Top Attractions in Ubud

Ubud offers an incredible variety of activities that blend cultural immersion with adventure and nature exploration. Start at the Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung) in the town center, where entry is free and traditional Balinese dance performances are held regularly in the ornate courtyard. Nearby, Pura Taman Saraswati is one of Ubud's most photogenic temples — dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts, it features a stunning lotus pond at its entrance and intricate stone carvings that make it a photographer's dream. The iconic Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-visit — home to over 700 long-tailed macaques across an area spanning 27 football fields, with three ancient temples (Dalem Agung, Padangtegal, and Prajapati) and 186 different plant species. Be warned that the monkeys can be aggressive, so hide your belongings, remove sunglasses, and avoid dangling accessories. Popular tours like the 8-hour Ubud: All-Inclusive Tour ($27, rated 4.9/5 with 5,433 reviews) combine temple visits, rice terrace views, and monkey forest exploration. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are a must-see (entrance fee: 50,000 IDR / ~$3) — they showcase the traditional Balinese subak irrigation system, a UNESCO-recognized cooperative water management method that has sustained rice farming here for over a thousand years. For an even more impressive experience head to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces — a UNESCO World Heritage site further from Ubud spanning over 600 hectares that's arguably more beautiful (the name means 'very pretty'). Don't miss Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple built in 962 AD where Balinese Hindus still come for purification rituals — visitors can participate in the cleansing ceremony by walking through a series of fountains, making it one of Bali's most spiritual experiences. A stop at a nearby luwak coffee plantation offers free tastings of various local coffees — a cup of the famous luwak coffee costs around 50,000 IDR (or take 200g home for ~$45). For those seeking adrenaline, the Bali: Ubud Gorilla Face ATV and Ayung Rafting Trip ($19, rated 4.8/5 with 4,756 reviews) offers 2.5-8 hours of jungle exploration and river adventure, while the Swing, Zipline & SkyBike Rice Terrace Adventure ($28, rated 4.7/5) provides thrilling activities amid stunning scenery. Culture enthusiasts should not miss the Ubud Kecak and Fire Dance Show ($6, rated 4.4/5 with 2,628 reviews), an affordable 1-hour traditional performance showcasing authentic Balinese dance. Nature lovers can book the Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Private Tour ($23, rated 4.9/5 with 4,894 reviews) for an 8-hour immersion in Ubud's natural wonders, while those wanting flexibility can arrange a Customized Private Car Charter ($30, rated 4.8/5 with 1,999 reviews) for 6-10 hours of exploration with an optional guide.