Things to do
Endless Adventures Await in Bali Indonesia
Apart from exploring Ubud center with its Palace, arts market, numerous restaurants and shops, there are many things to do in Ubud ranging from quad-biking and water-rafting, to cooking classes and village tours. The kiosk outside Akamana Coffee, where most of our guests rent scooters, offer various tours and private drivers in Ubud and beyond. It is located less than 100 meters from The CIVYT.
We recommend also going on www.getyourguide.com, www.viator.com, and www.airbnb.com under experiences to get ideas of what is available. And of course you can simply google things to do in Ubud! Below are some suggestions.
Rice terraces
There are multiple rice fields to visit. The closest and the most famous one is Tegalalang. If you're into getting the ubiquitous instagram swing pictures, you've come to the right place. There is an entrance fee of Rp25,000 (subjected to change). Also visit Tis Cafe while there. It offers wonderful views of the terraces.
If you're venturing NW of Ubud, another beautiful rice terrace is located in Jatiliwuh. It is further away, over an hour by bike, but it is less touristy and more authentic. It definitely should be visited if you're already heading that way. Best thing is there are hiking paths in those fields.
Best time for rice terrace visits are early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and your follow travelers!
Penglipuran Village
Well-preserved traditional Balinese village just under an hour away by scooter. This is a beautiful village perfect for exploring. Although it is a tourist destination, it still maintains its charm and is definitely worth a visit. Some of the homes are also open for you to take a peek inside. There are also souvenir and food stalls dotting the place. You can rent traditional Balinese clothes to enhance your experience there too. And not being surrounded by scooters zooming around you is a big plus! Don't miss the bamboo forest in the area too.
As with most places in Bali, try to go in the morning to avoid the sun and the crowd.
Temples
The most popular temple in Ubud has to be Tirta Empul. It's a Hindu Balinese temple famous for its holy spring water. Locals and tourists alike frequent for ritual purification. Another close by is Goa Gajah. It's on the way to the Kanto Lampo waterfall below.
Further afield, the beautiful Besakih Temple awaits. It is the most important, largest, and holiest temple of Balinese Hinduism. It is a complex of 23 temples situated almost 1000m up by Gunung Agung.
Yoga
If you're a yoga practitioner, taking a yoga class in Ubud, the cultural enter of Bali, is a must! Serious to casual yoga practitioners come from all over the globe to take daily yoga classes to month long lessons.
The most famous of them all is Yoga Barn - an institution in Bali. Meditation, dance, healing classes are available daily. Other amongst the many include Radiantly Alive and Ubud Yoga Center. They all offer daily classes and class schedules are posted on the respective websites.
Mt Batur hike
Must do while in Bali and especially in Ubud. It's a wonderful morning hike up Mt Batur to witness a glorious sunrise! You can book through getyourguide.com, AirBnb experiences, etc. Or book the hike through one of the many kiosks around town. Pick up will be early - 3/4am from Ubud. Hike up can be tough. Shoes are advised.
While in the area, you should also visit Kintamani for views of Mt Batur from some really amazing cafes including Pahdi, Montana Del Café Bali, El Lago, etc. Some tours for Mt Batur hikes will offer a stop in Kintamani after your hike.
Waterfalls
A popular waterfall not too far away is Kanto Lampo in Gianyar. It is half an hour's bike ride away and is popular for the many boulders the waterfall hits on its way down. A creates a beautiful backdrop for wonderful pictures. Bring a towel and extra tee and shorts as you will get wet wading in to take pictures.
There are a few others close to Kanto Lampo such as Goa Rang Rang, Taman Sari, etc. so you should explore those as well. Others a little further away include Tukad Cepung, Tegenungan, etc. Just google one of these and you should see them all pop up on the map.
Cooking classes
Cooking classes are a fun way to learn about the Balinese culture through delicious food. What's more, you can taste your own creations and bring home the techniques learned through the class.
A highly recommended and popular class is Ketut's Balinese Cooking Class.
Campuhan ridge walk
Popular early morning or late afternoon activity.
Other adventures - Water rafting, Quad tours
You can find a variety of offerings through the above platforms for something more adventurous and adrenaline-pumping. Or what about taking a pottery class at www.rusters.com? Endless possibilities await for your stay in Ubud.
