Ubud is a magnet for many tourists in Bali, Indonesia, and many choose to stay here for their holidays. And yes, July and August are considered the best months for visiting it because the weather is balmy and dry!
However you don’t have necessarily to stay only in Ubud itself – go explore more of the island!
See my selection of places to go if you have plenty of time – unfortunately, you have to keep in mind that you might spend a lot ofttimes getting to a location as Bali traffic can affect your travel plans immensely.
1. Pura Tirta Empul
Pura Tirta Empul (pura meaning temple in Balinese) is a famous water temple located about an hour’s drive from Ubud and one of the temples mentioned in the life story of Dang Hyang Nirartha, the 15th-16th century priest, religious leader and poet from Java who relocated to Bali.
I’m sure you’ve seen photos of it if you’ve come across any footage about Bali as this is not only one of the most revered placed in Bali but also one of the most popular with foreign visitors! The temple is believed to have been founded around 962 AD, dedicated to Vishnu, and named after a sacred water spring.
Visitors come here for Melukat, a special purification ceremony that uses water from the holy spring in a designated bathing area called petirtaan. To enter the temple, you must wear a traditional sarong, regardless of gender.
If you wish to participate in the purification ceremony, you will need to change into another sarong (all sarongs are provided by the temple). However, despite the potential spiritual benefit, I’d not suggest you to drink water here due to the health concerns. Don’t forget to explore not only the pool area but also the other courtyards, where you can find gorgeous decorative elements!
After your visit, you exit through a local market with souvenir shops where you can find anything from fresh fruits to local arts and crafts. The prices might be a bit elevated though as this place is very crowded because of the temple’s proximity.
2. Oka or Other Coffee Plantations
You can visit Ubud coffee plantations but they are pretty crowded – try visiting ones a but far away for more quiet experience!
After visiting one near Ubud last year, we’re now exploring another plantation further north, called Oka, which we loved more. To be honest, we came to Oka not just for the Luwak Coffee but for the views and tea! Just to remind you that Luwak coffee is made from coffee beans defecated and fermented by civettes, and these animals are frequently held in cages because of this now.
At such locations, visitors are offered a beverage tasting (and sometimes desserts) for free; you only pay for Luwak coffee and any items you purchase in the shop.
The tasting experience is quite interesting, if you ask me: it includes Balinese coffee, avocado coffee, lemongrass tea, mangosteen tea, Rosella tea, spice tea, ginger tea, red ginger tea, mocha coffee, and other options depending on the location. We were also given the most delicious rice desserts and bananas!
Places like this usually have photo zones, props, and herbal gardens to attract more visitors.
3. Ulu Petanu
Ulu Petanu is a beautiful tall waterfall located not far from Ubud. You can swim in a natural pool if you’d like, or simply walk around and admire the surroundings.
There’s much to admire, as the waterfall is nestled in green, mossy slopes with water filtering through all around. There’s also a system of interconnected pools with koi and other fish – you can purchase fish food on-site and feed them!
To access the site, you need to buy a ticket and descend 90 steps. There’s a parking area near the ticket booth.
4. Gunung Batur
We came to admire Gunung Batur, or Mount Batur, one of the most impressive volcanoes in Bali! While the highest mountain in Bali is Agung, with an elevation of 3,031 meters, Batur is no less famous and picturesque.
Mount Batur is an active volcano that last erupted in 2000. With an elevation of 1,717 meters, it towers over the stunning Lake Batur. Once you pass the entrance and purchase your ticket, you will find a few observation decks to take in its beauty. Just look at these green slops with clouds sitting on them, not to mention the huge water body!
There are a few cafes there, so you can choose whichever you like. We decided to have lunch at Okuta with a view, and it was the best decision ever!
Save this café for your future trip; they have a great selection of desserts, drinks, and even savory food, not to mention the beautiful interiors and scenery. Photos taken there are just insane!
If you drive a bit further, there are plenty of other terraces and spots to explore too – you might find one that suits your taste.
You can also find many opportunities to buy souvenirs from local artisans, which can be a good way to support them.
5. Denpasar
Denpasar is the capital city of Bali, where the IGusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is located. Its name in Balinese means ‘market’. So there is no way you miss Denpasar if you arrive to Bali by plane! And if you have a lot of time to go here from Ubud, why not?
Come here to find some nice cafes – we loved the Flinders, for instance, a stylish cafe with fruit drinks, bowls and main dishes too.
Moreover, you can explore local historical heritage such as Bajra Sandhi Monument, the monument built in 1987 and dedicated to the struggles the Balene people endured throughout their history – especially during the invasions of the Dutch,
Other sites include Bali Museum and the Governor’s Office, but be aware that Denpasar is not really a walkable city. One of the most well-known places for nightlife in Bali – Kuta – is located nearby, too.
6. Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is another not-too-short trip from Ubud you might want to take if you’re into beaches and shopping because that’s what Nusa Dua is famous for: beaches, villas and relaxing time well spent.
In the past we spent a week in St Regis there, enjoying their pools, beaches and good food.
You can also visit Bali Collection Nusa Dua, a shopping village with a few tiny puras, temples, cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s less crowded than similar stalls in Ubud, and if you’re looking for a spot to eat or buy souvenirs, it might be a good place for you!
Bamboo and wooden goods, all sorts of clothes and jewellery, traditional textiles and colourful paintings, skin care products with Balinese herbs, even a Starbucks cafe – you can find it all here. They also sell Polo bear cloths – identical to Ralph Lauren ones – but these are the local produce.
You might also like my other blogs about Asia.
Hope you loved my new blog,
Yours,
Anna xxx
