UBUD ART MARKET FUN THINGS TO DO IN UBUD, BALI
16 Fun Things to do in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, located in the island’s center, surrounded by lush jungles, green rice terraces, iconic sacred temples, majestic waterfalls, and the breathtaking Mount Batur volcano. There are many fun things to do in Ubud, you can swim in natural pools beneath tall waterfalls or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the stunning natural scenery, visit sacred water temples or shop at colorful markets, explore Balinese culture or relax at bamboo eco-retreats.
Ubud is home to many historical museums and galleries, unique traditions, and handmade handicrafts. The serenity, creativity and spirituality that commingles with the people who live in this town, becomes the center of tourist attractions that will give you incredible cultural and spiritual experiences. Ubud is also an ideal base for exploring other amazing places like the majestic Mount Batur, surfing hub Canggu or beautiful mountains of Munduk.
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things to do

1. Explore the Ubud Palace

When visiting Ubud, one of the places you must make a stop at, is the Ubud Royal Palace. Situated in the heart of downtown Ubud, this modest palace has been the residence of Ubud’s royal family since the late 19th century. Today, it serves as both a museum and a hub for traditional Balinese arts. 
The Ubud Palace, located just a 2-minute walk from the Ubud Art Market, is free to enter and open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you want to dive deeper into Balinese culture, the palace also hosts traditional Balinese dance performances every evening starting at 7:30 PM, lasting about 1.5 hours. These evening dance shows are one of the most popular attractions in Bali. The palace itself is an old, charming complex with intricate carvings and a lovely courtyard, though it’s relatively small and can be explored in about 10 – 15 minutes.

2. Shop at the Ubud Art Market

Another fun thing to do in Ubud is to shop at the Ubud Art Market. This colorful vibrant place is located just 2 minutes away from the Ubud Palace so you can easily walk there after exploring the palace complex. The Ubud Art Market offers many stalls of beautiful souvenirs, wall arts, bracelets, earrings, dreamcatchers, paintings, statues, wallets, handbags, and dresses and shirts from beautiful Balinese fabrics. It is a feast for the eyes and a perfect place to get a beautiful souvenir from Bali or some presents for loved ones. The Ubud Art Market opens at 9 am.

3. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Experiencing the tranquility of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is among the top things to do on our 16 fun things to do in Ubud list. Located in the center of Ubud town, few minutes walk from Ubud Art Market, this beautiful rainforest park is home to many monkeys roaming free around here.
The Sanctuary offers a lovely escape from the buzz of the town. You can spend a couple of hours walking in the shade of the forest’s ancient trees, and enjoy the serenity of this natural oasis full of beautiful temples, peaceful rivers, and hundreds of cheeky monkeys. It’s a wonderful opportunity to observe how the monkeys interact with one another in their natural surroundings. The entrance fee is 80,000 IDR (6 euro) on weekdays and 100,000 IDR on weekends (7.50 euro). 
There are no fences in the Monkey Forest, so the monkeys happily live here by choice. We got to watch them sleeping, climbing, eating, jumping playfully on each other’s back, mothers feeding their monkey babies… They were not interested in people. However, we saw monkeys in Thailand and Malaysia climbing on people to snatch their food and heard stories of monkey bites or stealing flashy objects, so just remember that they’re wild animals, and make sure you don’t carry food or drinks, don’t feed them, keep your belongings safely out of sight and follow the park’s rules. 

4. Shower under the Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Bali is known to have some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Indonesia offering an experience of the island’s natural beauty. Many of these stunning falls are located in the center of the island.  
The Kanto Lampo waterfall, located about 40 minutes outside of Ubud, is a huge, beautiful wall of water and a popular waterfall to climb and take pictures meditating or showering under its stream. Take your time here, jump in the water for a swim or relax under the falls. Since it’s a popular spot, it’s best to visit on a weekday when it’s less crowded.
From the parking lot, it’s only a 3-minute walk down, but the path can be slippery in some parts, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

5. Get a palm reading from Ketut's son from 'Eat Pray Love'

If you enjoyed the movie or book “EAT, PRAY, LOVE” – you will be thrilled to know that you can get a palm reading at the same place where Ketut Liyer – Balinese medicine man read Elizabet’s Gilbert’s palm, at his family home in Ubud. Parts of the movie where shot here and with the payout from the movie, Ketut was able to expand his property into a hotel. Today you can stay at their bed & breakfast, that is listed on booking.com under the name Liyer Spirit House. However it is not necessary to stay at the guesthouse to enjoy the palm reading session.
Sadly Ketut passed away in 2016 but his son (who was trained by his father) continues the family tradition. For 20 euro you get a 15 minute palm reading and for 40 euro it includes a healing too. A Balinese healing is a blessing ceremony for good luck and prosperity. During the ritual, you watch the medicine man chanting and praying. He sprinkles holy water on your head (three times) and gently places wet grains of rice on your forehead and throat because rice represents life in the Hindu culture. Before your turn to meet the healer, the assistant will wrap you in traditional long sarong and lead you to a porch to sit on a straw mat across from Ketut’s son Nyoman, a smiling sweet man who talks just the way Ketut did. 

