24 Unique Things to Do in Ubud Bali, in 2025

Are you planning a stay in Ubud, Bali, and looking for inspiration on activities, restaurants, and authentic experiences? Here, you’ll find the 24 best things to do in Ubud.

I visited Ubud between December 2024 and January 2025, and this enchanting yet admittedly touristy city in the heart of Bali captures all the magic the island has to offer. If it had a coastline, it would be perfect.

Ubud is considered the heart of art and spirituality in Bali, and you can perceive it when observing the locals, their rituals, and every hidden corner—if you know where to look beyond the bustling main street. 

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This blog post covers the 24 best things to do in Ubud Bali: from cultural and artistic experiences to exploring the stunning nature surrounding Ubud.

Its modern touches, like co-working spaces, luxury restaurants, and yoga studios, attract art lovers, wellness enthusiasts, and personal development seekers from around the globe. 

The ever-present jungle surrounding the city gives Ubud a wild charm that, for a nature lover like me, is why, months after my visit, I still carry Ubud in my eyes and heart.

In this blog post, you’ll discover what to do in Ubud: historical and artistic sites to visit, the most authentic cultural experiences to enjoy, and ways to immerse yourself in the stunning nature that makes Ubud so unique.

Cultural & Historical Sites

1. Visit Puri Saren Agung: Ubud’s Royal Palace

Nestled on the bustling main road of Jalan Raya in the heart of Ubud, the royal family’s residence is a gem surrounded by lush gardens filled with frangipani trees and the intoxicating scent of their white flowers.

Traditional Balinese architecture, with its red sandstone and intricate carvings, adds to the enchantment of this place, making it feel almost magical when you catch it without the crowds.

Although much of the palace was rebuilt after the 1917 earthquake, and the royal family still resides there, not all areas are open to the public. For a more exclusive experience, consider booking one of the Airbnb rooms hosted by the residence, which offer access to some private sections and the inner sanctum.

Main Building of Ubud's Royal Palace
Main Building of Ubud’s Royal Palace

The royal palace is alive with visitors both day and night. For a more peaceful experience, visit early in the morning to explore the palace in the calm quiet of the morning.

Come evening, at 7 pm, the palace transforms into a vibrant stage for some of the most fascinating traditional Balinese dance performances. To secure a good seat, arrive at least half an hour early and pick up your ticket at the palace entrance.

2. Visit the Goa Gajah Site

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is a must-see when exploring Ubud. Just a quick 15-minute drive to Bedulu, this ancient Hindu sanctuary is steeped in mystery, with its origins still somewhat unknown. 

Discovered by Dutch archaeologists in 1923, it was likely a sanctuary for Hindu priests who probably built and carved the demon at the cave’s entrance around the 11th century. However, the nearby Buddhist temple suggests that early Buddhists in Bali also found peace and meditation here. 

There must have been something special in the air attracting spiritual practitioners to this place.

Elephant Cave: visitors enter the site from the demon's mouth. This site is one of the best things to do in Ubud bali
Entrance of the Elephant Cave

The cave’s name likely comes from the nearby Petanu River, which translates to Elephant River. The cave itself is a favorite for visitor photos. You’ll enter through the mouth of a demon and walk down a narrow corridor that opens into two rooms. 

One room features a statue of the Hindu god Ganesh, while the other showcases the phallic symbols of Shiva and her female counterpart, symbolizing the cycle of life.

Don’t stop at the grottoes—there’s more to explore! Beyond the bathing pools, you’ll find some trails in the jungle you won’t want to miss. Climb a stone staircase to discover lush tropical gardens, and continue along the path to a hidden canyon by the river and a temple tucked away in the jungle. Just ensure this part of the site is open before you head out!

3. Visit Pura Taman Saraswati

Just a short distance from Ubud’s Palace, you’ll spot the Saraswati Temple, easily recognized by its lotus pond and the quaint bridge that crosses over it. This temple is dedicated to Dewi Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and arts who has blessed Ubud with her presence. 

