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When visiting the island paradise Bali, there are so many options for amazing places to stay. In this guide, I’ll explain why Ubud is an absolute must to include in your Bali itinerary! Ubud is situated in the island’s central highlands is the cultural heart of Bali. It’s renowned for its serene environment, rich traditions, and lush greenery and when you visit you will see why! From tranquil rice terraces to coffee plantations and the iconic Bali swings, not only are there plenty of things to do, Ubud offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. It was undoubtedly one of my favourite spots in Bali!

What Does Ubud Have to Offer?
Nature and Tranquility: This has got to be the number one draw that Ubud has to offer. The hilly jungle landscape is a feast for the eyes and it offers postcard-perfect views at every turn! The town is surrounded by lush rice terraces, such as the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces, where you can enjoy peaceful walks amid stunning scenery. Ubud is also close to the Sacred Monkey Forest, where ancient temples are nestled within a vibrant sanctuary teeming with monkeys. Pretty cool huh?

Wellness and Relaxation: Ubud is a haven for wellness enthusiasts, with yoga studios, meditation centres, and spa retreats aplenty! If you’re into yoga or just want to relax at a spa, Ubud is the perfect place to rejuvenate your body and mind. I spent much of my time lounging at our hotel’s infinity pool and enjoying the jungle scenery! The cooler temperatures in Ubud, thanks to its elevation and fresh mountain air, add to the tranquillity and comfort as Bali can be quite humid!
Cultural Hub: Ubud is home to numerous art galleries, museums, and traditional dance performances. You can explore the Puri Lukisan Museum, which showcases Balinese art, or attend a mesmerizing Kecak dance at Ubud Palace. I attended one of the traditional Balinese dances whilst enjoying delicious Indonesian food and it was a great cultural experience!

Top Hotels in Ubud
Finding the right accommodation in Ubud can elevate your experience. Here are some top picks:
The Lokha Ubud Resort, Villas, and Spa This is the hotel I stayed in during my time in Ubud, and I’d absolutely recommend it. The hotel offers stunning views of Ubud’s tropical terrain and features a lovely outdoor infinity pool overlooking the jungle. It was the perfect tranquil escape!

Viceroy Bali This five-star hotel is poised on a ridge overlooking the verdant Valley of the Kings is the perfect place to relax and renew in utter tranquility.
Amora Ubud Boutique Villas A popular option with couples, the Amora Ubud Villas offers an infinity outdoor pool and sun terrace. Its villas resemble Balinese village houses and feature an outdoor seating area with panoramic views!
Things to Do In Ubud
Explore the Rice Terraces: Take a guided tour or go for a solo walk through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. The scenic beauty here is simply breathtaking, with vibrant green paddies that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest: The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud. Take a wander through this lush sanctuary, home to hundreds of monkeys and ancient temples. It’s excellent fun but be aware, the cheeky monkeys are notorious for pinching belongings, so keep your items secure! I saw plenty of people lose sunglasses and snacks to the monkeys!

Attend a Traditional Dance: Immerse yourself in Balinese culture by attending a traditional dance performance at Ubud Palace. The Kecak dance, in particular, is a captivating experience that should not be missed.

Visit Tegunungan Waterfall: This stunning waterfall is one of the largest and most famous in Bali It’s surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscape. Entry costs a small fee and once inside, you are free to swim in the waterfalls pool. This is an excellent refreshing experience in a beautiful setting! You could easily spend 1-2 hours there. When I went to the waterfall, I paid a small fee to use the Bali swing there!

Explore Batuan Temple: Just a short drive from Ubud, Batuan Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bali. Known for its intricate stone carvings and classic Balinese architecture, the temple offers a glimpse into Bali’s spiritual heritage. The serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a worthwhile stop on your cultural exploration of the region.

Visit Kemenuh Butterfly Park: Located just a 15-minute drive from Ubud, Kemenuh Butterfly Park is a delightful attraction where you can wander through lush gardens filled with hundreds of vibrant butterflies. The park is dedicated to the conservation of these beautiful creatures and offers an educational experience, showcasing the life cycle of butterflies from caterpillar to adulthood. It’s a peaceful and enchanting place to visit, especially for nature lovers. When I visited I was even offered the chance to hold a giant moth! (I politely declined!).

