu curry, and so much more. With just thirteen people in our group, it was small enough to connect with everyone and have a fantastic time. And if we do say so ourselves, our dishes turned out delicious! 😉

See if there’s availability for a Balinese cooking class in Ubud on your dates.

5. Explore Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave, is one of Bali’s most intriguing temples and definitely worth a visit. This expansive complex has a lot to offer, including a fascinating cave with a menacing face entrance, impressive statues, and even a small waterfall that leads to a nice river. We loooooved the setting of the temple. It consists of multiple “floors” (or layers), and is nestled amid beautiful nature, palm trees, and flowers. It’s truly one of the most stunning temples we’ve ever seen! Located about a 10-minute drive from Ubud’s center, the entrance fee is 50,000 IDR (just under € 3), with an additional 2,000 IDR for scooter parking.

Pro tip
There are tons of shops right before you enter, and they all want to sell or rent you a sarong as it’s mandatory to wear one. Don’t fall for this! You will be given a free sarong as you enter, no need to bring (or buy) your own. Unless it’s for fashion purposes, of course.

6. Experience a purification ritual at Pura Tirta Empul

Pura Tirta Empul is a must-visit temple in Bali. It’s renowned for its holy spring water which is believed to have healing properties. You can either explore the temple or take part in a purification ritual to experience its spiritual significance firsthand. The entrance fee is 50,000 IDR, with additional costs for participating in the ritual. During our visit, we were lucky enough to witness a traditional ceremony, such a fun way to get a unique glimpse into Balinese culture. To avoid crowds and fully enjoy the experience, we recommend visiting early in the morning (before 9 AM).

Pro tip
If you’re keen to experience a purification ritual but prefer to avoid the crowds, Pura Mengening is a great alternative to Pura Tirta Empul.

7. Shop for souvenirs at the Ubud Art Market

No trip to Ubud is complete without a visit to the Ubud Art Market. Whether you’re looking for clothes, souvenirs, or accessories, this lively market has something for everyone. Even if you think you’re not planning to buy anything, you might find yourself leaving with a few finds. With so many stalls and items to explore, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. Been there, done that! Just remember to always negotiate the prices – haggling is part of the experience and helps you get a great deal! Always remember to bring cash with you, too, although we did notice lots of vendors accepting card payments as well.

Good to know
Halfway through August 2024, there was a huge fire at Ubud Art Market. Over 140 businesses were impacted, so expect to see some stalls being closed for the time being.

8. Visit the beautiful Ubud Water Palace

The Ubud Water Palace, or Saraswati Temple, is a beautiful temple in the heart of Ubud. Dedicated to Saraswati (the Goddess of Knowledge), this serene temple features a stunning lotus pond, fountains, and beautiful statues. The entrance fee is 50,000 IDR and includes a sarong, jacket, and hairband for your visit. Our favorite places here are the bridge you walk over as you enter, and the bean bags near the exit where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful setting. To fully enjoy its peaceful ambiance, we recommend visiting before 9 AM, as it can get quite crowded later in the day.

9. Watch a Legong dance performance at Ubud Palace

Things to do in Ubud: Legong dance performance

Just next to the Ubud Water Palace lies Ubud Palace, where you can catch a captivating Legong dance performance. Although the palace itself is free to visit, the evening dance show is a paid highlight. We loved watching traditional Balinese stories come to life through dance. Performances start at 7:30 PM and last about 1.5 hours. The venue gets quite crowded, so be sure to arrive an hour early to snag the best seats. You won’t need to bring any food or snacks either, as plenty of vendors will be around to offer everything you need to satisfy your hunger and thirst.

Check if there’s availability to see a Legong dance performance on your dates.

10. Take in stunning views on the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Things to do in Ubud: Campuhan Ridge Walk

For a peaceful escape from Bali’s hustle and bustle, we highly recommend the Campuhan Ridge Walk. This easy 2 km trail offers stunning views and beautiful scenery along the way. We opted for an early morning hike to avoid the heat and the crowds, as it can get quite busy around sunset. This early start not only kept us cool but also gave us a serene experience! We really recommend waking up early to experience this yourself. The walk is one of our favorite free things to do in Ubud, and at the end you’ll find charming cafes and restaurants. In need of recommendations? Mamoo is our top pick!

11. Hike to the top of Mount Batur

For those seeking adventure, hiking to the top of Mount Batur is a must-do. This day trip from Ubud is especially popular for catching the sunrise. Starting your day with breathtaking views from the summit of an active volcano is an experience you won’t soon forget! We recommend hiring a local guide to hike Mount Batur. That way you don’t have to worry about transportation, entrance fees, or even bringing your own water!

See if there’s availability for a sunrise Mount Batur hike on your dates.

12. Explore the best waterfalls near Ubud

Bali is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls we’ve ever seen. If you’re staying in Ubud, waterfall chasing should definitely be on your list of things to do. Here are our top picks for waterfalls in or near Ubud that are easy to visit, though be prepared to walk a bit to reach them.

Tibumana Waterfall

Located about a 30-minute ride from Ubud’s center, Tibumana Waterfall is one of our favorites. The journey through rice fields and palm tree-lined roads sets the stage for this stunning waterfall. It’s probably our most favorite street in all of Indonesia! After a short walk and crossing some bridges, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking waterfall and a pool perfect for a refreshing dip. The entrance fee is only 20,000 IDR (just over € 1).

Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Kanto Lampo Waterfall is a popular waterfall spot, less than 30 minutes from Ubud. Its impressive cascading waters make it a must-see in Ubud. Standing beneath the waterfall is such an unforgettable experience! Since it’s a favorite among visitors, it can get crowded so we recommend going early in the morning. The entrance fee is 25,000 IDR (around € 1,50), with an additional 10,000 IDR if you want to use a locker (which we highly recommend). And how funny is the sign you can find at the waterfall? 😉

Goa Rang Reng Waterfall

For a quieter experience, head to Goa Rang Reng Waterfall, just a 5-minute drive from Kanto Lampo. This hidden gem features stunning statues and wall carvings along the way. The waterfall itself is gorgeous too, with pools to relax in both at the top and the bottom. We had the place to ourselves when we visited at 10 AM! Not a lot of people know about this one so visit it while it’s still undiscovered. Entrance fee is 20,000 IDR.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Last but not least: Tukad Cepung Waterfall, about an hour’s drive from Ubud. The journey to get here is an adventure in itself – be prepared to get wet as you walk through water to reach the waterfall. The main attraction is a waterfall tucked inside a cave, which is a unique sight. There are also simpler waterfalls and a small pool to cool off in. The entrance fee is 30,000 IDR (just under € 2). When we arrived around 9 AM there were only a handful of people there (all with a local guide). When we left the place and started “hiking” back to the entrance, we crossed a lot of people going the other way. If you want the place to yourself, arrive before 10.

Good to know
There are a few cafes and restaurants scattered along the path as you walk down to the waterfall. They offer everything (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks), on top of that you get great views of the surrounding jungle!

13. Day trip to Canggu

Things to do in Ubud: day trip to Canggu

If partying isn’t your thing or you’d rather avoid Bali’s notorious traffic every day, a day trip to Canggu from Ubud could be the ideal choice. Canggu offers some fantastic experiences, such as exploring Pura Tanah Lot or checking out the La Brisa Farmers Market on Sunday. The area is also home to great food spots like Woods, Butterman (those cinnamon rolls are unforgettable), and Sandwichopedia. The drive from Ubud to Canggu takes about an hour. We enjoyed our visit but were glad we didn’t stay overnight, as Canggu has a more crowded atmosphere compared to the relaxed vibe of Ubud.