Ubud in the centre of Bali is well known for its meditation and yoga centres and other spiritual practices as well as the nearby temples like Tirta Empul and Pura Taman Saraswati and waterfalls.
However there are many other things to see here as a tourist, and besides that, you can stay in fantastic hotels and pay a visit to a very stylish gastronomical venues.
See my list of things to enjoy both in Ubud and around it, for every taste – but sorry, no spiritual practices here 🙂
1. Ubud Market
If you’re looking for an introduction to Balinese arts and crafts, head to Ubud Market! As I understood, part of the market has just been under reconstruction.
Local artists sell their products here like wooden carvings (for instance, figurines as well as bowls, plates and other tableware), jewellery, like earrings and bracelets, and colourful clothing. Beautiful bags and hats made from natural materials are also sold there. However I must note that some are made purely for attracting tourists like the penis-shaped bottle-openers.
You can also explore the tiny alleys running to all directions from the market: there are lots of similar stalls selling very similar items but you might get a better bargain.
2. Ubud Palace
The Ubud Palace, facing the Ubud Market and also known as Puri Saren Agung, is a historical royal palace built in the early 19th century and restored in the 20th century after an earthquake.
This site has been considered to have special powers since the 8th century. It is now a popular spot for watching traditional dance performances, and you can spot musical instruments during your visit.
Unfortunately, first time we were in Ubud, we were able to observe it only from the outside as some religious festivities with Balinese music and dancing were held in the courtyard and in front of the palace to celebrate the upcoming Day of Silence. However on our second trip we got much luckier and explored its premises.
3. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
First of all, the Monkey Forest is a sacred place – its full name is Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Around 1260 long-tailed macaques live here in the wild, and they are considered sacred animals by the local population. And if you don’t want to enter – to be honest, you can just walk around the area, there are lots of macaques everywhere around the ticketing booth and the back of the premises.
In the centre of the forest, there are three temples: Pura Dalem, worshipping Shiva (it’s estimated to have been built around the 14th century); Holy Water Temple, worshipping goddess Gangga; and Cremation Temple, worshipping Brahma Prajapati. Make sure to visit this part of the temple because it’s simply jaw-dropping, with water rushing thought dance forest with lianas hanging down from the trees.
The philosophical concept cherished here is Tri Hita Karana, or “Three ways to reach spiritual and physical wellbeing”. It goes without saying that visitors should behave politely because this is not an entertainment park.
We came to the park pretty early (around 9.10-9.15am while the park opens at 9) and were lucky to see the monkey feeding: they are fed 9 times a day and only by the staff. Visitors cannot feed the monkeys both for their own safety and to maintain the monkeys’ wellbeing.
We came here expecting to see angry monkeys greedy for food and stealing people’s iPhones because that’s what you find on the internet.
However, I must say that monkeys were all pretty polite and indifferent to most visitors – unless people were really invading their personal space, putting the phones right into the monkeys’ faces or luring animals to climb on their shoulders and heads for selfies. Monkeys are not aggressive unless they feel you provoke them – please check the behaviour guidelines for visitors here.
4. Water Palace
The Water Palace, or Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati, built in the 1950s, is a stunning religious site in Ubud dedicated to Dewi Saraswati, the goddess of learning, art, and knowledge. It’s very small but definitely rememberable.
It’s famous for its beautiful lotus ponds and fountains; its name translates to “the temple with sacred water sources.”Visiting the Water Temple requires everyone, including children, to wear traditional clothing or elements.
Don’t worry; these are available for free at the entrance. If you’d like to spend more time admiring the location, consider visiting the Lotus Cafe next door, which overlooks the lotus pond (see below).
5. Tegalalang Rice Terrace
The most famous Balinese rice terrace around Ubud is called Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This is actually an ancient local system of irrigation cared for by temple monks and called subak. It dates back over 10 centuries – and it’s even been enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the most visited sites in Bali, and you can find all the iconic photogenic spots there and do some hiking as well. We were recommended the Uma Ceking spot – as we discovered, actually, all people come here to take photos in flowing dresses. You can rent a dress here as well if you like, I didn’t plan to do that, but I couldn’t resist taking the most cliche Bali photo eventually on my first trip to Bali.
