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? That’s just the surface.

As a solo female traveller who’s been living in Ubud, I’ve learned there’s a whole other side to this magical town — one that most tourists miss entirely. The truth is, if you only book the typical tours, you’re skipping the deeper connection Ubud offers.

There’s a reason so many digital nomads move here. They’re not just the warm weather — they’re craving something more meaningful.

From sunrise ceremonies and soul-soothing meditation classes to skill-building workshops and spontaneous conversations at local coworking spots, Ubud has a way of reshaping how you see the world.

Here’s my personal list of 31 unique things to do in Ubud, based on what I actually do as a resident. Just the real, transformative side of Bali.

Let’s go!

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]

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.

You can either book it online or go for a walk around the Mount Lebah Temple. Usually, there will be someone who helps tourists navigate their way to the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

That person also offers purification tours! His name is Bagus, but there might be other people too. So go ask if you’re in the area!

👉 I normally reserve this tour online so I can secure it in advance and can check other travellers’ reviews!

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]

I’ve been to this show endless times and it never gets old. Head to Pura Dalem for the full experience, complete with chanting, trance states, and fire. You can get your tickets online or at the door (paying cash).

I would get the tickets in advance and turn up 30 minutes earlier to get the best seats in the front row!

👉 I always get the tickets for this show on GetYourGuide, it’s easy, and the prices are the same as what you would pay by the door. (Read more about kecak dance in Bali here)

Cost: $6

4. Learn How To Make Batik

Ubud has many studios offering hands-on workshops where you can create your own traditional Indonesian textile art.

This is a really fun class and you get to meet other nice travellers too! They also provide Balinese snacks and hot drinks!

The best place to book the Batik workshop is 👉 here on GetYourGuide.

Cost: $24

5. Sign Up For A Cooking Class

Best experiences to book in ubud for solo travellers. Cooking class in Bali.

Learn to cook Balinese recipes on a stunning organic farm! Let’s see if you can do the same dishes when you get back home. I gave up and kept eating out for the best Nasi Goreng but hey at least I tried!

You can book your class online if you like the idea of the farm or there is a very famous place in Ubud called Casa Luna. It’s been there forever, walk by and ask if there is any class available soon!

I would recommend 👉 booking this class on GetYourGuide. It’s a beautiful experience to pick your own ingredients at the farm and cook them! Highly recommend!

Cost: $35

6. Watch the Sunset From Sayan Point

Scenic view of a lush green valley in Bali at sunset, with a winding river cutting through dense palm trees and terraced fields. The sun is setting behind the distant hills, casting a warm orange glow across the sky, while a few people dine on a balcony overlooking the landscape. Stone steps and a railing lead down toward the valley, adding depth to the serene, elevated perspective.

The best sunset in Ubud is from a lovely restaurant called Sayan Point. It’s quite affordable anyway and it’s mainly local food with a few Western options.

The main thing is the sunset over the forest and rice fields, it’s honestly stunning – a must! Even if you’re on your own.

I normally don’t book in advance and always manage to get a spot, so just turn up and see what happens!

7. Learn How To Make Offerings

Balinese women make daily offerings, or canang sari, from palm leaves and flowers. Join a local workshop to understand the ritual behind these beautiful baskets.

You can book this class online – however, this is a cooking class and an offering workshop together! Otherwise, you can ask your resort, they normally offer these classes too!

I’ve learnt how to do offerings in a resort before heading to a funeral with the staff. They are so much fun to make and it’s not that easy as it looks!

If you want to make sure to book your class in advance, 👉 reserve it on GetYourGuide. As I mentioned, it does include a cooking class but it’s still worth it!

Cost: $32

8. Visit The Monkey Forest, But With A Guide

Best experiences to book in ubud for solo travellers. 2 monkeys one in front of the other in the Monkey Forest

The Monkey Forest is beautiful and monkeys are cute, BUT you really have to be careful! I went on my own and I’ve been bitten by the monkeys several times because they wanted to get my backpack.

First of all, take a big breath – monkeys are vaccinated so they don’t have rabies. But it’s been painful. I also left early on so I didn’t get to see the temple and other spots at the forest.

Now I’ve learnt my lesson and I don’t get in the forest or Uluwatu temple without a guide, especially when travelling alone.

