Ready to discover the best things to do in Ubud? These are the unmissable activities you need to add to your Ubud itinerary.

We’re sure you’ve heard of Ubud by now; the small town in central Bali has quite a reputation. It’s best known for its monkey forest and lush rice terraces, but it’s also a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the traditional side of the island.

Good news – from hiking, rafting, and zip-lining to enjoying the town’s many cultural offerings, Ubud is jam-packed with fun activities. Whether you’re here to soul search or seek thrills, there’s plenty to see and do.

The Best Things to do in Ubud, Bali

Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest is one of our favourite places to visit in Bali. The expansive sanctuary is home to over 700 (fairly terrifying) monkeys, who are protected by the locals.

Visitors can watch the monkeys play, feed them, and even take pictures with them. Just be respectful; these cheeky monkeys are seriously naughty and will definitely steal your things if you’re not careful. You can book a ticket online or at the entrance to the Monkey Forest.

Visit the Tegalalang Rice Field

One of the best things to do in Ubud is to visit the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This is one of Bali’s most beautiful and iconic sights. The terraced fields are spread out over a wide area, and the best way to see them is by taking a walk through the rice paddies.

The walk will whisk you through different levels of the terraces, and you’ll get to see the rice plants up close. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hike all the way to the top of the terraces for a really breathtaking view (and a cool photo opportunity). Luckily, this brilliant tour combines both spots to save you time, money, and the hassle of hopping between the two locations.

Watch the Sunrise From Mount Batur

Looking for something really unique to do in Ubud, Bali? Taking a sunrise hike to the top of Mount Batur is one of our top recommendations – you can read all about our experience here.

Sure, getting up in the middle of the night to schlepp to the top of the mountain sounds a little bit unpleasant. But the views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking and well worth the effort it takes to get there.

Climbing Mount Batur is a challenging but doable hike for those with a basic level of fitness, and there are a few different routes you can take to the top. The most popular of which (and the one we recommend you do) is the Sunrise Trek, which starts at around 3am and takes you to the summit just in time to watch the sunrise. 

We opted to stay in the nearby town of Kintamani the night before we hiked, but it’s also possible to be picked up from your accommodation in Ubud.

Head Out on an ATV Quad Biking Adventure

Something you need to add to your itinerary is an epic ATV adventure – it’s non negotiable for thrillseekers. There are plenty of places to rent a vehicle, but we recommend this tour.

Quad biking in Ubud gives you the opportunity to see some of the most gorgeous spots not accessible on foot like the backroads and off-the-beaten-path areas. Zip past rice paddies, traditional villages, and majestic temples; you’re totally in control of your journey.

Chill Out at Alas Harum and Cretya Ubud

Next door to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace is Alas Harum, a lush paradisiacal day club and activity hub. There’s plenty to fill an entire day here, from lounging around the pool with a cocktail at Cretya Ubud to taking to one of the Insta-friendly rope swings.

You could easily spend a couple of hours just wandering around the verdant grounds, where you’ll spot workers tending to the paddies and an array of fun art sculptures. If you’re after more thrills, you can opt to head out on an ATV ride through the local area.

When hunger strikes, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. We love Cretya Lite for its relaxed atmosphere and homely bites, but Yudistira is a more high-end dining spot if you’re in the mood for something special.

Entry to Alas Harum is cheap – 50K Rupiah – but you’ll need to fork out for any activities or drinks. You can book a ticket in advance or buy one on the door (though it gets very busy!)

Explore Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

While you’re visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terrace make sure you also head over to Goa Gajah – this ancient cave complex is a must-see for any history buff (or anyone who fancies seeing some rather fascinating petroglyphs). 

The impressive cave is thought to date back to the 9th century, when it was used as a Hindu temple. Visitors can explore the complex, take photos, and even go for a swim in the nearby river. Just be very careful not to get any of the water in your mouth or you could find yourself with an upset stomach.

Marvel at the Views on the Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk was a surprising highlight of our trip to Bali. This 12km return trip takes you through the stunning scenery of central Ubud. We love that it’s a very easy hike suitable for all levels of abilities.

Starting from the Campuhan Bridge, opposite the Blanco Renaissance Museum, the walk follows a gently undulating path through jungle and rice paddies, with breathtaking views of the valley below.

