If you're planning a trip to Ubud and looking for some expert advice and tips, you've come to the right place. Our latest travel blog post is filled with valuable information to help you organize your future stay in this enchanting destination. Discover the best accommodation and activities to make the most of your time on the captivating Island of the Gods.
During our own visit to Ubud, we had the pleasure of staying at some incredible accommodations and trying out unforgettable activities. We invite you to click on the blue links throughout the article to learn more about our recommendations and insights. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a wellness enthusiast, we've got you covered with a variety of options to suit your preferences.
Discover all the insider tips and essential information for planning an unforgettable trip to Ubud in our latest travel blog post. We have compiled our personal recommendations and suggestions to ensure you make the most of your stay on the beautiful Island of the Gods. For more information on the incredible accommodations we stayed at and the exciting activities we experienced, simply click on the highlighted links below.
Planning a visit to Ubud can be overwhelming with so many options to choose from. However, our stay was made seamless thanks to the comfortable accommodation options we found and the exciting activities we embarked on. Whether you're interested in cultural exploration or adventurous pursuits, our blog post will provide you with all the necessary insights to curate an amazing itinerary.
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Amidst the flourishing tourism, Ubud delights visitors with its inherent charm and authenticity, which perseveres unperturbed.
Prepare yourself to be captivated by the allure of Ubud. Once you arrive, you may find yourself extending your stay, bewitched by the plethora of enticing experiences it offers. Indulge in the vibrant bar and restaurant scene, bask in the beauty of the surrounding rice fields, immerse yourself in the serenity of ancient temples, enrich your culinary skills through cooking classes, and witness mesmerizing traditional dance performances - a plethora of activities await!
Did you know that Ubud is renowned for its remarkable art scene? The town's artistic heritage is best showcased at the Ubud Palace, where you can marvel at intricate carvings and awe-inspiring architecture. Another must-visit is the renowned Blanco Renaissance Museum, which displays the extraordinary works of the late Antonio Blanco, a Spanish-born artist who fell in love with Bali.
When exploring the captivating rice terraces, don't miss the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces, famous for its cascading emerald-green landscapes. Witnessing the beauty of these terraces is a true feast for the eyes and will leave you in awe of nature's wonders.
Bali, nicknamed the Island of the Gods, is world-famous for its long beaches, forested mountains, terraced rice paddies and the art of living of its inhabitants. When travelling to Bali, Ubud is a must. Ubud is often the starting point for a Bali tour. To help you prepare for your holiday in Bali, and in particular your stay in Ubud, we suggest you read our full account of our trip to Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands, and to Bali and Java, with stops at Gili Meno and Gili Asahan, a coral atoll still untouched by mass tourism.
If, like us, you've fallen in love with Indonesia and are looking to explore another dream island, check out our special Indonesia page dedicated to this country, which has become our favourite playground. On the programme: Bali and Lombok of course, but also Flores and Sulawesi, two dream destinations off the beaten track.
Bali, nicknamed the Island of the Gods, is world-famous for its long beaches, forested mountains, terraced rice paddies and the art of living of its inhabitants. When travelling to Bali, Ubud is a must. Ubud is often the starting point for a Bali tour. To help you prepare for your holiday in Bali, and in particular your stay in Ubud, we suggest you read our full account of our trip to Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands, and to Bali and Java, with stops at Gili Meno and Gili Asahan, a coral atoll still untouched by mass tourism.
If, like us, you've fallen in love with Indonesia and are looking to explore another dream island, check out our special Indonesia page dedicated to this country, which has become our favourite playground. On the programme: Bali and Lombok of course, but also Flores and Sulawesi, two dream destinations off the beaten track.
Our MUST READ feature article, with all our tips for travelling to Bali and Indonesia.
Things to see and do in Ubud
1. Visiting Ubud for the first time: Our advice
Ubud is a quiet, timeless village.
The town actually comprises 14 small villages, each run independently by its own committee. It's a great place to stay, thanks to its milder, more humid climate than the coasts, which makes it more bearable.
Ubud is best known for the painter Walter Spies, who settled here and influenced many Balinese and Western artists. The Spies house is now part of the Tjampuhan hotel.
