Recommended activities in Ubud include the Sacred Monkey Forest, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tegallalang rice terraces, Tirta Empul temple, Balinese food and hotels from budget to luxury. Read this guide to tickets and a one-day route before you go.
Bali, 8islandadventure.com - The most worthwhile recommended activities in Ubud are visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest, walking the Campuhan Ridge Walk, seeing the Tegallalang rice terraces and purifying at Tirta Empul. You can end the day with dinner at a Balinese warung and a dance show near Ubud Palace.
Ubud sits in Gianyar Regency and is known as Bali's hub for art, culture and nature. Almost every place below can be reached in one day from central Ubud.
This article gives you a list of activities with tickets and opening hours, places to eat, hotels from budget to luxury and a practical one-day route. Read in order so your holiday is not lost on the road.
Recommended Activities in Ubud Worth Trying First
If you only have one or two days, focus on the five main activities below. All are popular, easy to find on a map app and suitable for first-time visitors.
Tickets and opening hours change from time to time. Treat the figures below as estimates and confirm them at the ticket booth or with the official operator.
| Activity | Approximate ticket | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Sacred Monkey Forest | IDR 90,000 Indonesian adult, IDR 130,000 foreign adult per April 2026 data | 09:00 to 18:00, last entry 17:00 |
| Campuhan Ridge Walk | Free according to travel reports | Generally open throughout the day |
| Tegallalang Rice Terrace | Around IDR 25,000, swings and rides cost extra | Around 08:00 to 18:00 |
| Tirta Empul Temple | Around IDR 50,000 for foreigners per one guide | Around 08:00 to 18:00 |
| Puri Saren Agung Ubud | Check on site | Around 08:00 to 19:00 |
Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest, also called Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana, is a small forest in Padangtegal home to Balinese long-tailed macaques. It suits an easy walk under big trees and a look at the temples inside the grounds.
One source lists tickets at IDR 90,000 for Indonesian adults and IDR 130,000 for foreign adults per day, with children under three free. Keep food and small items zipped in your bag because monkeys may grab them.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Campuhan Ridge Walk is a walking trail along a hilltop ridge with green views. Travel reports say it is free and can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Wear comfortable footwear and bring drinking water.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Tegallalang Rice Terrace lies north of Ubud and offers stepped paddies that often serve as photo backdrops. It is about ten kilometers from central Ubud, a drive of roughly 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Sources give the entrance fee at around IDR 25,000, payable in cash at the booth. Swings and zip lines usually cost extra, around IDR 150,000 or more.
Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring is a temple with holy spring pools where worshippers perform purification rituals. Visitors may watch, but must behave respectfully and dress modestly.
Wear a sarong from the ticket counter if asked. Follow staff instructions and do not photograph people praying without permission.
Ubud Palace and Dance Performances
Puri Saren Agung on Jalan Raya Ubud is the royal family's palace with classic Balinese architecture. Around central Ubud you can find dance shows such as legong, with tickets sold on site or through booking platforms.
Check the show schedule before you go because days and times are not the same every week.
Ubud Tourist Attraction Recommendations by Travel Style
Ubud tourist attraction recommendations work best when matched to who you travel with. Couples, families and budget travelers tend to choose different sequences.
The table below helps you choose without visiting every place.
| Travel style | Top pick | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Family with kids | Sacred Monkey Forest | Kid-friendly paths with the monkey icon |
| Couples | Tegallalang and a meal beside the rice fields | Open views and a relaxed mood |
| Budget traveler | Campuhan Ridge Walk and local warungs | Free and cheap |
| Culture lover | Ubud Palace and Tirta Empul | Balinese architecture and ritual |
Activities for Rainy Days
When it rains, shift to indoor activities such as art galleries or dance shows. Rice field paths and trails can be slippery and are safer to postpone.
Bring a light rain jacket and shoes with good grip just in case.
Activity in Ubud for First-Time Visitors
Many travelers search for an activity in Ubud that fits into one day. The route below combines a morning in the rice fields, midday at a temple and the afternoon in town.
The safest departure time is before seven in the morning. Travel sources suggest Tegallalang is more pleasant between seven and nine.
Suggested One-Day Route
- Leave early for Tegallalang to take photos before the crowds.
- Continue to Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring.
- Have lunch at a warung near Ubud.
- In the afternoon, walk Campuhan Ridge Walk or visit the Sacred Monkey Forest.
- Eat dinner in central Ubud and catch a dance show.
Estimated Daily Costs
You can total the tickets for the four or five places above from the earlier table. Add food, transport and optional extras such as swings.
One operator lists a car with driver at around IDR 500,000 to IDR 700,000 per day. This is an estimate and varies by provider.
Restaurant Recommendations in Ubud
For restaurant recommendations in Ubud, start with Balinese warungs in the town center. From there you can step up to rice-field restaurants or fine dining.
