If you’re wondering where in Bali, besides its vibrant beaches, is most popular among international and Indonesian tourists? One answer is Ubud. I’m sure you’ve heard of Ubud’s tourist spots and seen various articles about its tours and activities. Are you interested in vacationing in Ubud? If so, before planning your trip, I recommend reading this article thoroughly! We provide a comprehensive travel guide and tips for Ubud.
The Charm of Ubud
Natural Beauty
Ubud is renowned for its natural beauty, nestled between rice fields and forested areas, surrounded by river gorges. In Ubud, you can enjoy lush hillsides, terraced rice fields, waterfalls, and pristine river landscapes.
Art and Culture
Beyond its natural beauty, Ubud is also famous for its Balinese art and culture. Most local residents in Ubud are artists, including painters, craftsmen, and dance artists. Along the streets of Ubud, you can easily find galleries, wood carving, and stone carving shops. Additionally, Ubud hosts many museums, art galleries, and souvenir shops selling local handicrafts.
Daily Balinese dance performances can be found in various parts of Ubud. Moreover, Ubud is home to numerous Balinese Hindu temples and beautiful palaces.
Diverse Accommodation Options
Ubud’s tourism industry is supported by a comprehensive range of accommodations, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. No matter your budget, you can find suitable lodging in Ubud. Check out the following Ubud accommodation recommendations:
- Bali Ubud Accommodation: 28 Unique Stays to Experience the Magical Journey Amidst Bali’s Mountain Scenery!
- Explore 9 Breathtaking Tree House/Bamboo Villa Stays in Ubud
- Ubud Accommodation Recommendations: Private Pool Villas - 20 Stunning Bali Villas in Ubud
- Ubud Yoga Accommodation Recommendations: 10 Dreamy Options Combining Yoga Classes and Relaxation
Ubud’s Culinary Scene
A travel destination is incomplete without diverse dining options! Currently, Ubud has become another culinary hotspot in Bali, following Seminyak. In Ubud, whether you’re craving Indonesian cuisine, Balinese specialties, or Western dishes, you can easily find a restaurant to suit your taste. Additionally, Ubud is renowned for its cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular gathering spot.
Refer to the introductions in the Ubud Guide Map.
Distances and Travel Times
Distance from Bali Airport to Ubud
Bali has only one international airport, Ngurah Rai International Airport. If you’re traveling from Ngurah Rai Airport to central Ubud, the distance is approximately 40 kilometers, with a driving time of about one and a half to two and a half hours.
If you’re staying in the Seminyak area, traveling to central Ubud is about 32 kilometers, with an average driving time of 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
However, given the increasingly severe traffic congestion, it’s advisable to allow extra buffer time for your journey!
Best Ways to Get Around Ubud
Understanding the best transportation options is an essential part of vacation planning, so what are the best ways to get around Ubud?
Transportation in Ubud is similar to other areas in Bali, with no proper public transit system. The only options are private vehicles. Therefore, the best ways to get around Ubud are by hiring a private car or renting a scooter.
Scooter – Ubud Transportation Guide
Scooters are the most widely used mode of transportation in Bali, including the Ubud area. Most Balinese people choose to ride scooters for their daily commutes. If you’re interested in riding a scooter during your Ubud vacation, you can easily find scooter rental services.
Simply search ‘Bali scooter rental’ on Google, and you’ll find rental services near your accommodation. You can also request the rental service to deliver the scooter to your hotel. Rental prices depend on the scooter model and rental duration, with longer rentals offering cheaper rates. Fuel is not included! So remember to fill up before long trips.
Additionally, an international driver’s license is required to ride a scooter. You can obtain one in your home country or in Bali. Note that helmets must be worn at all times while riding in Bali, and be aware that traffic drives on the left, opposite to Taiwan. If you’re unsure about the traffic conditions, consider alternative transportation options.
For more on scooter rentals, check out: Bali Scooter Rental Guide! Should You Rent a Scooter or Hire a Private Car?
Private Car – Ubud Transportation Guide
If you prefer traveling by car, there are two main options for getting around central Ubud.
Private Car with Driver Finding a self-drive rental car in Ubud can be challenging. Parking spaces in central Ubud are extremely limited, and no-parking signs are everywhere. If you want to avoid the hassle of finding parking, don’t want to drive yourself, and wish to explore areas beyond Ubud, we recommend renting a car with a driver (private car service).
- About private car services: Complete Guide to Bali Private Car Tours - Costs, Booking Methods, and Advantages
Ubud Tour Packages Some travelers prefer not to arrange everything themselves and opt for Bali tour packages. These packages take care of everything, including a private guide, transportation, itinerary planning, attraction tickets, and delicious meals—all in one!
