Overview
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Ubud Monkey Forest
We’re starting off with one of the most popular things to do in Ubud: the Ubud Monkey Forest.
It’s a beautiful park, located in the center of Ubud, where you find hundreds of long-tailed macaques roaming around freely. The park has no fence, but the monkeys just like to stick around this beautiful lush green area themselves. You can wonder around the park, along some lovely walkways, where you will meet the monkeys and watch them doing their daily activities.
Tip!
Remember that the monkeys are still wild animals, so try not to disturb them. You have to be cautious with your belongings, as the monkeys are known for being mischievous and may attempt to snatch your stuff. They especially like cell phones, sunglasses and hats, but will happily grab anything that is loose. Never look them straight into the eyes and don't show your teeth, as these are signs of aggression that might trigger them!
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Did you know...
Ubud Monkey Forest is a very well-known place among tourists, which means it can get quite busy. We heard that there is another monkey forest not so far from Ubud: the Sangeh Forest. We didn't get there ourselves, but maybe it is worth a visit and a nice alternative to Ubud Monkey Forest.
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Campuhan Ridge Walk
In Ubud, you can go for a beautiful walk along the Campuhan Ridge walk. This is a 2 kilometer long trail and it will take you around 20 to 25 minutes to do the whole path in one direction. It’s the perfect place for a beautiful and tranquil walk, especially during sunrise and sunset. The trail start at the Campuhan bridge and will take you through a stunning lush green environment with some beautiful views along the way.
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Tegalalang Rice Terrace
North of Ubud, you find probably one of the most famous place in Bali: the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. At this magical place, you find countless layers of rice fields in a beautiful green valley, full of palm trees and wonderful trails that take you through the lush green paddies. You can enjoy a magical trekking through the different layers of the rice fields while enjoying some beautiful views. Try not to damage the rice itself, stay on the paths at all times and make sure you don’t fall in between the rice.
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Tip!
The Tegalalang Rice Terrace actually consists of several rice terraces. Most people visit the most popular part. This part was actually set up by the government to attract tourists. However, just behind the most famous terrace, there is another terrace: the Mupu rice terrace. It is part of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace but is privatly owned by a family. This part of the rice terrace is just as beautiful and a lot less busy! Therefore, consider visiting this part (too)!
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Visit the Waterfalls
Bali is known for its many beautiful waterfalls all over the island. Due to its central location, many of these waterfalls are located in and around Ubud. Ideal for a day of chasing waterfalls. To help you choose which waterfalls you want to visit from the hundreds of options, we have listed our favorites below.
Don’t forget to bring your swimwear, because at most of these waterfalls, you can take a refreshing dip in the water. Certainly welcome, because you often have to descend a lot of stairs and steep paths to reach these waterfalls and then climb back up again afterwards. That is why it is also important to wear sturdy shoes, so that you do not slip.
Tibumana Waterfall
The Tibumana Waterfall is a beautiful and secluded waterfall, that falls straight down into the pool below, where you can take a refreshing dip. It is not only the beautiful waterfall that makes this place worth a visit, but also the stunning road to get there. This lovely, narrow palm tree-lined road leads you through the lush green riche fields to the entrance of the waterfall. In the light of the rising sun, this place becomes even more magical.
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Kanto Lampo
Kanto Lampo is one of the most famous waterfalls of Ubud. It is a huge waterfall that looks like a big wall of water. You can swim in the natural pools below. Or you can climb on the rocks and take a shower in the natural spray of the waterfall. Be careful, as it might be very slippery! Because it is such a popular spot, we recommend you to visit very early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
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Suwat Waterfall
The Suwat waterfall is a bit of a hidden gem, close to Ubud. At this waterfall, you can jump from a rock under the waterfall and another rock in front of it and enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool. There’s even a cave behind the waterfall and a nice bamboo raft to float around and take some lovely pictures!
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Abangan Waterfall
The Abangan Waterfall is another hidden gem and much less known waterfall. It looks a bit like the little brother of the Kanto Lampo Waterfall, without the crowds. To get to this waterfall, you have to descent a steep path but it is definitely worth it. In the river below the waterfall, you can take a cooling shower under one of the mini waterfalls.
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Mancingan Rice Terrace
Ubud equals rice terraces. The most famous is of course the Tegalalang rice terrace, but there are so many more rice terraces, each unique and beautiful in their own way. The Mancingan Rice Terrace are one of them. What makes these rice terrace so beautiful, is the palm tree road, running through the vast expanse of the lush rice fields. It is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Ubud.