It’s very affordable to get one and you don’t risk getting hurt or anything stolen (they stole 2 golden rings, I wonder which monkey is wearing them now!).

👉 Get your tickets on GetYourGuide so you can safely visit the Monkey Forest and enjoy the monkeys without being terrified (like me)!

Cost: $16 including entrance ticket!

9. Get A Serious Balinese Massage

I used to live in London, and a 1-hour massage was $150! When it was time to pay, I would open my mouth in disbelief and honestly think I could have bought a new back for that price.

But luckily, that’s not the case in Bali! Where a DREAMY Balinese massage is about $6. So you kind of have to have one, because I know you came from far away and if you travelled in economy, you probably need more than one even!

If you want to book a bougie Balinese massage with a flower bath and all, I would recommend the Svaha Spa (I wrote my review about this place because I’m obsessed).

If you are looking for an affordable but good one (nothing fancy, just a regular massage), you should go to Coconuts Spa. They also have showers, so you don’t leave all oily!

👉 Book your fancy Balinese massage and flower bath on Klook! It’s a unique experience here in Ubud, perfect for couples too!

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

Best experiences to book in ubud for solo travellers. Silvia dressed in traditional Balinese clothes looking at the nature.

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!

Best experiences to book in ubud for solo travellers. Waterfall tour in Ubud, Bali

This might sound touristy but you should definitely do this tour! Ubud is blessed with incredible natural sights.

While the biggest waterfalls are in the north (Sekumpul Waterfalls and others around Munduk), you can still enjoy a fun day with beautiful waterfalls not far from Ubud!

They are easy to reach and you can go for nice swims once you get there too!

👉 This is the best tour to book, you get to see the top 3 waterfalls in one day with a great driver!

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

Best experiences to book in ubud for solo travellers. Mount Batur views.

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.

👉 Book your sunrise hike on GetYourGuide! They are very professional and the tour will also include the hot springs, which is all you want after an intense hike!

Cost: $39

14. 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 out updated prices of Arya Wellness on Booking.com! Make sure to book in advance as this place is super popular!

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 facing 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

Wooden sign reading “Bukit Campuhan” with a left-pointing arrow, surrounded by dense tropical greenery and vibrant pink-leafed plants at the base. The sign is intricately carved and partially shaded by overhanging leaves, suggesting the start of a nature trail or scenic walk in Bali.

Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds. The Campuhan Ridge Walk is short and easy, but it’s a great way to escape the noise of central Ubud for a bit.

Bring water, wear decent shoes, and reward yourself with a cold drink at one of the cafés at the end — Mamoo Ubud Café & Restaurant is a favourite.

18. Stroll Down the Sari Organic Walk And Stop At The Dragonfly Cafe

Charming entrance to a thatched-roof cottage surrounded by lush tropical plants, with a round stone stepping path crossing a small pond. A blackboard sign near the door reads “Dragonfly Village” and lists services like herbal steam and sauna. The peaceful setting is framed by greenery and open rice fields in the background.

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.

If you are looking for more walks and hikes in Ubud, 👉 I would highly recommend checking the Trails platform. You can also download the app, and it’s free!

It tells all the information you need about the hikes and it guides you step by step! I’ve been using it for years and love it!

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!

A duck with a yellow beak, orange feet, and mottled brown, white, and black feathers stands on a mossy log in a shallow, muddy stream surrounded by lush green plants and overhanging vines. The setting appears to be a natural or semi-wild tropical area, with rocks, bamboo, and scattered debris visible in the water.

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 adrenaline rush, you can try this canyoning trip to the Gigit Canyon. There are also other experiences, such as ATV and rafting which are also fun!

Here in Ubud we always 👉 use GetYourGuide to book these activities. It’s easy to use, great customer service and plenty of reviews!

Cost: Starting from £22

22. Learn How To Paint With Putu!

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 🙂

23. Hang out at Titi Batu Club

Open-air poolside lounge area with wooden decking and hanging wicker lamps, overlooking a long turquoise swimming pool lined with striped sun loungers and white cabanas. Guests relax by the pool, while a server sets tables covered in beige cloths near the water’s edge.