Here are some highly-rated Ubud tour packages:
Ubud Tour Package Itineraries
- Ubud Highlights Private Day Tour
- Mount Batur 4WD Jeep Sunrise Tour (Includes Photographer)
- Ubud Highlights & Lempuyang Temple Sunset Private Tour
- Ubud ATV Quad Bike Ride & Rafting (Includes Lunch and Optional Activities)
- All-Inclusive Ubud Day Tour (Includes Traditional Bali Costume and Photographer)
Top 20 Attractions and Activities in Ubud
If it’s your first time in Ubud, these 20 attractions/activities will ensure your holiday is unforgettable:
1. Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s must-visit attractions, located within a protected forest area filled with lush trees and long-tailed macaques. Inside the forest, you’ll find the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, a Balinese Hindu temple. While the wild monkeys can be dangerous, following the park’s rules—such as staying calm, avoiding running, and not making direct eye contact with male monkeys—will ensure your safety. The recommended visiting time is about 1.5 hours.
Book Your Trip:
- Discounted Monkey Forest Tickets
- Monkey Forest, Art Village, Traditional Market & Kecak Fire Dance Private Day Tour
2. Ayung River Rafting
Rafting is an exciting activity in Ubud
The Ayung River in Ubud is one of Bali’s famous rafting spots, ideal for families and leisure travelers. For a more challenging rafting experience, consider Telaga Waja River in Karangasem. Check out the Bali Rafting Guide (FAQ) for more details.
Book Rafting Activities:
3. Taman Saraswati Temple (Ubud Water Palace)
This temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, and features a lotus pond at its entrance surrounded by beautiful Balinese carvings. Every evening, Balinese dance performances are held here.
4. Watch a Kecak Dance Performance
Ubud is a great place to watch Balinese dance performances. The Kecak Fire Dance takes place on Tuesdays and Sundays from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, while performances at Ubud Palace are held every Thursday. Tickets cost IDR 100,000 per person. You can book discounted tickets in advance through Klook.
Performance Ticket Booking:
- Ubud Kecak & Fire Dance Show Tickets
- Ubud Palace Puri Agung Peliatan Kecak & Fire Dance Show Tickets
5. Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
The Agung Rai Museum of Art is built on undulating terrain and features Balinese-style garden designs, including lotus ponds and orchid plants. This is a place in Ubud that’s worth visiting at least once, with an impressive collection of Balinese-style art. Highly recommended. Although the entrance fee isn’t cheap, it’s worth stopping by once. You may even have the chance to see artists at work. Opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with tickets priced at IDR 150,000 per person.
6. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are one of Ubud’s famous terraced fields, offering spectacular scenery perfect for capturing beautiful photos. There are many cafes nearby where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the view.
Book a Day Tour:
Tegalalang Tis Cafe & Mount Batur Jeep & Waterfalls Tour Ubud Waterfalls & Goa Gajah & Tirta Empul Temple & Tegalalang Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Tour
7. Goa Gajah Temple
Goa Gajah is an ancient temple in Bali, but don’t expect to find elephants here! The intricate carvings and unique cave designs make it a must-visit for archaeology and history enthusiasts. Open daily from 08:00-17:00.
Book a day tour:
Central Bali Day Tour: Tegalalang Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest & Goa Gajah
8. Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul Temple is famous for its natural spring water that flows through the temple, creating a clear freshwater source. Visitors must wear sarongs and sashes to enter the temple, which can be rented at the entrance. Check out The Complete Guide to Tirta Empul Temple: Bali’s Most Sacred Purification Water Temple
Book a day tour:
Tirta Empul Temple Purification & Ubud Exploration Tour
9. Gunung Kawi Cliff Temple
The Rock Temple is an ancient temple built on a cliff, surrounded by beautiful scenery and the soothing sounds of the Paklisan River. It is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Book your tour:
10. Omma Dayclub
Omma Dayclub is renowned for its stunning waterfall views. The waterfall, approximately 30 meters high, can be admired from the club’s terrace or the riverside pool, offering a breathtaking sight up close.
11. D’Tukad River Club
D’Tukad River Club is a day club located at the top of Tegenungan Waterfall, combining treehouse concepts with awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Here, you can enjoy thrilling swings and pools. D’Tukad offers a 360-degree view of the waterfall, allowing you to dine while marveling at the majestic flow and grandeur of nature.
