Ubud Travel Guide

The Artistic & Spiritual Soul of Bali

Ubud Is Such A Special Place...”

It’s the first thing someone who had been living here for 7 years told me on my first day in Ubud:
“Ubud is a special place…” …If you know how to explore it, I would add.

There’s so much to explore not only in the surrounding areas — charming water temples, stunning waterfalls, and underrated rice field treks — but also within Ubud itself, if you take the time to venture beyond Jalan Raya, the main road. That’s when you’ll discover hidden corners that make you whisper: “Wow… is this even real?”

These places are truly magical…

From the Penestanan area, with its village feel, hidden rice fields, and scenic cafés, to all the temples (many of which are closed to visitors because they are still sacred spaces), Ubud really feels like an open-air temple.

There’s also so much to do for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, adventurers, and craft seekers: from cooking classes in traditional villages to pottery and wood carving workshops, from whitewater rafting on the Ayung River to sunrise hikes to Mount Batur.

Honestly? It’s Impossible to Get Bored in Ubud

And yet, when I hear people complaining that Ubud is chaotic, traffic-filled, and way too busy — but then realize they only stayed on the main road — I get a little mad because they’re missing out on the real magic.

If you want to discover Ubud beyond its more touristy attractions, check out the blog posts below. You’ll find travel tips, hidden gems, things to do and see, and the most authentic experiences this magical town in the heart of Bali has to offer.

Ubud – Quick Information

  • 📍 Location: Central Bali
  • 🧭 Best Time to Visit: Dry season from April to September (Even though this year the rain has been quite heavy from April to June as well.)
  • 💡 What makes Ubud special: To me? The fact that Ubud feels like an open-air temple — and in just five minutes on foot, you can leave the crowds behind and find yourself surrounded by silence and endless rice fields.
  • ✨ Ideal for: spiritual seekers, creatives, food lovers, adventurers. It’s the perfect base for organizing day trips to the northern areas of Bali, such as Bangli, Kintamani, and Munduk.

Planning a trip to Ubud?

Start with the complete travel guide below.

Best Things To See in Ubud


USUAL TOURIST ITINERARY

  • Sacred Monkey Forest
  • Ubud Palace
  • Saraswati Temple
  • Pura Tirta Empul
  • Tegalalang Rice Terraces
  • Kanto Lampo Waterfall
  • Tegenungan Waterfall
  • Campuhan Ridge Walk
  • Sweet Orange Trail (Juwuk Manis Walk)

OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH

  • Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
  • Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring
  • Pura Mengening
  • Mancigan Rice Fields
  • Pura Dalem Temple
  • Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
  • Suwat Waterfall
  • Taman Sari Waterfall
  • Tibumana Waterfall
  • Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
  • Penestanan Rice Field Walk

Best Activities in Ubud


CULTURE

  • Balinese Dance Performance
  • Canang Sari Crafting
  • Cooking Class
  • Purification Melukat Ritual

ART & CRAFTS

  • Pottery (Serayu Pot is recommended)
  • Silver Jewellery Making
  • Wood Carving
  • Painting Class

WELLNESS & SPORT

  • Whitewater Rafting & ATV
  • Visit Yoga Barn
  • Radiantly Alive Yoga Center
  • The Collective Class for Reformer Pilates
  • Ubud Fitness
  • Ubud Sari Health Resort for Massages & Spa Treatments

My Favorite Places To Eat in Ubud

BEST RICE FIELD VIEW

Sweet Orange Warung & Monkey Bar

BEST VEGETARIAN

Sayuri Healing Food & Zest

BEST CAFE TO WORK FROM

Littletalks

BEST WARUNG

Nikuna & Sweet Orange Warung

MOST CHARMING

Yellow Flower Cafe

Need Help Planning Your Ubud Itinerary?

Start with the blog posts below