Nestled in the heart of the island, Ubud will charm you with its stunning natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Ubud offers something for everyone. Here are seven of the best things to do in Ubud to help you plan your stay in this beautiful area.
- Monkey Forrest
- Rice Fields
- Visit a Scared Temple with Healing Powers
- Visit the Waterfalls
- Ubud Water Palace
- Mount Batur – Volcano Hike
- Shop at the Ubud Art Market
1
Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is a natural sanctuary home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques. This site is dedicated to preserving its natural beauty while promoting responsible tourism. The entrance fee of 50,000 IDR helps support the monkeys’ care and feeding.
The monkeys are free to roam as there are no enclosures; they choose to live here. They are divided into ten groups, and sometimes conflicts between the groups are inevitable. Remember, you’re a guest in their home, so be respectful. Avoid approaching them, as they might become aggressive. Although they are strong and can carry diseases, they are also clever. They even know how to open water bottles, so keep an eye on your belongings!
Taking Pictures with the Monkeys
Yes, you can take a picture with a monkey, but only with the help of a local worker. The monkeys are never forced to participate. The workers may offer cookies to entice the monkeys onto your lap for a photo. You don’t touch them; you simply let them sit on you. They’re usually indifferent to your presence and will leave as soon as the cookies run out.
It’s heartwarming to see how much respect and care the locals have for these monkeys. Seeing the monkey cemetery really touched me.
2
Rice Fields
If you’ve ever done a little research on Bali, you’ve likely seen pictures of its iconic rice fields. They’re incredibly popular for photography, and the most famous one is the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Here, multiple layers of rice fields stretch across the hills, framed by Bali’s magnificent jungles.
Always stay on the designated paths, as these are active farming areas, and you wouldn’t want to disrupt the workers.
3
Visit a Sacred Temple with Healing Powers
Pura Tirta Empul is a beautiful temple known for its sacred spring, believed to have healing powers. It’s very popular among locals, who come to bathe in the pools for purification. If you want to join this important ritual, the entrance fee is 50,000 IDR, and you’ll be warmly welcomed.
For a less crowded experience, consider visiting Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu. That’s where I went, and I witnessed people cleansing in the pools as well.
4
Visit the Waterfalls
Ubud is home to numerous stunning waterfalls, but there were too many for me to explore during my stay. However, I can share my favorite—Gembleng Waterfall. I hope to explore more on my next trip to Bali!
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5
Ubud Water Palace
Located in the center of Ubud, the Ubud Water Palace, also known as Saraswati Temple, is a captivating site. Explore the beautiful grounds and don’t forget to bring your camera.
6
Mount Batur – Volcano Hike
Hiking to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, is a popular and exciting activity in Ubud. Most people prefer to hike for the sunrise, which means starting very early. Hiring a local guide is required for this hike. I recommend booking your tour in advance, as there are various packages available to suit different needs and desires. The hike to the top takes roughly two hours. It’s not an easy hike, so make sure you’re on time, or you might miss the sunrise.
Ride to the Top
If you’re worried about making it to the top in time, there are motorbikes that offer rides up for a fee. Prices can vary, but expect to pay around 400,000 IDR.
Temperature
The humidity level is very high, and there’s a chance you might only see fog at the summit. Unfortunately, that’s what happened to my friends and I. Despite this, we still enjoyed the experience. If you encounter fog, try to wait it out, sometimes the sky clears, and you can get better views and photos. I wish we had been more patient!
What to Bring/Wear
The hike is done in the dark, so it can be quite cold if you’re only wearing shorts and a tank top. Wear good shoes, and bring a day backpack with plenty of water, snacks for energy, a jacket, and maybe even some toilet paper, as the facilities along the hike are basic at best.
7
Shop at the Ubud Art Market
The Ubud Art Market is a great place to pick up a souvenir for your home. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s still fun to browse the art and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the best activities in Ubud, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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