The choice of many swings, nests, etc, is available, and this spot has a restaurant as well (see more about this experience here).
6. Uma Pakel (or other coffee plantation)
There are a few places to learn about luwak coffee practice, and we went for Uma Pakel. The area of the spot was pretty nice and not crowded – I presume everyone goes to another bigger place, Alas Harum Bali, just next door to it. And yes, you’ve got swings and a view over the rice terrace (see more about swings below!)!
The story behind this coffee is controversial: kopi luwak is made from beans partially digested by Asian palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). Because of that, some animals are treated poorly or even traded. On some farms, civets are enclosed in tiny cages and even lose their fur; however, the civets we saw at Uma Pakel looked pretty well cared for and healthy.
However, I still must notice that the whole practice of keeping animals for collecting their poop with digested beans is controversial. We walked through the whole process of Kopi Luwak making, including the fresh poo with fermented coffee cherries inside. And then, we tried the final product as well.
We also were offered a degustation set of hot beverages that included Balinese coffee, avocado coffee, lemongrass tea, mangosteen tea, Rosella tea, spice tea, and ginger tea (all pretty sweet) – the lady told us that everything is prepared with natural ingredients here.
At the end of your tour, you can shop for any coffee or tea you have tried.
7. Kecak and Fire Dance
Tonight, we attended the Kecak and Fire Dance at Pura Dalem Gede Kutuh Kaja.
Kecak originated in 1953 in one village and has since spread across the island. A large group of male dancers begins with rhythmic a cappella singing — no musical instruments are used; the melody is created by the dancers’ voices making various sounds! You have a feeling that you attend some shamanic ritual with people singing an hour non-stop.
First, a priest comes to sprinkle holy water and offer a prayer, after which the story unfolds: it’s the Ramayana (we saw it in Cambodia and Laos). This epic tale narrates of Rama and his brother who – with the help from Hanuman – returned Rama’s wife kidnapped by evil Ravana. Some fire effects are also in place!
Interested in More Dances?
Exploring Balinese heritage through its dances is a graceful and enriching experience! We had a chance to attend traditional dances in our hotel too.
The Cendrawasih Dance is performed by two ladies mimicking a mating bird ritual; the Joged Dance is a rhythmic performance in vivid costumes; and Topeng Keras represents a high-ranking military figure, with movements performed in an ancient mask.
8. Pura Tirta Empul
Pura Tirta Empul is a famous water temple located about an hour’s drive from Ubud – yes, technically it’s not Ubud but it’s the most convenient starting point to explore this temple. I’m sure you’ve seen photos of it if you’ve come across any footage about Bali!
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).
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 souvenir village.
9. Enjoy Gastronomic Experiences for All Budgets
Bali is famous for its amazing cafe with delicious food and drinks, and I can happily confirm that this is true. Ubud is renowned for its stylish interiors, and eating is one of the main attractions here. Check out my selection of cafes to visit—though there are countless others to explore!
Sala Bistro is a great spot for breakfast or lunch. We enjoyed pasta, a Buddha bowl, a smoothie bowl, and a few drinks, and everything was delicious. The kids’ portions from the children’s menu are quite generous.
The cafe’s decor is another highlight: you can sit outside or on one of two floors, with carmine-tinted walls adding a lovely touch to the staircase and vases.
The Taro Matcha and Yogurt Bowl with fruits at Blend Cafe exemplifies what food bloggers seek in Ubud: colourful, healthy, and incredibly photogenic dishes!
Lotus Cafe at the Water palace is another gem where you can have some drinks and watch the sacred site at the same place (but to enter the temple, you still have to buy an entrance ticket).
If you’re planning to visit the rice terraces, why not combine it with a visit to a great cafe? You can go trekking there, find swings for photos (which I did last time), or simply admire the terraces from a cafe—like we did at the stylish Tis Cafe.
We indulged in delicious crispy vegan quesadillas, a red dragon fruit bowl (one of Bali’s icons), and mango sticky rice. Additionally, their mocktails and juices are delightful!
Are you a coconut lover? Then head to Tukies Coconut Shop, where they serve ice cream in fresh coconuts.
