If you’ve ever daydreamed about lush rice terraces, ancient temples, and cafes where the coffee actually tastes like heaven in a cup, then you’ve probably wondered what are the best things to do in Ubud for first-time visitors. Let me just say — as someone who’s been back to Ubud more times than I’ve accidentally ordered spicy food I couldn’t handle — this little pocket of Bali will keep you busy for days. And no, it’s not just yoga retreats and smoothie bowls (though, yeah, you’ll probably get sucked into both). I’m talking temples where you can feel history in the air, waterfalls that look straight out of a movie scene, and little village corners where time feels… slower.
The trick, though? You’ve gotta know where to spend your time. Because if you just Google “things to do in Ubud” and pick the first few spots, you’ll end up elbow-to-elbow with busloads of tourists, missing the actual magic. So here’s the lowdown, friend — a mix of the must-sees and the better-when-you-know-how-to-see-them spots.
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Ubud Monkey Forest – The Cheeky Welcome Party
Alright, let’s start with the one that’s probably on every travel blogger’s list — the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Before you roll your eyes thinking it’s just a gimmick, hear me out. Yes, there are monkeys everywhere. Yes, they’ll try to steal your sunglasses if you wear them on your head (don’t). But the real charm isn’t just the monkeys — it’s the way this place feels like nature and history got tangled up together.
Walking through those mossy temple gates, with banyan roots hanging like curtains, feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook. It’s not huge, so you can cover it in about an hour or two. The monkeys are wild but used to humans — which means they can get bold. I’ve seen one unzip a backpack like it was born knowing how zippers work. If you’re carrying snacks, good luck. My tip? Don’t bring food at all. If you want a photo with a monkey on your shoulder, just stand still with your hands down, and one will probably hop on for a quick inspection.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces – More Than Just a Pretty View
Now, about those famous green terraces that pop up on every “Bali” Pinterest board — Tegallalang. Yes, they’re gorgeous. But here’s the thing: if you go at midday, you’re gonna roast under the sun while dodging selfie sticks. The trick is to get there early, like before 8 a.m. Not only is the light softer (your photos will thank you), but you’ll also catch farmers actually working the paddies.
Don’t just stand at the top viewing platform and leave. Walk down the narrow muddy paths, hear the water trickling through the irrigation channels, and maybe grab a coffee at one of the small warungs overlooking the fields. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s still ridiculously beautiful. And yes, you’ll probably pay a small “donation” to different locals as you pass through different sections — just keep small bills handy.
Campuhan Ridge Walk – Ubud’s Early Morning Therapy
If the rice terraces are Instagram-famous, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is more like that quiet friend who surprises you with how cool they are once you actually hang out. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s best done early in the morning before the sun gets aggressive. The trail takes you along a narrow ridge between two lush valleys, with rolling hills stretching out in front of you.
Wear comfy shoes (flip-flops will work, but you’ll regret it if it rains and the path gets slick). And bring water — there’s not much shade. The best part? At the end of the walk, you can stop at Karsa Café, a little garden spot where you can grab a smoothie or iced coffee. If you time it right, you’ll get there just as the heat starts to kick in, and you’ll feel like you actually earned your breakfast.
Tirta Empul Temple – Cleansing for the Soul (and Instagram)
I’ll admit, the first time I went to Tirta Empul I wasn’t expecting much beyond “oh, another temple.” But the water purification ritual here is something else. Locals and tourists alike line up to step into the cool spring-fed pools, moving from one stone spout to the next to cleanse themselves. Even if you don’t believe in the spiritual side of it, the tradition itself is fascinating to witness.
You’ll need to wear a sarong (they provide them at the entrance), and if you decide to get in the water, bring a change of clothes — it’s not exactly a quick dry. There’s a process to the cleansing — some spouts are for locals only — so ask someone before you just hop in. And don’t forget to wander around the temple grounds afterwards; the spring source is a surreal crystal-clear pool where you can see the water bubbling up from underground.
Ubud’s Art and Craft Villages – Where the Magic Gets Made
Now, one thing a lot of first-timers skip is visiting the craft villages around Ubud. You’ve got Celuk for silver jewelry, Mas for wood carving, Batuan for traditional paintings, and a bunch of smaller villages specializing in everything from batik fabric to stone sculptures.
These aren’t just tourist markets — many of these workshops are run by families who’ve been doing this for generations. You can watch artists carve intricate designs by hand or hammer silver into delicate patterns. Sure, some places are a bit more commercial, but you can still find authentic, reasonably priced pieces if you’re willing to wander away from the main road. If you’re into photography, the workshops themselves are gold — tools scattered on wooden benches, dusty windows letting in streaks of light, craftsmen hunched over their work.
Waterfalls Around Ubud – Skip the Crowds, Find the Calm
Everyone talks about Tegenungan Waterfall because it’s the closest big one to Ubud, but here’s the truth — it’s usually packed. If you’re okay with a bit more driving, Tibumana and Kanto Lampo are stunning and far less crowded if you go early.
Tibumana feels like a tucked-away jungle secret, with a single stream dropping into a wide pool where you can actually swim. Kanto Lampo is more of a cascading rock formation, perfect if you’re into photography. Bring water shoes if you can — the rocks can be slippery. And always, always check the weather; in rainy season, some waterfalls can be dangerous due to flash floods.
