Ubud, Bali Adventures: Unmissable Things to Do

There are so many things to do in Bali, and the list of Bali attractions is practically endless. To narrow the list down, here is a list of what to do in Ubud, Bali. If you’re looking for an idyllic getaway, Ubud in Bali is the perfect destination. Known for its beautiful rice terraces, cultural experiences and yoga retreats, there’s no shortage of activities to indulge in. Marvel at the Tegalalang Rice Terrace or go to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary to interact with playful monkeys. Indulge in Balinese culture by visiting ancient temples like Goa Gajah and Pura Taman Saraswati or watching Kecak dance performances.

Bali is a popular destination getaway due to its cheap rates and polite people. It’s a beautiful area offering resort style hotels, and various outdoor activities. Listed below are some of the top things to do around Ubud, Bali. I will admit though, most of these locations are really “Instagram spots” as they are not as vast and outdoorsy as the popular Instagram pictures make them appear.

Quick Trip Overview

• Location: Ubud, Bali
• Closest Airport: DPS (Bali) – 2 hours
• Time of Year: May
• Time: Four Days
• Estimated Cost: $1500 (hotel, food, excursion tickets, taxis)

Things to do in Ubud, Bali

If you are hiring a driver and want to hit all the spots that are listed below, here is a recommended itinerary or day break down:

With this itinerary, you will see all the top Bali attractions and the top things to do around Ubud. Additionally, there will still be enough time to go out at night and enjoy what Ubud has to offer.

Now onto the list of popular attractions to see at Ubud, Bali.

1. Visit Mount Batur

Discover the natural beauty of Bali with a visit to Mount Batur, an active volcano that attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Located in the Bangli Regency, Mount Batur offers breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding lakes and hills. Hikers can challenge themselves on one of the many treks available with sunrise hikes being particularly popular while hot springs are perfect for those looking to unwind after exploring. Discovering this magnificent geological wonder is a must-do experience on any traveler’s itinerary when looking for things to do in Ubud, Bali.

The beautiful volcano located just outside of Ubud. If you hire a driver you will most likely be taken to a walking platform that offers the above lookout over the mountain and the surrounding area. This offers great picture opportunities with the volcano right next to Danau Batur.

My recommendation: Enjoy a sunrise trek to the top of Mount Batur. However, hikes start at 0300 which means pick up is at 0200 from the hotel. The hike is estimated to take 2 hours to the top, but the view is meant to be worth it. Check out the TripAdvisor tour here for $57 and including breakfast.

A popular follow-up destination from Mount Batur is visiting the Batur Hotsprings. After a trek around goes down to some of Batur Hotsprings and enjoy the warm water to relax the body. These warm hot springs not only offer relaxing waters, but there is also the option to order food and alcoholic beverages. Enjoy sipping on a drink while looking out over the water at the mountain range.

Skip Bali Handara Gate

A gate that gained popularity over Instagram due to all the dramatic photos that can be taken in front of it with mountain range backdrop. This gate is two hours away from Ubud Center, and it also is just the entrance to a golf course.

In order to take a photo at the gate, you have to pay a security guard 25,000 IDR. There are similar gates throughout the temples in Bali, worth it more than paying to see an entrance to a golf course (yes there is a security guard that stands there to make sure you pay).

While this gate is popular on Instagram, you are just paying to take a photo with a gate to a golf course – I recommend skipping Bali Handara Gate, as there is really no cultural value to it and you are wasting time and money to get an Instagram photo.

Additionally, this gate is 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Ubud, Bali.

2. Visit Lempuyang Temple Instead

Discover the beauty of Bali and visit Lempuyang Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred temples on the island. Located in East Bali, this temple complex boasts stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and breathtaking views of Mount Agung. The journey to reach the temple includes climbing over 1,700 steps through lush forest and scenic rice fields. Once there, visitors can partake in traditional ceremonies or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere. Don’t miss out on experiencing one of Bali’s hidden gems at Lempuyang Temple.

If you have the opportunity check out the gate at Lempuyang Temple instead. While this temple is 30 minutes farther away than the Handara Gate, there is a lot more value to this location.

This temple is located 2 hours away from Ubud but offers a far better cultural experience than visiting the Handara Gate.

Dress appropriately for a temple, and enjoy the beautiful gate that frames the volcano. The drive is far more worth the visit than visiting a Golf entrance. Also, let’s be honest, the photo is also much better for Instagram.

