Best 31 Things To Do In Ubud And What To Avoid
Think Ubud is all about monkeys, rice fields and swing photos in flowy dresses? There’s a lot more to do here, and you don’t need to spend your whole trip going from tour to tour!
I first came as a solo traveller and now live here. I’ve watched Kecak more times than I can count, tried workshops and purification experiences, and found cafés where I keep bumping into friends. Ubud is small!
If it’s your first visit, I’d start with a purification experience, an evening Kecak dance performance and rafting on the Ayung River.
These are experiences I’ve personally enjoyed and would happily recommend. But leave time for the local walks and cafés too, especially if you want to meet people.
Here are my favourite things to do in Ubud, with booking details, costs and a few activities I think you should skip.
1. Go For A Purification Experience
![Three women stand knee-deep in a sacred spring, dressed in colorful sarongs, participating in a Balinese purification ritual with palms pressed together in prayer. Behind them, checkered cloth and traditional yellow and green ceremonial umbrellas are draped against a rocky wall entwined with hanging roots, with flower offerings placed nearby. A man in red shorts walks out of the water in the foreground. [Blog post: Best things to do in Ubud]](https://thegoodobserverblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG-20240714-WA0021-530x530.jpg)
This is definitely a must in Ubud. Even if you’re not a spiritual person! I’ve done this experience alone and with family, and I highly recommend it.
The guide will tell you everything about Balinese prayers, offerings and how to let go of whatever no longer serves you. This is one of my favourite things to do when I need clarity, detox or a reset and I find immediate changes (that an expensive yoga retreat would never be able to offer).
As I go with my head under the spring, it’s like all my worries wash off and I feel a lot of peace.
Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes, towel and a sarong!
Cost: $24
2. Hang Out At Sayuri
Whether you’re vegan or not, let me tell you that Sayuri is the place to be! You can stop there for some food or get some work done. It’s a pretty social cafe where you would meet new people in no time or see again the only 3 people you have already met!
Because the world is small and Ubud is even smaller! This cafe organises some cool events at night, such as live music, kirtans, dance and a lot more. I normally attend full moon events here with my friends; they are amazing and super popular! Check their Instagram to see what’s on tonight!
3. Watch The Fire Dance (Kecak)
![Evening scene of a traditional Balinese Kecak dance performance with a large group of bare-chested male performers sitting in a circle, chanting rhythmically with raised hands, wearing black-and-white checkered sarongs. The stage is set against an ornately carved temple backdrop lit by torches, with a crowd of spectators watching from the shadows. The dramatic lighting casts a warm red glow over the performers, enhancing the ceremonial atmosphere. [Blog post: Best things to do in Ubud]](https://thegoodobserverblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PXL_20221231_115800896-530x530.jpg)
I’ve watched Kecak so many times and it never gets old! Instead of an orchestra, a group of performers sits in a circle chanting “cak, cak, cak”, creating the rhythm with their voices while dancers act out a story in the centre.
The story comes from the Ramayana, a Hindu epic, and follows Prince Rama’s attempt to rescue Sita with the help of Hanuman, the white monkey character. Add colourful costumes and fire, and you can see why I keep going back!
My favourite in Ubud is Pura Dalem Taman Kaja. I found the chanting particularly powerful here, and I’ve even watched it on New Year’s Eve. You can find my other favourite venues in my guide to the best Kecak dance in Bali.
I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early to choose a good seat, especially if you want to sit near the front.
➡️ Book your Kecak tickets on GetYourGuide for an evening of chanting, storytelling and fire. It’s one of the performances I keep returning to in Ubud, and I’d happily watch it again!
Cost: $6
4. Go Rafting On The Ayung River
I went rafting with Sobek and a group of friends, and it was a beautiful experience! We spent just over two hours on the Ayung River, surrounded by trees, with birds to watch and even a deer coming down to the water for a drink.
It was my first time rafting, so I felt a little nervous beforehand. But we didn’t paddle all the time, and it wasn’t intense at all. Between the bumpy sections, we could relax and enjoy the views. Our knowledgeable, funny guide made me feel comfortable, and we stopped halfway for a riverside drink.
You can read my Sobek Ayung River rafting review for what to expect, what to bring and the extra costs.
