The 11 essential things to do in Ubud

What to do in Ubud? Discover our list of must-sees in order not to miss anything during your stay in this city in the heart of the island of Gods!

Considered as the cultural and spiritual centre of Bali, Ubud has become a must-see during a stay on the island. The city of more than 34,000 inhabitants is renowned for its artistic life, but also the lush nature that surrounds it and its atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Ubud is located on the high plateaus of Bali, between the tropical forest, the Ayung River and the rice fields in terraces, where majestic temples are hidden. And despite the influx of tourists throughout the year, the place does not lose its charm.

According to legend, this haven of peace was discovered by the Javan priest Rsi Markendya in the 8th century. Ubud, of the Indonesian Ubad (medicine) has long been that a simple village where medicinal plants grew in abundance. Before attracting its first tourists, Ubud welcomed the royal family Sukawati (XIXth century) and then Western artists who settled there (XXth century), thus participating in the development of the arts in the city.

Visiting Ubud is on the program? Here is a small selection to not miss anything during your visit to the heart of Bali!

1. Jalan Raya Ubud and central market

Two kilometers long, Jalan Raya Ubud is the main and lively street of the city. It includes many shops, restaurants, galleries and museums (Musée Blanco Renaissance, Galerie Neka Ubud), but also temples (Pura Gunung Lebah, Saraswati, Palais Royal...).

Right in front of the Royal Palace , is a traditional Balinese market, open every day. It is the ideal place to discover original souvenirs (works of art, handicrafts, clothing...) and make beautiful encounters!

2. Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest

If you are going to visit Ubud, this name must not have escaped you! monkey forest ( monkey forest ) is both a spiritual place, a tourist attraction and an important natural reserve for conservation and research programs. It houses more than 700 free macaques, three Hindu temples and 186 species of trees spread over 12.5 hectares of forest. An experience to do in Ubud to observe monkeys in an enchanting setting!

3. The temples

Unlike the rest of Indonesia, mostly Muslim, more than 90% of the Balinese population practice Hinduism. And as everywhere else on the island of the Gods, there are many temples and offerings in Ubud that line the streets beautifully.

Goa Gajah or elephant cave (IX-XI centuries)

Located a few kilometers from Ubud, Goa Gajah is a Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where one can observe, among other things, ponds of times whose water would be sacred.

Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati (1951)

This is Hindu temple from the centre of Ubud dedicated to Sarasvati, the goddess of art and learning, stands out by a lotus pond that welcomes its visitors from the entrance. Traditional dance shows are regularly organized.

Gunung Kawi (XI century)

This is superb complex of the city of Tampaksiring, a few kilometers from Ubud, houses, among other things, several mausoleums up to seven meters directly carved in the rock and partially covered with vegetation. It is accessed down 200 steps in the middle of rice fields in terraces.

Pura Tirta Empul (Xth century)

Its sacred waters with healing properties make it an important place for the Hindus of the island who go there for a ritual purification. Thirty minutes’ drive from Ubud, Tirta Empul is considered one of the most important temples in Bali.

As a bonus: the temples of Yeh Pulu, Pura Dalem or Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu are also worth a visit.

4. A traditional dance show

Unable to visit Ubud without attending a traditional Balinese show in a temple. Combining dance, singing and theatre, these shows represent the entire culture of Bali and allow us to understand its myths and legends.

Let yourself be charmed by a performance of Legong, Ramayana, Kekak, Barong or Wayang Kulit!

5. Yoga and well-being

The number of retreats and yoga or meditation courses are no longer counted each year in Ubud. Its relaxing atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings, in the middle of the rice fields, have made it an ideal destination for well-being.

You can also enjoy a Balinese massage in one of the many spas in the city.

6. The culinary delicacies

With its countless restaurants, Ubud is one of the best places on the island to taste the delicious culinary delicacies of Bali (Nasi or Mie Goreng, Urab, Bebek Betutu, Babi Guling...), or simply enjoy a fresh coffee or juice in an idyllic setting.

Besides, taking a course in Balinese cuisine is an excellent idea if you were still wondering what to do in Ubud!

7. Rice fields

Visiting Ubud does not stop at its center and its temples. The city is surrounded by vegetation, including beautiful rice fields in terraces, and its surroundings will offer incredible views less than an hour’s drive. Rice fields Tegallalang and Jatiluwih , among other things, will not leave you indifferent!

8. Ubud Palace (XIXth century)

Ubud Palace (Palais Royal) or Puri Saren Agung is made up of several historical Balinese monuments, where the family of monarchs Sukawati once reigned. Located in the city centre, it is still today the official residence of the royal family of Ubud, and regularly hosts representations of dances.

9. Museums and galleries

The museums and galleries of Ubud, the cultural capital of the island, are the guardians of Balinese art. We selected some to do at Ubud during your visit.

• The Neka Museum to discover a wide selection of works by influential artists who lived on the island
• The Puri Lukisan Museum, the oldest Bali Art Museum and specialized in traditional paintings, wooden sculptures and more contemporary works
• The Agung Rai interactive art museum where we find traditional and contemporary works of Indonesian and European artists
• The Musée Blanco Renaissance, dedicated to Antonio Blanco, an eccentric Spanish artist who lived part of his life in Ubud

10. Campuhan ridge walk

Campuhan ridge walk , it’s the trip to Ubud to escape the city center’s swelling. After taking a small path, all at the end of Jalan Raya Ubud, you will fall on this paved path that will lead you after a few kilometers of walking in the hinterland. Don't miss!

11. The Tegenungan Waterfall

After 20 minutes drive only, you will access this impressive cascade nestled in a green setting. Although very busy, it remains the perfect spot to cool off after a day to visit Ubud!

How to get to Ubud?

The nearest international airport is located in Denpasar south of Bali Island, Indonesia. Starting from France, the prices of the airline tickets generally vary between €500 and €900, and this 17-hour journey on average, with at least one stopover, is offered by many companies. Moreover, to find your ticket at the best price, do not hesitate to compare flights on our partner’s website Ulysses .

Ubud is 40 kilometres north of the airport, about an hour’s drive. It is therefore possible to rent a scooter – if you are comfortable with this means of transport – or to call a taxi to get there.

Once on site, the best way to visit Ubud and its surroundings is the bike or the walk. For more distant destinations, it will be easy to rent a scooter or find a driver to drive you there.

Where to stay in Ubud?

From guesthouse family Airbnb , passing through charming or luxury hotels (the cheapest of which are to be found on this Compare hotels ), Ubud does not lack accommodation. The prices are therefore very variable from one accommodation to another, and depending on the period. If you are planning to visit Ubud in high season, we highly recommend you book your accommodation in advance.

As for the choice of the neighborhood, it is up to you to choose between the center, its atmosphere and all its amenities, or the quiet and the surroundings.