The Best Activities in Ubud, Bali
Just like Uluwatu and Canggu, Ubud is one of Bali’s Big Hitters. A combination of lush jungle, beautiful green rice terraces, waterfalls, and yoga culture makes this place unique and popular with nature enthusiasts, Yogis, and spiritual tourists alike.
Located centrally in Bali, it is also the perfect base for day trips to nearby destinations like Sidemen, Kintamani, or Mount Batur.
We really enjoyed our time in Ubud and ventured out quite a bit to lesser-known places, doing activities that not every other tourist does in Ubud.
In this blog post, I will share with you the best activities we have done in Ubud so that you can also have an amazing time in this beautiful place, ensuring an authentic experience.
If you need more inspiration for your time in Bali, check out my 7-Day Bali itinerary, which includes Canggu, Uluwatu, and Nusa Penida.
The Best things To Do in Ubud
Here is a summary of the best things to do in Ubud, Bali:
- Tegalalang Rice Fields
- Coffee tasting, including trying the famous Luwak Coffee
- Sunrise hike to Mount Batur
- Daytrip to Kintamani (Amazing view of Mount Batur)
- Daytrip to Sidemen (Hiking through Sidemen’s Ricefields)
- Have a delicious meal in Ubud’s Old town
- Join A Yoga Class @ Yoga Barn
- Yoga teacher certification
- Visit the Tirta Empul temple for a purifying ceremony
- Waterfall-Tour
- Visit the Monkey Forest
- Learn how to cook Balinese Food (Cooking Class)
- Enjoy a Balinese Massage
- Morning Walk along the Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Silver jewelry class at Parallel Universe
- Sound immersing experience at Pyramids of Chi
Tegalalang Rice Fields
Yes, The Tegalalang Rice terraces are exactly THE rice terraces that you have in mind when you think about Ubud. These rice terraces are super famous on social media. Here, you will see girls in big dresses sitting on a swing with rice terraces In the background. (Lots of intelligent Balinese farmers have identified this swing demand for pictures, and there are now several swings in the area on which you can take a picture for a little fee.)
These beautiful and lush rice fields are absolutely stunning and just a short scooter- or car ride away from Ubud.
Against a small fee, you can enter the rice fields and take a stroll, do a short photo shoot, or go for a full-on hike. No matter what you are doing, you are guaranteed to have a beautiful view at all times.
These rice terraces are really worth seeing! Keep in mind that you won’t be the only one who wants to enjoy these nice views, so expect it to be crowded.
If you want to enjoy rice terraces that are not as crowded but just as beautiful, and you don’t mind a 2-hour road trip, consider a day trip to the rice terraces in Sidemen.
Coffee tasting & Trying Luwak Coffee
Do you love coffee as much as I do? If your answer is ‘Yes,’ then I’ve got you covered with an amazing activity! There are quite a few spots near Ubud that offer Coffee & Tea tastings. (For Example, this place)
During these tastings, you will be able to try out the famous Luwak Coffee, a unique and rare coffee made from beans that have been eaten and partially digested by the Asian palm civet. Sounds disgusting, right? It’s not! Give it a try.
Sunrise tour to Mount Batur
Wake-up Call at 1 am – time to hike up a volcano!
Mount Batur is an active volcano, standing 1,717 meters high. This mountain offers a breathtaking sunrise view that makes the early wake-up definitely worth it.
Most visitors begin their trek around 3 a.m. to reach the summit in time for dawn, where they’re greeted by panoramic views of Lake Batur, surrounding mountains, and distant glimpses of Mount Agung.
The climb is moderately challenging but accessible to most, making it a popular yet rewarding journey.
Local guides are available to lead the way, ensuring a safe and memorable experience on one of Bali’s most iconic peaks.
You can book a tour almost everywhere in Ubud, just ask at your accommodation or on the street.
Daytrip to Kintamani
Imagine drinking a delicious coffee or having lunch with the stunning view of a volcano! That’s exactly what you get in Kintamani.
This small town right next to Mount Batur has lots of good Cafes that all offer an amazing view of the volcano. It is an experience in itself to just be sitting there, sipping on your coffee, journaling in your Notebook, or chatting with a friend while enjoying this one-of-a-kind view.
Kintamani is just 1 hour away with the scooter, making it the perfect day trip from Ubud.
Trip to Sidemen (Rice field Hiking)
Sidemen is still one of the less touristy areas in Bali. I can’t imagine that it will stay this way, as the surrounding nature is just super beautiful, and there are stunning rice terraces located right next to the town.
Making a day trip to Sidemen and hiking through its rice fields is one of the best activities you can do from Ubud.
When we visited these rice terraces, we only saw five other tourists on the hiking trail, making it feel very remote and special.
We enjoyed the views, had a coffee, then had a snack in a beautiful café overlooking the rice fields and shot some nice pictures without any other people in it. It really is just a great place!
Besides that, the scooter ride from Ubud to Sidemen is special in itself. You pass local villages, drive next to lush jungles, and you might even see a few monkeys on the way.
Have a delicious meal in the old town
I consider myself a very passionate foodie. I just love food and love trying out different cuisines. In Ubud, we definitely got to try some veryyy good Indonesian food, as well as some delicious western food.
