Things to do in Ubud
Ubud is Bali's spiritual and artistic heart, offering rice terraces, ancient temples, and world-class wellness at prices that feel almost absurd, a full day of activities, food, and a beautiful guesthouse can cost less than a single cocktail back home.
Why go to Ubud
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Iconic UNESCO-listed stepped paddies glowing emerald green at sunrise, free to walk alongside for stunning photos.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Ancient jungle temple complex populated by hundreds of wild macaques, genuinely wild and unforgettable.
Tirta Empul Temple
A living Hindu holy site where Balinese pilgrims purify themselves in sacred spring pools you can enter yourself.
Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung)
A working royal palace at the city's center hosting nightly traditional Kecak and Legong dance performances.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
A pre-dawn climb up an active volcano rewards you with a cloud-level sunrise over Lake Batur and Lombok beyond.
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Good to know in Ubud
- Transit: Rent a scooter for $5-7/day to reach distant temples and terraces, taxis and Grab apps are available but significantly more expensive for multiple stops.
- Tipping: Not traditionally expected but appreciated; rounding up or leaving $0.50-1 at warungs and $1-2 for guides is well-received.
- Tap water: Never drink tap water in Ubud, buy large 5L refill gallons from minimarkets for $0.50 rather than expensive small bottles.
- Free-entry days: Many outer temple grounds are free; major sites like Tirta Empul charge ~$2-3, but arriving at opening time (7am) avoids crowds and any informal 'guide' pressure.
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