Book a day tour:
12. Wanna Jungle Pool & Bar
Wanna Jungle Pool & Bar is a newly opened day club in Ubud, famous for its unique three-tiered infinity pool. Here, you can swim in the refreshing water, immerse yourself in a tropical relaxing atmosphere, and blend into the lush forest and iconic infinity pool. It’s definitely a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos, filling your social media with the unique charm of Ubud.
13. Visit Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran Village is one of the most well-preserved traditional communities in Bali. Its charm lies in the well-maintained traditional architecture and unique lifestyle. The village’s long streets and ancient houses embody the rich Balinese culture, making you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to an ancient Balinese community.
Klook Special Offers
- Bali Penglipuran Village & Kanto Lampo Waterfall Day Tour
- Penglipuran Village Day Tour (Includes Free Cooking Class)
- Bali Penglipuran Village, Ubud, Nature & Temple Day Tour
14. Cretya Ubud
Cretya Ubud is a luxurious day club in the Ubud area, featuring a distinctive three-tiered pool facing the lush Tegallalang Rice Terraces, offering stunning views.
Cretya Ubud is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM. The entrance fee for adults is 250,000 IDR.
15. Ubud Royal Palace
The Ubud Royal Palace is located on the main road of Ubud, near the Ubud Art Market and Ubud Water Palace. Watch the video above as Jay takes you on a tour around Ubud town.
16. Ubud Art Market
The Ubud Art Market is a great place to buy Balinese handicrafts, including woven bags, baskets, and other handmade items. The market is close to the Ubud Royal Palace and is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Further Reading: Complete Guide to Ubud’s Top Five Art Markets: Souvenirs, Gifts, and Balinese Cultural Treasures
17. Campuhan Ridge Walk
Easily accessible by foot from the Ubud Royal Palace, the Campuhan Ridge Walk, also known as the ‘Ubud Skywalk,’ is a hidden gem near the heart of Ubud. It offers tranquility and stunning natural scenery. This trail runs along a ridge, providing breathtaking 360-degree views and a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
How to get to the Skywalk? How much time does it take? What’s the best time to visit? Check out Jay’s detailed guide for more information.
18. Ubud Swing
The Ubud Swing is a popular activity for Instagram-worthy photos. While there are many places in Bali to enjoy swinging, Ubud is the most famous.
Check out Swinging in Ubud: Bali’s 8 Most Beautiful Swing Photo Spots | Ubud Swings & Dress Rental Guide
19 Waterfall Hunting
The Ubud area is renowned not only for its culture and art but also for its breathtaking natural landscapes, with waterfalls being a must-visit attraction. The three most famous waterfalls near Ubud are Tegenungan Waterfall, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, and Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Check out this guide to the three most famous waterfalls around Ubud.
Waterfalls are ideal for exploring the beauty of nature or capturing stunning Instagram photos. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and wander along trails through lush green jungles, as if entering a mysterious hidden world. Standing in front of a waterfall, the splashing water and rushing currents make you feel the awe-inspiring power of nature.
Book a day tour:
- Hidden Canyon & Tegenungan Waterfall Adventure Day Tour
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall Day Tour & Jungle Swing
- Penglipuran Village & Kanto Lampo Waterfall Day Tour
20 ATV Riding
Want to explore Ubud’s natural beauty at a faster pace? Riding an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) is a thrilling and challenging option. Ubud’s ATV tours typically take you through tropical rainforests, rivers, tunnels, and rugged mountain areas, immersing you in an exciting adventure. This high-speed way of traversing nature allows you to experience Ubud’s diverse landscapes in a short time, making it a favorite among adventurers. Check out Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure: Feel the Thrill and Freedom of a Tropical Paradise (Reminders + FAQ + Operator Recommendations)
Book a tour:
- ATV Adventure Through Bamboo Forests, Caves, and Waterfalls
- ATV Off-Road Tour (Photographer Optional)
- ATV + Rafting (Includes Lunch)
The 20 attractions and activities introduced above make up Ubud’s rich and diverse travel experience. Whether you love natural landscapes, cultural arts, or adventurous activities, Ubud has something for everyone.
For those who need a map, please refer to: “Ubud Guide Map”
Hope this list helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Ubud!
If it’s not your first visit and you want to explore Ubud more deeply, check out “Complete Ubud Guide: 100 Ways to Truly Experience Ubud” for an even more immersive Ubud adventure!
Further Reading: Bali Travel Tips: 32 Must-Know Tips for First-Time Visitors
Further Reading: Bali Travel Guide: 18 Common Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them
Further Reading: Perfect Seminyak Day Trip Guide: From Sunrise to Sunset
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