Ubud Market – The Art of Not Overpaying
The central market in Ubud is chaotic in the best possible way. Bright fabrics, carved masks, woven baskets — it’s a sensory overload. The thing is, prices here are pretty inflated for tourists. Haggling isn’t just expected, it’s part of the fun.
Start by cutting the initial price in half and go from there. Do it with a smile — aggressive bargaining won’t get you far. If you’re looking for the best selection, go in the morning when vendors are just setting up. And if you want more authentic local shopping, check out the produce section across the street, where locals actually buy their fruit, vegetables, and spices.
Eat Like You Mean It – Ubud’s Food Scene
Ubud is basically Bali’s foodie capital. You can go from a $1 plate of nasi campur at a roadside stall to a $100 tasting menu at a jungle-view fine dining spot in the same day. Some of my personal can’t-miss picks:
- Warung Bintangbali for laid-back rice paddy views and home-style dishes.
- Clear Café for healthy-but-actually-delicious vegetarian and vegan options.
- Locavore if you want to splurge on one of Indonesia’s most celebrated restaurants (book weeks ahead).
And don’t skip dessert — Bali has some wild ice cream flavors like black sesame and coconut pandan.
Yoga, Wellness, and Just Slowing Down
Yeah, I know, the whole “come to Ubud to find yourself” thing sounds cliché, but there’s something about the pace here that makes you want to breathe a little deeper. Yoga studios are everywhere — from drop-in beginner classes to multi-day retreats. Even if you’re not a yoga person, try a class at somewhere like The Yoga Barn. You’ll stretch, sweat, and maybe even surprise yourself.
And if yoga’s not your thing at all? Get a traditional Balinese massage. It’s usually a mix of deep tissue and gentle stretching, and for the price of a fast-food lunch back home, you can have an hour of pure bliss.
Little Side Trips Worth Your Time
If you’ve got a scooter or a driver for the day, there are a bunch of spots within 30–40 minutes of Ubud that are worth the trip. The Goa Gajah temple (Elephant Cave) has both archaeological and spiritual significance. Gunung Kawi offers a mix of ancient rock-cut shrines and rice field views that feel like you stumbled into a movie set. And for coffee lovers, a visit to a small luwak coffee farm is both weirdly fascinating and… a bit questionable when you learn how it’s made.
Cooking Classes – Learning Bali Through Your Tastebuds
One of the most unexpectedly fun things to do in Ubud is sign up for a Balinese cooking class. It’s not just about learning recipes — it’s a crash course in the culture. Most classes start with a trip to the local market where your instructor will walk you past the fresh herbs, piles of chilies, baskets of turmeric root, and whole coconuts ready to be shredded. You’ll probably learn more about Bali’s everyday life in that one hour than in a week of sightseeing.
Back in the kitchen, you’ll chop, stir, and grind spices using a mortar and pestle until your arm feels like it’s done a workout. You’ll cook dishes like sate lilit (spiced minced fish on lemongrass sticks), lawar (a traditional vegetable and coconut mix), and maybe even a sweet treat like dadar gulung (bright green coconut pancakes). And then comes the best part — you eat everything you just made, usually sitting at a big table with your fellow travelers, swapping stories.
Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu – The Temple Nobody Talks About
If Tirta Empul feels a bit too busy for you, there’s another temple just a short drive away that’s way less visited — Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu. This place is one of my personal favorites because it’s surrounded by tranquil gardens, lily ponds, and koi-filled pools. The air feels cooler here, probably because of all the flowing water.
You won’t find crowds jostling for the perfect selfie. Instead, you can actually hear the sound of birds and the gentle splash of fountains. Take your time wandering around. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver god in Hinduism, and you can feel that protective, peaceful energy in the way the place is designed. If you’re into photography, the soft light in the late afternoon makes everything glow.
Ubud’s Nightlife – Small but Cozy
People don’t usually come to Ubud for wild nightlife — this isn’t Kuta. But if you want to unwind after a day of sightseeing, there are a few spots that hit the sweet spot between lively and laid-back. Laughing Buddha Bar has live music most nights, from reggae to jazz to acoustic covers, and it’s small enough that it feels intimate rather than overwhelming.
If cocktails are your thing, check out Copper Kitchen & Bar for creative drinks made with local herbs and spices. Or, for something totally different, head to one of Ubud’s drum circles or ecstatic dance nights — even if you just watch from the sidelines, it’s a great people-watching experience.
Cultural Performances – More Than Just a Show
One thing you absolutely shouldn’t skip is a traditional Balinese dance performance. The most famous in Ubud is the Legong Dance, which is all about intricate hand gestures, precise eye movements, and colorful costumes. You can catch performances at the Ubud Palace almost every evening, and the ticket prices are usually very reasonable.
The music, played on a gamelan orchestra, is hypnotic — sometimes chaotic to Western ears, but once you let yourself sink into it, it’s mesmerizing. I remember the first time I went, I was more focused on getting a good photo. By the second dance, I’d put my camera down and just watched, completely drawn in. It’s not just entertainment — it’s a living tradition.
