Ubud

Top Attractions and Activities Bali's Ubud

Ubud Palace

The Puri Saren Royal Palace, or Ubud Palace, is a historic landmark in the center of Ubud that showcases traditional Balinese architecture and features ornate doorways and gardens. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the palace's cultural significance, history, and legacy of Ubud's royal family. One of the palace's main attractions is the nightly traditional Balinese dance performance, accompanied by Gamelan music. A visit to the Ubud Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in Balinese culture and history.

Watch a Traditional Balinese Dance Performance

Ubud is famous for its traditional Balinese dance performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bali. Visitors can witness these performances at various venues throughout Ubud, including temples, theaters, and cultural centers. The most popular performances include the Barong dance, Kecak dance, Legong dance, Joged dance, and Pendet dance. Visitors can check with their accommodation or travel agent to find out about different performances and schedules in Ubud. Popular venues for watching these performances include Ubud Palace, Pura Dalem Taman Kaja Temple, ARMA Museum and Resort, and Puri Lukisan Museum. Some performances may be seasonal, and it's always advisable to check in advance to confirm schedules and availability.

Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is a Hindu temple located in Bali famous for its sacred water springs that are believed to provide spiritual purification. The temple's central courtyard features a large pool where visitors can participate in the traditional purification ritual known as "melukat." The temple also has several shrines and pavilions that house Hindu deities and a large banyan tree. The temple is a significant part of Balinese Hinduism and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Balinese culture and Hinduism.

Saraswati Temple

The Saraswati Temple is a beautiful temple located in the center of Ubud. The temple features stunning architecture and is dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts.

Gunung Kawi Temple

The Gunung Kawi Temple is an ancient temple complex located just outside of Ubud. The temple features impressive rock carvings and is believed to have been built in the 11th century.

Monkey Forest

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a popular tourist attraction that's home to over 700 long-tailed macaques. Visitors can walk through the sanctuary's pathways and observe the monkeys in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is also home to three temples that are still actively used by the local community for religious ceremonies. While the monkey forest is a fun experience, it's important to treat the monkeys with respect and not touch or feed them. A visit to the monkey forest can be a memorable experience for nature and animal lovers, and those interested in Bali's cultural and spiritual heritage.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a 2-kilometer long, easy hiking trail located in Ubud, Bali that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with many visitors enjoying the stunning sunrise or sunset views over the valley. The trailhead is located at the Campuhan Bridge, and there are several cafes and restaurants along the trail where hikers can stop and enjoy a refreshing drink or a meal with a view.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are located just outside of Ubud and offer a stunning view of the rice paddies. Take a walk through the terraces or hire a guide to learn about the history and cultivation methods of the rice fields.

Visit Bali's Twin Lakes

Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan are two crater lakes located in the central highlands of Bali, around 30 kilometers north of Ubud and 40 kilometers from Lovina. Visitors can explore the lakes by boat or on foot and enjoy the surrounding lush forests, mountains, and waterfalls. The area is also home to cultural and historical sites like the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and the Bali Botanic Garden, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and those interested in Bali's cultural heritage.

Try Babi Guling

Babi Guling, or suckling pig, is a popular Balinese dish and Ubud has several places where you can try this delicacy. One of the most popular places to enjoy Babi Guling in Ubud is Ibu Oka, located on Jalan Tegal Sari. It's a small and casual eatery that serves only Babi Guling, which is roasted over an open fire and served with rice, vegetables, and spicy sauce. The restaurant has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists and often has long queues. Other notable places to try Babi Guling in Ubud include Warung Babi Guling Bu Dayu and Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka 3.

Go Shopping

Ubud is well-known for its diverse and vibrant shopping scene, featuring a range of products from traditional Balinese handicrafts to trendy fashion and art pieces. Some popular shopping destinations include Jalan Hanoman and Monkey Forest Road, which are both lined with shops, art galleries, and cafes, offering a variety of clothing, jewelry, art, and souvenirs. The Tegallalang Handicraft Center, located just outside of Ubud, is known for its traditional Balinese handicrafts such as wood carvings, batik textiles, and silver jewelry.

