Ubud is one of our favorite places in Bali for travelers who want to experience more than just beaches.

Surrounded by rice fields, tropical forests, temples, waterfalls, traditional villages, and local culture, Ubud offers a wonderful mix of culture, nature, adventure, and relaxation.

Whether you are traveling as a couple, with family, with friends, or simply looking for a more local side of Bali, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in and around Ubud.

1. Explore Ubud Palace & Ubud Town

Start your Ubud experience in the heart of town.

Visit Ubud Palace, explore the traditional market, browse local shops, and enjoy the cafés and restaurants around the area.

In the evening, you can also watch a traditional Balinese dance performance.

Best for: Culture lovers and first-time visitors.

2. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest

Walk through the beautiful forest, see the long-tailed macaques, and discover several traditional Balinese temples hidden among the trees.

It is an easy and fun stop for families and first-time visitors to Ubud.

Best for: Families, nature lovers, and first-time visitors.

3. Walk Through Tegalalang Rice Terrace

One of Bali's most famous landscapes, Tegalalang is a beautiful place to enjoy the green rice terraces and peaceful countryside.

Take a walk through the rice fields, enjoy a coffee with a view, or simply slow down and enjoy the scenery.

You can also combine your visit with a Bali Swing experience.

Best for: Couples, families, and photography lovers.

4. Enjoy a Bali Swing

Looking for something fun and memorable?

A Bali Swing is a popular experience around Ubud, especially for couples and families. Many locations offer beautiful views over rice fields, jungle, and tropical landscapes.

Best for: Couples, families, and friends.

5. Experience Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul is one of Bali's most important holy water temples.

You can learn about Balinese Hindu traditions, see the famous holy spring, and, if you wish, take part in the traditional purification ceremony with proper guidance.

It is a beautiful way to experience the spiritual side of Bali.

Best for: Culture lovers and travelers interested in local traditions.

6. Enjoy an Elephant Experience

For families and animal lovers, an elephant experience can be a memorable addition to your Ubud trip.

Depending on the location, you can observe the elephants, learn about their care, and enjoy an educational experience surrounded by tropical nature.

We recommend choosing a facility that places animal welfare and responsible care first.

Best for: Families, couples, and animal lovers.

7. Discover Ubud's Waterfalls

Ubud and the surrounding areas are home to several beautiful waterfalls, each with its own character.

Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the easiest to visit and a popular choice for first-time visitors.

Tibumana Waterfall offers a more peaceful atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall is known for its unique rock formations and flowing water, making it a favorite spot for photography.

Other waterfalls such as Suwat Waterfall and Goa Rang Reng Waterfall can also be considered depending on your interests, available time, and walking ability.

Best for: Nature lovers, couples, families, and photography lovers.

8. Try an ATV Adventure

For something more exciting, jump on an ATV and explore the countryside.

Depending on the route, you can ride through villages, rice fields, jungle paths, rivers, and muddy tracks.

It is a fun way to see a different side of Bali.

Best for: Couples, friends, and adventure lovers.

9. Experience a Jeep Sunrise Adventure

For an early-morning adventure, a Jeep Sunrise experience is a great way to see Bali from a different perspective.

Start before sunrise and travel by 4WD Jeep through the countryside while the morning light slowly appears over the landscape.

Depending on the route, you may enjoy views of mountains, forests, plantations, or rural villages.

For an extra special memory, some experiences also include drone footage, giving you beautiful aerial views of your adventure.

Best for: Couples, friends, photographers, and adventure lovers.

10. Go White-Water Rafting

The Ayung River is a great choice if you want to add some adventure to your Ubud trip.

Enjoy the river, tropical jungle, and beautiful scenery along the way.

Best for: Families with older children, couples, and adventure lovers.

11. Join a Balinese Cooking Class

Food is a big part of Balinese culture.

A cooking class gives you the chance to learn about local ingredients, spices, and traditional dishes—and of course, enjoy the food afterward.

Best for: Couples, families, and food lovers.

12. Enjoy a Traditional Balinese Dance

Watching a Balinese dance in the evening is a wonderful way to finish your day in Ubud.

The colorful costumes, traditional music, and storytelling through dance offer a glimpse into Bali's rich culture.

Best for: Everyone.

13. Explore Local Villages & Rice Fields

Sometimes the best experiences are away from the main tourist attractions.

Take a drive through the countryside, walk through the rice fields, visit a local village, or simply stop and enjoy the view.

This is a great way to experience the quieter and more authentic side of Bali.

Best for: Travelers who enjoy slow and local experiences.

14. Enjoy Balinese Coffee & Local Plantations

The countryside around Ubud is home to coffee, cocoa, spices, and other tropical plants.

Visit a local plantation, learn how Balinese coffee is produced, and enjoy a cup while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Best for: Coffee lovers, couples, and families.

15. Relax with a Balinese Spa

After a busy day exploring Ubud, a traditional Balinese massage is a great way to relax.

Whether you choose a simple local spa or a more luxurious wellness experience, it is a wonderful way to slow down and recharge.

Best for: Couples and wellness travelers.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Ubud?

We recommend 2–3 days in Ubud if you want to explore comfortably without rushing.

With 1 day, you can focus on the main highlights.

With 2 days, you can combine culture, nature, and adventure.

With 3 days, you have more time to enjoy Ubud at a slower pace, including local villages, food, spa experiences, and activities.

And remember—you don't need to visit everything.

Choose the experiences that match your interests and travel style.

Our Local Tip

Ubud may look close together on the map, but Bali traffic can make travel between attractions take longer than expected.

Instead of trying to visit too many places in one day, we recommend choosing a few experiences and enjoying them without rushing.

For example:

Culture: Tirta Empul → Ubud Palace → Balinese Dance

Nature: Tegalalang → Waterfall → Rice Fields

Adventure: ATV → Rafting → Waterfall

Family: Elephant Experience → Monkey Forest → Rice Terrace

Couples: Rice Terrace → Bali Swing → Spa → Dinner

A good Bali day is not about seeing the most places.

It's about enjoying the right places at the right pace.

Explore Ubud Your Way

At Fun Bali Holiday, we believe your Bali trip should feel personal.

Whether you want to explore temples and rice fields, enjoy adventure activities, experience local culture, or simply take things slowly, we can help create a private itinerary around what you enjoy.

Take the stress out of planning Bali.

We Make Bali Easy for You.

Tell us where you're staying, how many days you have, and what you'd like to experience.

We'll help you put together a comfortable and flexible Ubud itinerary.