Angelica, the author of this post, lived 6 months in Bali and it is with my enormous happiness that she decided to write this post for us travelers on what to see in Ubud. Who better than a person who has lived in one place could tell it and make it enter our hearts?
Bali will be the destination of your next trip, but you still don't know which places to include in your itinerary? If there is a place not to be missed, that is it Ubud.
There are conflicting opinions regarding this city. There is who adores it immensely and who, on the contrary, he hates her with all of himself. Chaotic and busy, the center of Ubud goes beyond the general idea of ​​peace and spirituality of the island of the Gods.
However, it will only take you a little to leave the confusion behind. A few kilometers from the center, rice fields, waterfalls and temples will immerse you in an almost surreal reality, made of colors, silence, magic.
Don't miss this opportunity. Let us guide you to discover Ubud and you will fall in love with it. In 12 points I will try to tell you about its beauties and I will accompany you along the path of the wonders that characterize it.
Here are the things to see in Ubud and that you shouldn't miss out on anything in the world!
Maybe you might also be interested in: Where to sleep in Ubud, the best hotels
1 - Puri Saren Agung (UBUD PALACE)
At Muslianshah Masrie /
Il Puri Saren Agung, Also known as Ubud Palace, is the official residence of the royal family of Ubud.
Built in the center of the town during the lordship of Tjokorda Putu Kandel (1800-1823), the palace remains separated from the traffic of the surrounding streets thanks to the high stone walls that outline the perimeter.
Still inhabited today, the residence can only be partially visited. The garden is undoubtedly the most fascinating part of the royal palace. The large pools of water that line the walk, filled with water lilies, make the scenery magical, giving color to the entire context.
In the royal palace of Ubud you will be able to experience a slice of Balinese life: it is not rare, in fact, to attend general rehearsals of dance performances and typical songs, also performed by entire school groups. The participation in the afternoon rehearsals, as well as the entrance to the Palace, are free and in about half an hour you can complete a complete tour of the structure.
During the evening hours, however, you will be able to attend the performance in costume: in this case you will be required to purchase a ticket of approximately IDR 100.000.
2 – Village Temple
Di Eszter Szadeczky-Kardoss /
In each town of Bali there are three different religious structures of the community: one of these is the VILLAGE TEMPLE, that is, the village temple. For this reason, in every location on the island of the Gods, you will find a temple named in this way.
Il Ubud Village Temple it is located on Jl. Raya Ubud, n ° 35 near the City Market.
Externally less charming and attractive than many other temples, Pura Desa Ubud is not among the favorite destinations of tourists. Mainly frequented by the faithful, inside the typical Balinese ceremonies take place, usually off-limits to the non-Hindu public.
You will have the chance to peek inside the Pura Desa through the railings of the main gate and beyond the wall that borders the perimeter of the temple, but you will be able to admire only a part of it.
Le characteristic Hindu ceremonies (unfortunately) are carried out within the area hidden from the eyes of us curious.
3 - Mixed Ridge Walk
Di Breslavtsev Oleg /
La walk on the ridge of Campuhan it is an obligatory stop for those arriving in Ubud. Perfect option to get away from the traffic of the center, without going too far.
The route starts in the parking lot of a school, near the Tempio Mountain Bee and ends in the small village of Keliki. Simple, hilly route, with the difficulty of not having spots in the shade. The high humidity, especially during the rainy season, makes the journey slightly more treacherous.
Choose the coolest and least sunny hours, early in the morning or at sunset, and you will love this walk. Walk, explore, lose your gaze in the valleys that line the entire route and enrich your journey with epic photographs.
Photo tour for Instagram!
If you want to have an Instagram wall that "rocks" maybe you might like the INSTAGRAM TOUR AMONG THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES OF THE ISLAND
4 – Monkey Forest
By kasakphoto /
La monkey forest it is one of the busiest places in Ubud. Located in the center of the city, it will charm you with the huge banyan trees and the little monkeys that emerge from every corner.
Don't be fooled by the sympathy of their little faces: they are aggressive animals, and with bites and scratches they can transmit anger, very common in Bali. Avoid feeding them or having objects on display: they are mischievous animals and with skill and speed, they could steal anything from you.
