Looking for top things to do, tourist spots to visit, and best attractions in Ubud, Bali Indonesia? I hope this UBUD BALI INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG help you plan your trip to one of Indonesia's best islands!
Bali, Indonesia is one of the cheapest and most budget-friendly travel destinations in Southeast Asia. This is the reason why lots of "newbie" and budget travelers are choosing to explore Bali, Indonesia. When in Bali, don't miss visiting the town of Ubud located in the heart of the island. This town is full of cultural and traditional finds, and lots of interesting and historical attractions waiting for you to discover. There are plenty of fun things to do, places to visit, tourist spots, and attractions to explore, and here are some of the top things to do when traveling to Ubud.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN UBUD (Bali, Indonesia) 2024
This Bali Travel Guide covers destinations in Ubud, Gianyar, Bali Indonesia and nearby tourist spots and attractions as well as day tours you could avail.
For flexibility and convenience, I highly recommend a Bali Private Car Charter to visit the different tourist spots and attractions in Bali. With a private car, you could explore Bali on your own and visit the attractions you want. See the best of Bali at your own convenience, at your own time, schedule and itinerary. This is ideal for groups who want to explore and tour Bali at their own time and convenience. This lets you take control of your own schedule and plan your own itinerary.
Don't Miss these Bali Travel Essentials
- 4G WiFi Device or 3G/4G SIM Card - Internet connection is so important when traveling - especially abroad. Internet connection and WiFi access in Bali cost pretty expensive. So it's better if you purchase a SIM card or rent a pocket WiFi in advance and just pick it up upon arrival at Denpasar (Bali) Airport.
- Ngurah Rai Airport Transfers - Enjoy safe private transfers to and from Ngurah Rai Airport to/from you hotel or resort in Bali. It's cheap, convenient, and best of all, safe!
- Bali Private Car Rental - For flexibility and convenience, I highly recommend renting a private car to visit the different tourist spots and attractions in Bali. With a private car, you could explore Bali on your own and visit the attractions you want. See the best of Bali at your own convenience, at your own time, schedule and itinerary. This is ideal for groups who wants to explore and tour Bali at their own time and convenience. This lets you take control of your own schedule and plan your own itinerary.
- Scooter and Motorbike Rental in Bali - If you just want to go around downtown Bali, you can also rent a scooter or motorbike. If you don't know how to drive a scooter, you can also get a driver/guide in Bali - CLICK HERE.
- If you're a solo traveler or a small group, you can save on travel expenses by joining a group tour. Here are my most recommend Bali group tours:
UBUD, BALI Tourist Spots to Visit and Things to Do
1. Be captivated by the beauty of Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Bali is known for its beautiful rice terraces, in fact, they have plenty of them. One of the most visited and most popular is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. It offers an awesome view especially from above. Tegallalang Rice Terraces is accessible from the town of Ubud. You can reach it in less than 30 minutes if traveling from the Ubud Town.
Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Entrance Fee: An entrance/parking fee of 10,000 IDR per person is collected when visiting Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
2. Purify yourself at the Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul Temple is a water temple that is located at Manukaya, Bali Indonesia. It has a holy mountain spring where it is believed that it will purify you spiritually if you take a bath in their springs. Since Tirta Empul is a holy place, it is important to respect the place as well as dress accordingly. Don't forget to wear a sarong before entering the temple. You can borrow a sarong at the entrance, free of charge.
Address: Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Entrance Fee: An admission fee of 15,000 IDR per person is collected when visiting Tirta Empul Temple.
3. Visit the captivating Ubud Royal Palace
Ubud Royal Palace also known as Puri Saren Agung Ubud by the locals is a palace that was built in the year 1800. It is one of the main attractions in Ubud and frequented by tourists. In fact, Ubud Royal Palace is always present in Ubud tours and itineraries. The palace has a Balinese architecture and a captivating garden where guests can visit and have photos taken. They also have dance performances during night time that are definitely worth watching.
Address: Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
4. See the monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is situated at Padangtegal, Ubud. It is a nature reserve and at the same time, a Hindu temple complex. It is popularly known as the Ubud Monkey Forest so the tourist can easily identify it but the original name of this forest is Padangtegal Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The forest contains over 700 monkeys and 186 different species of trees.
Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM
AEntrance Fee: 50,000 IDR per person
5. Shop for Balinese Souvenirs at Ubud Market
The Ubud Market is located a few meters away from Ubud Royal Palace making it easy for the tourist to buy some goods and souvenirs after the tour at the palace. The market is open daily and it features the beauty of arts in Indonesia and other local products. Here, you can find Balinese handmade crafts such as baskets, woven bags, silk scarves, and other handicrafts. This is also a good place to buy paintings, artworks, and souvenirs to bring back home.
