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Fun in the Jungle: The Best Things to Do in Ubud
Written by Dana Cape
From temple visits and rice terrace treks to locally grown coffee tastings, these are the best things to do in Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital.
Nestled in the foothills of central Bali, Ubud (whose name derives from the Balinese word Ubad, ‘medicine,’ for the abundance of medicinal plants in its jungles) has established itself as one of the world’s most renowned healing sanctuaries, and a world capital for the arts of yoga and meditation. Even if a retreat isn’t your thing, Ubud offers a wealth of things to see, eat and do – here’s our pick of the best.
Best things to do in Ubud: wellness
Practice your cat, cow or downward dog at Yoga Barn
It would be remiss not to mention Ubud’s most popular studio for drop-in yoga classes. With its central location and classes tailored towards a wide range of experience levels, Yoga Barn is the place in Ubud to get your stretch on (even if it’s your first time).
Get a mental reset without the sweat at Pyramids of Chi
At this tranquil, Australian-owned enclave, the introductory sound bath – performed with gongs, singing bowls, chimes and a didgeridoo – offers an incredible rest. Upgrade to a futuristic light sound vibration session, held on sonic waterbeds, to take things to another level.
Let Balinese massage heal you
Traditional Balinese massage – deriving from the practices of Ubud’s ancient healers – incorporates techniques like stretching and acu-pressure and offers benefits that go beyond simply easing tight muscles. For ultimate harmony in both treatment and setting, check out Ubud Traditional Spa, Bali Botanica or Karsa Spa.
Cleanse your mind, body and spirit at Pura Tirta Empul
Encompassing natural spring pools, landscaped gardens and koi ponds, this water temple has offered locals and foreigners the eye-opening opportunity to take part in melukat, a Hindu–Balinese sacred bathing purification ritual that’s been in practice for over a thousand years.
Best things to do in Ubud: art and entertainment
Visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
This private collection covers a breadth of Indonesian art not seen anywhere else in Bali, from traditional tree bark paintings and sculptures to cultural costumes and contemporary works by expatriates who have lived and worked locally.
Walk on the wild side at the Jungle Club
Ubud’s newest boutique day club rivals the vibe of any beach club in Canggu. With multiple pools cascading down its river gorge setting, top-notch food and drinks and an energetic tribal-house soundtrack, it’s the perfect place to hang out in the afternoon and keep the party going well into the night.
Best things to do in Ubud: food and drink
Discover elevated Indonesian flavour at Locavore
All three of this brand’s Ubud restaurants – Locavore NXT (fine dining), Herbivore (vegetarian) and Locavore To Go – feature hyper-local produce, delivering authentic flavours while using sustainable practices.
Step into the show at Night Rooster
Behind its discreet front door, this seductive lair serves crafty cocktails and nibbles featuring exotic native ingredients like snakefruit, black sesame and coconut charcoal, presented with a touch of Indonesian folklore theatrics.
Cook up your own feast at an organic farm
Learn about everything that goes into traditional dishes like tempe (deep-fried fermented soybeans), gado gado (peanut-sauce salad), sambal (chilli paste), satay and more in this cooking class that begins with an introduction to selecting produce at the local market.
Taste local brews at a coffee estate
Following a tour of its garden and cultivation process, Bali Pulina will treat you to a sampler of 10 teas and coffees made using native ingredients – including its prized Luwak coffee – on a patio overlooking the lush jungle.
Best things to do in Ubud: nature
Meet the residents of the Sacred Monkey Forest
Home to over 1,000 long-tailed macaques, this nature reserve and temple complex offers the chance to see these beloved primates up close in their natural habitat – their cheeky monkeying around guarantee a giggle for the whole family.
Walk through Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Recognised by UNESCO as an important cultural landscape, these rice terraces are easily the most scenic in Ubud. Fly high above the cascading emerald paddies on one of many oversized scenic swings.
Experience the Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunset
With its trailhead located in downtown Ubud, this easy hillside path offers views across the canyons to the city’s many rice paddies and resorts – and a refreshing breeze at sundown if you’re lucky.
Best things to do in Ubud: day trips
Go waterfall-hopping in Munduk
Located a two-hour drive to the north, this misty hillside community is surrounded by treks culminating in stunning natural waterfalls, perfect for a cool down and photo opportunity. Stop by the Ulun Danu Barutan water temple to add a touch of culture to your day.
See the sunrise at Mount Batur
Wake extra early to see the sun rise over a sea of clouds as you summit this active volcano, located in the island’s northeast. The four-hour roundtrip hike is worth the panoramic views at the top, reaching as far as the mountains of neighbouring Lombok.
Discover Ubud
Featured image: Ubud temple.
