Things to Do in Ubud — Bali: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Sacred Monkey Forest SanctuaryMustPengosekan4.5(60,022)

Ubud's most accessible combination of forest, temple setting, and living Balinese ritual makes this a defining first-time stop. Go for the atmospheric paths and architecture, but keep bags, food, glasses, and phones secure around the macaques rather than treating it as a petting zoo.

1.5h Walk upArrive at opening, when paths are cooler and less congested.

Buy admission at the entrance; arrive near opening for a calmer circuit.

Pairs with: Ubud Palace · Ubud Water Palace

#2Ubud PalaceMustHanoman and Jembawan4.3(20,748)

Also known as Puri Saren Agung, this former royal palace is a compact but meaningful stop at the center of town, with royal descendants still living in parts of the complex. It is most useful as an orientation point and as the best setting in Ubud for an evening dance performance, not as a long daytime visit.

20m FreeVisit soon after opening for photographs, then return in the evening if attending a dance performance.

Pairs with: Ubud Water Palace · Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary · Kajeng Rice Field

#3Pura Tirta EmpulMust4.6(31,210)

One of Bali's holiest water temples, Tirta Empul gives visitors a direct view of a place still used for physical and spiritual purification. It is worth the trip out of Ubud, especially if you take time to understand the ritual and observe dress and participation rules rather than simply joining the bathing pools.

1.5h Walk upGo at opening to see the pools before day-trip crowds arrive.

Pay on arrival; admission includes sarong and sash rental, and bathing-pool participation depends on local rules and appropriate dress.

Pairs with: Gunung Kawi

#4Goa GajahMustGoa Gajah and Bedulu

The Elephant Cave is one of the most rewarding historical excursions near Ubud: its ninth-century cave entrance, pools, carved guardians, and surrounding landscape offer more substance than its compact size suggests. A knowledgeable guide is especially valuable here, since the site's religious and cultural meaning is not obvious from the carvings alone.

1h Walk upArrive near opening for a quieter cave and pool area.

Pay at the entrance; admission includes a sarong.

Pairs with: Yeh Pulu

#5Gunung KawiMust

This valley complex of rock-cut shrines is among the strongest historical outings from Ubud, combining an eleventh-century royal burial setting with an unusually dramatic paddy-lined approach. The 371-step descent and climb make it more of a half-day commitment than a quick temple stop, but that effort is part of the experience.

2h Walk upStart early, before the valley heat and day-trip groups.

Pay on arrival; sarong and sash rental are included, and wear footwear suitable for the steep steps.

Pairs with: Pura Tirta Empul

#6Kajeng Rice FieldShouldCampuhan and Sayan4.6(1,390)

The Kajeng Rice Field Walk is a quieter, more everyday alternative to the better-known ridge walk, beginning close to central Ubud before moving through fields, homes, and small cafés. Use it as a low-pressure early-morning or late-afternoon ramble, not a grand rice-terrace spectacle.

1h FreeEarly morning or near sunset is cooler and more peaceful.

Pairs with: Sweet Orange Walk · Ubud Palace · Ubud Water Palace

#7Ubud Water PalaceShouldHanoman and Jembawan3.9(1,580)

This is the graceful Saraswati Temple, recognizable for its lotus-lined approach and central location behind the busy main street. It is a short visual stop rather than a destination demanding hours, and works particularly well alongside the palace and central-Ubud walks.

20m FreeCome early or in the later afternoon, outside the busiest central-Ubud hours.

Pairs with: Ubud Palace · Kajeng Rice Field · Sweet Orange Walk

#8Pura KehenShould

This is one of Bali's most attractive temples and a worthwhile choice for travelers who want a more contemplative alternative to the busiest Ubud-area sites. Its relative lack of visitors and the appealing town of Bangli make it best as a deliberate excursion, not something to squeeze into a rushed Ubud day.

1h Walk upA weekday morning is the best bet for its notably quiet atmosphere.

Pay admission on arrival and follow temple dress and ceremony restrictions.

#9Yeh PuluShouldHanoman and Jembawan

These fourteenth- or fifteenth-century rock carvings are an under-visited counterpoint to Goa Gajah, set amid a more rural rice-field landscape. Go with a guide if walking from Goa Gajah—the route is not clearly maintained—and allow time for the attendant priest's blessing if that interests you.

1h Walk upVisit in the morning, ideally before pairing it with Goa Gajah.

Pay at the ticket counter; a sarong can be rented without extra charge.

Pairs with: Goa Gajah

#10Sweet Orange WalkShouldCampuhan and Sayan

For a central-Ubud rice-field walk, this is the better scenic choice than Campuhan Ridge Walk: narrow paths pass fields, cafés, homestays, and small art studios. It is an easy, restorative route rather than a formal attraction, and can be looped back to town via Jalan Kajeng.

1.3h FreeWalk early or near sunset, when the fields are cooler and the light is best.

Pairs with: Kajeng Rice Field · Ubud Water Palace · Ubud Palace

#11Campuhan Ridge WalkIf timeCampuhan and Sayan4.3(18,375)

This is an easy, green escape from central Ubud and a useful first walk if you want to orient yourself beyond the traffic. Development has weakened the formerly open views, so treat it as a pleasant stroll rather than Ubud's essential scenic experience; walking downhill from Bankiang Sidem is the easier direction.

1h FreeGo early, before the heat and tour groups build.

Pairs with: Ubud Palace · Ubud Water Palace