Ubud: Best Things to Do & Top Attractions
Located in Bali, this cultural hub is known for its traditional crafts, dance, and carefree rice paddies. It's surrounded by rainforests and dotted with Hindu temples and shrines.
- Population
- 30,000
- Airport
- Ngurah Rai at 37 km – Int'l.
- Est. Visit Days
- 3 days
Overview
Ubud, located in Bali, Indonesia, is known for its traditional crafts and dance. The city offers a glimpse into Balinese culture through various art forms and local markets. Additionally, Ubud is surrounded by opulent rice paddies and steep ravines, making it a scenic destination for nature lovers. However, its popularity has led to issues with overtourism, especially in the central areas. The city can also be quite crowded, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Traffic & Transport
The city experiences moderate traffic, especially in the central areas, which can be congested during peak tourist seasons. The best way to explore the city is by motorbike, which offers flexibility to navigate through traffic and access narrower roads that are common in the area. For those not comfortable with motorbikes, bicycles are also a popular and eco-friendly option, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic routes at a slower pace. Walking is ideal for exploring the central market and nearby attractions, where traffic can be dense. For reliable taxi services, visitors can use the Blue Bird Group, which is known for its professionalism and use of meters. Additionally, the Grab app is widely used for booking both cars and motorbike rides, providing a convenient option with upfront pricing.
History
Originally a small farming village, the city was historically significant as a source of medicinal herbs and plants. It became a key center for the trade of these commodities during the Dutch colonial period in the early 20th century. The city's development as an art and cultural center began in the 1930s when European artists settled in the area. This cultural growth was further enhanced in the 1960s with the arrival of renowned international artists. The city's history is also marked by its resilience during the Indonesian struggle for independence in the 1940s.
Itinerary Sample
Explore Ubud, Indonesia over three days with a curated itinerary that highlights the best of the area.
– First day: Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, explore Ubud Market, and enjoy a traditional Dance Performance At Ubud Palace.
– Second day: Tour the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, stop by the Tegenungan Waterfall, and visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art.
– Third day: Take a cooking class in the morning, relax at The Yoga Barn, and stroll through the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Near Excursion
This city is a great starting point for several exciting day trips. Here are some suggestions:
– Tanah Lot Temple at 40 km: A lovely sea temple known for nice sunset views.
– Mount Batur at 35 km: Popular for sunrise hikes offering panoramic views of the volcano and lake.
– Tirta Empul Temple at 30 km: A sacred water temple famous for its holy spring water.
– Jatiluwih Rice Terraces at 50 km: UNESCO World Heritage site known for its expansive and scenic rice fields.
– Besakih Temple at 50 km: The largest and holiest temple complex in Bali, located on the slopes of Mount Agung.
Attraction
Known for its rich culture, arts, and natural beauty, this city offers a variety of attractions for tourists.
– Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: A nature reserve and temple complex home to hundreds of playful monkeys.
– Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Famous for its beautiful rice paddies and scenic views.
– Ubud Palace: A historical palace with traditional Balinese architecture and cultural performances.
– Campuhan Ridge Walk: A scenic walking trail offering gorgeous views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
– Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): An ancient cave temple with refined carvings and a bathing pool.
– Ubud Art Market: A dynamic market where you can find local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Activity
In Ubud, travelers can experience a blend of cultural, wellness, and nature-based activities.
– Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Walk among nice rice paddies and learn about traditional irrigation systems.
– Campuhan Ridge Walk: Enjoy a scenic trek through luxuriant hills and river valleys.
– Ubud Monkey Forest: Interact with playful macaques in a sacred forest setting.
– Balinese Cooking Class: Learn to prepare traditional Balinese dishes using local ingredients.
– Tirta Empul Temple: Participate in a purification ritual at this holy water temple.
Cuisine
The city offers a magnificient food scene with a mix of traditional Balinese cuisine and international flavors. Street food and local markets are popular for their diverse and flavorful offerings.
– Babi Guling: Spit-roasted pig seasoned with a blend of spices, served with rice and vegetables.
– Bebek Betutu: Slow-cooked duck marinated in a rich spice paste, wrapped in banana leaves.
– Nasi Campur: Mixed rice dish with small portions of meats, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and fried-shrimp krupuk.
– Lawar: Traditional Balinese salad made from vegetables, coconut, and minced meat, often spiced with rich herbs.
– Pisang Goreng: Fried banana fritters, often served with honey or palm sugar syrup.
– Klepon: Sweet rice cake balls filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut.
Shopping
In the city, tourists can explore numerous art markets and boutique shops offering unique local crafts. Popular gifts include handmade jewelry, traditional batik fabric, and intricately carved wooden sculptures. The Ubud Art Market is a notable spot where you can find a wide range of artisan products. Silver jewelry from nearby Celuk village makes for a special souvenir. Additionally, purchasing local organic skincare products or aromatic oils is highly recommended. These items not only serve as great gifts but also support local artisans and businesses.
Arts & Culture
The city is renowned for its charming arts scene, including traditional Balinese dance performances, which are regularly held at the royal palace and other venues. It is also home to numerous art galleries and museums, such as the Neka Art Museum and the Agung Rai Museum of Art, showcasing both traditional and contemporary Indonesian art. The annual Bali Spirit Festival, which celebrates yoga, dance, and music, attracts international visitors and artists. Additionally, the city hosts the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, one of Southeast Asia’s most significant literary events.