If you ask me where travelers should spend at least one full day in Bali, my answer is almost always the same: Ubud. And What’s about the Best Things to Do in Ubud?
After years of driving visitors around the island, I’ve noticed something interesting. Many guests arrive expecting beautiful rice terraces and famous temples. They leave talking about peaceful village roads, friendly conversations with local artisans, the smell of fresh coffee, and moments they never planned.
That is what makes Ubud different.
The best things to do in Ubud are not simply attractions to check off a list. They are experiences that allow you to slow down, appreciate Balinese culture, and enjoy the island at its natural pace.
Whether you’re visiting Bali for the first time or returning for another adventure, this guide shares the places and experiences that consistently become travelers’ favorite memories.
Best Things to Do in Ubud: Start the Morning Before the Crowds Wake Up
One lesson I’ve learned as a Bali private driver is that timing changes everything.
Many visitors leave their hotel around 9 or 10 in the morning, but Ubud becomes much more enjoyable if you begin earlier. The roads are quieter, the weather is cooler, and popular attractions feel much more peaceful.
I often recommend starting with a scenic drive through the countryside before visiting the more famous places. Early mornings reveal local life that many tourists never see. Farmers head to the rice fields, families prepare offerings outside their homes, and village temples become active with daily ceremonies.
These moments often become the most memorable part of the day.
Walk Through the Famous Rice Terraces
No guide about the best things to do in Ubud would be complete without mentioning the rice terraces.
The green landscape has become one of Bali’s most recognizable views, but there is more here than beautiful photographs. These rice fields represent generations of Balinese farming traditions and the Subak irrigation system that has shaped local communities for centuries.
Instead of rushing through, spend time walking along the smaller paths. The scenery changes every few minutes, and you’ll often discover viewpoints away from the busiest areas.
One couple I drove from Australia planned to spend only twenty minutes here. Nearly two hours later, they returned smiling after chatting with a local farmer who explained how the rice grows through different seasons.
Experiences like that cannot be scheduled, but they happen when you allow yourself enough time.
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Visit Ubud’s Sacred Temples Respectfully
Temples remain one of the highlights of any Ubud itinerary.
Beyond their impressive architecture, they continue serving as important places of worship for local communities. Visitors are always welcome, but respectful behavior is essential.
Wear appropriate clothing, follow any instructions from temple staff, and avoid interrupting ceremonies or standing directly in front of people who are praying.
Many guests ask me whether they should visit several temples in one day. My suggestion is usually to choose fewer places and spend more time appreciating each one rather than rushing between them.
Understanding even a little about Balinese Hindu traditions makes every visit more meaningful.
Explore Ubud’s Art and Craft Villages
One reason Ubud feels different from many destinations is that traditional craftsmanship remains part of everyday life.
Around the area, you’ll find villages known for wood carving, silver jewelry, painting, and handmade textiles. Watching local artists work often becomes just as interesting as purchasing souvenirs.
Rather than buying the first item you see, take time to ask questions. Most artisans enjoy explaining their techniques and the stories behind their work.
These conversations give visitors a better appreciation of Balinese culture while supporting local families directly.
Discover Waterfalls Beyond the Main Roads
Many travelers search for the best waterfalls near Ubud, and there are plenty of beautiful options within driving distance.
Some are well known, while others remain relatively peaceful if visited early.
As a driver, I always remind guests that waterfalls involve more walking than many expect. Comfortable shoes, drinking water, and a light towel can make the experience much more enjoyable.
The journey itself often becomes part of the adventure, with winding village roads, tropical forests, and small local shops along the way.
Enjoy Ubud’s Café Culture
Ubud has become famous for its relaxed cafés overlooking rice fields, gardens, and jungle valleys.
Some travelers spend hours enjoying breakfast with scenic views before beginning their sightseeing. Others prefer stopping for local Balinese coffee during the afternoon.
While modern cafés are popular, don’t overlook small family-owned warungs. Many serve authentic Balinese dishes prepared using family recipes passed down through generations.
Trying local food is one of the easiest ways to experience the island beyond its famous landmarks.
Walk Around the Ubud Town Center
Not every memorable experience requires a ticket. Simply walking through central Ubud allows visitors to discover art galleries, bookstores, traditional markets, small temples, and quiet side streets.
Some of my guests enjoy wandering without a strict itinerary. They often return with unexpected discoveries like a hidden café, a local artist’s studio, or a peaceful garden they found by accident.
Sometimes the best travel memories happen between the famous attractions.
Experience a Traditional Balinese Dance
After sunset, Ubud offers another side of its cultural heritage. Traditional Balinese dance performances combine storytelling, music, colorful costumes, and centuries-old traditions. Even travelers unfamiliar with the stories usually enjoy the atmosphere and remarkable performances.
Watching a dance after spending the day exploring temples and villages helps connect many of the cultural experiences you’ve already seen throughout the day.
Hidden Gems That Many Visitors Miss
Not every beautiful place appears on social media. Some of my favorite moments while driving guests happen along quiet village roads where children wave to passing cars, farmers work in the fields, and small roadside shrines receive fresh daily offerings.
If your schedule allows, leave room for spontaneous stops. Many travelers remember these simple moments more vividly than the busiest attractions. As a local driver, I often suggest taking the scenic route instead of the fastest one. Although it adds a little driving time, it usually creates a much richer experience.
