No trip to Bali is complete without spending at least a few days in Ubud.
Ubud is considered the cultural soul of Bali, and it is one of my favourite places in the world because it still has that unique Balinese charm with its lush rice terraces, ancient temples, local artisans, and a slower pace of life all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.
In this post, I’ll be sharing the 15 best things to do in Ubud, Bali — including popular attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable places to eat, relax, and recharge, plus tourist traps to avoid for a better experience!
15 Best Things To Do in Ubud Bali: My Experience
This guide is all about what I genuinely loved in Ubud — from unforgettable experiences and nature spots to cultural activities and hidden gems — as well as the places I personally didn’t think lived up to the hype.
Keep reading to discover the magic of Ubud — Bali’s cultural heart.
1. Stay In A Traditional Hotel or Villa
One thing Ubud does incredibly well is accommodation surrounded by nature, and one of the best things to do in Ubud Bali, is to stay in one of them.
During my stay, I experienced two different styles of accommodation: The Udaya where I stayed in a private villa with my own pool, and Maya Ubud Resort, a larger luxury resort tucked away in the jungle. Both were incredibly charming.
What I love about Ubud is that you can experience this level of luxury without the extreme price tag. For a more authentic experience, consider staying in a treehouse-style hotel or a jungle retreat where you can feel even more connected to nature.
Ubud Hotels:
– The Udaya (Jungle Villa)
– Kamandalu (Tree house)
2. Wander Through Bali’s Famous Rice Terraces
No trip to Ubud is complete without visiting its iconic rice terraces. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces, just 20 minutes from Ubud, are the most popular. While they can be a bit touristy and busy, I still found them charming and well worth visiting.
If you prefer a quieter, more authentic experience, head to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces instead. The scenery is incredible, and unlike Tegallalang, locals still live and work here, making it feel much more authentic.
If you prefer not to explore solo, plenty of tours include Tegallalang along with other famous Ubud attractions.
3. Experience a Flower Bath
You’re in Bali to relax, so why not treat yourself to a flower bath? It’s one of the most relaxing and unique experiences you can have in Ubud and something you definitely shouldn’t miss. These dreamy baths are filled with warm water and vibrant flower petals, often set against a beautiful jungle backdrop.
One of the most popular spots is Kaveri Spa at The Udaya. What makes it extra special? They actually send you flower design options before your appointment so you can pick your favourite shape and colour combo. The team there is amazing — they helped me take so many photos and videos, making the whole experience even more fun.
Another dreamy option is the spa at Maya Ubud Hotel. The flower bath here comes with river views and the calming sounds of nature.
Make sure to book in advance, though — these experiences are super popular and spots sell out quickly!
Pro tip: match your bathers to the flowers for that perfect shot!
4. Start Your Day with a Floating Breakfast
One of the best (and most romantic) things to do in Bali is to enjoy a floating breakfast — and yes, it’s just as dreamy as it sounds.
You’ll find it offered at most hotels and villas, especially in Ubud and the more luxurious spots around the island. Imagine starting your morning in a private pool, with a tray full of tropical fruits, pancakes, eggs, fresh juice, and of course, coffee — all beautifully arranged and floating right beside you.
Is there a better way to start the day in Bali? Honestly… I don’t think so!
One of the highlights of staying in a private villa at The Udaya Resort & Spa was enjoying a floating breakfast in my own private pool. It was just as magical as it looks… Pure Bali bliss!
If your hotel doesn’t offer this experience, don’t worry — you can still book a floating breakfast here, it’s such a fun and relaxing way to start the day, and totally worth it for the experience (and the photos!).
🤩 Read my full review about the Udaya Hotel here.
5. Join a Balinese Cooking Class
If you know me, you probably already know how much I love authentic cooking classes. I’ve done them in Florence, Vietnam, and pretty much every country I visit. For me, cooking classes are one of the best ways to connect with local culture, learn traditional recipes, and experience a destination beyond the usual tourist spots.
One of the top-rated options in Ubud is this Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm, and it’s such a wholesome and authentic experience.
You can join a morning session starting around 7:15 am, which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a visit to a local market, picking fresh ingredients from the farm, and then learning how to make delicious Balinese dishes step-by-step. It’s hands-on, fun, and you get to eat everything you make — what more could you want?
