Are you travelling around Bali and looking for things to do in Ubud ? Than you came to the right place ! We are going to share with you our top 5 things to do in Ubud, Bali, according to our personal experience.
1. Sacred Monkey Forest
One of the top attractions in Ubud is the Sacred Monkey Forest. This beautiful forest is home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques. While the monkeys are usually calm and friendly, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals, so be sure to treat them with respect. Some visitors bring food to interact with the monkeys, but we preferred to watch them from a safe distance. It’s a unique experience but also one that requires caution!
2. Ubud Palace
The Ubud Palace is a must-visit for anyone interested in Balinese culture. The palace is a wonderful example of traditional Balinese architecture, and if you’re like us and have never seen this style before, it’s truly fascinating. Located in the heart of Ubud, it’s a great place to experience the local culture and history.
3. Tegalalang Rice Terrace
A short 15-minute drive from Ubud, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of Bali’s most famous natural sights. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to visit, as the sunlight creates beautiful views over the terraces. Many visitors like to do a small hiking tour, which usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes, to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take in Bali’s stunning nature.
4. Cleansing Ritual at Pura Tirta Empul
Visiting Pura Tirta Empul, a sacred Balinese Hindu temple, was one of the highlights of our trip. The temple is famous for its holy spring water, where visitors can take part in a traditional cleansing ritual. Although this ritual is a central part of Balinese Hinduism, people of all beliefs are welcome to join. To enter the temple, you’ll need to wear a sarong, which you can rent at the entrance. If you want to participate in the ritual, you’ll also need to rent a special ritual sarong and make a small offering, which can be bought at the temple. Keep in mind that this is a serious religious practice, so please be respectful: don’t use your phone during the ritual, wear the ritual clothing, and only use the allowed water fountains.
5. Traditional Balinese Cooking Class
One of our favorite activities was taking a Balinese cooking class, where we learned how to make some of the island’s most famous dishes. We started by grilling chicken sate flavored with delicious local spices. Afterwards we prepared the main dish, which was smoked duck served with sambal, a spicy sauce made from chilies and roasted spices. To complete the meal, we prepared lawar, a traditional Balinese salad made with local vegetables, grated coconut, and spices. It was a fun and tasty way to learn more about Balinese culture!
6. Hotel recommendation
We stayed in Ubud for four nights at the Komaneka at Rasa Sayang, and it was the perfect start to our 14-day Bali adventure. The hotel is located about an hour’s drive from Denpasar Airport, right in the heart of Bali. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience – it was exceptional in every way!
We highly recommend Ubud—it’s an amazing place, and we hope to come back soon!
Best,
Laura and Philipp
