Ubud is a charming village located in the heart of Bali, Indonesia. Surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque rice paddies, Ubud is a cultural hub known for its traditional dance performances, art galleries, and vibrant food scene. It’s also a popular destination for wellness retreats, where visitors can immerse themselves in yoga, meditation, and spa treatments.

Here are 5 best things to do in Ubud, Bali:

Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary:

Explore the lush forest and observe playful monkeys in their natural habitat.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of the most popular destinations in Ubud, Bali. This natural sanctuary is home to over 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques who roam free in their lush forest habitat. Visitors can stroll along the forest paths and observe these playful monkeys as they swing from trees, groom each other, and interact with their surroundings. The forest itself is also a wonder to behold, with towering trees and winding paths that lead to hidden temples and shrines. It’s a perfect escape from the bustling streets of Ubud and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. While the monkeys are undoubtedly the main attraction, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Visitors should follow the rules and guidelines provided by the sanctuary staff to ensure their safety and the safety of the monkeys.

Explore the rice terraces

Ubud’s rice terraces are a must-see attraction for any nature lover visiting Bali. The vibrant green terraces cascade down the hillsides in a breathtaking display of natural beauty. A leisurely walk or bike ride through the rice paddies is an excellent way to soak up the sights, sounds, and scents of the Bali countryside. You can enjoy a refreshing breeze and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you walk or ride through the rice fields, you’ll see the farmers at work, planting, and harvesting the rice. You can even stop and chat with them to learn about their traditional farming techniques and daily life in Ubud. Many farmers are happy to share their knowledge and welcome visitors to their farms. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a guided tour to explore the rice terraces and learn more about the local culture and traditions. The tours offer an opportunity to learn about the fascinating process of rice cultivation and the role it plays in Balinese culture. You can also take part in a traditional Balinese cooking class, where you’ll use fresh, locally grown ingredients to prepare a delicious meal. The rice terraces of Ubud offer a unique and unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss!

Silver Jewelry Making Class

Visit a Master Balinese silversmith’s workshop in Ubud, the cultural centre of beautiful Bali, Indonesia. Enjoy this relaxed and fun space to explore your creativity. It’s the place to make that piece of silver jewellery that you’ve been dreaming about! Learn to make beautiful, organically inspired jewellery with silver and semi-precious stones. Learn traditional silver-making techniques and make designs, that are inspired by nature and simplicity, using the natural shape and properties of semi-precious stones. Be inspired to make your own spiritually connected jewellery. After your class, you will be picked up and taken for lunch at one of the most-loved cafes in the village of Ubud. You will also have some time for the iconic Ubud Traditional Markets or Sacred Monkey Forest.

Visit the Tirta Empul Temple: Visit this important temple where locals come to bathe in the holy waters for purification and blessings.

Tirta Empul Temple is one of Bali’s most sacred Hindu temples, located in the village of Tampaksiring. The temple is famous for its holy water springs, which are believed to have healing and purifying powers. Visitors can witness the Balinese Hindus performing their daily rituals and ceremonies, and even participate in the ritual of purification by taking a dip in the holy water. The temple dates back to the 10th century, and the legend has it that the spring water was created by the god Indra to revive his troops after a battle with the demon king Mayadanawa. The temple’s name, Tirta Empul, means “holy water spring” in Balinese. Aside from the spiritual significance, the temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict Hindu mythological stories. A visit to Tirta Empul Temple offers a unique insight into Balinese culture and the importance of religion in daily life.

Countryside Cycle Tour

Experience your own ‘Eat, Pray, :Love’ moment. This journey offers an insight into a Bali that is not commonly seen, and allows you to experience the charming culture of rural Bali. A fantastic day out packed with education and fun! You will begin your Countryside Cycle Tour in Penestanan Kaja (a small village northwest of central Ubud), cycling alongside the rice fields, which have inspired painters and poets for centuries.Along the way, you will see local farmers, ducks, exotic tropical birds like the kingfisher, small lizards and lots of dragonfies & butterflies. You will see banyan trees, temples and special sacred sites, which might be wrapped in a special black and white checkered cloth called poleng. You will enter small, narrow alleys, which zigzag across stone paths, the trail then opening onto a landscape where the colors change according to the period in the cycle of local rice cultivation. These rice fields, known as padi, form the core of the Balinese diet. Small, green shoots are planted directly into the muddy, fertile water, which over time, having matured and turned a golden color, may grow well over a meter in height.

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