One survey puts a meal at a local Ubud warung at about IDR 25,000 to IDR 50,000, while mid-range and fine dining cost far more. Check prices and opening hours before you go.
| Place | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Babi Guling Ibu Oka | Roast suckling pig | Near Ubud Palace on Jalan Suweta |
| Warung Bu Rus | Balinese home cooking | Jalan Suweta No. 9, open around 10:00 to 22:00 |
| Warung Mina | Fish and seafood in a joglo-style hall | In Peliatan, open around 09:00 to 22:00 |
| Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku | Balinese mixed rice | Often listed among legendary warungs |
| Sun Sun Warung | Balinese food in a temple-style setting | On Jalan Jembawan, guests are asked to remove shoes |
| Bebek Tepi Sawah | Duck with rice field views | In Peliatan, open around 10:00 to 22:00 |
Eating with Rice Field Views
For a meal overlooking rice terraces, the Tegallalang area has several warungs facing the valley. Two often mentioned are Carik Terrace Warung and D'Alas Warung.
Prices at scenic spots are usually higher than at town-center warungs. Arrive before lunchtime to get a table.
Tips for Choosing Where to Eat
Pick warungs busy with local customers if you want fair prices. Check opening hours because many close before late evening.
If you need halal or vegetarian food, ask the staff directly.
Hotel Recommendations in Ubud from Budget to Luxury
Hotel recommendations in Ubud range from cheap guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury villas with private pools. Choose by location, not by price alone.
The list below uses names that often appear on booking platforms. Prices shift by season and day, so recheck when you book.
| Category | Example properties | Price range per night per listings |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hanoman Room Honeymoon Guesthouse, De Munut Balinese Resort | Roughly IDR 200,000 to IDR 600,000 |
| Mid-range | Adiwana Suweta, Ubud Village Hotel, The Lokha Ubud, Tegal Sari Ubud | Roughly IDR 800,000 to IDR 2 million |
| Luxury | Komaneka at Bisma, Kayumanis Ubud Private Villa and Spa, Pita Maha Resort and Spa | From roughly IDR 2 million upward |
Ubud Hotel Recommendations Near the Town Center
For Ubud hotel recommendations close to Ubud Palace and the Monkey Forest, choose properties in the center or in Peliatan. Some listings mention hotels within walking distance of the Monkey Forest and the art market.
A central location makes meals and shopping easy without a vehicle. The downside is that roads around the center can be busy.
Tips for Choosing a Hotel in Ubud
Check whether the hotel offers airport transfers or a driver service. Some properties on the edge of Ubud offer more peace but require transport.
Read recent reviews on cleanliness, noise and road access before booking.
Ubud Destination, Location and How to Get There
The Ubud destination is a cultural tourism area in Gianyar Regency, about an hour's drive from Ngurah Rai Airport according to one hotel listing. Travel time can be longer when traffic is heavy.
The most flexible way to get around is a rented car with driver or a scooter. Ride-hailing is also available, though availability may differ by location.
Distances Between Attractions
Tegallalang is about ten kilometers from central Ubud. The Sacred Monkey Forest and Ubud Palace are in the center and walkable from many hotels.
Use your map app to check the latest distance from your own hotel.
Best Time to Visit Ubud
The best time to visit Ubud is the dry season, when trails are drier. Travel sources mention April to June and September to October as comfortable periods.
Go in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. Skip weekends and holidays if you want a calmer atmosphere.
Levy for Foreign Tourists
Foreign visitors to Bali pay a culture and environment levy through the Love Bali app run by the provincial government. Check the latest amount and rules at the official source before you travel.
Keep proof of payment on your phone because it may be requested at certain points.
Safety and Etiquette Tips in Ubud
Dress modestly when entering temples and follow staff instructions. Respect ceremonies and do not step over offerings.
At the Monkey Forest, do not show food or tease the monkeys. Keep your phone, glasses and water bottle secure so they are not snatched.
Recommended Gear
- Modest and comfortable clothing.
- Non-slip footwear for rice fields and ridge trails.
- Cash in small bills for tickets and parking.
- Drinking water and sunscreen.
- A light rain jacket.
Safety Notes
Before using a swing or other ride, check the condition of the ropes and safety gear. Choose operators that look well maintained and follow weight and age limits.
Use a trusted driver or vehicle, especially on steep, winding roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers the questions people ask most about recommended activities in Ubud. The answers are short for easy reading.
If conditions on site differ, follow the operator's official announcements.
What are the recommended activities in Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tegallalang rice terraces, Tirta Empul temple, Ubud Palace and dance shows. Balinese food is also a must.
How much is a Monkey Forest ticket
One April 2026 source lists IDR 90,000 for Indonesian adults and IDR 130,000 for foreign adults. Check the latest price at the booth.
How long does it take to tour Ubud
One day is enough for four or five main places. Two to three days is more relaxed if you want to take it easy.
Is Ubud suitable for a family holiday
Yes, especially the Monkey Forest, rice terraces and family warungs. Watch children's safety around the monkeys and on slippery paths.
Conclusion
The most efficient recommended activities in Ubud start at the Tegallalang rice terraces, continue to Tirta Empul and then relax at the Monkey Forest or Campuhan Ridge Walk. Pick restaurants and hotels that match your budget and location.
Check tickets, opening hours and the weather before you go. With a tidy plan, one day in Ubud already feels full.