A trip to Bali won't be complete if you don't stop by Ubud. Ubud is one of the popular areas in the center of Bali which is known to have various interesting and unique tourist attractions.

The perfect combination of stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and calm atmosphere, makes Ubud an attractive tourist destination to add to your travel list.

Best Things to do in Ubud

The distance from Sanur to Ubud is approximately 30 km and it will take you more or less an hour by car. You can either book a local driver from Sanur in advance or book from a ride sharing app.

Here are some recommendations for tourist attractions in Ubud that could inspire your trip:

1. Ubud Palace

Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung Ubud, is an interesting historical tourist spot to visit.

Initially, Ubud Palace was the official residence of the Ubud royal family as well as the center of government. Now, this historic building complex has been converted into a museum and center for traditional Balinese arts.

You can walk around, enjoying the beauty of traditional Balinese architecture, which is clearly visible through the carved ornaments and other details on each side of the palace.

You will be greeted by an entrance with traditional golden carvings. Next, you will see various statues that stand firmly in several corners of the palace.

Ubud Palace itself is located on Jalan Raya Ubud No. 8, Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali. The palace's operational hours are from 08.00 to 18.00 WITA.

2. Taman Saraswati Temple

Bali is not only known as the Island of the Gods but also as the Island of a Thousand Temples. One of the beautiful temples that can be visited in Ubud is Taman Saraswati Temple.

Saraswati Temple, which is located on Jalan Kajeng, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, not only functions as a place of worship but also as a tourist attraction.

Pura Taman Saraswati has a beautiful interior and exterior design because there are gardens and ponds filled with lotus plants. This lotus pond combines beautifully with the beauty of the temple, which has many carved ornaments.

The beautiful atmosphere is even more enchanting with the spiritual aura of the Balinese Hindu community, which is still very strong. This attraction is what makes many tourists come to this temple.

If you want to visit, you don't need to spend a penny; it's free. It is important to note that Taman Saraswati Temple is open from 07.00 to 17.00 WITA.

3. Campuhan Ridge Walk

Enjoy the natural beauty of Ubud by exploring the Campuhan Ridge Walk. Campuhan Ridge Walk is a trekking route located in the Campuhan area of Ubud, Bali.

Famous for its spectacular views, Campuhan Ridge Walk offers calming and stunning natural panoramas. You will cross a path that climbs between green rice fields and wide, open valleys.

During the trip, you will be treated to stunning natural views, including green hills, calm rivers, and shady trees.

Campuhan Ridge Walk is the perfect place to relax while enjoying the fresh air and stunning natural views.

This route is also a favorite location for photographers and nature lovers to capture beautiful moments amidst the natural beauty of Ubud.

4. Elephant Cave

Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Cave, is an ancient site located near Ubud, Bali. This site is famous for its ancient architecture and unique history.

Goa Gajah has a large, mouth-shaped entrance flanked by two makara statues. In Hindu belief, makara is a mythological creature that is similar to a dragon. Inside the cave, there are stone reliefs depicting various mythological and spiritual scenes.

Goa Gajah itself was built in the 9th century as a place of meditation and Hindu religious worship. Even though it is called "Goa Gajah" or "Elephant Cave,"  this site is not actually a cave where elephants live but rather a sacred place used for religious ceremonies and meditation.

Apart from the main cave building, around Goa Gajah there is a beautiful garden with shady trees and other prayer areas. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning natural scenery around Elephant Cave, making a visit to this site a memorable experience for those interested in Balinese history and culture.

5. Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the famous natural tourist attractions in the Ubud area of Bali. This object offers a calming experience for visitors who want to relax while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Visitors can enjoy the calm and cool atmosphere around the waterfall while listening to the gurgling sound of falling water and feeling the fresh breeze.

Apart from that, Tegenungan Waterfall is also a popular place for swimming and taking photos. The natural pool below the waterfall provides visitors with the opportunity to swim or simply soak in the fresh water.

