Our 12 Favorite Things to Do in Ubud Bali

When we were planning our trip to Bali, we couldn’t wait to visit Ubud. At first, we thought it might be too “influencer-y” or overhyped — the kind of place where yoga studios outnumber warungs and every smoothie bowl costs double what it should.

But honestly? We were wrong.

Ubud has its touristy side, sure, but it also has this magical energy that’s hard to describe until you’re here.

Thinks lush greenery, temples, incense drifting around, waterfalls hidden just outside the center, and locals going about their rituals like clockwork — not for show, just because that’s life here.

We pulled this list together based on our own visit — what was worth it and what wasn’t. Whether you’re here to slow down or pack your days full of adventures, there’s plenty to love.

12 Best Things to do in Ubud

Map of all the attractions

1. Campuhan Ridge Walk

It’s peaceful, scenic, and such a nice break from the busy streets and temples. We didn’t expect much, but the views and calm atmosphere honestly surprised us. If you’re visiting Ubud and want to experience nature without leaving town, this is a must-do walk.

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is family-friendly, but there’s limited shade, so bring sun protection. At the end, you’ll find great spots to eat and relax, like Karsa Kafe. Whether you’re here for a peaceful walk or to capture beautiful photos, this hike is a must-do in Ubud.

We’d recommend starting early, since it gets really hot at noon. The walk only takes 30-40 minutes round trip, but you can turn around even earlier. We didn’t walk all the way through, and ended the hike a bit earlier.

2. Tegalalang Rice Terrace

We’d seen the classic Instagram shots of Tegalalang Rice Terrace and thought it might just be another tourist trap — but honestly, it was stunning.

The way the rice terraces curve across the hillside is something photos don’t quite capture until you’re standing there, watching the morning light roll in over the valley.

Tegalalang is one of the most iconic views in Bali, and yes, it’s popular — but it’s still worth seeing at least once. We went just after sunrise, and the fields were quiet, green, and glowing with soft light.

We wandered down into the terraces, watched farmers at work, sat with a coffee, and took it all in.

3. Saraswati Temple

We were just walking through central Ubud when we found this little temple by accident — and we’re so glad we did. After paying for the entrance fee, we had to put on the traditional dress.

Saraswati Temple is small, peaceful, and really beautiful, especially with the big lotus pond in front. It’s right behind the main street, but somehow it still feels calm and quiet.

This temple is for Dewi Saraswati, the Balinese goddess of learning and the arts. We wandered around the stone path around the lotus flowers, the carvings, the water — it’s all really pretty.

At night, they do traditional Kecak dance shows. We decided to skip that one.

4. Ubud Art Market

We’ve visited Ubud Art Market a few times now, and it’s always a bit chaotic — but in a fun way. It’s full of color, noise, and handmade goods stacked from floor to ceiling. If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is one of the best places in town.

We found everything from woven bags and rattan baskets to sarongs, wooden carvings, silver jewelry, and paintings. Some stalls sell the same things, but if you take your time and look around, there are some really beautiful pieces.

It can feel a bit touristy, but we still recommend it. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great place to explore, take photos, and soak in the busy local energy. And if you’re visiting Saraswati Temple, it’s just around the corner — easy to combine the two.

5. Massage or Spa Day

After a few days of walking, scootering, and waterfall-hopping around Ubud, we always make time for a proper massage — and honestly, it’s one of the things we look forward to most.

Ubud is full of spas, from basic local spots to luxurious jungle retreats, and you really don’t have to spend much to have a great experience.

One of our favorite things about Bali is how affordable massages are. We’ve had 60-minute full-body massages for around 120,000 IDR (about $8) at small local spas — clean, quiet, and surprisingly good.

6. Nungnung Waterfall

We’d heard Nungnung was one of the hidden gem waterfalls near Ubud — and they weren’t kidding.

The drive there was beautiful, winding through small villages and rice fields, but it was the final part that really got us: over 500 steep steps down into a jungle canyon. And yes, you have to climb them back up.

But honestly? It was totally worth it. When we reached the bottom, we were hit with cool mist, the roar of water crashing down, and that feeling of being somewhere wild and powerful.

The waterfall is tall, strong, and surrounded by thick greenery — it felt way more untouched than most waterfalls in Bali.

7. Leke Leke Waterfall

We came to Leke Leke ready for the crowds, and while it is beautiful, it definitely felt more like a photo stop than a quiet nature escape.

Even though we arrived early in the morning, there were already several people there. And because the space around the base of the waterfall is quite small, it felt crowded almost immediately.

That said, the waterfall itself is lovely — tall, narrow, and framed by jungle. The trail down takes about 15 minutes, with a mix of stairs and dirt path. The natural pool at the bottom is shallow and cool.

8. Sidemen Rice Fields

Sidemen was the perfect escape after a few busy days in Ubud. Set in a quiet valley with endless rice fields and views of Mount Agung, it felt calm, local, and totally unbothered by tourism.

