Planning a trip to Bali? Here are things to do in Ubud that will make your vacation memorable.
Renowned for its epic natural beauty and authentic cuisine, Ubud is a hotspot on every Southeast Asian bucket list. Since it offers dotted waterfalls, exotic rice paddies, peaceful yoga retreats, bustling markets, and artistic hang-out spots, you quickly experience the best of both worlds.
Thus, in this 4-day itinerary, you will explore all this tropical paradise’s significant attractions and hidden gems. Don’t worry; the itinerary is curated in a way that it covers everything from navigating along the main sites followed by a guide to help you plan better. With that said, let’s dive right into the best bits!
Day1: Cover The In-City Attractions of Ubud
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Start your day early to enjoy a walk at Campuhan Ridge. This is one of the best things to do in Ubud, so try wearing something comfortable. This mellow hike introduces you to the mesmerizing beauty of Ubud.
You will get a scenic view of rice fields, green-lush hills, and a massive valley filled with palm trees and tropical foliage.
It will take approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete the whole trail. Make sure you carry sunscreen and ample water. Moreover, opt for a good hat to protect yourself from the heat. Your walk will conclude at Hilltop Cafe, where you catch your breath, indulge in a quiet meal, and re-energize.
Visit the Ubud Water Palace
After having your morning walk and meal at Campuhan Ridge, you can visit the Ubud Water Palace which is approx 700 mts away, where you can worship at the Saraswati Temple.
You will be stunned by the huge idols, intricate architecture, and a beautiful pond filled with lotus flowers.
Check Out The Ubud Palace
Also referred to as Puri Saren Agung, Ubud Palace is one of the iconic places to visit in Ubud. You will get familiar with the royal family’s routine and get a quick peek into the Balinese culture. You can get snaps of the complex yet beautiful architecture and stunning courtyards. You can buy tickets for the traditional dance show in the evening, which cost 100,000 IDR. It starts at 7:30 PM and goes on for 90 minutes.
Explore the Local Ubud Art Market
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Approx 1 km ahead will be the local Ubud Art Market.
Walking along the Jalan Raya road after visiting the temple, you can explore the traditional art market, where you will find several indigenous products of the local craftsmen and artisans. There are several shops where you can explore local handicrafts, clothes, bags, artwork, etc. It is the perfect place to buy souvenirs for your loved ones.
Stop at Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Covered by a dense jungle, the Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to three Hindu temples, tall trees, and several cheeky monkeys. Located in the center-heart of Ubud, visiting the place is one of the popular things to do in Ubud.
There is an entry fee of 80,000 IDR on weekdays and 100,000 IDR on weekends for adults. It goes down to 60,000 IDR on weekdays and 80,000 IDR on weekends for kids (3-12 years). It is a relaxing exit from all the noise and buzz of the town.
Day 2: Cover the Off-beat And Popular Ubud Waterfalls
Considering you will be tired your first day, we will rejuvenate today.
Explore Sumampan Waterfall
Managed by a local family, Sumampan Waterfall is an offbeat tourist attraction where you will get proper jungle vibes. Depending on the power of the water current, you can even enjoy a refreshing bath in the waterfall.
Besides this, there are several Balinese God stone carvings at the waterfall. It is best to visit the waterfall early and set a relaxing tone for the whole day. There is a donation box at the entrance where you can donate between 5000 to 10,000 IDR to aid the local family in properly maintaining the waterfall.
Visit the Uma Anyar Waterfall
Uma Anyar Waterfall is another hidden gem that is the perfect place to unwind and relax. This multilevel wonder is a perfect place to sit in the water stream, take a quick swim, and click some beautiful snaps.
It has recently opened for tourists, so you will not find massive crowds there. You can trek to the second level of the fall to sit on the top of it and click some pictures.
On the other hand, you can climb down the rocks to the base of the fall to enjoy a quick adventure. In short, it is a quiet place to enjoy with your loved ones and connect with nature.
Relaxing dip at Tegenungan Waterfall
Once you check out the local, less-crowded waterfalls, it is time to explore the majestic Tegenungan Waterfall. The waterfall is 15 meters high and features some stunning and picturesque scenes.
The water descends into a calm pool where you can enjoy a relaxing dip with your loved ones. If you are not interested in a swim, you can enjoy the soothing sound of rustling leaves and connect with nature.
The entrance fee for the waterfall is 20,000 IDR. The mornings are crisp, with quiet surroundings creating a serene ambiance, whereas the evenings are filled with the energy of fellow travelers with a vibrant atmosphere.
Shop at Celuk Village
Famous for its silver and gold handicrafts, Celuk Village is a must-go place for fashion lovers. Visiting the village and exploring the jewelry items is one of the popular things to do in Ubud.
Moreover, some art shops offer custom jewelry designs. Besides this, the market offers beautiful cultural symbols, models, and medals.
Note: You can also add or replace Tukad Cepung to the list but the aim to get back to the hotel early.