The dreamy lotus pond with the background of the red sandstone carving is a sight you won’t want to miss. At the entrance, you will be required to wear a sarong and something to cover your hair —traditional attire here. 

Dreamy view of the Saraswati Temple: red sandstone carving and the lotus pond in front
Dreamy view of the Saraswati Temple

The temple is a riot of colors, with the pink and white frangipani flowers and the deep green of the surrounding nature complementing the classic Balinese red stone.

At night, the place comes alive with dance performances that add to the cultural side of the experience.

If you can pick a visit time, I highly suggest passing by in the morning, especially during peak season, since it’s a tiny site and can fill up fast.

4. Explore Pura Tirta Empul

Pura Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most sacred water temples, renowned for its mystical waters. 

These holy springs, believed to have been created by the God Indra, are said to contain blessed water that purifies those who participate in the Melukat ritual, the famous purification ceremony that draws most visitors to this site. 

Pool behind the purification area at Pura Tirta Empul

While you can certainly plan to experience the Melukat here, I’d suggest saving it for another, more intimate and less chaotic temple. Instead, take the opportunity to explore the temple grounds, which are often overlooked by those who come solely for water purification.

Pura Tirta Empul is a masterpiece of Balinese temple architecture, featuring three classic layers. You enter through a stone Candi Bentar (stone gate) and arrive at the temple’s first area, the busiest spot, where people pick up their sarongs, head to the changing rooms, and wait for their friends. 

Jeroan, area dedicated to prayer and rituals at Pura Tirta Empul
Jeroan, area dedicated to prayer and rituals at Pura Tirta Empul

In the second courtyard, you’ll find the bathing pools, where the purification ritual occurs. Depending on the time of day and the period, you’ll see more or less people wearing green sarongs queuing to practice the Melukat and Indonesian guides explaining the ritual in depth. 

But if you venture further, you’ll discover the Jeroan, the temple’s most sacred courtyard, dedicated to prayers. Exploring this area lets you escape the confusion of the pool area and allows you to find your kind of purification by soaking in the temple’s sanctity. Here, you’ll witness Balinese Hindus in prayer and practice and feel the spiritual energy that makes this place truly special.

5. Purification Ritual at Pura Mengening

Pura Mengening is just a short walk downstream—about 500 steps—from Pura Tirta Empul, only 3 minutes away, but the experience here is worlds apart. 

Surrounded by the jungle, Pura Mengening’s stone structures seem to rise right out of the earth. It’s much smaller than Pura Tirta Empul, which means it draws far fewer visitors, allowing you to practice the Melukat ritual in a more mindful and meaningful way. 

Here, you won’t find tourists snapping selfies in the holy water. Instead, you’ll encounter a few visitors like yourself who want to truly connect with the experience and locals who are a delight to watch as they perform the ritual with such care and attention. 

The Melukat ritual aims to purify the mind, body, and spirit from imbalances and destructive emotions. It typically involves a priest reciting mantras and repeating them. Participants then bathe in the water, which is believed to have purification powers.

Book this Melukat ritual tour for an immersive experience led by a knowledgeable Balinese guide. You can visit the temple on your own for a small fee of IDR 10,000, but you need to book a guided tour to practice the ritual. Make sure to bring a towel and clothes to change into.

Art & Creativity

6. Explore The Ubud Art Market

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs to take home, the Ubud Art Market is one of the many markets you should explore. It’s not the most peaceful experience in town, but it’s a great way to learn more about Ubud’s artistic heritage.

Ubud Art Market

The market is one of the busiest and most chaotic spots, especially in the afternoons, when buyers and sellers haggle over prices to strike the best deals. The area opens at 8 am, which might be the best time to test your negotiation skills, with a bit more calm and the scent of Balinese incense from the Canang Sari filling the air and soothing the soul.