Practical Tips for the Best Things to Do in Ubud
The best way to enjoy Ubud is not by trying to see everything in one day.
Choose experiences that match your interests and allow enough time between destinations. Traffic can become heavier during busy hours, especially in central Ubud.
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, carry drinking water, and bring a light rain jacket if visiting during the rainy season.
When entering temples or villages, remember that you are visiting places where local people live and worship every day. Respectful behavior, modest clothing, and patience during ceremonies are always appreciated.
Photography is generally welcomed, but always be mindful of people praying or participating in religious activities.
A Day That Stayed With Me
One experience still comes to mind whenever someone asks me about the best things to do in Ubud.
I was driving a family visiting Bali for the first time. Their original plan focused almost entirely on famous Instagram locations. As we talked during the drive, they decided to slow the schedule and spend more time exploring smaller villages. We stopped at a quiet roadside viewpoint overlooking rice fields. There were no crowds, no photographers, and no entrance gate just fresh air, green landscapes, and local farmers working nearby.
The children became fascinated watching ducks move through the fields while their parents enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. At the end of the day, they told me that unexpected stop became their favorite memory of Bali. Moments like these remind me that Ubud is not simply about visiting attractions. It is about experiencing a slower rhythm of life that still exists across much of rural Bali.
Final Thoughts for the Best Things to Do in Ubud
There are countless best things to do in Ubud, but the most rewarding experiences often come from balancing famous attractions with authentic local life.
Visit the rice terraces, explore beautiful temples, enjoy traditional dance, discover hidden villages, support local artisans, and leave enough room for unexpected moments along the way.
Every traveler experiences Ubud differently, and that is exactly what makes it special.
If you’d like to explore at a comfortable pace with flexible stops and local recommendations, traveling with a trusted local Ubud tour driver such as Nagiku Bali can make it easier to experience both the well-known highlights and the quieter corners that many visitors miss.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Things to Do in Ubud
1. What are the best things to do in Ubud for first-time visitors?
The best things to do in Ubud include visiting rice terraces, exploring temples, watching a Balinese dance, discovering local art villages, and enjoying the town’s cafés. Try not to rush between attractions. Starting early and allowing time for spontaneous stops often creates a more memorable experience than following a packed itinerary.
2. How many days should I spend in Ubud?
Two to three days is ideal for most travelers. This gives you enough time to enjoy the main attractions, explore nearby villages, visit waterfalls, and experience Balinese culture without feeling rushed. Even a full day can be rewarding if you plan your route carefully and avoid peak traffic hours.
3. Is Ubud worth visiting if I’ve already seen Bali’s beaches?
Yes. Ubud offers a completely different side of Bali. Instead of beaches, you’ll find rice fields, temples, traditional villages, art galleries, and cultural performances. Many visitors enjoy combining a beach destination with Ubud to experience both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the island.
4. What’s the best time to visit Ubud attractions?
Early morning is usually the best time. Popular places are quieter, temperatures are more comfortable, and the lighting is often better for photography. As a driver, I’ve found that guests who begin their day earlier generally enjoy a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
5. Can I visit Ubud in one day?
Yes, but you’ll need realistic expectations. A one-day Ubud itinerary should focus on a few meaningful experiences rather than trying to visit every attraction. Choosing quality over quantity allows you to appreciate the area’s atmosphere instead of spending most of the day driving between locations.
6. What should I wear when visiting temples in Ubud?
Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when appropriate. Follow local guidelines at each temple, especially during ceremonies. Respectful clothing shows appreciation for Balinese culture and helps ensure everyone enjoys the sacred environment comfortably.
7. Are Ubud rice terraces suitable for families?
Yes. Many families enjoy walking through the rice terraces because the scenery is beautiful and there are paths with different levels of difficulty. Parents should supervise young children carefully, especially on narrow trails, and wear comfortable footwear suitable for uneven ground.
8. Is it better to explore Ubud independently or with a private driver?
It depends on your travel style. Independent travelers enjoy flexibility on foot in central Ubud, while a private driver makes it easier to visit rice terraces, waterfalls, villages, and scenic viewpoints spread across the surrounding countryside without worrying about directions or parking.
9. What local food should I try while visiting Ubud?
Try traditional Balinese dishes at family-owned warungs whenever possible. Local cuisine offers flavors that are quite different from international restaurants. Asking for recommendations from local residents or your driver can help you discover authentic places that many tourists overlook.
10. What are some hidden gems around Ubud?
Some of the best hidden gems are quiet village roads, scenic rice field viewpoints, artisan workshops, and peaceful cafés away from the busiest streets. Rather than searching only for famous attractions, leave time for unexpected discoveries, as these often become the highlight of a trip.
11. How can I enjoy Ubud responsibly as a visitor?
Respect local customs, dress appropriately at temples, avoid disturbing ceremonies, and support local businesses whenever possible. Responsible travel also means taking your time, being polite to residents, and appreciating that many attractions are part of living communities rather than simply tourist destinations.
12. How can a local driver improve my Ubud experience?
A local driver can suggest better travel times, quieter routes, and scenic stops that aren’t always included in standard itineraries. If you’re looking for flexible sightseeing with local insight, many travelers choose trusted services like Nagiku Bali to explore Ubud at a relaxed pace while discovering places they might otherwise miss.
