The best Ubud has to offer

The best things to do in Ubud include exploring ancient temples, majestic royal palaces, and green hillsides and rice terraces. A treasure trove of cultural landmarks, this Balinese town and its outskirts within the Gianyar regency, are where some of the world’s notable artisans and collectors have visited and worked in.

Most of the local museums and galleries are along the main Jalan Raya Ubud. There are plenty of natural landscapes and attractions that are within a short drive outside the town centre. Prominent and unmissable landmarks in Ubud include Ubud Monkey Forest and the photogenic Tegallalang rice terrace.

1. The Ubud Monkey Forest

The Ubud Monkey Forest, located on the fringes of central Ubud, is home to over 700 long-tailed macaques. This natural sanctuary is perhaps the best known in Bali thanks to its community-based management, location and ease of access.

Overseen by the Padangtegal village, Ubud Monkey Forest is a place of scientific research and a site of spiritual and cultural aspects, as there are sacred temples sanctified by local villagers. The Ubud Monkey Forest is also called the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, and, by its official designation, Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana.

2. The Tegallalang Rice Terrace

The Tegallalang rice terrace is famous for its scenic landscape, where travellers to Ubud often stop by for snapshots of an iconic Balinese view. Bali’s traditional, centuries-old cooperative irrigation system (known as subak) has created some of the most beautiful terraced landscapes in Southeast Asia, and this valley is a great example.

The quaint village of Pakudui is close to the Tegallang rice terrace. You can find a variety of ornamental woodwork and various carvings of mythical figures. Many souvenir stalls line the ledge of Tegallang, where you can pick up some gifts before continuing your journey to Ubud’s main centre.