Ubud does not have the sea and beaches, for which many people go to Bali. But its unique atmosphere attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists. The city, where hippies and bohemians loved to gather, became a prestigious resort, the cultural capital of the island, a center of fine arts, music and dance. Only after visiting Ubud can you understand how Bali lives and what traditions it preserves. To feel the spirit of this city, you need to come here for at least a few days. Here everyone will find something special for themselves – ancient temples, places of power, waterfalls, excellent spas, the best yoga schools, gourmet restaurants. In this article, we have described 28 must-see attractions in Ubud.
Ubud Royal Palace
The official name of the royal palace in Ubud is Puri Saren Agung. It is still the home of Indonesia’s ruling dynasty. The palace is the place to start your sightseeing in Ubud, especially since you can visit it for free.
The stone arch leading to the courtyard is guarded by statues of guardian deities. Behind it is a small square decorated with flower beds and expertly carved stone sculptures. Two luxurious pagodas and outbuildings stand surrounded by trees and neatly trimmed bushes.
The main entrance to the palace is made in the form of a three-level pagoda, which is crowned with a figure resembling a crown. The gilded wooden gates are closed to visitors and even the royal family only use them on special occasions. But anyone can go to the courtyard, where there is a beautiful pond with carps. In its center there is a sculpture of a turtle holding two pagodas on its back. The dining and throne rooms are closed and can only be seen on official occasions. Every evening there are dance performances on the square in front of the palace.
Elephant Cave Goa Gajah temple
The Goa Gajah Elephant Cave, located a couple of kilometers from Ubud, is one of the oldest cultural and architectural monuments of Bali. It is believed that the sanctuary there was created in the 9th century by the Bali Aga people. The entrance to the cave temple is crowned with a bas-relief depicting an evil deity, which should frighten spirits and people. Inside there are 15 niches carved into the rock, used for spiritual practices and meditation.
The surroundings of the Goa Gajah temple complex are very picturesque, so you should definitely set aside time for a walk through the jungle. Signs direct travelers to the temples of Pura Petapan with a Buddha statue and Pura Taman with a sacred spring. And if you go even further, not afraid of narrow paths, you can see huge stone bas-reliefs, a beautiful pond overgrown with lilies, a small waterfall, the Cave of Giants (Goa Raksasa) and fragments of one of the oldest Buddha statues.
The Elephant Cave is mentioned in the Javanese poem Nagarakretagama, written in 1365. It is still unknown whether it is of natural origin or created by people. It is also not clear what religion the people who founded the sanctuary professed. Its design contains both Buddhist and Hindu elements.
The Yoga Barn
Ubud is a mecca for yoga lovers. Those who cannot imagine their morning without Surya Namaskar come here, and also want to receive workshops and master classes from famous gurus. Retreats, festivals, courses, excellent yoga schools and studios are concentrated right here, in the heart of Bali. Therefore, you won’t have to think long about what to do in Ubud. The Yoga Barn is considered the most popular yoga center. Its seven studios offer more than 100 classes per week. This is not only yoga, but also meditation, dancing, wellness sessions, and spa treatments. Anyone can attend classes in classical hatha, vinyasa flow, Fly High Yoga, Ashtanga, pranayama, Iyengar, capoeira, and children’s yoga. Visitors can enjoy a healing center, a smoothie bar and a vegetarian cafe. Also on the territory of The Yoga Barn there is a guest house with one four-bed and 9 double rooms.
Ubud Yoga Center
Another popular yoga studio in Ubud is Ubud Yoga Centre. They offer a wide range of practices for guests of all ages and skill levels. Classes are held in three spacious rooms with panoramic windows, which offer excellent views of the rainforest and river. You can book a course online on the center’s website or simply come to any lesson without prior notice. The Ubud Yoga Center schedule includes vinyasa and kundalini yoga, Yin Yoga, Fly High Yoga, Bikram Yoga, as well as TRX, Pilates, and meditation. The studio often hosts retreats and other events. After class, you can have a snack at the vegetarian cafe.
Monkey Forest
One of the most interesting and popular tourist locations in Ubud and all of Bali is the Monkey Forest. Its official name is Mandala Suci Wenara Wana. The forest is both a Hindu sanctuary and a sanctuary for the Balinese long-tailed monkey, Macaca flavicularis. The forest is located in the village of Padangtegal, not far from the city.
The Monkey forest is home to about 600 macaques. They have long been accustomed to people and are not afraid of them. The Balinese love these animals, considering them protectors from evil spirits. Therefore, monkeys, feeling complete impunity, look into bags and pockets, snatch food from hands and constantly steal personal items from visitors – glasses, cameras, wallets, etc. It is better to put all this away before visiting the park. Those who want to treat the macaques should take bananas with them. Animals also do not refuse cookies and chips and often take them from guests.
