Top 10 Things to Do in Ubud, Bali (updated 2026)
Are you looking for the top 10 things to do in Ubud, Bali? There is so much to see and do in Ubud, and if you have limited time, then this travel guide is just for you. I was overwhelmed with too many choices when I visited Bali. So I’ve compiled a list of the most epic activities, like riding a swing with a flying dress or enjoying a boat ride among koi fish. Read on for the best travel guide to Ubud.
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Before you go:
🏨 Top Hotel Pick: The Udaya ($$) | Soka Homestay ($)
🛂 Apply for the required visa here to enter Bali ahead of time.
🚖 Pre-book your airport transfer to your hotel
🚗 Rent a Scooter: You’ll need to rent a scooter to get around!
🚖 Hire a driver for the day for only ~€45 (Book here)
🧷 Travel Insurance with SafetyWing in case of any accidents. Better safe than sorry!
📱Mobile eSIM card to stay connected for less than $1 a day. There’s no hassle of changing out your physical SIM card!
💜 Best time to visit Bali: May to August to avoid the rainy season
Top 10 Things to Do in Ubud, Bali
Ubud is located in the heart of Bali, Indonesia, in Southeast Asia. It’s a cultural hub known for its lush landscapes, artistic community, and spiritual ambiance. Surrounded by rice terraces, the town is full of Balinese architecture, bustling markets, and an exploding arts scene. Famous for its numerous temples, including the Ubud Royal Palace, and cultural events such as dance performances, no wonder Ubud attracts travelers from all over the world.
Below, we’ll get into the top 10 things to do in Ubud. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve visited Bali before, these are the must-see and do activities. If you want someone to take care of it all for you, then you can book this private tour, which takes you to all the main attractions.
1. Experience Ubud’s Iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Tegalalang Rice Terrace (Ceking Rice Terrace) is one of the most famous attractions in Ubud—and for good reason. The lush green paddies carved into the hillside form stunning patterns that seem endless. Trust me, you have to see it yourself. I was really impressed! Over the years, it has transformed into a huge tourist attraction, complete with swings, photo spots, and cafés.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Arrive at opening (8 am) or, even better, catch the sunrise to see the terraces in a peaceful glow before the crowds roll in.
I’ve been to Tegalalang on two different Bali trips, and each experience was completely different.
- First visit: I paid the standard entry fee and went through the main entrance, where all the tourists gather. By 10 am, it was packed. We ended up at an overpriced café above the terraces, paying too much for a tiny avocado toast.
- Second visit: I booked an Instagram photo tour with a local guide—and it was the best decision. They took me to a secret entrance where I didn’t even need to pay the entry fee. More importantly, I discovered a whole new side of the rice terraces with almost no one around. Watching the sunrise here was magical, and I managed to capture some of my favorite photos of my entire Bali trip. Plus, I added on a drone photo shoot (it’s an add-on after selecting the Premium Private Tour). This got me some of the coolest shots ever (you can find them on my Instagram!). I had someone with a drone taking content of me all day for an extra $270. And this was just one of the many spots we visited.
💡 Alternative Rice Terraces: If you want a quieter option, explore the lesser-known paddies around Ubud. One of my favorites is Bamjar Mancunian, where you’ll find far fewer tourists. It’s close to Tegalalang, so you can combine both in one trip. While in the area, you can also visit Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, a beautiful water temple surrounded by natural springs.
PS: you can hire a driver here for the day to take you around Ubud, and it’s only about €45.
📍Location: Ceking Rice Terrace (Google Maps)
⏰ Best Time: 8 am at opening (or sunrise for fewer crowds)
💡 Tip: Hire a guide for a secret entrance and quiet photo spots
🎟 Entry Fee: ~ IDR 15k (skip the fee with local tours)
2. Bathe in Holy Springs at Pura Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul Temple is a sacred spring that is believed to possess purifying properties. It dates back to the 10th century, with a temple complex featuring traditional Balinese architecture. On the premises, you’ll find courtyards, shrines, and pavilions.
You can actually take part in the purification ritual and bathe under the 30 water spouts, each representing a different Hindu deity. I didn’t do it myself, but watching people go through the ritual was incredible — it really gives you a sense of the local culture and spirituality. Even just wandering the grounds and soaking in the peaceful vibes made it feel like a truly special experience.
