Best Places to Visit in Ubud, Bali
Planning a stay in central Bali and wondering what to do in Ubud? This guide brings together the
best places to visit in Ubud, from iconic rice terraces and sacred temples to jungle walks,
waterfalls, art museums, markets, and spiritual landmarks. Ubud is widely known as the
cultural heart of Bali, where traditional ceremonies, Balinese craftsmanship, tropical scenery,
and wellness experiences all come together.
Set in Bali’s highlands, Ubud is surrounded by rice fields, river valleys, tropical forest, and temple
complexes. It is one of the best destinations on the island for travelers who want more than beaches:
culture lovers, photographers, couples, families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a slower,
more meaningful side of Bali.
To understand the atmosphere of the region before your visit, read also:
Balinese culture and traditions.
For a broader stay idea, you can also explore our
Ubud Complete Travel Guide.
Why Ubud Is One of the Best Places to Visit in Bali
Unlike the coastal areas of Seminyak, Canggu, or Kuta, Ubud is not primarily about beach clubs or surf.
It is about landscape, spirituality, crafts, temples, dance, and the rhythm of everyday Balinese life.
That is exactly why so many travelers include Ubud in a first trip to Bali.
You can spend your mornings walking through rice paddies, your afternoons visiting temples or museums,
and your evenings enjoying traditional dance or dining in beautiful garden restaurants. Ubud also works
very well as a day trip from the south, but staying at least two or three nights gives you a much better
experience.
Top Things to Do in Ubud
- Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Walk through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
- See Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple
- Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Explore Ubud Market and Jalan Raya Ubud
- Visit Tegenungan Waterfall
- Discover Gunung Kawi Temple and Tirta Empul
- Learn about Balinese art at the Neka Museum
- Relax with a Balinese massage or spa experience
- Taste Balinese food and local coffee
1. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
The Monkey Forest is one of the most famous attractions in Ubud and one of the most visited
sites in Bali. It is much more than a tourist stop: it is a protected forest, a temple complex, and a
spiritual place where nature and architecture blend beautifully.
Inside, shaded paths lead through dense tropical greenery, moss-covered statues, and ancient temples.
Hundreds of long-tailed macaques live freely throughout the sanctuary. They are entertaining to watch,
but visitors should always be careful with sunglasses, phones, jewelry, and anything loose in bags.
Opening hours and ticket prices can change, but the Monkey Forest is usually one of the easiest cultural
sites to include in a Ubud itinerary because of its central location.
If you enjoy cultural and nature-based visits in Bali, you may also like:
Places to visit in Ubud.
2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces, located about 10 km (6.2 miles) north of Ubud,
are among the most photographed landscapes in Bali. Layered green paddies, coconut trees, narrow paths,
and sweeping valley views make this one of the island’s signature scenes.
The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the air is cooler, the light is softer, and the site
is less crowded. You can walk along the terraces, stop at cafés with a view, and speak with local farmers
who still maintain the traditional irrigation system known as subak.
Because the roads around Ubud can be busy, many travelers visit by scooter or private driver. Before riding,
read:
Tips for scooter travelers in Bali.
3. Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple
In the center of town, Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple are among the easiest
places to visit on foot. This is one of the best parts of Ubud for travelers who want to combine heritage,
architecture, and a short, convenient walk around the historic center.
Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung, is known for its traditional Balinese
stone carving, ceremonial gates, and evening dance performances.
Just nearby, Saraswati Temple is especially admired for its lotus pond and refined temple
entrance. It is one of the most photogenic cultural sites in central Ubud and a pleasant stop before or after
the market.
4. Campuhan Ridge Walk
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the best free things to do in Ubud. This scenic walking
route follows a ridge above lush valleys and offers open green views that feel very different from the traffic
of central Ubud.
The trail is roughly 2 km to 4 km (1.2 to 2.5 miles) depending on how far you continue,
and it is best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon. Bring water, a hat, and comfortable walking
shoes, because parts of the walk are exposed to the sun.
This is a good choice for couples, photographers, and travelers who want a peaceful outdoor activity without
needing a guide.
5. Ubud Market and Jalan Raya Ubud
The Ubud Traditional Art Market is one of the most lively places in town. It is the right
place to browse textiles, woven bags, wooden crafts, paintings, jewelry, and souvenirs. Even if you do not
plan to buy much, the market gives a very real sense of Ubud’s commercial and artistic life.
Nearby Jalan Raya Ubud is lined with shops, cafés, spas, restaurants, temples, and small
galleries. It is one of the best streets in Ubud for simply walking around and discovering the town’s energy.
Negotiation is common in Bali’s traditional markets, so keep the conversation friendly and smile while bargaining.