The main street is Jalan Raya Ubud. It crosses the town centre from east to west, and is home to the town's main shops and art galleries. The traditional market is at the junction with Monkey Forest Road, where a number of mid-range hotels are located. If you're seeking to visit, you should consider comfortable and accessible accommodation. You can find options at https://www.all-balihotels.net/en/ which provides a broad selection catered to different needs and budgets. The closeness to the vibrant life on the main street makes any of the choices ideal for starting exploring Ubud.
Not far from the market is Café Lotus: both a café and a Balinese dance venue, this Ubud landmark has an enchanting decor. From the café's terrace, you can admire the thousands of lotuses in the royal temple pond.
2. Visit Ubud's Monkey Forest
Discover our essential feature article, packed with valuable insights and recommendations for your journey to Bali and Indonesia.
Uncover the wonders of Ubud
1. First-time visit to Ubud: Our expert guidance
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Ubud, a timeless village.
In the heart of the town, lies a unique nature reserve we refer to as The Monkey Forest. This gem, nestled in a lush green forest, serves as a safe haven for a thriving community of approximately 300 macaques. The sanctuary's mission revolves around preserving this idyllic environment and the hallowed essence of the locale. Dotting a forest trail are several sacred temples, contributing to the ethereal ambiance of the reserve. In this protected environment, the monkeys have the freedom to explore at will . As you venture into the park, remember to familiarize yourself with the safety instructions given the unpredictable nature of the macaques, particularly during feeding times.
An enchanting retreat nestled within a verdant jungle scape not far from the hustle and bustle of the town center, The Monkey Forest is a sanctuary dedicated to protecting its stunning habitat and an intriguing troop of 300 macaque monkeys. With its profound spiritual importance, this reserve also features various ancient temples, beautifully showered throughout the green trails.
The ethereal space allows the monkeys to freely wander, adding an authentic essence of the wild in their sacred home. As you step into this fascinating realm, don't forget to glance over the safety guidelines; keep in mind that the monkeys may exhibit unpredictable behavior, especially when presented with food or treats.
In the majestic Ubud and its picturesque surroundings, we've been capturing mesmerizing footage that showcases our journey and progression in terms of the imagery and video editing techniques. If you've enjoyed our 2017 videos, wait until you see our latest captures and vibrant edits.
Here are some videos we shot in Ubud and the surrounding area. You'll see how we've progressed in terms of the shots we took and the video editing ^^ Don't worry, you like our videos shot in 2017 just fine?
This is episode 06 of our web series shot in Bali and Lombok: Ubud and its temples.
It includes some footage shot at the Monkey Forest.
During the summer of 2017, we returned to Bali and in particular to Ubud with our family and Richard's mum. The videos below are shot in vlogging mode with some beautiful footage including drone footage. Tell us what you think and join our community on YouTube.
Next episode, still in Ubud, where we set off on an excursion with Titak, a Balinese driver-guide who speaks French wonderfully well. These details are in the article where you'll find all our tips for travelling in Bali and Indonesia.
3. Trek in the rice fields: Campuhan Ridge
3. Trek in the rice fields: Campuhan Ridge
Let yourself be tempted by a hike (7km, 2h) in the heights of Ubud on Campuhan Ridge.
See our article on hiking in Ubud. The rice paddies surrounding Ubud are an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local traditions and culture.
Here is episode 05 of our Web series filmed in Bali and Lombok: " Ubud and its rice fields " in 2011:
Our video shot in 2017 can be seen a little higher up.
4. Visit the Goa Gajah temple
Goa Gajah is located a few kilometres from Ubud. It's much more than just a temple!
Find out more about visiting Goa Gajah temple
5. Rafting on the Ayung River
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush in Bali, I highly recommend embarking on a thrilling adventure by navigating the Ayung River by raft. This exhilarating experience is sure to get your heart pumping and leave you with unforgettable memories.
If you're interested in learning more about rafting in Ubud and discovering the best spots to embark on this exciting activity, check out our comprehensive guide for all the information you need to know.
During our recent trip to Bali in July 2019, we had the incredible opportunity to meet Nyoman, a warm and welcoming local guide who was eager to show us around his traditional village. Nyoman took us on an unforgettable journey through lush rice fields and treated us to the mesmerizing beauty of a magnificent waterfall.
In Bali, it is often said that the island chooses its travelers, and our encounter with Nyoman certainly reaffirmed this sentiment. We felt privileged to experience the authentic side of Ubud and create everlasting memories through his expert guidance.
Set off from Ubud to conquer the Ayung River by raft. Thrills guaranteed!
