Ubud continues to captivate travellers with its unique blend of natural beauty and deep-rooted artistic heritage. This vibrant town is filled with history and is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of cascading rice terraces and dense tropical forests. Beyond its beauty, places to visit in Ubud offer the most authentic glimpse into Balinese life, where ancient traditions blend with contemporary creativity. Be it the intricately designed temples or the local markets filled with beautiful artisan crafts, travellers experience a deeply and enriching experience at every corner.
10 Best Places To Visit In Ubud
Here are the top 10 places to visit in Ubud including cafes alongside the centuries-old rice fields, holy temples and adventurous hiking trips:
1. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Photo: Jorge Franganillo / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best places to visit in Ubud is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary which provides an opportunity to immerse in the beauty of nature. Over 1260 long-tailed macaques inhabit the dense jungle of this sanctuary and are considered sacred by locals. Additionally, three ancient temples create a mystical atmosphere in the forest environment. Be cautious of your belongings, as these monkeys enjoy playfully messing around.
Location: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Nearby Attractions: Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple, Ubud Art Market
2. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Photo: William Cho / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of the most impressive sceneries in Ubud with views of rice fields carved into hillsides. These terraces use the traditional irrigation systems of Bali “subak” that date back to the 8th century. A walk along these popular tourist attractions in Ubud provides a scenic view of natural and traditional farming techniques.
Location: l. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Nearby Attractions: Gunung Kawi, Sebatu Temple, Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation
3. Ubud Palace
Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons
Ubud Palace is a royal palace dating back to the late 1800s and is located close to major tourist places in Ubud. Apart from its historical value, it is a cultural hub that offers traditional Balinese dancing and performances. Being the residential abode of the current Ubud royal family, the palace is not entirely open to visitors. Nevertheless, parts of it can be accessed and explored making it a must-visit on the Ubud tourist places list.
Location: JJl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Nearby Attractions: Ubud Art Market, Saraswati Temple
4. Campuhan Ridge Walk
Photo: Fabio Achilli / Wikimedia Commons
For yet another serene and beautiful adventure, you will have to hike to one of the most popular tourist places in Ubud; Campuhan Ridge Walk. This relatively easy hike trails along a paved path through some of the most beautiful green hills and rice fields of Ubud. It seamlessly cuts through the rolling countryside with panoramic views of this lush countryside. The Campuhan Ridge Walk, being one of the best places for Ubud trips, is around 20 minutes outside the town centre.
Location: Kelusa, Payangan, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Opening Hours: 24*7
Nearby Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Nearby Attractions: Neka Art Museum, Blanco Renaissance Museum
5. Goa Gajah
Photo: Cakhairia / Wikimedia Commons
The Goa Gajah or the Elephant Cave, is yet another exceptional archaeological site and one of the best places to visit in Ubud. The 9th-century temple complex consists of an ancient cave, bathing pools, and intricately carved stone structures. Technically, there’s not a single elephant in town making the name alone a mystery. The cave features entrance figures said to be warding off evil spirits and a small worship area within has several statues and relics.
Location: Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Nearby Attractions: Yeh Pulu Relief, Gunung Kawi Temple
6. Tirta Empul Temple
Photo: Yoshi Canopus / Wikimedia Commons
Tirta Empul Temple is one of the most sacred temples in the Ubud tourist places list. Here, ritual purification is executed by local people and visitors alike at the holy spring. The original temple complex, dating from 960 AD, honours Vishnu, the Hindu god. It has been both a place of worship for the Balinese Hindus themselves and a destination for visitors. Under the 13 sculpted spouts, devotees bathe in a ritual believed to cleanse the soul.
Location: Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Nearby Attractions: Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, Mount Batur
7. Ubud Art Market
Photo: Jordy Meow / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Ubud Art Market is a lively marketplace locally known as Pasar Seni Ubud. The market offers a range of local crafts and souvenirs in addition to traditional Balinese art. Strategically located right across the Ubud Palace, this market is in the heart of Ubud tourist places. This is a great place to shop for handcrafted and unique souvenirs, including silk scarves, wood carvings, and jewellery. The atmosphere coupled with the interaction with local artisans makes shopping a cultural experience in itself.
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Best Time To Visit: April, May, and September
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Nearby Attractions: Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple
8. Saraswati Temple
Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons
Situated near the centre of Ubud the peaceful Saraswati temple earlier known as Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. A beautiful place for serenity, Saraswati Temple sports stunningly beautiful lotus ponds in traditionally designed Balinese architecture. This temple hosts regular traditional dance performances in the evening, making it a perfect stop in your spiritual and cultural Ubud tourist places list.
Location: F7V6+JHX, Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Nearby Attractions: Ubud Palace, Ubud Art Market
9. Kemenuh Butterfly Park
Photo: Lasthib / Wikimedia Commons
Kemenuh Butterfly Park is a tranquil oasis situated 1.5 kilometres before Tegenungan Waterfall. Though public transportation is not available, the park is one of the best places to visit in Ubud and is highly accessible by a rented vehicle. Visitors can witness hundreds of butterfly species against the lush garden backdrop. The 13 species in the park include Papilio Phrantus, Papilio Polytes, Papilio Demolius, Papilo Helenus, Papilio Memnom, and Grapium Agamemnon.
Location: C7GP+WMJ, Jl. Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Nearby Attractions: Tegenungan Waterfall, Goa Gajah
10. Tegenungan Waterfall
Photo: Rodrigo.Argenton / Wikimedia Commons
Tegenungan Waterfall, also known as Blangsinga Waterfall, is one of the most visited waterfalls in the tranquil village of Tegenungan Kemenuh, Sukawati Gianyar Regency in the Ubud tourist places list. Standing tall at 15 metres, Tegenungan is the highest waterfall in the Ubud region and is fed by the waters of the Petanu River. The waterfall descends into a very scenic pool that one can swim in with a well-maintained staircase leading up to the site. This waterfall is located about 10 km from the major Ubud tourist places and a 30-minute drive from the town.
Location: Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Best Time To Visit: April to May or September to October
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Nearby Attractions: Kemenuh Butterfly Park, Goa Gajah
Ubud is one destination that seamlessly combines cultural depth with natural beauty. With ancient temples, art markets, serene rice terraces, stunning waterfalls, and a wide selection of tourist attractions in Ubud, it has something to offer to every traveller. Whether seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply a great setting for unwinding, Ubud’s magic will capture you sooner or later. To discover these magical places to visit in Ubud memorably, schedule your trip with TripXL today!
Cover Photo: っ / Wikimedia Commons