5 Most unique experiences in ubud that are off the beaten path
By now, everyone knows about the tropical paradise of Bali – it’s become a world-renown hotspot for adventure seekers and globetrotters looking to escape to an island oasis. As the cultural center of the island, Ubud has also gained popularity as a tourist destination.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t discover unique, engaging experiences right in the heart of this thriving city. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, check out these lesser-known activities to dive deep into the Balinese culture.
March to the Beat of your own Drum
Music is the soul of any culture, and it is a language everyone can learn. Yes, even you! So, sign up for a drum workshop and experience a lively, local vibe at a drum circle. The Ubud Drum Class is a heart-thumping drum workshop where locals and visitors alike gather to share the rhythm with new friends.
At this informal meetup, you’ll learn to play the djembe, a West African drum that has been manufactured in Indonesia since the late 1800s. The instructor holds drum workshops every Thursday afternoon in a tropical outdoor location. No experience necessary – just come ready for fun!
If you’re lucky, you may even be able to catch one of the instructor’s concerts. Check out Bali Bohemia, a live music restaurant in the heart of Ubud where the band often meets up for a night of djembe, balafon, and dancing.
Ubud Drum Class | Satya Graha Ashram, Nyuh Kuning, Ubud
Bathe in sound and healing energy
Bali is one of the best places in the world to namaste the hours away. While yoga is all the rage, there is a healing world that goes well beyond the physical. Radiantly Alive Yoga Studio offers a unique blend of classes and workshops to allow you to get in touch with yourself on a path to rediscovery.
One of the most unique classes offered at Radiantly Alive is the ancient practice of shamanic sound healing. This healing journey uses sound to work through your addictions, traumas, memories, and more, as the instructor “removes energetic blockages” from your soul.
If nothing else, you’ll feel a deep relaxation as you focus on your breath and let your body become bathed in sound and healing energy.
Radiantly Alive Yoga | Jalan Jembawan No. 3, Ubud
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Learn the Bahasa Language
Want to try your hand (or your tongue) at speaking the local language? Bahasa Indonesia is the national language of Indonesia – if you escape the touristy areas of Ubud, this is the language you’ll commonly hear spoken on the streets. Check out a Bahasa crash course to learn the basics.
Cinta Bahasa is an Indonesian language school that started in Ubud in 2010 – here, you’ll find the Indonesian Language “Crash” Course. This single-session class teaches you lots of useful words and phrases. And you’ll actually have fun doing it! It’s an awesome opportunity to interact with new friends and learn to speak a bit of Bahasa Indonesia.
If you’re planning to stay in Ubud for a while, you can sign up for one of their longer sessions and get even more words under your belt. The locals will appreciate your attempts to communicate!
Cinta Bahasa | Jalan Raya Sanggingan No. 88X, Ubud
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Master the Art of Massage
Bali is known for its ultra-relaxing, ultra-luxurious massages and spas. But why not master the classic Balinese Massage yourself? At Tamarind Spa, you’ll learn all the skills to treat your friends or family to a relaxation experience straight from the cultural center of Bali.
Tamarind Spa opened in 2011 and is operated by Murni’s Houses & Spa, a frequent winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellent and Best of Bali awards. The massage instructor has over 10 years of experience and teaches the classic Balinese massage with a “listening touch”. This massage class is great for any level – even absolute beginners.
The massage class is split up into 4 parts and lasts approximately 4 hours in total. You can spread the classes out over several days or do it all in one day. And here’s a nice bonus – the class ends with a one-hour massage from the teacher!
Tamarind Spa | Jalan Raya (opposite Pura Dalem), Ubud
Discover Herbal Healing in Nature
Interested in natural healing and remedies? Bali has a long history of using natural plants and herbs as traditional medicines, and there’s no better couple to teach you all about herbalism than Lilir and Westi at Bali Nature Herbal Walks.
These two knowledgeable guides come from generations of healers. Now, they share their ancient wisdom with visitors on a three-hour walk through the lush Bali landscape, identifying medicinal and cooking herbs and plants along the way.
On this adventure, you’ll walk through the scenic rice fields surrounding Ubud, while learning all about natural plants and herbs used in traditional medicine. The fields are packed with nature’s bounty – you’ll find turmeric, citronella, soursop, and taro plants, just to name a few.
By crushing roots and leaves in your hands, you’ll delight your senses with their intoxicating fragrances. You’ll even nibble on edible leaves and drink fresh coconut juice (it’s delish!).
Bali Nature Herbal Walks | Jalan Suweta Ubud
Inspired yet? Good. Now, get off the beaten path and enjoy a unique, authentic Ubud experience that you can’t find anywhere else!