Address: Jalan Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
TRAVEL TIP: For flexibility and convenience, I highly recommend renting a private car to visit the different tourist spots and attractions in Bali. With a private car, you could explore Bali at your own and visit the attractions you want. See Bali with no tour groups, no itineraries, and no schedules.
6. Visit Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah or the Elephant Cave is another popular attraction in Ubud. You might think it is a cave or a place where there are lots of elephants, but it is not. I know you are wondering why it is called elephant cave if there's no elephant in there. Locals say that, it is because of the stone figure at the cave that is said to be the Hindu Lord Ganesh and he is described as an elephant's head. Here, you can find temples, lush gardens, and of course, souvenir shops. Wearing a sarong is also required when entering Goa Gajah. You can borrow it from the entrance gate.
Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR per person
7. Watch the Barong and Kris Dance
Barong and Kris dance is a historic and traditional dance in Bali, Indonesia. It is commonly performed by the locals in many tourists’ spots in Bali and Ubud together with the gamelan orchestra. Barong and Kris dance is a performance where they express the culture of Indonesia. It is very interesting to watch especially if you want to get educated, learn more, and indulge in the rich culture of Indonesia.
Entrance Fee: 100,000 IDR per person for a show that lasts for one hour.
8. Get mesmerized at Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan waterfall is the nearest natural attraction if you are coming from the town of Ubud. You can easily reach the falls in just half an hour through the stairs from the main road. It also has souvenir shops that are only few minutes away from the falls. If you like to get mesmerized by the beauty of nature, then Tegenungan waterfall is a must-visit.
Address: Jalan Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 06:30 AM to 06:30 PM
Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR per person
9. Stay in a Lovely Villa in Ubud
Ubud has beautiful villas with stunning views that will give you a calming experience. Staying at hotels is common so why not get close to nature and stay at the villas instead? Aside from that, it is also cheap to stay in villas in Ubud.
10. Shop in Traditional Art Market
Ubud is known for its arts and handicrafts. Visiting them wouldn't be complete without having souvenirs. You can shop at a traditional art markets such as Pasar Seni Sukawati where locals sell arts and handmade crafts such as bags, baskets, and silk.
Address: Jalan Raya Sukawati, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
11. Take pictures of the blooming pink lotuses in Pura Taman Saraswati
Pura Taman Saraswati temple is another water temple that you can find in Ubud. Like some of the other temples, the admission is also free here but it would require you to wear sash and sarong. It is known for its Balinese inspired temples and ponds full of pink lotuses.
Address: Jalan Kajeng, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
12. Splurge on Babi Guling
Babi Guling is a famous dish in Bali, Indonesia. It is a roasted pig that is stuffed with lemongrass, black pepper, turmeric, garlic, and other spices. They say that the best Babi Guling can be found in Ubud. It is usually served by the locals to the tourist and they end up liking it also. Tourists even buy this to take it home with them.
Cost: 70,000 IDR per serving of Special Babi Guling.
Travel Tip: Check out Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka along Jalan Raya Teges, Mas Ubud Bali Indonesia.
13. Try the Balinese Tepi Sawah Crispy Duck dish
Balinese crispy duck is another famous dish in Indonesia. Duck is commonly eaten in Indonesia and it is mostly served deep fried until crispy and golden brown. Just like the Babi Guling, the Balinese Crispy Duck is also popular among tourists. A visit to Bali Indonesia is never complete without trying this one out.
Cost: 115,000 IDR per serving of Tepi Sawah Crispy Duck.
Travel Tip: The most popular restaurant in Ubud that serves Tepi Sawah Crispy Duck is the Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant and Villas. They are located at Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Br. Teges, Peliatan, Ubud Bali Indonesia.
14. Get a Balinese Massage
A massage is very common in Indonesia and they also recommend it to tourists. It is so common that you can find cheap but quality spa everywhere in Ubud. They have different kinds of massage that you can try - Traditional Balinese Massage, a Hot Stone Massage, an Herbal Massage - depending on your preference. Feel completely relaxed and rejuvenated after your massage treatment that is so perfect after a day of exploring the town.
Enjoy various massage services right at your villa, hotel or accommodation in Ubud. For ease and convenience, you can book below!
