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Bali is consistently voted one of the best islands in the world to visit; it is the epitome of the tropical island idyll with incredible beaches and beautiful scenery. But, if you are going to make the long journey to Bali, make sure you do it justice by spending at least a few days in Ubud and would could be more perfect than combing Ubud and a Bali Beach. The country’s cultural and spiritual heart is located amongst terraced rice paddies, dense forest and steep ravines, making it a truly magical area. Thanks to its elevated location in Bali’s central highlands, it’s also a few degrees cooler than the coast, offering a lovely escape from the more intense heat of the southern beaches.
The scenery around Ubud is stunning, with rice paddies, tropical forests, dramatic river gorges, and hidden waterfalls. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces just outside Ubud are one of the most popular ways to experience the great outdoors. Take a gentle guided walk through the bright green terraces that cascade down the hillside and learn about the traditional irrigation system, known as subak, that’s been used here for centuries.
If you fancy something a bit more relaxed, take the Campuhan Ridge Walk. The path starts just outside the centre of Ubud and winds along a ridge for a couple of kilometres, with fabulous views over lush green hills on either side. It’s an easy walk and a really nice way to take in the scenery.
To get your pulse racing, try white water rafting along the Ayung River. The river features Class II–III rapids, which are considered moderate and suitable for families. Along the route, you’ll pass through a beautiful landscape of lush rainforest, steep gorges, and dramatic cliffs. With a nice combination of gentler sections and faster rapids, it’s a great way to see the scenery from another angle whilst also enjoying a bit of excitement along the way.
This landscape around Ubud is dotted with Hindu temples and shrines. Gunung Kawi is one of Bali’s largest monuments, featuring 10 rock-cut shrines carved into a cliff face, and the views of the rice fields as you descend the stone steps alone make the journey worthwhile. Just 2km away, Pura Tirta Empul is a working temple where locals and visitors come to purify themselves in the sacred spring-fed pools, known as the Temple of Holy Water.
Also well worth a visit is the 9th-century Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, one of Bali’s most impressive archaeological sites. The stone entrance to the cave is carved with a gaping demon face that is said to ward off evil spirits. Beyond it, there’s a courtyard, an ancient bathing pool and a space for meditation. The bathing pools were rediscovered only in the 1950s, and the surrounding forest garden contains additional treasures, including stone figures and hints of Buddhist influence alongside Hindu influences. In the very heart of Ubud, you’ll find the Water Palace, Pura Taman Saraswati (pictured above), with its beautiful pond with lotus flowers and intricate carvings in honour of the Goddess of Knowledge and Art.
On the fringes of Ubud lies the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to over 1,200 grey long-tailed macaques. It’s a magical experience watching these playful creatures swing through the ancient trees or snooze in the shade, and the forest itself, with its temples and winding paths, is beautiful to explore.
The sanctuary covers around 12 hectares of sacred land and contains three Hindu temples dating back to the 14th century. The macaques themselves are also considered sacred by the local Padangtegal community. Late afternoon is often the best time to visit, when the monkeys tend to be at their most active, and guides are available if you’d like to learn more about the forest and its inhabitants. Top tip: keep a close eye on your belongings. The monkeys are notorious pickpockets and have a habit of snatching sunglasses, jewellery, food and anything else!
Ubud has long been the home of Bali’s artistic side. Wander the town’s pretty streets, and you’ll find galleries filled with colourful Balinese paintings, intricate wood carvings, and traditional crafts. The town also boasts some of Bali’s best museums, including the Neka Art Museum and the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), where you can browse classical Balinese paintings, learn batik dyeing and watch live musical performances. As evening falls, make your way to the Royal Palace, where you can watch traditional Kecak or Legong dance performances, which take place most nights. It’s a wonderful way to round off the day.
For an immersive cultural experience, try a cookery class. Most begin with a guided trip to a local market to choose fresh ingredients before heading back to learn how to prepare classic Balinese dishes you can impress your friends and family with back home.
For another traditional shopping experience, head to the Sukawati Art Market, a short drive out of Ubud. It’s well worth the trip and the best place to buy silk scarves, handmade bags, carved statues and other locally made souvenirs.
Ubud has become one of Southeast Asia’s leading wellness destinations, with a fantastic choice of yoga studios, health retreats, spas and organic restaurants. Whether you fancy a traditional Balinese massage, a morning yoga class overlooking the rice fields or a meal at one of the town’s plant-based cafés, Ubud has plenty to choose from. After the buzz of Bali’s beaches, it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe deeply and properly unwind.
Combining a few nights in Ubud with your time at the beach in Bali makes for an amazing twin-centre experience, bringing together the best of Bali’s coast and its cultural heartland in one trip. Take a look at our tailor-made multi-centre holidays to Bali and Ubud for more details.
Inspired by the guide? We’ve handpicked a few holidays that bring it to life—perfect for turning travel ideas into reality.
