• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Black Travel
  • Destinations
  • Travel Resources
  • Book
  • About
  • Contact
  • English
  • French
beenaroundtheworld-logo
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Black Travel
  • Destinations
  • Travel Resources
  • Book
  • About
  • Contact
  • English
  • French
beenaroundtheworld-logo

Things to do in Ubud

08/12/2020 by Roobens 7 Comments

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

My visit to Kuta in Bali didn’t go as planned. I was expecting a peaceful place, and I ended up with backpackers who were just thinking about getting shitfaced and having drugs. So I started wondering if it was going to be the same thing in Ubud, my next stop (in Bali as well). Fortunately, during my stay in Kuta, a few travelers reassured me “We arrive from Ubud. Don’t worry, Ubud has nooothing to do with Kuta. It’s a very quiet little town, where you can eat good food and pay almost nothing. The locals are relaxed there and the area is wonderful. We don’t like Kuta either and we won’t stay here for a long time. But we loved Ubud! You’re probably gonna like it, too!” Cool! Let’s find out all the beautiful things to do in Ubud!

ubud bali

Table of Contents

  • Description of Ubud
  • What to do in Ubud
    • Balinese dance show
    • The sacred monkey forest
    • Tegenungan Waterfall
    • Tegallalang Rice Terrace
    • Ubud Palace
    • Goa Gajah
    • The Blanco Renaissance Museum
    • Campuhan Ridge Walk
    • The Bali swing
    • Activities in Ubud
  • How to get to Ubud
  • How to get around in Ubud
  • Where to stay in Ubud
  • Ubud travel tips
    • Related Posts

Description of Ubud

All right! So I took a van from Kuta, to go to Ubud, and the least we can say is that Ubud is really quiet. So quiet compared to Kuta. It’s surprising, usually the cities next to the sea are relaxing, and the ones on the mainland are more lively. This time it’s clearly the other way around. There’s no beach in Ubud but the place is relaxing. No noise pollution, no drunk backpackers, no street with 50 very loud bars next to one another. That’s cool! It’s a bit more expensive than Kuta but don’t worry, here’s how to travel Bali on a budget!

tegenungan waterfall ubud bali

Ubud, that’s the Bali I wanted to see! It has to be part of your Bali itinerary! Once again, the cost of living is very low! The food is good. The locals are relaxed and live their lives. A lot of them greet me in the street. Ubud is also a place with wonderful landscapes : you cannot miss the rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see. But also all the beautiful temples there, and the monkeys wandering around, especially in the sacred monkey forest. There are restaurants serving local food all over the place, an art market, etc… Check what to eat in Bali! Otherwise Ubud is a paradise for those into yoga! There are yoga classes and retreats everywhere in the town! If you’re into yoga, here are the best yoga retreat destinations! Needless to say, Ubud is one of them!

ubud bali

What to do in Ubud

Balinese dance show

Every evening in Ubud, there’s a Balinese dance show. In fact, there are many shows all over the area. In some cases, you have to pay to attend the show, in other cases it’s free. Actually there are several types of Balinese dance : Barong, Topeng, Jegog, Janger, Tek Tok… Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to attend a Balinese dance show, I heard about them during my last day in Ubud and I was busy… Anyway, since Ubud is a lovely little town, I decided to rent a bicycle to explore Ubud and the surroundings!

ubud bali
To get around in Bali, you need to rent a scooter (or a bicycle!). You won’t go far by foot…

The sacred monkey forest

Several tourists didn’t dare to go there because they’re afraid, however it’s the main tourist attraction of Ubud : the sacred monkey forest. A forest in the heart of the city where hundreds of monkeys live in total freedom. Some of them are wandering around the forest, others sleep, sometimes they play, they run all over the place, they make noise… The monkeys there are not thiefs like the ones in the mount Popa in Myanmar. A monkey came up to me, jumped on my shoulder, and tried to open my bag. Do not panic, after some time, they just leave.

