Ubud is an artistic and cultural hotspot in Bali. Read on to find out more about this creative hub, the areas of outstanding natural beauty in and around Ubud and our quick top ten list of the things to do in Ubud,
1. Yoga
Re-align in the natural beauty of Ubud. With daily drop-in classes and retreats available there are many different ways to experience the ancient and healing practice of yoga. Establish daily practice routines or commit to teacher training and become a yoga master. Ubud has world-class trainers and training available.
Perhaps the most well known yoga center is the Yoga barn, but there are also many others
Alongside yoga, there is a flourishing self-development scene where you can learn new, life-affirming and potentially life-changing ways and practices centred around looking at and being in the world. I personally recommend the NLP courses on offer from Insights NLP, more details can be found here, including information about an amazing 10-day NLP retreat they offer.
2. Arts and crafts
Ubud is considered to be the artistic centre of Bali, with may skilled and talented artists from across the world have chosen to live in Ubud and draw inspiration from the stunning natural beauty the area offers.
Ubud is also home to many local artisans too, producing art in the form of paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewellery and many other forms of artistic expression, an area of prolific artistry.
3. Ubud art market
Ubud art market is located in the very centre of Ubud and is where you can find a wide range of arts and crafts on sale.
Offerings range from relatively inexpensive smaller items ideal as trip mementoes to more expensive works of art.
4. Coffee and coffee tasting
Coffee is grown in the hills around Ubud with the local speciality Kopi Luwak being produced in the region. There are many places to go where you can sample the coffee and selection of teas for free. Overlook the jungles and sup in style.
5. Ubud hospitality
Bali is a very warm and welcoming place, and this holds very true of Ubud and the surrounding areas.
Your time spent here will be one of many memories of spending time with your new Balinese friends.
6. Eating and dining out
Ubud is home to many local and international restaurants and eateries. One of the most famous places to eat is Bengil Duck restaurant, which serves delicious crispy duck.
There are of course also many vegetarian and vegan options available, one of my favourites being clear café, wholesome locally sourced ingredients and simply delicious dishes.
7. Natural beauty
The Ubud area is stunningly beautiful. There are so many places to be outside and enjoy the fabulous scenery such as Campuhan Hill, the terraced rice fields in Tegalalang, the monkey forest in central Ubud, and many others.
Getting away from the crowds and feeling the sun on your face and hearing the sounds of nature all around you is easy to do.
8. Temples
There are many temples and temple complexes around Ubud and the surrounding areas.
One amazing example is Taman Saraswati Temple
Taman Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati) is a beautiful water temple that makes for a great highlight on your walks through Ubud town.
This popular photo spot has classical Balinese temple architecture and a beautiful foyer with ponds filled with pink lotuses.
Another temple of note is Goa Gajah, the elephant cave
Goa Gajah is one of the island’s most impressive archaeological sites.
Also known as Bali’s ‘Elephant Cave’, the complex is 300 metres west of the Bedulu village, a region famous for its collection of historical sites, and about 5 km southeast of central Ubud.
Upon arriving at Goa Gajah, walk down a flight of stairs to discover a relic-filled courtyard and the main 11th-century cave. The entrance to the cave features a carving of a wide-eyed figure, while inside are rock-wall carvings and a meditational site. Goa Gajah also has a Hindu temple and an impressive communal pool with stone sculptures and fountains.
9. Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the great waterfalls nearest to Ubud. It’s halfway between Ubud and Bali’s provincial capital of Denpasar.
Getting to the falls from Ubud is a pleasant 30-minute drive down paved village roads lined with stretches of green rice fields on both sides.
10. Bali bird walk in Ubud
Back on the nature theme, Bali Bird Walk offers birdwatching excursions around the lush countryside of Ubud. It was founded by ornithologist Victor Mason back in 1990, who is well-known for his books on exotic birds and butterflies in Bali. The guided tour takes you on a day out through some of the highland’s most beautiful nature trails. The insightful walks carry a mission of conservation through education and are suitable for adults and kids.
I’m sure you’d agree that there are plenty of things to do in Ubud, but this list only really scratches the surface.
Perhaps this article has given you the inspiration to move to Bali? For example, if retirement may be something you’re considering then have a read of our article 10 reasons to retire in Bali for more information about why Bali could turn out to be just the place for you.
If have any questions or would like any more information then get in touch, I’d love to chat.
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