With traditional Balinese culture brewing in every corner of the land, Ubud is a magical city in Bali seething with lavish greenery, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, ample rice terraces, majestic palaces, historical temples, and many more! The city’s natural attractions and landscapes are only a short drive away from the town centre, so locating them is not the most challenging. Being a paradise for travellers from around the world, Ubud is easily one of the most spectacular cities in Bali that leaves one craving for an extended vacation in the place all year round. Here are some of Ubud’s most treasured attractions, that should not be missed during a visit to this vivid destination.
Ubud Monkey forest
True to its name, Ubud monkey forest is one of the most popular sanctuaries for wildlife in Bali and shelters over 700 grey long-tailed macaques. The forest also hosts several key ancient temples that carry rustic guardian statues and unique architecture, A visit to this charming forest will allow you to observe monkeys playing, swinging, and being fed in their natural habitat, not to mention an opportunity to learn about their dietary requirements, health concerns, and breeding habits. After spending time with these playful mammals, you can round off your experience by signing up for a guided tour around some of the iconic historical temples and sites like the 14th-century Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal and Pura Prajapati. To relish and reminisce once you return home, why not click some photographs along the way too?
Tegallalang rice terrace
These rice terraces comprise a series of artistically arranged paddies and resonate with the Balinese irrigation system known as Subak. The fields are perched on a scenic valley, so once you get there you can find yourself immersed in the lavish greenery enveloping the place. At the entrance of the rice fields, there is also a swing with an “I love Bali sign”, for you to swing away over the beautiful rice terraces. Within proximity to the rice terraces, you will also find an exquisite village called Pakudui that hosts an array of ornamental woodworks, artefacts, and souvenirs. If you have picked to stay at a property like Anantara Ubud Bali villas from the many hotels and resorts in the area, you can easily catch a ride or hire a driver for a 30-minute journey to the rice terraces.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Tengenungan is indeed a gem amidst the ample Ubud attractions in the area. As you make your way from the entrance, there will be concrete steps and a safety rail guiding you all the way to the bottom of this stunning cascade. The walk itself will only take a pleasant 5 minutes and there is a myriad of spots to click some good photographs. The water volume of the cascade remains striking throughout the year and you are free to relax, unwind and rejuvenate your spirits by dipping your toes in the cold water for a good hour or two.
Batuan village
If you want to step back in time and see how Bali looked in those ripe old days, you should pay a visit to Batuan village. With traditional Bali compounds and natural surroundings, Batuan village is the epitome of Bali in its most conventional form. Interestingly, a majority in the village community are also craftsmen and artists. As you explore this charming city, you will also come across the Batuan village temple looked after by the local communities in the area. Adorned with Balinese ornaments, this temple is a must-see attraction if you are in the village.