A sarong is required to enter the temple, but don’t worry if you don’t have one — they have plenty to choose from at the entrance. I picked out a cute purple one!
I shared a little of my visit on Instagram — definitely one to add to your Ubud bucket list!
📍Location: Pura Tirta Empul (Google Maps)
⏰ Best Time: Early morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful vibes
💡 Tip: Watch the purification rituals even if you don’t participate — it’s a fascinating cultural experience
🎟 Entry Fee: ~IDR 50k
✨ Extra: Bring a sarong (or rent one at the entrance)
3. Sample Coffee at a Coffee Plantation
Another must-do in Ubud is visiting a local coffee plantation and tasting some of Bali’s famous blends. Coffee is such an important part of Balinese culture — it’s not just a drink, but a way to connect, share, and experience local hospitality.
There are many coffee plantations in Bali. I visited a coffee shop, Satria Agrowisata. It was the perfect place to enjoy my cup of coffee.
📍Location: Satria Agrowisata (Google Maps)
⏰ Best Time: Morning, when it’s cooler and less crowded
💡 Tip: Try the famous kopi luwak for a unique experience, and ask for a tour to see how the beans are processed.
4. Swing in a Flying Dress
One of my favorite moments in Bali was putting on a flying dress and swinging into the jungle. There are swings everywhere in Bali, but I went to Satria Swing, which is way less crowded than the other super touristy spots in Ubud. Bonus: it’s the same place where you can try their coffee too!
I rented this gorgeous dress from them and got strapped into the swing. Honestly, it was so funny —all the guys were trying to get the perfect angle for photos while I was trying not to flash anyone!
Pro tip: wear shorts under your dress or make sure it’s secure, because it will fly up. The team is great though—they push you safely, make sure you’re strapped in, and help you get the best shots possible. It’s also completly safe.
📍Location: Satria Swing (Google Maps)
⏰ Best Time: anytime til they close really
💡 Tip: Wear shorts under your dress or secure it
🎟 Cost: Dress rental + swing fee included (~IDR 200k–300k)
📸 Photo Tip: Let the staff help with angles—they’re pros at making you look epic mid-air!
5. See the Monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is a must-see thing to do in Ubud. Located in central Ubud, it is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques. It’s really unique to be able to observe these monkeys and spot them in such beautiful surroundings. Along the way, you’ll find ancient temple ruins and moss-covered statues, too.
A few tips from my experience: avoid wearing loose jewelry, sunglasses, or anything shiny, as the monkeys can be quick to snatch them. And try not to make loud noises or stare directly at them — it’s best to just observe quietly and enjoy being a guest in their world.
When I visited, I kept to myself just out of a little fear of getting the monkeys angry. And it was completely fine! I saw plenty of people who didn’t have this approach though. To be honest, this is one of the top things to do in Ubud, Bali but if you’re into hidden gems, then you could do with skipping this one. It can be a bit of a touristy attraction.
If you want to find the most non-touristy things to do in Bali <– I have a guide for that!
📍Location: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Google Maps)
⏰ Best Time: Early morning around 8–9 am for fewer crowds
💡 Tip: Keep your distance, avoid shiny items, and enjoy watching the monkeys play
🎟 Entry Fee: ~IDR 80k
6. Soak in a Flower Bath
One of the best things to do in Ubud is take a flower bath. Kaveri Spa was where I had my flower bath, and it is the most instagrammable location. The spa is part of a beautiful hotel called the Udaya in Ubud. However, you can find flower baths all over Bali!
What I loved about the one at Kaveri Spa was that I could select my own custom design for my flower bath. I couldn’t decide between a heart and a star, so I told them, and the staff was super helpful. To my surprise, they combined a heart within a star, which I truly loved!
To get in without ruining the design, sit on the edge of the tub and slowly pull your body in. If you have no one to help you with photos (like I did), the staff are nice and will gladly help.
📍Location: Kaveri Spa at the Udaya (Google Maps)
💡 Tip: You can customize your flower bath design—get creative! I went with a heart inside a star 💖
🎟 Cost: ~840k IDR (€45)
📸 Photo Tip: The staff were really helpful if you’re solo like I was. Just ask them to help you.
7. Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk
Campuhan Ridge Walk is a beautiful paved walking trail that offers insane views and a lush green backdrop. It is a pretty easy hike to do and will take about 20-30 minutes one way to walk. Don’t miss this walk if you’re looking for the best things to do in Ubud!
