What to Do in Ubud: 10 Things I Loved & 7 Things You Can Skip (2025)

I just got back from a long trip to Bali—hanging out, working remotely, you know, the usual. And every time I visit, Ubud still has that magical, jungle-town vibe that makes it such a cool place to explore. But at the same time, there’s so much more popping up every year, and not all of it is worth your time.

Bali has always had a bit of an over-the-top reputation, and while Ubud held onto its charm for a long time, it’s definitely starting to feel the effects of mass tourism. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go—Ubud is still stunning, full of amazing food, jungle views, and cool experiences. You just need to know what’s actually worth doing and what’s more of a tourist trap.

So, instead of just listing things to do, I’m giving you the full breakdown—what I loved, what was just meh, and what I’d skip next time in this What to Do in Ubud Guide. That way, you can spend more time enjoying the best of Ubud and less time stuck in a queue for something underwhelming.

10 Non Touristy Things to Do in Ubud (That I Actually Loved)

So, this guide is all about what I genuinely enjoyed in Ubud and what I thought wasn’t worth the hype. I’ve been working remotely for a while now (I guess that technically makes me a digital nomad, but I’d never call myself that), and at heart, I’m definitely more of a backpacker. So, my recommendations lean toward things that were naturally fun, a little off the beaten path, or genuinely culturally interesting.

If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable floating breakfast, the most beautiful Bali swing, or the most Bali-looking yoga class (I love yoga, by the way)—this guide won’t be for you. Honestly, I think those are the things that have started to take away from what makes Bali special. But don’t worry, you’ll still find them below… in the “what not to do” section, in case you fancy a quick read.

That said, Ubud still has plenty of magic if you know where to look. You just need a bit of direction to make the most of it.

💡If you’re planning a trip, check out my Bali vs. Sri Lanka guide—Sri Lanka is an amazing, more low-key alternative to Bali!

1. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Nope, these aren’t the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces—that one’s in my “what not to do” section below because, honestly, it’s just a massive tourist trap (I’ll explain why later).

I actually discovered Jatiluwih last year, and I have no idea why it isn’t talked about more when people mention Ubud. Everyone seems to only know Tegallalang, but I wanted something more authentic—and Jatiluwih is exactly that. I hopped on my scooter, rode for over an hour, and made sure to leave around 6 AM to beat the heat. And let me tell you, it was 100% worth it. The scenery is incredible, and the best part? It feels real. Locals actually live and work here, tending to the fields as they always have. No swings, no zip lines—just the kind of breathtaking rice terraces you imagine when you think of Bali. And I’m all here for it.

2. Pura Tirta Empul

I’m always on the fence about visiting temples in Bali. Some are absolutely worth it, while others feel like they’ve been turned into full-on tourist attractions. It’s always a hit or miss.

That said, Pura Tirta Empul was definitely a hit and one of the most unique things to do in Ubud. It’s one of the most famous water temples in Bali, and what makes it special is that you can actually take part in a purification ceremony—a meaningful and unique experience.

I got there early, around 8 AM, and it was practically empty, which made the whole thing even more special. At the entrance, I also hired a guide named Botak, and I’m so glad I did. He explained the temple’s history, walked us through the entire process, and made sure we understood the significance of each step before getting into the water.

3. Coffee at Ubud Coffee Roastery

If there’s one thing Ubud does right, it’s coffee. There are plenty of solid cafés, but I somehow ended up at Ubud Coffee Roastery almost every day.

It’s tucked away on a quieter side street, has two floors, and plenty of seating both inside (hello, aircon) and outside. Of course, it also looks the part—because let’s be real, every café in Bali is designed to be aesthetic—but what really mattered was that the flat white was excellent. And the almond croissants were easily the best I had in Bali.

Also, if you’re looking for a place to work from, this is a winner. Fast WiFi, chill atmosphere, and no one giving you the side-eye for opening your laptop. Safe to say, I got a lot of ‘work’ done here.

4. Sacred Monkey Forest

The notorious Monkey Forest—you’ve probably already heard of it. And yeah, I do think it’s worth checking out, though I’ve had mixed experiences here.

Basically, it’s a jungle park with an ancient temple and a whole bunch of monkeys running around causing absolute chaos. If you’re scared of monkeys, maybe sit this one out. But if you’re down to watch clueless tourists try to get selfies with them (and immediately regret it), it’s a pretty entertaining spectacle.