The most beautiful time to visit these rice fields is during sunrise, when a magical glow falls over the palm trees and rice fields, turning the whole area in green and gold. You can see the locals working in the fields, planting or harvesting their rice. Respect the locals work and don’t enter their rice fields, unless you ask for their permission.
There is no admission fee for the Mancingan Rice terrace, but they do ask for a donation. The suggested donation is 20.000 IDR, to support the locals in maintaining and keeping this place functioning and beautiful.
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Ubud Water Palace
The Ubud Water palace, also known as the Saraswati Temple, is one of the most famous temples in Bali. This Hindu temple is located in the heart of Ubud, a bit hidden behind the Starbucks. What makes this temple so unique, is the beautiful lotus & water garden in front. The inner area is a sacred place. Therefore, tourist are not allowed to enter, but you can walk through the lotus & water garden and admiring the outside area. It is completely free! At night, you can often attend a classic Bali dance show.
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Pura Tirta Empul
The Tirta Empul Temple is another famous temple in the Ubud area, because it is one of the only sacred sites in Bali where you as a tourist are allowed to take part in spiritual purification ceremonies. The sacred temple complex of Pura Tirta Empul is built around a holy spring water, which is believed to have healing powers. People come from all over the world to bathe in the holy waters and also among locals it is a popular place to cleanse themselves.
To participate in the purification ritual, you have to dip your head under the 30 fountains from left to right. To enter the temple and participate in the ritual, you have to dress appropriate. If you don’t have your own, you can borrow a sarong at the temple.
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Day trip to Leke Leke and Nungnung waterfall
Leke Leke Waterfall and Nung Nung Waterfall are located a little further away from Ubud. However, they are two such impressive waterfalls, that they are definitely worth to visit from Ubud on a day trip. The waterfalls are located about an hour’s drive from the center. Just because they are located a little further from the center, you can still call them a hidden gem. They are much less busy than most other well-known places in Ubud. To our opinion, it were two of the most beautiful and impressive waterfalls in all of Bali.
You can easily visit the waterfalls by renting a scooter and driving there yourself. Alternatively, you can hire a private driver or book a complete tour.
Leke Leke Waterfall
The Leke Leke waterfall is a picture perfect waterfall, surrounded by a lush green forest and colorful flowers. The hike down is easy to moderate and takes around 15 minutes. It is a well maintained path with concrete steps, some sandy parts and a few bamboo bridges.
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Nungnung waterfall
The Nungnung waterfall is one of the biggest and most powerful falls in Bali. It is a 50 meter high waterfall, located in a green jungle gorge. To get to the bottom of the waterfall, you have to descend about 500 steps. Keep in mind that you will have to ascend these again afterwards. It’s a tough journey, but it’s definitely worth it.
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General Information
Best Time to visit Ubud
The best time to visit Ubud is from April to October, during dry season. You can expect dry and sunny weather, ideal to explore the whole area. Know that the months July and August are high peak tourist season. The landscape is at its greenest and the waterfalls are at their fullest just after the rainy season, at the beginning of the dry season and before peak tourist season.
How to get around
The center of Ubud is easy to explore on foot, with many restaurants, bars and interesting things to see and do.
If you want to explore more outside the center and are used to riding a scooter, the best way to get around is with a scooter. The roads are easily accessible and you drive through beautiful surroundings with endless green rice fields. You can often rent a scooter at your accommodation or you can find various scooter rentals in the center. Prices vary from 60.000 to 120.000 IDR per 24hours. Please note that traffic, especially in the center of Ubud, can be very busy and a lot of roads are one way.
If you are not sure about driving a scooter, you can always take a taxi, hire a local driver or book a tour. For longer distances within the center that are not walkable, you can use Grab or Go Jek.
How many days for Ubud
We recommend that you spend at least 3-4 days to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, explore its beautiful surroundings and enjoy all the awesome things to do in Ubud. Because of its central location, you can also make several day trips from Ubud, such as to Nusa Penida. In that case it is better to provide a few extra days.
Where to Stay
From budget hostels to unique resorts, there are plenty of options to stay in Ubud for every budget. You can choose to sleep in the bustling center close to all the shops and restaurants, or you can stay a little bit out of the center, in the middle of the lush green jungle environment and rice terraces.
If you are looking for more tranquility and prefer to stay a little further away from the hustle and bustle, we can highly recommend Stone House. It’s a beautiful secluded and quiet stay but perfectly located to explore Ubud and all its interesting sights.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
