As the cultural center of Bali, you will never run out of places to visit in Ubud. The landscape is incredibly stunning, but the beauty of Ubud also lies in other attractions that you can visit. From the temples to art markets, the charm of Ubud will leave you speechless in a good way.
It can be intimidating to plan your Ubud trip. That’s why if you don’t know what to see in Ubud, you need to keep reading. We’re about to give you some ideas to take a peek at what this quaint village has to offer. Wear your most comfortable shoes as we’re taking you on a journey of the marvel of Ubud.
If you manage to explore the beauty of Ubud and you find yourself falling in love with Bali and want to explore more of Indonesia in style, a great way to do it is on a luxury cruise. It’s a seamless way to discover the beauty of the region while enjoying all the comforts of a luxury holiday.
- Ubud Monkey Forest
At Ubud Monkey Forest, you can also have that selfie with the monkey, an image you’ve probably seen popping up on social media. But Ubud Monkey Forest is not just a sanctuary for more than 1,000 of these long-tailed macaques but also a conservation and cultural site for the Balinese.
Inside the Ubud Monkey Forest, you will find various species of plants that are significant in Balinese culture. These include the ones used to make masks, build shrines, and perform cremation ceremonies. The forest also contains temples, places of worship for the Balinese, and open theatres that show traditional Balinese dance performances.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Ubud is already synonymous with rice terraces, but nothing as iconic as Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Located just about half an hour from Ubud Center, you can see the sprawling green rice fields as far as the eye can see. No wonder Tegallalang is on the list of the top 5 places to visit in Bali.
What makes Tegallalang Rice Terrace unique is the layered irrigation system known as subak. You can see it up close by trekking on the rice fields and then stop at one of the local cafes or restaurants to have lunch. Oh, have we said that Capella Ubud, one of the most luxurious and dreamiest accommodations in Bali, is only eight minutes away from this rice terrace?
- Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul Temple should be on your must-visit list, especially if you want to participate in the purification ceremony. This temple complex is just half an hour from Ubud city center and is believed to have been built in the 10th century.
Beyond the intricate wood carving and the holy spring, Tirta Empul is known as a place to do melukat. In Balinese tradition, melukat is a purification ceremony to cleanse your body, mind, and soul from negative energy. Tirta Empul Temple is one of the most famous sites in Bali where you can do the ritual, where you need to wash yourself under the water spring.
- Ubud Palace
You don’t have to walk far from the city center to see the beauty of the Ubud Palace since it’s literally in the center of Ubud. Though you can only appreciate its courtyard and are not allowed to go inside the palace, there is still a lot to see. The intricate wood and stone carving at the door and the entrance will wow anyone who appreciates art.
In the evening, the palace is a venue where you can see the traditional Balinese dance performance. Starting at 7.30 PM and with the admission of 100K, you can see the graceful movements of the Legong Dance.
- Ubud Art Market
Just a stroll away from Ubud Palace is the Ubud Art Market. Possibly the most famous art market in Bali, this is your chance to do a shopping spree and buy souvenirs in Ubud. In this art market, you can find everything, from small trinkets like keychains to dreamcatchers to home décor and Balinese statues.
If you love haggling, the market is perfect for practicing your bargaining skills. And as an insider’s tip, always compare the prices between shops to get the best deal. You also need to wear your most comfortable shoes and clothes because it can get hot during the day.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
If you love trekking, you will love the scenic walk at Campuhan Ridge. Surrounded by lush vegetation, Campuhan Ridge Walk is where you step back from the hustle and bustle of Ubud city center to appreciate Ubud’s green landscape.
The trek is only 2 kilometers, but you will be surrounded by hills, forests, and rice fields along the route. It’s not a challenging trek, as you can finish in an hour or two, depending on your pace. The best time to walk at Campuhan Ridge is early or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Bring enough water, wear your most comfortable shoes, and don’t forget to take photos along the way!
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Exploring Ubud’s nature is incomplete without stopping by the Kanto Lampo Waterfall. You’ve seen the image of people posing in front of a layered waterfall where the photo was taken. The waterfall is not tall, but the unique rock formation attracts people to visit.
You can walk along the river to the quieter area once you snap some shots for your Instagram page (and people are queuing, mind you). Sit on the rock, listen to the sound of the stream and the chirping birds, and you’ll understand why Kanto Lampo is one of many travelers’ favorite waterfalls in Bali to explore.
- Gunung Kawi Temple
Bali has thousands of temples, but Gunung Kawi Temple is possibly the most impressive. Instead of being built from the ground or made from red bricks or stone, the shrine is carved on the cliff rock, measuring around 7 meters tall. The shrine is believed to be dedicated to one of the kings from the Udayana dynasty and his queens and was built in the 11th century.
The Gunung Kawi Temple complex is divided into two main sections by the Pakerisan River. One section has three shrines, and the other has five. The temple is surrounded by rice paddies and hills, making it a peaceful escape from the city center.
Conclusions
Exploring Ubud in your Bali holiday should be mandatory because of the many attractions and places to visit. The temples are both a cultural trip and a history lesson rolled into one. The landscape is where you immerse yourself in nature and get the art and culture in traditional dance performances and art markets.
While the beaches in the south will surely attract visitors, there is no denying that Ubud has the charm that no other areas in Bali possess. Plan your Ubud trip by bookmarking this page, and you will indeed have one of the most fantastic trips to Bali!
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Disclosure – This is a partnered post