Would I do it again? Probably. But if you skip it, you’re not missing the highlight of Ubud

5. Warung Hopping in Ubud

I said I’m a backpacker at heart, which means I’m not spending $20 on dinner—more like $4. That’s why I love warungs, the small, local restaurants in Bali. Some are more authentic than others, and you can usually tell by the location and setup which ones are for locals and which ones are geared toward tourists. But honestly, as long as the food is good and cheap, I’m happy.

My two favorite warungs in Ubud were Warung Bhisma and Warung Gauri. You’ll find the usual classics like nasi goreng and mie goreng, but do yourself a favor and try the gado-gado—a traditional Indonesian salad with peanut sauce. So good.

6. Campuhan Ridge Walk

One of the best free things to do in Ubud for me was the Campuhan Ridge Walk. Funny enough, I didn’t have high expectations, but I ended up loving it. Walking anywhere in Bali seems to fall short since scooters are the go-to way to get around, and I missed just going for a proper walk. This trail was the perfect way to be active again while also taking in some incredible scenery.

The walk is about 9 km long, passing by temples, rice fields, and lush green hills. It’s not too difficult, but getting an early start is a good idea. I did it at sunrise because Ubud gets insanely humid during the day, and that made the whole experience so much better.

The trail starts near the Campuhan Bridge (easy to find on Google Maps), but depending on where you’re staying, it might be worth grabbing a scooter there instead of walking to the starting point. Also, take water—Bali heat is no joke.

7. Pool Clubs in Ubud (If You Pick the Right One)

I love a good beach or pool club. The beach clubs in Canggu and Uluwatu are obviously the big draw, but a few years ago, Ubud started opening its own version—pool clubs (since, well, no beach). If you’re staying somewhere without a pool, this can be a great way to cool off, chill by the water, and enjoy a cold beer or a fresh coconut. But not all of them are worth it.

Some places felt overpriced and honestly just cringy—Wanna Jungle and Cretya, for example. Way too focused on Instagram photo ops, still pushing the whole floating breakfast thing, and just generally not my vibe. But if you’re into that, you do you.

The ones I actually liked? If you want something more upscale, Jungle Fish is a solid option. It’s on the pricier side, but there’s no entrance fee—just a 500k minimum spend. My top recommendation is Ubud Sunset Pool—a smaller, more relaxed spot with cheap, good food, no entrance fee, and just a small 20k charge to use the pool. Another decent what to do in Ubud Center option is Folk in Ubud center, which used to be free but now charges a small pool fee.

8. Nungnung Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall is the one most people go to in Ubud, but honestly, it’s been overrun for years. The first time I went almost a decade ago, it already felt more like a tourist attraction than a natural wonder. You park your scooter (or get dropped off) and then walk down what feels like an endless road lined with souvenir shops, snack stands, and restaurants—basically anything that can take away from the whole “untouched nature” experience. The waterfall itself is beautiful, but the whole setup kind of ruins it.

Nungnung Waterfall, on the other hand, is a much better experience and a little hidden gem. The entrance fee is just 20k, and after a 1000-step descent, you’re rewarded with a stunning waterfall, way fewer people, and no one aggressively trying to sell you stuff. It might not be quite as big as Tegenungan, but it feels way more raw and authentic.

9. Cooking Class

When it comes to cooking classes, I have to give Ubud some credit—there are plenty of great ones, and I’ve done a few over the years. It’s also fantastic for what to do in Ubud when it rains.

Most recently, I went with Periuk Bali Cooking Class, and from start to finish, I absolutely loved it. They picked me up from my hotel in an air-conditioned bus (which, trust me, is a luxury in Bali), then took us to the rice fields to learn about the harvesting process. We also got a crash course in making coconut oil and even crafted the little offerings you’ll see outside Balinese homes—all before heading to a local market to pick up the ingredients for our meal.

We ended up making about eight different dishes and sauces, from starters to dessert, and everything was so good. Special shoutout to Wayan, our guide and chef—he was super knowledgeable, chatty, and spoke perfect English. If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on experience in Ubud, this is 100% worth doing.

