10 things to do in Ubud

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.