6. Relax at the Tegenungan Waterfall

Another fun thing to do in Ubud is visiting Tegenungan Waterfall. This is the waterfall that is the closest to the Ubud town, located just a quick 15-minute drive away. This stunning 15-meter waterfall cascades over a cliff into a wide pool below. 
 This stunning 15-meter waterfall cascades over a cliff into a wide pool below. To reach it, you’ll need to descend a steep set of stairs, but once there, you can enjoy the refreshing spray and the lush, green surroundings. There are a few viewpoints around the waterfall offering a different look at the scenic beauty. Entrance to the waterfall is just 15,000 IDR (around 1 EUR)

7. Have fun at one of the Bali Swings

Swinging above the breathtaking rice terraces is totally one of the top fun things to do in Ubud. There are many swings to choose from and we picked the beautiful hillside paradise called Elas Harum, located right next to the Tegallalang Rice Fields, only 20 minutes away from central Ubud.
You can walk around the rice paddies in beautiful flowing dresses that are for rent here and take pictures at many gorgeous Instagram-able photo spots: bridges, statues and caves built into the hills, bamboo woven birds nest of every size and shape. Apart from various types of swings, the club offers also other adventurous activities like sky bike and zip line. There are restaurants and cafeteria where you can enjoy Luwak coffee and terraced pools for you to spend an awesome fun-filled day.

8. Take a Sunset walk at the Campuhan Ridge Trail

Around sunset, go on a beautiful hike along the Campuhan Ridge, a peaceful 2-kilometer trail near the heart of Ubud. It’s a great way to wrap up a day of exploring while enjoying panoramic views of the jungle-covered hills.
The trail starts at Campuhan Bridge, next to the Pura Gunung Lebah temple where two rivers meet, and leads you through lush landscapes, rice paddies, and charming villages. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors, with people walking their dogs, jogging or taking lovely pictures. It is free to walk the Campuhan Ridge trail.

9. Attend a purification Ritual at the Tirta Empul Temple 

Tirta Empul is a sacred Hindu temple complex most famous for its holy spring water pools and spiritual significance. Many visitors come here to immerse themselves in the waters as part of a cleansing ritual meant to purify the soul. The water here is believed to have healing powers. You don’t need to be a practicing Hindu to participate – anyone is welcome to experience the pools.
The temple itself is relatively small and can be explored in just a few minutes. However, how long you stay will depend on whether you decide to join in the purification ritual. If you do, sarongs are available for rent right on-site. After you dressed in sarongs you join the line and dip your head under the 30 different stations, moving from left to right.
The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water, and lies about half an hour from Ubud, near Tegallalang. Entrance to the temple costs 50,000 IDR (3,30 EUR).
The temple also organizes several ceremonies and festivals throughout the year, offering a glimpse into Balinese culture. We visited during the New Moon, which made it busier, as the purification ritual is believed to be five times more powerful during this time. Purifying our energy, body and soul was definitely one of the most fun things we did during our time in Ubud, Bali.
Rather than visiting Tirta Empul Temple separately, we added it to our itinerary for a full day trip along with Coffee Plantation, Campuhan Ridge Trail, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Penglipuran Village and Bamboo Forest. There are many options to combine multiple places of interest close to each other in half day or full day tour around Ubud. This saves you a lot of time and money as instead of driving to and back from each attraction separately, you can visit many places in one day. Here are some of the popular combinations.
The Yoga Barn is more than just a yoga studio – it’s a community hub in the heart of Ubud. Known as Indonesia’s top Yoga and Retreat Center, The Yoga Barn offers daily classes in yoga, dance, and meditation, along with holistic healing services like detox programs and Ayurveda treatments. With an organic vegetarian café, community events like sound healing and movie nights, and a cozy guesthouse, it’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge. The place is a pure sanctuary and a popular spot among nomads and visitors alike. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, the Yoga Barn has something for everyone.
Joining a yoga class, chilling at this awesome place, taking in the serenity of surrounding nature, listening to the water stream and enjoying their delicious cakes was one of my favorite pastimes in Ubud and makes the top of our 16 Fun Things to do in Ubud list.

