Ubud is one of the top places in Bali to visit, and with good reason! The scenic rice terraces, countless waterfalls, and unique temples are just a few reasons why.

The biggest mistake people make when traveling to Bali is not spending enough time in Ubud. I recommend spending at least 4-5 days there.

Ubud is the place for everyone from couples to families with kids to singles to groups of friends! 

Photo by: fraubruzziches

Here are 12 things to do in Ubud for your trip there:

1. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Tegallalang Rice Terraces are the most popular rice terraces in Bali! The view of these rice terraces is spectacular from the top but make sure to venture down and explore each corner of the rice terraces. For a photo in the photo prop, you will need to pay a donation so whatever you think is fair.

Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR 

Photo by: aroundtheworldwithus_

2. Alas Harum

Alas Harum is just a short 1-minute drive (8- minute walk) away from Tegallalang Rice Terraces. 

Here is what there is to do at Alas Harum: 

·        Learn the process of how Luwak Coffee is made. 

·        Swing over the rice terraces. 

·        Zip-lining

·        Ride a bike in the sky. 

·        Take photos at their several photo spots including the famous Gorilla Face.

·        Enjoy the pools at Cretya. Cretya is the first pool day club with rice terrace views in Ubud. The 5 pools are beautifully designed into layers to match the look of the rice terraces. The green rice terraces with the opal blue colour of the pools are incredibly photogenic. No entrance fee but there is a minimum spend. 

Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR

Photo by: pai_me_me_thaw

3. Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Kanto Lampo is a 30-minute drive away from Ubud town. This waterfall is easy to get to with just a short 5-minute walk. At the bottom of the flight of stairs, you have the option to go right or left. The right path leads you to the front of the waterfall while the left path leads you to a natural pool and river. There are also changing rooms on the left side.  

Balinese locals will guide you to where it’s safe to stand under the waterfall and will take photos for you if you wish. They know the best lighting, poses and angles for your photos because of their experience in doing this every day all day. Don’t forget to tip them :) 

Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR 

Photo by: mailtomik

4. Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is Bali's most visited water temple. Water temples are places where locals purify themselves through ritual bathing. The water in the holy springs is said to have magical properties, and anyone who bathes in it is purified.

If you want to take part in this ritual, make sure to bring a change of clothes. Sarongs are provided free of charge upon entry.

Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR

Photo by: qualeasuatrip

5. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Monkey Forest is home to hundreds of monkeys that roam freely through the park. You could easily spend a couple of hours here being entertained by the monkeys. It's easy to get lost in the excitement of seeing monkeys in their natural habitat. There are many staff members in the main area towards the middle of Monkey Forest who can help you get a selfie with a monkey.

Entrance Fee: 80,000 IDR

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

6. Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana Waterfall is located close to Kanto Lampo Waterfall so you could see both of these on the same day. The trail to Tibumana Waterfall is a 10-minute walk over bamboo bridges and through dense jungle.  

Many people come to this waterfall to enjoy the tranquility and long hours of relaxation. Bring your swimmers so you can enjoy a wonderful massage beneath the waterfall while swimming here. 

Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR 

Photo by: vero_veruski

7. Ubud Water Palace

Saraswati Temple is right in the center of Ubud. It is also known as the Ubud Water Palace and is well-known for its beautiful lotus pond and water garden.

It will only take about 15 minutes to walk through the entire area, and it is completely free. Visit early in the morning because it gets very crowded with tourists by lunchtime.

Every day at 7:30 p.m., the temple hosts a traditional Bali dance performance. The cost of a ticket is 100,000 IDR per person.

Entrance Fee: None 

Photo by: mayaubud

8. Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a peaceful walk through greenery, hills, and the surrounding jungle. 

It's a 2km walk and will take you around 20-25 minutes. The paved walkway is mostly flat so not hard at all! 

The trail is not covered and is exposed to the sun so best to do this in the early morning or around sunset time. 

Entrance Fee: None

Photo by: carinasophieheintz

9. Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall is Ubud's most popular waterfall. At the start of the waterfall trail, there are restaurants, restrooms, and shopping stalls.

There are a lot of steep stairs to get to this waterfall, but it should only take you 5-10 minutes. On the way down to the waterfall, there are numerous viewpoints and photo opportunities.

Tegenungan is a powerful waterfall that cascades over stone cliffs and into a swimming pool.

Omma Day Club is one of the finest day clubs in Ubud overlooking the magnificent Tegenungan Waterfall. 

Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR 

Photo by: digitaltravelcouple

10. Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, also known as the "Elephant Cave", is a historically significant Hindu archaeological site. 

The cave's doorway is very intriguing, and it’s as if you're walking into the mouth of a monster. The narrow path is 15 meters deep and leads you to some incense baskets burning. 

Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR 

Photo by: take_us_to_bali

11. Suwat Waterfall

To get to the waterfall it's only a 5- minute walk through a bamboo forest. Along the way, you will see many tropical plants and trees. At the bottom, there are some interesting rock carvings covered in green moss! 

There’s a bamboo raft at the waterfall that you have probably seen in photos on Instagram. Suwat waterfall is 15 meters tall and falls from a rocky cliff into a deep natural pool, with a hidden cave behind the falls.

Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR

Photo by: explorerssaurus_

12. Ubud Traditional Market

Ubud Traditional Art Market is located in the heart of Ubud.

The market is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and the best time to visit is when they first open because it is less crowded with tourists.

Not only is it a great place to buy souvenirs, clothing and handcrafted goods it's also a great place to take photos! These markets were filmed in the famous Julia Roberts movie Eat, Pray, Love! 

Entrance Fee: None

Photo by: sarah_hsiao

These are just 12 of the many things to do in and around Ubud.

If you have more time in Ubud, you could easily fill your days with day trips to the north and east of Bali, as well as exploring some of the island's hidden gems.

PS cover photo by: gavin.fleay