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Ubud

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About Ubud

Those looking for a change, transformation, and spiritual awakening, apart from travelling to one of the world’s most affordable and beautiful town, travel to Ubud in Indonesia. It is a home to great culture, food, restaurants, sightseeing, spirituality, and travel. The Hollywood movie, Eat, Pray, Love was shot in Ubud. Ubud is mostly a retreat for yoga, meditation, and many wellness and adventure activities. It is an adventurer’s delight. The green pastures flanked by water bodies and clear sky are enough to set your body clock to the right timing. You can fine tune your bodily vibes and energies when you visit Ubud, seamlessly integrated into Bali trip packages for a holistic and transformative experience.

You can as well take a short course in ayurvedic medicine and yoga, live in cottages and resorts, go shopping, and have a great time well spent in this part of Indonesia. The festivals of Ubud are the most vibrant and colorful. Commuting within Ubud is easy by hiring a bike and driving around the town all by yourself. Ride paddy fields, historical places, and dense forests make Ubud one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Bali. You can attend the beach parties and enjoy the Balinese dance in this town of Ubud in central Bali.

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Attractions

Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is home to more than 700 grey long tailed macaques living in an alluring natural habitat, making it a perfect place to explore for all the nature enthusiasts. The monkey forest is also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal as it is home to several age-old places of worship under the dense foliage. 
Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple, also known as Pura Tirta Empul, is situated in the village of Manukaya, near Tampaksiring town in central Bali. It is renowned for its holy spring which is a major source of fresh water in the region as well. The Balinese Hindus consider this water to be amritha, or holy, and they visit the temple for ritual purification in order to cleanse their souls and protect themselves from evil forces.

Holy Spring Water Temple

Tampak Siring, also known as the Holy Spring Water Temple, is a captivating attraction to visit in Bali. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sacred waters believed to possess healing properties. The temple's serene surroundings and intricate stone carvings create a spiritual ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for cultural and wellness enthusiasts.

Goa Gajah

The Goa Gajah complex includes a demon-mouthed cave, a sacred pool, a section dedicated to the Buddha, and a meeting hall, making it one of the most revered religious sites in Bali. The cave, known as Elephant Cave, houses a lingam and yoni depicting Hindu God Shiva and his wife and a statue of Ganesha, Shiva's son. There are Buddhist images of stupas and chattras around the pool.

Ubud FAQ's

Travel advice

-  You can get to Ubud from Bali by bus and taxi. You can land at Bali airport. It is difficult to get through customs.

- You must never touch the head of either children or adults in Ubud, Bali because the head is considered sacred as per their customs.

- Do not do drugs in Ubud, as you will be offered easily during breakfast in the form of a capsule. Strictly say ‘No’.

- Remove shoes when entering homes and temples in Ubud, Bali.

- Always use your right hand for giving money, business card, or eating, as this is a custom of the oriental culture in Ubud and considered unacceptable if you do it with left hand.

- Prefer to eat more of Balinese food instead of Western food in restaurants as they may not taste as you expectations.

- Do not miss the cooking classes in Ubud. You will enjoy working with spices and their staple food.

- Do not look in the eye of monkeys in the Monkey forest, they might give you scratches and injuries.

- When riding around Ubud in a hired bike, always carry a driving license and wear a helmet.

- If you don’t have an international driver’s license, you can get a Balinese drivers license, and also get a driver’s insurance to stay away from the cops.

- Drivers on road honk a lot, and you should too, without getting cranky, when driving around.

- Beware of strong waves when surfing on the beach.

- Internet and electricity in Ubud is bad, so, do not expect a lot of social media updates happening when you are in this town.

- Try the tropical fruits available in Ubud, Bali.

Which are the best adventure sports to do in Ubud?

Visit the Monkey ForestWhen in Ubud, a visit to the famous Monkey Forest is a must. Tucked away from the bustling streets of Ubud, the forest is a paradise for nature lovers, where you can catch sights of almost 700 long-tailed grey macaques, in addition to giant banyan and nutmeg trees as well as ancient Balinese Hindu temples. During your visit to the forest, you can also spot many different species of rare plants, flowers and nearly 200 different types of trees. You can also enjoy walking on nature trails here, or even feed food to the monkeys if you wish to. 

Location: Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal Village, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Timing: 08:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

ATV Ride: One of the top adventure sports ubud is an ATV Ride. Offering you a chance to explore the beauty and natural landscapes of Ubud in a unique way, an ATV ride lets you drive through the countryside, amidst rice paddies, while giving you a glimpse of the Balinese rural lifestyle. The best thing about this activity is that you can soak in some of the most spectacular vistas of the terraced fields in northern Ubud to the waterfalls in southern Ubud. From driving across varied terrains, to visiting local villages, or even exploring the traditional coffee plantations, this adventure activity has it all. 

Location: Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Timings: 08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m. 

Bali Swing UbudWhen looking for Adventure in Ubud, head to the Bali Swing, located in the heart of Bali. Surrounded by verdant greenery, lush rice paddies and natural landscapes, the Bali Swing is the perfect place for adventure junkies and nature lovers. It is from here where you can enjoy a ride on the swing from a height of around 33 feet to 256 feet in the air, whilst enjoying the phenomenal views around you. Whilst swinging, you can also enjoy sights of surrounding attractions, including Gunung Kawi, Elephant Caves and several stunning waterfalls. 

Location: Jl. Dewi Saraswati No.7, Bongkasa Pertiwi, Kec. Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80352, Indonesia

Timings: 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. 

Mount Batur Trekking: In search of adventure sports in Ubud during your holiday? Mount Batur is the best place to go to. A trekking experience on this active volcano is amongst the best adventure activities you can do in Ubud. Simply begin your trek to the top of the mountain, soak in the surrounding natural vistas, and witness the most magical Balinese sunrise once you are at the top. The trail to the top of Mount Batur is scenic, and is one of the most adventurous things to do in south Bali. During the trek, you can also enjoy gushing streams, rivulets, waterfalls and several species of flora and fauna. 

Location: Mount Batur, Bali, Indonesia

Timing: Open 24 hours 

River Rafting: River rafting is yet another one of the top adventure sports ubud. All you have to do is head to the Ayung River, located in northern Ubud, take a small training by experts and begin cruising in the gushing waters of the rivers. As you raft along the 9.6 kilometres of the river, you will also cross several unexplored forests, quaint hamlets as well as stunning rice terraces, among other natural sceneries that you can enjoy. A river rafting experience in Ubud is the best way to explore Bali in all its glory. 

Location: Northern Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m. 

Mountain Cycling: For a unique Adventure in Ubud, you can also indulge in mountain cycling. This adventure activity lets you explore the countryside of Ubud on a cycle, while giving you a chance to explore the offbeat dirt roads, rice paddies, small villages and other attractions at your own pace. While cycling on the mountains, you can also visit local attractions, such as Lembah Jin waterfall, ancient temples or even stop to sip on some fresh coconut water on the way. Mountain cycling will also help you get that boost of exercise and adrenaline pumping within you. 

Location: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. 

Rice Field Trekking: Another great Adventure in Ubud is rice field trekking, which you can enjoy in the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace. Famous for following the traditional water management and irrigation system, a trek along this stunning rice field is nothing short of adventurous. From offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes and jungles, to nature photography and sights of varied flora and fauna, a rice field trekking experience is unparalleled. During the trek, you can also learn about the different kinds of farming techniques used here. 

Location: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Timing: 06:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m. 

Tubing: Amongst the newer water sports and adventure activities in Ubud, water tubing is quickly gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike. In this adventure sport, you can witness the serene beauty of the Petanu river as you cruise along its waters in a tube. Simply relax in a tube while manoeuvring through 5 kilometres of class II rapids of the river and enjoying scenic views of the villages and forests along the shore. 

Location: Petanu River, Pejeng Kawan, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.

Is Ubud Bali worth visiting?

Absolutely! With the beautiful contrast of flora and fauna, traditional markets, centuries-old temples, and royal palaces, Ubud City is worth the last penny you spend on your trip.

Located in the centre of Bali, this beautiful destination will make you fall for its rich cultural landmarks, authentic handicrafts, and photogenic surrounds.

How to reach Ubud from Bali Airport?

It takes approx 1-2 hour to reach Ubud from Ngurah Rai International Airport. There are taxis available outside the airport that will charge you approx $27 or more.

What are the public transportation to reach Ubud?

There are local transport into the form of SUVs or minivans that can be hired with a driver for specific trips. Though, you can reach Ubud through taxi from the main Bali city, but you'll hardly find taxis plying in Ubud. Look for the circular yellow "E" logo on the windshield certifying them as Ubud Transport Association members. There are public buses from Gilimanuk, that passes through Singaraja and Denpasar. There is no direct bus to Ubud.

How to Reach Ubud from India?

Take a flight to Denpasar Airport in Bali as there are no direct flights to Ubud. Since there are frequent flights available from the major cities of India including New Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, and Bangalore to Bali, there will not be any difficulty in getting to Bali. Make sure you proceed with the bookings two months prior to your visit. Air India, Jet Konnect, Hong Kong Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Dragon Air, and Jet Airways are few airlines that provide the required services.

From the airport, you can either hire a taxi from Bali or make prior arrangements with the hotels you’ve booked accommodations. Do not panic if the road signs indicate Gianyar only as Ubud lies in the same regency. You can also ask the locals while you’re on your way.

Can I rent a motorbike or a bicycle in Ubud?

Yes, you can rent motorbike and cycles to travel around Ubud. Though the rent price in Ubud compared to other parts of Bali can be quite less. Check out with the guest house and resorts where you can get motorbikes on rent at cheap rate. However, try' to get the registration papers for the bike from the hirer, when you hit a police check point. Check out different bike rental services in Ubud and compare their prices.

What currency is used in Ubud?

The currency used in Ubud is Indoensian Rupiah.

Is it safe to travel to Ubud?

Ubud is a very safe town. Its size alone is a good reason why there is little crime and practically no complaint from the tourists. However, it is important to avoid alone night walks and getting into contact with illegal people. The best thing is to have all the emergency numbers with you to get into contact with officials during any situation.

The trouble can be with the police if you drive a scooter without a helmet or international drivers license. You may end paying fine under this scenario.

How expensive is Ubud?

Ubud is not much expensive, compared to its size of place. There is a wide accommodation options available in Ubud which can be around $100 per month for a single room up to $4000 for a large luxurious property. Also there are affordable restaurants for dinner and lunch. It would cost you around $1.20 to $2.00 per meal. Also, if you're choosing bike rental, then your transportation will come down.

What is the ideal duration for a holiday in Ubud?

Minimum 4 days is enough to explore Ubud. In these 4 days, you can visit- Monkey Forest, night Temple Dances, Ubud Palace, white-water rafting, Campuhan Walk, art museums, etc. You can enjoy the best time in Ubud after taking up a tour package for Bali. If you're going for a week or two to explore Bali, then you can visit Ubud to spend some days.

How is the general climate in Ubud?

The weather in Ubud is some of the best in the world. Sure it can get a bit hot at mid-day but there is often a nice breeze and being a bit above sea level keeps the temperature somewhat in check. During the winter the temperature can drop below 20 degrees at night and will usually remain below 30 degrees in the daytime.

Dry and Wet are two seasons in Ubud. The dry season is generally from July to October and wet season one can expect a bit of rain nearly every day.

What adventure activities one can do in Ubud?

Ubud is well known as a place to relax, unwind, get pampered, do yoga and meditate. But above all, one can even enjoy the adventure and offbeat activities in Ubud. Discover the adventure side of the beautiful place hidden:

River Rafting at Ayung River: The infamous river Ayung River provides the best white-water rafting experience in Bali. The rafting trip starts from the north of Ubud and ends near the west.

Wild Volcano Climbing Day: Get relaxed and pampered at Volcano Batur and Volcano Agung.Volcano Batur is 1717m above sea level while Volcano Agung goes up to 3142m, and are great adventurous place in Ubud.

Canyon Tubing: Get into the aqua-based adrenaline rush, head up into the hills and hidden canyons of Kerta Village Payangan. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the canyon while drifting on this semi-wild clear stream for forty kilometers in a single inflatable tube.

Cycling in Ubud: This will give you the opportunity to savour the Balinese countryside and to cruise through untouched rice paddies.

Flying Fox: Advance yourself with this challenging yet extremely amusing activity, flying down the canyon passing splendid views of the Siap River and Payangan forest.

Can I visit Ubud Monkey forest? What is special about it?

Yes, you can visit the most famous Ubud Monkey Forest. This tourist place holds special place by Padangtegal village people and view the Monkey Forest as an important spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center for the village. There are around 700 monkeys, you also can see 186 species of trees in 12.5 hectares of forest. The forest is open from 8.30am-6pm

What are the various luxurious resorts available in Ubud?

These luxury resorts are combined luxury and comfort at the best level possible. Stunning views of the region add more demand to every particular resort here. Some of the luxury resorts in Ubud are:
  • FuramaXclusive Villas & Spa Ubud
  • Kamandalu Resort
  • Chapung Se Bali Resort and Spa
  • Alaya Resort Ubud
  • Ashoka Tree Resort Ubud

What kind of nightlife I can experience in Ubud?

Ubud is an upland destination known for its relaxing ambiance and quiet, traditional atmosphere. Though none of the venues may parallel the bars and nightclubs on Bali’s south, a few cater to night owls with a more easygoing scene and casual gatherings. Puri Saren Royal Palace is a great place to enjoy cultural night performances with its traditional dances, modern nightlife. Some other hotspots in Ubud are-
  • Ubud Royal Palace
  • Laughing Buddha Bar
  • XL Shisha Lounge
  • Lake Leke Garden Restaurant
  • CP Lounge
Experience Bali with a bunch of best nightlife experiences. Go shopping, gamble at casinos, or simply hit the best nightclubs in Bali. The choice is yours!

What are the various museum and galleries located in Ubud?

There are a lot of things to see in Ubud but if you want to explore the history of Bali and Ubud, then check out some art galleries in Ubud. Each is home to vast collections of some of the rarest and most prized artworks by late Balinese and Indonesian artists. Most of these art galleries are self-labelled as ‘museums’, due to their conservatory nature. Each of these museums boasts impressive Balinese architecture and gardens, some filled with installation art.
Some of the interesting art galleries are:

What is special about Blanco Renaissance Museum?

This museum is located on a hilltop right near the iconic bridge of Campuhan, just a minute’s drive west of Ubud central. It is the house and studio of the late flamboyant Philippine-born maestro, Don Antonio Blanco and houses his paintings, collages and illustrated poetry. The art museum also has impressive architecture, well-manicured gardens and lush settings outside.

What is Campuhan Ridge Walk and what is the cost associated with Campuhan Ridge Walk?

Campuhan Ridge Walk is easy trek walk providing great retreat from the more hectic southern parts of the island, but this trail presents an even more pristine outback to escape from the contemporary boutique and guesthouse. The small bridge over the revered Campuhan River leads to the majestic Pura Gunung Lebah temple complex. The best time to enjoy the Campuhan Ridge Walk is early morning and late afternoon, when the temperature is cool and when the skies show their best hues during sunrise and sunset.

What festivals do the local people celebrate in Ubud?

One can witness the magic of cultural events held in Ubud. These festival provide a clear picture of the culture of Bali.
Here are some interesting festivals celebrated in Ubud:
  • Ubud Food Festival: Showcasing Indonesia’s diverse cuisines and extraordinary local produce, Ubud Food Festival celebrates the archipelago’s rich culinary heritage and the entire spectrum of its food industry. Alongside Indonesian chefs, restaurateurs, producers, and food professionals, celebrated culinary icons from around the world dish up a program rich in fresh tastes and fresh ideas.
  • Saraswati: Balinese Hindus celebrate Saraswati, a day devoted to the Goddess of Knowledge, Art, and Literature - Dewi Saraswati. It is celebrated on January 21.
  • Banyu Pinaruh: Banyu Pinaruh is the immediate day after Saraswati, which falls on a Paing Sinta Sunday on the Balinese pawukon calendar.
  • Soma Ribek: It falls Pon Sinta Monday on the pawukon calendar and roughly means ‘rich Monday’.
  • Tumpek Uduh: A holy day dedicated to the blessings of plants, especially those that produce fruits and flowers. It is celebrated on 11th March
  • Ubud Village Jazz Festival: August 11th-12th With bands from all over the world from Germany to USA, to local artists. this Festival is a treat for every Jazz lover.

What are the places famous for Yoga and meditation in Ubud?

Yoga and peaceful place, both can be the best tour experience. By visiting to some historic or peaceful locations and engaging in meditation is the best thing you can do. Ubud is yogi heaven. Despite its small size (it’s really a collection of villages) there are dozens of classes to choose from every day. The class pass can cost you around $8.60. All the yoga studios provide free mats, props, and water.
Some of the best options are:
  • The Yoga Barn
  • Radiantly Alive
  • Ubud Yoga House
  • Taksu Yoga
  • Intuitive Flow

Also Read: Famous Places for Yoga in Ubud

What is there to shop in Ubud and what are the best places for shopping?

Ubud is a haven for arts and crafts, and you can strike great bargains here. One can stroll in the market and discover a wealth of paintings, carvings, traditional garments and unique knick-knacks. From the main street to the Monkey Forest in Padangtegal, and from Sanggingan to Pengosekan, you’ll discover a great mix of unique items. These markets are open daily, and features numerous shops displaying everything from beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats.
Some of the shopping options are:
  • Ubud Art Market
  • Sukawati Art Market
  • Guwang Art Market
  • Celuk Gold and Silversmiths
  • Tegallalang Handicrafts Centre

What is Luwak coffee?

Luwak or Kopi Luwak is the world’s most expensive coffee. The reason behind of it’s high price is the uncommon method of producing such a coffee. Produced from the coffee beans which have been digested by a certain Indonesian cat-like animal called then palm civet, it made to be also named as cat poop coffee. The feces of this cat will be collected, finished and sold as kopi luwak.

Which restaurants serve the best food in Ubud?

There are some of the best restaurants serving both veg and non-veg foods in Ubud. These restaurants are not only known for foods, but also the ambiance and the location. These include:
  • Melting Wok
  • Sage
  • The Elephant
  • Swept Away
  • CasCades Restaurant
  • Ke-Pi-Tu

Is vegetarian food easily available in Ubud?

There are some good vegan restaurants in Ubud. One can taste Balinese dishes from Mexican, Indian, and Italian food; beautifully presented raw vegan meals; and even vegetarian tasting menus at fancy fine dining restaurants. Indonesians eat plenty of meat, but their diet also includes tofu, tempeh, vegetables, and rice so it’s easy to adapt dishes for vegetarians. Some of the vegan foods are:
  • Nasi Campur – A staple of the diet here, this is the Balinese thali, a plate of rice, and various small vegetable, tempeh, and tofu dishes, and a dollop of spicy sambal.
  • Gado Gado – Cold vegetables with peanut sauce.
  • Jukut Arab – A Balinese salad of lightly blanched vegetables (typically bean sprouts and green beans) and grated coconut.
  • Tempeh Satay – Tempeh skewers with peanut sauce.
  • Nasi Goreng – Fried rice that can be made with just vegetables.

Are there any money exchangers in Ubud?

Yes, there are money exchanger facilities, but very few in Ubud. You'll find several money changers at the International Arrivals of the Ngurah Rai International Airport and Denpasar Airport. If you're accommodating in Ubud, then the best thing is to get the money exchanged in Bali. Some of the options are-
  • PT. Dirgahayu Valuta Prima
  • Wahana Money Changer
  • BMC Money Changer
  • PT. Central Kuta

What are some important laws that I should keep in mind while visiting Ubud?

The laws in Ubud are similar to Bali. One has to know the certain laws authorised by the officials.
  • Drugs are highly illegal in Indonesia. Punishments are severe and include the death penalty.
  • If you're carrying Australian prescription medications (including strong painkillers such as morphine and codeine, sleeping pills), then it is considered illegal
  • Gambling is illegal
  • By law, you must carry identification at all times.
  • Indonesian law does not criminalise homosexuality, but it isn't widely accepted culturally.
  • Always carry at least a copy of your passport for ID purposes and act like you normally would.
  • You need an international drivers licence to ride a motorbike (not necessary if a pillion passenger, but driver must still be licensed)

Ubud Reviews

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Shweta Tiwari
Reviewed: 06 Apr 2023
5.0/5
Thank u for making this trip memorable for us. The whole thrillophilla team was available throughout the trip. The local staff and guide were quite knowledgeable. We created a lot of memories, thanks to the well planned trip. Would love you trouble you again for another trip 😜
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Shivam Gaur
Reviewed: 22 Dec 2022
4.0/5
This was our first trip with Thrillophila. I was looking for a complete honeymoon package an Thrillophilia's Bali tour came up in my search. The staff was responsive and planned the travel well. I wanted the best of hotels for my trip and I was not disappointed. Although the hotel dates and could ha... Read More
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Dr Shashi Dangwal
Reviewed: 05 Oct 2022
5.0/5
We had an awesome holiday in Bali. Thank you for making our trip so pleasant. Already recommending thrillophilia to others.
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Ashuma S
Reviewed: 03 Dec 2023
5.0/5
It was an amazing trip
Ashuma S
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Trine Bridge Languages And Media Solutions
Reviewed: 11 Apr 2023
5.0/5
It was Amazing, itinerary's were well planned! My dearest friend from Sales team Mr. Abhinav Saini was very supportive and was in regular contact with us, we had some issues with Operational team but Abhinav handles that part as well. Overall it was very good experience with Thrillophilia. Cheers!
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Shweta Tiwari
Reviewed: 06 Apr 2023
5.0/5
We enjoyed our trip thoroughly. The local staff and guide were also very kind and supportive. The hotels where we stayed were very comfortable with amazing view. The whole thrillophilla team was available to help throughout the trip. The trip was very well organised we got to do some adventure also.... Read More
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