Whether you're visiting Ubud for one day or spending a week exploring central Bali, this guide covers the best things to do, how to plan your time, and which experiences are worth prioritizing.
Ubud is best known as the cultural and wellness heart of Bali. It combines traditional Balinese culture with jungle landscapes, rice fields, temples, art galleries, restaurants and wellness experiences.
Unlike Bali's beach destinations, Ubud is more about culture, nature, food, wellness and experiences.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of Ubud's most recognizable attractions.
The forest contains ancient temple complexes surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, with hundreds of long-tailed macaques living in the area.
Why visit:
Ancient temples
Tropical forest
Wildlife
Beautiful photography opportunities
Easy to combine with central Ubud
Tip: Keep your belongings secure and don't intentionally feed or provoke the monkeys.
For one of the easiest ways to experience Ubud's countryside, take a walk along Campuhan Ridge.
The trail passes through green hills and valleys and provides a peaceful break from the busy streets of central Ubud.
Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler.
Allow roughly 1–2 hours depending on how far you walk and how often you stop for photos.
Tegallalang is famous for its dramatic rice terraces and is one of the most popular places to visit near Ubud.
The landscape is particularly beautiful in the morning, when the light is softer and the surrounding countryside is cooler.
You can walk around the terraces, visit nearby cafés and combine the area with other attractions in northern Ubud.
Good for: Photography, couples, nature lovers and first-time visitors to Bali.
Located in the center of town, Ubud Palace is an easy attraction to add to your itinerary.
The palace provides an introduction to Balinese architecture and royal history and is also associated with traditional Balinese dance performances.
Because of its central location, it's easy to combine with Ubud Market and other attractions in downtown Ubud.
If you're looking for souvenirs, handicrafts or traditional Balinese products, spend some time exploring Ubud Art Market.
You'll find items such as:
Handwoven products
Clothing
Artwork
Bags
Jewelry
Decorative items
Souvenirs
Don't be afraid to compare prices and negotiate politely where appropriate.
Ubud has a long association with Balinese painting, sculpture and traditional arts.
Art lovers can visit museums and galleries around town to learn more about Balinese artistic traditions.
If you're interested in art, don't limit yourself to the most famous attractions. Exploring smaller galleries can be one of the more rewarding ways to experience Ubud.
Ubud and the surrounding villages are home to numerous temples.
A temple visit is an opportunity to experience Balinese Hindu culture, architecture and daily religious traditions.
Remember that temples are places of worship. Dress respectfully, follow local rules and check whether visitors are permitted to enter particular areas.
A Balinese dance performance is one of the best cultural experiences to add to an evening in Ubud.
Performances commonly combine music, elaborate costumes, storytelling and traditional choreography.
Check the performance schedule before you go because shows take place at different venues and times.
Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the most accessible waterfalls from Ubud.
The waterfall is surrounded by tropical greenery and viewing areas, with stairs leading toward the waterfall.
It's a popular choice if you want to combine an Ubud trip with a short nature adventure.
Tip: Visit earlier in the day if you want a quieter experience.
Kanto Lampo is another popular waterfall near Ubud.
Unlike a traditional tall waterfall, water flows over a series of large rocks, creating a distinctive landscape.
It can be combined with other attractions around southern and eastern Ubud.
Food is one of the best ways to experience Balinese culture.
A typical cooking class may include a visit to a local market followed by an introduction to ingredients, spices and traditional cooking techniques.
You may learn to prepare dishes such as:
Base genep spice paste
Satay
Lawar
Traditional vegetable dishes
Balinese sambal
Cooking classes are especially good for travelers who want an experience rather than simply another sightseeing stop.
After a day exploring Ubud, a traditional Balinese massage can be a relaxing way to finish the day.
Ubud has everything from simple local spas to high-end wellness resorts.
If you're choosing a spa, compare the treatment menu, reviews and location before booking.
Ubud has become internationally known for yoga and wellness.
You'll find studios offering different styles and levels, from beginner-friendly classes to more advanced practices.
Morning classes are a particularly good option if you want to start your sightseeing day feeling refreshed.
Beyond yoga and massage, Ubud offers a wide range of wellness experiences.
Depending on what's available during your visit, you may find:
Sound healing
Meditation
Breathwork
Spa treatments
Wellness retreats
Traditional healing experiences
If you're new to wellness activities, look for beginner-friendly sessions with clear information about what the experience involves.
For something more adventurous, consider rafting on the Ayung River.
The activity combines river scenery, jungle landscapes and an outdoor adventure.
Rafting trips typically include safety equipment and a guide, but check the operator's requirements before booking.
Cycling is another way to see the countryside around Ubud.
Rather than staying only in the town center, consider a guided cycling tour through villages, rice fields and rural areas.
A guided tour can also give you more insight into local agriculture and everyday Balinese life.
If you're looking for something more adrenaline-filled, ATV tours are available around Ubud.
Depending on the route, rides can pass through rural landscapes, dirt tracks, rice fields and villages.