Find out more about rafting in Ubud
6. How to visit the real Ubud with a local guide?
As they say on the Island of the Gods, it's rarely the traveller who chooses Bali, but Bali chooses its travellers.
It was during our 5th trip to Bali in July 2019 that we were lucky enough to meet Nyoman, a very friendly local guide happy to help us discover his traditional village, its rice fields and a magnificent waterfall through unforgettable experiences.
First of all, Nyoman is passionate about showing us around his native village of Bongkasa for a day. This is authentic Ubud, far removed from mass tourism. After a few minutes' drive from Ubud, we park in his village and set off on a trek through the rice fields that he and his community own. We're on our own.
Nyoman obviously knows everyone. The farmers who work hard in the rice fields are his family or close neighbours. It's also a unique opportunity to meet new people in unique landscapes and chat with the locals.
The trek continues along the Ayung river, which we had rafted down a few years earlier. Another viewpoint, another atmosphere.
Then we head back up through the rice fields towards the village and Nyoman's family home. His wife finishes our local lunch. Don't worry, Nyoman warned her that we don't like spicy food. She adapts with no problem.
As we make our way back through the enchanting rice fields towards the village, we reach the heartwarming setting of Nyoman's family home. Nyoman's wife graciously prepares a delectable local lunch for us, ensuring that it suits our taste preferences by making it mild. Her flexibility and adaptability truly impress us.
Although our time with Nyoman, his wife, and their children is passing by swiftly, our eagerness to explore remains unquenched. We set out on an adventure to discover a new waterfall, as Balinese waterfalls constantly captivate our hearts. After a picturesque drive of approximately 30 minutes through the region's stunning landscape, we finally arrive at the spectacular Nung Nung waterfall. 509 steps await us on the descent (which we know we'll have to conquer once again on our return journey), leading us to the eagerly anticipated cascade. Yet, the climb is well worth it, as the view from the water's edge is simply breathtaking. What makes this experience even more remarkable is the fact that this awe-inspiring waterfall is not yet crowded with tourists. Additionally, those seeking a refreshing dip can indulge in a swim in the inviting pool situated at the foot of the waterfall. We highly recommend packing your swimming attire!
In the wake of rampant exhilaration, we hop into our ride and resume our journey back to our chosen accommodation in Ubud. Another enticing option could have involved a trek through the secretive Monkey Forest, a hidden gem not largely exposed to tourist eyes. Yet, we are fully aware we won’t be gracing Ubud with our presence in the near future, thus delaying this adventurous exploration for an opportune moment.
The experiences recounted above are merely a snapshot of what one can engage with in Ubud and its neighbouring regions under the guidance of a local inhabitant. Each of the excursions and encounters possible in Bali can be tailored to your preferences, making them flexible for the course of one day or even stretched out over multiple days.
These narratives provide a glimpse into the myriad possibilities awaiting you in Ubud and beyond, all under the trusty tutelage of a native guide. Every exploration and encounter offered in Bali stands fully personalized, adaptable depending on the duration of your stay, whether it spans a single day or several.
The time we're sharing with Nyoman, his charming wife and their delightful children seems to be flying past. Yet there is still a burning curiosity within us to venture towards another captivating waterfall wholly characteristic of Bali. A short drive of 30 minutes through the region's mesmerizing landscapes brings us to the Nung Nung waterfall. Like prior experiences, a lengthy set of steps awaits us, all 509 of them, which we have to conquer again on our way back. This leads to our much-anticipated waterfall. But the breathtaking sight upon the water's brink is without a doubt, completely worth the strains. The feel of accomplishment at this juncture is magnificent particularly since this Incredible waterfall hasn't seen too much traffic yet. The waterfall also presents an opportunity to take a rejuvenating dip in its plunge pool, hence remember to pack a swimsuit!
After the adventure, we make our way back to our vehicle, pointed towards our lodging in Ubud. Our plan did include a visit to the monkey forest largely overlooked by tourists, but we decide to postpone this wondrous journey for another occasion given our limited future visits to Ubud.
7. Experience a spiritual evening in Ubud with a clairvoyant-healer
A stay in Ubud is also an opportunity to enjoy some unique spiritual experiences.
Who isa healer? A healer is a clairvoyant, medium and healer whose practice is based on Hindu philosophy and who is connected with the Gods. You can ask him all sorts of questions about your life, your problems and your personal and professional future. Jero, the healer we meet at the end of the day thanks to our Balinese guide Agung, can even connect with the dead.