Not only the inhabitants of the park are interesting, but also its territory. Rare trees grow here, in the shadows of which many stone sculptures are hidden. There are three temples located under the forest canopy – Pura Prajapati, Pura Beji and Pura Dalem Agung. Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, where many religious ceremonies and festivals are held.
The Monkey forest is home to several groups of monkeys, which divide the territory of the reserve into five parts:
- main temple;
- Michelin area;
- park center;
- East End;
- cremation area and cemetery.
Macaques constantly fight for territory, especially during the dry season. In case of fights, the reserve staff always carries slingshots to intimidate the fighting primates.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Tegallalang Rice Terrace (Tegallalang) is the most famous rice terraces in Bali, one of the hallmarks of the island. They are located 20 minutes’ drive from Ubud, on hills 800 meters high. The stepped rice plantations with winding paths and the surrounding palm trees make a superb picture. You can admire it from the road, but it is better to go down the narrow paths and then climb up the opposite side of the hill. For this walk you will need comfortable shoes – the paths can be slippery. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are a favorite spot for photographers and Instagram bloggers. Several swings and photo zones with decorations were installed on the plantations. There are also cafes and restaurants serving national cuisine. About a kilometer from the terraces there is a small plantation where the most expensive type of coffee in the world, Luwak, is produced. You can drink a cup of aromatic drink at a local coffee shop.
Sound Healing Pyramid of Chi Meditation Center
Pyramid of Chi is a unique wellness center that practices sound healing and sound meditation. Its founders, Peter and Lynn McIntosh, arrived in Ubud in 2013. A few kilometers from the city center, they decided to build two pyramids – analogues of the cult sacred buildings of Ancient Egypt. In March 2017, the Golden Pyramid of the Sun and the Silver Pyramid of the Moon appeared among the rice fields. The first practice is sound therapy – sound healing. Healing vibrations are created using gongs, drums and didgeridoos (ancient wind instruments). The effect is enhanced by the pyramidal shape of the structure and the aroma of sandalwood. During the session, visitors lie on comfortable mats with pillows. The Pyramid of the Moon was created for breathing and sound meditations. Pyramid of Chi also offers group and individual light therapy sessions, cocoa sessions, yoga and spiritual awakening workshops. This is definitely worth a visit for those who come to Ubud for an unusual experience, esoteric practices and self-knowledge.
Sayan House Restaurant
Sayan House Restaurant is located in Sayan village, 5 kilometers from Ubud. Its terrace offers superb views of the jungle and rice fields. Beautiful scenery and a romantic atmosphere have made the establishment popular among newlyweds celebrating their honeymoon in Bali.
The Sayan House restaurant menu is a unique combination of Japanese and Latin American cuisine. Chef Yuki Tagami skillfully combines flavors and is not afraid to experiment with presentation. For example, they serve traditional Babi guling (spit-roasted suckling pig) combined with Japanese sushi. And crispy king prawns complement salmon carpaccio and avocado maki. The menu includes a teriyaki burger with guacamole, roast beef with ginger rice, vegetables and shiitake mushrooms, Japanese curry with beef, fried katsu pork and cheese mix. As well as unusual desserts, to which matcha tea, chili pepper and exotic fruits are added.
Artists’ Trail
Wondering what else you can do in Ubud? We advise you to definitely take a walk along the narrow pedestrian path, which is called the Artists’ Path. It runs along the crest of the Campuhan Ridge Walk. Walking along it, you can admire stunning landscapes – tropical forest, rice fields, the Kampuhan and Ayung rivers. There are swings hanging on some of the trees growing along the route – you can fly over the cliff and take stunning photos.
The Artists’ Trail leads to the small village of Bangkian Sidem. There is a spa, art galleries, and the popular Karsa restaurant. Its terrace offers superb views of the rice fields. And in clear weather you can see the Agung volcano.
Bali Dacha
Bali Dacha is a real oasis of relaxation among the dense jungle. Here you will find the hottest bath in Bali with panoramic views of the rainforest, a natural pool, a cold plunge pool with flower petals and a professional bath attendant. After bathing procedures, it is recommended to visit the spa complex located above the river next to the waterfall. He offers several types of massage: deep – using traditional techniques, acupressure – for the back and shoulders, and also with hot stones, as well as for the face or legs. In addition, you can undergo a special Marigold Bliss spa ritual that promises complete relaxation.
Bali Dacha is a great place for relaxation, meetings and communication. After visiting the bathhouse and spa center, guests are invited to have a pleasant time in a restaurant, art lounge club, vegetarian cafe, healthy bar or cinema hall. The complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden with seating areas.
