8+ Best Things to See in Ubud for the Fullest Experience
As Bali’s center of cultures and tourism, there are bunches of best things to see in Ubud. It is important to know what to expect in this area before actually traveling there. So, we present our selections of best things to see in Ubud to help you arrange your Ubud tour itinerary. Without further ado, let’s begin now!
1. Grey Macaques and Sacred Temples in Monkey Forest
Since years ago, the Sacred Monkey Forest has been Ubud’s signature landmark. Tourists visit Ubud Bali for its tranquility, and they can get in this monkey sanctuary. That’s why this ecotourism object always appears as one of the destinations in any Ubud day tours. Besides troops of friendly and playful grey macaques (Macaca fascicularis), you can find temples in this area. The three main temples are Pura Dalem Agung in southwest, Pura Beji in northwest, and Pura Prajapati in northeast area. Each temple honors different Balinese Hindu gods and goddess. Monkey Forest is a 12.5-hectare area on Monkey Forest Street, Padangtegal, Ubud.
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2. Puri Saren Agung
Being the official name for Ubud Palace, Puri Saren Agung is where the King of Ubud and the royals lived. In the end of your stay in Bali, if you join a Basic Ubud Check-out Tour, you’ll definitely go to this royal palace. This shows how important this place is. Upon entering, feel the ancient, mystical atmosphere while admiring the beauty of Balinese traditional palace architecture. Usually, Ubud Palace hosts a dance performance every night. You can enjoy Balinese traditional dances here. The performances include Legong dance, Barong dance, Ramayana ballet, Legong trance and paradise dance.
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3. Arts, Souvenirs, and Local Life in Ubud Market
Ubud Art Market is an essential shopping place to go in Ubud. It is just opposite the Puri Saren Agung, the Ubud Royal Palace. As a traditional market, this is where you can observe Bali’s local life and even interact with the locals there. Also, you can shop for jewelry, handicraft, statues, clothes, and many others. If you watch Eat Pray Love, you can spot this market where Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) strolls through the sea of stalls. Ubud Art Market is open daily. Since it is usually full of stalls and buyers, make sure to be careful when you explore this market.
4. Bali Swing
Since its location is nearby, Bali Swing in Abiansemal can be a part of Ubud Hot Place Tour. You can reach the place (at Jalan Dewi Saraswati no. 7, Bongkasan Pertiwi) after about 30-minute drive. For traveling to and fro, getting the service of Bali car rental is surely a great help. As the name suggests, Bali Swing is where you can enjoy their exciting 12 single swings and an old-school tandem swing. Besides, you can visit the river with 4 stunning waterfalls (don’t forget to bring swimwear!), and enjoy the buffet lunch. There are also 6 adorable nests, helicopter photo shoot point, jungle, valley, and canon in Bali Swing. Definitely a heaven for Bali Snapshot Photography Tour!
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5. Ayung River
Now, if you look for ideas on things to do in Ubud, rafting is one of the best choices. Ayung River is a sacred river flowing from Kintamani to Badung Strait in Sanur. This is one of the two famous rivers in Bali for whitewater rafting. The rather calmer stream of Ayung River makes the rafting activity safe even for children and first-timers. Among the providers, Toekad Ayung River Rafting starts from Jalan Raya Kedewatan no. 44, Ubud. This activity allows you to ride the fun while enjoying the soothing ambiance of the nature. After rafting, a long arrangement of buffet-style lunch awaits you in the restaurant near the finish point.
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6. Kecak Ramayana and Fire Dance in Saraswati Temple or Pura Dalem Ubud
Temple-hopping is one of the must-have things to do in Bali. It is because Bali has so many sacred temples that it is also known as ‘the island of thousand temples’. In Ubud Bali too, there are several notable Balinese Hindu temples to visit. One of them is Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati. It honors goddess Sarasvati, hence the name Saraswati Temple. The signature landmark is its lotus pond which has a stage for Kecak dance performance every Tuesday and Thursday nights. Besides Saraswati Temple, there is one more temple in Ubud where you can enjoy the mystical Kecak dance. It is Pura Dalem Ubud, a temple at Jalan Raya Ubud no. 23. The Kecak dance is on stage every Monday and Friday nights in Pura Dalem Ubud. In addition, this temple also showcases other cultural performances like legong dance, jegog bamboo gamelan, and barong & keris dance.
7. Campuhan Ridge
Hiking is one of the best way to stay healthy while exploring areas and enjoying their beauty. If you visit Ubud Bali, having Campuhan Ridge Walk is truly recommended. This is where you can enjoy easy, slow walk through its hiking trail. The lush vegetation on both sides will surely pamper your eyes. Besides the green valley, you will see local villages and rice fields
It is easy to reach the starting point. Just find the entrance of Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas and enter the driveway. After that, look for Ibah sign with ‘going to the hill’ sign, go to the left, then just follow the path. Before reaching Campuhan Ridge, you’ll walk by the walls of Pura Gunung Lebah, one of prominent temples in Ubud Bali. Since this can be a long walk, don’t forget to bring water. Also, the best time for Campuhan Ridge Walk is in early morning or late afternoon. It is because Bali during the days is stinking hot, and you can hardly find a shady place to rest.
8. Wood Carving at Mas Village
Lastly, let’s get to know one of Balinese signature arts: sculpture. Besides stone carving (the center is in Batubulan Village, Sukowati), wood carving industry is also flourishing in Bali. Mas Village is an art village just about 6 km south from Ubud Town. It is seen as Bali Wood Carving Center. Here, you can observe the carving of wood sculptures, admire the finished works, and even buy some. Just a little info, Mas Village is also the birthplace of a reputable wood carver, Ida Bagus Tilem, and mask carver, Ida Bagus Sutarja.
So, those are our 8 recommendations on best things to see in Ubud. Which one interests you the most? Well, you know those are not all that Ubud offers. Whatever you do and see, we hope you have the best holiday in Ubud Bali.
