Located in the uplands of Bali, Indonesia, Ubud is often referred to as the cultural heart of the island. This place has made many travelers fall in love with its lush landscape, spiritual aura, and rich heritage.
While it’s famous for its traditional dance performances, vibrant markets, and beautiful rice terraces, Ubud also offers other kinds of unique experiences. In this guide, you’ll find seven unique things to do in Ubud that will make your trip memorable!
Unique Things to Do in Ubud
1. Walk Along the Campuhan Ridge Walk
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Start your Ubud adventure with a stroll along the Campuhan Ridge. You’ll be fascinated by the green hills, lush valleys, and lovely villages. This place is ideal for an escape from busy city life.
To fully enjoy your experience, it is very recommended to visit during sunrise hours between 06:00–07:30 WITA. It can get pretty warm during the day, so starting early will allow you to stay comfortable. You’ll also have the added benefit of avoiding the crowds for a peaceful and serene walk.
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2. Dive into Bali’s Spiritual Side by Visiting Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul is located in the village of Tampaksiring, which is just a short drive from Ubud. It is widely known as a sacred temple for the Balinese Hindu community and is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of water.
In Balinese, Tirta Temple means holy water spring. There are two purification pools that are believed to have magical powers. The locals usually come here to perform a purification ritual.
The best time to visit Tirta Empul is in the early hours of the morning. During this time, you can fully embrace the serene atmosphere.
3. Explore the Goa Gajah
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A short drive from Ubud will bring you to Goa Gajah, which is actually a Hindu temple built around the 11th century for prayer and enclosed meditation.
This archeological site is surrounded by a majestic rainforest. At the southern end, you can find captivating rice fields and small streams that lead to the Petanu River. It also features a large bathing pool that is believed to purify the soul and keep off evil spirits.
The place is open to visitors daily from 08:00–17:00 WITA. However, it is advisable to visit in the early morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
4. Visit a Traditional Balinese Healing Spa
Ubud is a magnet for wellness enthusiasts! Enhance your Ubud experience by visiting a traditional Balinese spa for unique healing treatments, such as Balinese massages and Jamu—a traditional Indonesian herbal medicine.
Ubud’s spa facilities are often situated in serene and picturesque settings, offering beautiful views of lush gardens or rice terraces. This creates a tranquil environment that adds to the overall spa experience.
However, as the spas can get very busy especially during peak tourist season, make sure to make reservations in advance. And worry not, some spas also offer online booking options to ease the process.
5. Attend a Gamelan Workshop
Among many unique things to do in Ubud, choose to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Balinese music by attending a gamelan workshop.
Gamelan is a traditional percussion orchestra that originated in Java and Bali. It includes metallophones, xylophones, drums gongs, bamboo flutes, and plucked strings.
At some workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to play gamelan from master musicians. You’ll also learn its history and the importance of gamelan in Balinese culture, which will give you a better understanding and appreciation of the music.
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6. Shop at Ubud Art Market
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Unique things to do in Ubud include looking for unique souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and art pieces. In that case, Ubud Art Market should be included in your itinerary.
This place is a very tourist-friendly spot, with English being commonly spoken and many local vendors used to dealing with international visitors. They accept a variety of payment methods, including cash and credit cards.
The vibrant and bustling market has been attracting visitors from around the world, so expect it to be crowded especially during the peak season.
7. Firefly Watching along the Ayung River
Lastly on our list of unique things to do in Ubud, this special night tour is a must-do. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing sparkle of the fireflies while listening to the soothing sounds of crickets, frogs, geckos, and other countryside animals!
The knowledgeable tour guide will not only explain the fascinating behavior and uniqueness of the insects, but also provide insights into the rice fields, the harvest cycle, the irrigation system, and other animals in the area.
What’s more, if your tour includes dinner, you’ll get to relish a delicious meal in the middle of the rice field, making it an unforgettable experience you’ll cherish for years to come!
Looking for a Nature-sy Accommodation in Ubud?
Not only is it essential to know unique things to do in Bali, but you also need to find excellent accommodation. To maximize your experience on this island, consider staying at Bobocabin Ubud.
This place can accommodate families of all sizes, ensuring that you create cherished memories together. Book your stay today, and be prepared for a perfect blend of unique adventure and relaxation!
