Ubud Travel Guide: Things To Do, Day Trips and Stay

Ubud, Bali has been on my travel list since at least 2 years ago, and when I finally made it there, I realized I don’t know what to do in Ubud, because I never researched it too much. I always thought it will take longer to get there, but it was the most unexpected trip ever.

Basically, I won a trip to Bali, the Trip of Wonders 2019 and I was told about it just 1 week before the departure day. Of course, I couldn’t say no. So, I asked them to extend my stay, since it was the same cost for them for the plane ticket, and after the 5-day trip in Bali provided by the Minister of Tourism of Indonesia, I went on to discover Kuta Lombok and then went to visit the Gili islands for 3 days.

I have to warn you, I was there in December, during the rainy season in Bali, when there were fewer foreigners around. I might have been very lucky to experience almost no rain at all during the day.

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What to do in Ubud, Bali?

Ubud, Bali, is said to be the cultural and spiritual centre of the island. Here is where you will find the famous rice fields, the Bali swings, the special Bali coffee, yoga studios, meditation centres, and other remote places.

Of course, there are other places for all of these in Bali, but Ubud is not far away from the airport and the other dense populate places. If you are really into finding your peace and losing contact with all the touristic madness, going further North might be an option worth considering.

What you should not miss in Ubud, Bali:

• Monkey Forest
• Campuhan Ridge Walk
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Ubud Water Palace
• Ubud Palace
• Bali Pulina (a taste of some traditional tea and coffee from Bali)
• Ubud Market

These are more or less close, and if you would really want to, you could walk to these places in Ubud. But it’s better to rent a scooter or take a taxi if it’s too far from your accommodation.

What else to do in Ubud? Massage. You will find countless massage salons all around Ubud. They have the list of prices at the entrance. I tell you, it’s worth it. Every day!

Where to eat in Ubud, Bali?

Bali is vegan heaven. Since many millennials who visit Bali are vegan and vegetarian, many of these restaurants will have at least vegan options in their menu. Some are completely vegan. And the traditional Indonesian meals are vegetarians, and if you ask no egg, it will be vegan and delicious.

Here is my list of restaurant in Ubud, which I personally tried and loved:

• Bali Buda Ubud
• Warung Sandat (ate here so many times)
• Taman Curry
• Warung Biah Biah

Waterfalls in Bali: What waterfalls to visit from Ubud, Bali

Bali is famous for its insanely beautiful waterfalls.

Although most of them are in the North of Bali, you can easily reach most of these points in a day trip from Ubud. Find a taxi to rent for an entire day or just go and ask around at the local travel agencies. There you will find most of these touristic places packed in day trips, or you can just tell them where you want to go and they will make you an offer.

As a guideline, in December 2018, renting a driver for an entire day, to go in the North, was around 50 Eur. If you are at least 2 people, I think it’s worth the price.

The roads are not great and the midday heat will get to you. Having a driver and a car with AC is something you want in Bali.

Here is my list of waterfalls to visit around Ubud, Bali.

• Tukad Cepung Waterfall
• Nung Nung Waterfall
• Tegenungan Waterfall
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
• Munduk Waterfalls Trekking Point
• Air Terjun Bertingkat
• Air Terjun Melanting,
• Sekumpul Waterfall

Temples in Bali: What temples to visit from Ubud, Bali

Temples are almost like a trademark of Bali.

Did you know that Bali is the only Hindu island of Indonesia?

The majority of Indonesian people are Muslim, but Bali has become world famous for its beautiful and imposing Hindu temples. I bet most of you don’t even know that those pictures of Hindu temples were taken in Bali.

That’s why I recommend to visit these 3 world famous Bali temples.

• Ulun Danu Beratan
• Lempuyang Luhur
• Balai Gili water palace (Ujung Water Palace )
• Tanah Lot

Oh, and the famous Ujung Water Palace, which has a beautiful garden and it’s close to the Tukad Cepung Waterfall.

They are all in different directions, so maybe you need to take 2 or 3-day trips and see what else there is nearby each one. Fortunately, there is plenty to see.

Want to see rice fields and rice terraces in Bali?

A day trip to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces from Ubud, Bali

My absolute favourite place in Bali were the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.

I went to visit the Jatiluhwih rice terraces during a day trip from Ubud, and I wish I stayed there more. This is a huge rice plantation, where you can see locals working in the fields. It feels authentic, and the locals are used to tourists, so you won’t feel like you are intruding or bothering them. Of course, let them do their work and ask nicely if it’s ok to take pictures.

As a tourist, you need to pay a ticket to visit this place.

The ticket was around 40k IDR and then you can spend here all day long. They have a restaurant with European prices, and it isn’t uncommon to see Indonesian tourists as well.

There are a few paths you can take, to walk around the rice terraces and observe how the rice is planted and harvest. The Jatiluwih Rice terraces are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites due to the traditional irrigation system ‘subak‘ which is still used to this day.

Perfect itinerary of a day trip from Ubud:

Pick up at 8 am.

1. Nung Nung waterfall

2. Kosaido Twin lakes

3. Handara Golf & Resort gate

4. Ulun Danu Beratan temple

5. Jatiluwih rice terraces

6. Goa Gajah temple

Where to stay in Ubud, Bali?

Ubud has become one of the most famous tropical destination and most of us don’t even realize it. Have you ever seen those beds suspended over the jungle in the tropical rainforest or the luxuriant floating breakfasts on Instagram?

If the answer is ‘no’, you need to come out of the cave you are living in. For the rest of you, I have one word: Ubud. The Ubud accommodation list on Airbnb and Booking is huge and there is where you will find amazing places to relax, work remotely or get in touch with nature.

Luxurious accommodation in Ubud, Bali

I know, I travel on a budget, and most of us do too. But hear me out! Bali is not an expensive destination and the level of customer service and hospitality is really something.

Sometimes I feel tired, and I like to be pampered. And that’s when I treat myself, and maybe book 2 nights in a fancy hotel. The kind of hotel which has an amazing breakfast buffet, extremely comfortable rooms, 2 pools, and stuff like that. If that’s the case, I recommend Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Ubud Bali.

Budget-friendly accommodation in Ubud, Bali

Since Ubud has become increasingly popular with tourists and digital nomads from all around the world, the number of budget accommodation in Ubud has gone up. Most locals don’t even live in Ubud anymore, and everything in Ubud is a business designed to serve foreigners.

I stayed in a lovely Indonesian homestay in Ubud, which for sure doesn’t feel like budget option. The breakfast options are amazing, the location is incredible central (you can basically walk anywhere in Ubud), and the owner is super friendly and kind.

I recommend Jiwa’s House in Ubud. They even have a pool. It’s incredible and I really have no reasons to not like this place.

Why visit Ubud, Bali?

Because this is the cultural centre of this beautiful island. Here you might find the peace you are looking for.

The location of Ubud is close to the centre of Bali, and you can take day trips to any part of the island from here. Yes, you will not be close to the ocean, but you will be surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and beautiful rice fields.

If you want to discover some beautiful beaches in Indonesia I recommend visiting Kuta Lombok and the Gili islands. You will not be disappointed!