Temples, Dining, and Culture in Ubud

The laid-back town of Ubud is considered by many to be the epicenter for arts and culture in Bali. Ubud (pronounced “Ew-bood”) has developed a reputation as a place with a positive vibe, possibly explaining why so many artists and naturalists have settled in the lush, green areas around town.

Although tourism in Ubud is growing faster than the town can keep up, there is still a certain tranquility and happiness to be found in the clean air. The town has become a popular and peaceful retreat from the parties and crowded madness of Kuta, just two hours away.

Get Lost in the Ubud Monkey Forest

Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

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Phone: +62 361 971304

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The shady, green Ubud Monkey Forest is the most popular stop for tourists in Ubud. Hundreds of playful Macaque monkeys call the sacred forest home, roaming freely around the tree canopy and temple complex.

Walking along the winding, moss-covered brick paths of the Monkey Forest is a wonderful way to escape the heat of the afternoon; however, it’s essential to mind your belongings. The steady stream of tourists has made the monkeys bold enough to reach into pockets in search of something interesting.

Go Shopping in Ubud

The influx of tourism in Ubud, combined with the proximity of numerous artists, has led to the emergence of unique boutiques and shops. Unlike the tacky beach-tourist shopping experience in Kuta, Ubud offers a more sophisticated shopping atmosphere.

Local shops showcase unique crafts, artwork, carvings, jewelry, and gifts perfect for bringing home. The indoor Ubud Market, catering mostly to tourists, is ideal for those seeking budget-friendly souvenirs. However, remember to haggle prices, as negotiation is expected.

Don’t miss the Ganesha Bookstore, considered the best second-hand bookstore in Bali, if not all of Indonesia.

Visit Ubud’s Art Museums & Galleries

Address: Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

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Phone: +62 361 975502

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Ubud is recognized as a center for fine art in Bali primarily due to its royal family, which has traditionally supported artists. The King of Ubud co-founded the Pitamaha Artists Cooperative in 1936, fostering a fusion between traditional Balinese art and Western influences, represented by expat artists such as Rudolph Bonnet and Walter Spies.

Experience Ubud’s artistic evolution through its museums, including the Blanco Renaissance Museum and the Museum Puri Lukisan, showcasing both individual and collective perspectives on Balinese art.

Walk Through Ubud’s Rice Fields

Ubud has expanded into its neighboring villages, yet the natural beauty remains intact. The surrounding green rice fields are easily accessible by foot or bicycle.

These scenic paths can be hiked for miles through charming villages, with the starting point just beyond the small market near the “top” entrance of the Ubud Monkey Forest.

Hiking these serene fields in the morning, listening to the sounds of village life waking up, is an unforgettable experience.

Get Holistically Healed

Address: Jl. Hanoman No.25, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

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Phone: +62 361 971393

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With numerous holistic medicine practitioners residing in Ubud, it’s no surprise that many spas and meditation centers have emerged. You can conveniently find various Eastern and Western massage centers, reiki healers, herbal medicine shops, and acupuncture practitioners in town.

The Bodyworks Healing Centre was one of the first of such establishments, offering natural healing to locals long before Ubud became a tourist destination. For a more luxurious wellness experience, consider visiting Spa Alila at the Alila Ubud, just a short ten-minute drive from town.

See the Cranes of Petulu

A fascinating natural phenomenon occurs each evening just north of Ubud in the village of Petulu. Thousands of white herons arrive around 6 p.m., preparing to roost for the night before departing in the morning.

The birds began visiting Petulu after the 1965 communist massacre, and while the reason for their continued return is uncertain, local lore suggests they are the souls of the deceased.

This predictable gathering of these large and beautiful birds is a spectacular sight that should not be missed.

Watch Balinese Dance Performances

Address: Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

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No visit to Ubud is complete without witnessing at least one traditional dance performance. Although these shows are predominantly tourist-oriented, they present an excellent opportunity to experience classic Hindu legends enacted by dancers in vibrant, traditional costumes.

Ubud Palace is a popular venue hosting performances nightly, while Pura Dalem features shows and fire dances twice a week in an outdoor setting.

Visit a Hindu Temple or Two

Address: F7PV+C74, Jalan Raya, Pejeng, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

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Ubud and its surrounding villages feature numerous stunning examples of beautiful Hindu temples. Most sites are free to visit or request a small donation, and proper attire is required, although many temples offer sarongs for visitors.

Pura Penataran Sasih, located nearby in Pejeng, is a small, charming temple featuring the largest bronze kettle drum in the world, known as the “Moon of Pejeng,” which dates back to 300 B.C.

Pura Besakih, located on the slopes of Mount Agung, is Bali’s most sacred temple site, consisting of a complex of 23 temples that can be explored on a day trip from Ubud.

Enter the Elephant Cave

Address: Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia

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Just 10 minutes south of Ubud lies one of Bali’s most sacred sites: Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, which dates back to the 11th Century and has been nominated as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This cave is believed to have been the residence of Hindu priests, and the entrance is carved with menacing legendary figures. The interior of the cave is dimly lit and contains a few religious relics. The site remains a place of worship for locals, so proper attire is necessary for entry.

Although technically an hour north, many visitors to Ubud take a day trip to the Kintamani region. Kintamani, located in North Bali, is known for its stunning landscapes, including Mount Batur, an active volcano that fascinates tourists with its potential minor eruptions.

The largest crater lake in Bali fills a part of Mount Batur’s caldera, while small villages cling to the rim. The views of Kintamani from the nearby village of Penelokan offer a compelling reason to venture outside of Ubud for a day.

If you have plenty of energy, consider a beautiful sunrise trek to the summit of Mount Batur. Local travel agencies around Ubud provide early morning pickups and guided treks for the two-hour hike to the top.