11. Visit the Penglipuran Village and Bamboo Forest

Among one of the popular day trips and top fun things to do around Ubud is visiting the Penglipuran Village and the nearby Bamboo Forrest. The Penglipuran Village offers a great opportunity to experience traditional Balinese culture and observe the local life, traditional houses and beautiful Balinese architecture. The locals still follow the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, focusing on harmony with God, people, and nature. Known for its cleanliness and cultural charm, Penglipuran is one of the cleanest villages in the world and a great spot to see authentic Balinese life up close.
Right next to the village, you’ll find the Bamboo Forest, a 7-hectare area filled entirely with bamboo. The forest, with it’s peaceful atmosphere, is a great place to escape the heat, take a relaxing walk in the shade of the trees and capture some amazing photos. If you’re already checking out Penglipuran, the impressive Bamboo Forest is definitely worth a stroll!
For tours to Penglipuran Village and Bamboo Forest you can check here. There is plenty of time to add other locations like Coffee Plantation, Waterfalls or Campuhan Ridge Walk into the same day itinerary for a day trip around Ubud.

12. Taste Luwak Coffee at one of many Coffee plantations

Visiting a coffee plantation and tasting different types of coffee, including the famous Luwak coffee, is definitely one of the top fun things we did during our time in Ubud. Each and every one of the flavors was delicious. Sitting outside in the countryside and sipping on coffee tasters was one of the most enjoyable afternoons of our trip. 
There are many coffee plantations to choose from and upon visiting, you will learn the rich history of Bali’s coffee culture, discover the process of how they pick, sort, process, dry, strip, and package each coffee bean that comes their way and find out the secrets of the world’s most famous type of coffee – the Luwak coffee. 
It is popular to add a coffee tasting tour to a day tour itinerary around Ubud or as a stop on the way back from Mt. Batur volcano. 

13. Stay at a Bamboo House

For a truly unique and fun experience in Ubud, consider staying in a bamboo house. Ubud offers a wide range of accommodations, from tranquil retreats in the jungle to private villas with pools overlooking vibrant rice terraces. For something special, try a bamboo house nestled in the scenic heart of Bali. Staying in a bamboo house is an unforgettable experience and one of the top fun things to do in Ubud.
Whether you’re after a cozy, budget-friendly cabin or a spacious bamboo villa perfect for groups, there’s an option for everyone. Made entirely from natural materials, these bamboo houses provide the perfect escape from the business of Ubud town, letting you fully unwind in nature. You’ll enjoy open-air designs, beautiful natural details, and relaxing nets that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. Our top picks are: Eco six Bali, Bambu Indah and Ulaman Eco Luxury Retreat.

14. Join a Balinese Cooking Class

Learn more about the Balinese culture and the island’s traditional cooking methods by joining a cooking class. Indonesians have an incredibly delicious and unique cuisine, making it a must-try when visiting the country. Most of the cooking classes start with a visit to the local market, where you’ll pick up all the ingredients needed for the dishes you’ll be making later. The cooking class is a fun thing to do and a great opportunity to taste new, delicious, authentic dishes and learn how to prepare them. Many cooking classes offer a cook book of the dishes you prepared, so that you can recreate them and impress your family and friends with your new cooking skills when you get home.
You can book one of the many available cooking classes here.

15. Walk around the Tegalalang Rice terraces

Start your day early by visiting the mesmerizing Tegalalang Rice Terraces, one of Bali’s most magical valleys. The terraced rice fields stretch across the hillsides, surrounded by lush jungle. Located about 15 minutes north of Ubud, it’s a great spot to explore for an hour or two. You can wander through the different levels of green rice paddies and admire the stunning scenery.
If you arrive just after sunrise, you will find the fields bathed in soft, golden light, picture perfect setting to enjoy some peace and quiet.  But even if you can’t make it by sunrise, I suggest getting there before 10 AM to beat the crowds. The entrance is easy to find along the roadside, from there, you’ll walk down into the valley. Exploring the beautiful Tegalalang Rice Terraces makes our list of top 16 fun things to do in Ubud.

