Ubud - 6 Tips & Highlights

A trip to Bali wouldn’t be complete without visiting Ubud, and for good reason. Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, a captivating blend of art, craftsmanship, tradition, nature, and tourism. Located in Bali's central uplands, Ubud is surrounded by lush rainforests, waterfalls, and picturesque rice fields. Here are the must-see attractions and highlights in Ubud.

1. THE SACRED MONKEY FOREST SANCTUARY UBUD

Located in the southern center of Ubud, the Monkey Forest is home to over 600 macaques. It's not only a tourist attraction but also a temple complex where you might even witness a religious ceremony if you’re lucky. The best time to visit the Monkey Forest is early morning or late afternoon, as there are fewer tourists then. Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit.

‍Important: The monkeys are used to visitors and aren’t shy about contact. Keep a close eye on your belongings, as they love grabbing sunglasses, bottles, food, hats, and cameras.
Tourists attempting to retrieve their items have occasionally been bitten. It's wise to leave extra items in the car/scooter or secure them in lockers at the entrance.

2. THE UBUD MARKET & SIDE STREETS

The center of Ubud and its side streets offer plenty to see, taste, and experience.
If you arrive early, around 6:30 a.m., you’ll catch the authentic Ubud food market where locals shop for their daily needs – and there are hardly any tourists at that hour.
The Ubud Market is lively all day, featuring everything a tourist could want: souvenirs, bags, hats, dream catchers, clothing, jewelry, and delicious food.

However, prices in Ubud are often much higher compared to other areas of Bali. Local vendors tend to set significantly higher prices for tourists, which has raised concerns among locals about its negative impact on tourism. To avoid overpaying, take time to bargain and negotiate fair prices.

If you’re in the center, be sure to wander through Ubud’s main and side streets.
You’ll find countless shops, spa salons, tour providers, bars, local restaurants (warungs), and a variety of hip cafes. Ubud is a paradise for vegetarians and vegans.

3. UBUD’S RICE TERRACES

The areas around Ubud are home to some of Bali’s most beautiful rice fields and terraces. Hop on a scooter and explore – you’ll pass many large and small rice fields.
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are the most famous and attract visitors from around the world by mid-morning.

The best time to visit Tegalalang is at sunrise or sunset, not only for the beautiful light but also for fewer crowds.
You can capture great photos from the main road, but we recommend setting aside at least an hour to walk through the terraces and experience the landscape up close.
Entry to the terraces is free, but property owners along the paths often set up checkpoints to ask for small donations to help maintain the paths, which we find perfectly reasonable.

If you photograph farmers at work, consider giving a small tip as a token of appreciation.

The parking situation on the main road near the Tegalalang rice terraces can be challenging and often requires a fee due to the high number of restaurants, shops, and tourists.
We recommend parking your scooter a bit before or after the terraces and walking the remaining distance to enjoy the scenic path.

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to Bali, you’ll need a power adapter, as plug types A and B are used. These are different from the plug types commonly used in many countries around the world.
You can find a suitable adapter here: Bali Travel Adapter.

4. THE CAMPUHAN RIDGE WALK

Although no longer a hidden gem, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is still worth a visit. This short hiking trail offers beautiful views and is well worth your time.
You can park your scooter right at the entrance. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the popular photo spot, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the vibrant green hills and lush landscape.

‍Tip: Start early in the morning when it’s cool, or go in the late afternoon for sunset. If you go for sunset, walk all the way to Karsa Spa to enjoy the sunset with views over the rice fields.

‍Important: If you go at sunset, be prepared to walk back in the dark. Bring a flashlight or ensure your phone is charged to use its flashlight.

5. DINING WITH A VIEW OF THE RICE FIELDS

Ubud offers a wide range of warungs, restaurants, and cafes at affordable prices with something for everyone.
Our personal highlights are two beautiful restaurants with views of the rice fields.

The Sweet Orange Warung is located at the end of Jalan Kajeng street along a narrow path. We were particularly impressed by Warung Bukit Cinta on Jl. Raya Sebali street for its flavor and unique ambiance. Its elevated seating huts surrounded by water invite you to relax and linger.

6. NEED A MASSAGE?

If you’re craving relaxation and a soothing massage with fragrant oils, Ubud is the place to be!
Nowhere else in Bali offers as many beautiful wellness and spa retreats with excellent value for money as Ubud. We enjoyed several massages and even tried ear candling.
‍Note: Massage oil can lead to sunburn if you’re out in the sun afterward. We recommend scheduling your massage in the evening or showering immediately after.

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Are you planning a tour through Bali and its well-known neighboring islands? Check out our other guides for more insights:

• Bali: Tips & Essentials for Your Dream Trip
• Amed – A Diver's Paradise in Eastern Bali
• Traveling Bali with a Baby - Tips, Essentials & Our Experiences
• Ubud & Surroundings in 4 Days: Highlights and Tips
• Gili Air – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Island Paradise
• Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Islands

Enjoy browsing and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Bali
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Bali
• Experience Wonderful Dives around Gili Air
• Rent a Scooter at Bikago

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