Ubud is a beautiful area on Bali. It is the centre of healing and spirituality. Apart from yoga, mediation, sound healing you can enjoy stunning nature, delicious food and many attractions in the area. There’s many beautiful places one can visit in and around Ubud. We prepared a list of our favorite places around Ubud and all the things to do in Ubud.
Best time to visit Ubud
Best time to visit Ubud is during dry season between June and September. Weather should be mostly sunny. Evenings in Ubud are a bit cooler so it’s always a good idea to carry some extra layers. Ubud has it’s rainy season between December and February.
If you’re wondering what time is best to see lsuh green rice terraces near Ubud it looks like April is the best choice. Some people say September is fine too but I’m not so sure about that. We came in August and most of rice was just harvested.
How to get around
Motorbike
You can easily rent a motorbike in Ubud. There is many rentals to choose from. Prices are between 35-40k per day. In case you want to rent a bike for your whole Bali trip check out 493 scooter rental in Kuta. They deliver bikes straight to the airport and you can explore the whole island with them!
Grab or Gojek
Not the best option in Ubud. The main tourist areas around art market as well as famous attractions around Ubud forbid the use of any of these apps. They request you use the local taxi services instead.
Hire a driver
Another option would be to hire a driver for the whole day. It usually costs between 30-50€ and they will take you anywhere you wish. You can either ask at your hotel in the north or organize a day trip from Ubud or Canggu. You can use online platforms to avoid being scammed. Check out this private driver.
Join a group trip
If you don’t feel like riding a scooter and driver is too expensive for you join a group trip. There are many tour companies, especially in Ubud, offering different day trips to the north. You will definitely be able to find one that covers most of the places you want to see. Downside is that there’s gonna be 15-30 people traveling with you. There are many different tours, for example this Instagram highlights tour.
Things to do in Ubud
If you book any of the tours below, we will earn a small comission. You still pay the same.
1. Ubud art market & shopping
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Ubud is full of different shops and boutiques. You can buy any kind of souvenir here. Head to famous Ubud art market for typical Balinese clothers, bags and souvenirs to bring back home. Most of the stalls sell the same things. Do not forget to bargain with the sellers. Ubud is also great if you want some unique home decorations.
2. Water temple (Saraswati temple)
Price: 35k per person
Opening hours: 07:00 – 17:00
Saraswati temple is located right in the center of Ubud. It is a beautiful temple with a large water pool in the front. The whole area is very nicely decorated with trees, flowers and statues. Every visitor will get a free kimono to cover his body. Despite being in the center and long line at the entrance it didn’t feel crowded once we entered.
TIP: There is traditional Balinese dance performance every day at 7pm. You can witness this for 100k.
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3. Tegalalang rice fields
Price: 10-50k
Opening hours: 07:00 – 18:00 officially, but you can come any time
Tegalalang rice fields are probably the most beautiful rice terraces on the whole island. And also the most famous ones. The rice terraces are spread accross the hills and go all the way down to a deep valley. It’s just stunning! Tegalalang is worth a visit any time, even right after harvest. But to see it lush and green you should probably come in April. Check latest Google reviews with photos to see whether the fields are green or not.
There are official ticket booths at every entry point from the main road. Some blogs claim local farmers have another checkpoints along the rice fields wher you can pay to walk around. We haven’t seen anything like this. We came for sunrise so there was no one to collect the entry fee. Therefore our whole visit was completely free.
TIP: Come before 10AM to avoid the crowds! For the best light come right after the sunrise.
4. Campuhan ridge walk
Price: free
Opening hours: you can come anytime
Campuhan ridge walk is a very lovely 2km long path. There is a valley on both sides which makes it even more epic. It is a popular place among locals as well as tourists. In the morning you can meet many runners here. There is nothing except nature on the path. For the best views come during sunrise or sunset.
READ NEXT: Best waterfalls on Bali
5. Rice fields walk in Ubud town
Price: free
Opening hours: you can come anytime
In Ubud there is a beautiful narrow trail that will take you along the rice fields. It is lined up with cute cafes and eateries. During day you can meet local farmer working on the fields. Surprisingly, not many people know about this place. There are also many homestays and villas in this area. It’s the perfect place to stroll around, relax and snap some photos. This is the location. You can drive along the whole path on a bike but it’s very narrow.
6. Tibumana waterfall
Price: 20k
Opening hours: 07:00-18:00
Tibumana waterfall is only 15km from Ubud town. It is becoming more and more popular with tourists. Once you park it takes 10 minutes of walking to reach the waterfall. You will find some souvenirs and restauratns along the path. Area is surrounded by lovely rice fields. The waterfall itself is not very tall but rather strong. It is not allowed to swim near it. But there is a refreshing deep pool around so make sure to bring your swimwear.
