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Ubud Travel Guide

Ubud is the most popular village in Bali. It has become so popular because of rice terraces that surround it alongside great waterfalls, yoga retreats, or forests that give that relaxing energy. Everybody spends a different amount of time in Ubud, but in this Ubud Travel Guide, you will find the most attractive things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Ubud.

Ubud travel guide

Things to do in Ubud

Ubud Monkey Forest

Ubud Monkey Forest is the most popular attraction in Ubud if not the whole of Bali. It is a whole forest dedicated to saving monkeys, inside you will see a park, without any fences and monkeys everywhere running and eating food.

Even if you do not like monkeys, this forest is huge, and walking through it will fill you up with relaxing energy.

Girl looking at people walking in Ubud monkey forest

At the entrance, you will have to follow a few rules, mainly because these are wild monkeys, and they can do whatever they like.

  • Don’t look them in the eyes
  • Smiling, and showing your teeth is a form of aggression.
  • Extremely forbidden to feed them
  • Do not try to touch the babies
  • And the most important, remove all loose items like jewelry, sunglasses, or food that’s outside your bag
Girl posing with monkey lying next to her in Ubud
Balinese monkey in Ubud, Bali

The entrance fee to Ubud Monkey Forest is 50 000 IDR (3 Euro) per person.

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Tegalalng Rice terrace

Tegalalng Rice terrace is the place why most people go and stay in Ubud. Magical valley of rice fields filled with people working on them. Due to its popularity, it is usually crowded, but if you visit before 12.00 you will be fine and you will easily take some great pictures of rice fields.

Girl looking at rice fields in Bali
Girl walking down the stairs at Tegallalang rice terrace Bali

Like most of the cultural sites in Bali, there is an entrance fee, but this is a donation fee of 10 000 IDR (around 0.5 Euro) per person. The prices are really low in comparison to how beautiful the place is, and also imagine how much would this kind of attraction cost in Europe.

Most rice fields are privately owned, so do not be surprised if an owner asks you for a fee to take a picture of the rice fields.

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Tegenungan Waterfall

One of the most popular Waterfalls in Bali, Tegenungan Waterfall is located around 25-35 minute ride with a motorbike from Ubud (do not rent a motorbike if you are not an experienced driver). Since they are so popular be sure to check them early, but if you can’t still go and check them out.

Girl looking at Tegenungan waterfall Bali

Entrance fees are following, so be sure to carry some cash.

  • Main entrance – 15,000 IDR (1 Euro)
  • Side entrance to the top waterfall – 10,000 IDR (0.5 Euro)

The waterfalls are amazing, with green trees all over and people trying to get that perfect picture. I highly recommend going to the top and looking at how the waterfalls.

If you like you can swim, but be careful because there are restrictions on how close you can get. In general Tegenungan Waterfall is amazing and I would recommend everybody to visit them if they are in Bali.

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Girl standing on balcony looking at forest and waterfall
Girl standing at top of waterfall in Bali

Saraswati Temple, Ubud Water temple

Ubud center and the main temple that is surrounded by water and beautiful lotus water flowers.

There is a hidden temple next to Starbucks, so if you see Starbucks in Ubud, the Saraswati Temple is right next to it. The most amazing part is at night when there is a huge crowd looking at the dancing performance.

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Girl standing and looking at Saraswati temple in Ubud
People standing at water temple Ubud

Bali swing

Most of the popular pictures in Bali are taken here, at the Bali swing. A huge amusement park with swings and beds overlooking a magnificent rainforest.

Girl swinging with forest in the background
Girl sitting in a nest overlooking forest in Bali

But those pictures will not come cheap. The entrance fee to Bali Swing in Ubud is 30 Euros for unlimited time (it includes lunch and a drink), but if you only want to take pictures you will also have to pay an entrance fee of 9 Euros.

There are some alternatives to Bali Swing, but none of them will have a view over the forests and rivers that this one has.

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Ubud Market

Ubud Market is open every day in the middle of the city. From 3.00 in the morning to 8.00 in the morning you will see locals selling meat and vegetable.

Girl posing at Ubud market

After 8.00 when most tourists wake up and go shopping the whole market will switch and turn into Art Market, or as many traditional markets that you see all over the world with souvenirs, handbags, decorations, and much more.

Be sure to grab one Ubud bag, which became a worldwide fashion item, and because of that, they are selling them everywhere.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

The most popular walk in all of Bali, Campuhan Ridge Walk is a place where two rivers meet at the center of Ubud. The 2 km long walk is very popular among locals and tourists because it is very beautiful and relaxing.

Be sure to go there at sunset, the sunset will be the most beautiful part of the walk.