Among some knock-offs and tourist traps, you’ll find genuine handmade crafts, including batik fabrics, woven bags, silver jewelry, and wooden kitchen utensils like bowls and ladles (my favorites).

Some of the items sold at the Ubud Art Market
Some of the items sold at the Ubud Art Market

Use your judgment to evaluate the items; if you see the same one on multiple sellers’ tables, it might be mass-produced. Take the time to explore and find the best gems.

Overall, it’s a fun experience, enhanced by the vendors, who are often interesting characters eager to share the stories behind their creations while trying to sell you everything under the sun.

7. Attend a Balinese Dance Performance

You can’t visit Ubud without catching a traditional Balinese dance performance. These captivating shows are everywhere, whether at the Ubud Palace, the Saraswati Temple, or the ARMA Open Stage. 

If you wander around at night, you’ll find many temple halls hosting shows (and so many people encouraging you to purchase a ticket). Each venue provides a unique backdrop for dancers to bring to life stories steeped in Hindu traditions and set to the sounds of gamelan music.

Balinese Dance performance in , one of the best things to do in ubud, bali
Balinese Dance Performance in Ubud

The Kekak dance is the most famous. It features a choir of men chanting in concentric circles, creating a vocal gamelan sound. The Barong and Rangda performance is another crowd favorite, depicting the timeless battle between good and evil.

The Legong Dance, known for its grace, is performed by young girls and is considered the most elegant of the Balinese dances. The Kekak Fire Dance, developed to drive out evil spirits from a village, is a must-see for a touch of drama and intensity.

Performances typically kick off at 7 or 7:30 pm. You can grab tickets at the entrance of the temple halls. 

8. Visit Puri Lukisan Art Museum

Ubud is the heart of Balinese artistic heritage. Its museums are among the best on the island, showcasing impressive collections of Balinese art alongside masterpieces by artists who have made Bali their home.

Puri Lukisan is one of the most beautiful museums to visit in Ubud and one of the easiest to explore and appreciate, even if you’re not an art enthusiast. 

It’s nestled in a stunning garden in true Balinese style, with water features and lush greenery. Inside, you’ll find artworks from all periods of Balinese history, giving you a comprehensive look at what Balinese art is all about. 

The east building features classic wayang-style paintings, while the south building often hosts special and temporary exhibitions. True to Ubud’s charm, the museum is set in a picturesque location, surrounded by a flowing river and rice fields.

Other Art Museums you can discover in Ubud:

Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA): Showcasing one of Indonesia’s most impressive private collections of art that the founder acquired during the 1970s

Neka Art Museum: Introduction to Balinese and Indonesian art while combining Balinese and international artists living on the island.

9. Attend a Pottery Class

Since Ubud is the heart of Bali’s creativity, you should set aside time for a relaxing and inspiring pottery class. 

If you’re traveling solo, this is an excellent opportunity to meet locals and other travelers while crafting something meaningful in a calm and soothing environment. 

I highly recommend checking out Serayu Pottery. Their studio is located on Jalan Raya, the main road in Ubud, and the setting is stunning. The studio is located in a grey stone building, with open windows allowing you to soak in the Ubud scenery.

Shelves featuring colorful pottery creations and vases decorate the walls around you. The atmosphere and the staff are so welcoming and laid-back, capturing the true essence of Ubud. After your session, it will feel like you’ve just finished a meditation.

The price may vary depending on the experience you choose. The best way to book a class is to contact the studio on WhatsApp and speak directly with the staff.  You can find information on how to book a class on their Instagram page. They’re open from 9 to 5.

10. Discover the Art of the Canang Sari

​​Balinese Hindus carefully craft the Canang Sari every morning. These small, square baskets, made from bamboo leaves and decorated with flowers and other offerings, are presented to the god Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as a gesture of gratitude. 

Canang Sari, which I crafted with a personal touch

One of the things that captivated me most about Bali was the dedication the Balinese show in preparing and placing their Canang Sari. The burning of incense on top is another reason I associate its scent with the streets of Bali. 

