Ubud, Bali is exactly how I imagined Bali would be before I ever went there. Dense jungles, lush rice fields, rushing waterfalls, strong Hinduism influence, and monkey forests. Ubud is a pocket of Bali that is well known best for its cameo in the movie Eat, Pray, Love. Ubud was such a fun destination to relax and unwind. Ubud is a haven for yogis and people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Here you can read my travel guide for Ubud, Bali Indonesia.
If you are visiting Bali, be sure to also check out my Canggu Bali Guide and my Nusa Penida Bali Guide.
Travel Guide: Ubud, Bali Indonesia
Getting There:
Ubud is located about 1 hour from the Denpasar airport. Many people prefer to prearrange with their hotel or airbnb for an airport pickup. If not, there are plenty of taxis that are easy to take. Pricing should be around 300.00-350.000 rupiah, but sometimes they will charge more during rush hour or late at night. Regardless, do not be afraid to bargain with the taxi drivers, as the price they tell you is often way more than the actual rate. As long as you know what price you should generally be paying, you should not have to worry about being taken advantage of.
Pro tip: dont let porters offer to take your bags and carry them for you. They are friendly, but will not give you your bags back until you pay them. We made this mistake when we first arrived, because the porters pretended to be with our driver that our Airbnb sent. Rookie mistake made by two very tired travelers.
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Things to Do:
Tegallalang Rice Terraces: The rice terraces in Ubud are one of the most iconic places to visit it Ubud. They are located outside of the city and it took us about 25-30 minutes on our motorbike to get there. There is a small fee to enter so make sure you have a bit of cash on hand.
As I have mentioned before, if you are not very comfortable on a motorbike, I definitely recommend taking a taxi as it is a bit longer of a drive. Since Cole has ridden motorbikes his whole life he felt comfortable, but I would never have done it if I was the driver.
Pro Tip: Go early in the morning! We woke up at about 7am, got ready and left for the rice paddies so we could try to avoid the crowds. I really wanted to be able to capture the pretty morning light and the beauty of the paddies without 5 million other tourists. If these things are not important to you, then go later in the day, but as a photographer, I was willing to do what I had to do to get the shot and experience.
Pura Taman Saraswati Temple: This temple is in the city center of Ubud. It is a walkway that winds through lotus ponds, and eventually leads to the beautiful temple. The temple is gorgeous and is constructed of with ornate Hindu architecture. We came here during sunset and it was gorgeous.
Ubud Monkey Temple: I would be lying if I told you I was not scared out of my mind to come here. I had read horror stories online and it almost kept me from stepping near the place. I finally decided that I would be mad at myself if I had come all the way to Bali not to come to the famous Monkey Temple. I am so glad I did because it was such a fun (and hilarious) experience. There is a fee to come inside, and you can pay to buy a small bundle of bananas from the workers. If you hold the bananas out, they will come and jump on you and grab the banana out of your hand.
I was super worried about getting bitten, but I asked the workers and they said they only really ever bite it you are holding out a banana and the monkey comes to grab it and you wont give it to them and continue to taunt them. Obviously do it at your own risk, but afterwards I realized it was not anywhere as scary as I thought it would be.
Funny memory: As you can see in the funny picture of me with the monkey… when i was on me IT SAW I HAD EXTENSIONS AND STARTED TRYING TO PULL THEM OUT OF MY HAIR. I was dying laughing and my husband was quickly trying to hold out a banana so it would jump on him instead. I seriously had not laughed so hard in my life.
Tegenungan Waterfall: This waterfall is one of Bali’s most famous attractions. It is about 20 minutes outside of Ubud via motorbike. Once you arrive, it is about 15.000 Rupaiah to enter (as of 2018). You have to walk down about 100 stairs and then you make it to the path. So unlike a lot of other waterfalls in Bali, it is not a legit hike through the jungle to get to.
Pro tip: Like many other attractions in Bali, this place gets crowded. If you are looking for an insta worthy photo, or just a little more peaceful of an experience the earlier in the day you go the better.
Hike Mt. Batur: We actually did not do this because we ran out of time, but I wish that we had. When we go back, it is at the top of my list. Here is some of the info if you plan on going. You cannot hike it yourself, you actually pay to be part of a hiking group with a guide that leaves super early (basically middle of night) and hike as a group. Meals are included and brought for you by the guide and you are able to watch the sunrise at the top!
Eats:
Umah Pizza: I am embarrassed to admit how many times we ate here when we stayed in Ubud. I am a huge pizza person, and this is the best pizza I have ever had. The servings are large, the prices are cheap and the food is amazing. We also would come here midday for some A/C and fast wifi. It is conveniently located in the city center and has arguably the best food for the best prices.
Clear Cafe: Clear Cafe is one of the most beautiful restaurants I went to while in Bali. Upon entering you remove your shoes and the seating is on pillows on the floor. There is dense greenery, koi ponds, and delicious food of all cuisines. We also decided to get an hour long couples massage here in the spa that is connected after our meal for about $12. You really can not beat this place.
Watercress Cafe: This place offers Australian cuisine and has some of the best breakfast I had while in Bali, but is a great place for pretty much any meal.
Uma Cusina: Again, amazing italian food (which was so suprising to me for being in Bali). Great staff, beautiful restaurant, and delicious food.
Getting Around:
Motorbike: renting a motorbike is the way to go not only in Canggu, but pretty much all of Bali. The roads and the way locals drive are pretty insane, but as long as you just go with the flow of traffic be careful, it really is the best way to get around. Motorbikes are very cheap for several day rentals so I recommend renting a bike for everyday you are there so you can just keep it at your house/hotel.
Taxi: If motorbikes are not your thing, you can walk or taxi to where you need to go.
Comment below if you have any other suggestions. I would love to go back soon, and I am always looking for ideas and recommendations.