3. Ubud Monkey Forest

Discover the enigmatic atmosphere of the Ubud Monkey Forest, a lush and dense jungle teeming with playful long-tailed macaques. Located in the heart of Ubud, this sacred site is home to over 700 monkeys and more than 115 species of trees. Visitors can stroll along serene pathways surrounded by towering trees, ancient temples, and idyllic streams. The Forest serves as a vital conservation area for Bali’s native flora and fauna. Witness firsthand the complex social structure and natural behavior that these intelligent creatures have developed over generations.

Bali is popular for its monkey forest, and the Monkey Forest is a top attraction for Bali, meaning this is a great thing to do in Ubud.

At the Ubud Monkey Forest, you pay for entry to a park basically. Inside the park you will find the monkeys all about.

Tips for visiting the Ubud Monkey Forst:

• Don’t feed
• Don’t touch
• Don’t even make eye contact with the monkeys (apparently they take it as a means of fighting).

The park is a relaxing stroll through a variety of locations where the monkeys all hang about. This is an entertaining stop to watch monkeys play in the water, or just doing normal monkeying around.

Expect to pay 25,000 IDR in order to enter the monkey forest. Want to know more about the Monkey Sanctuary? Click here.

4. Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Located north of Ubud, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts breathtaking views of lush green rice paddies carved into a hillside. Considered as one of the best spots for landscape photography in Bali, this attraction is not just an Instagram-worthy backdrop but also offers a glimpse of traditional Balinese agriculture. Don’t forget to visit early morning to avoid the crowds and witness how the sun’s rays cast dramatic shadows over these stunning fields. Whether you’re marveling at the scenery or enjoying a meal overlooking this magnificent panorama, visiting Tegalalang is an unforgettable journey through Indonesia’s preserved cultural heritage

I will be honest and say that I feel like this was sort of a tourist trap. Pictures, even the one above, given the impression that the rice terrace is large. It was actually pretty small – as in what you see in the above photo is all there is. The far right, left, behind is surrounded by shops and not exactly the vast rice terraces that you see in photos.

There’s an entrance fee so expect to pay 25,000 IDR per person, and if you want to venture in further each “donation point” costs 10,000 IDR to pass.

Surrounding the area are some of the Bali swings, and then some of the famous “I Love Bali” signs, however, you are expected to pay 5,000 IDR to take a picture in front of them.

For a small attraction, if you want all the photos that are around the terraces you will be paying. Similar to the Handara gate it has become a popular destination for paying for Instagram photos.

Outside of the terraces is a market where you can buy clothes and other souvenirs from the area.

5.Jungle Swing / Luwak Coffee

There are so many Jungle Swings in Ubud. Ask your hotel, or a private taxi driver to find one that meets your needs.

I visited one that was also at a Luwak Coffee location, so after going on the swing (for exactly 15 swings) I was able to sample tea and coffee. However, most importantly, got to try the Luwak coffee! (Aka Cat poop coffee).

Luwak coffee, also known as civet coffee, is a unique and luxurious beverage made from the droppings of the Asian palm civet. The process involves collecting partially digested coffee beans from the animal’s excrement and roasting them to create a delicately flavored brew with low bitterness and high acidity. Known for its smooth texture and distinct aroma, this coffee has gained popularity among enthusiasts who appreciate its rarity and exclusivity. Despite its steep price point, many consider it a once-in-a-lifetime experience to try this exotic coffee. However, it is important to ensure that ethical farming practices are maintained in producing Luwak Coffee as past methods have raised concerns about animal welfare.

The stop here is a quick visit, and costs a bit (between $30 to $60) and is primarily just a photo op location. Expect to pay 250,000 IDR per person.

Other than paying to get the iconic swing photo in Bali, and to try the famous cat poop drink – there is not much to see or do at this attraction.

Warning: There are Luwaks kept on location here. The cages are fairly tiny, and the animals look distressed with all the tourist coming by. Additionally, they allow you to “feed them” the seeds. If you support ethical animal tourism I would not recommend this location.

6. Campuhan Ridge Walk

Located in Ubud, this ridgewalk is a nice way to start a morning, and a top thing to do in Ubud.

