Inside: Things to Do in Ubud: Where Culture Meets Adventure. Collaborative post.
Ubud has always been a top choice if you’re looking for where to go on your holiday in Bali. Between all the lush greeneries, the rice fields, the waterfalls, and the temples, there are endless activities that you can do in Ubud.
And if you’re intimidated by the choices of what to do in Ubud, we get it because there are too many! But worry not, as we’re going to help you narrow down the list of all the things to do in Ubud to take off all your worries.
Relax and kick off your shoes because you won’t want to miss all the amazing attractions and fun activities waiting for you on your trip to Ubud!
1. ATV Tour and White-Water Rafting
What’s a better way than getting your adrenaline pumped with the bonus of Ubud’s rugged landscape? The ATV tour and white-water rafting are two of the most adventurous activities you can do in Ubud without sacrificing what Ubud is known for.
With the ATV Tour, you will drive past through the rice fields, muddy terrain, jungles, hidden canyons, and waterfalls. If you want to get all the fun and dirty, this is the perfect activity. The white-water rafting is 2.5 hours of cruising through Bali’s longest river, Ayung River, past all the boulders and the winding turns. See Ubud’s nature from a different angle, and get ready to get wet!
2. Kecak and Fire Dance at Pura Dalem Taman Kaja
If you’re looking for things to do in Ubud at night, why not see the Kecak and Fire Dance at Pura Dalem Taman Kaja? And yes, you don’t have to travel all the way to Uluwatu to see this iconic dance. Every Wednesday and Saturday, with only 100K IDR, you can see this enchanting performance in Ubud.
It starts at 7.30 PM; you can get close to the dancers and experience all the magic through the mesmerizing movements of men chanting, “chak chak” repeatedly while the story of Prince Rama fights the evil king Ravana to save his lover Sita with the help of the white monkey, Hanuman. As a tip, come 45 minutes before the show to secure the best seat since the place is not that big!
3. Melukat at Pura Tirta Empul
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Ubud, immersing yourself in the Balinese culture through the purification ritual called melukat should certainly be on the list. And in Ubud, there’s no better place to do it than at Pura Tirta Empul, a temple complex built between 10 to 14th centuries.
Melukat aims to cleanse your mind, body, and soul of negative energy, which the Balinese have done for centuries. After the Balinese priest recites prayers, he will tie a tricolor bracelet known as a tridatu, and then you can rinse your body in the holy water from the spring at the temple complex.
4. Dinner at Nautilus
Finding a seafood restaurant in Ubud is a rarity due to its distance from the coastal area of Bali. But at Nautilus, you will be served the freshest seafood, the most killer cocktails, and the most extensive wine selections in Ubud. There’s no doubt that Nautilus has slowly become one of the best places to eat in Ubud.
You can never go wrong by ordering Smoked Butterfish as a starter, followed by Lobster & Zucchini Pasta or Pan Seared Swordfish. Then pick anything from the bar, whether it’s classic Negroni or whiskey, your dinner is set. And with the industrial/coastal design, there’s nowhere you’d rather be to spend your evening than at Nautilus.
5. Kanto Lampo Waterfall
If you’re an avid adventurer, you’ll be pleased to know that Ubud has some scenic waterfalls you can explore. One of the most iconic waterfalls in Bali is Kanto Lampo, which is only about half an hour from Ubud and has made a splash across social media.
With the unique rock formations that formed layered steps, the waterfalls trickle down those steps from various heights and speeds. The cascading waters give an otherworldly view, and people are lined up to take photos here, and you can too! Just be careful of the slippery rock, and don’t forget to make your friends jealous by posting it on your social media!
6. Tegallalang Rice Terrace
When you’re in Bali, visiting the Tegallalang Rice Terraces in the north of Ubud should be among the things to do on your trip. The rice fields in Bali are famous because of their layered irrigation system, known as subak, which the Balinese have used since the 9th century.
In Tegallalang Rice Terrace, you can marvel at the view from the side, or if you feel adventurous, you can also do trekking. The rice fields are still owned by local villagers, so you will pass through the backyards of people’s homes. However, you can also stop at restaurants during your trek. Surely, nothing beats the view of the green rice field with the yummy nasi goreng and freshly opened young coconut on your table.
7. Shopping at Ubud Art Market
You may wonder what else to do in Ubud once you’ve done all the cultural trips, and if you think shopping at Ubud Art Market, you’re right! Possibly the most famous art market in Bali, Ubud Art Market is where you can find clothes, accessories, home décor, statues, and handcrafted goods.
If you’re looking for late-souvenir shopping, this is your place to be. As a tip, wear your most comfortable shoes and clothes, don’t forget your sunglasses, and most importantly, always bargain! You may get that beautiful handmade wooden-carved statue at a low price!
Whether you prefer to explore the rugged nature and waterfalls hopping or savor the scrumptious cuisine, there’s a long list of things to do and attractions to see in Ubud. It’s challenging to pick only a few things, but we’ve made sure that the ones we included in the list are the things you should absolutely do while in Ubud.
If you need a break from all the beach vibe in Bali, making a trip to Ubud is certainly something worth your time. So ditch your bikini and the brim sun hat, and don your comfy pants and sneakers to enjoy all the crooks and crannies of Ubud.