Ubud is undeniably one of the most captivating destinations to visit in Bali, and for many reasons! The scenic rice terraces, countless waterfalls and unique temples are just a few reasons why. 

However, one of the most common missteps people make while travelling to Bali is not allocating enough time to explore Ubud fully. My recommendation would be to plan for at least 4-5 days in Ubud, as it caters to a wide range of travellers, from couples and families with children to singles and groups of friends.

To ensure you make the most of your time in Ubud, here are 12 must-do activities to include on your itinerary.

1. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Tegallalang Rice Terraces are the most popular rice terraces in Bali! The view of these rice terraces is spectacular from the top but make sure to venture down and explore each corner of the rice terraces.

Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR  

2. Alas Harum

Alas Harum is just a short 1-minute drive (8- minute walk) away from Tegallalang Rice Terraces.  

Here is what there is to do at Alas Harum:  

• Learn the process of how Luwak Coffee is made.  
• Swing over the rice terraces.  
• Zip-lining 
• Ride a bike in the sky.  
• Take photos at their several photo spots including the famous Gorilla Face. 
• Enjoy the pools at Cretya. Cretya is the first pool day club with rice terrace views in Ubud. The 5 pools are beautifully designed into layers to match the look of the rice terraces. The green rice terraces with the opal blue colour of the pools are incredibly photogenic. No entrance fee but there is a minimum spend.  

Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR 

3. Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Located just a 30-minute drive from Ubud town, Kanto Lampo waterfall is easily accessible via a short 5-minute walk. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, visitors have the option to veer right or left. The right path leads to the front of the waterfall, while the left path takes you to a natural pool and river. Additionally, changing rooms are available on the left side.

Balinese locals will guide you to where it’s safe to stand under the waterfall and will take photos for you if you wish. They know the best lighting, poses and angles for your photos because of their experience in doing this every day all day. Don’t forget to tip them! 

Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR  

4. Tirta Empul Temple

Bali’s Tirta Empul Temple is a highly sought-after destination and is considered the most visited water temple on the island. These water temples hold immense significance for locals, as they are a place of purification through ritual bathing. The sacred springs within the temple are said to contain mystical properties that cleanse and purify those who immerse themselves in the water.

If you wish to partake in this ritual, it’s advisable to bring a change of clothes. Sarongs are available free of charge upon entering the temple.

Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR 

5. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Monkey Forest is a natural habitat for hundreds of monkeys that freely roam the park. You could easily spend a couple of hours here being entertained by the monkeys. It’s easy to get lost in the excitement of seeing monkeys in their natural habitat.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that these are still wild animals and must be treated with respect. While there are plenty of opportunities for selfies with the monkeys, visitors are advised to seek the assistance of the many staff members stationed in the central area of the Monkey Forest.

Entrance Fee: 80,000 IDR 

6. Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana Waterfall is located close to Kanto Lampo Waterfall so you could see both of these on the same day. The trail to Tibumana Waterfall is a 10-minute walk over bamboo bridges and through dense jungle.   

Many people come to this waterfall to enjoy the tranquillity and long hours of relaxation. Bring your swimmers so you can enjoy a wonderful massage beneath the waterfall while swimming here.  

Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR  

7. Ubud Water Palace

Saraswati Temple is right in the center of Ubud. It is also known as the Ubud Water Palace and is well-known for its beautiful lotus pond and water garden. 

It will only take about 15 minutes to walk through the entire area, and it is completely free. Visit early in the morning because it gets very crowded with tourists by lunchtime. 

Every day at 7:30 p.m., the temple hosts a traditional Bali dance performance. The cost of a ticket is 100,000 IDR per person. 

Entrance Fee: None  

8. Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a peaceful walk through greenery, hills, and the surrounding jungle.  

It’s a 2km walk and will take you around 20-25 minutes. The paved walkway is mostly flat so not hard at all!  

The trail is not covered and is exposed to the sun so best to do this in the early morning or around sunset time.  

Entrance Fee: None 

9. Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall is Ubud’s most popular waterfall. At the start of the waterfall trail, there are restaurants, restrooms, and shopping stalls. 

There are a lot of steep stairs to get to this waterfall, but it should only take you 5-10 minutes. On the way down to the waterfall, there are numerous viewpoints and photo opportunities. 

Tegenungan is a powerful waterfall that cascades over stone cliffs and into a swimming pool. 

Omma Day Club is one of the finest day clubs in Ubud overlooking the magnificent Tegenungan Waterfall.  

Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR  

10. Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, also known as the “Elephant Cave”, is a historically significant Hindu archaeological site.  

The cave’s doorway is very intriguing, and it’s as if you’re walking into the mouth of a monster. The narrow path is 15 meters deep and leads you to some incense baskets burning.  

Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR 

11. Suwat Waterfall

To get to the waterfall it’s only a 5- minute walk through a bamboo forest. Along the way, you will see many tropical plants and trees. At the bottom, there are some interesting rock carvings covered in green moss!  

The iconic bamboo raft that is frequently featured in Instagram photos can be found at the waterfall.

Suwat waterfall is 15 meters tall and falls from a rocky cliff into a deep natural pool, with a hidden cave behind the falls. 

Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR 

12. Ubud Traditional Art Market

Ubud Traditional Art Market is located in the heart of Ubud. 

Opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m. daily, the market is at its serene best early in the day, before the tourist crowds start to trickle in.

Aside from being a treasure trove of souvenirs, clothing, and handcrafted goods, the Ubud Traditional Art Market is also a visually stunning location to capture some memorable photographs. This marketplace gained worldwide fame after being featured in the iconic Julia Roberts movie Eat, Pray, Love!

Entrance Fee: None 

These are just 12 of the many things to do in and around Ubud. If you have more time in Ubud, you could easily fill your days with day trips to the north and east of Bali, as well as exploring some of Bali’s Hidden Gems.