Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Ubud, Bali

Ubud is situated in the highlands of Bali and offers a serene contrast to the more vibrant areas such as Kuta or Seminyak. Recognized as the cultural nucleus of the island, visitors will encounter vibrant art galleries, fascinating museums, and charming temples scattered throughout the locale.

At the town’s center, the stunning Royal Palace stands, with all cultural attractions framed by lush valleys and jade-green rice terraces. Ubud is also renowned for its exquisite culinary offerings, featuring numerous health-centric restaurants that specialize in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, as well as upscale dining options at local resorts.

Moreover, Ubud serves as a gateway to other notable Balinese sites, including the sacred waters of Tirta Empul. To truly embrace the local culture, attending an elegant Balinese dance performance is highly recommended.

Here are the 25 best activities to engage in while in Ubud…

1. Have dinner at Locavore

Locavore is arguably the most distinguished restaurant in Ubud, if not in all of Indonesia.

Having garnered numerous awards, this establishment is the ideal destination for those seeking exceptional fusion cuisine.

Chefs Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah craft dishes inspired by local ingredients and offer tasting menus that can include up to nine courses.

Dining experiences typically extend beyond three hours, with options available for wine pairings to enhance the overall experience.

Most dishes showcase a blend of fusion styles, merging local components with international techniques.

Signature offerings include smoked catfish and pork shoulder; reservations are highly advisable to ensure a dining experience.

2. Enjoy the views at the Campuhan Ridge Walk

For those wishing to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Ubud, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is an excellent choice, located just outside the town.

This trail winds through verdant hills that overlook a picturesque valley, allowing you to stroll along the ridge starting from the charming Gunung Lebah Temple.

A designated pathway guides visitors, making this an ideal way to appreciate some of Ubud’s less commercialized regions.

3. Admire the Museum Puri Lukisan

Ubud is celebrated as the cultural epicenter of Bali, hosting the highest concentration of art galleries on the island.

Among the premier institutions for exploring the modern art scene is Museum Puri Lukisan, where visitors can view an array of artworks accompanied by English descriptions detailing the artistic history of the region.

The museum was founded by notable figures Rudolf Bonnet, Walter Spies, and local artist Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati, a member of Ubud’s royal family.

If you appreciate art, this is a remarkable location to deepen your understanding, particularly of non-religious artworks that may be less prevalent in other galleries.

4. Visit Pura Taman Saraswati

This charming temple is dedicated to Dewi Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom and the arts.

The structure features exquisite carvings of the goddess and includes fountains that fill a serene pond area at the temple’s entrance.

The pond, adorned with vibrant lotus flowers, invites visitors to engage with its waters in a ritual believed to harness the goddess’s power.

Evening dance performances are held here when the temple’s illumination against the nighttime backdrop creates an enchanting atmosphere.

5. Stop for a cup at Coffee Studio Seniman

As a self-proclaimed ‘coffee studio,’ this café is recognized as one of the premier locations in Ubud for coffee enthusiasts.

All brews are sourced from the region, and visitors can relax in soothing rocking chairs while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

The establishment prides itself on coffee quality, offering a diverse range of beverages, including siphon and pour-over styles, allowing patrons to savor some of the finest Indonesian coffee.

In addition, food options that blend local and international cuisines are available, along with alcoholic beverages during the evening hours.

6. Visit Threads of Life Indonesian Textile Arts Center

This exquisite textile gallery should not be overlooked while in Ubud, as it is part of the Threads of Life charity which promotes sustainable textiles and benefits the local community.

All artworks utilize natural dyes and showcase various weaving techniques from across Indonesia.

This experience allows visitors to appreciate centuries-old handicraft traditions, and an adjacent shop offers authentic textiles as souvenirs.

For those interested in hands-on learning, the center also provides in-house textile-appreciation courses.

7. Explore Puri Saren Palace

Puri Saren Agung, also referred to as the Ubud Royal Palace, is conveniently located near the Ubud Art Market, allowing visitors to explore both spots simultaneously.

The palace, dating back to the 1800s during the reign of Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel, is still inhabited by members of the royal family for ceremonial functions.