The monkeys were not aggressive with me, I even found they were nice. But later on the road, on top of Mount Kelimutu, I met an American girl who told me a monkey bit her face in this forest! She also told me “That same day, another monkey bit a 7-year-old girl’s index“. Apparently there are various bites several times per week but they don’t talk about it to not scare the tourists off (the forest brings them a lot of money!). Do not leave home without a travel insurance! It’s 50k rupees (3 euros) to get in.

sacred monkey forest ubud bali
In the sacred monkey forest

Tegenungan Waterfall

In the south of Ubud, do not miss Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the best Ubud waterfalls! Around the waterfall, you’ll see a few shops selling souvenirs and local art, some restaurants, otherwise just admire the view, it’s impressive! It’s 15k rupees to get in (one euro). You can get on top of the waterfall (blangsinga waterfalls). You’ll have to pay an extra 10k rupees (0.60€) to get there. In Bali, you can also visit the wonderful Munduk waterfalls.

tegenungan waterfall ubud bali
Tegenungan Waterfall
tegenungan waterfall ubud bali
Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Another place you cannot miss in Ubud : Tegallalang Rice Terrace, the rice fields you have to see in Ubud! Tegallalang Rice Terrace is located 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Ubud, and those rice fields are wonderful! It’s also possible to have a walk in the middle of the rice fields, but in some areas, the locals will ask for a donation. It’s reaaally hot there, come early to avoid the scorching heat and the crowd. And don’t forget to bring water! If needed, here’s a Tegallalang rice terrace guide!

tegallalang rice terrace ubud bali
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
tegallalang rice terrace ubud bali
Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Ubud Palace

If you can, you should see a famous Hindu temple : Puri Saren Agung, also called Ubud Palace. It was the official residence of the royal family of Ubud. Unfortunately, the palace was under construction when I was there, so we couldn’t get in. I decided to go to see another place just opposite to Ubud Palace called Saraswati Temple. This one is also beautiful, and it’s free to get in.

saraswati temple ubud bali
Saraswati Temple

Goa Gajah

You can also visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) and its menacing faces that are carved into the stone. They represent Hindu divinities. Funny peculiarity, women having their periods cannot visit the temple. Why? I don’t know… How do they check? Good question… Your legs have to be covered to visit the temple but don’t worry, they lend the visitors sarongs. That means you can ignore the local women claiming you have to pay a sarong to get in. It’s 15k rupees (one euro) to get in. In the temple, several locals will come up to you, asking if you need a guide for the visit. Needless to say, it’s not free, they charge 10 US dollars. Up to you…

goa gajah ubud bali
Goa Gajah
goa gajah ubud bali
Goa Gajah

The Blanco Renaissance Museum

There are other things to see in Ubud. You’re into art? Go to the Blanco Renaissance Museum, dedicated to Antonio Blanco, a painter who lived in Ubud for a long time.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

You can also enjoy Campuhan Ridge Walk. It’s an enjoyable walk, 2 kilometers long, where you can admire several rice fields. Some locals go jogging there (be careful, there are a few slopes!). If you stay in the area, here are the best day trips from Ubud!

campuhan ridge walk ubud bali
View from Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Bali swing

Finally, there’s a very popular place I didn’t go to : the Bali Swing. It’s located a few kilometers away from Ubud, and you can “have fun” on a swing, in front of the Balinese vegetation. The perfect place for a beautiful Instagram picture. Why didn’t I go there? Pay 35 euros (that’s a lot in Bali!) for a beautiful picture on a swing, no thanks! Yeah lunch is included, yeah they give you a lot of time to take your pictures on the swing, but it’s not worth the price. From what I heard, almost everyone there take 300 pictures in order to get THE perfect picture to publish on Instagram. No thanks…

bali swing ubud
The Bali swing. Credit : Pexels

Activities in Ubud

There are so many activities in Ubud! This list can help you out!

  • A full-day Instagram highlights tour in Bali. Click here for more info.
  • A mount Batur sunrise hike. Click here for more info.
  • A visit with a local guide. Click here for more info.
  • A rafting adventure! Click here for more info.
  • Explore the hidden canyon. Click here for more info.
  • A jungle swing private tour. Click here for more info.
  • A silver jewelry making class. Click here for more info.
  • A spa treatment. Click here for more info.
  • Enjoy a romantic dinner among the rice fields. Click here for more info.