➡️ Book the Sobek rafting experience I’d happily do again on Klook. It’s a lovely way to enjoy Ubud’s natural surroundings with friends or family, with showers, towels and lunch included. You’ll need at least two people per booking.
Cost: Around $20
5. Sign Up For A Cooking Class
I loved learning about the different spices and flavour combinations used in Balinese cooking! When you’re eating out, you enjoy the food, but you don’t always know what makes it taste so good.
This class includes a visit to the local market, where you learn how to choose the right produce, before heading to an organic farm to cook Balinese recipes. Getting to know the ingredients and how to combine them was my favourite part!
➡️ Book this cooking class on GetYourGuide to explore the market, choose fresh produce and cook Balinese dishes yourself. I really enjoyed learning about the spices and flavours, and I’d recommend it if you love food!
Cost: $35
6. Watch the Sunset From Sayan Point
My favourite place to watch the sunset in Ubud is Sayan Point, a lovely restaurant overlooking the forest and rice fields. The views are honestly stunning!
The menu has mainly Indonesian dishes and a few Western options, so you can enjoy dinner while watching the sky change colour.
There may be a minimum spend of around IDR 150,000, but it keeps changing, so check with the restaurant before going.
I normally turn up without booking and have always managed to get a spot. It’s a lovely place to end the day, even if you’re on your own!
7. Learn How To Make Offerings
You’ll see little baskets filled with flowers outside homes, shops and temples in Bali. These daily offerings are called canang sari, and learning how to make them is a lovely way to understand something you see everywhere!
I learnt to make offerings at a resort before attending a funeral with the staff. They were fun to make, but honestly, not as easy as they look!
This two-hour workshop takes place in a Balinese family home. You’ll learn to make your own offerings and understand their meaning, then join a prayer and blessing. Traditional clothing, tea or coffee and Balinese cakes are included.
➡️ Book the offering workshop and Balinese blessing on GetYourGuide. I really enjoyed learning to make offerings, and this workshop gives you the chance to learn directly from a local family and ask questions about their traditions.
Cost: $15
8. Visit The Monkey Forest, But With A Guide
The Monkey Forest is beautiful and the monkeys are cute, but you do need to be careful! I’ve been bitten while visiting on my own because they wanted to get into my backpack, and I ended up leaving before seeing the temple and other parts of the forest.
Now I prefer to visit with a guide, especially when I’m alone. I feel more comfortable having someone who knows the place explain how to behave around the monkeys. They’ve also stolen two gold rings from me before. I still wonder which monkey is wearing them!
A guide can’t guarantee that monkeys won’t bite or grab your belongings. Keep your distance, don’t feed or touch them, and seek medical attention immediately if you’re bitten or scratched.
Cost: $16 including entrance ticket!
9. Get A Serious Balinese Massage
When I lived in London, I used to pay $150 for an hour’s massage. Honestly, I thought I could have bought a new back for that price!
In Ubud, I’ve found good Balinese massages for around $6. If you’ve just arrived after a long flight in economy, your back will probably appreciate one!
For something a little bougie, I recommend Svaha Spa. I loved the spacious treatment room and getting to choose my massage oil. You can add a flower bath too! I’ve written a separate Svaha Spa review because I’m obsessed with this place.
For a simple, affordable massage, my choice is Coconuts Spa. They also have showers, so you don’t have to walk around covered in oil afterwards!
Cost: Starting from $6 at Coconuts. At Svaha ($25), you also get to choose your oil and the massage room is huge!
10. Join Local Ceremonies
Whether you planned it or not, you will get invited to join ceremonies. Especially if you’re in a homestay or cultural resort. Most of the time you can borrow their clothes too.
Ceremonies could be for anything from a temple celebration to a funeral or public events like Galungan and Kuningan.
Galungan marks the time when ancestral spirits return to visit, and the entire town feels alive with colourful penjor (bamboo poles) lining the streets, offerings at every corner, and ceremonies at family temples.
It’s a 10-day celebration that ends with Kuningan, believed to be the day the spirits return to the heavens.
If for some reason, you don’t get invited, go ask your accommodation’s host if there is any ceremony coming up any time soon; the answer will be yes, because ceremonies are endless!