16. Hike the Sacred Mt. Batur Volcano

One of the most popular day trips from Ubud is the sunrise trek of the active volcano Mount Batur (1717 m). From the top we were rewarded with breathtaking sunrise views of another two volcanoes, Mt. Rinjani in Lombok and Mt. Agung in Bali towering over beautiful pink and orange clouds that floated above Bali’s green valleys and jungles. It was unforgettable!
The Mt. Batur hike is relatively easy but since you want to reach the top of the mountain before sunrise, you’ve got to wake up early and hike in the dark. Most tour companies will pick you up from Ubud around 2 AM. This leaves plenty of time to drive to the trail’s starting point and trek up the mountain for sunrise. Depending on your fitness level, reaching the summit takes about 2 – 3 hours.
It’s required to hire a local guide or to book a tour to trek up the mountain. Although it’s generally very safe (the last eruption was over 23 years ago) and easy hike, a tour guide takes all the hassle out of the experience. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation, provide torches and headlights, guide you throught the 2 – 3 hour long hike in the dark and share their local knowledge.
Our guide was like a mountain goat and we arrived to the top well before sunrise. He cooked us eggs for breakfast in the volcanic steam and we sipped hot chocolate, wrapped in a blanket, while taking in the nature’s magnificent misty morning scene.
Bring extra T-shirts to change your sweaty ones into dry ones after the hike, and some warm layers, as it gets windy and chilly at the top, and the blankets are only available for hire. Make sure you also bring good hiking shoes, plenty of water and some snacks. After the hike you can chill and relax your muscles in one of the hot springs that are usually included in the tour package price.
Check out some of the Mt. Batur sunrise trek tour options available here.
where to stay
There are some fantastic accommodation options in Ubud, from bamboo villas to lively hostels, from B&B to five-star resorts whatever your budget is.
how to get there
By plane – when visiting Bali, you will fly to Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is located on the southern tip of the island, close to Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu.
By ferry – If you are already traveling around Indonesia, you also have the option to take the ferry from Jakarta, Lombok, or the Gili Islands, among other places.

getting around Bali

Even though Bali is relatively small, and driving distances can look very short on the map, be aware that heavy traffic can increase traveling times significantly, especially during the high season in July and August.
Scooter/Motorbike – One of the easiest and most flexible ways to get around Bali is by motorbike. This is the best way to explore the island at your own pace, and you can make stops whenever you feel like it. You can rent a scooter for as little as 4 euro per day and the fuel in Bali is very cheap. The downside is that some roads aren’t in that good condition (although this is improving) and the streets can get very busy, especially during the high season. If you are not that confident on a scooter, you might prefer a different transport alternative to travel around Bali.
Hire a private driver – Hiring a private driver is very cost-effective, especially for a small group or a family with luggage. During your day trips or multi-day itineraries, the driver will wait for you at each place, and the price is set for the day, so there are no surprising hidden costs. We hired a driver for a day trip to explore Ubud, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple and Coffee Plantation and then again the same driver for the rest of our trips around Bali, to Mt. Batur, Canggu and Uluwatu. It is not rare that your driver will become your friend and you will end up having a contact person for your next trip in Bali. 
Grab – Grab is the best app ever for taxi and food delivery, we use it a lot, not just in Bali but around the whole South East Asia. It works like an Uber and you can book a taxi for much cheaper than you would pay for local taxi. You have the option to book a grab driver for 4 hours, 6 hours, or 10 hours at a really good price and send him the itinerary of places you want to visit. 
By bus – Public buses are popular among the locals and an extremely cheap way to get from A to B, with an hour’s journey costing around 2 EUR. However, if you are short on time, this isn’t the best option, as the schedules are a little unreliable. It will also take much longer than a scooter or taxi, and you may have to change several times to get to where you want to go.

 

best time to visit
The best time to visit Ubud, Bali is during the dry season between May and October, when the weather is best for sightseeing, surfing, chilling at the beach, snorkeling, and diving. April, May, September, and October are the best months, the weather is great, it is not the peak season yet and the rice fields are at their greenest and most vibrant. During the peak season of July and August it can get quite crowded and overpriced.
The wet season is much quieter, accommodation is cheaper, and the countryside is lush and beautiful. But be prepared for at least a few hours of rain a day.
travel Safety
Bali is generally a very safe place to visit and one of the safest destinations in Indonesia. However small petty crime, such as phone theft or pickpocketing can happen in the more touristy areas, so make sure you always watch your belongings.
Although a volcanic eruption in Bali is unlikely, check the local news or government website for warnings before planning to hike up Mount Batur. Always have a good travel insurance, it gives you a peace of mind and may also save you money in the long run if anything unexpected happens. 

 

bali visa
Most people will need a visa for Bali unless their country has a Visa Exemption Agreement. You can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) when you land at the airport, which is valid for 30 days and costs 500,000 IDR (~ 30 EUR). To avoid long queues at the airport, apply electronically at least 48 hours before you arrive.
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