Here are some recommendations:
Join a Yoga Class @ Yoga Barn
Since Ubud can be seen as Bali’s spiritual and Yoga hub, you should definitely take part in a Yoga class! The most famous yoga center in Ubud is the Yoga Barn, which offers many different styles of yoga in a very beautiful, calm, and spiritual environment. Whether it is your first time doing Yoga or you are advanced, you will definitely find a class suited to your wants and needs.
In my opinion, the Yoga Barn is a must-visit when in Ubud and the best place for Yoga.
Get your Yoga-Teacher Certification
If you have some more time to spare and have always wanted to dive deeper into Yoga, why not try getting your 200-hour Yoga training license?
Several yoga schools offer Yoga training, and if you have always wanted to do it, now is the time and the place!
Visit the Tirta Empul temple for a purifying ceremony
Do you want to get an authentic glimpse into Hinduism by participating in a Hindu ritual? You can do that near Ubud! The Tirta Empul Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, the God of water, is famous for its sacred spring waters, which are believed to have purifying properties. Bathing in the temple’s holy water is believed to heal sickness and protect from problems.
The ritual is deeply rooted in Balinese beliefs and is practiced by locals and visitors seeking spiritual rejuvenation.
While this ritual is a tradition for Balinese Hindus, visitors of all backgrounds are welcome to participate.
Waterfall Tour
Around Ubud, there are lots of waterfalls that you can visit! Whether you want to explore them on your own with a scooter or a private driver or join a tour – everyone can enjoy the beautiful waterfalls.
There are lots of Waterfalls in Bali, but definitely add these waterfalls to your tour itinerary:
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall
- Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
- Tibumana Waterfall
- Abangan Waterfall
- Taman Sari Waterfall
- Suwat Waterfall
Visit the Monkey Forest
This is an activity that I can only recommend to people who actually like monkeys. If you don’t (like me), skip it!
The Monkey Forest is a temple complex in the jungle and home to around 600 monkeys. The main activity in the Monkey Forest is to interact with the monkeys and take pictures with them.
Just keep in mind that the monkeys are wild, no one is taming them, meaning you really need to look after your belongings and also analyze whether they could possibly be aggressive.
Learn how to cook Balinese Food (Cooking Class)
There is no better way to get to know a new culture than preparing and eating the local food!
The best way to do that is by taking part in a Balinese cooking class, where you will learn everything about the Balinese kitchen and how the food is prepared. This is always a must-do for us when we are in a new country – we just love food.
In and near Ubud, there are several cooking classes, which all have beautiful locations.
Here are some great options to choose from:
Enjoy a Balinese Massage
After eventful days of exploring, hiking, or sports, it is always a great idea to relax by getting a massage. Traditional Balinese massage is a full-body treatment that uses acupressure, aromatherapy, gentle stretches, and reflexology. Expect kneading, pressure-point stimulation, and kneading.
In Ubud, there are lots of spas suited to all budgets, so treat yourself to a nice Balinese massage.
Morning Walk along Campuhan Ridge Walk
When spending time in Ubud, you have to walk along the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
You will enjoy a scenic walk along some lush greenery and will be able to enjoy some beautiful views.
If you want to get the best experience, I recommend doing this walk in the early morning, as there won’t be as many tourists, meaning you will be able to enjoy your time there much more.
Silver Jewelry class at Parallel Universe
How cool is having a piece of jewelry that will remind you of your trip to Bali forever? With Parallel Universe Jewelry in Ubud, you can create silver jewelry from scratch by participating in a silversmithing class using Balinese silver-making traditions.
The classes are suited for all skill levels, and you will leave with a beautiful self-made ring, earrings, bracelets, or even necklaces.
A sound immersion experience at Pyramids of Chi
If you are into spirituality or want to explore it more – visit the Pyramids of Chi in Ubud. This organization offers everything the spiritual heart would want: Guided meditation, Yoga, Cacao ceremonies, breath training, sound healing, and much more, aiming to deliver healing experiences and transform dreams into reality.
Depending on what you are into, you could join one of a few different sound healing ceremonies, like acupuncture sound healing, hypnotic sound journey, or reiki sound journey.
Of course, you can also always explore their other options!
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ubud?
In Ubud, or Bali in general, there are 2 seasons: Rainy season and dry season.
How many days should you spend in Ubud?
You should spend at least three full days (four nights) in Ubud to allow time for the most important things.
How do I get around Ubud?
The easiest way to get around Ubud and to other places near Ubud is by renting a scooter. You can also use the App Grab, to get Taxis from one place to another.
Why this Ubud Adventure Guide will make your trip unforgettable
When traveling to Ubud, the usual “top activities” can get repetitive. But finding authentic, unique ways to experience the culture will leave you with memories of meaningful moments, special people, and one-of-a-kind adventures. Whether it’s walking ancient rice paddies, finding art in unexpected places, or sharing a meal with a local family, these activities make Ubud come alive. With that being said, definitely try to venture a little away from the well-known tourist spots, and you will gain a much more authentic and unique experience.
Final thought
If you’re planning your trip, which of these unique Ubud activities are you most excited to try? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear about your plans and maybe even give you some extra insider tips!
[…] The 16 Best Things To Do in Ubud (2024) […]