11. Go On A Waterfalls Tour!
Even living in Ubud, I still visit the waterfalls from time to time when I want to refresh and feel grounded. Spending a few hours surrounded by nature is something I never get tired of!
You don’t need to travel all the way north to see beautiful waterfalls. Save Sekumpul Waterfalls and the waterfalls around Munduk for a trip to that part of Bali. There are plenty much closer to Ubud!
This tour takes you to three waterfalls in one day, with a driver handling transport between each stop. Bring comfortable shoes for the paths and steps, plus swimwear if you’d like to swim where conditions allow.
Cost: $35
12. Work From Alchemy
You don’t have to work if you’re on holiday but you can bring your book or journal from here. Alchemy is a really cool cafe in Ubud, it’s laptop-friendly and the food is delicious!
I’ve met a lot of people here before and tend to use it as a meeting point with my friends too.
They don’t have events running but it’s a really nice place to be even on your own.
On the other side of the road, there is Alchemy Yoga, which is a stunning yoga studio made in bamboo. They run daily classes and evening events!
13. Do A Sunrise Hike At Mount Batur
Yes, it’s a 2 a.m. wake-up call, but worth every step. Watch the sunrise from above the clouds and sip hot tea made on volcanic steam!
If you think you can wake up at that time, then book this tour online or if you are working from the Outpost (one of the best coworking spaces in Ubud), they would normally organise at least one hike per month so you can just join the group.
➡️ Check availability for the Mount Batur sunrise hike on GetYourGuide and choose a tour that includes the hot springs after your early morning climb.
Cost: $39
14. Try Yoga At The School Of Unified Healing
You probably heard of the popular Yoga Barn studio (which is fantastic by the way), but not the School of Unified Healing. This is probably Ubud’s most kept secret.
Most of the classes here are free of charge and they are fantastic. Check their schedule online and see if there is anything you would like to try!
The way to get there is a bit rough, so get a Grab scooter if you don’t feel like driving.
15. Stay At The Arya Wellness To Meet Other Girls
Arya Wellness is one of the best hostels in Bali. You can get a room with other girls or a private room.
It’s a girls-only accommodation and they offer lots of events which are free to join every day.
This is one of the best ways to meet other girls in Bali if you are travelling alone. Highly recommend it!
➡️ Check the latest Arya Wellness prices on Booking.com and see which rooms are available if you want a girls-only stay with daily activities that make meeting people easier.
Cost: Around $40 per night for a shared room, but prices change during the year so make sure to keep an eye on it!
16. Get Yourself The Best Nasi Goreng (according to me)
I like a nice vegetarian Nasi Goreng (local fried rice dish with vegetables and optional chicken) but if it comes from Warung Krisna then it’s my lucky day!
This is a small family-run business and it’s always busy, that’s because it’s delicious. Not many people know this but they have an upstairs area as well which is lovely and faces the small street.
Go there for dinner if you are with a friend or stay downstairs if you’re on your own because you can easily meet other travellers there!
17. Go For A Little Hike On The Campuhan Ridge Walk
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a lovely way to take a break from the traffic and noise of central Ubud. Go early in the morning before it gets too hot, and bring water and comfortable shoes. Afterwards, stop for a cold drink at Mamoo Ubud Café & Restaurant, one of my favourite places to finish the walk!
18. Stroll Down the Sari Organic Walk And Stop At The Dragonfly Cafe
Sari Organic Walk is a quiet little trail that winds through rice fields and is perfect when you want a peaceful break from town. Halfway through the trail, there is Dragonfly cafe, a cute spot where you can cool down with an iced latte and snack on vegan goodies. It’s a lovely way to spend a slow afternoon.
19. Visit The Ogoh Ogoh Museum
Ogoh-Ogoh are giant statues made for the Balinese New Year (Nyepi) — they represent bad spirits and are paraded through the streets before being burned to symbolically clear out negativity.
At this museum, you can see a whole collection of them up close. They’re colourful, creepy, creative, and kind of hilarious. You will love it!
20. Say Hello To The Ducks!
Ducks play an important role in Balinese farming and are loved enough to have their own statues all over town. Keep an eye out for them on your walks; they’re such a sweet part of daily life here.
