Places to Visit in Ubud: Quiet Village, Loud Surprises

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its temples, rice terraces, surf spots, and volcanoes. Ubud is different from the beach resorts. It sits in the cooler, forested highlands about 200 meters above sea level. Life here moves at a slower pace, focused on ceremonies, crafts, and community instead of nightlife and beaches.

There are many different places to visit in Ubud. Just a few kilometres from the centre, you can visit a 9th-century cave temple, walk along a jungle ridge, watch herons gather in the trees at sunset, or enjoy a dance performance in a royal palace courtyard. This guide highlights the best Ubud places to visit for nature, temples, culture, and adventure.

What Makes Places to Visit in Ubud Bali So Special?

The places to visit in Ubud, Bali, are close together for such a small area. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Royal Palace, and Pura Taman Saraswati are all within walking distance in the town centre. Tegalalang Rice Terrace is just 8 km to the north. You can also cover the places to visit around Ubud's nearby villages without travelling far.

Ubud is known as Bali's cultural center. You can see traditional Kecak, Legong, and Barong dances every night at different venues. The woodcarving village of Mas and the silversmith village of Celuk are both less than 15 km away. This area is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.

Which Ubud Places to Visit Are Best for Nature?

Ubud places to visit offer three unique nature experiences. The rice terrace is open and spacious. The ridge walk is peaceful and free to enter. The bird village is most impressive at dusk, especially if you bring binoculars. You can reach all three easily from Ubud town without spending a whole day.

Here’s a quick overview:

1. Tegalalang Rice Terrace
2. Campuhan Ridge Walk
3. Bird Village of Petulu

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Bali’s Green Staircase

The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is 8 km north of Ubud in Tegalalang village, part of the subak irrigation system recognised by UNESCO as a Cultural Landscape in 2012.

• The terrace steps are carved into a valley and are best seen in the early morning, before tour buses arrive from south Bali.
• Swing platforms and zip lines at Tegalalang make it one of the more versatile places to visit in Ubud for visitors who want beautiful views and a bit of adventure without walking through all the rice fields.
• A small entry fee applies to access the main viewing platforms along Jl. Raya Tegallalang; parking is available at the upper ridgeline
• The best time to visit is between 7am and 9am. The light is nicer, there are fewer people, and the terraces look their greenest during and just after the wet season from November to March.

Campuhan Ridge Walk: A Scenic Walk Above Ubud

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a free walking trail starting at the bridge near Warwick Ibah Hotel at the western edge of Ubud town.

• The trail runs along a narrow ridge between two river valleys, passing through grassland and some jungle. It is about 9 km there and back, but most people walk one way and then take a scooter or taxi back.
• Some parts of the trail are unpaved, so it's best to wear closed shoes. The walk ends at a small village where you can relax at local cafes and enjoy a coconut drink.
• This is one of the most practical Ubud places to visit if you want open space, good light, and no entry fee.
• Start before 8am to avoid the heat, as the ridge has no shade after 9am. Bring water and use sun protection, even if it's cloudy.

Bird Village of Petulu: Where Herons Fill the Sky

The Bird Village of Petulu is approximately 4 km north of Ubud, where tens of thousands of Javan pond herons return to roost in the roadside trees each evening.

• The show starts around 5:30pm and is most impressive between 6pm and 7pm, when the birds fly together and settle in the trees along the main road.
• The village protects the birds as reincarnated souls; entry is free, with a small customary donation expected.
• Bringing binoculars makes the experience even better. This is one of the quietest and most unique places to visit around Ubud, and it's rarely crowded.
• Getting there: Hire a scooter or arrange a taxi; the roads into Petulu are narrow; most Ubud hotels can direct you or arrange a driver for the early evening slot

Which Top Places to Visit in Ubud Are Temples?

The places to visit in Ubud, especially temples, include everything from a 9th-century cave carved in volcanic rock to a water purification site with holy springs. You’ll need a sarong at each temple, and it’s important to be respectful during ceremonies. Remember, these are active places of worship.

Here’s a quick overview:

1. Goa Gajah
2. Tirta Empul Temple
3. Pura Taman Saraswati

Goa Gajah: Step Inside an Ancient Cave

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) is a 9th-century Hindu and Buddhist site in Bedulu village, approximately 4 km east of Ubud.

• The cave entrance is carved with a large demonic face flanked by elaborate rock carvings; the interior is small and dark with a meditation niche and a three-headed Shiva statue.
• The site also contains a bathing pool with six water-spouting fountains carved in the 11th century; original carvings are preserved with some 20th-century restoration work.
• Goa Gajah is on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List and is one of the most historically significant top places to visit in Ubud.
• Practical: A sarong and sash are mandatory and provided at the entrance gate; an entry fee applies; best visited before 10am; confirm current entry fees on arrival as they update periodically.

