5 Best things to do in Ubud, Bali
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 17
Ubud is one of our favourite places to stay in Bali. Although it has become increasingly popular over the years, you'll still find plenty of beautiful accommodations surrounded by lush rice fields and tropical greenery.
Beyond its peaceful atmosphere, Ubud is also one of the best bases for exploring Bali. From stunning waterfalls and ancient temples to scenic rice terraces, there are countless attractions within easy reach.
Here's our guide to the best things to do in Ubud and the surrounding area.
Visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces
One of the most famous attractions near Ubud is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace.
These iconic rice terraces are beautiful throughout the year, whether the fields are bright green, freshly planted or recently harvested. For the best experience, try to arrive early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
There is more to do here than simply admire the scenery. You can walk through the terraces, enjoy a coffee or tea tasting with panoramic views or take photos at popular viewpoints. You could also try one of the famous Bali swings or even experience the area from above on a zipline!
While some of the attractions are geared towards tourists, the landscape itself remains one of the most beautiful in Bali.
Explore Goa Gajah Temple
Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, is one of the most fascinating temples near Ubud. Located just a short drive from the town centre, it's easy to combine with other attractions in the area.
The temple is best known for its impressive cave entrance, carved with intricate stone details and mythical figures. After entering the cave, take time to explore the surrounding grounds, which include peaceful gardens, ancient ruins and small waterfalls.
Compared to some of Bali's larger temple complexes, Goa Gajah offers a more intimate and relaxed experience.
Walk the Campuhan Ridge Walk
If you're looking for a break from traffic and busy streets, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the best free activities in Ubud. This scenic walking trail follows a paved path through rolling hills, tropical vegetation and beautiful countryside views.
The walk is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels, making it a great option for a relaxed morning or late afternoon stroll.
Discover the waterfalls around Ubud
Some of Bali's most beautiful waterfalls can be found within easy driving distance of Ubud.
If you only have half a day available, consider visiting:
Tibumana Waterfall
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Suwat Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall
These waterfalls are all relatively close to Ubud and can easily be combined into a single day trip. For a more adventurous excursion, head further north to visit Nungnung Waterfall and Leke Leke Waterfall.
Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended, as these locations are especially magical before the crowds arrive.
Take a day trip to North Bali
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Ubud is its central location. A full-day trip to northern Bali allows you to visit several of the island's most spectacular attractions.
One of the highlights is the beautiful Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, often considered one of Bali's most photogenic temples thanks to its unique lakeside setting. You can combine this visit with a stop at the stunning Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. Unlike Tegalalang, Jatiluwih is much larger and generally less crowded, offering a more authentic rice terrace experience.
A place we no longer recommend: Ubud Monkey Forest
One of Ubud's most famous attractions is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
When we first visited in 2016, we genuinely enjoyed the experience. The forest felt peaceful, natural and relatively uncrowded.
However, during our most recent visit in 2023, we noticed significant changes. Visitor numbers had increased dramatically, queues were much longer and we had concerns about the overall visitor experience and animal welfare.
Many travellers still enjoy visiting Monkey Forest, but based on our personal experience, there are other places in Bali we would prioritise instead.
How many days do you need in Ubud?
Ubud is one of those destinations where it's easy to stay longer than planned.
If you intend to use Ubud as a base for exploring waterfalls, temples and other parts of central Bali, we recommend spending at least 5 to 7 days here.
Travellers with limited time in Bali could easily make Ubud their primary base and still experience many of the island's highlights.
Where to stay in Ubud
There are countless hotels, resorts and villas in and around Ubud. While staying in the town centre offers convenience, some of the most beautiful accommodations are located just outside the busy areas, surrounded by rice fields and tropical nature.
During our visits, we often stayed in the countryside outside Ubud and loved the peaceful atmosphere. Getting into town was easy by scooter, taxi or Grab whenever we wanted restaurants, shops or nightlife.
Best Time to Visit Ubud
Like the rest of Bali, Ubud experiences two seasons. Dry season from May to September with more sunshine, lower humidity but also higher prices and more visitors. And there is wet season from October till April with short tropical showers, often later in de day but also fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.
Because Ubud is located at a slightly higher elevation than Bali's coastal areas, temperatures are often a few degrees cooler, making it a comfortable destination year-round.