It feels like how people imagined Ubud was twenty years ago. There were no group tours, little motorbike traffic, and barely any other travelers

We spent our days walking through the fields, passing farmers and tiny temples, and just enjoying the quiet. But we also came here to hike Mount Agung, and it ended up being one of the most unforgettable parts of our trip.

9. Climb Mt Batur or Mt Agung

If you’re up for an early wake-up and a big reward, climbing one of Bali’s volcanoes is something we’d absolutely recommend. Both Mount Batur and Mount Agung offer sunrise hikes, but they’re two very different experiences.

Batur is the easy one, and Agung is the beast.

Mount Batur is the more popular option — it’s shorter, easier, and doable for most people with average fitness. The hike usually starts around 3 AM, and you’ll reach the summit in time for sunrise over Lake Batur. The summit can feel a bit crowded.

Mount Agung, however, was on another level. It was a real challenge for us — steep, long, and intense. The trail was hard, especially in the dark, but we had one thing keeping us going: the sunrise.

Reaching the summit just in time to watch the sky light up was something we’ll never forget. We were standing above the clouds, with the whole island stretching out below us. Absolutely unreal.

If you’re a hiker, don’t skip this one. While it’s technically possible to find the route yourself (or follow others), we strongly recommend going with a local guide. It’s not just about safety — there’s also a bit of local tension. 

Guides aren’t officially required, but locals don’t like seeing tourists hiking alone. People have reported getting harassed, and flat tires are a common “coincidence” if you leave your scooter at the trailhead without a guide.

10. Tibumana Waterfall

We visited Tibumana in the afternoon, and while we’d heard it was one of the more peaceful waterfalls near Ubud, that definitely wasn’t the case when we arrived.

The parking lot was full, and there were quite a few people at the falls — but honestly, it still had a really nice feel.

The waterfall itself is simple and beautiful: just one clean stream of water dropping into a wide pool, surrounded by mossy cliffs and jungle. What we loved most is that you can actually swim here — the pool is deep enough, and the water was cool and clear.

Even with people taking photos or relaxing at the edge, it didn’t feel chaotic. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the same laid-back vibe.

The walk down is short and easy, and the drive to the waterfall was one of our favorite parts — especially the stretch right before the parking area near Adila’s spot, where the road cuts through palm trees and rice fields. It’s a seriously good photo stop if you catch it in the right light.

Tibumana isn’t exactly a secret anymore, but it still felt worth the visit — especially if you’re looking for a waterfall that’s swimmable, scenic, and not too far from Ubud.

11. Cooking Class

We didn’t get around to taking a cooking class this trip, but if we had, we would’ve booked this cooking class on an organic farm just outside Ubud.

What makes this one stand out is that it shows where the food comes from. You get to harvest some of the ingredients yourself, walk through the farm, and learn how Balinese families grow and prepare their food.

The morning class also includes a visit to a local market, which sounds like a great way to get a feel for everyday life beyond the tourist bubble.

From what we’ve read, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, the food is genuinely local, and the setting — surrounded by rice fields and gardens — makes it feel more like a cultural experience than just a class.

12. Penglipuran during Galungan

We visited Penglipuran Village during Galungan, and it was honestly one of the most special things we did in Bali.

The village is known for its traditional homes, quiet atmosphere, and neat little lanes lined with bamboo walls — and even though it’s definitely touristy, it still felt unique.

What we really liked is that you can actually go inside the family compounds, chat with locals, and buy homemade food or crafts. We picked up a few things — some fried bananas and sweet palm sugar treats — and everything was both cheap and delicious.

Coming during Galungan made it even more special. The village was full of beautifully decorated penjor (those tall bamboo poles with offerings), and everyone was dressed in traditional outfits for the ceremonies.

It didn’t feel like a show for tourists; it felt like a real celebration that we were lucky to witness.

What to skip (in our opinion)

1. Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul is famous for its holy spring water, where locals and tourists line up to take part in the purification ritual. We were curious about it, but after research, it felt like an overwhelming and very touristy spot.

The setting is beautiful, and the temple itself is culturally important. But the pool is usually packed, with long lines of tourists in rented sarongs — many of them just there for photos. It looked more like a tourist trap than a spiritual experience.

If you’re deeply interested in Balinese Hinduism, it might still be worth visiting — just know that it’s one of the busiest temples in Bali.

2. Sacred Monkey Forest

We actually decided to skip the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud — and that was after reading a lot of reviews from other travelers.

While it’s super popular and easy to reach from the center of town, we read too many stories about aggressive monkeys — even when people weren’t carrying food. Some visitors mentioned getting scratched or bitten.

The setting itself looks beautiful, with temples and jungle pathways, but it seems like the large number of tourists has made the monkeys a bit too bold. And honestly, there are other places in Bali where you can see monkeys in a more relaxed and respectful way.