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

Stack of fluffy pancakes topped with powdered sugar, dark berry compote, and delicate edible flowers, served on a beige ceramic plate with syrup pooling underneath. In the background, glasses of water and vibrant smoothies, including a bright pink dragon fruit drink, sit on a wooden table.

If you like pancakes, Suka Espresso will blow your mind! My friends and I are obsessed with this place! My favourites are the ones with berries, but you can also get the classic ones with Maple Syrup!

25. Make Your Jewellery

Join a jewellery class and create your own ring, pendant, or earrings from scratch. It’s a hands-on experience where you’ll learn traditional techniques and leave with a piece that’s 100% yours — a perfect Ubud souvenir.

👉 Book your class here in advance to secure your slot, as this is a very popular experience!

Cost: $27

26. Visit Ganesha Bookshop

Front entrance of Ganesha Bookshop, a small bookstore with a green exterior and orange-trimmed wooden door, featuring a sign offering “FREE BOOKS / GRATIS” on a small wooden shelf. Two postcard racks stand on either side of the entrance, displaying colorful cards of local scenery and landmarks. A potted plant and striped doormat add to the cozy, inviting vibe.

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!

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!

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.

👉 Book your Wood Carving Class on GetYourGuide!

Cost: $25

30. Learn Some Bahasa For Free

Some cafés or coworking spaces offer free Bahasa Indonesia classes weekly.

It’s a great way to connect with locals and understand the culture better. The Yoga Barn also offers weekly classes.

They are a lot of fun, and I got the chance to meet new people too!

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 To Avoid In Ubud:

A wooden tray with ten small cups of different teas and coffees is arranged on a woven mat, part of a tasting set from a Balinese plantation. Next to the tray are a bowl of crispy chips, a container of sugar and cream packets, and a small plate with spoons. A menu with a photo of the tasting set is also visible.

Like anywhere, not everything in Ubud is worth your time — or your money.

Luwak coffee is the most obvious example. While it might sound unique, the reality is cruel: civets are kept in cages, force-fed coffee cherries, and often live in poor conditions.

It’s a practice that exploits animals for tourism. Skip it, and instead support local cafés using ethically sourced Balinese beans — the flavour’s better, and your conscience will thank you.

Avoid elephant rides — these are still promoted in parts of Bali, but they involve abusive training methods and confinement.

If you’re interested in seeing animals, look for genuine sanctuaries (not ones that allow bathing or close interactions).

Don’t bargain too hard at local markets. Negotiating is fine, but remember that what seems expensive to you is someone else’s livelihood. Be respectful and fair.

Skip the “swing parks” that have popped up around rice terraces. Many charge high fees and are built more for Instagram than for experience.

If you want beautiful views, head to Tegalalang early in the morning or hike around the smaller, lesser-known rice fields nearby — they’re often free and more peaceful.

Be cautious with “healers.” Some are genuine, but many now operate purely for tourists.

If you’re genuinely interested in spiritual work, ask locals for trusted names or go through established centres that vet practitioners.

Booking Your Trip Online Vs. Locally

Best experiences to book in ubud for solo travellers. Booking experiences online.

You can totally book the majority of these experiences above once you get to Bali. Your hotel can arrange them for you or any tourist agency.

However. they don’t have any reviews and you don’t know 100% what are the details of the trip (especially if it’s through your hotel). I’ve personally tried both and I found that the experiences booked online are more professional, better equipped and more reliable, as you can tell they have clearly done the job for some time if they have many reviews.

I use 👉 Get Your Guide to pick the experiences when travelling alone, it’s very trustworthy and it comes with loads of reviews.

Where to stay in Ubud:

Best experiences to book in ubud for solo travellers. Female solo traveller wearing a white dress in the greenery of Ubud, Bali.

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!

👉 I recommend booking Anumana Hotel on Booking.com and make sure to get a room including breakfast!

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

After being in Ubud as a tourist first and resident after, I’ve done them all and seen them all! If it’s your first time, I would suggest doing a mix of touristy and local things.

I didn’t know where to hang out in the beginning, so I only went from tour to tour, and although it was amazing,I haven’t made meaningful connections with others.

Feel free to 👉 download my FREE List of Best Hostels in Bali for Female Solo Travellers if you’re on a budget and want to meet other girls!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x