Zipline Through the Jungle

Image credit: GetYourGuide

Let the cheeky creatures from the sacred forest inspire you to zipline across the canopy in a thrilling Ubud adventure of your own. If you’re feeling brave, we think that this is the best way to take in the lush Balinese scenery and wilderness.

Better yet, once you’ve zipped your way through the verdant greenery, you’ll be treated to a traditional tea tasting session, where you can try local delicacies and calm your adrenaline-fuelled nerves.

Admire the Saraswati Temple

The Saraswati Temple is a little gem in the abundance of Ubud activities. It’s truly one of the most serene places to visit in the region… which, for a Hindu island, is really saying something.

The temple sits in a stunning location, surrounded by rice fields and mountains, and  dedicated to the Hindu goddess Saraswati, who is the goddess of knowledge, music, and art. The temple grounds are also home to a number of impressive sculptures and paintings.

Seek Thrills on an Ayung River Rafting Excursion

When it comes to Ubud adventure activities, rafting down the Ayung River is an exhilarating experience sure to make even the bravest of travellers a little bit nervous. The journey takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Bali, including rice terraces, tropical jungle, and cascading waterfalls. 

The best bit? Ayung River rafting is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, so it’s a great activity for families and groups of friends. No experience needed, there’a a wonderful team of guides who will make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable time as you whizz past the sights on a rubber dinghy.

Book an Ubud Waterfall Tour

Visiting Ubud without heading to one of the nearby waterfalls should be a crime. So why not take an epic tour that covers three in one day? The three in question being Tukad Cepung, Tegenungan, and Tibumana.

These waterfalls are all within close proximity to each other. And, unlike some of the other tourist traps in Bali, these waterfalls are still relatively unknown – meaning you can enjoy them without the crowds.

Our favourite of the three? Tukad Cepung is beautiful and our top choice (not that you need to choose). It’s hidden away in a valley and can only be accessed via a small path. Trust us though, It’s definitely worth the effort to find this gem.

Take a Balinese Cooking Class

Image credit: GetYourGuide

You need to take a Balinese cooking class when in Bali. This is a great way to learn about the local cuisine and culture – and, better yet, you’ll get to eat all the delicious food you make.

Ubud is renowned for its amazing food, and what better way to experience it than by learning to cook it yourself? In this class, you’ll not only learn how to cook some of the best food in the world, but you’ll learn about the local ingredients and how to use them to create traditional dishes.

Head Out on a Canyoning Adventure…

Canyoning is gaining major popularity around the world, and Ubud’s Gitgit Canyon is the best place to get stuck in. Well, technically it’s around two hours from Ubud, but tours include transport to and from the cave (and a tasty lunch), so it’s well worth the journey. 

An experienced guide will help you jump, climb, and rappel your way through the deep crevice. Better yet, this experience is ideal for those who have never experienced canyoneering before.

…Or Stick to a Canyon Tubing Experience

Image credit: GetYourGuide

If traversing deep canyons doesn’t quite do it for you, then perhaps floating down a glistening stream in a rubber tube will. Yes? We thought so – canyon tubing in Ubud is another of the most popular things to do in Bali. 

It’s a great way to cool off in the heat, but we recommend booking your tour for the morning, so that you can go tubing down the river before it gets too hot. Depending on how brave you’re feeling, you can choose to go down the river in a group or by yourself.

Where to Stay in Ubud

The best place to stay in Ubud is in the very centre, near the Monkey Forest or somewhere along the Jalan Raya. This is where you’ll find most of the attractions, temples, and restaurants. There’s a broad range of accommodation options, from cosy hostels to plush hotels.

Best Things to do in Ubud: What to Know Before You Go

How to get to Ubud

It’s pretty easy to reach Ubud. From Bali airport, you can either take a bus or a taxi (or ask your accommodation to arrange a transfer!) It takes around 40 minutes in a taxi and costs a set rate of 300,000IDR/$18. Buses take nearly two hours but cost just a quarter of this.

If you’re travelling from anywhere else on the island, you can use the Grab and Gojek apps to book cars to transfer you between spots. You can also use this link to arrange a transfer.

How many days in Ubud is enough?

That’s a tough question to answer – but we think three to five days (minimum) is what you need to tick off a fair few of these Ubud adventures. We stayed there for five days on our last trip and managed to experience many of these activities in that time, plus we still had time to chill.