It's impossible to get to know her without being introduced by Agung, who also takes care of the translation. For the record, becoming a healer can't be improvised. One day, Jero received her gift from the beyond. She has been following her mission ever since. What's more, she's not allowed to leave her street for life! You don't meet this kind of person every day.
Picture this scenario as a snapshot of what you can uncover in Ubud and neighbouring areas when accompanied by a local guide. The wide range of adventures and guided tours offered in Bali are tailor-made to suit your interests and can be planned for 1 day or extended over several.
7. Bask in an extraordinary spiritual night in Ubud with a mystic-healer
An Ubud getaway also offers some exclusive opportunities to enrich your spiritual journey.
For further understanding, refer to the video in the sixth paragraph, starting from 5min32s.
This unique experience is unlike any other and requires participants to don the traditional Balinese outfit provided by Ayung.
Upon entering Ayung's serene home, the atmosphere is imbued with simplicity. A delightful local meal is enjoyed before the session commences. The ritual unfolds with the accompaniment of incense, powerful mantras, and prayers, showcasing the well-practiced nature of the ceremony.
Throughout the session, Ayung enters a trance, connecting with the spiritual realm to answer our questions. The response time varies, sometimes providing immediate clarity, while other times hinting at a more profound consultation with the beyond. Through this fascinating and intricate process, Ayung's expertise allows for a unique connection to the spiritual world.
Embrace the opportunity to have your own questions answered as you immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ayung's spiritual practices.
A healer, in the context of Bali, is someone who possesses clairvoyant, mediumship, and healing abilities, all rooted in Hindu philosophy and connected to the Gods. Engaging with a healer like Jero, who we had the privilege to meet through our Balinese guide Agung, opens up a realm of possibilities for seeking answers about one's life, challenges, and personal and professional future.
The connection that Jero has with the spiritual world goes even further - she has the extraordinary ability to communicate with the deceased. However, meeting Jero is not something one can simply do on their own; Agung, in addition to acting as a translator, plays a crucial role in introducing individuals to this remarkable healer.
Jero's journey as a healer is unique and fascinating. Unlike many other healers, her gift was bestowed upon her from the beyond, and she has remained devoted to her mission since that day. Furthermore, Jero's commitment to her calling is so strong that she is not permitted to leave her designated street for the rest of her life, making her presence and abilities even more extraordinary.
Following our incredible encounter, we indulged in a Balinese-style massage that left us in awe of the therapist's remarkable finger strength. It was a testament to her skill and expertise.
Feeling both shaken and elated, we embarked on the next leg of our journey to the revered Tirta Empul, known for its sacred springs and traditional purification rituals that have been practiced by generations of Balinese Hindus. This immersive experience allowed us to connect with Balinese spirituality on a profound level.
As nightfall descended upon the temple, we were pleasantly surprised to find that there were no tourists around, giving us an exclusive opportunity to savor the serene ambiance. This added an extra layer of intensity to the already profound encounter.
After the otherworldly connection session, we were treated to a Balinese-style energy massage. This little lady has strength in her fingers!
We left Jero a little shaken up, we must admit, but at the same time happy to have been able to live this unique experience.
The evening is not over yet, as we then head off to the sacred springs of Tirta Empul for a purification session. Balinese Hindus have been coming here for ages. Now it's our turn!
It's night-time and the temple is of course still open. We were delighted as soon as we arrived at the site because there were no tourists, which is far from the case during the day. As a result, the experience is even more intense and profound.
8.1. Cost-Friendly Accommodation
The Gayatri Bungalow 2, situated on the renowned Monkey Forest Road, offers more than just an affordable stay. The establishment is kept meticulously clean, although it's suggested to avoid the upper-story rooms due to potential noise pollution from the rooftop air conditioning units. Notably, this lodging features friendly, service-oriented staff members who are always seen with a smile on their faces. The rooms may not resemble a luxurious palace, but they offer ample space for comfortable living.
A distinctive feature of this bungalow is its serene atmosphere, with room views that overlook lush rice paddies. Despite its tranquil location, it's strategically positioned just a short stride away from Ubud's bustling main street. This makes the entire village—complete with local shops, markets, and eateries—easily accessible on foot. This unique combination of tranquility and convenience sets Gayatri Bungalow 2 apart from other budget accommodations.
