11 Best Things To Do In Ubud, Bali
Ubud, often classed as the cultural heart of Bali, is a treasure trove of diverse experiences. From its rambling rice terraces to its vibrant temples and bustling local markets, this dreamy mountainous village offers something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re a lover of nature, a foodie, or a culture-seeker, there are countless things to do in Ubud that will captivate you.
Now we know what you might be thinking – Ubud is over-popular and too crowded. But even though this is true, Ubud remains an enchanting destination worth every moment of your time – you just need to step a little further off the typical tourist route!
We didn’t know what to expect from our time in Ubud, believing we would also find it too touristy. But we totally fell under this delightful village’s spell. The buzzing streets lined by lush greenery, the smells of delectable street food, and an endless array of things to do made our time here unforgettable.
And because we love sharing experiences and helping you find some more off-the-beaten-path things to do, here’s a list of our top 11 favourite things to do in Ubud, complete with a few personal tips along the way.
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11 Best Things To Do In Ubud, Bali
*Prices are listed in either Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) or Australian Dollar (AUD) and are current as of April 2025
Quick Tips For Visiting Ubud
- Explore early – it often rains in the afternoon, but most mornings we had in Ubud were clear and sunny.
- Pack a rain jacket – even if you stick to exploring in the morning, we still suggest packing a rain jacket just in case.
- Bring insect repellent – the mosquitoes are vicious in the jungle.
- Hire a scooter – this is the easiest way to get around Ubud as it’s quite hilly. But don’t forget to wear a helmet and get your international licence to avoid any fines.
- Allow at least 3 days – there is so much to do in Ubud, but you’ll also want to enjoy some downtime in such a peaceful location.
Take a Sunrise Walk on Campuhan Ridge
Entry Fee: Free
Location: JI. Bangkiang Sidem
Start your day with a sunrise walk along the Campuhan Ridge. This gentle 2km path offers sweeping views of the jungle and is a peaceful escape from the lively streets of central Ubud below.
To access the trail, turn off the bustling Jl. Raya Ubud onto Jl. Bangkiang Sidem, a quiet cobbled lane. Follow it to a set of stairs just before a bridge. These stairs lead to a gently sloping path that winds alongside a creek and ascends to the scenic ridge.
We wandered along the trail as the morning mist lifted, enjoying the peaceful scenes of distant ridgelines, emerald treetops, and traditional Balinese homes scattered throughout the landscape. While the sunrise adds a magical touch, it’s a beautiful walk at any time.
You can return the way you came or extend your journey by connecting the trail to the northern side of Ubud, opening the door to further exploration and adventure.
Learn To Cook Balinese Food At Bali Farm Cooking School
Entry Fee: $55 AUD
Location: Shuttle from central Ubud meeting point (location varies and will be provided upon booking)
Channel your inner chef with a class at the Bali Farm Cooking School, where you’ll pick fresh ingredients straight from an organic farm before learning how to cook traditional Balinese dishes.
The group tour we took started with a guided market visit to pick up ingredients (and sample local cakes). Back at the farm, we roasted, stirred, and grilled everything from ayam sambal matah to black rice pudding desserts. The experience was fun, interactive, and absolutely delicious – we left with extremely satisfied and full bellies.
If you’re debating which cooking school to try, this one is hands down my favourite. To learn more about the Bali Farm Cooking School and our experience, check out our Ubud Cooking School Review next.
Pro Tip: We recommend choosing the morning class, which includes a trip to the local markets. The afternoon class misses this experience.
Explore The Unique Banks Of Sumampan Waterfall
Entry Fee: 20k IDR per person
Location: Kemenuh, Sukawati
Tucked away from the crowds, Sumampan Waterfall combines nature and artistry, with stone carvings chiselled into the walls and along the riverbanks. Entry is just 20k IDR per person, with no additional fee for parking scooters. Access begins near two warungs, down a quiet alleyway.
A short walk through a lush banana plantation leads you to the river, where the waterfall itself is located across the other side. When the river is low and safe, a fixed rope will help you to cross over, taking you right to the base of the gentle cascade.
While the waterfall may not be the most dramatic, the peaceful atmosphere, minimal crowds, and quirky carvings make it well worth the visit – especially the racy sculpture at the base of the falls!
Climb Mount Agung For Sunrise
Entry Fee: $150 AUD (plus tip)
Location: Hotel Pick-up provided
Skip the overcrowded trails of Mount Batur and take on the greater challenge – and far greater reward – of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak!
This might be one of the most challenging hikes in Bali, and there’s no denying it’s far more expensive compared to Mount Batur, but we can guarantee that it is totally worthwhile if you’re looking for a true hiking adventure – with views that will leave you breathless.
A nighttime ascent will lead you through thick jungle, rocky trails, and volcanic rubble under the stars. All so that you can reach Bali’s volcanic roof just in time to catch the sky erupt in purples and oranges, casting a magnificent glow across Bali, Lombok and Nusa Penida.
We booked our tour through Get Your Guide, with the tour company Tours Travel Bali. They were great, very punctual and provided us with plenty of food to take up to the peak with us. Our guide, Kadek, was friendly and knowledgeable.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack warm clothes, it was FREEZING at the summit. We were cosy in a down jacket, gloves and beanies in the middle of summer!
Feed Rescued Elephants At Masons Elephant Park
Entry Fee: 395k IDR – general admission
Location: Elephant Park Road, Taro
Elephants are majestic creatures, and getting up close to them at Mason Elephant Park is a heartwarming experience. This sanctuary rescues endangered Sumatran elephants and provides a safe, nurturing environment. You can hand-feed them and watch them interact with their trainers, witnessing their quirky personalities shining through.
