16 of the Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali

Scattered all across the Balinese town, travellers can find countless beautiful attractions and sights in Ubud. Here are just some of our favourite attractions around Ubud, perfect for every interest, budget, and itinerary.
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Tubing and white water rafting are two of the most exciting activities to try in Ubud. Whether you’re going solo or with a group, you’ll get to mingle with fellow adventurers while having a blast. Going down the Ayung River is an exhilarating experience and should be high on your itinerary for your Bali trip.
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Float gently down the river in a large inflatable tube, letting the current guide you while you soak in the stunning scenery. Or, if you’re up for more adventure, navigate the river on an inflatable raft with an experienced and local guide, tackling the rapids as they vary in intensity.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly ways to soak up the beauty of this paradise, one of the best is a sunset stroll at Campuhan Ridge Walk. This scenic path is known for its breathtaking hillside views and relaxed trails, perfect for cycling, leisurely walks, and capturing stunning sunset photos.
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Starting at the Campuhan Bridge, next to the Pura Gunung Lebah temple, the trail takes you through picturesque scenery, rice paddies, and charming villages. It’s a favourite spot for both locals and tourists, so you’ll likely see people walking their dogs, jogging, or snapping beautiful pictures.

Located in the heart of Ubud, surrounded by serene waters and vibrant pink lotus flowers, is the Saraswati Temple. It is a Hindu water palace dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, arts, and learning. Once there, you can explore the temple grounds, where you’ll discover intricate carvings, serene water gardens, and statues that pay homage to Saraswati.
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The temple stands out with its beautiful pavilions rising above the surrounding buildings. If you have the opportunity, return in the evening when traditional dance performances often take place, adding a cultural flair to your visit. Entrance to the temple is free, making it accessible to all visitors exploring the rich Balinese culture.

Central Ubud is the sight of some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali and one of the top attractions on the entire island. In fact, Ubud is home to 24 of the most jaw-dropping waterfalls where you can jump in and cool off from the heat.
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If you prefer going off the beaten path, you can visit Goa Rang Rang, but for some of the most famous scenes, check out Tibumana Waterfalls. There’s also Kato Lampo, which features small but refreshing waters and the Tegenungan waterfall, which is closest to Ubud.

Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, is a remarkable cultural site in Bali known for its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. The highlight is an elephant statue carved into the rock face, which gives the temple its name.
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Located just 6 kilometres south of Ubud, Goa Gajah is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into Bali’s rich history and spiritual traditions. The cave itself is an impressive meditation site, hand-carved and adorned with intricate carvings. Stroll through the grounds to admire these details and deepen your understanding of Bali’s cultural heritage.

At the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, countless layers of rice fields stretch across the hills, framed by the island’s lush jungles. Visiting at dawn, you’ll catch the fields bathed in beautiful, soft light.
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As one of the most popular things to do in north Bali and only a 20-minute drive from Ubud, the valley is perfect for a leisurely hour or two of exploration. Wander through the lush paddies, explore the different levels, and take in the stunning views. On the outskirts, you’ll find the famous jungle swings and quaint cafes, both offering fantastic views of the terraces.
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Before your visit, remember that Tegallalang Rice Terraces are active farming lands, so be respectful of the workers and stick to the paths.

On your day trip, you can also head to one of the most popular Ubud attractions – the Monkey Forest. Over 700 long-tailed macaques roam freely here, swinging through the trees, and munching on snacks.
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Located in the heart of Ubud, the Monkey Forest is a beautiful park with no fences, allowing the monkeys to live and roam freely. Even if you’re not a fan of the monkeys, the park itself is worth a visit for its grand rainforest, stunning temples, serene rivers, and ancient trees.
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Even though the monkeys aren’t particularly interested in visitors, remember that they’re still wild animals. Follow the park’s rules and stay cautious.

Seeing the sunrise on Mt. Batur is a gruelling, but incredibly rewarding experience. Mount Batur is a sacred volcano that offers incredible 360-degree views of Bali. When you hike up to the top, you can see the surrounding landscapes and look out onto the beautiful clouds floating far below you.
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If you decide to hike Mount Batur to catch the sunrise, know that most hiking tours begin at around 2 AM. While the hike itself isn’t particularly challenging, reaching the summit can take more than two hours.
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If you want a more relaxed morning alternative, you can visit Pinggan. It is a rural farming village on the mountain ridge where you can see and photograph some stunning views of the mountain itself.