Let yourself be fascinated by the context, he walks with his nose up. The temples erected within the Monkey Forest and the majesty of the banyan trees that frame it will captivate you.
Il cost of the ticket is 50.000 IDR per person (approximately € 3, updated to 2019).
MONKEY FOREST TOUR
There are numerous tours which include the Monkey Forest. For me this tour by Get Your Guide which also includes the traditional Batuan Temple and the rice terraces is the best.
5 – Kecak Dance Performance
Di Andreas H /
To enter the island of the gods state of spirituality you will need to participate in one typical dance show.
In Ubud you will have a wide choice of temples where you can watch fire dance performances and theatrical performances.
Il Kecak is a Balinese Hindu dance form. The story depicted is taken from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Mostly it is performed by groups of men dressed in black and white checked sarongs who continuously sing haunting chants.
They will enter your head without asking permission and you will find yourself humming for days, repeating uncontrollably "Chak ke-chak ke-chak ke-chak". The songs change rhythm according to the intensity of the scenes and are accompanied by the waving movement of the singers' arms.
Everywhere you decide to attend the show, whether it is here or anywhere else on the island, characters and history will not change. The "monsters" and the heroines armed with bow, will make you spend an unusual evening.
Al Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, on Raya Ubud, the show lasts approximately 1 hour and costs IDR 75.000 (€ 4,80 approx).
6 - Gunung Kawi Temple
One of the most beautiful and characteristic temples on the island is the Gunung Kawi Temple. Built in the 10th century, it includes 7 rock-carved sanctuaries, carved into 30-meter-high niches. Located about XNUMX minutes from Ubud, north-east direction, it develops on the sides of the fiume Pakerisan.
To reach the temple you will have to go down a road with multiple steps, lined with local vendors ready to bargain on any product.
Inside the temple walls you will find pictures from the past and descriptions of the temple's activities hanging on the walls.
The Gunung Kawi Temple, dal unique charm, little frequented, it allows you to perceive the spirituality of the island. Put it in the list of places not to be missed and let yourself be carried away by the silence and peace that characterize it.
Il cost of the ticket is 50.000 IDR per person (3 € approximately) and includes the use of sharong and typical shawls without which it is not allowed to visit the sacred places.
7 – Tirta Empul Temple
Located a few kilometers from Pura Gunung Kawi, the Tirta Empul Temple is known as Temple of Purification. It literally means "source" (tirta) "sacred" (empul). Balinese Hindus come to this place for their purifying ritual bath.
Tourists are also given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sacred waters: for this reason, numerous presences are recorded daily which, unfortunately, reduce the charm of this place.
But don't worry: it will be a magical moment. The flow of water, the colors of the water lilies floating in the pools, the smell of frangipani, every detail will enter your heart and make you remember this enchanted place in a positive way.
The cost of the ticket is 15.000 IDR (approximately € 1).
8 – Tegenungan Waterfall
At Cocos.Bounty /
La Tegenungan waterfall it is a real sight for the eyes. It is not particularly majestic, but fascinating.
The sound of the jet of water crashing to the ground, the colors of the droplets filtered by sunlight, the foam that is created at the point where the waterfall comes into contact with the water surface at the base.
Every detail makes the scenery enchanting. A magical place to immerse yourself in, despite the many “western” distractions.
Wicker installations of various shapes and sizes have been placed all along the path leading to the waterfall, perfect for photos and, above all, for Instagram.
This has made the place very popular, making this waterfall one of the biggest attractions on the island, but it has turned off the magic.
The path that leads to the base of the waterfall is quite steep, an alternation of steps and a dirt road, hidden by the luxuriant vegetation. During the rainy season the volume of water increases, as does the rate of humidity which will make the journey slightly more difficult.
But it will be worth it. The panorama that opens before the eyes at the end of the walk is wonderful and a refreshing bath allows you to forget the fatigue.
Through a side staircase you have the opportunity to reach the upper part of the waterfall, where the descent of the water begins. You will need to pay a 15.000 IDR ticket to add to the 15.000 IDR of the initial entrance.
From here, you can access the swimming pools of the ristorante D’tukad River Club. Here you can drink a refreshing beer in a corner of paradise in Bamboo built in the middle of nature, where music reigns supreme.