Even on a rainy day, these Canang Sari, with their vibrant white, red, pink, and orange flowers, add a splash of color to everything. 

Moment captured during our meditation ritual during the Canang Sari class

For all these reasons, understanding how the Balinese express their gratitude to their god is one of the most beautiful ways to connect with the local culture. 

I personally haven’t taken the class in Ubud. The class was held in the tiny traditional village of Bongkasa, and it was one of the most authentic and beautiful experiences, guided by two Balinese. This is a similar experience that includes a canang sari demonstration and a cooking class.

Nature & Adventure

11. Trek Through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

As soon as you arrive in Ubud, you’ll immediately notice how nature is omnipresent. Here, just a short five-minute journey from Jalan Raya, you’ll be surrounded by expansive rice fields stretching for miles.

The rice fields around Ubud are the kind of landscape that you just can’t stop watching or snapping pictures of, and the lush beauty of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace will captivate you immediately. Even if you’re observing the terraces from the surrounding road.

Unfortunately, this beautiful landscape has become one of the most “touristy” spots near Ubud, where the authenticity of the scenery is often overshadowed by tourist attractions like the famous Ubud Swing with the red dress. I

It’s pretty amusing that one of the first things some Balinese taxi drivers recommend doing in Ubud is the Ubud Swing, as if they’re accustomed to tourists whose primary interest is taking photos for Instagram. 

However, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces deserve attention for much more than photo opportunities. They are a fantastic example of how the subak system, an ingenious irrigation system invented hundreds of years ago and still used today, has created such a valuable resource for the entire Balinese community. 

This system supports eco-sustainable practices that do not impact the surrounding nature but instead follow its natural flow. To best enjoy the rice fields, I recommend visiting early in the morning during the week. The opening time is 7 am, and the entrance fee is around IDR 25,000 ($2).

12. Explore the Juwuk Manis Walk & Kajeng Rice Fields

I stumbled upon this nature trail almost by accident, which is what happens when you start exploring Ubud without a specific destination in mind. After visiting the Ubud Palace, I continued along Jalan Raya, where I found a small street with a quaint souvenir market. 

This street, Jalan Kajeng, invites you to explore the market for an interesting keepsake. As you continue north, you’ll see a sign marking the start of the Jukuk Manis Walk. Soon, you’ll be enveloped by lush green rice fields, distant palm trees, and the occasional scooter transporting guests to the few villas nearby.

The souvenir market on Jl Kajeng
The souvenir market on Jl Kajeng

Here, you’ll walk along a paved road surrounded by nature, with a few local warungs and coconut stalls that might stop you for a chat or to sing a song (one had a guitar when I stopped).

When the paved road ends, you can keep heading north. As long as it hasn’t rained the day before, you’ll walk on the ground (or muddy terrain) until you reach a narrow concrete wall and find a small footbridge. Follow the path north until you arrive at Cafe Bintang; from there, you can start heading south through the river gorge.

Juwuk Manis Walking Trail
Juwuk Manis Walking Trail

This walk is one of the best in Ubud because it takes just a few kilometers and allows you to discover beautiful rice fields, waterfalls, and untouched nature without crowds of tourists or traffic. It will be just you, nature, and the stunning landscapes north of Ubud. The walk takes two to three hours and eventually brings you back to Jalan Raya.

13. Discover the Monkey Forest Sanctuary

If you can overlook the theme park vibe at the entrance, visiting the Monkey Forest can be a great way to spend a couple of hours in Ubud. Sure, it can get crowded, but try to visit early in the morning to dodge the chaos of kids running around, screaming, and crying because a monkey dared to make eye contact.

I enjoyed my visit for two main reasons. First, the forest itself is beautifully woven into its natural surroundings. You’ll be enveloped by towering trees and lush greenery, with the sky almost hidden from view.

