Things to do in Ubud

The centerpiece here is a cave dating back to the 9th century, the entrance to which is an ornately carved demon's mouth. Inside are some fragmentary lingam and yoni statues, as well as a statue of Ganesha.

Dating from the eleventh century, this is presumed to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his many wives. Reached by climbing down 371 steps, the location at the bottom of a steep valley lined with paddy fields, is quite stunning.

One of the most attractive temples in the whole of Bali, and as it is slightly off the beaten path, one which receives relatively few visitors. The temple was founded in 1206, and has an especially impressive 11-tiered meru in the inner courtyard. When you visit here take a little extra time to look around Bangli.

This was the palace of the kings of Ubud until the 1940s, and some royal descendants live there to this day. Parts of the complex are off limits to the public, but entry to the rest is free, and this is Ubud's best setting for dance performances (see Do). 10-15 min visit without a guide.

One of the holiest temples in Bali built around hot springs that still bubble in the central courtyard. The Balinese come here to bathe and purify themselves physically and spiritually, and during Galungan, the sacred barong masks are bathed here.

This complex of rock carvings is close to Goa Gajah but far less well known. The carvings date from the fourteenth or fifteenth century, and are set in a very attractive rice field.

A modern chapel dedicated to the feminine aspect of the divine, such as Kuan Shih Yin, Mary Magdalene, Mother Mary, Lakshmi, Durga, Kali, Saraswati, Gayatri and others.

Taman Saraswati Temple, also known as Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati, is a graceful water temple located in the heart of Ubud, Bali. Dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts, this temple is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its striking beauty—especially the…

Pura Gunung Lebah sits at the confluence of the Campuhan and Wos rivers beside Campuhan Bridge. Dating from the 8th century, it is one of Ubud's oldest and most sacred temples.

Showcases works by well known Balinese artists, as well as international artists who made Bali their home such as Walter Spies, Adrian Jean Le Mayeur, Rudolph Bonnet and Arie Smit. The only painting in Bali by renowned Javanese artist Radan Saleh is exhibited here.

Before he passed away in 1999, Spanish artist Antonio Blanco was an absolute fixture on the Ubud art scene. His former home is now a museum showcasing his sometimes bizarre but always interesting work. Think Salvador Dali transplanted to Asia. In the garden you can take pictures of the exotic birds flying around.

When it opened in 1954, this was the first private museum in Bali. Three buildings showcase traditional and modern Balinese art. The displays are a little musty and English labeling is spotty, but some of the works, particularly the carvings, are quite amazing.

A wide range of Balinese paintings is exhibited here, both traditional and modern. Run by its owner, artist Nyoman Rudana, who is often present.

This museum houses perhaps the most important art collection in the whole of Bali. Six pavilions house the various collections which include dedicated rooms for artists Arie Smit and I Gusti Nyoman Lempad.

Campuhan Ridge Walk begins beside the Pura Gunung Lebah and follows a gently undulating 2 km paved ridge trail. This walk was recommended in the early 21st century but as of 2026 the views have sadly been ruined by development. Still, it is a nice enough walk.

The Sari Organik Walk is an easy stroll through rice fields immediately north of central Ubud. Passing small cafés, traditional farms and coconut palms, it offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets and is especially pleasant early in the morning or around sunset.

This pleasant walk begins near Jalan Kajeng and quickly leaves central Ubud behind, passing rice fields, small cafés and traditional homes. It is quieter than the Campuhan Ridge Walk and offers a glimpse of everyday village life.

The Sweet Orange Walk is even better than the Campuhan Ridge Walk was before it was ruined by development. It follows narrow paths through rice fields just north of central Ubud, passing cafés, rice fields, homestays and art studios. It is a relaxing walk suitable for most visitors.

Art studio nestled in beautiful grounds and galleries offering art classes from beginners to teachers, and internationally accredited courses run by Bruce Sherratt.

Traditional Balinese cooking such as sate lilit, Balinese salad, and nasi kuning.

Traditional Balinese cooking class in the home of a very hospitable family. They offer a pick-up in Ubud.

A new community project to save the organic farmer in the village. They have the cooking classes every day for vegetarians and meat lovers. The program consists of a visit to a local market, an organic farm tour, picking some ingredients for cooking and hands-on cooking experience (you will cook your food).

Introduction to the exotic ingredients and unique culinary heritage of Bali, set in Balinese compound.

Private Balinese cooking class at Putu's family compound in Pejeng, near Ubud. Guests prepare five dishes and eat the meal they make. A morning market visit is available with a separate package. Pickup and return from accommodation in Ubud are included.

Kecak and fire dance at 6:30 and Barong dance at 09:30, every day. Each lasts about an hour and the ticket is sold separately. Barong dance is very much a performance for tourists, and the story is of the never-ending battle between good and evil.

One of the best kecak performances in Ubud, every Friday and Monday evening. Staged in beautiful surroundings outside under the banyan trees, and followed by a fire dance. Excellent ambiance and the fire dance at the end is impressive.

Smack dab in the centre of town, dance performances are staged here almost nightly.

Even for the experienced massage consumer, this six-bed massage centre is an experience. A 1-hr massage is about Rp80,000. Magic warm stone massage for Rp120,000. Several other deep tissue and reflexology treatments are available