Ubud Bali: Travel Tips & Highlights

The creative center of Ubud is located in the heart of Bali. The region is known for its beautiful green rice fields and lush jungle. Ubud is one of the most popular destinations, attracting many visitors due to its incredible natural landscapes and the pleasant atmosphere of the town.

It is one of the most spectacular places on the island, with terraced rice fields, waterfalls, yoga retreats, many vegan restaurants, and the towering Mount Batur. Everyone spends their time here differently, from relaxing in an eco-retreat to exploring the lush nature and visiting water temples. Spend a few days during your Bali trip in the heart of the island and discover the best activities in and around Ubud.

I have been to Ubud several times, the last time for a whole six weeks. Ubud is an ideal starting point for your vacation in Bali, as you can easily visit other places like Munduk, Mount Batur, Sidemen, or Canggu.

I only took short trips to other regions of Bali, instead opting for many day trips around Ubud on a scooter. All the other places are too loud for me now or too "hipster". Canggu could just as well be called Berlin and is completely overcrowded with hip digital nomads. All the southern locations are now firmly in Australian hands.

I have summarized my favorite spots around Ubud and Central Bali for you here. We were always on the scooter. However, for some trips, it is advisable to hire drivers, as the rides were strenuous. I noted this in the respective section.

Swim in natural pools beneath tall waterfalls, stroll through the surrounding greenery, and discover the impressive Balinese culture by visiting the temples in the area. There is much to do in Ubud, Bali.

Swim in natural pools under high waterfalls, explore the lush surroundings, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Balinese culture by visiting the area's temples. There's a lot to do in Ubud, Bali.

The Kayon Jungle Resort, great pool surrounded by rainforest. A bit outside, but not a disadvantage in my opinion.

Sapodilla Ubud, just 800 m from the Monkey Forest with a large pool; free shuttle within Ubud.

Sunshine Vintage House. Great location and a wonderful breakfast for a small budget.

View all available hotels

The rice fields in Tegalalang are bursting with tourists (almost). The view is simply fantastic! Located just about 15 minutes north of Ubud, the lush green rice fields are in close proximity. Our accommodation was even closer to this spot.

The view from the numerous cafes and souvenir shops along the road is almost too beautiful to be true.

Tip: Either come early in the morning or in the afternoon, as the large tourist buses are not yet there.

Ideally, you can combine a trip to the rice fields in Tegalalang with a visit to Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu. The temple is only another 20 minutes north of the rice terraces.

The site is particularly beautiful and also has water basins where koi fish swim. Please remember to bring a sarong or wear long pants/skirts/dresses.

The probably most photographed temple and also one of the most beautiful in Bali is not Tanah Lot, but Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. It is located at 1,200 m on the southern shore of Lake Bratan.

The small islands in front of it, where two merus (shrines with pagoda-style roofs) were built, are particularly beautiful.

I really liked the temple and the landscape in which it resides. The nearby strawberry fields around Bedugul also create a fantastic scenario. Unfortunately, on our way back, a heavy monsoon rain fell, preventing us from stopping at the strawberry fields and the wonderful rice terraces.

No sarong is required at this temple, as tourists are not allowed to enter the temple area.

Tips: On the way to the temple, you'll find beautiful rice fields everywhere, such as here in Mengwi:

Pura Tirta Empul is one of the holiest and most important temples in Bali. It is also one of the nine state temples. Due to its close proximity to Gunung Kawi, the visit to this temple is also worthwhile on a tour.

The temple is located at the source of the Pakrisan River and is especially known for its holy spring water. Hindus regularly come here to purify themselves and free themselves from illnesses. Each jet of the fountains that flows into the spring basin has a precise purpose. Unfortunately, these are not known today.

Located just a bit further north of Gunung Kawi is Pura Tirta Empul. This temple is one of the holiest and most important temples in Bali.

You can see not only Balinese bathing in the holy springs but also some tourists joining them. I find that a bit disrespectful. However, the Hindus probably don't mind, as they are very open.

The Tegenungan Waterfall is located about 30 minutes south of Ubud by scooter. It is easily accessible by scooter. Admission costs 10,000 Rupiah. It's best to visit the waterfall early in the morning, before all the other tourists arrive.

Mount Batur, at 1,717 m, is not the highest but is the most active volcano in Bali. The legend says that a giant once lived in the area, who brought a lot of construction to the people. In return, he was rewarded with food. However, during a drought, the giant had to starve, as the people themselves did not have enough to eat. The giant became angry and destroyed most of what he had built.

Since the people were afraid, they asked him to dig a deep well. The giant did as he was told and began. When the hole was deep enough, the people filled it in and buried the giant inside. This caused the water to rise and eventually form Lake Batur.

The night market in Ubud, mainly visited by locals, is located here:

No 80571, Jl. Raya Tebongkang No.39, Singakerta, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia.

It is easily accessible by scooter. It was really interesting, and we were the only tourists there. Not understanding the menu, eating corn on the cob, and browsing the stalls is really fun here. And good vibes, as the fashion here is a bit different than ours...

Dining out in Ubud is a pleasure for the palate! There are many restaurants and cafes that only serve vegan or vegetarian dishes on the menu - but it doesn't matter here. It tastes great!

Of course, there are also local small and very inexpensive restaurants that, strangely enough, are often avoided by tourists. You can still eat here for 5 €. Authentic and really delicious!

Then there are those delicious places that even deliver freshly squeezed juices and smoothies to your accommodation. We extensively used this service during our six weeks.

In Ubud, there are many beautiful accommodations. From hotels and small boutique hotels to Airbnb villas with pools, everything is available at affordable prices.

This small villa with 3 bedrooms and pool is located about 10 minutes away by scooter, right in the middle of rice fields, and we called it home for 6 weeks. It was beautiful.

Right next door, there was a scooter rental with a small shop for essentials; on the other side, you could arrange for massages and manicure appointments.

A great hotel is Komaneka at Bisma.

It is only a few minutes from the Monkey Forest and is still quiet and almost secluded (it feels like it). You won't notice any trouble from Ubud here. Friends of mine spent their Bali vacation here and said: This hotel must definitely be in your tips.

Here you can view the hotel on booking.com.

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