Bali is on many tourists’ bucket lists and for good reason. It has gorgeous natural scenery, incredible food, rich cultural history, and stunning temples. Whether you’re on a honeymoon, group trip with friends, or even traveling solo, there’s so much to do and see! My Bali Travel Guide has recommendations on the best things to do in Ubud, restaurants and bars, the best time to visit Bali, what to wear, how to get around, and more.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission (at no cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links.
Bali Key Info
How to Get There
Fly into Denpasar International Airport (DPS)
Currency
100,000 IDR = $6 USD
Language
Indonesian
Weather
Dry Season: April to September
Rainy Season: October to March
How to Get Around
Grab, Gojek, Driver, Scooter
Where to Stay in Bali?
One of the first questions you’ll likely have when planning a trip to Bali is where you should visit. There are several different regions of Bali which each have their own unique experiences, landscapes, and things to do. In general, the most popular regions that tourists visit are:
- Ubud: Ideal for temples, rice terraces, and waterfalls
- Kuta and Seminyak: Good for beach clubs and nightlife
- Canggu: Great for surfers
- Nusa Dua: Ideal for luxury travelers and families
- Uluwatu: Known for stunning cliffside views and surfing spots
We stayed in Ubud, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu and loved each place for different reasons. This guide will focus on the top things to do in Ubud!
Where to Stay in Ubud
Best Hotels in Ubud
$
(from $75+/night)
Sankara Resort & Spa 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Udaya Resort 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Plataran Ubud 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Dwaraka Royal Villas 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Visesa Ubud 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Alena Resort 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Pramana Watu Karung 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠🍷
$$
(from $150+/night)
Maya Ubud Resort 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Kaamala Luxury Resort 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Alaya Resort 💧🧖🏾♀️
Adiwana Bisma💧🧖🏾♀️
Adiwana Suweta💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Padma Resort 💧🧖🏾♀️
$$$
(from $250+/night)
Kayon Resort 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠🍷
Kayon Jungle Resort 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠🍷
Natya Resort 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Viceroy 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
COMO Uma Ubud 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Komaneka at Bisma 💧🧖🏾♀️🏠
Royal Kamuela💧🧖🏾♀️🏠🍷
💧 = Has a Pool
🍷 = Adults Only/Friendly
🧖🏾♀️ = Has a Spa
🏠 = Has Private Pool Villas
Hotel Spotlight
Sankara Resort & Spa
Hotel Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best For: Couples
Avg. Rate: from $100
Hotel Highlights:
💧 Has a Pool
🍽️ Restaurant
🏠 Has Private Pool Villas
🧘🏽♀️ Yoga Center
🧖🏾♀️ Spa Facilities
🚙 = Shuttle Service
The Sankara Resort & Spa in Ubud is a luxurious retreat nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Bali. Located just a short drive from Ubud’s town center, the resort features a variety of room options and amenities, including private pool villas, a spa, restaurant, yoga, and more.
We booked one of the deluxe pool villas, for about $150 USD a night, and it was about 1500 sq ft which was huge. The room was decorated in traditional Balinese style, with wooden accents and stonework throughout. And of course, the star of the show was the private plunge pool with sun loungers on the deck!
The rooms feature large bathrooms with double vanities, a rainfall shower with a separate handheld shower head, and a tub. There is also an outdoor shower and robes as well.
Resort Amenities
The resort also features an infinity pool and pool bar just steps away. There were also plenty of lounge chairs available at the pool, and it never seemed too crowded. There’s also a beautiful spa with a variety of treatments available. Our stay included a free 15 minute foot massage that was so relaxing we decided to go ahead and book a full body massage!
Sankara Resort & Spa has one main restaurant, by the lobby which features both Balinese and western cuisine. This is also where the free afternoon tea is held. One of the nights we were there we were able to book the Balinese BBQ experience, which featured a multi-course meal and a traditional dance performance which was a great experience.
Overall the level of service at the resort was top notch. We felt pampered during our entire stay, and each member of the staff we interacted with was incredibly friendly and ready to help us with whatever we needed. Our restaurant waiters made sure we were well attended to, and the front desk staff was always helpful. For more information, you can check out my full review as well.
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali has a tropical climate characterized by two primary seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season runs from April-September, but in my opinion, the best months to visit Ubud are April, May, June, and September since they the crowds aren’t as intense and the prices aren’t as high.
July-August: I would recommend avoiding July and August if possible as these are the busiest months of the tourist season with larger crowds, and the weather will be hotter and more humid as well. Prices for hotels will also be highest during this time period, as many families are on summer break so demand is usually much higher.
October-March: This is Bali’s rainy season so I wouldn’t recommend visiting during this period!
10 Best Things To Do In Ubud
1. Tegalalang Rice Terrace
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are incredible examples of the traditional Balinese irrigation system known as “subak”, and they are absolutely beautiful. You’ll also find many of the famous jungle swings near the rice terraces.
Tip: The best time to visit the rice terraces in Bali is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds, and you’ll want to make sure you wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be a bit uneven!
2. Bali Jungle Swing
There are several jungle swings in the area around Ubud, ranging from 10 to 78 meters above the ground, and offering breathtaking views of the jungle, rice fields, and river. You can often pair the swing experience with a visit to the rice terrace since they are so close together, and many tours offer the experience with the dress rental included.
3. Ubud Water Temple
Built in 962 AD, Tirta Empul Temple is famous for its holy spring water and offers a deep dive into Balinese spirituality. Tirta Empul’s architecture reflects classic Balinese style, featuring ornate stone carvings, statues, and pavilions that tell stories of gods, mythology, and local culture.
4. Sacred Monkey Forest
Home to over 700 long-tailed macaques, the Sacred Monkey Forest is a serene sanctuary in Ubud that is both a natural reserve and a site of cultural and spiritual significance, with several ancient temples within its grounds. As soon as you enter, you’ll see monkeys throughout so be sure to watch your belongings!
Tip: Don’t bring in food or drinks and keep a respectful distance from the monkeys. There are some areas where you can take selfies with the monkeys, but you’ll need to get a special ticket at a booth by the entrance to the forest.
5. Balinese Cooking Class
Taking a local cooking class is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and learn a few new techniques and recipes! Many cooking schools in Ubud and other parts of Bali offer classes that start with a visit to the local market to buy fresh ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking experience.
6. Visit Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida’s dramatic cliffs and crystal clear waters offer some of the most stunning views in the region. Some of the most popular spots include Kelingking Beach, Atuh Beach, and Angel’s Billabong. You can also snorkel or dive around Crystal Bay, Manta Point, and Gamat Bay which have vibrant coral reefs and the chance to see manta rays and other marine life.
Tip: If you easily get seasick, I’d recommend bringing dramamine as the water can sometimes get choppy. The island also has quite rugged terrain and less developed infrastructure, so motion sickness medication helps for the windy, bumpy roads! While you can visit Nusa Dua as a day trip from Ubud, I’d recommend staying in Nusa Dua to make travel to Nusa Penida easier and more efficient.
7. Waterfalls in Ubud
Ubud offers a variety of stunning waterfalls. Tegenungan Waterfall is a popular spot with easy access and a large pool for swimming. For a more secluded experience, you can visit Tukad Cepung, famous for how the sunlight filters through a natural cave, casting beautiful light rays onto the waterfall.
8. Ubud Palace
Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung, is a historic royal compound located in the heart of Ubud, known for its traditional Balinese architecture and ornate carvings. In the evenings, it turns into a cultural venue, hosting traditional dance performances.
9. Traditional Dance Performance
No visit to Bali is complete without seeing a traditional Balinese dance, a blend of movement, music, and storytelling. The Kecak dance, with its unique chanting chorus, is another must-see, offering a rich cultural experience.
Tip: Many hotels and restaurants also offer opportunities to see traditional performances!
10. Ubud Markets
Ubud’s markets are the perfect place to buy local handicrafts, souvenirs, and artwork. From handmade jewelry to traditional textiles, there’s something for everyone. We stumbled upon a silk shop and ended up buying a variety of shirts, dresses, and robes for ourselves and as gifts for family back home!
Tip: Negotiating on price with local street vendors is quite common in Bali, so don’t be afraid to give a counter offer if the price seems quite high.
Best Restaurants in Ubud
$-$$
Compound Warung
(Balinese)
Sun Sun Warung
(Balinese)
Warung Krisna
(Balinese)
Murni’s Warung
(Balinese)
Zest
(Vegan)
The Elephant
(Vegetarian)
$$$-$$$$
Sayan House
(Fusion)
Honey & Smoke
(Wood Fire Bistro)
Locavore NXT
(Fine Dining)
Mozaic
(Fine Dining)
Best Bars in Ubud
Night Rooster
(Cocktail Bar)
Lokal Bar
(Patio Bar w/Live Music)
Pinstripe Bar
(Upscale Hotel Cocktail Bar)
When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Bali?