10 Visit a GOOD Coffee Plantation

I’m just going to be straight with you—most coffee tours and plantations in Ubud are not great. They’re basically tourist traps that push luwak coffee (yes, the one made from civet poop). Not only is it highly unethical, but it’s also not rated or supported by any real coffee experts. So yeah, I’d skip those.

If you actually want a proper coffee experience, hop on your scooter and drive about 50 minutes north to Kintamani. This region is where real Balinese coffee is grown, with actual passion—not just for the sake of tourists.

Last time I was there, I visited Kintamani Coffee – Eco Bike Coffee, and if you’re into coffee, this place is so worth it. They have a stunning café on a hill with incredible views, plus they offer e-bike tours around their coffee plantations. The people running it were genuinely passionate, explaining everything from the growing process to the roasting.

7 Things I Would Skip Next Time (Tourist Traps & Overrated Spots)

There are a few things in Ubud that just weren’t worth it for me. Even though they’re among the most popular attractions, I found them overpriced, way too touristy, or just not worth the hype. Here’s what I’d personally skip next time:

Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall itself is beautiful, but the experience? Not so much. It’s completely overrun with shops, aggressive vendors, and overpriced everything. Every few steps, someone is trying to sell you something or lure you into their restaurant. It’s just not the peaceful nature experience you’d expect from a waterfall. There are way better and less touristy alternatives.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Tegallalang is basically the Tegenungan of rice terraces. It’s overcrowded, surrounded by souvenir shops and cafes, and doesn’t feel like nature at all. Instead of appreciating the terraces, you’re dodging people lining up for their Bali swings and those weird bird nests for Instagram photos. Skip it. If you want a real rice terrace experience, head to Jatiluwih instead.

Bali Swings

Oh man, this one. I still can’t believe people are doing Bali swings in 2025. The whole thing is a money grab—overpriced, staged, and beyond cringey. You’re literally paying to sit on a swing, pretend to have an “authentic” Bali moment, and snap a picture for Instagram. If that’s your thing, go for it. But honestly? This trend should’ve died a decade ago.

Ubud Art Market (If You Hate Haggling)

If you love haggling, go for it. But if not, the Ubud Art Market (and most markets in Bali) are total tourist traps. Almost everything is mass-produced—often in China, not Bali—so don’t expect handcrafted artisan goods. Prices are ridiculously inflated, and unless you negotiate hard, you’ll get completely ripped off.

One time, I found a cute necklace, and the seller wanted $80 USD for it. A few months later in Sri Lanka, I found the exact same necklace for $10 USD. That should tell you everything you need to know.

Luwak Coffee Plantations

I already ranted about this earlier, but in case you missed it: Luwak coffee is a scam. It doesn’t taste any better, it’s not rated by coffee experts, and the way it’s produced is cruel to the animals. These plantations cage and exploit civets just to make a quick buck off tourists. If you want a real coffee experience, head north to Kintamani, where coffee is grown properly without harming animals.

Some Yoga Studios

I’ve been doing yoga for over 10 years, and let me tell you—some of the yoga studios in Ubud are ridiculously overpriced for what they offer. Many of them charge premium prices just because they have a stunning location, but the classes themselves? Meh. Sometimes you’ll get an inexperienced backpacker-turned-teacher who just finished their training.

I have nothing against backpackers teaching yoga, but if you’re going to charge a lot of money, I’d expect a high-quality class with an experienced instructor. Before booking, read reviews and do your research—some studios are fantastic, but others are just cashing in on the wellness trend.

Expensive “Traditional Villages”

Any tour that includes a “traditional Balinese village experience” is probably a waste of money. These places are often staged and commercialized, where locals put on a show for tourists rather than showcasing real village life. It just feels weird and artificial. If you want a genuine cultural experience, you’re better off exploring small villages on your own rather than paying for a scripted tour.

Final Thoughts on My What to Do in Ubud Travel Guide

I genuinely think you can have an amazing time in Ubud—I mean that. There’s stunning nature, great places to stay, cool cultural experiences, and some incredible food.

I just want you to do your research so you can enjoy what’s actually fun and authentic—without getting caught up in the tourist traps. Personally, I’d avoid full-day Ubud tours, as they tend to cram in a bunch of overrated stops, but other than that, there’s plenty to love here.

I hope this guide helped a bit! And if I came off a little too negative… well, let’s just say writing this brought back some memories. But hey, it’s not all that bad. Happy travels!