Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by AMANDA CASTILLO
The Ultimate List of Top Ten Things to do!
When I think of Ubud, I immediately think of the jungle and monkeys. However, this central part of Bali is more than an untamed jungle and wildlife. Since this will most like be a long haul flight check out my list of essentials.
Known as the spiritual heartland of Bali, in Ubud, you will find gorgeous waterfalls, temples, rice paddy terraces, countless spas, and artistic heritage different from any other part of Bali. More common in recent years are the yogis and expats that land here for spiritual exploration. The serenity in Ubud is magical and will leave you feeling in awe and “away from it all.” In this list of The Ultimate Top 10 things to do in Ubud, you will find all the essential information needed to make your time here memorable. For more info on Bali check out my post on “Everything you need to know before you go to Bali!”
The Best time to visit
Bali is fantastic year-round to visit. However, May-September is known to have the best and driest weather. The rainy season is never too bad, though. I was recently there in January (2023) and only experienced rain showers at night. The days were a little overcast, but if the sun directly hit you, it would have made it uncomfortable and a sticky situation, literally. Although the humidity was on HIGH while I was there, it goes unnoticed if you’re hanging at the pool, beach, or on a bike but it is a tropical island, after all, so it is expected.
Tips for Visiting
Being extremely religious and a culturally traditional island respecting the customs and dressing appropriately is essential. Be sure to carry the necessary coverups to visit the many temples in Bali. A traditional sarong is a great option to cover up and use as a towel. It easily packs for day trips and adventures. Use it to lay out at the beach, towel off or cover up before entering a temple.
Always carry a change of clothes with you. Regardless of the time of year you go to Bali, it is a tropical island that is always hot and can get sticky and gross real quickly. You also never know when you might want to dip in the ever-perfect temperature water in the Indian ocean. The last thing you want is to have to keep exploring in wet clothes.
Hiring a driver sounds hella bougie and expensive. I promise you it’s not. There won’t be an all-black SUV with tinted windows picking you up. I promise you this; however, you will have the most hospitable local driving you around all the sites YOU are interested in. Along with transportation, these locals usually have stories and legends to tell you along the way. They are also generous with their time and don’t mind making extra stops or helping with pictures. Ok, kinda bougie.
Things to do
1. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
2. Pura Tirta Empul
One of my favorite places to visit when I am in Bali is Trita Empul. It literally means water gushing from the earth. The energy here is unmatched, and an experience like no other. Pura Tirta Empul is regarded as one of Bali’s busiest, holiest temples with the most sacred water. But it isn’t just another temple. This water temple has several holy springs with sacred water to bathe in.
It is said that the Hindu God Indra created it and blessed the water to purify those who visit. The Temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of water, with shrines to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Trita Empul has been used since 926 AD, with visitors worldwide participating in the purification rituals and experiencing all the beauty found at this unique Temple.
3. Pura Gunung Kawi
This 11th Century UNESCO World Heritage Site at the bottom of the Pakerisan river is one of Bali’s largest, most serene, and most beautiful temple complexes.
I could easily write an entire blog about this magical place. The complex comprises a collection of 10 ancient shrines that were carved directly into the face of a rock called “Candi” It is undoubtedly one of the most stunningly unique archeological sites and a very sacred place for the Balinese. The complex is surrounded by lush jungle, river, and gorgeous rice paddies fields in a small village about 15 km northeast of Ubud. If you have rented a bike or car, the short drive here is beautiful. You may run into villagers working in the fields or bathing in the river. Just be respectful, mindful, and appreciative of the experience.
4. Campuhan Ridge Walk
This 2.5-mile ridge takes around an hour and is considered an easy route with a paved walkway. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon before sunset. With all the calm and serenity found at the different temples and places in Ubud to change things up for a more active adventure, Campuhan Ridge is a must while in Bali. It still encapsulates calm and serene energy. However, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or make it more active by running through the lush green wilderness with gorgeous hilltop views.
5. Kanto Lampo Waterfall
If chasing waterfalls is your thing, there are a few must-see waterfalls in Bali, and this is one. A short drive from Ubud, this waterfall is easy to access and can be seen with a few others nearby. However, plan on getting wet when you’re here because there is only a little space at the falls to hang around. Bring water shoes and beware of the slippery rocks as you approach the multi-tier waterfall. Although there are better places for swimming, it makes for great photos. The earlier you go, the better your chance of having the whole place to yourself.
6. Tibumana Waterfall
Swimming at the bottom of this epic curtain waterfall surrounded by jungle is one of Bali’s greatest treasures to be noticed. Only 15 minutes away from Kanto Lampo Waterfall is Tibumana. Visit Tibumana after Kanto Lampo because you can spend a few hours at Tibumana swimming around the natural pool and enjoying the rainforest.
Always pack your own food and water on these types of adventures if you plan to spend a few hours because the shops are limited in the local village. All waterfalls gush the most during the rainy season and even create a second waterfall here.
7. Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave
Ten minutes from the center of Ubud is The Hindu archaeological site Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave.
This sanctuary, built in the 9th century, is a Hindu cave temple with a cave entrance that looks like you will find another world on the other side after entering through the mouth of a colossal dragon-looking carving in the rocks. You can see the ancient relics and bathing pools surrounded by rice paddies that make this worth visiting.
8. Saraswati Temple
Pura Taman Saraswati is also known as the Ubud Water Palace and is dedicated to the goddess Sarasvati. The Temple is most notable for its magnificent lotus pond. Another prominent feature is the big ornate doorways with traditional Balinese architecture and artistic patterns throughout the complex. 
Morning is the quietest time to visit; however, if you want an even more cultural experience, visit later in the afternoon and stay for a traditional Balinese dance performance at 7:30 PM every night. The Saraswati temple is just a five-minute walk from the center of Ubud. If you stay nearby, you could visit early morning when the crowds are still low and come back for dinner and the performance.
9. Monkey Forest (Sanctuary)
You don’t have to go inside Monkey Forest to see the monkeys monkeying around. Plenty of monkeys are all over Bali, particularly in Ubud, because of the sacred monkey sanctuary. However, suppose you want a more intimate monkey experience. In that case, you can venture inside the sanctuary for an up close and very personal look at these fun friends. You can hang out, feed, and even take pictures with the monkeys sitting on your lap. Some find it fascinating, and others find it scary. It’s me; I am others.
I don’t particularly care to go inside. I’d much rather watch the monkeys playing outside from a restaurant with a cocktail. They really are such intelligent and fascinating creatures.
10. Take a Yoga class
Ubud is a yogi’s paradise.
Gaining popularity in recent years by the explosion of expats in this central Balinese jungle area, you will find countless yoga studios offering many different styles of yoga practices.
The studios themselves are surprisingly well equipped and usually make the most of the elements, perched along rivers or rice fields for the most magical experience. Classes are inexpensive, and many studios offer class passes for the best value while you’re staying in Ubud. There is no better way to start your day than with a yoga class or end it with one after a day of exploring. It is a great way to drop in with yourself and get into the Ubud vibe that is oh-so-real and tranquil.
*While in there, I visited the Yoga Barn, the largest and most famous studio, which was conveniently located next door to my hotel and was one of my life’s best experiences. I will definitely have to write a post dedicated to this specifically. The sounds of the river and rain heard from inside a screened room while practicing restorative yin yoga was a fantastic way to spend the one rainy morning I experienced in Ubud.
*11. Bonus: Tubing or White Water Rafting
Every waking moment in Ubud exudes traditional Bali culture with colorful offerings lining the streets. I always love to hear feedback and additions. Drop a comment and let me know what is on your list! List or no list there are endless things to discover.
