Ubud in Bali

The wild Monkey Forest, magical temples, sensual yoga studios, and incredibly good food: Let Ubud in Bali enchant you as you dive deep into Balinese culture.

Ubud is rightly considered the cultural center of Bali: There are few places where you can feel the spiritual power of the island as strongly and discover beautiful, mystical temples like here. Not only will you find fascinating sights, but also pure relaxation in numerous spas and yoga centers - and of course incredibly good food. Ubud is especially popular among backpackers and often tops bucket lists, but package holidaymakers are attracted here too. Let the magical charm captivate you and read about what makes this place in Indonesia so special.

Getting There | Sights

Activities | Food | Accommodations

Offers

Ubud is located relatively centrally on the Indonesian island of Bali, about 30 kilometers from Bali's capital Denpasar, near which the international airport is also located. Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights from the United States to Indonesia, so you should expect a layover.

Bali does not have a developed transportation system with fixed bus routes or trains. However, this does not mean you will have trouble getting to your destination. On the contrary: If you are walking around, you will constantly be offered rides. Taxis are often affordable, but you should have a rough idea of what a ride should cost beforehand to avoid being overcharged. You can also get around cheaply and flexibly with a scooter or rental car.

Bali is a volcanic island, not only breathtaking in landscape but also exuding its own unique energy. You will feel this energy even more intensely in Ubud, where many magical temples and waterfalls can be found in the surrounding tropical forests. I visited the most beautiful places and attractions in Ubud and marked them on this Bali map:

Hinduism is the dominant religion in Bali, which is why you will find many traditional temples here. Fairytale-overgrown, demonic stone figures, ponds with giant water lilies, and typical Balinese palm-thatched roofs - this unique sight awaits you at the Saraswati Temple. Tip: At night, the sacred buildings are beautifully illuminated. The Gunung Lebah Temple is also beautiful, offering a unique feeling. If you're lucky, you may be able to participate in a ceremony and admire the beautifully decorated offerings - an unforgettable experience.

Guru Tip: Please never forget that a temple is not a tourist attraction but an important sacred place for locals. So respect the regulations, dress appropriately, and behave quietly - then the friendly Balinese will gladly let you partake in their tradition.

The ultimate postcard image and a truly fascinating sight are the typical rice fields in Bali. You will encounter these throughout the Indonesian island, but in the surroundings of Ubud, you will find particularly impressively arranged rice terraces. If you come here with a guide, they can surely provide you with exciting information about the rice and the work on the fields. Although visiting the Tegalalang terraces is free, you will often be asked for donations at many places and for some photos. So pack small bills if you want access to all areas.

Guru Tip: The Tegalalang terraces are among the most famous sights in Bali. It's best to come very early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Information and Tips:

Location: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Entry fee: €2.90, children approx. €2.30

Opening hours: daily 9 AM - 4 PM

A visit to the Monkey Forest is worthwhile not only for animal lovers: the sight of the mysterious jungle with its mystical trees, vines, and freely hanging roots is already worth a visit. You will also find a sacred temple here, but access is only permitted for locals. Of course, the highlight is the 600 to 700 monkeys that live here. Since the forest is always well visited, they are used to tourists, but because of this, you should still keep in mind: Even though the monkeys look cute, they can be quite mischievous! So follow these rules:

Ubud is truly a magical place that rightfully attracts numerous backpackers and tourists. Stroll through the lively streets and check out the many colorful shops and small creative boutiques. Find out if there is a market happening and enjoy the lively atmosphere there. The city offers many exciting or rather relaxing activities for you to engage in!

A visit to the spa or a nice massage is an essential part of every trip to Asia for me.

Wellness is simply part of a trip to Asia.

Ubud is a true mecca for wellness, as you will find beautiful beauty temples and salons at every corner where you can pamper yourself. Compared to the United States, the treatments here are incredibly affordable yet still very professional. Often, massages and treatments use natural textures and fragrant oils, while soothing music plays - an experience for all senses!

While traveling, we see and experience so many things every day that sometimes you just need to take a moment to relax. Yoga is perfect for centering your senses and recharging. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced yogi, you will find countless studios in Ubud, like the Ubud Yoga House or Yoga Barn. There, you can either join classes or treat yourself to a multi-day yoga retreat. Ubud is also known for yoga teacher training. So, here's to your practice: Namasté!

Are you in the mood for more activity? Then slip on comfortable shoes and set out to explore Ubud and its surroundings!

Escape the bustling city on idyllic hikes.

Dreamlike trails like the Campuhan Ridge Walk take you through unparalleled landscapes adorned with tropical palms and lush rice terraces. It's especially idyllic in the mornings when you want to escape the bustling city.

The nature in Bali has simply blown me away, and I am sure it will do the same for you. That's why it's all the more important to preserve it! Especially as travelers, I believe it's partially our responsibility, as tourism automatically produces waste. Join the Trash Heroes Ubud, meet locals and other travelers, and explore some new corners of the city while collecting trash.

Nasi Goreng, Gado-Gado, and fresh-picked fruit - just for the food, I would return to Bali immediately! Ubud is truly a culinary paradise for foodies and is particularly well-suited for vegetarians and vegans.

A culinary paradise for foodies, vegetarians, and vegans.

In many street restaurants called Warungs, you can get food incredibly cheaply - but also chic restaurants like Kepitu are not expensive. Do you want to eat not only incredibly delicious food but also do some good? Then the Fair Warung Bale donates its proceeds to charity projects - then it tastes twice as good! If you want to get hands-on, the Paon Bali Cooking Class is a great option. You can also enjoy trending and healthy breakfasts in numerous cafes: Smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and banana pancakes that will make every Instagrammer envious are waiting for you! In my travel magazine, you can learn more about food in Bali.

There is so much to discover in Ubud that I highly recommend not just making a short trip here but rather staying a few nights in a great hotel. Nowadays, in addition to budget hostels for backpackers, there are also more and more beautifully located luxury hotels and paradisiacal apartment complexes with private pools. However, I also find private homestays and Airbnbs particularly nice, where you can get to know locals better and support them directly. I have linked some offers to help you quickly find the right hotel in Ubud.

So, can you guess what awaits you in the mysterious Ubud? The wonderful atmosphere is hard to put into words, which is why my tip for you is: pack your bags and head to Indonesia! Immerse yourself in the enchanting culture and see for yourself how unique this magical place is! Maybe you're even up for a little tour? In addition to Bali, other stunning islands like Lombok and the Gili Islands await your visit.