Things To Do In Ubud, Bali: Swings, Waterfalls, and Temples

From the ultimate Bali swings to scenic waterfalls, there are countless things to do in Ubud, Bali in Indonesia. Well-known for lush rice paddies, beautiful temples, and sacred spaces, there really is no place like it. Ubud is one of my favorite places to visit in Indonesia. 

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Amazing things to do in Ubud, Bali in Indonesia

Located approximately an hour from Canggu on a scooter, Ubud is one of those places you can visit and return feeling refreshed and renewed. If you’re looking for an adventure on a volcano, a Bali swing overlooking rice terraces, or a more profound connection within yourself, you’ll find it in Ubud. 

Here’s your key to exploring some of my favorite places in Ubud, Bali: Swings, Waterfalls, Temples, and Meditation. 

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Best Things to do in Ubud: The Natural Rice Terrace

If you’re after beautiful lush scenic views of rice terraces, you’re in the right place. Take a walk along the rice fields in Ubud to connect with nature and soak in the light. Once you’ve finished exploring, climb onto a giant swing to see the rice paddies from a different perspective. 

We paid 150K IDR to get strapped into a swing and get launched into the air. It’s so much fun and worth the ride! 

The entrance to the Natural Rice Terrace is donation based. You’ll have to pay if you want to take pictures at the photo op locations, including the giant nest overlooking the rice paddies.  

Where to Stay

Ubud Village Hotel – A boutique resort located in the middle of town, featuring several pools and live music at the restaurant. 

 Mount Batur

See the sunrise at Mount Batur, an active volcano located in the Bangli Regency. Ubud is a good place to stay if you want to wake up early for this hike because of its proximity to the trail. During the approximately two hour hike, you’ll catch a view of Mt. Agung, Abang, and Mt. Rinjani in Lombok.

At 1,717 meters high, there are two main lookouts where you can find a place to welcome the sun. At the top, there are also dozens of monkeys waiting to greet you! It’s such an incredible view.  

We did this hike on the morning of December 31st, and it wasn’t jam-packed. Our taxi driver picked us up from Canggu at 1 am (you don’t need to leave that early), and we got back to Canggu around 10 am.  Before you start the hike, you’ll pay a 100K IDR entrance fee. A guide is required, which you can hire at the entrance.

Tegenungan Waterfall

A dip in the water at Tegenungan waterfall is what you’ll need after a hot day of exploring Ubud in Bali. If you want to beat the crowds, then you’ll have to arrive early to get a view of this waterfall in the jungle all to yourself. You’ll walk by several local vendors before you get to the path. On the track, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities such as a giant nest, and swing. The water at the bottom of the waterfall was very shallow when I visited, but it’s worth a dip if you have the time.  The Tegenungan Waterfall entrance fee is 15K IDR.

Tirta Empul

Sacred springs gush from thirty waterspouts into two sacred purification pools at Tirta Empul. I suggest hiring a guide, before entering the water, if you want to know what each spout represents. The Tirta Empul Entrance fee is 50K IDR. If you want to enter the sacred pools, you’ll need to pay an additional 15K IDR for the green sarong and red sash.

Pyramids of Chi

Take a moment to pause and find balance at the Pyramids of Chi. This place offers a series of sound healing and multi-sensory experiences to help you find a deeper connection with yourself. Slip into a meditative state of consciousness after a sound healing experience. Pyramids of Chi also has breathwork workshops and moon and cacao ceremonies.  

Ubud Art Market

Spend time picking out a gift for yourself or a friend at the Ubud Art Market. Choose from a variety of traditional Balinese handmade goods to bring home with you. Here you’ll find an assortment of woven bags, hats, fabrics, and jewelry.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a very lush and vibrant outdoor space. It’s a beautiful place in Ubud, Bali, to go for a walk, and conveniently located in town. While the monkeys may be cute, they love taking food and anything shiny they can get their hands on. Put your sunnies away. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary entrance fee is 50K IDR.

Barong Dance

Every time I come to Bali, I spend time in Ubud, and during one of my visits, I checked out a traditional Barong Dance with my friend Nyasha. It’s a cultural dance that tells a story between good and evil, with performers dressed in traditional costumes. This cultural experience features traditional music, and the entrance fee is 100K IDR.

Balinese Compound

During a tour I took with Nyasha, our driver took us to a traditional Balinese house where we learned about the local culture. My favorite part was connecting with the local kids and watching my friend attempt to play the drums. We also learned about the daily offerings and how they make coconut oil. The entrance to this Balinese Compound is donation based. 

While I haven’t seen it all in Ubud, these are some of the places on my list of places to see during my next trip to Bali: 

• Aling-Aling Waterfall
• Munduk Waterfall
• Tibumana Waterfall
• Campuhan Ridge
• Twin Lake View at Wanagiri

Getting Around in Ubud

From Canggu – A one-hour scooter/moped ride. Expect lots of traffic. 

From Uluwatu – I paid 400K IDR for a taxi from Uluwatu, which took a little under two hours. 

To Nusa Lembongan/Ceningan – For 250K IDR, a shuttle will take you from Ubud to Sanur, and you can catch the ferry to Nusa Lembongan. If you’re staying in Nusa Ceningan, ask for transportation to the yellow bridge.

What’s on your must-see list of things to do in Ubud, Bali? 

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