Prices tend to be higher during the dry season, especially in July and August. If you visit during this time, you’ll want to make sure you book in advance to secure better rates. You’ll also have to deal with crowded beaches and busy attractions during these peak months. While the wet season brings lower prices and smaller crowds, the weather is more unpredictable and rain can put a damper on any outdoor plans. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons when deciding if the cheaper prices are worth the weather tradeoffs.
How to Get Around Ubud
Grab/Gojek: Grab and Gojek are like Uber in Bali. It’s cheaper than a taxi, and convenient to use with the app on your phone. However, journeys by car can often take longer than you think due to heavy traffic so make sure to build in buffer time!
Private Driver: this is a great way to get around with zero stress, especially if you are in a group or going on a day trip. You can get a private driver for the entire day for around $30-$60 USD. Many drivers also act as guides and can customize your route based on what you’d like to see or do.
Motorbike/Scooter: Some tourists will rent a scooter to get around town, which allows them more freedom and ability to avoid a lot of traffic. However, Bali’s roads can be very chaotic, so only consider renting a scooter if you’re experienced. You’ll also need to wear a helmet at all times and carry an international drivers license.
Public transportation is limited compared to other places in Southeast Asia, and the Kura Kura bus is the closest thing to public transit for tourists. These are air-conditioned minibuses with set routes connecting popular tourist areas, but they have limited schedules and don’t reach remote areas.
How Many Days to Spend in Ubud
The sweet spot for a Bali trip is usually at least a week, and you’ll want to spend at least 3 days in Ubud in order to see everything, although you easily spend more time with how much there is to do. If you want to visit Nusa Penida, I’d recommend staying overnight as you’ll need to drive from Ubud to the port and then take a boat to the island, so it can be a very long and somewhat rushed travel day if you are coming from Ubud.
Is Bali Safe for Tourists?
Bali is generally a safe place to visit, but you’ll want to take the usual precautions when traveling. Avoid poorly lit areas, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t accept drinks from strangers. Also be sure to be careful when crossing the road or navigating traffic in Bali as it can get pretty hectic! There’s a few common scams to be aware of like inflated prices for taxis or market items as well as fake “official” guides or ticket sellers at popular tourist sites.
How to Avoid Bali Belly
Bali has some amazing food, but food borne illness is so common it has it’s own nickname, the infamous Bali Belly. Bali Belly is also known as traveler’s diarrhea and is caused by bacteria in the water. However there are a few things you can to do help avoid Bali Belly!
Water: When you’re in Bali, don’t drink the tap water and stick to bottled water only, which you can easily grab at any convenience store. Use bottled water to brush your teeth as well. Ice is safe as long as it’s in the hollow cylinder shape, because that’s made from purified water.
Fruit: Be cautious with pre-cut or peeled fruit and only eat it if you’ve peeled it yourself, since the fruit could have been washed in tap water.
Street Food: Bali has some great street food and local warungs, but it can be easy to get sick if you aren’t careful. You’ll want to look for the busiest stands since the more popular they are, the quicker the food is turned over, so it’s more likely to be fresh instead of sitting out in the heat for hours. Another option is to book a street food tour since they will usually take you to reputable spots.
General Hygiene: Stay vigilant with frequently washing your hands and using hand sanitizer
We followed these precautions and also took both activated charcoal and Travelan before each meal and didn’t have any stomach issues!
What to Wear in Bali
Bali’s tropical climate can be pretty intense, with heat and humidity that will have you sweating throughout the day. Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun, plus lightweight, breathable clothing to keep cool.
If you’re planning to visit temples, don’t forget to bring long pants or skirts that cover your knees, or you might not be allowed inside. If you’re a carry-on only packer like me, you might be worried about having enough clothes with all the sweating and changing you’ll be doing. Luckily, laundry service is super affordable and often offers pickup and drop-off right at your hotel, so you can pack light if you’re staying for an extended period of time!
What to Wear in Balinese Temples
If you’re planning to visit temples, you’ll usually need to cover your knees and shoulders. Most temples will require you to wear a sarong, but they usually have them available onsite for rental or as part of your entrance fee.
Looking for more Bali recommendations? Check out some of our other posts from the blog!
Leave a Reply