Around the waterfall, there is a beautiful and shady garden area that allows visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

A visit to Tegenungan Waterfall is a highly recommended experience for those of you visiting Ubud, as it offers the perfect combination of stunning nature and a calming atmosphere.

6. Monkey Forest

Monkey Forest, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Ubud, Bali. This place is home to many long-tailed macaques that roam freely in the forest area.

Monkey Forest offers a unique experience for visitors who want to interact with monkeys in their natural habitat. You can see monkeys playing, looking for food, or resting among the shady trees. 

Apart from that, Monkey Forest also has interesting ancient sites to explore, including temples and ancient statues. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the green forest while exploring the vast forest area.

However, visitors must be careful when in the monkey forest because monkeys can become aggressive if they feel disturbed, or if there is food that is considered threatening. Therefore, you are advised to follow the existing rules and not give food to monkeys directly from your hands.

A visit to the Monkey Forest is an exciting experience for anyone visiting Ubud, Bali, and provides the opportunity to interact directly with wildlife in a natural environment.

7. Ubud Art Market

Ubud Art Market is one of the famous art markets in Bali, located in the center of Ubud city. This market is the center of attention for tourists and art lovers who visit Bali. Here, visitors can find various kinds of Balinese arts and crafts.

The Ubud Art Market offers a variety of local products, such as paintings, sculptures, wooden crafts, silver, traditional Balinese fabrics (batik and sarongs), accessories, and much more. These items are often produced manually by local craftsmen, so they have their own artistic value and uniqueness.

The Ubud Art Market is famous for its lively and colorful market atmosphere. Visitors will be greeted with various aromas of spices and Balinese specialties that tempt their taste buds. Sometimes there are also traditional Balinese art performances, such as dances or gamelan performances, that visitors can enjoy.

8. Nyuh Kuning Village

The next tourist attraction in Ubud is Nyuh Kuning Village. This village is famous for its green natural beauty and calm atmosphere. Although not as big as Ubud, Nyuh Kuning Village offers an authentic experience far from the tourist crowds.

Nyuh Kuning Village is known as the center of wood and bamboo crafts in Bali. In this village, tourists can find various art galleries and craft shops selling various unique and beautiful items made from wood and bamboo. Visitors can also see directly the process of making these crafts by local craftsmen.

Apart from that, Nyuh Kuning Village is also an ideal place for taking a leisurely walk or cycling to enjoy the green natural scenery and fresh air. Visitors can enjoy the quiet rural atmosphere of Bali while exploring various corners of the village and discovering the daily lives of local people.

A visit to Nyuh Kuning Village is a refreshing experience and different from other tourist destinations in Bali. This village offers tranquility, natural beauty, and the opportunity to experience authentic local Balinese life.

9. Antonio Blanco Museum Ubud

The Antonio Blanco Museum Ubud is a museum dedicated to the work of the Spanish-Belgian artist Antonio Blanco, known for his sensual and exotic paintings.

The Antonio Blanco Museum occupies a magnificent white building, surrounded by beautiful gardens and stunning natural views.

In this museum, visitors can find various works of Blanco art that show the beauty of Balinese women, charming Balinese natural views, as well as paintings filled with imagination and striking colors.

The Antonio Blanco Museum is not only a place to admire works of art but also a place to understand the history and artistic heritage of Bali. A visit to this museum provides an opportunity to soak up the beauty and richness of Balinese culture through the eyes and minds of famous artists.

10. Puri Saren Palace

Puri Saren Palace, also known as Ubud Palace or Puri Saren Agung Palace, is a royal palace located in the center of Ubud, Bali. This palace is home to the Ubud royal family and is one of the important historical sites in Ubud.

Puri Saren Palace is famous for its magnificent traditional Balinese architecture and the beauty of the gardens that decorate the palace complex. The main part of this palace has a typical Balinese-style roof with artistic carvings that beautify the parts of the building.

Inside the palace complex, there are beautiful pavilions, green gardens, and open areas that are often used for Balinese arts and cultural performances, such as traditional dances and wayang kulit performances.

