Welcome to Ubud, Bali’s peaceful destination of lush greenery and zen. Ubud, as you will see for yourself, is worth all of the hype. Popularized by the Eat, Pray, Love’rs of the world, Ubud is a true gem of a travel destination unlike any other.

As the island’s cultural and art hub, Ubud draws travelers searching for something unique. Where community, culture and adventure stand above the rest. If you’re looking for a break from the washed out bustle of Kuta, you’re in the right spot here in the cooler, low lying hills of Bali. Its location, tucked away amongst the legendary rice terraces and lush green hills scattered by streams, trails, jungle and extravagant foliage throughout. All will make you yearning to get out and experience all of the diversity of life that Ubud has to offer.

Ubud has a wide array of activities for every kind of traveler. From budget travelers to street foods to 5-star luxurious accommodations and world renowned chefs, Ubud literally has something for everyone. 

And the true magic of Ubud is the idyllic central location from which to play.

If you’re in town long enough your natural instinct will be to go exploring. Once you’re familiar with Ubud and all the wonderful sites within It’s time to spread those wings and journey out on some epic day trips to the memorable sites of Bali.

Tirtagangga Royal Water Garden

Distance from Ubud;  75 km east of Ubud / 2+ hours driving

From Ubud, you can visit Tirtagangga. A beautiful Balinese water palace, Tirtagangga was built in 1948. It is a maze of fountains, pools, ponds and temples, artfully built in the lush greenery and rice terraces that Bali is known for. 

The intricate layers of the palace and masterfully built sculptures and pools create a landmark of Balinese spirit. As you navigate through the Tirta Gangga, taking in its delicate yet well-founded design, you will inherently understand the culture and attitude of Indonesia’s most famous island. Lose your way while you meander through the 1.2 ha of ponds and pools and get a taste of the sublime that people come to Bali searching for.

Mount Batur

Distance from Ubud;  45 km north of Ubud / 90+ minutes driving

Feel like sitting atop an active volcano and watching the sun come up? (Disclaimer - it involves climbing a mountain while you would normally be sleeping.)

If you’re an adventure seeker and also a lover of scenic beauty, trekking Mount Batur should be at the top of your to-do list. The sunrise trek over Mount Batur is a popular activity for all tourists. You will hike up Batur in the dark, your flashlight guiding your steps as your eyes try to adjust to the darkness. And your Balinese guide, who undoubtedly has plenty of experience helping tourists stumble along the mountain in the dark, will be there to hold your hand if you need it. Summiting the 1717 metre mountain usually takes about two hours up and another two down, and the guided trek includes a breakfast at the top. If you feel like braving the task, you will be rewarded with a sunrise over the sea while you sit atop an active volcano. That sounds bucket list worthy, no?

If you are not a night owl or an extreme early bird, there are other ways to take in the majestic beauty of the mountain as well. Trekking Mount Batur can be done at different times of the day, and of course taking in the view while sipping a hot cup of coffee or beverage of your choice in a seaside chair also works and there will be absolutely no judgement on our part!

Canggu Beach

Distance from Ubud;  32 km south west of Ubud / 60+ minutes driving

If the crowded and overly touristy beaches of Kuta have gotten you a bit sour on the beaches of Bali. Stop the presses and grab your board shorts again! Welcome to Canggu Beach, the new hotspot just north of Seminyak and located nearby the popular Tanah Lot temple.

Popular with digital nomads and surfers, Canggu beach features the best of both worlds. It is a rural town, not yet developed like nearby hubs. This creates a special atmosphere featuring all of the things you probably came to Bali for - beaches, lush greenery, food and endless charm. Less crowded than other popular beaches like Seminyak or Kuta, Canggu has its own unique vibe that you don’t want to miss.

As you would imagine of a place popular with expats, this sleepy beach town has a wide variety of hip food options, boasting charming cafes and western expat approved fare. Canggu is a popular destination for surfers with its welcoming offshore breaks and various surf conditions only make the Canggu region suitable for all skill levels. If you feel like surfing, or are up for the task of learning, there are heaps of surfing courses along this stretch of coast.

Canggu is perfect if you’re looking to get a little off the beaten path, relax, take in an epic sunset, and dip into a unique and refreshing part of the island.

Sekumpul Waterfall

Distance from Ubud;  65 km north of Ubud / 2+ hours driving

Forget the more popular (and admittedly easier to get to) waterfalls near Ubud. Sekumpul Waterfall is one of Bali’s hidden secrets. It is a collection of falls nestled away in the Balinese jungle, not too far from Ubud. (Love waterfalls? Check out Watersfalls in Bali)

Getting there however, requires a little work and you will likely get your feet a little wet. Well, maybe a lot wet depending on the time of the year. Prepare yourself for a slippery track and a stream or two. Trails will lead you through fields, villages, past durian trees, down some stairs and of course through a rice terrace because would you even be in Bali otherwise? Within not too long though, you’ll be watching the breathtaking falls from a nearby gazebo or wading in the fall’s waters.

Something for Everyone

Ubud is a special place. Once you get out to experience it, you will see why so many people visit and also call it home. A cultural mecca for Bali, Ubud is where you go to wind down and take a little breath. It’s a spiritual hub for the yogis of the world, and it’s packed with a variety of different options and experiences like no other destination in Southeast Asia. It’s the intangibles of Ubud, the people, the smells, the natural beauty that make this a such a special place. It’s merely impossible to write on paper the wonderful feeling and transformation your soul makes when visiting this magical Balinese village.

Ubud is likened to that of a native shaman, a wise elderly always altering your path in life into the right direction. A place you seek to bring balance and harmony into your world.

Whatever your travel desires, Ubud has an answer. Here’s to the adventures and experiences in your quest of finding them!

Read more about Ubud.