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is an ancient sanctuary dating back to the 11th century. This historical site is famous for its impressive rock carvings, meditation caves, bathing pools, and fountains. The entrance to the cave, with its intricate carvings of demonic figures, is a popular place for a photo op! Inside, there is a small worship area and relics that add to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

Campuhan Ridge Walk: The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of Ubud’s most scenic walks, offering a peaceful escape from the town’s bustling streets. This easy trek along a narrow ridge provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside, with lush green hills and rice fields on either side. It’s a great place for a morning or late afternoon walk, especially if you’re looking to experience Ubud’s natural beauty.

Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud): Located in the heart of Ubud, the Ubud Art Market is a vibrant hub where you can find traditional Balinese arts and crafts. From handmade bags and clothing to intricate wood carvings and paintings, the market is a treasure trove for unique souvenirs. It’s also an excellent place to practice your bargaining skills! I bagged a fabulous wicker handbag for just £5 and it’s still a favourite of mine!

Uma Pakel Bali Swings
The Uma Pakel Bali Swings in the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Uma Pakel Swings hosts a number of incredible jungle swings, from solo swings to tandem swings as well as huge nests that make for an incredible adrenaline experience (and photo op!). There is also a coffee plantation here, where you will be given a free guided tour of the plantation. During the tour, you will witness firsthand the various stages of coffee production, from seedling to cup. You will also be able to participate in a coffee-tasting session where you can sample a diverse range of coffee blends, including the famous (if kind of gross) Luwak coffee. This is an interesting and enjoyable experience however when I visited I did feel a bit obliged to purchase some of the coffee at the end and this was quite pricey!

Mount Batur: While not located directly in Ubud, a visit to Mount Batur is a must for adventurous travellers staying in the area. At just 58 miles away it’s a great place to visit whilst nearby. This active volcano is famous for its sunrise treks, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sunrise over the caldera and Lake Batur. The trek is moderately challenging but well worth the effort for the stunning panoramas. After the hike, you can relax in the nearby hot springs, which are a perfect way to soothe tired muscles. I opted for the sunrise hike which meant heading to the volcano at around 1 am and hiking in time for the sunrise! You can read more about the Mount Batur sunrise hike in my guide: Climbing Mount Batur in Bali – A Sunrise Hike not to be Missed!

Insider Tip
Insider Tips
- Book A Driver: my time in Ubud, I decided to hire a driver for the day to explore as much as possible. On Get Your Guide, you can book a driver for 10 hours for just £34 for a group of up to five people! This was a great way to maximise our time and experience as many amazing Ubud attractions as possible. You can read more on this in my guide: The Ultimate Ubud Day Out.
- Travel in Shoulder Seasons: Ubud can become quite crowded, especially during the high season. The narrow streets can get congested, making it difficult to navigate. Planning your visit during the shoulder season or exploring early in the day can help you avoid the worst of the crowds.
- Don’t Expect Buzzing Nightlife: Ubud is more about relaxation than partying. If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, you might want to consider staying elsewhere on the island, such as Seminyak or Kuta.
- Respect Local Customs: Balinese people place great importance on their traditions and spirituality, so it’s essential to dress modestly when visiting temples. This means wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. I found that most places provided sarongs and sashes for visitors, but it’s probably a good idea to bring your own if you plan to visit multiple temples.
Choosing the right place to stay in Bali can significantly impact your holiday experience. Out of everywhere I visited in Bali, if I could choose just one it would be Ubud as it felt like the most authentic Bali experience. It’s tranquil vibe offered the perfect place to relax and unwind but it’s plentiful attractions meant there was always something exciting to do so it was the best of both worlds! If I’ve convinced you to give Ubud a visit, plan wisely, stay longer if you can, and make the most of your time in this magical part of Bali!
Ubud is such an artistic treasure with amazing rice fields, hope to come back soon…
There are just so many exciting things to do in Ubud and I can’t wait to explore them all. Thanks for all the tips