Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Indonesia, where lush landscapes, vibrant arts, and serene spirituality come together to create a truly enchanting experience. On my fourth day in Bali, I traveled to Ubud with the help of my tour guide and decided to stay there for two days.
I was so thrilled to visit this enchanting town of Bali because of the rice fields that I have always dreamed of seeing! And dreams were finally coming true! Surprisingly, that was not the only thing that I enjoyed. My short stay in Ubud was super chill, and I instantly fell in love with this town. I wish I could have stayed here longer than in Canggu (but I loved Canggu, too! Haha!), it’s just that Ubud had always been my dream to visit!
In this blog post, this will lead you through the must-visit and best places to visit in Ubud, Bali for two days.
Table of Contents
Best Places to Visit in Ubud, Indonesia
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
After spending time in Bali for 8 days and 7 nights, I must say that this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ubud, Bali. Tegalalang Rice Terraces is a UNESCO Heritage Site that offers a mesmerizing landscape of cascading rice paddies that epitomize the beauty of Bali’s agriculture.
The rice terraces are beautiful. You can take a lot of nice photos on each side of the place! In this place, this is where you can ride a huge swing with a stunning view of the rice terraces! Apart from that, the highlight of this place is where you trek all the way up to the rice fields!
Campuhan Ridge Walk
During my second day in Ubud, I decided to have an afternoon hike at Campuhan Ridge Walk. It’s a very interesting and serene place! You can embark on a scenic hike along the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a trail that winds through lush greenery and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and rice fields. This serene walk is a perfect way to connect with nature and find a sense of tranquility.
I was pretty happy to have practiced my drone skills! Haha!
Ubud Market
Ubud Market is definitely a haven for a shopping experience that highlights local craftsmanship. There are a lot of stalls brimming with traditional textiles, intricate wood carvings, jewelry, art pieces created by local artisans, and other souvenirs. This is where you can practice your bargaining skills for a more authentic market experience!
You can visit the Ubud Art Market in the evening to explore the vibrant night market scene and for a better local experience.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Have fun observing the playful inhabitants of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. You can observe the resident monkeys in their natural habitat and explore the ancient temples within the sanctuary grounds.
From my experience, I definitely enjoyed taking selfies with the monkey with the help of our tour guide. Hahaha. So much fun doing it! It looked so real!
Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung)
Immerse yourself in Ubud’s rich cultural heritage by visiting the Ubud Palace. Admire the intricate Balinese architecture and catch traditional dance performances that often take place in the evenings.
In addition, the Ubud Palace often hosts traditional dance shows that provide a captivating glimpse into the island’s artistic and cultural traditions.
Elephant Sanctuary
Visiting the Ubud Elephant Sanctuary is not only an opportunity to connect with elephants on a personal level but also a chance to support a compassionate approach to animal welfare and conservation.
By choosing this ethical encounter, you contribute to the well-being of these incredible animals while fostering awareness and appreciation for their importance in the natural world.
Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple
This temple is a Balinese Hindu Water Temple, and it is comprised of a pertiraan, also known as a bathing structure. It is well-known for the holy spring water that flows nearby, and Balinese Hindus come here to perform purification rituals.
This is definitely one of my favorite places that I visited in Ubud as I was able to experience the Balinese culture through this activity! I dressed up like a local, followed their ritual, and did their usual doings in the temple. This way, I was able to understand more about their culture and tradition. This is surely one of the things I’d never forget from my Bali, Indonesia trip!
Essential Travel Guide and Tips
- Consider renting a scooter or hiring a driver for the day to conveniently explore all the attractions.
- If you are unable to drive or rent a motorcycle, you can also use the Grab or GoJek app to roam around the town.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and sacred sites, and bring comfortable footwear for walking.
- Make sure to put sunscreen on as the temperature in Bali is definitely hot.
- Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle, especially in Bali’s tropical climate.
- Always show respect when visiting temples or interacting with locals. Ask for permission before taking photos, especially of people. Drones are strictly prohibited.
- Make sure to have some Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in small denominations for market shopping and tips.
Where to Stay in Ubud, Bali?
Luxury Hotels
- Bumi Ubud Resort
- Biyukukung Suites & Spa
- The Kayon Jungle Resort
- Beji Ubud Bali
- Amatara Royal Ganesha
- Villa Mandi Ubud
- Amatara Agung Taka
- Anumana Ubud Hotel
- Yarama Cottages
- The Gantary Ubud Hotel
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
- Ubud Tropical
- Cabin Lumbung
- Pande Permai Bungalows
- Teba House Ubud
- Umah Nik Kepitu
- Arjuna Homestay Ubud
- Bulan Bali Homestay
- Bale Bali House
- Argasoka Bungalows
- Ubud Rice Field House
As you visit Ubud, you can immerse yourself in the town’s captivating blend of nature, culture, and art. Make sure to include Ubud in your itinerary when you visit Bali, Indonesia! If you’re traveling to Bali soon, here’s an ultimate travel guide to Bali for first timers!
Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.