Going at sunset is a must to see the orangey hues of the sky while you’re in the midst of nature. Near the entrance to the walk you’ll find Murni’s Warung, one of the best restaurants in Ubud.
📍Location: Campuhan Ridge Walk (Google Maps)
⏰ Best Time: Sunset for the best light
💡 Tip: Stop by Murni’s Warung nearby for a snack after your walk
8. Admire the Koi Fish at Tirta Gangga
Another best thing to do in Ubud is to admire the koi fish at Tirta Gangga. Tirta Gangga is a water palace built in the early 20th century by the royal family of Karangasem. Tirta Gangga translates to “Water of the Ganges,” reflecting its significance as a holy site. Here, you’ll find an intricate network of pools, fountains, and lush gardens with statues and stone carvings.
You can step along the stones laid on top of the water to get a closer look at all the vibrantly orange koi fish. However, the fish are slightly overfed, and you can see how large they are, which is a bit sad, so refrain from feeding them too much. The place was super crowded when I visited, and therefore very difficult to get nice photos.
📍Location: Tirta Gangga (Google Maps)
⏰ Best Time: Early morning to avoid crowds and get better photos
💡 Tip: Walk along the stones in the pools for a closer look at the koi, but don’t overfeed them
🎟 Entry Fee: ~IDR 50k
9. Swim in a Waterfall
Visiting the waterfalls and taking a dip is a must-do activity while in Ubud. There are quite a few popular waterfalls to choose from near Ubud. Those include Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Tibumana Waterfall.
I found them to be quite busy, which can sometimes take away from the beauty. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I love a good hidden gem. So I loved discovering some of the secret waterfalls such as Bayad Waterfall (first two pictures above). Mid-day me and my friends and literally had it to ourselves. Plus, I had fun jumping behind the waterfall and really taking in the waterfall!
📍Locations:
Bayad Waterfall (Google Maps)
Kanto Lampo Waterfall (Google Maps)
Tegenungan Waterfall (Google Maps)
Tibumana Waterfall (Google Maps).
10. Have lunch in a boat surrounded by Koi fish
One of the most unique experiences I had in Ubud was a floating boat lunch at Kamandalu Hotel, surrounded by colorful koi fish — and yes, it’s just as magical as it looks on Instagram! You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy it, but if you’re lucky enough to stay here, booking a room is definitely worth it.
I first spotted this experience on Instagram and instantly added it to my Bali bucket list — and now I can proudly check it off. Two delicious meals are served on the boat, all while you float through a serene, tropical river. They even provide fish food so you can feed the koi, who will swim right up to the boat — it’s such a fun and peaceful experience.
The cost is about €111, and I promise it was worth it. I even flew my drone here, and you can see how magicical it was on my Instagram post!
📍Location: Kamandalu Hotel (Google Maps)
⏰ Best Time: Lunchtime or dinner
💡 Tip: Bring your camera and feed the koi fish — they’ll swim right up to the boat! You don’t need to stay at the hotel to join the floating lunch
🎟 Cost: ~€111 per person
Where to Stay in Ubud, Bali
Some of the best accommodations in Bali can be found in Ubud. Here are my top picks!
Where to Stay in Ubud:
$ Umah Anila | Soka Homestay
$$ Korurua Dijiwa Ubud | Bisma Eight
$$$ Jannata Resort | Wapa di Ume Ubud | Maya Ubud
Hopefully, you enjoyed reading this post on the top things to do in Ubud, Bali!
For more reading, you may also like:
🏝️ The Ultimate 2 Week Bali Itinerary
📆 5 Day Bali Itinerary
🚶♀️Bali Solo Travel Guide
🌴 Guide to Campuhan Ridge Walk
🏡 10 Most Beautiful Villas with a Private Pool in Bali
🌿 7 Best Things to do in Munduk, Bali
⛰️ Best Viewpoints of Mt Agung
🌅 Guide to Bukit Cinta for views of Mt. Agung
🏖️ Things to do in Uluwatu
Great list! Ubud has so much to offer, and I’m especially excited to try out those new restaurants you mentioned. The update really highlights the evolving charm of the area. Thanks for the tips!
Loved this post! Ubud has so much to offer, and your recommendations are spot on. I can’t wait to explore the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and try the local cuisine. Thanks for the tips!