Taman Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati) is a stunning water temple and a must-see highlight during your walks through Ubud town. This popular photo spot showcases classical Balinese temple architecture and features a beautiful foyer with ponds filled with pink lotuses.
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Entry is free, but as with any temple visit in Bali, you’ll need to wear a sash and sarong around your waist. Every evening, the temple’s amphitheatre hosts traditional dance performances, adding a cultural touch to your visit. You can access Taman Saraswati Temple from the Jalan Kajeng side street, just off the main road of Jalan Raya Ubud.

Taman Nusa Cultural Park is an expansive open-air museum located in Bali’s Gianyar Regency. Spanning 10 hectares, the park features over 60 authentic traditional houses, each meticulously recreated within their original compound settings. It also showcases statues of historical leaders and replicas of iconic Indonesian landmarks, such as Borobudur Temple.
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Visiting Taman Nusa offers a captivating journey into the diverse lifestyles and cultures of Indonesia’s numerous ethnic groups. Located in Sidan village, about a 45-minute drive east of central Ubud, the park provides an enriching experience for those interested in Indonesian history and heritage.

Pura Gunung Kawi is a fascinating archaeological site in Bali, renowned for its ancient temple complex. Approximately 1,000 years ago, these temples and houses were intricately carved out of rocks. It’s believed to be one of the oldest and largest monuments on the island!
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The 7-meter-high shrines cut into the rock offer a unique glimpse into ancient Balinese architecture. To reach the lush river valley below and admire these ancient remnants, you’ll walk down a long flight of stairs, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and surrounding rice paddies.

Pura Tirta Empul is a revered temple complex famous for its sacred spring water, believed to possess healing properties. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water, and is located approximately half an hour from Ubud.
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To take part in this purification ritual, immerse yourself under the 30 different water spouts, moving from left to right. Both locals and tourists visit to cleanse themselves in the pools fed by these natural springs.
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When visiting, it’s important to dress respectfully, and most temples provide sarongs for visitors to use inside the complex. Respect the sacred nature of the temple and enjoy the peaceful ambience it offers.

If you want to bring back some traditional Balinese art souvenirs or get a better insight into the culture, visit the Ubud Art Market. The market kicks off early, showcasing a variety of vegetables and meats until 8 AM. By 9 AM, it transitions into the Art Market, where you'll find an array of items – from handbags and kitchenware to decorations and unique souvenirs.
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The world-famous Ubud bag originates here, now a global fashion staple, making it a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts. Every shop offers these charming bags, so take your time exploring the bustling alleys, admiring the diverse handmade crafts and local artworks on display.

The Bali Kecak fire dance performance is a traditional Balinese dance accompanied by music and a choir. The voices of the storytellers tell a tale, which is a story fragment from the Ramayana, a Hindu epic.
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The performance is incredibly atmospheric and moving, featuring 50–60 dancers sitting in a circle. They chant, creating a dramatic narrative, and falling into a trance-like state. As the night falls, the performers ignite the fire torches within the circle as the tempo and majesty of the performance reach their peak.
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To catch the most spectacular Kecak dance performances, you can go to Ubud, Tanah Lot, or Uluwatu.

Ubud Royal Palace, officially known as Puri Saren Agung, is the residence of the Ubud royal family and one of Ubud’s most prominent landmarks. Showcasing well-preserved Balinese architecture and set within a charming garden, it was constructed during the reign of Tjokorda Putu Kandel (1800–1823) and is meticulously maintained by his descendants.
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The palace is a beloved spot for Balinese arts enthusiasts, offering a prime venue for traditional dance performances. Every evening, the performance stage at Puri Saren Agung, adorned with ornate angkul-angkul, which are traditional gate and guardian statues, comes alive with vibrant performances accompanied by gamelan percussive orchestras. This makes the Ubud Royal Palace a cultural hub where you can immerse yourself in Bali’s rich artistic heritage.

Ubud is definitely heaven for foodies, no matter what their dietary preferences. Perfect for carnivores and vegans, the many delightful restaurants around Ubud serve some of the freshest and most delicious traditional food. There, you can try many Balinese delicacies, including Ayam Betutu, Sate Lilit, Lawar, and more.
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When you stay at Club Med Bali, you will also have access to three restaurants, serving both Balinese and international delights. There are even kids menus and kid-approved treats, ideal for families who want to eat fresh and delicious dishes.
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Stay at Club Med Bali
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If you want to dive into the wonderfully lush nature of Bali, and rejuvenate your body, spirit, and mind — choose Club Med Bali. A spacious beach resort in Nusa Dua, Club Med Bali is located on the scenic beachfront with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.
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Once there, you can embrace a world of leisure and excitement and take part in any of the 46 total activities available. From excursions to the Club Med spa by Sothys, our all-inclusive resort welcomes couples, friends, and families.
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Book your stay at Club Med Bali and begin exploring this one-of-a-kind destination.