Ubud is a small litlle town you cannot miss if you go to Bali. We’re far from the hustle and bustle of Kuta, and the town is enjoyable. A must see!

How to get to Ubud

If you come from abroad, you’ll have to get there by plane. Click here to check the latest flight prices. From Kuta, I paid 50k rupees (3 euros) my 2-hour-ride by van.

How to get around in Ubud

Most people rent a scooter, prices vary from 50 to 60k (3-3.50€) per day. I decided to rent a bicycle (to stay in shape!). It’s 30k rupees (2 euros) per day. By foot, apart from the monkey forest and the temples, you won’t see much…

Where to stay in Ubud

Here are many options regarding where to stay in Ubud. If you’re traveling on a budget, the Jero di Bisma Hostel is a good hostel. Click here to book your stay. Looking for a mid-range hotel? The Pratama House is a nice guesthouse! Click here to book your stay. If you prefer luxury hotels, you’re gonna like the Bisma Eight. Click here to book your stay. Otherwise click here to check what are the hotels available in Ubud.

Finally, if you prefer to stay in an apartment, click here to check the apartments available on Airbnb.

Ubud travel tips

  • Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
  • Wanna go to Indonesia? All Western countries can visit Indonesia without a visa for 30 days.
  • Do not go to Indonesia without a travel insurance! Here’s why buy travel insurance!
  • Likewise, if you go to Indonesia, you’ll have to provide proof of onward travel!
  • Want a tailor-made trip to Indonesia? Get a free quote here!
  • Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it! Here’s why use a VPN when traveling!
  • You won’t escape from Nasi Goreng, Indonesia’s signature dish : rice, egg, chicken and shrimps. By the way here’s an article about the best Indonesian food to try.
  • The laughing buddha bar is a nice place to have a drink!
  • Here’s a complete Bali travel guide for first timers!
  • Did you know? There are abandoned airplanes in Bali!
  • Here are the do’s and dont’s in Bali!

Sign up for exclusive updates in your e-mail address!

Related Posts

  • kuta baliKuta in Bali, you can skip it
  • iles giliGili Islands guide
  • volcan kelimutuVisiting Kelimutu National Park
Share42
Tweet
Pin256
298 Shares

Filed Under: Asia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anna says

    25/11/2018 at 11:44

    One day I will make it to Bali! I would love to see Tegallalang terraces, the temples and swing into the sky! Thank you for sharing as it only strengthens my wanderlust to visit!

    Reply
    • Roobens says

      25/11/2018 at 11:52

      I loved Ubud! Relaxing and beautiful! You should definitely go if you can!

      Reply
  2. Charlie | The Barefoot Angel says

    26/11/2018 at 18:52

    I can’t wait to visit Bali one day – Ubud is one of the top destinations on my list. Your photos are just beautiful and it looks like such an idyllic spot! Charlie xo

    Reply
    • Roobens says

      26/11/2018 at 22:53

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Nina | Lemons and Luggage says

    26/11/2018 at 20:00

    It looks so unbelievably breathtaking, wow!!!

    Reply
    • Roobens says

      26/11/2018 at 22:53

      Yes, it is 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

I wrote a book

About Me

profile

Blogger & Traveller

Hi! I'm Roobens, from Paris. Wanna know what it's like to travel in some areas of the world as a black person? There's not much info online about black travel, so follow my journey here!

About Me
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Sign Up For All the Latest Updates

Be the first to know about where I've been, special offers, and travel news.

Privacy policy

Search

Latest Blog Posts

instagram

Do it for the gram: thoughts about instagrammable places listicles

world peace

What’s the difference between an expatriate and an immigrant

proof of onward travel

Best ways to provide proof of onward travel

mauritius

What to do in Mauritius

tegallalang rice terrace ubud bali vols pas cher

Things to do in Ubud

As Seen On...

Hi, I'm Roobens

About-Roobens

Hi! I'm Roobens, from Paris. Wanna know what it's like to travel in some areas of the world as a black person? There's not much info online about black travel, so follow my journey here!

Sign Up for All the Latest Updates

Sign up for exclusive updates in your e-mail address!

© 2020 Been Around The Globe. • Privacy policy • Mentions légales • Disclaimer policy

  • English
  • Français
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok