Ubud Story Walks

15 Best Activities in Ubud [Things to Do]

15 Best Activities in Ubud [Things to Do]

The views in Ubud are mesmerizing, however, the place is much more than just nature and beauty. When it comes to activities in Ubud , there are dozens of options that you can go for.
From relaxing cleansing rituals and fun art activities to adrenaline-packed adventures, Bali offers it all. Keep on reading to find the right itinerary activities for your trip!

1. Go on Heritage Walking Tours

The best way to truly immerse yourself in Ubud’s local experience is to learn about its history and heritage.
The “Ubud: Past to Present” walking tour will take you back centuries via visits to key sites such as the 200-year-old Ubud Royal Palace, Campuhan Bridge, and Lempad’s House. Besides ancient history, it is also a great opportunity to learn about Ubud’s colonial era and independence.

2. Discover the Temples of Pejeng

Mythology is a core aspect of Ubud’s culture and thus, is one of the most attractive features drawing tourists here.
As part of “The Myth of Pejeng” tour,

3. Go on Art History Walks

Much of the global reverence for Ubud’s art can be attributed to I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. I Gusti Nyoman Lempad was a legendary painter and stone sculptor who led Bali’s art during the revolutionary period from 1925 to 1942, right before Indonesia’s independence.

Lempad’s history, art career, and his family’s move to Ubud have complex roots, all of which contributed to his work and legacy.

To learn more about Lempad’s work, check out “Lempad’s Legacy Tour and High Tea” tour which includes visits to the Royal Palace and the Saraswati temple covering Lempad’s artwork in detail.

4. Visit the Rice Terraces

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of the most significant attractions of Ubud. Built as a series of cascading steps, these are not just a treat to look at but also, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This is one of the most serene and calming activities in Ubud, however, care is essential and it’s better to avoid visiting during rain.

5. Go on a Quad Bike Ride

Quad bike tours are among the most thrilling activities in Ubud.
With a quad bike, you can experience nature up close as you drive past rice paddies, jungles, waterfalls, and even inside the Gorilla Cave!

6. Take Traditional Cooking Classes

The Casa Luna cooking school allows you a chance to take the delicious Balinese food back home with you!
Classes focus on a new aspect of cooking each day and include everything from purchasing ingredients to cooking smoked duck. Overall, the tour will help you gain a deeper understanding of Balinese food and taste profiles.
Check out Casa Luna cooking school here.

7. Go on a Hike Mount Batur

Mount Batur is an active volcano site that is a top choice among hikers all over the world.
The best time to hike this mountain is to get climbing while it’s still dark outside. From the top, you can see amazing views of Lake Batur which makes the tough height worth it!

8. Attend Traditional Dance Shows

Ubud is famous for its intricate and colorful traditional dances, with lots of options to enjoy these performances.
The mesmerizing Kecak Fire Dance blends the richness of culture with the beauty of sunsets.
Legong Dance is a very elegant dance by artists exceptional at their craft.
Sahadewa Barong Dance is built on the concept of good winning over evil.

9. Experience Spiritual Cleansing

Spiritual cleansing is a key part of the Balinese life with great emphasis on the soul. You can easily sign up for this Balinese tradition and get a spiritual service from a local shaman.
Cleansing usually takes place at the Tirta Empul Holy Spring Water Temple and involves a series of steps and techniques for complete purification.

10. Attend Jewelry Making Classes

If you’re looking for a creative outlet during your stay, a jewelry-making class can be a fun activity in Ubud.
Whether it’s silver, beads, or natural stones, you’ll have the chance to create something uniquely yours while learning about traditional Balinese jewelry-making techniques!

11. Go Snorkeling

Nusa Penida is the best spot in Bali’s ocean where you can jump into the blue water and snorkel with Manta Rays.
Snorkeling might seem a little unusual compared to other activities in Ubud, however, just a single trip here is enough to introduce you to the majesties of marine life!

12. Visit Nearby Villages

To truly understand the heart of Bali, take a step back from the tourist hotspots and visit nearby villages.
You can spend time with local families, learn about their traditions, and get a glimpse of daily life in rural Bali. From farming to temple rituals and other activities in Ubud’s villages, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the culture and community that make Bali so special.

13. Go on a Romantic Cruise

For those in Bali for their honeymoons, romantic cruises are a fun getaway. Cruises generally include dinners, photography, and music.
While most common among couples, Bali boat cruises are open to people of all ages and groups!

14. Take an Art Class

In a place this rich with art and history, taking a Balinese art class will make you feel like you’re part of the local culture and its creation!
There are various activities in Ubud at art sites, museums, and festivals that can help you try your hand at painting, wood carving, and other traditional crafts.

15. Take the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Finally, no visit to Ubud is complete without the Campuhan Ridge Walk. This slow-paced walk takes you on a ridge with panoramic views of Ubud’s rice fields and palm trees.
The walk is quite simple, however, the views that come along truly sell it!
To make this walk more interesting, you can take it as part of the “Ubud Past to Present Tour”.
Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams

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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...

Excellent
Based on 163 reviews
Vicky Ilankovan
Vicky Ilankovan
2024-12-13
A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim
LH Sim
2024-12-10
Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica HĂĽbner
Jessica HĂĽbner
2024-12-05
Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar
Andrea Slosar
2024-12-03
I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami
Neeraj Goswami
2024-12-01
I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap
Vinay Kashyap
2024-11-26
It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields
tamara fields
2024-11-26
Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins
David Hodgins
2024-11-25
We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter
Jill Boulter
2024-11-22
Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend đź‘Ť.
Shafiga Elshan
Shafiga Elshan
2024-11-15
It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!