Our Favourite Things to Do in Ubud

Rambling rice fields, roaring waterfalls and forested ravines… Here are eight of the best things to do in Bali’s cultural heart.

Lounge at the pool in your private villa

Ubud’s calming energy is almost tangible. Soak it up in the comfort of your luxe private villa. Splurge on a stay at Aria Villas Ubud, where each villa looks out onto a private infinity pool and verdant rainforest.

Take a dip in the Tegenungan Waterfall

Locals and travellers alike will recommend a freshwater dip under the Tegenungan Waterfall. A steep climb down a timeworn stairway will lead you to a mighty cascade surrounded by vine-covered landscape.

Take an epic photo at the Hanging Gardens of Bali

Looking for a splurge? Take a dip at the Hanging Gardens of Bali. This legendary swimming pool frequently tops world’s best pools lists, and when you see the exquisite twin-tiered attraction in its dense tropical setting, it’s easy to understand why. If you're not a guest at the hotel, make sure you ring ahead of time - a booking fee is required.

Meander through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

You’ve no doubt seen splendid vistas of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace on social media, but nothing compares to a walk through its magnificent landscape. Guides are available to lead you through the area, which, fascinatingly, still uses a traditional irrigation system.

Taste test your way through the Satri Coffee Plantation

Take a guided tour through the Satri Coffee Plantation, where you’ll learn about Bali’s fascinating coffee industry, its environmental implications and be rewarded with some the best views in Ubud. Taste test the authentic coffee and tea on offer, and make sure to pick up a packet of herbal lemon blend on the way out. Trust us on this one.

Pick up souvenirs at the Ubud Art Market

Scratch beneath the Bintang singlets and you’ll find a great range of artisanal wares. Splurge on something for the home – it’s hard to go past the marble and concrete accents – or a handmade batik sarong. Hungry? There is an abundance of fresh local produce available here.

Indulge in a romantic dinner at Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomique

Go all out with a boozy dinner at Ubud institution, Mozaic. Chef Chris Salans serves up an eight-course degustation of impeccably presented French-Indonesian cuisine. This bucket-list gastronomic experience unfolds in an enchanting outdoor setting that consistently delivers comfort and elegance.

Enjoy lunch in the rice terraces at Sari Organik

It’s not in the book or film, but a long lunch at a café nestled in the heart of Ubud’s rice terraces is breathtakingly exotic… and so very Eat, Pray, Love. Head to Sari Organik, accessible via a leafy path just past Campuhan Ridge, where you’ll find healthy and refreshing fare. It’s hard to go past the delectable lontong rice cooked in banana leaf or a revitalising Sari salad, which is made with vegetables picked from their on-site garden. As for the view? Pure magic.