Discover the natural beauty of Bali by embarking on Campuhan Ridge Walk. This easy 3km trek offers breathtaking views of Ubud’s lush greenery and scenic rice paddies. Walk along the majestic ridges and experience the tranquility of nature. Don’t forget your camera to capture unforgettable moments! Start your day early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. This picturesque trail starts near Pura Gunung Lebah temple and runs through beautiful paddy fields, lush jungle, and quaint villages.

The Campuhan Ridgewalk is just 10 to 15 minutes away from most resorts in Ubud. This walk involves a short staircase to reach the top of the ridge and that is the most difficult part of the entire walk.

Once on the ridge, you stroll along the rolling hills with views of green around. The walk only takes about an hour to complete as it is not more than maybe a 1.5-mile round trip.

However, in the heat and humidity that is found in Bali, this walk may be a bit grueling. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water before setting out on this must-visit adventure.

7. Ulun Danu Temple

Discovering the culture of Bali cannot be complete without a visit to the Ulun Danu Temple. Located in the Bedugul highlands, this ancient temple has been a place of worship for over 500 years. The main shrine is dedicated to Dewi Danu- the goddess of water, making it an essential destination for farmers and fishermen who believe that their fortunes are tied to her. Its idyllic location on Lake Bratan makes it one of Bali’s most photographed landmarks. With its intricately carved gates and meru towers, visitors can have a glimpse into Bali’s glorious past while being surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

This temple is near the Bali Handara Gate, so if you make the trek out to the Gate then you might as well stop by the Ulun Danu temple.

The temple is out on the water, and actually has some of the gates similar to Bali Handara Gate. So there is the option of not visiting the Handara Gate, and taking photos of the gates at Ulun Danu temple.

The main attraction is the temple that appears to be in the lake. This is a popular photo destination for travelers, and the rest of the temple offers an area for kids, some gates, and various other structures.

However, it is incredibly busy during the day as tour buses drop people off constantly. Expect to pay 50,000 IDR per person.

Best Time to Visit Ubud, Bali

The high season for tourist to Bali is in July and August. The second busiest period to visit in then from Christmas to New Year’s Eve.

The best time to visit Bali is May, June, September therefore around the busy period, but avoiding the rainy season which is October to April. The rain season is typically a monsoon season which can mean strong winds and heavy rain.

The receptionist at our hotel stated that tourist visiting in December for Christmas to New Year’s Eve are typically disappointed not realizing that there was a rainy season in Bali and that a majority of their outdoor plans are ruined.

Getting to Ubud, Bali

If you are like most individuals traveling to Ubud, Bali, you are getting one of the many resorts that are in the popular city.

Most resorts in the area organize transportation from the airport (DPS) to the resort. If not, there are numerous taxis that can be found outside of the airport.

The transportation from DPS to Ubud takes approximately 1 hour, but upwards of 2 hours if the traffic is bad. Which, more than likely it will be.

Getting Around Ubud, Bali

If you are staying outside of Ubud, Bali city center the resort will typically offer a shuttle into the city. That is the best method of getting into Ubud city center.

For traveling around Ubud, Bali, there are numerous full day car services that can be hired. The cost is pretty cheap for having a private tour guide for an entire day. Most companies feature tours on Tripadvisor, but you can always email the company and put together your own tour – which is what I did.

Here is a list of some of the companies that offer private drivers:

• Hire Bali Driver
• Tour Bali Driver

My experience with Hire Bali Driver was that the driver was very professional (wore slacks and a collared shirt), and briefed each day what the agenda was, estimated time to location, and the cost to the attraction.

Additionally, he stopped at various spots on the road that he knew were “popular photo spots”. He was more than willing to take photos as well.

Some of the locations that were free entrance he also provided a tour.

Hiring a private driver is a stress-free way to get around Ubud, Bali. Just sitting back in the SUV, enjoying the air condition while moving to the major attractions in Bali. Additionally, hiring a driver is a great way to see the various things around Ubud, Bali.

Where to Stay in Ubud, Bali

I stayed at the Puri Sunia Resort. Located a bit outside of the Ubud center, but offers free shuttle rides into the center.

The resort offers a spa and pool. Additionally, the breakfast is amazing. You have the option of different types of breakfast meals: western, Asian, Balinese, and then different starters such as a smoothie. My favorite part was the hot chocolate which was made with real cocoa and you sweetened yourself with syrup.

I splurged for a private pool villa – which only cost $676 for four nights. Given the space that was provided, it was a great deal.

This resort was out of the way from the noise and made for a quiet resort getaway.