Guests are welcome to wander through the gardens and appreciate the ornate Balinese architecture, especially in the evening when the palace hosts traditional Balinese dance performances.

8. Enjoy Museum Rudana

This picturesque museum overlooks lush, emerald rice fields and belongs to politician Nyoman Rudana and his fellow art enthusiast wife, Ni Wayan Olasthini.

The museum features three floors filled with approximately 400 art pieces, showcasing traditional vibrant paintings as well as antiques, including a calendar dating back to the 1840s.

In addition to traditional art, contemporary works are also displayed, and a nearby gallery allow guests to purchase their own pieces of Balinese artwork.

9. Have lunch at Alchemy Cafe

Alchemy Cafe is a local favorite known for offering some of the finest raw and vegan cuisine on the island.

All items are prepared on-site, providing options such as vegan cheesecake and a comprehensive salad bar.

Furthermore, guests can indulge in raw vegan chocolate crafted at the in-house chocolaterie, or enjoy an assortment of raw pressed juices.

Additionally, there is a health store and a holistic clinic upstairs, offering various beauty treatments.

10. Sample the delights at Gianyar Night Market

Located a short distance from central Ubud, the Gianyar Night Market offers a delightful evening experience.

Renowned for its mouthwatering food, the night market features an array of traditional Balinese dishes, including satay, fried bananas, and assorted pastries.

Additionally, visitors can savor the famous roasted suckling pig that Bali is known for, along with an assortment of goods such as clothing and toys.

11. Visit Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, translating to ‘Elephant Cave’ in Indonesian, is one of Bali’s major attractions.

Located just outside of Ubud in Bedulu Village, this remarkable site comprises an expansive temple complex.

To access the cave, visitors must descend a flight of stairs leading to a quaint courtyard, which serves as the entrance to a historical cave believed to date back to the 11th century.

Inside, one can discover intricate cave paintings and a small meditation shrine, while the exterior features a stunning Hindu temple adorned with a bathing pool and flowing fountains.

12. Take a class at the Yoga Barn

Renowned for its yoga retreats, Ubud offers the esteemed Yoga Barn as one of its most cherished facilities.

This venue provides a variety of classes accommodating all skill levels, featuring five open-plan studios that allow participants to engage with the beautiful surroundings.

Visitors can attend a single class or opt for an extended commitment to a cleansing program lasting three days.

13. Watch a Legong dance performance

A highlight of Bali’s cultural attractions is the Legong dance, derived from a legend originating in East Java around the 12th century.

This performance narrates the tale of a maiden’s kidnapping and subsequent rescue.

Attendees can anticipate captivating dance moves and entrancing music, with performances occurring at various venues in and around Ubud, including Puri Saren, Peliatan Village, and Pura Dalem Puri.

14. Take a class at Casa Luna Cooking School

Bali is renowned for its culinary delights, and participating in a cooking class at Casa Luna Cooking School in Ubud offers an excellent opportunity to create your own dishes.

In addition to hands-on cooking, participants receive insights into the culinary history, culture, and religious significance of Balinese cuisine, learning to prepare various traditional dishes.

Detailed explanations of traditional ingredients accompany recipe cards and class notes to ensure that participants retain what they’ve learned.

Menu items vary daily, and each class concludes with participants enjoying the results of their collective efforts.

15. Sample the duck at Bebek Bengil

Another renowned establishment in Ubud is Bebek Bengil, which translates to ‘Dirty Duck.’ This restaurant is situated adjacent to scenic rice paddies, and its name is derived from an amusing anecdote involving ducks wandering through during its construction.

As expected, duck is a prominent feature on the menu, with traditional dishes such as crispy duck seasoned with a unique blend of Balinese herbs and spices, originally developed here in the 1990s, as well as innovative offerings like duck salad paired with melon.

16. Admire the Botanic Garden Ubud

Ubud’s charm is highlighted by the presence of lush green spaces within the town.

The Botanic Garden, designed by German journalist Stefan Reisner, emulates the Royal Gardens of Berlin, utilizing local flora to establish a distinct Balinese identity.