11. Aloha Ubud Swing

Aloha Ubud Swing is a tourist attraction in Ubud, Bali, that is famous for its amazing hanging swing.

This place is very popular among tourists visiting Bali, especially those who are looking for an adventurous experience and want to enjoy the natural beauty of Ubud from a height.

Located in the middle of lush green gardens, this place offers a unique experience for those of you who want to feel the sensation of floating above the valleys and tropical forests of Ubud.

The hanging swing faces the natural scenery, including rivers, steep cliffs, and green rice fields. Visitors can enjoy a variety of swings, including single, double, and even giant swings that can accommodate several people at once.

Apart from swings, Aloha Ubud Swing also offers various supporting facilities, such as relaxing seating areas, beautiful photo spots, and places to relax with stunning natural views.

With a calm atmosphere and stunning views, Aloha Ubud Swing is one of the favorite destinations for those of you who want to capture precious moments during your holiday on the Island of the Gods.

12. Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is one of the most sacred and famous Hindu temples in Bali. In Indonesian, the name "Tirta Empul" literally means "emerging spring."

Located in Tampaksiring Village, about 30 kilometers north of Ubud, this temple is famous for having a holy pool, which is believed to have healing powers and blessings.

The holy pool at Tirta Empul Temple is filled with natural spring water, which flows through a small fountain into the pool. This water is considered holy by Hindus and it's believed to have mystical powers to cleanse the spirit and body of negative energy.

Hindus often come to this temple to perform a self-purification ritual called melukat, where they dive into a pool and sprinkle holy water on their bodies.

Apart from the sacred pool, Tirta Empul Temple also has a series of beautiful temples and pavilions, including used for religious ceremonies and meditation. This temple is frequently visited by tourists who are interested in enjoying the beauty of Balinese Hindu architecture and experiencing a calm spiritual atmosphere in a natural environment.

13. Bali Bird Park

Bali Bird Park is a bird park that is famous for its biodiversity of birds from various parts of the world, with more than 1,000 birds from more than 250 different species.

Visitors have the opportunity to see rare birds, such as eagles, peacocks, parrots, and many more, in a comfortable and safe setting.

At Bali Bird Park, you can also explore various natural habitats designed to resemble the birds' natural environment. There are various cages, voliers, and gardens displaying various bird species, from exotic birds to local Balinese endemic birds.

Bali Bird Park also offers interesting bird shows, where visitors can watch birds display their skills and natural beauty. There are also opportunities to interact with some of the birds, such as feeding them, taking photos with them, and even holding certain birds.

14. Ubud Organic Market

Ubud Organic Market is an organic market located in the center of Ubud, Bali. This place is a popular destination for tourists looking for fresh, organic food and other health products. All products sold here are produced organically, without the use of pesticides or dangerous chemicals.

Ubud Organic Market also sells various local items, such as traditional Balinese cloth, handicrafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs. This allows visitors to purchase unique items while supporting local artisans.

Ubud Organic Market often holds special events, such as organic cooking classes, organic farming workshops, and health seminars. This is an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the organic lifestyle and share knowledge with the local community.

15. The Yoga Barn

Yoga Barn is an inspiring and calming place amidst the natural beauty of Ubud. With a variety of services and facilities on offer, this place is a magnet for those seeking a deep spiritual and physical journey in Bali.

You can take a variety of yoga classes for all types of levels, from beginners to advanced levels. Experienced instructors teach a variety of yoga styles, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini.

Each class is designed to improve body strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as provide an opportunity to calm the mind and spirit.

Apart from yoga classes, Yoga Barn also provides various holistic therapies, such as massage, reflexology, acupuncture, and sound therapy. It's the perfect way to relieve stress, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall well-being.

Tips to Ubud from Sanur

Visiting Ubud from Sanur will certainly be an impressive experience for those of you who want beauty and tranquility.

Crossing from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan will be an amazing experience for those of you who want peace and beauty.

You can go to Ubud from Sanur using private vehicles such as cars, which takes approximately one hour.

So, which tourist attractions in Ubud do you want to visit?