Finally, I’d like to suggest you to visit Milk&Madu: they have amazing bowls, cottage cheese pancakes and are very baby friendly. We’ve been there a several times, and it never disappointed!
Looking for an elevated gastro-experience? Look no further. We were fortunate to have some amazing restaurants right at our hotel. First, I recommend visiting Ambar, a Japanese restaurant, for afternoon tea. No need for elaborate descriptions; just look at the scenery below!
Loloh, a traditional Balinese herbal drink, is believed to have health benefits and serves as a refreshing remedy. At Ambar, it’s included in their afternoon tea (ours was bright green!), which also features a selection of traditional sandwiches, scones, desserts, and some yakitori!
Kubu is an exclusive fine dining restaurant overlooking the Ayung River. Its main attractions are the nine bamboo cocoons (be sure to book in advance) and a focus on local seasonal products: everything you’ll enjoy is sourced from nearby foraging.
Each dish was beautifully plated and incredibly delicious. You can choose between the à la carte menu or the degustation menu.
10. Explore natural wonders around Ubud
Looking for a half-day or day trip from Ubud? Mount Batur, Ulu Petanu or other waterfalls, and more coffee plantations are waiting for you (we went for Oka Agriculture, but there are plenty of other options) – all conveniently located not far from Ubud!
Check my upcoming blogs with more information about these destinations!
Where to Stay: Mandapa, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve
We stayed at Mandapa, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the most luxurious section of the Marriott Hotels and a private refuge overlooking Balinese Jungle.
This year, it received an award as the best upcountry hotel in all of Indonesia, by Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia.
Mandapa is located close to the center of Ubud (it might be 40 mins because of a traffic but if you’re lucky, it’ll be just 10 min by car), but it’s not just a regular hotel; it’s a village! You’d never guess it has such a huge territory until you see it by yourself.
It’s spread through the green slopes of a hill. and the reception with a restaurant and lobby sits on the top, and villas, spa, and the rest of the territory being located below. Just look at there views!
Public pool is also located somewhere mid-way closer to the bar, the breakfast area and the Sawah terrace, an Indonesian restaurants open after breakfast time.
It has its own rice fields, a farm with cows (brought from local farms for kids club a few times a week) and ducks, and its own stretch of the Ayung River! And yes, their kids club is fantastic, with kids faving lots of activities, from walking through the puddy rice fields, DIY activities including applications with local plants and making key-rings, and feeding animals on the farm!
We stayed in a stylish high-tech pool villa with a 30-meter-long pool. To get to your villa, opt for a buggy which drives you directly to your stone-paved entrance to your private paradise.
Our villa is perched high on a hill in complete isolation, featuring two pavilions — one for relaxation and the other for living (which includes a bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in wardrobe). Sadly, the pool wasn’t heated, but we enjoyed it anyway.
Every day we received new herbal teas, local fruits and traditional desserts as well as daily informational leaflets about Balinese symbols and culture.
Besides that, we had numerous spontaneous animal encounters in Mandapa!
Javan Kingfisher, Greater Coucal, squirrels, a snake, egrets are just a few to mention.
The most epic view can be enjoyed from the Ambar restaurant (which means ‘Sky’) and the lobby area: come here for their cocktails, Japanese dishes or an afternoon tea.
Breakfast area overlooks the Ayung river too, and you can notice people rafting there non stop. For breakfast, you can choose between a la cart dishes and buffet.
Don’t forget to try local delicacies for breakfast, such as Martabak Manis, a sweet pancake from Bangka Belitung Island with various toppings (I chose coconut and banana), and Kue Lumpur, or potato mud cake inspired by Pasteis de Nata and made with pupate, eggs, flour and coconut milk.
Of course, Mandapa has a spa too! The Mandapa Spa is nestled in a tranquil villa complex facing the Ayung River, surrounded by vibrant tropical plants and constructed using natural materials. I treated myself to a 2.5-hour Empower Me experience, which included meditation, a full-body massage, a facial, and extra time to unwind by the vitality pool or in the relaxation area.
You might also like my other blogs about Asia.
Hope you loved my new blog,
Yours,
Anna xxx v