While they do offer additional experiences like rides and bathing with elephants, we opted for just the general admission out of ethical concerns (you can read more about this in my detailed article about Mason Elephant Park and its ethical concerns). It was lovely seeing these giants roam and play while supporting a cause aimed at their conservation.
Goa Gajah Temple (Elephant Cave)
Entry Fee: 50k IDR, 2k IDR for parking
Location: JI. Raya Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah Temple, commonly known as the Elephant Cave, is one of the most popular temples in Ubud. Despite its name, there are no elephant statues here except one at the entrance, leaving the origin of its name a mystery.
To avoid crowds, we recommend arriving early at 8 am when it opens. You’ll pass a line of vendors before reaching the ticket desk – entry is 50k IDR per person and includes a sarong, so no need to buy one from the vendors beforehand. After getting your ticket, you’ll head down to the entrance, where staff will provide the sarong and take your ticket.
Once inside, you’re free to explore. The ancient cave, built in 1100, is the highlight, and you can step inside to admire its rich history. We were lucky enough to see a local Balinese woman performing offerings and prayers, which was a beautiful experience.
Beyond the cave, there’s a small waterfall, a nearby Buddhist temple, and lovely gardens leading to the Elephant River. While the grounds are peaceful, understanding the site’s history can be tricky without a guide. There are guides offering their services, but they felt a bit pushy, so we skipped it. In hindsight, we wish we had paid a guide to learn more about the history of Goa Gajah Temple.
Sacred Monkey Forest
Entry Fee: 80k IDR per person weekdays, 100k IDR per person weekend, 2k IDR for scooter parking for first hour, 1k IDR every hour after that
Location: JI. Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest is undoubtedly one of Ubud’s most iconic attractions, and despite its popularity, we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed our visit. This expansive sanctuary is home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques and offers the perfect opportunity to observe these cheeky creatures in their natural habitat.
While the monkeys are endlessly entertaining, be cautious with your belongings – anything shiny or scented is fair game for their curious hands. This includes phones, hanging jewellery and watches.
We spent two hours exploring the grounds, meandering through lush jungle paths, passing ancient temples draped in moss and shaded by towering banyan trees. We were constantly captivated by the monkeys’ antics as they interacted, played, and occasionally attempted to pilfer food or valuables from unsuspecting visitors who ignored the warnings.
Indulge In Some Of The Best Restaurants In Bali
Ubud’s dining scene is as creative and diverse as its landscape. While we predominantly ate at local warungs, there are many incredible restaurants that bring a global array of flavours while still emphasising quality, atmosphere, and a memorable dining experience.
These are a few of our all-time favourite restaurants to check out:
- Kebun Bistro: Mediterranean cuisine that had us smitten.
- Rayjin: Creative Japanese-Western fusion, where nori tacos (yes, sushi tacos!) blew our minds.
- Chai of the Tiger: A modern twist on Indian street food, many dishes we had never heard of but will never forget.
- Warung Bisma Sunset Corner: Hands down the best warung (local restaurant) in Ubud with the most delicious Balinese dishes and atmosphere.
For more recommendations, check out our guide to the Best Restaurants in Ubud and the Best Warungs In Ubud.
Swim Beside Goa Raja Waterfall
Entry Fee: 25k IDR, free parking
Location: Jehem, Tembuku
Goa Raja Waterfall is a stunning 50-metre cascade plunging into a cave surrounded by dense forest. The waterfall creates a shallow pool partly hidden within the cave walls, offering a magical setting. Nearby, there’s a peaceful man-made swimming hole with its own small waterfall – a refreshing and far less crowded swimming option.
While Goa Raja is busy (though less so than Kanto Lampo), arriving early can help you avoid the crowds. The 5 – 10 minute walk to the waterfall is beautiful, winding through manicured gardens and forest, crossing wooden bridges over the creek. There’s even a small temple and a little waterfall along the way.
Pro Tip: Aim to arrive by 8 am for a quieter experience and don’t forget your swimwear!
Wander Through The Tegallalang Rice Terrace (Ceking)
Entry Fee: Free
Location: JI. Raya Tegallalang
Arguably one of Bali’s most iconic sights, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces offer a taste of rural life and superb photo opportunities. Walk along the pathways through the vivid green stair-like paddy fields and marvel at the precision of traditional subak irrigation systems.
Nearby cafés make for a great pitstop, offering an ideal place to enjoy a fresh coconut while soaking in the views.
We didn’t make it to Tegallalang Rice Terraces as they’re a little further out of Ubud. But we wandered through the smaller, lesser known Kajeng Rice Fields just north of the main tourist street of Ubud, JI. Raya Ubud. It’s an easy walk from the street and there are plenty of places to eat scattered among the lush green fields. We ate at Sweet Orange Warung, it was a little pricier but the food was delicious.
Feast Yourself At The Local Sayan Night Market
Entry Fee: Free
Location: JI. Raya Tebongkang
When the sun sets, head to Sayan Market for true local flavours. Wander between stalls serving grilled corn, juicy chicken satay, and bakso (Indonesian meatball soup) for prices as low as 10k IDR.
Though smaller than we expected, the night market provides an opportunity to soak in Balinese culture, it was clearly a go-to spot for locals as well as tourists in the know. The lively atmosphere and mouth watering aromas made the visit worthwhile and it was cool to be a part of the local vibe. We ate a smorgasbord of delicious food and paid only 80k IDR for both of us!
Final Thoughts
Ubud truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring temples, tasting local cuisine, or hiking under the stars, Ubud will capture a piece of your heart.
But before you take on the streets of Ubud, we encourage you to travel mindfully. Support local businesses, respect their sacred spaces, and pack reusable items to minimise waste.
Have you visited Ubud? We’d love to hear about your favourite spots or experiences in the comments below. And if you’re planning your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions – we’re always happy to help!
Happy Exploring 🙂
