Currently living in Ubud, I’m sharing all my favorite spots, underrated gems, and authentic experiences to help you plan your adventure in this beautiful part of Bali.
Ubud is often described as busy, touristy, and stuck in traffic — and honestly, that’s true if you only stick to the main roads and most popular sights. But there’s so much more to discover around, and Ubud is the perfect base for wonderful day-trips.
During my time living here, I’ve explored peaceful temples, unbelievable waterfalls, quiet rice fields, and authentic off-the-beaten-path locations that still hold the magic of what was once (and still is) the spiritual and artistic center of Bali.
On this page, you’ll find travel tips, personal recommendations, and honest insights to help you experience the best of Ubud, with a sprinkle of nature, spirituality, and the slower pace that makes Bali so special.
How to Spend 3 Days in Ubud: Best Itinerary for Nature Lovers
Dreaming of infinite rice paddies, ancient temples, and the vibrant heart of Bali? Then Ubud is calling your name, as it did with me! I know you may have seen those TikTok videos of crazy…
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…
Is Whitewater rafting in Ubud Worth It? Honest Review & Guide
Are you planning a trip to Bali and wondering if whitewater rafting in Ubud is really worth it? As someone who loves adventure and nature, I could not wait to try rafting for the first…
Purification Ritual at Pura Tirta Empul: My Honest Experience (+ Alternatives)
Are you planning a trip to Ubud and considering the Pura Tirta Empul purification ritual? This review and guide may help you decide if it’s the right experience for you or if perhaps other locations…
Authentic Balinese Experience: The Best Cooking Class in Ubud
Are you planning your first trip to Bali and searching for activities that will allow you to connect with the local culture? Then you absolutely have to book this cooking class in Ubud (or very…
The Ultimate Ubud Travel Guide: Plan Your Dream Trip in 2025
Ubud first appeared to me in a dream in September 2024. I had never seen any picture or considered it before (I didn’t even know it was in Bali), but I dreamt of its rice…
Exploring Goa Gajah Temple: Ubud Elephant Cave and What Makes It Special
Just a few days after moving to Ubud, I couldn’t resist visiting one of the spiritual sites I had missed on my last trip: Goa Gajah Temple, or, as most people call it, The Ubud…
Ubud Rice Field Walks: My Guide to the 5 Prettiest Trails & When to Visit
If there’s something that truly stole my heart on my very first time in Ubud, it was the fact that I could leave the busy main road and, within less than five minutes, find myself…
Balinese Purification Ceremony: A Meaningful Way to Celebrate New Beginnings in Bali
Since coming to Bali for the first time, I had always wanted to experience the Balinese purification ceremony, also known as Melukat. But when I visited Pura Tirta Empul, the most famous temple for this ritual, it…
Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Are They Truly Worth Your Visit?
When I first came to Bali, I had heard it all about the Tegallalang Rice Terraces — from different people and blogs: too touristy, stunning, an absolute must-do. So, I decided to check it out…
Exploring Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple: Bali’s Enchanting Sacred Site You Don’t Expect
If you’re looking to explore more hidden and peaceful sacred sites around Ubud, Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple will definitely enchant you (not to be confused with Gunung Kawi Temple in Tampaksiring). It was suggested to…
Gunung Kawi Temple: Is This Bali’s Most Mystical Sacred Site?
The first time I looked up Gunung Kawi Temple online (after the guide who led me through my purification ceremony recommended it), the first thing that popped up was a picture of those mystical, towering…