Ubud, Indonesia: Travel Guide to Bali's Cultural Heart

Ubud, in the green highlands of central Bali, is the island's cultural and spiritual heart, surrounded by emerald rice terraces, jungle-covered river valleys and ancient temples. Long a centre of traditional Balinese arts, including painting, wood carving, dance and music, Ubud became internationally famous through the book and film Eat Pray Love. Today, it's a haven of yoga studios, healthy cafés, art galleries and markets, while still preserving the rhythm of Balinese Hindu life, with daily offerings and colourful temple ceremonies.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Ubud

1. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Mandala Suci Wenara Wana), at the southern end of Ubud, is a lush forest reserve home to more than 1,000 long-tailed macaques. Moss-covered temples, stone carvings and giant banyan trees create a magical atmosphere, and the forest includes three Hindu temples dating from the 14th century. The sanctuary is also a conservation and research centre. The monkeys are cheeky and used to people, so keep a close eye on your belongings.

Booking tip: don't bring food, keep sunglasses and phones secure, and avoid eye contact with the monkeys. A Ubud highlights tour on GetYourGuide often includes the Monkey Forest.

2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Jatiluwih

About 20 minutes north of Ubud, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces cascade down a valley in beautiful shades of green, irrigated by the traditional Balinese subak system, a cooperative water management system dating back to the 9th century. The subak system is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cultural Landscape of Bali Province, which also includes the vast terraces of Jatiluwih, further west. At Tegallalang, you can walk along the terraces, ride jungle swings and enjoy views from cafés.

Booking tip: visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat; small donations are often requested by local farmers to walk the paths.

3. Temples: Tirta Empul, Goa Gajah and Gunung Kawi

Ubud is surrounded by remarkable temples. At Tirta Empul, founded in the 10th century, Balinese Hindus purify themselves in sacred spring water flowing from carved spouts, and visitors can join the ritual respectfully. Goa Gajah, the "Elephant Cave," dating from the 11th century, features a demonic face carved around its entrance. At Gunung Kawi, ancient shrines are carved into cliff faces above a river valley, reached by a long staircase through rice fields.

Booking tip: wear a sarong and sash, usually provided at the entrance, and visit early to avoid crowds; temple tours can be booked on GetYourGuide.

4. Ubud Palace, Market and Traditional Dance

In the heart of town, Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung), the residence of the former royal family, features beautiful gates and courtyards. In the evening, it hosts traditional Legong and Barong dance performances accompanied by gamelan orchestras. The Kecak fire dance, with a chorus of men chanting, is performed at several venues. Across the road, the Ubud Art Market sells sarongs, baskets, paintings and crafts.

Booking tip: buy dance tickets in town on the day of the performance.

5. Campuhan Ridge Walk and Mount Batur

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a gentle trail along a grassy ridge between two river valleys, best enjoyed at sunrise. For adventure seekers, the Mount Batur sunrise trek starts in the early hours and reaches the summit of an active volcano in time to watch the sun rise over Lake Batur and Mount Agung.

Booking tip: Mount Batur trekking tours can be booked on GetYourGuide.

Practical Travel Tips for Ubud

Before You Go

• Entry: many nationalities can obtain an e-Visa on Arrival for Indonesia, and foreign visitors to Bali must pay a tourist levy, which can be paid online before arrival; check current requirements.
• Respect local customs: dress modestly at temples, and don't step on offerings on the ground.

Getting Around

• By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar is about 1–1.5 hours away by car.
• Drivers and ride-hailing apps: Grab and Gojek are widely used.
• Scooters: popular but traffic can be chaotic.
• Money: the currency is the Indonesian rupiah.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Babi guling: roast suckling pig stuffed with spices, a Balinese feast dish.
• Bebek betutu: duck slow-cooked for hours in banana leaves with spices.
• Nasi campur: rice with a selection of small dishes.
• Lawar: a mix of vegetables, coconut and minced meat.
• Healthy cafés: smoothie bowls and plant-based food are everywhere in Ubud.

Best Time to Visit

• April–October: the dry season, ideal for walks and temple visits.
• October: the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.
• November–March: the wet season, with lush green landscapes.
• Nyepi: the Balinese Day of Silence in March, when the whole island shuts down.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Ubud

Ubud combines rice terraces, temples, traditional arts and wellness. Whether you're walking the Campuhan Ridge at dawn, purifying yourself at Tirta Empul or watching a Legong dance at the palace, Ubud reveals the soul of Bali.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Bali's cultural heart.