Occupying over 14 acres, the gardens feature various themed areas, greenhouses, and a section dedicated to children.

17. Visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art

The Agung Rai Museum of Art, commonly known as ARMA, functions as both a gallery and a cultural center.

Founded by Anak Agung Gede Rai, the museum features two buildings filled with a diverse collection of artworks.

For those interested in delving deeper into the vibrant art scene here and gaining insight into Bali’s artistic endeavors, this venue is a worthy visit.

18. Explore Monkey Forest

A visit to Ubud would be incomplete without exploring the iconic Monkey Forest.

This area comprises three temples dating back to the 14th century, nestled within a nature reserve that doubles as a conservation site.

The location is inhabited by playful monkeys, which are considered spiritual guardians of the temples.

Visitors may purchase bananas to feed the monkeys; however, one should be cautious with personal belongings, as these clever creatures are known to snatch items like sunglasses.

19. Go for a spa session at Lembah Spa

Lembah Spa is one of Ubud’s premier wellness establishments, beautifully situated along the Patanu River.

If you seek ultimate relaxation, consider indulging in one of the extensive treatments lasting up to two hours. Couples’ packages are also offered.

Many of the treatments include lunch or dinner served with stunning river views, and guests may relax in the onsite swimming pool.

20. Peruse Neka Art Museum

Neka Art Museum ranks among the finest in Ubud and throughout Bali, presenting a remarkable collection of both modern and historical pieces.

The museum aims to tell the story of Balinese art and showcases the works of emerging local talents.

Visitors will learn about the rich history of Indonesian art while encountering a diverse array of pieces, including paintings, jewelry, metalwork, and textiles.

21. Go shopping at Ubud Market

Ubud Market encompasses a series of individual markets that offer different products throughout the day and may seem familiar as it was featured in the film Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts.

Mornings are dedicated to the sale of fruits and vegetables, while afternoons are ideal for browsing through arts and crafts that make for delightful souvenirs.

The market can become quite congested in the afternoons; thus, visiting early is recommended to secure the best deals.

22. Blanco Renaissance Museum

The Blanco Renaissance Museum is a beloved destination in Ubud, once serving as the residence and studio of Don Antonio Blanco.

Perched on a hill, the museum offers breathtaking views over the lush rice paddies of Campuhan, featuring an extensive collection of artwork, including paintings, poetry, collages, and lithographs.

Numerous pieces depict Balinese women and dancers, and visitors can explore the artist’s home, which is still maintained by his descendants.

In addition to the museum, there is an onsite restaurant and lovely landscaped gardens to wander through.

23. Enjoy some fine dining at Swept Away Restaurant

For those looking to indulge during their stay in Ubud, Swept Away Restaurant, part of The Samaya Ubud, offers an exceptional dining experience.

Situated by the river, the restaurant boasts a diverse fusion menu, featuring items such as Pulled Chicken in Rice Paper Rolls.

Guests can also enjoy an afternoon tapas menu for lighter fare or choose from a four or six-course tasting menu in the evening, which may include gourmet dishes like lobster or wagyu beef.

24. Visit the Petulu Heron Colony

The Petulu Heron Colony, located a short distance from Ubud, offers a unique day trip opportunity.

This quaint village is renowned for its evening setting where herons congregate in the trees, lending an aura of mystique as the birds are believed to be sacred and embody the souls of the departed.

If you appreciate wildlife, this captivating natural event should not be missed during your visit to Ubud.

25. Walk through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces

A visit to Ubud would be incomplete without exploring the renowned Tegallalang Rice Terraces.

These stunning landscapes were created through a traditional irrigation technique known as ‘subak,’ resulting in a terraced effect. Visitors can access the terraces with a short drive to Ubud’s outskirts.

Activities include strolling around the terraces and learning about planting and harvesting rice.

Additionally, various souvenir stands can be found onsite, and it is advisable to visit during the morning or late afternoon, as midday sun can be quite intense.

Many who experience Ubud consider a trip to Tegallalang as a highlight of their holiday in Bali.