Top 10 Things to Do in Ubud (Bali) on a First Visit, Indonesia

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You’ll often hear repeat visitors to Bali talking about how much the hill town of Ubud has changed over the past four decades.

What was once a quiet haven for struggling artists and hustling hippies is now a fully fledged tourist mecca — full of hipsters in yoga pants sipping lattes and ‘gramming from trendy cafes.

Despite the transformation, Ubud is still an utterly charming place. Located in Bali’s lush central foothills, the town offers an intoxicating mix of traditional culture, great shopping, amazing food and a serene setting that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.

Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Ubud on a first visit.

1. Enjoy some temple time

Ubud’s history is largely that of a Hindu religious centre, and the known presence of Hindu priests here stretches back to the eighth century. Make time during your stay to visit some of the region’s magnificent temples, including Pura Taman Saraswati in the heart of town, Goa Gajah (also known as the Elephant Cave), and the famous water temple of Tirta Empul. Note that your upper body and shoulders should be covered, as should your legs to below the knee (a sarong is the perfect solution).

2. Hang out in the Monkey Forest

Ubud’s famous Monkey Forest is home to three Hindu temples that are believed to have been constructed around the 14^th century. Trails through the forest lead to the temples. The forest is also home to three or four groups of protected macaque monkeys, which are endlessly fascinating to watch. However, here’s an important word of advice. Do not take any food into the forest, including the bananas on sale to feed the monkeys. The smell lingers and it can attract unwanted attention. Zip everything up and maintain an appropriate distance from the furry residents.

3. Soak up the beauty of the landscape

While the centre of Ubud has its fair share of traffic and noise, it’s not hard to escape the hubbub and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape. See ancient temples and terraced rice fields of the deepest emerald green cascading down hillsides. Explore small villages and perhaps enjoy a spot of lunch in a traditional warung (local eatery). You can easily see it all under your own steam or book a guided tour.

4. Get arty

Ubud is a hub for handmade Balinese arts and crafts, much of which comes from the surrounding villages. The Ubud Art Market is held daily opposite the Puri Saren Agung palace, however, it’s fairly touristy. The bustling Sukawati Art Market is located about 20 minutes’ drive south of Ubud, while nearby Celuk Village is renowned for fine silver and gold.

For a more contemporary take on Balinese culture, Ubud has four or five fine art galleries to explore. Komaneka Gallery features the work of established and emerging artists.

5. Shop up a storm

The town’s retail offering goes well beyond arts and crafts, and wherever you’re staying there’s bound to be a spot of retail therapy within easy reach. For stylish homewares, try Jl. Monkey Forest from the forest all the way up to the main drag of Jl. Raya Ubud. Heading away from the forest, hang a right onto Jl. Dewisita for eclectic gift shops and a couple of antique centres. Jl. Hanoman is the spot to shop for clothing and shoes, while those who yearn for their own Balinese day bed back home should visit the furniture stores along Jl. Raya Andong (heading out of town).

6. Style it up for dinner

There are hundreds of places to eat in and around Ubud, and to be honest, you’ll be hard pressed to find one that isn’t good. If you want to push the boat out, you’re well catered for. Top options include Mozaic Bali (possibly the best restaurant on the island) for traditional Balinese cuisine, and the Viceroy Bali’s Cascades — with its fine French and Indonesian degustation menu. The Grill at Luxe Villas will satiate carnivores with its menu of Australian Black Angus and Wagyu steaks, lamb, veal, and free range organic chicken — served in super-stylish surroundings.

7. Take a cooking class

If all that fabulous tucker has you hankering to learn the secrets of Balinese cooking, there are cooking classes on offer at just about every Ubud restaurant and hotel. For a more organic experience, look for a class offered in a private home. You’ll help prepare a meal, and then share it with the family. It’s a great way to connect with the locals on a real level.

8. Sip a latte

Good coffee and free Wi-Fi are highly prized by most travellers and thanks to a robust cafe culture, Ubud has both bases covered. Try Seniman in the northern end of town for amazing espressos and cold-brews. They roast their beans just across the road.

The uber-popular Kafe on Jl. Hanoman is always packed and deservedly so. If you can snaffle a table on the balcony out from under one of the pseudo-bohemians permanently ensconced there, you’re doing well.

9. Do yoga

Ubud has long been a popular destination for yoga buffs and there are stress-busting classes on offer at various studios around town. Try The Yoga Barn for starters.

10. Explore further afield

Ubud is perfectly positioned as a base for exploring more of regional Bali. The Kintamani volcano — also known as Mount Batur — is a popular day trip destination, but be warned: it’s an active volcano (the last eruption occurred in 2000). However, that doesn’t deter the many visitors that flock there, particularly at sunrise.

• Book a Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

There are several picturesque waterfalls that are easily doable on a day trip from Ubud. Tegenungan is located to the south (about half-way to the coast) and is popular with locals and visitors alike. It has amenities to match. Air Terjun Tibumana east of Ubud is generally quieter and more tranquil, and just a stone’s throw south from there, the caves and falls at Goa Rang Reng can be explored with a local guide.

For more travel inspiration, visit www.indonesia.travel.

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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Ubud on a first visit? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Additional images: Bigstock