Updated on August 8, 2025
Explore Ubud, Bali, where you can see stunning rice terraces, visit temples, meditate, and appreciate art and nature in its purest form. If you’ve seen the movie Eat, Pray, Love, you may already have a glimpse of Ubud’s charm.
Ubud is located in the heart of Bali, Indonesia. It is best known for its lush green scenery, steep ravines, and terraced rice paddies. This vibrant town offers a variety of experiences—from relaxing spa and massage treatments and meditation to wildlife encounters, authentic dining, and cultural immersions.
Why Ubud Deserves a Spot on Your Bali Itinerary
Ubud is a destination that captures both the eye and the soul. Often called the island’s cultural heart, it blends vibrant traditions, breathtaking nature, and laid-back charm. The emerald rice terraces evoke a true sense of years of hard work, while the ancient temples silently speak highly of Bali’s quiet devotion—where the testament of heritage and culture is deeply honored. If you’re seeking serene yoga retreats, authentic Balinese flavors, or immersive encounters with nature, Ubud offers a slower and richer way to experience Bali. It’s not just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel, remember, and return to.
From its artistic treasures to its natural wonders, Ubud invites you to slow down, explore, and connect. Here are some of the most captivating ways to experience its charm:
1. Enjoy the Rice Terraces and Their Beauty
The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of Bali’s most photographed landscapes, celebrated for its tiered design and tranquil scenery. It is recommended to visit early morning or late afternoon to see the terraces bathed in soft golden light. Whether you stroll along the narrow paths or simply pause to take in the view, you’ll experience a serene glimpse into Bali’s agricultural heritage.
Related Article: 5 Most Picturesque Rice Terraces To See In Bali
2. Explore the Campuhan Ridge Walk
This scenic trail offers one of Ubud’s most breathtaking walks. Stretching along a ridge with sweeping views of lush valleys, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is especially magical in the early morning when the air is cool and the light is soft. It’s an easy and free activity that’s perfect for a peaceful escape from Ubud’s busier streets.
3. Take a Walk Through the Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest is home to a group of long-tailed Balinese macaques. They are very curious and aren’t shy so you have to watch your valuable possessions and belongings. Inside the forest, the monkeys aren’t the only attraction. There are three temples one of them being Pura Dalem Agung which means “temple of death” and it is known for its interesting carvings.
4. Visit Pura Taman Saraswati
The picturesque temple is located in the heart of Ubud. Pura Taman Saraswati, one of the top 10 temples in Bali, is a temple dedicated to —the goddess of art, literature, and wisdom. It is set inside a stunning water garden with lotus flowers amounting to thousands. If you want, you can also bring your camera along to snap some photos.
5. Visit the Puri Lukisan Museum
The Puri Lukisan Museum—also called the “Palace of Paintings”—showcases Balinese painting techniques that evolved ever since the 1930s up to this date. Its three galleries feature both traditional and contemporary works, all set within peaceful gardens and lotus ponds, making it a rewarding stop for art enthusiasts. The contrast in the art assembled here is evident in age but the quality is still the same. In the absence of paintings and drawings, the museum is worth visiting for its tropical garden and lotus flower ponds.
6. Yoga and Pilates Lessons
As Bali’s spiritual capital, Ubud is the ideal place to deepen your yoga and meditation practice. The renowned COMO Shambhala Estates’ yoga classes attracts practitioners from around the world—cultivating a serene space to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Related Article: 5 Reasons Why Bali is the Perfect Wellness Retreat Destination
7. Learn the Balinese Way of Cooking
There are quite a number of places that offer cooking classes in Ubud. Cooking classes in Ubud often begin with a market visit to select fresh herbs, spices, and produce. Guided by local chefs, you’ll prepare authentic Balinese dishes—and leave with new culinary skills and an appreciation for the island’s flavors.
8. Take a Bike Ride in Bali’s Countryside
Biking is a superb way of exploring the Bali countryside. You can either rent or use your own bike. Guided tours take you along scenic backroads, while independent rides allow for spontaneous discoveries at your own pace. If you opt to use your personal bike, you must stick to cycling on back roads as the main road traffic may be a bit heavy.
9. Discover the Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) Temple
Just a short drive from central Ubud, Goa Gajah is a UNESCO-listed archaeological site dating back to the 11th century. Its moss-covered carvings, tranquil bathing pools, and mysterious cave entrance make it both a historical and spiritual landmark worth exploring.
10. Heron Watching at Petulu
In the afternoons, around 5 p.m., thousands of herons return to roost in Petulu Village after a day in the rice fields. Just 2.5 km north of Ubud, this daily migration is a tranquil and lesser-known natural spectacle worth witnessing.
11. Watch a Traditional Balinese Dance Performance
Ubud is renowned for its vibrant performing arts scene. In the evenings, local temples and cultural centers, like Ubud Water Palace host performances featuring intricate costumes, expressive movements, and traditional music. The Legong Dance and Barong Dance are among the most popular shows, offering a glimpse into Bali’s storytelling traditions.
Where Nature Meets the Spirit of Bali
There are many other things that you can do in Ubud and its nearby places. Ubud is not simply a place to visit—it’s a place to feel. Its beauty lies in the way nature, culture, and wellness are interwoven into everyday life. Each moment in Ubud invites you to connect more deeply—with the land, the people, and yourself. Here, the pace slows, the senses awaken, and the heart finds a little more room to breathe. Dare to discover and be fascinated by nature and the rich Balinese culture.
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