Photo from Klook.com
15. Interact with over a thousand birds in Bali Bird Park
Bali Bird Park is a park dedicated to birds that is located at Batubulan, Ubud. The park has over a thousand birds and 250 different species. At Bali Bird Park, you'll get to enjoy bird shows, exhibits, and other educational programs. Bali Bird Park is located in Batubulan, on the road to Ubud and is ideally combine on a trip to Ubud. If you want to know more about birds or you just love seeing birds, Bali Bird Park is a must visit.
Address: Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir Singapadu, Batubulan, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM
Entrance Fee: 250,000 IDR per person
Photo from Klook.com
16. Take pictures at Bali Batuan Temple
Bali Batuan Temple is a local Balinese Hindu temple that is located in Ubud. It has stunning Balinese structures and ornaments all over the temple. It is a historical site and is nearly 1000 years old. If you like to explore historical places around the world, then the Batuan Temple which is a temple can be categorized as Puseh temple according to the concept of “Tri Kahyangan or Tri Murti” should be a part of your list.
Address: Jl. Raya Batuan, Batuan, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 10,000 IDR per person
17. Explore Pura Penataran Sasih
Pura Penataran Sasih is another Hindu Temple that is located in Pejeng village, Ubud. Just like the Bali Batuan, this temple is also considered as a historical site. Pura Penataran Sasih was built on 1266 AD and it serves as the state temple of the Pejeng Kingdom. Visiting the temple will let you indulge in the rich culture of Indonesia. One of its highlights is the collection of Hindu sculptures that was built during the 10th-12th century.
Address: Jl. Raya Tampaksiring, Pejeng, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Pura Penataran Sasih is included in the Pure Ubud Tour offered by Klook.com. You can book this tour below.
18. Have a thrilling experience at Skulls and Bones Trunyan Village Tour
Skulls and Bones Trunyan Village Tour is the most thrilling and interesting tour you can avail in Ubud. It is said to be the scariest and haunted place in Indonesia. The skulls and bones are real. It is from the isolated tribe from Balinese where they don't bury dead bodies. Instead, they preserve it. Skulls and bones Trunyan Village Tour is loved by many tourists especially those who are adventurous enough to handle seeing real skulls and bones. The question is, would you dare visit it?
Klook offers a Skulls & Bones Trunyan Village Tour which also comes with lunch at a local Balinese restaurant, a visit to Ubud’s many scenic viewpoints and see breathtaking rice terraces, and stroll through Ubud’s traditional art markets.
Photo from Klook.com
19. Swing adventure and coffee tasting at Jambe Asri Agrotourism
If you are a coffee love, a good cup of coffee in Ubud is a great experience. Bali Coffee popular not only in Indonesia but also known worldwide for its unique taste. A tour in Jambe Asri is commonly available at any tour agencies. The tour consists of not only trying out different varieties of coffee and tea, but also you’ll get to learn the process of how to make it. And when visiting Jambe Asri, you might also want to try the swing with a very nice view.
Address: Tegaltamu Batubulan, Batubulan, Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Travel Tip: The best time to visit Jambe Asri is in the morning. They have free coffee and tea tasting where you could sample on more than a dozen different varieties of coffees and teas.
20. Have a photo with the locals
Balinese people are generally nice, warm and welcoming. Don’t miss to have a photo taken with them.
Ubud, in Bali Indonesia is full of historical and cultural sites that are popular around the world. If you want to indulge yourself to Balinese architectures, culture and traditions, then this is the place you should visit when traveling to Bali, Indonesia.
ALSO READ: Bali Budget Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary and Breakdown of Expenses
Where to Stay in Ubud, Bali Indonesia?
Here are some of my suggested hotels and resorts in Ubud. Book in advance to get discounts on room rates.
- Kubu Bali Baik Villa & Resort
- Ulun Ubud Resort
- Freddies Villas Ubud
- Yanyan Resort Ubud
- Puri Kobot
- Bali Dream Resort
- Gajah Biru Bungalows
- Visesa Ubud Resort
- Bagus Jati Health & Wellbeing Retreat
- Beji Ubud Resort
Cheap Flights to Bali, Indonesia
To search for cheap flights to Bali, Indonesia, I highly recommend booking via Traveloka.com - one of Southeast Asia's leading travel booking sites. I've been using it in many of my travels in the past and I can assure you that you'll always get the best deals and promos on flights! And don't forget to use their weekly promo codes to get more discounts!
BEFORE YOU GO: Don't Miss these Bali Travel Essentials
|
This article was first published in April 2018 and was updated several times.
0 comments :
Post a Comment
Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries?
Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!"
Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.