Monkey forest in Ubud

Most visitors tend to stick near the entrance, missing out on the other sections of the site. Venture deeper to genuinely appreciate the forest’s beauty without the crowds. You can also follow the paths to the Pura Dalem Agung and explore further to discover the river valley.

The second reason, of course, is the monkeys. The ones near the entrance seem overstimulated by the crowds or too used to them. But as you go deeper into the forest, you’ll catch some funny family scenes: the wise old grandfather trying to crack open a coconut or two adults arguing. 

Monkey forest in ubud

You could easily spend hours watching their movements and behaviors, which are so similar to ours. However, remember not to make direct eye contact or smile too broadly—they might perceive this as a threat. Also, be sure to keep a tight grip on your glasses and phones; having your belongings swiped is not part of the fun.

14. Hike Mount Batur at Sunrise

Hiking Mount Batur is an adventure you can’t miss if you love nature, sunrises and don’t mind early mornings. Honestly, climbing an active volcano (relax, the last eruption was in 2000) is an experience worth waking up for. 

Located in the Kintamani region, about an hour and a half from Ubud, Mount Batur is 1,717 m above sea level. It is the second-highest peak in Bali after volcano Gunung Agung at over 3,000 m.

Many tours start from Ubud, with the trek usually beginning around 3 am to ensure you reach the summit in time for sunrise. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a view you won’t soon forget.

View from Mount Batur

As the sun rises, casting a pink hue over the landscape, you’ll see the volcano’s caldera, the surrounding lakes, the entire Bali landscape, and nearby islands dotting the sea, transforming into a colorful painting in shades of pink, orange, and green.

You can choose to hike it on your own or hire a guide. Going solo can have its challenges, as you might be asked to pay a fee to climb the volcano, which isn’t officially required, and you could be asked multiple times if you refuse.

For a hassle-free experience with a pick-up and breakfast on top of Mount Batur, consider booking this tour with Get Your Guide. You’ll get to choose your pick-up time and be guided by an Indonesian expert to the top of the volcano.

15. Explore the Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the most popular trails in Ubud. It’s an easy path, perfect for those looking for a quick nature escape without needing hours of hiking or strenuous physical effort. 

The trail is paved and runs along a ridge between two rivers, the literal meaning of Campuhan. The two rivers are the Sungai Wos and Cerik Wos (wos meaning river). The trail starts right at the Ibah Hotel. You’ll find signs directing you to follow the path to the left. 

This peaceful walk will lead you to the stunning, secluded Pura Gunung Lebah, one of Ubud’s oldest temples, dating back to the 8th century. Here, you can explore the temple with the sound of the rivers flowing in the background. 

Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by rice fields, offering a glimpse of northern Ubud’s lush landscapes. If you continue heading north, you’ll eventually reach the village of Bangkiang Sidem.

16. Visit the Tegenungan Waterfall

If you plan to stay in Ubud for a few days, you should add a waterfall swim to your Ubud bucket list. 

Waterfalls are the perfect escape from the Balinese heat and offer a breathtaking display of natural beauty and power. Visiting a waterfall allows you to witness powerful streams of water cascading down rocky cliffs, creating inviting pools that look like they are begging you to dive in.

Swimming under a waterfall was one of my Bali vacation’s most primal and exhilarating experiences. I wanted to get as close as possible, but the waterfall’s force kept pushing me away, and I could do nothing against that power. I haven’t been to a waterfall in Ubud but visited the Leke Leke Waterfall in the Tabanan region. This would make the perfect day trip from Ubud.

The closest waterfall to Ubud is Tegenungan Waterfall, just 15 minutes away. It’s considered one of the most accessible in Bali. However, its accessibility and a modern-day club nearby attract quite some tourists and can detract from the idyllic atmosphere I described above. 

