Here are my 10 favourite activities in and around Ubud, the ones I'd do again without hesitation. Get up early, explore beyond the tourist zones, and take time to savour every moment.
Overview
Spots on the map
All the spots from the article around Ubud, click each marker to find out more.
Climbing Mount Batur
The most memorable excursion of my entire Bali trip. Leaving at 2am, 1h15 of climbing in the dark with local guides, and at the top… a sunrise above the clouds that literally takes your breath away. Here's my account straight from my travel journal:
Travel journal · Mount Batur
"2:00 am – Early wake-up for what will remain one of our greatest Bali memories. We meet up, five of us, friends met through Facebook groups, heading for the mountain. 1h drive listening to music, with our guides Madé 1 and Madé 2 (yes, every Madé in their family!)
We arrive around 3am at the starting point, quick tea and coffee, and off we go. 1h15 later, we start to see the summit, first lights breaking through the horizon.
5:30 am, we wait for the sunrise… and at 6:30 am, magic: the sun rises over the mountains above the clouds. We have breakfast, laugh, take photos, videos, listen to a guy playing guitar… a truly timeless moment!
Then we continue towards the steam vents, walk along the peak, spot monkeys, soak in the panorama… it's insane! The descent is a bit long (honestly, we were done 😅), but after the effort: hot springs at the foot of the mountain, we relax and chill."
Practical tip: I have a great guide to recommend if you need one! Even if you don't know anyone, this kind of excursion is the best way to meet people. You can also ask directly at your accommodation, at Ubud Tropical hostel, they organized it as a group. Message me for the contact!
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Very touristy, yes, but stepping away from the busiest areas and wandering through more secluded rice fields is a unique experience. Skip the swings and hanging bikes if you want to enjoy the true calm and beauty of the place.
Tip: if you want to have breakfast facing the rice fields at Cretya, go early in the morning before the crowds arrive. The calm and the morning light have nothing in common with the middle of the day.
Jungle beach clubs
Yes, there are beach clubs in Ubud, no sea, but a breathtaking jungle backdrop. Two places I love and recommend without hesitation:
Kelapa Muda
Super calm, lovely pool, family-friendly corner. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon away from the crowds.
Kabana
Incredible pool in the middle of the jungle, luxury service, and no minimum spend. My favourite!
I find their pools much more pleasant and authentic than the Cretya, and far less crowded.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
A lovely, photogenic waterfall, best visited early morning to avoid crowds. A beautiful spot for photos and a refreshing dip. Watch out for fake guides at the entrance, you can easily go alone, access is straightforward.
Ubud Water Palace + Market
Traditional outfits are provided at the entrance for temple visits, included and a really nice cultural experience. Right next door, Ubud Market is perfect for finding souvenirs: batik fabric, jewellery, sculptures, spices… and practising your bargaining skills!
Taman Beji Griya Purification
~15 €
My favourite activity in Ubud, by far. I've been twice and I love it. A 2-hour journey through waterfalls with offerings, stories and prayers guided by a Balinese priest. Far more enriching and magical than any regular tourist site. Accessible by scooter via Grab, you'll discover gorgeous scenery along the way.
Why I recommend this above everything else: it's one of the rare experiences in Bali that remains truly authentic and not touristy. You leave with something, a lightness, a different connection to the island. Seriously, don't miss it.
Swimming with Dolphins at Lovina
~10 € without the taxi
I've done it three times and I'm hooked. A half-day is possible, that's what I did each time. From Ubud, a driver takes you for a good price (outside Grab). 4am wake-up to be at Lovina by 7am, then back in the afternoon. The local fishermen I went with are genuinely respectful of the animals and fully ethical, which matters to me.
→ Ask me for my favourite fisherman's contact!Sweet Orange Warung
A tiny warung hidden in the rice fields, barely touristy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack facing the greenery. From there, you can walk to central Ubud along the paths between the fields. Check Google Maps for the route, it's one of my favourite walks in Ubud.
Quad biking through waterfalls
For a thrilling activity and a great way to meet people! Head to ATV Adventure for a quad session through the jungle and waterfalls around Ubud. Active, fun and a real change of scenery.
→ Message me for their direct number!Eating local & getting a massage
Ubud has the best warungs in Bali, this is where I ate the best food of my entire trip. Must-tries: Nasi Goreng, Mi Goreng, Chicken Satay, Dadar Gulung, Pisang Goreng… My favourite spots: Sun Sun Warung, Adi Warung, Compound Warung.
Massage: my favourite in Ubud, aromatherapy for 175,000 rupiah (~9 €). View on Google Maps. Amazing after a day of hiking or scootering!
In summary
Ubud is for you if…
You're looking for nature, spirituality, authenticity and adventure, Ubud is perfect. On the other hand, if you want nightlife and beach clubs by the sea, head to Canggu or Uluwatu instead! Both have their charm and their place in a complete Bali itinerary.
Get up early, explore beyond the ultra-touristy zones, eat at local warungs, and take time to savour every moment. Ubud will reward you generously.
Questions about Ubud or your Bali trip?
I answer everything, itinerary, accommodation, activities, local contacts.