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Aerial view of Campuhan ridge walk in Ubud

Taman Tirtagangga temple

Located around one hour from Ubud, this is known to be a water garden with koi fish swimming around. Temple is beautiful and very clean. In front, you will see a stand with free animals like snakes, komodo dragons, and much more. 

Girl posing on a rock in the water at Bali
Girl posing at Taman Tirtagangga temple at Bali with fountain in the background

The inside of the temple is magnificent, with water and fountains everywhere, rocks that stretch all over the pond where you can walk on them and touch koi fish, but be careful to not fall into the water.

This is a very popular destination for tourists so be sure to visit early.

The entrance fee is 10,000 IDR (0.5 Euro).

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Walking around Ubud

Ubud is a small village in the middle of Bali. The town is great and full of great restaurants, bars, and even better people.

People are amazing and will always help you if they can, in the end, they live out of tourism. I would also recommend that you explore small streets and alleys because they are full of temples, bars, and hotels.

Girl standing at entrance of temple in Ubud
Girl posing next to statue at Ubud

Getting around Ubud

Traveling around Ubud can be hard and a little bit stressful at times. Ubud is a village located 1 hour from Denpasar airport, where you will land. The roads are busy and very crazy (the craziest roads that I have ever seen).

From Denpasar to Ubud be sure to schedule a ride with your hotel (99% of hotels have a pick-up option).

People driving and walking through forest in Ubud

The Center is very busy, and most attractions can not be accessed without transport, so you will have two options.

  • Book a driver (you can do that in a hotel that you are staying at very easily)
  • Rent a motorbike (if you go with this option, please be sure that you are an experienced driver with an insurance policy)

Where to stay in Ubud

Meruhdani Guest House

Villa style rooms with your own patio and a pool that is right next to it. Meruhdani Guesthouse is a perfect Balinese style hotel. If you do not want to walk to the restaurant or go to the city, there is a restaurant inside the hotel that is amazing and offers authentic Balinese dishes. Check out Meruhdani Guest House.

Girl swimming in swimming pool at Bali
Girl standing at entrance to villa in Ubud with pool in the background

Bisma Cottages

Tropical garden with a pool in the middle, with stone pathways that lead to your private wooden cottage, this is Bali in a nutshell. Located along Jalan BIsma, this accommodation is just minutes away from Ubud center. Check out Bisma Cottages.

Tegal Sari Accommodation

Tegal Sari offers a premium location without the large price-tag. Offering an amazing view over the rice fields in the morning when you wake up, this is something that people dream about seeing in their lifetime. Check out Tegal Sari Accommodation.

Alamdini Resort Ubud

Alamdini Resort has everything, from an outside pool, to close proximity to the city center. Located in an alleyway right of the city center, it is a perfect hideaway from busy Ubud streets. Check out Alamdini Resort Ubud.

Location: Jl. Bisma, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Accommodation: Hotel
Price range: €75 +

Alamdini resort Ubud in Bali
Alamdini Resort Ubud Photo from: Booking.com

D'Legon Luxury Villas

Located around 10 minutes from Ubud city center, D’Legon Luxury Villas offer villas at amazing prices. With spacious rooms that offer everything and private pools, you can only get this kind of luxury in Bali for this price-tag. Check out D’Legon Luxury Villas.

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Stay in this area: Find all hotels

Where to eat in Ubud

Suka Espresso is brunch heaven in Ubud, with a delicious menu and authentic Balinese coffee. It is a perfect tropical stop for your daily coffee and a quick bite.

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Fruit bowl with cafe latte
Fruit bowl with white coffee

One of the most famous restaurant chains in Bali, Naughty Nuri’s original location is in Ubud, Bali. Killer martinis and pork ribs helped put this place on the map. Secret BBQ sauce gives the ribs that authentic Naughty Nuri’s flavor, and you can smell it from a mile away. You can’t reserve a table, so be sure to get that as early as you can.

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As all travelers love to taste authentic country cuisine when visiting, Warung Biah Biah is a place to visit when in Ubud, Bali as being one of the best local restaurants on the Island.

Warung Biah Biah only servers traditional Indonesian food, such as Nasi goreng, Nasi campur and much more. The restaurant is pretty popular among tourists and locals, so be prepared for a wait.

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Spaghetti with egg and tomatoes on a black plate

Looking for breakfast and a place to relax? Ubudian Cafe Bali has great food, an awesome atmosphere, and even a pool to relax. It is a perfect place for young people and vegetarians wanting to have a smoothie or a healthy breakfast.

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Craving some good pizza in Bali? There are a lot of great pizzas in Ubud, but this was the best one that I tried. You can order or go there, it offers both solutions. From original simple pizzas to veggie options, there is something for everybody.

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