Ubud is centrally located amidst rice paddies and steep ravines giving this major tourist destination a cozy and cool ambiance. Popularized by Elizabeth Gilbert’s film, Eat Pray and Love, Ubud has since then become a tourist attraction that a lot of people frequent when visiting the island of Bali. Littered with fancy boutique stores, hippie like cafes, and many amazing vegetarian restaurants, you literally won’t have a hard time finding things to do while in Ubud. Whether you want to go kick start your health food craze or you just want to spend a day indulging yourself and doing absolutely nothing, here is a quick list of things to do in Ubud Bali.

Ubud-places to stay when coming to bali in the first time7

Ubud-places to stay when coming to bali in the first time

ubud bali
Ubud town, Bali
Source: Adventure in you
Source: Adventure in you

Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest

Although very touristic, the monkey forest is still a great way to spend the afternoon exploring Ubud. Located right in the center of Ubud, the monkey forest is a lush nature reserve and Hindu temple complex which houses over 600 plus monkeys. The nature reserve is beautiful and shaded, providing a much needed relief from the heat of the sun when walking around town. The monkeys definitely enjoy monkeying around so be cautious of your belongings.

Monkey forest_ source: Adventure in you
Monkey forest_ source: Adventure in you

Insider Tip: If you want to feed the monkeys, bring food from outside rather than buying them at the park. Craving for more culture? Explore the many other temples including Ganung Kawi and Pura Taman Saraswati.

Monkey forest_ source: Adventure in you
Monkey forest_ source: Adventure in you

The way down to a stone bridge which is very beautiful.

Take a hike at the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Want to see Ubud for what it truly is? Take a walk through down the Campuhan Ridge and see the beautiful landscape that makes Ubud a special place to visit in Bali. It is a free and easy nature trek which will lead you through some amazing scenery. Trek 3k and reach Karsa Kafe for a refreshing picturesque pit stop before you continue trekking on. From the café, it is another 6k to circle back to Ubud town, or you can retrace your steps and head back to the ridge. If you do decided to push it a little bit further, you will be rewarded with beautiful scenes of empty rice paddies.

Campuhan Ridge Walk_source: Advanture in you
Campuhan Ridge Walk_source: Advanture in you

Insider Tip: Go on the walk during sunset to capture the sun setting on the rice fields. However, don’t get too preoccupied wandering and taking pictures like us as we ended up talking back the ridge when it was pitch black!

Campuhan Ridge Walk_ source: Advanture in you
Campuhan Ridge Walk_ source: Advanture in you
Ubud-places to stay when coming to bali in the first time3
Campuhan Ridge Walk

Campuhan Ridge Walk
Campuhan Ridge Walk

Enjoy the many restaurants and cafés

Ubud is home to many up and coming hip coffee cafes and restaurants. Every corner that you turn into seems to be a cool space ready for you to relax and chill in. Although Ubud town itself is surprisingly busy and is quite congested, there are many spaces that you can find solace in.

Photo source: Flying Fourchette
Photo source: Flying Fourchette

Insider Tip: Seminan Coffee Studio serves divine coffee which we found great value for your money. Also, a visit to clear café for their healthy smoothies and refreshing drinks is a must. Want something a little more indulgent? Try out Naughty Nuri’s ribs. Don’t worry, we won’t tell on you!

Photo source: Guillaume Robichaud
Photo source: Guillaume Robichaud
Cafe Pomegranate Ubud
Cafe Pomegranate, Ubud, Bali
Ubud coffee shop

Get your healthy on

With the health trend booming everywhere in Ubud, there are multiple yoga studios for you to try-incase you might have misplaced your inner peace. Head on down to Yoga Barn to experience their many different classes to get you feeling energized and stretched. Inhale, exhale and breathe out the bullsh*t. Don’t forget to say Namaste!

Photo Source: Kimilaa.com
Photo Source: Kimilaa.com

Insider Tip: Yoga Barn gets pretty full so make sure you get there ahead of time to reserve a slot. You can also check out Taksu Spa for their list of classes.

Our beautiful yoga mats from diwatauniversal.com_source: advanture in you
Our beautiful yoga mats from diwatauniversal.com_source: advanture in you

Relax and pamper yourself

Ubud is the perfect place to unwind, reset, and relax. With a spa in almost every street and corner, getting pampered isn’t hard to do. They have packages from an hour to even a whole week detox. Check reviews online and compare prices to find the best deal.

Photo source: adventure in you
Photo source: adventure in you

Insider Tip: If Spas aren’t your thing, consider doing a day trip to Jungle Fish for some well deserved relaxation. For just $11, you can use their facilities and enjoy their fantastic bar and restaurant which is consumable in the fee you paid for.

Photo source: mainsmall
Photo source: mainsmall

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Bali you can refer to

Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Are you looking for more Bali travel guide and top things to do in Bali: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Bali travel blog — The fullest Bali travel guide blog for a budget trip to Bali, Indonesia.