Celuk Village

Celuk is a village in Bali that is famous for its silver and gold jewelry-making industry. The village is located southwest of Ubud and visitors can witness skilled artisans creating unique pieces of jewelry by hand, using traditional techniques. The jewelry made in Celuk is known for its high quality and visitors can purchase it from workshops or galleries. Celuk also boasts beautiful scenery and traditional Balinese architecture, including several temples that visitors can explore. A visit to Celuk is a great way to appreciate the skill and creativity of Bali's jewelry-making artisans and the beauty of Balinese culture.

The Ubud Art Market

The Ubud Art Market also known as Pasar Seni Ubud is a lively market located in the center of Ubud, Bali that offers a wide range of authentic Balinese handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs made by local artisans. Visitors should be prepared to bargain for the best price and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the market, which provides a unique glimpse into the daily life of the Balinese people.

Buy Batik Textiles

There are several villages in and around Ubud where you can buy batik. One of the most popular villages is Tohpati, located about 12 kilometers east of Ubud. Tohpati is known for its traditional batik textiles, and visitors can watch the artisans at work and purchase batik products at the local shops.

Visit a Chocolate Factory

Ubud has several chocolate places where visitors can tour the chocolate-making process and sample different types of chocolate. Some options include the Big Tree Farms Bamboo Chocolate Factory, Pod Chocolate Factory and Cafe, and Mason Elephant Park and Lodge Chocolate Factory. Visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process and purchase chocolate products at these locations. It's important to check opening hours and book in advance if necessary.

Visit a Coffee Farm

Ubud and its surrounding areas are known for their coffee plantations, where visitors can take a tour to learn about the coffee production process, try different types of coffee, including the famous and expensive Luwak coffee made from civet droppings. The Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation is a popular destination for coffee farm tours. Visitors can also opt for guided coffee tasting tours in and around Ubud. It's important to choose a reputable coffee farm that treats its animals well.

Blanco Renaissance Museum

The Blanco Renaissance Museum in Ubud, Bali is a museum dedicated to the works of the late Spanish artist Antonio Blanco. The museum boasts an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces, as well as a beautiful garden filled with tropical plants and sculptures. Visitors can take guided tours and attend workshops and classes to learn more about Balinese art and culture.

Swing for Instagram

The Ubud area offers several popular swings that are great for Instagram photos, including the Bali Swing, Zen Hideaway, Tegalalang Rice Terrace Swing, Aloha Ubud Swing, and Uma Pakel Swing. Some swings may require reservations or have entry fees, so it's best to check before visiting.

Yoga & Meditation

Ubud is a popular destination for those looking to deepen their yoga or meditation practice. The town has a variety of yoga studios and retreat centers offering classes, workshops, and teacher training programs for all levels. Many are located in serene settings surrounded by natural beauty. Classes include various styles of yoga such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and Ashtanga, as well as meditation sessions. For a more immersive experience, there are multi-day retreats that include yoga, meditation, and healthy meals. Some of the well-known studios in Ubud include The Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive, Taksu Yoga, Intuitive Flow, Ubud Yoga Centre, and Yoga Saraswati.

See a Balinese Healer

Balinese healers, or Balians, are traditional healers who use a combination of techniques, such as herbal remedies, massage, meditation, and energy healing to restore balance and harmony within the body and environment. They are respected members of Balinese society and specialize in physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. Balinese healing is not a replacement for western medicine and visitors should seek medical advice for serious conditions. Popular Balians include Cokorda Rai, Ketut Liyer, Ibu Jero, Mangku Made, and Tjokorda Gede Rai, but there are many other skilled healers in Bali. A visit to a Balinese healer can be a fascinating and enriching experience for those interested in traditional healing practices and Balinese culture.