
Things to do in Ubud – Ubud is a familiar name among foreign travellers. This small town has been popular since the 1920s among western travellers. It is famous for its stunning natural beauty, rich art and culture, and serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Ubud is surrounded by green terraced rice fields, towering mountains, and clear flowing rivers. The natural landscape offers an enchanting and calming view for travellers.
The city is considered the centre of Balinese art and culture. Here, you can find various art galleries, museums, and handicraft centres that showcase the works of Balinese and international artists. Traditional art performances such as dance and music are often held at various venues in Ubud.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, the people of Ubud still maintain the characteristics of a traditional Balinese settlement. You can find houses with traditional Balinese architecture, as well as well-maintained forests and farmlands around the town.
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ToggleHistory of Ubud

The history of Ubud is filled with rich cultural and historical developments, reflecting the development of Bali as a whole. The word Ubud is said to be derived from the word “Ubad” which means medicine. Looking at its beautiful and serene nature, it is no mistake that Ubud is a medicine to soothe the soul.
This small town, or sub-district to be precise, was originally a traditional farming village in Bali, located in a fertile mountainous area. Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) was established by the royal family of Ubud in the 19th century. Puri Saren Agung became the centre of government and culture in Ubud, and still serves as a residence for descendants of the royal family to this day.
Ubud became known in the 20th century as the centre of Balinese art and culture. Around the 1920s, foreign artists such as Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet came and settled here. They paved the way for the growth of traditional Balinese painting and dance performances.
Along with the growth of art and culture, the town became a popular tourist destination for those seeking a cultural experience, traditional Balinese art, and a beautiful natural setting. The presence of famous artists and intellectual figures also increased Ubud’s popularity among international travellers.
Today, it remains an important cultural centre of Bali, attracting tourists with its art, culture and stunning nature. Its rich and varied history reinforces its appeal as a tourist destination and a place that nurtures Bali’s cultural heritage.
Things to Do
As a popular tourist destination, of course this area offers a variety of things to do if you visit this place. Such as visiting art galleries, traditional markets, dance performances and many more, among others:
- Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Enjoy a unique experience at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you can interact with long-tailed monkeys that live wild in a small forest and ancient temple in the forest area. Within this forest area, you can find ancient temples that are historical and cultural heritage. Don’t forget to keep a safe distance and respect the rules here.
- Visit Art Market: This market sells various handicrafts with high artistic value. In this market, you can find various types of handicrafts such as: sculptures, paintings, silverware and other art items. It is also a great place to experience the local atmosphere and interact with the locals.
- Visit Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Palace): Puri Saren Agung is Ubud’s beautiful royal palace, which is also the centre of traditional cultural and governmental activities. Here, you can see traditional Balinese architecture and may be lucky enough to catch a music or dance performance.
- See a Traditional Dance Performance: Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance such as Legong Dance, Barong Dance, or Kecak Dance. These performances not only showcase the beautiful art of dance, but also provide an insight into Bali’s rich culture.
- Take a walk at Tegallalang Rice Terrace: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Tegallalang Rice Terrace, famous for its breathtaking views of terraced rice fields. You can take a stroll amongst these verdant rice fields or enjoy lunch at one of the warungs with a direct view of the rice fields.
- Relaxation and Rejuvenation: In this place, you can also try the spa and yoga facilities in Ubud. Here you can join a yoga class, do some meditation, or undergo a traditional Balinese spa treatment for relaxation and healing of the body and mind.
- Take a Balinese Cooking Class: Take part in a Balinese cooking class to learn how to cook typical Balinese dishes using fresh and traditional ingredients. This is a hands-on experience that allows you to gain a deeper understanding of Balinese cuisine.
Tour Packages
If you are interested in exploring the natural beauty and cultural arts in Ubud, we have provided tour packages that visit Ubud and its surroundings.
Ubud Tour
Ubud Tour is a one day Bali tour package to explore the exotic nature of Ubud. The Ubud tourist area is one of the popular tourist destinations in Bali. There are many things you can do when visiting Ubud. The history of Ubud is the most important part of Bali’s development, especially in the tourism sector. According to history circulating in society, Ubud comes from the word “Ubad” which means medicine. More..
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