Day 3: Get ready for A Unique Mount Batur Trek
Watch Sunrise At Mount Batur, Kintamani
Mount Batur Trek is one of the best things to do In Ubud and add to your bucket list while visiting Bali. Start your day pretty early to reach the active volcano. It is located around 40 km in the Kintamani region. You can book a car to reach the destination. Ensure you hire a guide before starting the trek to explore the region properly.
The trek is challenging and requires 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the highest point. Once you reach the peak, you will enjoy picture-perfect views in every direction. Mind you, the whole trek is blessed with stunning views and scenery.
You can also opt for the Jeep Lava Tour, which we did.
Spiritual getaway at Tirta Empul Temple
While returning from the trek, stop at the sacred Tirta Empul Temple to purify your mind and soul by bathing in the holy spring. It is believed that the water at the temple is blessed by the God Indra.
The entrance fee of the temple is 50,000 IDR for adults and 25,000 IDR for kids(5-11 years). You can access it between 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time. If you wish to go through the purifying ritual, you have to pay 25,000 IDR extra.
Explore Tegalalang Rice Terraces and Swings
After worshiping at the temple, you can stop at Tegalalang Rice Terrace. It is home to cascading rice fields and a true gem for nature lovers. Get ready to witness the iconic views since the whole terrace is surrounded by lush green jungle and towering palm trees.
There are a plethora of paths that you can explore. However, you have to pay a donation of 10,000 IDR at every checkpoint to penetrate deep into the fields.
While exploring the emerald-green fields, you can enjoy sweet coconuts and opt for a stunning photo session at Aloha Ubud swing. You have to pay a little extra for the swing ride, but it will be an exceptional experience for your whole trip.
Enjoy a relaxing spa
After exploring the Mount Batur Trek and other attractions on the way, it is time to relax and pamper your body with a relaxing spa. It is a must-do thing to add to your Ubud vacation. Whether you wish to opt for a fancy spa session or a traditional Balinese massage, you can book a session at any of your desired resorts. Moreover, you can try several other body treatments to end the day on a relaxing note.
Day 4: A road trip to Lempuyang temple via Sidemen
Go To Lempuyang Temple (Gate Of Heaven)
Lempuyang Temple is a group of seven Hindu temples serving as the top-notch place to worship. Moreover, its enchanting beauty and mystic ambiance will keep your eyes and mind glued to the viewpoints of the temple.
The temple is a great spot for photo fanatics and spiritual seekers, and the site is pretty popular for its Gate of Heaven snaps. You can capture mesmerizing stills at the gate frames with the gorgeous backdrop of Mount Agung. The surreal view justifies its name as it serves as a stepping stone into the divine. However, you have to be patient with fellow tourists to capture an awestruck still.
The entrance fee for the temple is 100,000 IDR for every person. In the fee, you will get a professional photographer who will aid you in capturing your pitch-perfect photo. Moreover, you can pay 50,000 IDR extra to avail the benefits of the shuttle service to reach the top of the temple comfortably.
Whether you are traveling solo or planning a visit with your whole family, visiting Lempuyang Temple is one of the best things to do in Ubud.
Explore the Sidemen Region
While you go to the temple, you will cross Sidemena area.
Encircled by vast rice fields and hills, the Sidemen region is an excellent getaway to connect with nature and visit beautiful temples and roaring waterfalls. You will experience a slow and relaxing atmosphere with a warm welcome from the locals.
There are stunning backdrops to click some spectacular pictures to collect memories. You can even spend time in the rice fields with your loved ones.
Stop at Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga will allow you to dive into the rich and sacred Balinese culture. It is a majestic retreat for tourists, surrounded by clean and maintained lawns and gardens. Boasting a maze of koi ponds, fountains, and pools, this place turns out to be the best place to relax and cool off.
You can feed the fish in the koi pond with your hands. The prime attraction at Tirta Gangga is the 11-tier fountain, where you can click some beautiful photos with your loved ones. Besides this, there are several natural springs with crystal-clear water.
The entrance fee at Tirta Gangga is 50,000 IDR per adult and 15,000 IDR per child. Also, you have to pay extra for parking.
Other Things To Do In Ubud
Goa Gajah
Start your final day at Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Temple. You can explore the shrines and click some quick photos of lily ponds, sculptures, and other viewpoints. You can reach the location in 10 minutes from Ubud. The entry fee for the temple is 50,000 IDR per adult and 30,000 IDR per kid.
Helpful Guide To Plan Well Ahead
How to reach and explore Ubud?
Located in Central Bali, you can reach Ubud in an hour from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. There can be slight delays as the roads are busy with traffic. You can opt for a motorbike in Ubud to get around if you are an experienced driver. It is one of the cheapest ways to explore the place besides walking.
Besides this, you can book taxis or opt for a shuttle bus to get around and visit the popular tourist attractions located near the town.
What is the best time to visit Ubud?
The best time to visit the town is in the dry season, which starts in May and lasts till September. The peak season time frame lies between July and August.
The rainy season will commence in October and last till April. It is best to avoid this time frame due to high humidity and dense rainfalls.
Ubud is a truly magical place, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are interested in culture, nature, art, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, Ubud has it all.
Originally published here.