6. Swim Beneath a Waterfall
Bali is full of incredible waterfalls, and visiting one is an absolute must. We went to Goa Raja Waterfall, not to far from ubud and it felt like a hidden gem — not too busy, which made the experience even better.
We had so much fun swimming and just soaking in the view of the magical falls. The walk down wasn’t too difficult either, so it’s a great option if you want something beautiful and peaceful without the big crowds.
If you don’t want to get here yourself, you can book this top rated tour that also includes other famous spots around Ubud, like the Water Temple & Rice Terraces Private Tour.
7. Try the Ubud Jungle Swing
One of the most fun things to do in Ubud is hopping on a jungle swing. You’ll find these swings all over Bali, with incredible backdrops of rice terraces, palm trees, and tropical valleys. Many places even offer flying dresses to rent on the spot — and of course, I had to try one!
My boys loved the jungle swing experience. They weren’t quite as excited about the famous flying dress photos I wanted (they thought it was a little too cringy, haha), but they had a great time swinging high above the jungle and enjoying the adventure.
The staff were also incredibly helpful. They knew exactly how to capture the best angles and helped us take plenty of photos and videos to remember the experience.
We did the Instagrammable Bali Tour, and our guide took us to a quiet, tucked-away location with the most breathtaking view over the rice fields. No crowds, no rush — just a peaceful swing and some beautiful memories.
8. Join a Morning Yoga Class
Starting your day with yoga is a must while in Ubud. Many hotels and wellness retreats offer daily morning sessions, often set in scenic pavilions surrounded by jungle or rice fields. The peaceful setting makes it the perfect way to ease into the day and connect with nature.
You don’t need to be an expert — most classes are beginner-friendly and often included with your stay. Whether you’re looking to stretch out after travel or simply enjoy a quiet moment to yourself, it’s a relaxing and grounding experience.
For a deeper dive into Ubud’s spiritual side, try a Healing and Aura Cleansing Tour that combines yoga, meditation, and traditional Balinese rituals. Led by a local shaman, it’s a unique way to experience the island’s energy and leave feeling completely refreshed.
9. Take a Peaceful Stroll on the Campuhan Ridge Walk
Hiking Campuhan Ridge Walk is free, and it’s one of the most scenic things you can do in Ubud.
Start your morning with a gentle walk through Campuhan Ridge Walk. This paved path winds through lush green valleys, swaying palm trees, and quiet rice fields, offering a refreshing escape from the busier parts of town.
The walk is short, easy, and open all day, making it perfect for any fitness level. For the most peaceful experience, head out early in the morning while the air is still cool and the light is soft — or come at sunset for that golden Bali glow.
The walk starts just behind the Ibah Hotel, but the easiest way to find it is by following the Google Maps location.
If you’re staying in Ubud town center, it’s a nice, short walk to the trailhead. If your hotel is a bit farther out, no worries — you can quickly grab a ride using GoJek or Grab apps.
10. Capture the Magic at Sari Timbul
Sari Timbul is one of those places that completely surprised me — in the best way. It’s often called one of the most Instagrammable cafés in Bali, but honestly, it’s so much more than that.
Tucked away in Tegallalang, this dreamy spot is surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful vibes. There are beautiful photo spots all around — swings, artistic installations, and jungle views — and the staff are super sweet and happy to help you take as many photos as you want (which I definitely did!).
It’s a little hidden gem in Tegallalang that’s 100% worth adding to your Ubud itinerary.
11. Relax and Recharge at a Spa in Ubud
One of the best things about being in Bali? The incredible spas — and the prices are a dream! You can get an hour-long massage for under $10, which means there’s no excuse not to treat yourself while you’re here.
Ubud is filled with amazing spas, from simple walk-in spots to luxurious wellness retreats. Even if you just want a quick break, you can pop into a local spa for a calming foot massage or a traditional Balinese massage, which combines soothing pressure with gentle stretching.
But if you’re really in the mood for something more luxurious, go all out with a full spa package that includes a flower bath, body scrub, and full-body massage. One of my favorite spots for this is Kaveri Spa — it’s dreamy, peaceful, and the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
12. Pool Clubs in Ubud (If You Choose the Right One)
I love a good beach or pool club, and while Ubud isn’t known for its beaches, it has become increasingly popular for its jungle pool experiences.
My top recommendation is Jungle Fish Pool Bar. It’s a little more expensive, but I personally think it’s worth it because it feels more relaxed and less focused on being an Instagram hotspot compared to some of the more popular pool clubs.