Still, if you don’t have other opportunities to visit another waterfall, it’s worth a visit. It’s a spectacular 15-meter-high cascade that plunges into a natural pool where you can swim. If you can plan a day trip from Ubud, head to the Leke Leke waterfall; it’s one of the most magical waterfalls in Central Bali.

Other waterfalls around Ubud

  • Kanto Lampo Waterfall
  • Tibumana Waterfall
  • Taman Sari Waterfall

17. Rafting in the Ayung River

Rafting on the Ayung River is one of my most exhilarating experiences in Ubud. The adventure takes you on a ten-kilometer journey over about two hours, led by some of the most spirited Indonesian guides. 

I booked my rafting trip with Get Your Guide and the Balinese company Graha Adventure. They handled everything—providing all the equipment, arranging transportation to and from the river, and always having their staff guiding. Lunch is included in the ticket price.

The nature surrounding the trail leading you to the river bank

Before you start the rafting, you’ll need to walk down a dirt path that can get muddy if it has rained. Surrounded by the jungle, you’ll arrive at the riverbank, where, with five other people and a guide, you’ll feel like you’re in a real-life jungle adventure. But this time, it’s all real—it’s you on that raft, paddling your way to the finish.

The rafting is pretty easy but offers enough challenges for beginners. You might find yourself stuck between rocks a few times, trying everything to get free, or after a series of rapids, you might tumble from your spot on the raft. 

View of the Ayung River

The guides are there to lead you throughout the trip, making the experience even better with their random shouting commands that sometimes seem counterintuitive. Along the way, you can stop at a waterfall for a refreshing dip and at a drink stall to enjoy a coconut.

Be sure to bring a change of clothes and a towel, as you will likely get very wet. Also, pack sturdy flip-flops, as the path down to the river can be muddy.

Wellness and Spirituality

18. Experience a Yoga Class in Ubud

Yoga is an integral part of Ubud’s soul, and you can’t say you’ve been there unless you’ve experienced a yoga session led by an expert yogi.

There are many yoga studios in Bali. Yoga Barn is among the most popular for the quality and variety of its classes and settings. The studio is in a river valley surrounded by trees, and the natural surroundings make the experience even more rewarding.

Radiantly Alive is another studio that offers a more intimate and smaller space and a good variety of classes. The third option is Bali Swasthya Yoga Centre, which focuses more on authentic and original Balinese yoga practice and only features Balinese-born instructors.

Single drop-in classes usually cost around IDR 165,000 ($10), and many of these studios offer live classes that you can follow worldwide if you want to extend your experience after your Bali trip.

19. Have a Massage in one of Ubud’s Spas

As the heart of Balinese spirituality and a hub for mental and physical well-being, Ubud is the perfect place to indulge in Balinese spa treatments—at a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home, let’s be honest. 

Ubud has many spas and wellness centers offering everything from traditional practices to the latest technologies, delivered with signature Balinese hospitality, which might tempt you to extend your stay.

On Jl Kajeng, Ubud Sari Health Resort will capture your heart with its idyllic setting, diverse offerings, and incredibly affordable prices ($15 for an hour-long massage). 

Taksu is another popular choice in Ubud, and it is known for its excellent spa treatments and yoga classes. After your pampering session, you can relax in their charming garden or enjoy one of their deliciously healthy meals.

Culinary Experiences

20. Try Traditional Balinese Cuisine

In Ubud, you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants and the latest fusion cuisine, but you must also try authentic, homemade Balinese food. It’s all about fresh ingredients, usually sourced from local markets, and bold flavors that might be a bit intense for those who prefer milder dishes.

Some must-try Balinese dishes include the classic Nasi Goreng, fried rice with a mix of vegetables and meat, and Nasi Campur, rice with small side dishes of meat and vegetables.

traditional balinese cuisine is a

Personally, I could eat chicken satay all day—marinated chicken usually served on skewers—and tempeh rendang, a dish typical of Indonesia. And don’t miss the Babi Guling, roasted pork, which is considered the must-have Balinese food experience. 

