Start early at the rice terraces
The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is the postcard image of Ubud, with its stacked emerald paddies. Arrive at or before sunrise to beat both the heat and the tour buses, which roll in from around 9am. The nearby Tegallalang area also has the famous jungle swings if that appeals. For a quieter, less commercial alternative, the rice fields on the Campuhan Ridge Walk are free and best at dawn.
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a forested temple complex in the middle of Ubud, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques. It is genuinely atmospheric, with mossy statues and ancient banyans. Keep sunglasses, water bottles, and loose items zipped away, the monkeys are bold and will grab anything shiny or edible.
Chase a waterfall
Within a short drive of Ubud you can reach several waterfalls. Tegenungan is the closest and easiest but busy. Tibumana and Kanto Lampo are quieter and more photogenic. Go in the morning, bring a swimsuit, and expect a stair climb on the way back up.
Temples and culture
- Tirta Empul: A holy water temple where Balinese come for purification rituals. You can take part respectfully with a sarong and a guide's explanation.
- Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): An ancient rock-cut shrine just outside town.
- Saraswati Temple: A lotus-pond temple in the centre of Ubud, beautiful and free to view, with evening dance performances nearby.
Art, food, and markets
Ubud is Bali's art hub. Browse the Ubud Art Market for textiles and crafts (haggle politely), visit a painting or woodcarving village like Mas or Celuk, or take a Balinese cooking class that starts with a market tour. The town has an outstanding cafe and plant-based dining scene, plus traditional warungs for authentic, cheap local food.
Half-day trips from Ubud
With a driver for the day you can pair several sights: the rice terraces, a waterfall, and a temple make a classic loop. Further afield, Mount Batur sunrise treks start in the small hours from the Kintamani area, about an hour north, and are popular for the views over the caldera and lake.
Ubud anchors most Bali trips. See it in context in our 5-day Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu itinerary, and if you are arriving from the airport, the Denpasar airport to Ubud transfer guide covers the drive.