Places like Cretya Ubud and Wanna Jungle Pool & Bar are beautiful and very popular for their jungle views and photo opportunities, but they can feel much more crowded and touristy.
13. Visit a Coffee Plantation in Ubud
If you love coffee, visiting a Balinese coffee plantation is a unique experience to add to your Ubud itinerary. Bali is known for its coffee production, and a plantation visit gives you the chance to learn about how coffee is grown and processed while enjoying the beautiful tropical surroundings.
We visited Satria Coffee Plantation, one of the more popular plantations near Ubud. Here, we learned about different types of Balinese coffee and tea, explored the plantation, and enjoyed a tasting session overlooking the lush jungle scenery.
14. Visit the Beautiful Saraswati Temple
Right in the heart of Ubud, just off the main street of Jl. Raya Ubud, you’ll find the stunning Saraswati Temple — a great spot to kick off your sightseeing. Built in the 1950s, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, who represents wisdom, art, and knowledge.
You’ll quickly see why it’s also called the Lotus Temple: there’s a peaceful pond filled with lotus flowers on both sides of the walkway leading to the main shrine, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Ubud.
Entrance costs 60,000 IDR per person and includes traditional Balinese temple wear — perfect for a fun photo op. You can even pay a bit extra for a professional photo package if you want to capture the moment perfectly.
15. Discover the Spiritual Charm of Pura Tirta Empul
If you want to dive deep into Balinese culture, Pura Tirta Empul Temple is a must-visit. This ancient Hindu temple dates back to 960 AD and is recognized as a national cultural heritage site. Entrance is 50,000 IDR.
The temple’s name means “holy water spring,” referring to the natural spring that feeds the temple’s pools and ponds, all connected to the sacred Tukad Pakerisan River.
The grounds are beautiful, filled with lush tropical gardens, intricate sculptures, and peaceful prayer pavilions. But the real highlight is the large bathing pool where locals and visitors alike take part in a purification ritual. Watching the ritual is fascinating.
Things I Would Skip Next Time (Tourist Traps & Overrated Spots)
The Monkey Forest
I know the Monkey Forest is often listed as one of the top things to do in Ubud, but in my opinion, it wasn’t worth my time. When we visited, we found the monkeys to be quite aggressive, they were snatching sunglasses and snacks from visitors, which made me feel nervous and uncomfortable walking around.
Of course, it’s completely up to you if you still want to visit, as everyone’s experience can be different. If you do go, my biggest tip is to keep your belongings safely tucked away in a backpack and avoid carrying anything the monkeys might grab.
Ubud Art Market
Ubud Market is often one of the first places visitors are told to explore, but personally, I don’t think it’s worth prioritising during your time in Ubud. When I visited, I struggled to find anything that truly caught my attention, many of the items felt low quality, and the prices seemed quite inflated for what was being offered.
You’ll also need to use your bargaining skills to negotiate a better price, but even after haggling, I still didn’t feel the experience or the products were worth it.
FAQ About What to Do in Ubud Bali
Is Ubud safe for tourists?
Yes, Ubud is generally very safe for tourists. It’s a peaceful town known for its friendly locals, relaxed atmosphere, and strong focus on wellness and culture. Like anywhere, it’s wise to stay aware of your belongings and surroundings, especially in busy areas or markets.
Is Ubud really worth visiting
Absolutely! Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, offering a perfect mix of nature, wellness, art, and local charm. From rice terraces and temples to yoga classes, luxury spas, and vibrant cafés — there’s something for every kind of traveler.
When is the best time to visit Ubud?
The best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season, from April to October. You’ll enjoy warm, sunny days perfect for exploring rice terraces, temples, and outdoor activities. July and August are the busiest months, so for fewer crowds and pleasant weather, consider May, June, or September.
Final Thoughts 15 Best Things to Do in Ubud Bali
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Ubud has inspired you and helped with your trip planning!
While Ubud might not be a hidden secret anymore, it still holds so much magic for travelers looking for authentic and unforgettable experiences.
From wandering through stunning rice terraces and discovering serene waterfalls to connecting with the friendly locals, Ubud truly is a highlight of any Bali adventure.
Enjoy every moment of your time in this beautiful part of the world!
Read More:
Hotel Review: The Udaya Resorts & Spa Bali
Maya Ubud Resort & Spa: Honest Hotel Review