For some of the best warungs in Ubud, check out Mama’s Warung on Jl Sukma Kesuma. You must try the chicken satay. Sweet Orange Warung, located on the Sweet Orange Trail, is known for its quality ingredients and beautiful natural surroundings.

21. Indulge in a Vegetarian Brunch at Zest

If you’re in Ubud, you absolutely have to have at least one meal at Zest Ubud. 

Nestled in a stunning jungle setting near the Campuhan Ridge Walk, this place is a favorite for a reason. It’s the kind of spot where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, and dinner all in one day. 

If you need to get some work done while on holiday, it’s also the perfect co-working space to connect with other travelers or digital nomads over a delicious cup of coffee.

The menu is entirely plant-based and focused on locally sourced ingredients that make you almost forget it’s vegan once you taste their dishes. 

Their brunch selection is to die for. With options ranging from avocado toast to a triple pancake stack, there’s no shortage of delicious choices.

22. Join a Balinese Cooking Class in Ubud

Taking a Balinese cooking class is a fantastic way to connect with the local culture through one of its most popular aspects: food.

For Balinese people, cooking starts the day, even before placing the Canang Sari offering, and it’s usually a significant moment.

I haven’t taken a cooking class in Ubud, but wherever you do it, it’s a wonderful opportunity for sharing and learning. Most cooking classes in Bali kick off with a visit to the nearest market to familiarize yourself with the most commonly used ingredients and how to combine them. Then, you head to the kitchen to whip up some typical dishes with guidance from a local instructor.

Nasi Goreng prepared during our cooking class
Nasi Goreng prepared during our cooking class

This cooking class is similar to the one I took in a village near Sayan. It begins with a Canang Sari-making session. Then, with a local guide, you’ll prepare several traditional Balinese dishes. Finally, you’ll all sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve just cooked together.

One of the funniest things we noticed was how much spice, onion, and garlic they use. We kept asking, “Are we really adding all of that?” They would say, “Of course!


23. Visit a Local Coffee Plantation

Visiting a coffee plantation is a must-do experience in Bali, especially in Ubud. Many of these plantations focus on Luwak Coffee, which is quite unique. If you haven’t heard of it, the Luwak is an animal found in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. 

Luwak coffee is made from coffee cherries that have been eaten and then passed by the Luwak, a small, cute creature that resembles a rodent and happens to produce some excellent coffee. The origin might not sound appealing, but the coffee is delicious and has a distinct flavor (not the one you may be thinking of).

The cutest Luwak taking a nap at a coffee plantation
The cutest Luwak taking a nap.

Oka Agriculture Coffee Plantation, located just outside Ubud near the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, is similar to the one I visited.

There’s no entry fee; they’ll give you a quick rundown on how regular and Luwak coffee is produced. You’ll get to sample some of their standard coffees and teas, and for a small fee of about IDR 60,000, you can try the authentic Luwak coffee. You can contact them on their Instagram page to plan a visit.

Balinese lady roasting coffee beans at a local coffee plantation
Balinese lady roasting coffee beans

It’s a delightful way to spend a day learning about a local specialty while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings and being in the company of friendly people.

24. Fine Dining Experience With Views at Cantina Rooftop

If you’re looking for a more luxurious dining experience, Ubud has plenty to offer.

One of the best dinners I had in Ubud was at Cantina Rooftop. It’s an excellent choice for a higher-end dining experience in Bali that won’t break the bank. Every dish I tried was exceptional, with well-balanced flavors and top-quality ingredients, and the cocktails were amazing.

The atmosphere is that of a chic lounge restaurant, featuring an elegant dining area with soft lighting, high tables, an open kitchen, and cozy sofas—perfect for romantic evenings and tapas-style dining.

Perched above the Campuhan Ridge Walk, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of Pura Gunung Lebah Templeone of the best dining experiences I had in Bali.

Top Attractions & Things to Do in Ubud Bali

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