I’m in love with them! Some have a fluffy crest too, which gives them extra character! You can find plenty of them on the Sari Organic Walk!
21. Live On The Edge With These Activities
If you like a bit of an adrenaline rush, you can try this canyoning trip to the Gigit Canyon. There are also other experiences, such as ATV which are also fun!
Cost: Starting from £22
22. Try Painting Or Batik
Balinese paintings are full of colour and character! I fell in love with this painting gallery called Nyoman Jendra -Artist-Painting-Gallery.
There is a super talented painter called Putu who arranges classes for adults and children. You can find his WA number on the Google link I shared above 🙂
Another creative experience I enjoyed was a batik workshop, where you make your own traditional Indonesian textile art. It’s a fun class and a lovely way to meet other travellers. They also provide Balinese snacks and hot drinks!
23. Hang out at Titi Batu Club
Everyone living here will tell you that Ubud would be perfect if it had the sea. If you really miss the water, I would suggest paying a visit to Titi Batu Club!
This place has the best swimming pool in Ubud, it’s huge! There is also a gym, sauna, cold plunge, restaurant and coworking area (at the moment my favourite coworking space in Ubud!)
Cost: A day pass for the swimming pool only is around $11
24. Have Pancakes At Suka Espresso
If you like pancakes, Suka Espresso will blow your mind! My friends and I are obsessed with this place! The best pancakes are the ones with berries, but you can also get the classic ones with Maple Syrup!
When I’m here, I also get truffle scrambled eggs with ricotta; I mean, this combination is delicious!
25. Make Your Jewellery
Instead of buying a souvenir, how about making one yourself? A jewellery class gives you the chance to create your own ring, pendant or earrings and learn the techniques behind them.
It’s a lovely option if you enjoy creative activities and want to spend a few hours making something you can actually wear. You’ll leave with a reminder of your time in Ubud that you made yourself!
➡️ Book your jewellery class and create a piece to take home. If you’d rather bring back something personal than another souvenir from a shop, this is a lovely experience to choose!
Cost: $37
26. Visit Ganesha Bookshop
Ganesha Bookshop has a great selection of books on Balinese culture and fiction set in Bali. It’s a peaceful place to browse and find something meaningful to read during your trip.
Here is where I got my books about Balinese lizards and birds to familiarise myself with animals at my Balinese house!
This shop is also perfect if you are looking for some souvenirs to bring back home. They sell some nice handmade notepads I always get for my friends and family.
27. Wake Up At 5 And Go To The Local Market
Ubud these days sells everything you need in various supermarkets. However, they are heavily Westernised; in fact, you will rarely see local people going there.
If you wonder where they shop, here is where they go from 5 to 8 AM: the Morning Market!
I’ve been a couple of times to get local fruits and veggies. It’s a beautiful experience and a great way to interact with the locals, although, you will probably pay double just because you’re a tourist 🙂
28. Book A Full Moon Kirtan
Kirtan is call-and-response chanting that can be surprisingly emotional.
If you are a spiritual person and want to try a Kirtan in Bali, the Yoga Barn and Alchemy Yoga are the best places to find them!
Check out their website as they regularly advertise them!
29. Go For A Wood Carving Class
Learn from skilled local artisans and try your hand at traditional Balinese wood carving. In just a few hours, you’ll create your own small design and experience one of Ubud’s most respected crafts up close.
Cost: $25
30. Learn Indonesian For Free
Learning a little Bahasa Indonesia is a lovely way to get to know people in Ubud. Even a few words can help when you’re ordering food, shopping at the market or chatting with someone you’ve just met!
I’ve really enjoyed the classes I’ve joined, and I got to meet new people too. You don’t need to know any Indonesian beforehand, so don’t worry about being a complete beginner!
Look out for free classes at cafés and coworking spaces, and check the latest schedules at Sayuri and The Yoga Barn for beginner sessions.
31. Check Out Movie Nights At La Luz
I lived close to this cafe/restaurant for about 3 months, and by the end of week 1, I fell in love with it already!
La Luz has something going on every night, and it’s very popular. Once a week, they have movie nights upstairs, it’s cosy and lovely!