9 - Ubud Market
THEUbud market is undoubtedly the realm of the shopping a Bali.
The best adjective for this place is chaotic. Mix of colors, noises, smells.
Inside this market you will find the most varied products: fruit and vegetables of all shapes and colors, baskets of banana leaves created for offerings to the Gods, Indonesian sweets, sarong of a thousand colors.
Does any particular object come to mind when thinking about Bali? Souvenirs, fabrics, silver, Balinese handicrafts… Inside the Ubud market every imagination becomes reality.
Let every cell of your body invade by the bahasa shouted by the street vendors, enter the heart of the confusion, grasp every detail, let yourself be carried away by the situation and live a moment of real Indonesian life.
10 - Tengallang Rice Terraces
Le Tengallang rice plant terraces they immediately bring back to the book "Eat Pray Love" and to the film in which Julia Roberts introduced Bali to many of us.
Tengallang Rice Terrace has become one of the tourist destinations par excellence. You do not pay a real entrance ticket for access, but you will be asked for a contribution of 5.000 IDR for the parking of the moped or car.
At the entrance you will be surrounded by children ready to sell you packets of postcards depicting the island of the Gods and it will be very difficult to get out, but don't give up.
The spectacle that unfolds before your eyes will be breathtaking.
You will discover shades of green never seen before. You will be able to walk among the terraces inside the steep valley, admire the peasants at work and breathe the magic deeply.
Along the way you will find panoramic points where you can throw yourself on the swings enjoying a flight over the rice fields or wicker nests in which to take photos and immortalize the moment.
11 – Yoga
By PhotoSunny /
One of the main activities in Bali and in Ubud in particular is it Yoga. Meditation and spirituality are practiced with assiduity and it will be easy to find a place to attend courses and lessons.
You will find dozens of different types of lessons, at equally different times and structures. The thing that unites them is the vocation to peace and well-being of the mind and body.
You will find lessons suitable for every taste and level of experience. Participating in Yoga classes in Ubud will be a way to get closer to the spirituality that comes from every corner of Bali. Let yourself be carried away by the enchantment.
Get into the heart of the magic.
I places to practice yoga they are really many. I propose these:
- The Yoga Barn Jl. Hanoman, Pengosekan, Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia
- Radiantly Alive Jl. Jembawan 1 No.3, Ubud, Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia
- Ubud Yoga House Jl. Subak Sokwayah, Ubud, Gianyar, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia
- Taksu Yoga Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
- Intuitive Flow Jl. Raya Tjampuhan, Penestanan Kaja, Sayan, Ubud, Sayan, Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia
12 - Coworking for digital nomads
Bali is a favorite destination for digital nomads. Maybe this place is not suitable for a traveler, but digital nomads who decide to live in Bali like me there are many and I thought it could be useful for them.
The low cost of life, compared to the quality of the same and the speed of the fiber, create the perfect condition for those who work remotely.
To nurture and develop the connections between operators in this professional field, new ones are continuously opening coworking, places where you can work and meet.
Ubud is one of the major Indonesian centers in which these structures are taking shape. Free educational events, dinners and parties for members, sports activities, are just some of the activities offered in these spaces.
Remote working is becoming more and more common and having places where you can compare yourself with people in the same type of profession as you can be very stimulating and beneficial.
The cost of the service is quite high. Hourly, daily, weekly or monthly subscriptions can be made. The choice to enter these structures as a member is not for the service of having the internet, easily accessible in every bar or public place, but for socializing and creating a real community with the digital nomads residing in the place.
Here are the most popular coworking in Ubud.
- - Hubbud – Jl. Monkey Forest No.88X · +62 361 978073
- - Outpost Ubud Coworking - Jl. Raya Singakerta Jl. Raya Nyuh Kuning · +62 361 9080584
- - IGDORE Indonesia – Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia +62 823-4073-2658
Things to do and visit in Ubud there are so many. It won't take you many days to find out. The distance between one wonder and another is minimal. All you need is a scooter, curiosity and a desire to get excited.
Get involved in what you see, live every situation to the full, let yourself be captivated by the places and people you meet along the way. This is the most important thing.
This you will remember Ubud and all of Bali when you return home: the emotions you felt and the wonders that from your eyes came straight to your heart.