If you’re still keen to meet some long-tailed macaques, we’d recommend heading to Sangeh Monkey Forest instead. It’s less crowded, and the experience felt much more organized and calm.

A guide accompanies you, and there are guards throughout the park to make sure visitors (and monkeys) stay safe. You can also feed the monkeys with help from staff, which made it feel more interactive, but also much more controlled.

3. Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Kanto Lampo is undeniably beautiful, with water cascading down black volcanic rock in dramatic sheets — but unless you visit very early in the morning, it pretty much feels like a photo stop and nothing more.

We went in the early afternoon, and to be honest, we were shocked by the number of people waiting in line for their turn to pose on the rocks.

There were local guides helping with angles, poses, and directing mini photo shoots — which is great if that’s what you’re after, but it felt more like a queue for Instagram content than a nature experience.

You can’t really swim here, and apart from the main waterfall area, there’s not much else to explore.

If you’re just looking for a good waterfall photo, it might still be worth it. But if you’re after a more peaceful spot where you can swim or spend time in nature, we’d skip this one.

Where to stay in Ubud

Ubud is more spread out than it looks, and where you stay really depends on the kind of trip you want. 

Ubud Center is great if you want to walk everywhere — it’s busy and convenient, but definitely not quiet.

In the outskirts of Ubud, you’ll get a much more relaxed feel, with rice field views, jungle vibes, and fewer scooters whizzing past your door.

Where to eat and drink

Ubud is full of great places to eat — from tiny local warungs to modern cafés and health-conscious spots. Whether you’re into local food or just strong coffee with a view, there’s a lot to love.

Local Restaurants:

• Bula Winaka Ubud – Cozy family restaurant with homemade noodles and warm service
• Warung Makan Bu Rus – Peaceful garden setting with simple, tasty home-cooked food
• Warung Pondok Madu – Known for their grilled meats and friendly staff

Casual Cafés and Modern Spots:

• Zest Ubud – Plant-based food with amazing views and creative twists on local ingredients
• Sayuri Healing Food – Raw and vegan dishes, smoothie bowls, and chill vibes
• Milk & Madu – Great brunch spot with coffee, fresh pastries, and a laid-back feel

How to get around

Rent a scooter

Our favorite way to get around Bali — including Ubud — is by scooter. It’s cheap, flexible, and the easiest way to reach places like waterfalls, rice terraces, or cafés tucked away outside town.

In Ubud, there are plenty of well-reviewed rental shops — just check Google Maps and look at recent ratings. Prices usually start around 60,000 IDR per day, and most places will offer a discount for weekly or monthly rentals.

We actually rented our scooter in Canggu for the whole month and used it to explore the entire island — Ubud, the north, the beaches, everything.

Gojek / Grab

If you’re not into riding a scooter, Gojek and Grab are great alternatives. They’re usually affordable and super easy to use. In our experience, Gojek is often a bit cheaper.

The only downside is that many tourist attractions don’t allow pickups directly at the entrance, so you’ll often need to walk a bit out to the main road to meet your driver.

Private car with a driver

If you prefer comfort or don’t ride a scooter, hiring a private driver for a day is a popular way to explore Bali. We recommend the GetYourGuide option:

🚗 Bali: Private Car or Van Charter with Driver
Enjoy full-day transport with hotel pickup and an English-speaking local driver. Rated 4.8★ by thousands, it includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and no prepayment is required.

Join a tour

We recommend this Ubud Private Tour, rated 5★ by thousands. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but it looks like a smart option if you’re short on time, don’t want to rent a scooter, or just need someone else to figure out the logistics.

This private tour covers all the big classics and more: Tegalalang rice terraces, Tirta Empul holy water temple, and three waterfalls (Tukad Cepung, Tibumana, and Kanto Lampo). 

Best time to visit Ubud

The best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is mostly sunny. It’s cooler than the coast, which makes walking, hiking, and scooter rides a lot more enjoyable.

We visited in July, and while there were a few quick showers, it didn’t affect our plans much. Just pack a light rain jacket and you’ll be fine.

Quick Tips & Local Insights

– Seasonal warnings, Safety notes, mistakes to avoid, Cultural tips (e.g., temple etiquette, what to wear), Anything surprising that travelers should know

Final Thoughts

Ubud ended up being one of the most rewarding places we visited in Bali.

It’s busy in parts, yes — but it also has this calm, creative, and deeply rooted energy that you don’t find everywhere. Between the waterfalls, rice fields, local food, and cultural rituals, there’s so much to explore — whether you’re here to relax or pack your days full.

If we had to pick just a couple of favorites, we’d say Sidemen for its peaceful vibe and Mount Agung for the sheer adventure. And of course, don’t miss a massage or spa day — it’s one of the best ways to slow down and take it all in.

Ubud isn’t perfect, and not every attraction lives up to the hype — but the mix of nature, tradition, and good food made it a place we’d happily return to.