This guide to Ubud will walk you through the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and what makes this place so special for visitors from all over the world.
Ubud is often described as the artistic and spiritual centre of Bali. While areas like Seminyak or Canggu are known for their beaches and nightlife, Ubud offers something different. Here, you’ll find peaceful landscapes, centuries-old traditions, and a thriving wellness community. It is the perfect destination for those who want to balance adventure with relaxation, cultural exploration with mindful living.
No | Activity | Description | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Explore the Rice Terraces | Visit the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces near Ubud, known for their lush green steps and the traditional subak irrigation system recognised by UNESCO. Walk through the fields, enjoy coffee with valley views, or join guided tours. | Early morning or late afternoon |
2 | Visit Ubud Monkey Forest | Explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques, ancient temples, and towering trees. It is both a spiritual site and a conservation area. Keep an eye on belongings, as monkeys can be cheeky. | Early morning |
3 | Discover Ubud’s Temples | Visit historic temples such as Goa Gajah, Tirta Empul, and Gunung Kawi to learn about Bali’s spiritual heritage, sacred springs, and traditional rituals. These sites offer a deeper understanding of Bali’s living traditions. | Morning or late afternoon |
4 | Walk the Campuhan Ridge | Enjoy a scenic walk along the Campuhan Ridge, offering panoramic views of rice fields, jungle valleys, and rolling hills, just minutes from Ubud centre. The trail typically takes one to two hours. | Sunrise or sunset |
5 | Take a Yoga or Wellness Class | Join yoga, meditation, or wellness sessions at renowned studios like The Yoga Barn, or explore holistic retreats across Ubud. Many travellers also enjoy spa treatments combining traditional Balinese techniques with modern therapies. | Morning or evening |
6 | Visit the Local Markets | Explore the lively Ubud Art Market to shop for handmade crafts, batik fabrics, jewellery, and wood carvings while experiencing local market culture. Bargaining is common, so negotiate politely and with good humour. | Morning |
| Transport Option | Best For | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking | Central Ubud | Easy access to markets, cafés, temples, and nearby attractions at a relaxed pace. | Sidewalks can be uneven or limited in some areas. |
| Scooter Rental | Flexible travel | Best for visiting rice terraces, waterfalls, and neighbouring villages on your own schedule. | Ideal for confident riders; wear a helmet and ride carefully. |
| Private Driver | Day trips | Comfortable sightseeing without worrying about navigation, parking, or traffic. | Good for customised itineraries and longer routes. |
| Ride Hailing Apps | Short trips | Convenient for quick rides within town when drivers are available. | Coverage can be inconsistent outside the centre. |
| Bicycle | Leisure rides | A calm way to explore quieter streets and countryside routes. | Best early morning before traffic increases. |
| Pre Arranged Transport | Long distances | Reliable for airport transfers and scheduled trips, often booked through accommodation. | Recommended when timing matters. |
One of the highlights of Ubud is its food scene. You’ll find everything from traditional Balinese warungs serving nasi campur and babi guling to health-focused cafes with smoothie bowls and raw vegan dishes. Popular spots include:
1. Kafe Ubud for fresh, healthy meals
2. Seeds of Life for raw food and herbal elixirs
3. Warung Bintangbali for affordable local favourites with rice field views
4. Clear Café for a mix of local and international options
Coffee lovers will also enjoy Ubud’s growing café culture, with artisanal brews available at places like Seniman Coffee Studio and Temu Coffee.
Ubud offers accommodation for every type of traveller.
1. Luxury Villas and Resorts: Many are set among rice paddies or jungle valleys, perfect for a private, serene escape.
2. Mid-Range Hotels: Comfortable and stylish stays are available close to the centre of town.
3. Budget Guesthouses and Hostels: Affordable options with friendly hosts make it easy for solo travellers and backpackers to enjoy Ubud.
Neighbouring villages such as Penestanan and Nyuh Kuning also provide peaceful alternatives, still within easy reach of central Ubud.
Topic | Content |
|---|---|
Getting Around Ubud | Getting Around Ubud Central Ubud is compact enough to explore on foot, but many attractions lie just outside the main town. The most common ways to get around include: Scooter rental: Affordable and convenient for exploring at your own pace. Private driver or taxi: Ideal if you prefer not to drive yourself. Bicycles: Great for shorter rides and eco-friendly exploration of nearby villages. |
Budget Tips for Ubud | Budget Tips for Ubud Ubud can be surprisingly affordable. Meals at local warungs cost only a few dollars, and even yoga classes are reasonably priced compared to Western countries. For budget-conscious travellers: Stay in guesthouses instead of resorts Eat at local warungs for authentic, low-cost meals Use a scooter or shared rides to get around |
Respect is highly valued in Bali, and Ubud is no exception. Temples are not only tourist attractions but sacred spaces where Balinese Hindus come to pray and make offerings. When visiting, dress modestly by wearing a sarong and sash, which are often provided or available for rent at the entrance. It is also polite to cover your shoulders and avoid entering restricted areas reserved for worshippers.
If a ceremony is taking place, observe quietly from a respectful distance. Small offerings known as canang sari are often placed on the ground, so take care not to step on them. These simple gestures of cultural awareness will help you connect more deeply with the spiritual side of Ubud and ensure your visit is meaningful for both you and the local community.
Your Journey into the Heart of Bali
This guide to Ubud has only scratched the surface of what the town has to offer. From sacred temples and lush rice terraces to vibrant markets and rejuvenating wellness retreats, Ubud is a place that touches both body and soul. Whether you are seeking culture, adventure, or relaxation, you will find it here.
If you are planning a trip to Bali, make sure to give yourself enough time in Ubud to slow down and truly experience its magic. And if you dream of staying longer or even making Ubud your second home, Red Lotus Bali Property.
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