Ubud

Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Budi Santoso
17/08/2025
Explore the intricate architecture of Ubud Palace, a cultural landmark in Bali, Indonesia.
Yousef salah, Pexels

Ubud, located in central Bali, serves as the island's cultural and artistic hub, offering visitors a blend of lush natural landscapes, significant historical sites, and a focus on wellness. It provides a sanctuary for those seeking cultural immersion, relaxation, and engagement with local arts.

In central Ubud, various cafes, restaurants, and art markets naturally facilitate interaction among visitors. Hostels in this area are designed to foster a social atmosphere, often organizing group activities and tours. Beyond these, venues such as CP Lounge and specific hotel rooftop bars provide spaces for travelers to connect and unwind.

Top 7 Things to do in Ubud

Ubud offers a diverse range of activities, from engaging with local culture and wildlife to exploring natural landscapes and embracing wellness practices.

1. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Walking through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is an immersive experience, observing hundreds of long-tailed macaques in their natural habitat amidst lush jungle and ancient temples. It feels like stepping into a mystical world where nature and wildlife thrive. Remember to secure all your belongings, as the monkeys are known to be curious.

Cost: Entrance fee is approximately IDR 80,000 on weekdays and IDR 100,000 on weekends for adults (around $5-$7 USD). Children's tickets are IDR 60,000 on weekdays and IDR 80,000 on weekends.

Transport: Located centrally in Ubud on Jl. Monkey Forest. It is easily accessible by walking from many accommodations in central Ubud (a short 15-minute walk from the center). Taxis (like Grab) are also available, costing around $2-$4 USD for a short ride from the center.

2. Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Exploring the Tegalalang Rice Terrace is breathtaking, as the vibrant green stepped paddies cascade down the valley, showcasing a traditional Balinese irrigation system. Walking along the paths provides stunning views and photo opportunities, particularly in the morning light. There are also swings and ziplines available for an additional adventurous experience.

Cost: The entrance fee is around IDR 15,000 to IDR 25,000 per person (approximately $1-$1.7 USD). There might be small additional donations requested as you walk deeper into the terraces. Parking is typically IDR 2,000 for scooters and IDR 5,000 for cars. Swings and ziplines are separate activities, with prices ranging from IDR 200,000 to IDR 450,000 (around $13-$30 USD).

Transport: Located about 9-10 km north of Ubud center, a 20-25 minute drive. You can hire a taxi for about IDR 75,000 (around $5 USD) one-way or IDR 200,000 for a round trip with waiting time. Renting a motorbike costs around IDR 50,000 per day.

3. Balinese Cooking Class

Participating in a Balinese cooking class is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture. From visiting a local market to select fresh ingredients to learning traditional techniques and recipes, preparing dishes like Mie Goreng or Balinese curries is a hands-on and rewarding experience. You get to enjoy the delicious meal you've prepared at the end.

Cost: Prices for cooking classes generally range from $26 to $85 USD, depending on the duration and inclusions (e.g., market visit, multiple dishes).

Transport: Many cooking classes offer hotel pick-up from Ubud accommodations. If not, central Ubud is easily walkable, or you can use a local taxi/ride-hailing app (like Grab/Gojek) for short distances.

4. Tirta Empul Temple

Visiting Tirta Empul Temple is a deeply spiritual experience, observing or participating in the 'melukat' purification ritual in the holy spring waters. The intricate Balinese architecture and the serene atmosphere around the pools offer a profound glimpse into local religious practices. It feels humbling to witness the devotion here.

Cost: The entrance fee is approximately IDR 50,000 for adults (around $3.5 USD). Sarongs are required and can be rented at the temple for IDR 10,000 if you do not have your own.

Transport: Located in Tampaksiring, about a 30-45 minute drive north of Ubud center. A taxi or rented scooter is the most convenient way to get there. A private car with a driver can be hired for a half-day or full-day tour including other attractions.

5. Campuhan Ridge Walk

Strolling along the Campuhan Ridge Walk offers a serene escape, where I enjoyed panoramic views of rolling hills covered in lush greenery and rice paddies. It's a relatively easy and gentle uphill walk, perfect for a morning or late afternoon outing to enjoy nature's tranquility and capture beautiful landscapes. The path eventually leads to a small village with cafes and art stalls.

Cost: There is no entrance fee for the Campuhan Ridge Walk, making it a free activity.

Transport: The start of the walk is easily accessible, located just a 10-minute walk from Ubud city center, near Pura Gunung Lebah temple. Taxis are also available for a short ride.

6. Ubud Art Market

Exploring the Ubud Art Market is a vibrant and sensory experience, filled with stalls selling a wide array of handmade textiles, intricate wooden carvings, silver jewelry, and unique handicrafts. Bargaining is part of the fun here, allowing you to engage with local vendors and find unique souvenirs to take home. It's an excellent place to observe Balinese artistry.

Cost: Entry to the Ubud Art Market is free. Parking for scooters costs around IDR 2,000 and for cars, IDR 10,000.

Transport: The market is located in the heart of Ubud on Jl. Raya Ubud, right next to the Ubud Palace, making it easily walkable from many central accommodations.

7. Waterfalls (Tegenungan, Kanto Lampo, Tibumana)

Visiting the waterfalls near Ubud is a refreshing and visually stunning experience. I found myself captivated by the powerful cascade of Tegenungan Waterfall, the unique rock formations of Kanto Lampo, and the serene plunge pool of Tibumana. Each offers a distinct natural beauty, often with opportunities for swimming or simply enjoying the cool mist and jungle surroundings. Arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds.

Cost: Entrance fees vary per waterfall. Tegenungan Waterfall costs approximately IDR 20,000. Kanto Lampo Waterfall is around IDR 25,000. Tibumana Waterfall costs about IDR 30,000.

Transport: Waterfalls are not within walking distance of central Ubud. Tegenungan is about a 15-25 minute drive, Kanto Lampo around 25 minutes, and Tibumana about 30 minutes from Ubud. Renting a scooter (around IDR 50,000-100,000 per day) or hiring a private driver for a day tour (which often includes multiple waterfalls) are common transport options.

Check out our other pages on Ubud

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Indonesia

Bali
Flores
Java
Kalimantan
Lombok
Maluku Islands
Papua
Sulawesi
Sumatra
Sumba