READ NEXT: Mt Agung hike – complete guide
7. Adilla's spot
This road is getting a lot of attention lately thanks to Instagram. It is a beautiful road lined up with palm trees and sourounded by rice fields. You will actually pass Adilla’s spot on your way to Tibumana waterfall. It can be found right before the parking area.
8. Kanto Lampo waterfall
Price: 20k, 5k for locker
Opening hours: 07:00-17:00
Kanto Lampo is a waterfall that consists of many smaller streams flowing down black rocks. It is located in a lush green canyon. I can’t really say we enjoyed our visit that much. The waterfall itself is stunning, however in front of it there is a line of tourists waiting for a photo. You can’t really enjoy this place that much. It’s more of a “snap a photo for Insta and go” kind of place. There is another swimming pool built nearby where you can relax. We would highly recommend coming here early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
9. Penglipuran
Price: 50k
Opening hours: 08:00-18:30
Penglipuran is often presented as a traditional Balinese village. Local community that lives here tries to do their best to preserve real Balinese culture. The village is very small with only one short path you can walk. It is very beautiful and looks like from a fairytale. I wouldn’t say it feels like traditional place, it’s more of a tourist attraction these days. You can enter people’s home which are full of tourist souvenirs. Despite that it’s worth a visit if you have extra time. Especially during Balinese holidays such as Galungan.
10. Monkey forest
Price: weekdays adult 80k, child 60K & weekends adult 100k, child 80k
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00
Visiting Monkey forest is a very entertaining activity in Ubud. In Monkey forest you can meet lots of cute monkey wandering around freely. It’s a great place to enjoy a day in nature. Apart from many monkeys, the park itself is a beautiful rainforest. Monkey forest is a very popular thing to do in Ubud so expect to meet many people here.
Do not forget to follow the rules to avoid getting injured by the monkeys. You should never feed them, touch them and look them in the eye. Keep all loose items inside your bag.
TIP: If you’re looking for a more relaxed alternative head to Sangeh monkey forest 15km from Ubud. The entrance fee is much cheaper – 30 000IDR. It is less visited and monkeys are less agressive.
11. Leke Leke waterfall
Price: 50k for adult
Opening hours: 07:00 – 17:00
Leke Leke is a tall waterfall tucked away in a narrow canyon. It takes 1 hour to reach it from Ubud. Like many waterfalls in North Bali, it is surrounded by lush green leaves and jungle trees. There is a small and not so deep pool underneath where you can go for a dip. Sice the waterfall is not so strong you can even stand underneath.
Once you park there is a small reception with free toilet where you can get your ticket. You get 10% discount in a nearby restaurant. On the way down there is a huge swing where you can take some photos for 100k. The trail only takes 15 minutes down the valley. You can join an organised tour if you don’t want to ride a scooter.
TIP: Come early in the morning. Later there’s many people and everyone is waiting in a line to get a photo here.
12. Nung Nung waterfall
Price: 60k for adult, 3k for bike parking
Opening hours: 07:00 – 19:00
Nung Nung is probably our favorite waterfall in North Bali! You can combine its visit with a trip to Leke Leke. It is majestic and will take your breath away on the first sight. The waterfall is very strong. It is hard to get close to it and we would not recommend going right underneath it. Water is once again not too deep for swimming. The whole area around the waterfall is very wet.
From the parking it’s maybe 15 minutes but there is many stairs. The way down is okay but you will for sure have a hard time climbing back up. But it’s worth it! For some reason there was not so many people. We came in the afternoon and had a few minutes completely alone.
13. Go on a day trip to North Bali
North Bali is a beautiful part of Bali you shouldn’t skip. We recommend spending a few days in the area if you have time for it. You can check our blog post to see complete North Bali guide. There are numerous waterfalls, rice fields and beautiful lakes you can visit. In case your Bali holiday is short, you can easily organize a day trip that covers all the highlights around North Bali.
Where to stay
Luxury stay - Blue Karma Dijiwa
Blue Karma Dijiwa is a sanctuary tucked away in a jungle yet close to town. It is surrounded by beautiful rice fields. Blue Karma offers few beautifully decorated villas, incredible relaxing SPA experience and visiting their restaurant is a real pleasure. They have the best desserts ever!
Where to eat
- Suka Espresso – perfect place for breakfast or brunch
- Twist restaurant – tasty burgers
- Bula Vinaka – delicious home made noodles
- Bella pizza
- Caramel patisserie – lovely desserts
- Warung Pondok Madu – cheap and tasty local food
- Warung Hana – local food next to rice fields
