Things to Do in Ubud

Ubud sits in the foothills of Bali's central highlands, surrounded by steep ravines, terraced rice paddies, and dense tropical forest. Unlike the coastal resort towns, Ubud has been a center for Balinese arts and culture for over a century. The town rose to international fame after the Dutch painter Walter Spies settled here in the 1930s, and the royal Sukawati family has patronized traditional dance, music, and painting for generations.

Today Ubud is home to dozens of art galleries, daily temple ceremonies, and a thriving wellness scene. The Tegallalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape just north of town, draws visitors from around the world. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary protects over 1,260 Balinese long-tailed macaques across 12.5 hectares of ancient nutmeg and banyan trees, with three Hindu temples dating to the 14th century.

Ubud is best suited for travelers who value culture, nature, and tranquility over nightlife. Couples on honeymoon, solo travelers seeking yoga and meditation, and families wanting an authentic Balinese experience will all find Ubud deeply rewarding. The town is compact enough to explore on foot, though the surrounding attractions — Tirta Empul water temple, Gunung Kawi rock carvings, and the Campuhan Ridge Walk — require short drives.

The culinary scene here rivals any in Southeast Asia. Ubud pioneered Bali's organic and farm-to-table dining movement, with restaurants like Locavore earning spots on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list. From traditional Balinese babi guling (suckling pig) at Ibu Oka to raw vegan bowls at Alchemy, the range is extraordinary for a town of this size.