Best Things To Do In Ubud, Bali Part I

Ubud is indeed ‘the cultural capital of Bali.’  Its location itself is very scenic. Amidst mountains and it is just about an hour from the airport. Ubud is the country home to Bali’s royal families too. There is so much to explore in Ubud Bali that you never really get time to think about things to Do in Ubud

And when we say cultural center, you can find here many museums, antique stores, shops selling handicrafts, woodcarvings, local textiles, clothing, paintings, and jewelry. This has made visiting and staying in Ubud as one of the best things to do in Bali.

It is also home to some local, traditional dance forms and many temples reside here. And a holiday in Ubud in Bali is complete and caters to everyone’s interests, as there are top things to do in Bali for everyone here. Check out our curated list of what you can do in Ubud, Bali!

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Some interesting things to do in Ubud

1. Visit the Eco-friendly Green Village

A jewelry designer, John Hardy designed the Green Village in 2006. Here you can find some beautifully designed luxury bamboo houses and mansions that seem to blend very well with the surroundings.

Among things to do in Ubud, this place makes for an interesting tour and you can also visit the bamboo factory and see how it is all made.

If you have some time, and want to try your hand at something, then visit the workshops, the carpentry classes, or try some gardening and learn about permaculture.

And if you are all impressed and want to spend more time here, you can even rent one of these homes and enjoy the experience.

2. Visit the enchanting Tegenungan Waterfall

The Tegenungan Waterfall is a good 30-minute drive from the Ubud city center. The waterfall feels like straight out of a postcard and this has made it as one of the best things to do in Ubud. The scenic beauty, the greenery and the gushing water is very enchanting. There’s a temple and bathing spot too nearby. And it should be on your list of must-visit places while in Ubud.

While here, the Hidden Canyon can also be visited but it is best to visit here with a local guide as you are not familiar with the area and you have to walk between rocks and waist-high water too.

3. Visit the Botanic Garden in Ubud

In the heart of Ubud is the famed 14acre Botanic Garden. It is modeled on the lines of the Royal Garden in Berlin but with a Balinese touch. It was designed by a German journalist, Stefan Reisner. The landscape is very beautiful and you will find greenhouses, children’s play area, and some thematic areas within the Garden.

4. Go trekking on the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Campuhan Ridge Walk is a little away from town. But it is a not miss! The place is very scenically beautiful and is surrounded by lush greenery, hills, and a valley. You can either choose to trek or walk the 2km stretch. The start point of the trek is the Gunung Lebah Temple. Keep in mind, to carry enough water and since there’s not much shade, reach here either early at sunrise or at sunset, as the sun can be unbearable.

5. Must-see the Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Ubud is very famous for its strikingly beautiful rice fields! And among the best things to do in Ubud is to visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. It is a 30-minute drive from the North of Ubud Bali. It is located on the side of a hill, surrounded by a valley and coconut trees.

For a true local experience, head here and take a leisurely walk. You can watch the locals working in the fields, and the beauty and surroundings are so relaxing that you will be happy that you made a visit here!

6. Visit the Heron village - Petulu

Every day at sunset, thousands of herons flock in the small village of Petulu. Locals believe that these birds protect and watch over them. But it is a not to miss sight. It is believed that during peak season, at sunset, up to 20,000 herons gather here! And the best place to watch the birds would be at the Heron point in the South of the village. Overall a very nice, relaxing experience!

Go on a spiritual journey

1. Visit the Pura Taman Saraswati Temple

There’s a nice beautiful temple the Pura Taman Saraswati dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and art. And she is known as Dewi Saraswati here.

The temple features some exquisite carvings, and it is surrounded by fountains and a small pond filled with lotus blooms. It is believed that if you take a bath in the pond, Goddess Saraswati will give you some of her power. Hence, it occupies a place of distinction in things to do in Ubud.

During the evening hours, dance performances are held and the illuminated lighting makes the temple look very beautiful against the night sky.

It would be a good idea to wear the local Balinese dress while visiting here.

2. Visit Goa Gajah

Don’t miss visiting the Elephant Cave, or Goa Gajah as its known the Indonesian language. It is located in Bedulu village just outside Ubud. If you have to reach this 11th century cave, walk down a long flight of steps which takes you to a patio which is at the cave’s entrance. The silence and beauty is mesmerizing. And inside the cave you will find a place to meditate, a small temple and a lot of cave paintings. It is surrounded by a bathing pool and fountains too.

3. Pura Gunung Kawi

Pura Gunung Kawi is another 11th century temple located below a river valley. The temple is carved into a rock and it is close to the other famous temple the Tirta Empul and it is about a 30-minute drive from Ubud. It would be good to come here early to avoid the crowds.

4. Tirta Empul Water Temple

This is a unique water temple that is close to the Gunung Kawi temple. The waters here are considered sacred and the local Balinese Hindus take a dip here every time they visit.

Get some Adventure in Ubud, Bali!

1. Explore the Ubud Monkey Forest

The Monkey Forest is a beautiful forest reserve that is filled with monkeys. If you ask any local here about what to do in Bali, the Monkey Forest will always find a reference.

The forest area is home to large banyan trees and three temples that date back to the 14th century. Locals believe that the monkeys guard the temples.

Be careful of your belongings because the monkeys may snatch them. And if you want to feed them bananas, do it carefully.

2. Go on a Bali Adventure Rafting

The Ayung River is the largest river in Bali and the river and the surroundings are very beautiful. And if you are feeling adventurous and want to experience some white water rafting here, then go on a 9.6km rafting which takes about 2 hours.

Shop till you drop!

If you want to shop for some local curios, and souvenirs while holidaying in Bali, Ubud is the place to buy. You can find great jewelry, clothes, yoga mats, and some nice decorative items on Goutama, Monkey Forest, and Hanoman roads.

If you are looking for cheap gift items and clothes that you can get on a bargain, the central market on Jalan Raya is good. If you want to try some unusual jams, then visit the Confiture de Bali on Goutama Street.

1. Visit Threads of Life Indonesian Textile Arts Center

Don’t miss visiting the Threads of Life Indonesian Textile Arts Center. It is a nice gallery for textiles and is run by a local charity known as the Threads of Life. The clothing is made from natural dyes and a special local weaving technique is used. They also retail local handicrafts and curio items too.

Liked Part I? Read Part II for more insights into Ubud https://holxo.com/blog/50/what-to-do-in-ubud-bali-part-ii/

Let us plan your Ubud holiday now! https://holxo.com/contact/