Agung accompanies us throughout the whole process, from depositing offerings on the main temple to prayers and then bathing in sarongs in the pools to the purification itself under the fountains. This is the most important moment of the act, when we rid ourselves of our impure thoughts and the demons we all have within us. A powerful moment.
If you too would like to enjoy these unique experiences on the theme of spirituality in Bali for an evening (also possible during the day), don't hesitate to contact Agung via this email address: baliauthenticexp(@)gmail.com
This is just an example of what you can experience in Ubud and the surrounding area with a local guide. All the tours and experiences you can have in Bali are à la carte and therefore completely customisable over 1 day or several days.
8. Where to stay in Ubud? Our advice
8.1. Affordable Accommodations
For cost-effective stay, consider checking into Gayatri Bungalow 2, charmingly stationed along Monkey Forest Road. It offers a genuine Balinese touch with well-maintained ambiance. A word of advice, the top floor rooms may not be your best bet due to noise disturbances created by rooftop air conditioning equipment. Known for their exceptional hospitality, the staff constantly present welcoming smiles to guests. While the rooms may not resemble royal quarters, they certainly offer ample space for comfortable stay. A trump card of this place? You are tucked away in tranquility with views of serene paddy fields, yet just a stone's throw away from the buzzing main thoroughfare of Ubud. Consequently, you have the entire village and its array of shops, marketplaces, and dining places at an effortless walking distance.
8.2. Inexpensive villa with swimming pool near Ubud
Our recent stay in Ubud in 2017 was luxuriously accommodated at the splendid villa Hijau. The villa offers an immaculate environment with two inviting bedrooms that provide a luxurious night's sleep. Both indoor and outdoor living spaces brilliantly merge modern comfort with traditional aesthetics. Heading from Ubud to Villa Hijau on a scooter is a breeze, taking just five to ten minutes. You'll find the villa peacefully tucked away in a vibrant dense forest adjacent to exquisite Ubud rice fields, offering an unrivaled tranquility. Interestingly, Bali is home to over 200 species of bamboo that thrive in these lush forests, and the Ubud region is particularly known for their traditional wood carvings. We wholeheartedly suggest it for your Ubud visit!
8.3. Mid-tier accommodation: Mathis Retreat
Back in 2017, we had the pleasure of lunching at this property, and in July 2019, we were able to enjoy a tranquil overnight stay. If it's a peaceful setting with a timesaving access to Ubud and a breathtaking panorama of the rice terraces that you're after, Mathis Retreat is the perfect sanctuary for you.
We encourage you to explore all the varieties of rooms available at the Mathis Retreat, and cross-reference them on on this hotel-compare website. This hotel is designed with visitor comfort in mind and navigation around the premises is a breeze. Located just a short distance from Ubud, the hotel offers complimentary shuttle services to the city centre throughout daylight hours.
It's in villa Hijau that we stayed in during our last stay in Ubud in 2017. Clean and with 2 comfortable bedrooms. Nice indoor and outdoor living space. Easier access by scooter from Ubud (5-10 minutes). Located in absolute calm in the dense forest that is close to Ubud with the rice fields right next door. We recommend it!
8.4. Japanese luxury accommodation
8.3. Medium-Priced Accommodation: Mathis Retreat
Our previous visit allowed us the pleasure of their lunch services in 2017. However, a night's stay came into fruition in July of 2019. Should you be seeking a lodging option that boasts a breathtaking panorama of paddy fields and is conveniently located near Ubud, yet away from its hustle and bustle, then Mathis Retreat is second to none.
Mathis Retreat offers an array of room choices which you can explore by visiting here for a comprehensive comparison. Given that this hotel was designed with an intimate, personable scale in mind, navigation within the hotel is as effortless as a breeze. For those venturing into Ubud's vibrant centre, the hotel also provides complimentary shuttle services throughout the day.
8.4. Japanese luxury accommodation
If breathtaking luxury is what you're after, look no further than Hoshinoya Bali. This coveted resort is ideal for luxurious honeymoons and plush budgets. We had the pleasure of indulging in this tropical paradise in July 2017. It far exceeded our expectations, nestled in the heart of a lush rainforest. The captivating pool, world-class spa, and exemplary dining options were only a few of the highlights. To say it simply, Hoshinoya Bali was the most magnificent resort we've ever experienced globally.