Things To Do in Ubud Bali, Indonesia – 9 Tantalizing Excursions

things to do in ubud bali Indonesia

Ubud is one of Bali’s most popular destinations, thanks to its lush natural beauty, cultural attractions, and incredible food. There are many things to do in Ubud, Indonesia, that appeal to people with different interests and tastes. From cycling through the rice terraces to whitewater rafting or spending time at Ubud’s traditional market, there’s something for everyone! Here are seven beautiful things to do in Ubud, Bali.

#1 Of The Things To Do in Ubud Bali – Walking Rice Terraces of Tegallalang

Rice terraces
Photo by Niklas Weiss on Unsplash

The Rice Terraces of Tegallalang (or Tegallalang) are located in the village of the same name in the Ubud region of Bali. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bali’s most popular tourist attractions.

The terraces were built between 800 and 1600 AD for agricultural purposes. The steep slopes were cut into terraces to prevent soil erosion and water runoff when there was heavy rain during the monsoon season.

You don’t need to venture far for short stays to fill your days. Refer to the map and enjoy a scooter ride to Cekking Rice Terraces, only 20 minutes from town up Jl Raya Andong.

Tour the north side of town riding Jl Suwetta, Sri Wedari, and Tirta Tarawa, which all loop back to Ubud center. Find Paula’s Rice Terrace Café on Jl Suwetta and relax and enjoy the rice fields.

#2 Of The Things To Do in Ubud Bali – Bali Art District and Export Road

Ubud is the center of the Balinese art scene, and many galleries exist to explore. The Bali Art District (Jalan Hanoman) has numerous galleries that showcase local artists’ work. There are also several museums, including Taman Wana Gallery and Museum Puri Lukisan Museum.

The Jalan Raya Ubud is a long road through town, where tourists can shop at local stores and visit temples like Pura Prajapati or Pura Desa Ubud. At night, this road becomes busy with street performers who set up stalls along it; you’ll also find plenty of restaurants here and souvenir shops selling everything from Balinese masks to sarongs.

If only for sightseeing, drive on Jl Raya Andong, Ubud’s Bali art export road. On the way to Ceckking Riced terraces, 4 km of unique, colorful arts, crafts, and furniture were prepared and exported. Here you can buy in bulk at wholesale prices items you will not find anywhere else in the world. Exporting can be arranged right on site.

#3 Of The Things To Do in Ubud Bali – Ubud Traditional Market

Ubud traditional Market
Photo by mark chaves on Unsplash

If you want to find some unique souvenirs, then the Ubud Traditional Market is the place to go. This market is located in Bali and is open every day from 7 am-6 pm. The Ubud Traditional Market sells everything from clothing to food, so if you’re looking for something specific, this can be a great place to shop!

The best part? Plenty of places have discounts at the end of each month! So if you plan on visiting during one of those times (or any other time), keep an eye out!

Enjoy the traditional Ubud market before 7 am to explore and taste a variety of exotic fruits and vegetables. After 7 am, the market clears and makes room for a tourist market. It is located at the top of Monkey Forest Road and Jl Raya on the southeast corner and across from the Palace.

#4 Of The Things To Do in Ubud Bali – Bicycling In Ubud

Visions of bicycling on country roads along the rice fields sound so sweet and romantic. But, that’s fine if you are already in the countryside and villages. Outside central Ubud, Bali is all uphill, and Ubud itself can be tiring if not hazardous for all the traffic and pedestrians. Also, it is boiling, which could subject you to exhaustion and heat stroke.

You must be fit to cycle around Ubud. There are several rental places scattered about but check the condition of the bicycles before renting. You may be given a cheap lock which is hardly a deterrent for thieves. Although it doesn’t happen much, if your bike is stolen, you will be responsible for replacing it. Bicycle rentals are $2 per day.

#5 Of The Things To Do in Ubud Bali – Guided Tours

Mount Batur Volcano Sunrise Trekking
Mount Batur Volcano Sunrise Trekking – Photo by Juan Cruz Mountford on Unsplash

The most popular tours and adventures include White Water Rafting, Mount Batur Volcano Sunrise Trekking, Downhill bicycling from Mt Batur to Ubud, and a day tour of sites like Tanah Lot and other temples.

You can shop around for prices, but you are generally better off asking and trusting recommendations first. We recommend you speak to Wayan at Spirit Bali Driver, who can create a custom itinerary for your choice for a half-day or full-day tour. Wayan will be able to assist you with almost anything you want to do.