Check out their Instagram account to see what’s going on this week!
Activities I’d Skip In Ubud:
There are a few activities I wouldn’t recommend in Ubud, either because of animal welfare concerns or because I’d rather spend my time and money elsewhere.
-> Luwak coffee tastings at plantations that keep civets in cages are something I’d skip. A tasting stop might seem harmless, but seeing captive animals used to produce coffee isn’t an experience I want to support. I’d choose a local café serving Balinese coffee instead.
-> Elephant rides and experiences involving bathing or close contact would also be off my list. Be careful with the word “sanctuary” in tour descriptions, and look into how the animals are treated before choosing somewhere to visit.
-> Swing parks aren’t something I’d prioritise. If you really want the dress and the photo, you might enjoy them! Personally, I’d rather go for a walk around the rice fields than pay for a staged photo.
-> I’d also be careful when choosing a healer. Ask what the session involves and what it costs before agreeing to anything. Promises of cures or pressure to pay for more sessions would be reasons for me to walk away.
Booking Your Trip Online Vs. Locally
You can arrange many of these experiences once you arrive in Ubud, either through your accommodation or a local agency. This can work well if you prefer to decide what to do when you get here!
I’ve tried both, but I usually prefer choosing my activities online, especially when travelling alone. I like being able to read other travellers’ reviews, see what’s included and check the itinerary before paying.
Whichever option you choose, check who runs the experience, the total price and whether transport is included. Arranging something through your hotel doesn’t automatically make it better or worse, but it’s worth asking for the details rather than relying on a quick description.
➡️ Browse Ubud experiences on GetYourGuide to compare reviews, prices, inclusions and availability before deciding which activities are worth adding to your trip.
Where to stay in Ubud:
The first time I went I stayed at the Anumana Hotel Ubud and I really enjoyed it!
They took good care of me and I loved the pool. From here you can easily walk anywhere or call a grab. They have a delicious buffet breakfast and give fantastic massages. Also, you get to see monkeys on your balcony in the morning!
➡️ Check the current Anumana Hotel rates on Booking.com and see which rooms with breakfast are available. I loved the pool, location and buffet breakfast when I stayed here.
Cost: Starting from $80 per night
-> Check out more places to stay in Ubud here
How to get around Ubud
Walking is doable for short distances, but with the heat, occasional rain, and limited pavements, it’s not always the most practical option. Grab works well here. Scooters are the quickest, especially during traffic hours, and you can also book cars for longer trips.
If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, you can rent one independently, but make sure your travel insurance explicitly covers it, and always wear a helmet.
A safer and more comfortable option is BikeAgo, a reliable scooter rental built specifically for Bali. You can get your scooter delivered to your accommodation too and it’s not pricey!
If you’re not into scooters at all, I also recommend hiring a private driver for a few hours or even a full-day tour. It’s affordable and a great way to explore waterfalls, rice terraces, or temples without the stress of navigating. Many hotels can arrange this for you, or you can find trusted drivers online before your trip.
My final recommendation on things to do in Ubud
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all these things to do in Ubud, my free 7 day slow travel itinerary for Bali will help you decide where to start. I created it to help you slow down and build a deeper connection with Balinese culture, rather than rush through a list of attractions.
Download it for a plan you can follow, with opportunities to learn about local traditions and get to know the people behind the experiences. You don’t need to do more to get more out of your time in Bali!
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts:
Full First Timer Guide to Bali For Female Solo Travellers
Ayung River White Water Rafting: My Review Of Sobek Bali
What To Do If You Get Sick In Ubud: Guide For Solo Travellers
Best Coworking Spaces in Ubud for Solo Travellers
Bed Bugs in Bali: What I Wish I Knew Before Today
Is Ubud Worth Visiting In 2025? Insights From A Resident
Yoga Retreats in Ubud: A Guide for Female Solo Travelers
The Ultimate 4-Day Ubud Itinerary: Top Things To Do and Tips
Where To Stay In Ubud For Solo Travellers
How to Get from Bali Airport to Ubud: A Solo Traveller’s Guide
Guide To The Most Delicious Vegan Desserts in Ubud
✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Bali?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?
My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?
Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.
✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?
👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!
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