Choose an operator carefully and check what is included in the tour price, including safety equipment, transfers and insurance.
Goa Gajah, often called the Elephant Cave, is an archaeological and religious site near Ubud.
The entrance features distinctive stone carvings, while the surrounding complex contains ancient structures, bathing pools and gardens.
It's a worthwhile stop for travelers interested in Bali's history and spiritual heritage.
Tirta Empul is one of Bali's best-known water temples.
The temple is famous for its sacred spring water and purification ritual.
Visitors should understand the difference between observing the ritual and participating in it. If you want to participate, follow the temple's rules and local guidance.
One of the best things to do in Ubud isn't a single attraction.
Simply getting outside the town center can reveal a completely different side of Bali.
Look for small roads through rice fields, traditional villages, local temples and family-run cafés.
For many travelers, these quieter areas become some of their favorite memories of Ubud.
Don't leave Ubud without trying local Indonesian and Balinese food.
Look for dishes such as:
Nasi campur — Rice served with a selection of vegetables, meat and other side dishes.
Babi guling — Balinese-style roasted pork.
Ayam betutu — Chicken cooked with a rich blend of spices.
Lawar — A traditional Balinese mixed vegetable dish that can include meat or other ingredients.
Sate — Grilled skewers served with various sauces and seasonings.
Ubud also has an excellent selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, making it easy to find options for different diets.
Ubud has a large café and restaurant scene, particularly around the central areas and popular neighborhoods.
A good strategy is to combine sightseeing with café stops rather than trying to visit every attraction in a single day.
Look for cafés with views over rice fields or jungle landscapes if you want something different from the busy town center.
Ubud is also a convenient base for exploring other parts of Bali.
Depending on your interests, possible day trips include:
Mount Batur
Kintamani
Tirta Empul
Sidemen
Waterfalls around central Bali
Traditional villages
Northern Bali
A private driver or organized tour can make it easier to visit multiple locations in one day.
Ubud isn't primarily a nightlife destination, but there is still plenty to do after sunset.
Consider:
Balinese dance performances
Dinner at a local restaurant
Night markets
Live music
Evening yoga or wellness sessions
A relaxing spa treatment
Ubud is generally better suited to a relaxed evening than a big party night.
This might be the most important Ubud recommendation.
Don't fill every hour of your itinerary.
Spend an afternoon sitting at a café, walking through the rice fields, getting a massage or simply enjoying your accommodation.
Ubud is a destination where slowing down can be just as rewarding as sightseeing.
Prioritize the Monkey Forest, Campuhan Ridge, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Palace and a Balinese cultural experience.
Choose a combination of rice terraces, a spa treatment, a cooking class, a sunset experience and a nice dinner.
Consider waterfalls, cultural attractions, cooking classes and carefully selected outdoor activities.
Try rafting, cycling, ATV tours, hiking and waterfall excursions.
Focus on yoga, massage, meditation, sound healing and healthy food.
Visit temples, museums, art galleries, traditional performances and local villages.
1 day: Enough for a quick introduction, but you'll need to prioritize.
2–3 days: Ideal for seeing the major attractions while still having time to relax.
4–5 days: Better if you want to combine sightseeing with wellness, food and day trips.
1 week: Great for travelers who want to slow down and explore beyond the main tourist attractions.
Morning: Campuhan Ridge Walk
Late morning: Ubud Palace
Lunch: Local Balinese food
Afternoon: Ubud Art Market and nearby galleries
Evening: Traditional Balinese dance and dinner
Morning: Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Late morning: Local café or countryside exploration
Afternoon: Waterfall visit
Evening: Balinese massage
Morning: Balinese cooking class
Afternoon: Temple or village visit
Late afternoon: Relax at your accommodation
Evening: Dinner and a relaxed evening in Ubud
Ubud can be visited throughout the year.
The dry season is generally popular with travelers because outdoor activities and sightseeing are easier to plan.
The wet season can bring heavier rain, but it can also mean greener landscapes and fewer crowds at some attractions.
Regardless of the season, plan outdoor activities for the morning when possible.
Your best transportation option depends on where you're staying and what you want to see.
For central Ubud, many attractions can be reached by walking.
For attractions outside the center, common options include:
Scooter
Private driver
Taxi
Ride-hailing services
Organized tours
Cycling tours
If you're not experienced riding a scooter, hiring a driver or using another transportation option is generally a more comfortable choice.
Ubud is one of the best places in Bali for travelers who want more than a beach holiday.
The combination of Balinese culture, temples, rice terraces, waterfalls, food, art, wellness and outdoor adventuresmakes it easy to create a trip around your own interests.
If you're visiting for the first time, don't try to see everything. Pick a few major attractions, add one or two local experiences, and leave some time to simply enjoy Ubud.
And before booking an activity, check recent reviews, what's included, cancellation conditions and the exact meeting point.
Planning your Ubud trip? Save this guide and use it as your starting point for building your itinerary.
"Discover the 25 best things to do in Ubud, Bali in 2026, including rice terraces, temples, waterfalls, cooking classes, wellness and local experiences."