11 Best Things To Do In Ubud Bali
{The Best Of Ubud}
11 Best Things To Do In Ubud Bali
{The Best Of Ubud}
Ubud is one of the best destinations in Bali, needless to say.
Waterfall lovers and nature lovers: be prepared to have your jaw dropped at pretty much anything you look at in Ubud. This place is your haven!
The list of what to do in Ubud is basically endless, however, we know that time is of the essence while you’re backpacking, so we’ve shortlisted the 11 best things to do in Ubud Bali that you absolutely must visit during your Bali backpacking trip.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Let’s be honest. One of the biggest reasons we all visit Ubud Bali is to see those lusciously green rice terraces with our own eyes!
While these are not the only rice terraces in Bali, they are among some of the most popular and usually the go-to choice for tourists. Thus making them one of the best things to do in Ubud Bali.
Tegalalang is one of the many places in Bali that offers beauty in literally every direction you turn.
Pro Tip
Get to Tegalalang Rice Terraces just in time for sunrise because the way the sun beams through the trees on to the rice terraces is simply spectacular. Trust me, the early morning wakeup will be beyond worth it.
For our full guide on Tegalalang Rice Terraces, click here.
Try Kopi Luwak
At the end of your Tegalalang Rice Terraces adventures, you should try what is known as ‘Kopi Luwak’.
Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee in the world, and it’s created by an animal called a Luwak. And it’s one of the most unusual things to do in Ubud Bali!
The Luwak feeds on coffee cherries, then while it is getting digested through their body, the outer layers of the cherries are removed, and they poop out the remaining coffee beans. The beans are collected by farmers, cleaned, and dried to create coffee!
The unusual coffee making process is the reason that Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee in the world. And it tastes delicious!
Also, I know I mentioned how it was the most expensive, but you’ll be able to try samples for free!
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Look, if one thing is for certain, it’s that I’ve never heard anyone say they regret visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall!
In fact, if I only had enough time to visit one Bali waterfall, I would visit Tukad Cepung.
It’s hands down one of the best things to do in Ubud Bali, and one of the most secluded and hidden waterfalls you will ever lay eyes on. If you’re looking for the best of Ubud, you’ve found it.
While Tukad Cepung may look like it is hidden away deep within the wilderness of the Ubud Jungle, in reality, it only takes a 15-minute easy walk down from the carpark to get to the cave.
Another thing to mention is that this waterfall is actually located around a 50-minute motorbike ride away from Ubud Town, so it’s not technically part of Ubud. However, Ubud is the closest tourist town to it so we definitely recommend visiting Tulad Cepung during your Ubud itinerary.
Pro Tip
I know we say this about every destination, but get here early to avoid the tourists. Otherwise it becomes way too overcrowded and you won’t experience the calming and serene nature of Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Not to mention how much better your photos will turn out without all those tourists everywhere!
Click here to read our full guide on visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall!
Tibumana Waterfall
This brings me to the next best thing to do in Ubud Bali and shes a beauty - Tibumana Waterfall.
Considered one of Bali’s best-kept secrets (although it’s not so much of a secret these days), Tibumana Waterfall is some of the best of Ubud so you won’t want to miss out on it.
Pro Tip
Tibumana Waterfall is located 35-minutes out of Ubud on the way back from Tukad Cepung Waterfall, so it might be wise to pair your Tukad Cepung Waterfall and Tibumana Waterfall adventures on the same day!
Also, Tibumana happens to be one of the least touristy waterfalls in Bali, so don’t feel too rushed to get there at a certain time.
For the full guide on everything you need to know about Tibumana Waterfall, click here.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall is yet another Ubud waterfall that we (and many others) are in love with!
It’s absolutely gorgeous and extremely Instagrammable, so be sure to bring that DSLR and take advantage of all the incredible photography opportunities you’re given at Tegenungan Waterfall.
While it doesn’t exactly scream Ubud off the beaten track, it is a crowd favorite and one of the best things to do in Ubud Bali that you won’t want to miss out on.
Just a fair warning, Tegenungan Waterfall is quite touristy so you may want to get there early to avoid the crowds.
In terms of accessibility, Tegenungan Waterfall is probably the easiest to get to out of all the Ubud waterfalls, hence why it’s also the most tourist-heavy, so if you’re strapped for time and want a quick and easy adventure to a very pretty waterfall, Tegenungan Waterfall is your guy.
Click here for our complete guide on Visiting Ubud’s Tegenungan Waterfall!
Ubud Monkey Forest
One of the best things to do in Ubud Bali (and also one of the most exciting) is visiting the Monkey Forest!
Seeing the monkeys and observing the way they act is of the most fun things to do in Ubud, but...just remember, while the monkeys may look cute, they sure are feisty and they will bite if you get too close. So be careful!
If they come up to you on their own or you feed them bananas then you’ll be fine, but if you get too close especially to the babies, the mothers will come for you.
Pro Tip
If you are eating, have candy on you, or even an empty candy wrapper, these monkeys will come up to you and try to take it from you.This also goes for jewelry, sunglasses, or anything shiny. Leave your shiny belongings in your bags while visiting the monkey forest, because if they take it, you best believe you’re never getting it back!
Read our ultimate guide on visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest here!
Art Market
Get your barter on, people!
This is the part of your Bali backpacking trip where you will buy all your souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones back at home!
The Ubud Art Markets are filled with all sorts of clothing, souvenirs, bags, shoes, anything you want, they’ve got it.
There’s always room for bartering at the markets in Bali, and the best part about it is if you and the vendor can’t come to an agreement on price, you can just move on to the next vendor because they all sell the same products.
Tirta Empul Water Temple
Tirta Empul is Bali’s sacred pool of purification that is said to have curative properties, hence why it’s one of the best things to do in Ubud. Anyone who visits this water temple and bathes in the water gets purified, in fact, the name itself translates to ‘holy water spring’ in Balinese.
It’s so sacred that even Barack Obama and his family visited Tirta Empul back in 2017.
The drive from Ubud to Tirta Empul takes 30-minutes, and you’ll have to wear a sarong upon entering the temple (just like any other temple in Indonesia requires you to do. You can rent a sarong at the entrance in exchange for a small donation.
The entire temple takes anywhere between 30-minutes to 1-hour to explore fully, so consider this a quick and simple activity to do during your Ubud itinerary. Whether you come to bathe in the fresh, purifying springs of Tirta Empul, or if you come to simply marvel at its beauty, it’s worth the visit.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
For something other than waterfalls and rice terraces, you might want to consider visiting Campuhan Ridge Walk.
It’s a relaxing 2km walk with pretty views and in my opinion, a photography opportunity. Don’t expect an intense hike whatsoever, as Campuhan Ridge Walk is just that… a walk.
It’s one of the best things to do in Ubud that offers the tranquility that Ubud is so well known for.
It’s located near the main road in Ubud, so you won’t have to travel far to get there.
Puri Saren Palace
If you’re wondering why Puri Saren Palace is one of the best things to do in Ubud, it’s because it is the palace of the Ubud royal family.
Apart from experiencing the history of Ubud, this is where the locals perform traditional dances each night at 7pm.
It’s also located in the center of Ubud (right next to the Ubud Art Market), so you won’t have to venture far to find Pure Saren Palace. For some history in the magic of Ubud, definitely check out Puri Saren Palace.
Gianyar Night Market
Yes, eating at 5-star restaurants that overlook the views of Ubud is one thing, but eating at the Gianyar Night Market’s is a completely different experience that everyone needs to see and do for themselves.
You’d be foolish to visit Bali and not try out the local cuisine… it’s delicious!
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