#6 Of The Things To Do in Ubud Bali – Swimming in Ubud

Swimming in Ubud
Swimming in Ubud – Photo by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash

Some days, you just have to go swimming. Here are some places where you can go, hang out and enjoy a swim. Some charge a small fee, or you’ll need to order drinks or a meal, but all are a bargain and a great way to spend the afternoon.

Be sure to call in advance regarding prices, wifi, location, and whether they are talking walk-ins that day.

#7 Of The Things To Do in Ubud Bali – Go Whitewater Rafting in Ubud

Go Whitewater Rafting in Ubud
Go Whitewater Rafting in Ubud – Photo by J V on Unsplash

If you’re looking for an exciting activity in Ubud that doesn’t cost a fortune, whitewater rafting is it. Located about an hour outside of town, the rafting location is accessed by car or taxi and can be done as a day trip from Ubud.

What To Bring:

  • Comfortable clothes and shoes – you’ll spend most of your time on the river in swimsuits, so wear something that will dry quickly when wet!
  • Your camera – this activity is perfect for some great photo opportunities. If you don’t own one already, there are plenty of places to rent cameras while on vacation (like I did). You could also bring water shoes if you want to walk around after the tour ends!

What To Expect:

The best way I can describe this experience is “fun!” This adventure was one of my favorites in Bali because it was both challenging (the rapids were quite intense) and rewarding (we had a blast with our guides!). It takes two hours total—one hour driving there and back plus one-hour rafting—but once again…it was worth every minute spent! Just make sure not to get too close when paddling upstream because otherwise, it might take longer than expected 😉

#8 Of The Things To Do in Ubud Bali – Walk The Campuhan Trail Ridge Walk

 Campuhan Trail Ridge Walk
Photo by bckfwd on Unsplash

First things first, you should know that this hike is a steep climb. This isn’t a walk in the park. The paved trail can be slippery since it leads up to a temple on top of the mountain. You’re not going to get a view like this every day!

The Campuhan Ridge Trail is about 3km long and takes about 1 hour to complete. It starts at Ubud Market, so if you aren’t up for an early start to beat the crowds, consider starting somewhere else and walking up the hill towards Ubud Market (this will add at least half an hour to your total time).

The hike is open daily from 6 am-6 pm (overnight camping is not allowed), so keep these hours in mind when planning your trip around this activity.

This beautiful trail is accessed right from in town just off Jl Ray and entrance at Ibah Resort. Feel the energy of Ubud in the leisurely 40-minute trek up Ridge Walk / Campuhan Trail (Love Street) and make your way to a spa for a massage and lunch in the rice fields.

Book at least two days ahead and schedule no later than 3 pm, so you don’t find yourself walking the trail back in the dark. There is also a lovely restaurant so you can make a whole afternoon of it.

#9 Of The Things To Do in Ubud Bali – Visit the Jalan Monkey Forest of Ubud

Jalan Monkey Forest of Ubud
Photo by Khamkéo Vilaysing on Unsplash

The Monkey Forest is a monkey sanctuary in Ubud, Bali. It contains over 600 monkeys that are cared for by the local community.

You will find many of these creatures in the trees, but they are also frequently seen roaming around on the ground. The monkeys are not aggressive towards humans and don’t bite or scratch you unless provoked, but they can be playful and may try to steal your food if you bring any with you! Please keep this in mind when visiting this place so that you don’t get bitten or attacked by one of them while on your vacation in Bali.

There are signs around the park warning visitors not to feed or touch any of these animals because doing so can cause injury and disease transfer between humans and animals (not good!). We recommend keeping a safe distance from any wild animal until it leaves peacefully on its own accord; otherwise, please let one of our guides know about it so we can help escort it back outside where it belongs!

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Ubud Bali

Ubud has something for everyone. From world-class art museums and galleries to local handicrafts and traditional dances, there’s no shortage of things to do in this lush green town. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an adventure filled with culture and nature, Ubud has it all.

The abundance of things to do in Ubud makes it a great place to visit. Whether you want to spend time relaxing with a book on the beach or exploring temples and villages on foot or by bicycle, Ubud has something for everyone!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the top things to do in Ubud. We know that there are so many other cool places to discover, so don’t be afraid to get out there and explore!

Lauren Clarke

Lauren Clark is a contributing writer for Thumbwind Publications LLC. Her focus is on travel, social media, and food. You can find her knitting sweaters and mittens for holiday gifts in her spare time.

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