Selamat Datang! Enjoy 20% off your tour when you purchase today.
Selamat Datang! Enjoy 15% off your tour when you purchase today.
7 Unique Tours in Ubud to Check Out
7 Unique Tours in Ubud to Check Out
There are plenty of tours in Ubud, however, to avoid the tourist traps and see Ubud through a local lens, you need to be careful.
In this guide, we we have compiled a list of 7 unique tours that take you beyond typical tourist routes in Ubud:
Check Out: 15 Best Activities in Ubud [Things to Do]
Tour 1 - Ubud: Past to Present Tour
Through this tour, take a journey back in time and see how Ubud transformed from a quiet village into the cultural heart of Bali. With local-led expert guides, you’ll uncover hidden stories and visit iconic spots that most tourists overlook.
This tour also includes museum access and a delicious Balinese snack—letting you experience both the island’s history and its unique flavors.
Tour 2 - Lempad’s Legacy & High TeaTour
With this tour, you step into the world of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, the artistic legend who continues to influence Bali’s art scene.
Explore his remarkable works at the Royal Palace and Saraswati Temple, where each sculpture reveals stories of divine inspiration and Bali’s rich culture. As you walk through his masterpieces, you’ll also hear fascinating tales of Lempad’s life, including his remarkable choice to decide his own time of death at the age of 116.
After immersing yourself in art and history, relax with a luxurious high tea at Ibah Villas. Sip on fine teas, enjoy delectable pastries, and take in the peaceful beauty of your surroundings.
Tour 3 - The Myth of Pejeng Tour
This tour explores Bali’s ancient Buddhist-Hindu heritage on a journey through sacred temples, hidden burial sites, and the Archaeology Museum. In this tour, you’ll also witness the largest bronze vessel in Southeast Asia—a stunning relic that offers a glimpse into the island’s ancient past.
Furthermore, you will also learn about Bali’s first rulers, the Majapahit kingdom, and discover the secrets of the Temple of the Crazy Buffalo and the largest bronze vessel in Southeast Asia—an awe-inspiring relic of the island’s ancient past.
Tour 4 - Sacred Water Temples & Cleansing Ritual Tour
Experience a spiritual journey at the Tirta Empul Temple, where you can partake in a traditional purification ritual under the guidance of a Balinese priest.
After the cleansing ceremony, you’ll visit other lesser-known water temples around Ubud, learning about their history and cultural significance. This tour is perfect for those interested in the spiritual side of Balinese culture.
Useful Resource: Ubud Travel Tips and Checklist
Tour 5 - Bali Night Safari & Stargazing Adventure
Escape the usual tourist spots for a night adventure through Bali’s wilderness. This guided night safari in the forests around Ubud introduces you to Bali’s nocturnal wildlife, from civet cats to night-blooming flowers.
The tour wraps up with a stargazing session in a quiet, open area, where you’ll enjoy the natural beauty of Bali’s night sky away from city lights.
Check Out: 13 Best Places to Hike in Bali
Tour 6 - Ubud Village Life Tour
Experience authentic Balinese village life by joining a family in their home and participating in daily activities. From traditional farming practices to cooking local dishes and making offerings, this tour gives you a rare glimpse into the rhythm of rural life in Ubud.
Additionally, you’ll also get a hands-on lesson in crafting ceremonial items, making this an enriching cultural immersion.
Tour 7 - Eco-Friendly Rice Terrace Trek & Farm Tour
Join this sustainable tour through Ubud’s iconic rice terraces, led by farmers who share their knowledge of traditional Balinese agricultural practices.
In this tour, you will learn about subak, the ancient water irrigation system, and try your hand at rice planting or harvesting, depending on the season. The tour concludes with a farm-to-table lunch made with fresh ingredients sourced from the farm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can book each tour directly through the provided links or contact the tour operator for more details on availability, pricing, and customization options. You can book 3 of the 7 tours mentioned above here.
It’s recommended to bring comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and a reusable water bottle. For water temple tours, modest clothing is appreciated, and sarongs may be provided.
Yes, many of these tours are family-friendly. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific age restrictions or accommodations for children.
All tours offered by Ubud Story Walks offer English-speaking guides to ensure you have a meaningful and engaging experience.
Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...
Ubud Story Walks is something different. It’s a fun, entertaining and refreshing way to delve into Ubud’s past. The knowledgeable guides place as much emphasis on how they tell a story as they do on what they’re sharing, which means all sorts of magical and mystifying details are revealed. I believe the best way to get to know a place is to walk its streets, which makes Ubud Story Walks one of the best ways to get to know Ubud.
Julia Winterflood
We had a fantastic time walking around the historical centre of Ubud! Even though we've been based in Bali for a few years, we'd never had an actual tour of some of Bali's most iconic landmarks and learning about the history was fascinating. Our guide was hilarious and full of information and it was a lovely and relaxing way to learn so much. The tour was early in the morning which was perfect timing as the temperature was still cool and we were able to witness the morning bustle of Ubud's famous markets. 10/10 would recommend!
Rahima Saikal
Anthony Besnault2024-05-04I highly recommend this tour for anyone eager to delve into the rich culture, tradition, art, philosophy and history of Bali. My experience with Khana was truly delightful; her warmth and knowledge made for a smooth and captivating discussion. It's undoubtedly a 5-star tour!
Elia Argentiero2024-05-02Wonderful tour! Khana is a passionate and knowledgeable guide which made the whole experience amazing!
Caroline o'Hara2024-04-28What a gem of a morning this was! We just loved it and we learnt so much. Perfectly paced and beautifully explained, Balinese and specifically Ubud history and culture came alive for us. Thank you Khana and Joe for such a great start to our few days in Ubud. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a more bespoke and small group learning experience.
Amanda Frisby2024-04-07The past to present tour was excellent! Our guides were passionate about the history they were telling us and explained things very well. The story walk was a high light for me in my visit to Bali!
Clara Gómez Donoso2024-03-27Amazing tour to learn about Balinese culture! Really made me appreciate their way of living. Highly recommended, the guides are very generous sharing their knowledge and experience. Thanks so much Khana and Ira!
Olivia Pilla2024-03-15Khana was my guide and she was so friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Bali. I had an extremely enjoyable tour and would highly recommend it! The morning tea stop was delicious also. Thank you again Khana!
Marry Jay2024-03-14It was a beautiful little tour through ubud and a truly authentic experience. Though a bit more expensive than other tours I would highly recommend to book this tour to experience an authentic tour with a local. Thank you again Windari.
Judy Astridge2024-03-11Our guide Win shared interesting insights into Balinese culture. We highly recommend the walk Ubud past and present. Very enjoyable and a nice size of group.
Kate Gilkison2024-03-06I can 100% recommend this tour. I was looking for a short tour that would give me a taste of Bali’s history, culture, art and way of life, and this definitely delivered. Khana was an excellent guide, who answered all our questions and more!