Tirta Empul Temple: Bali’s Sacred Water Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is a Hindu water temple in Tampaksiring, approximately 14 km north of Ubud.

• Founded in 962 AD and dedicated to Vishnu, the holy spring feeds a large purification pool with 30 water spouts where both pilgrims and visitors can participate in a ritual cleansing ceremony.
• It is on UNESCO's Tentative Heritage List; the surrounding complex includes royal bathing areas visible from a hillside path behind the main pool.
• This is one of the most active religious sites among all the places to visit in the Ubud area; be respectful of pilgrims in the purification pool if you choose to participate.
• Practical: Sarong required; entry fee applies; visitors may participate in the purification ritual if they follow temple staff guidance; best visited on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds.

Pura Taman Saraswati: A Temple Framed by Lotuses

Pura Taman Saraswati is a temple in central Ubud dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, wisdom, and the arts.

• A large lotus pond fronts the temple, making it one of the most photographed places to visit in Ubud, Bali; the lotus flowers are fullest in the early morning before they close in the afternoon heat.
• Evening dance performances are staged in the outer courtyard most evenings; confirm the current schedule with your accommodation as performances rotate between venues.
• You can view the temple exterior and pond from the street for free; entering the inner temple requires a sarong and is permitted outside ceremony hours.
• Location: On Jl. Raya Ubud, directly behind the main restaurant row; easily combined with a walk to the Ubud Royal Palace and Ubud Art Market on the same street.

Which Places to Visit Around Ubud Offer Local Culture?

Cultural places to visit around Ubud include a wildlife sanctuary in a sacred temple grove, a royal palace that is still in use, and a market with over 100 stalls right across from the palace gate.

A quick overview:

1. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
2. Ubud Royal Palace
3. Ubud Art Market

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Into Ubud’s Sacred Forest

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana) is in Padangtegal village within Ubud town.

• The sanctuary covers 12.5 hectares of forest, has three Hindu temples, and is home to about 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques cared for by the Padangtegal village community.
• Hours: 8:30am to 6pm daily (confirm on the official website); an entry fee applies.
• Rules: Do not carry food visibly; keep bags closed; do not make sudden movements near mothers with infants; monkeys may grab glasses or hats.
• This is one of the most popular Ubud places to visit because it brings together wildlife, forest, and temple architecture in one spot. The temple interiors are beautiful, even though most people come for the monkeys.

Ubud Royal Palace: A Glimpse of Balinese Royalty

The Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung) is located at the main intersection of Ubud town.

• Built in the 19th century; still occupied by the ruling family of Ubud; the outer sections are open to visitors during the day at no entry cost
• The carved stone gateways, lotus-filled inner courtyards, and traditional Balinese pavilions make this one of the most architecturally detailed top places to visit in Ubud in the town centre
• Evening traditional dance performances (Legong, Kecak, Barong) are staged in the main courtyard most nights; tickets are sold at the gate from around 4pm; performances typically start at 7:30pm
• Combine with Pura Taman Saraswati and the Ubud Art Market directly opposite the palace on the same short stretch of road

Ubud Art Market: Browse Bali’s Local Crafts

The Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) sits directly opposite the Ubud Royal Palace at the main Ubud crossroads.

• Over 100 stalls sell handmade batik clothing, woodcarvings, silver jewellery, woven bags, and ceremonial items; most stallholders are local artisans from surrounding villages.
• The ground floor is more tourist-facing; the upper floors carry more traditional crafts at closer-to-local pricing.
• Best time: Early morning (before 9am) for a full browse before tour groups arrive from south Bali resorts.
• The Ubud Art Market is one of the top places to visit in Ubud, Bali, to buy directly from local artisans. It's also one of the few truly local shopping spots left in central Ubud.

Where Can You Try a Bali Swing Around Ubud?

The Bali Swing is the most popular adventure activity near Ubud. Several operators offer swing platforms above jungle gorges and rice terraces all around the area.

People love the Bali Swing for photos, so book a morning slot for the best light. Some swings are above the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, while others are over private jungle gorges. Most tickets let you try several swings. Always check the safety ratings of each operator before booking.

The Bali Swing is one of the most popular places to visit around Ubud on social media and pairs well with a morning visit to the rice terraces.

Final Takeaway

The places to visit in Ubud range from the 9th-century Goa Gajah cave temple to the herons at Petulu Bird Village, the lotus pond at Pura Taman Saraswati, the free Campuhan Ridge Walk, and the royal palace courtyard. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Ubud Art Market are all close by. The Bali Swing is a fun activity to add to your holiday. There are so many top places to visit in Ubud, with so many attractions in such a small area.

If you’re planning a holiday to Bali and want help organising your Ubud itinerary, Holiday Tribe’s advisors can help you plan every detail.