6. Tegenungan Waterfall
If you want to add a nature stop to your cultural itinerary, Tegenungan Waterfall is one of
the most popular waterfalls near Ubud. It is located south of the center and is relatively easy to reach by
car or scooter.
After descending steps through lush greenery, visitors reach a dramatic waterfall surrounded by jungle.
Depending on weather and river conditions, some travelers enjoy swimming here, while others simply come for
the scenery and photos.
As with many natural sites in Bali, visiting early is usually the best way to avoid the heaviest crowds.
For more waterfall ideas, see:
Best waterfalls in Bali.
7. Gunung Kawi Temple
Among the most impressive temples near Ubud, Gunung Kawi stands out for its dramatic
setting in a river valley. The complex is reached by a long stairway through rice fields and greenery, which
already makes the visit memorable before you even arrive at the temple itself.
The site is known for its monumental rock-cut shrines carved into the cliff. It feels quieter and more
atmospheric than some of Bali’s busier temple stops.
Because of the many steps, wear good shoes and bring water, especially in the hotter part of the day.
You can also read:
Exploring Gunung Kawi Temple.
8. Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most sacred water temples and a major spiritual site for
Balinese Hindus. The temple is especially known for its purification pools, where worshippers and some visitors
take part in a ritual cleansing experience.
The atmosphere here is very different from a simple photo stop. If you visit respectfully, Tirta Empul offers
one of the strongest cultural impressions in central Bali.
As always in temple areas, wear appropriate clothing and follow local rules. Sarongs are often available on site.
9. Neka Art Museum
If you want to understand why Ubud is considered the artistic center of Bali, the
Neka Art Museum is an excellent stop. The museum presents Balinese painting traditions,
Indonesian art, and works by foreign artists who were inspired by the island.
The museum is calmer than many of Ubud’s headline attractions and is particularly enjoyable for travelers who
prefer culture, history, and painting over crowded tourist hotspots.
To continue your cultural itinerary, see also:
Museums in Bali.
10. Spas, Wellness, and Balinese Massage
Ubud is one of the best places in Bali to enjoy wellness experiences. Yoga studios, healing retreats,
traditional massage centers, and high-end spas are all part of the Ubud lifestyle.
A classic Balinese massage combines pressure, stretching, and soothing oil techniques, making
it ideal after long walks or temple visits. Many travelers combine a rice-field walk, a cultural visit, and a
massage on the same day.
To learn more, read:
The art and benefits of Balinese massage.
11. Food and Coffee in Ubud
Ubud is also a destination for food lovers. You can find traditional Balinese dishes, healthy cafés, vegan
restaurants, garden dining spaces, and coffee stops with views over rice fields.
Travelers often try local specialties such as nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay, babi guling, tropical fruit
desserts, and local coffee. Some cafés also serve Kopi Luwak, the famous civet coffee, although
many travelers now prefer to choose coffee places with clear ethical sourcing.
How to Get to Ubud from Seminyak
From Seminyak to Ubud, the journey usually takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending
on traffic. Many travelers stay in Seminyak and visit Ubud as a day trip, while others split their stay between
the coast and the highlands.
If you prefer to stay near restaurants, boutiques, beach clubs, and the airport while still being able to explore
the rest of Bali easily, Seminyak remains one of the most practical bases on the island.
Read also:
Why choose Seminyak during your trip to Bali?
Best Time to Visit Ubud
Ubud can be visited year-round, but many travelers prefer the drier months for easier walking, clearer views,
and better outdoor conditions. Morning visits are often best for rice terraces, waterfalls, and temple sites,
because temperatures are cooler and the light is better for photography.
Because Ubud is one of Bali’s most popular inland destinations, it is always worth starting your day early if
you want a quieter experience.
Where to Stay for Visiting Ubud and South Bali
If you want to combine culture in Ubud with shopping, dining, and beach time in the south of Bali, staying in
Seminyak can be a very smart option.
Villa Carissa is located in the heart of Seminyak and offers an excellent base for exploring the island while
returning each evening to a private and comfortable villa atmosphere.
Ready to stay in Seminyak and explore Ubud with ease?
Located in Seminyak Center – Bali, Villa Carissa offers a private swimming pool and enclosed garden to guarantee
your privacy. It is a comfortable base for travelers who want to discover Ubud, the temples of central Bali,
the rice terraces, waterfalls, and the island’s best cultural attractions while still enjoying the lifestyle of
Seminyak.
Whether you are traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, Villa Carissa in Seminyak center offers
the perfect balance between relaxation, privacy, and easy access to Bali’s most beautiful destinations.
Villa Carissa in Seminyak Center
