11 fun things to do in Ubud for every type of traveler

One of Bali’s main tourist towns, Ubud is known for its breathtaking nature, ancient temples, lively craft markets, and wide range of cool activities for visitors of all ages.

Whether you want to relax with some yoga, learn how to make local dishes at a cooking class, discover the city's historic landmarks, or race through Ubud's jungles on an ATV, there are endless fun things to do in Ubud to suit every interest.

Whatever you're in the mood for, this list of fun activities will guide you to some of the most exciting and unique things to do in Ubud.

Top fun things to do in Ubud at a glance

Fun things to do as a couple: Make your own silver jewelry and watch a traditional dance show.

Fun activities for kids and families: Explore Ubud’s amazing nature on an ATV or river rafting adventure.

Fun things to do on your own: Go museum hopping and take a relaxing yoga class.

Fun food experiences: Try a local cooking class and visit a night market.

Fun things to do in Ubud as a couple

1. Create your own silver jewelry

One of the most romantic and unique things to do in Ubud as a couple, a hands-on jewelry-making class allows you to work on your own silver jewelry together. Under the guidance of an experienced Balinese silversmith, you’ll learn how to melt, forge, solder, and shape a lump of real silver to create a custom ring, earrings, or pendant.

Highlights

At the end of your craft workshop in Ubud, you’ll have unique matching keepsakes to take back home.

2. Discover Ubud’s many waterfalls

If it’s your first time in Ubud, take a day to explore the many breathtaking waterfalls around the town. Trek through the region’s lush jungle landscapes to discover stunning hidden cascades. Go for a refreshing dip in the natural pools and capture some great photos together among the area’s natural beauty.

Highlights

Kanto Lampo is one of Ubud’s most famous waterfalls and top Instagram spots in Ubud, known for its dramatic cascading falls. Tegenungan is the biggest waterfall in the region, and it is easy to access via the modern Omma Pool Club that overlooks it.

3. Take part in a Hindu purification ceremony

Discover Ubud’s spiritual side on a visit to Pura Tirta Empul, one of Bali’s famous Hindu temples. The historic temple just outside Ubud is famous for its holy spring waters, where locals come to perform a ritual purification called Melukat. At Tirta Empul, visitors can also take part in the famous ceremony, which involves praying and bathing under a series of fountains.

Best time to visit

Try to visit as soon as the temple opens around 7:00-8:00 AM to avoid the huge middle-of-the-day crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Address and opening hours

Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552. Open 7:00 AM-6:00 PM every day.

4. Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance

Spend an evening embracing the local culture with a traditional Balinese dance show at Ubud Palace. The historic palace hosts nightly Legong dance performances, a form of royal dance known for its intricate choreography, intense eye movements, and vibrant costumes, performed to traditional gamelan music.

Insider tip

Although performances start at 7:30 PM, try to arrive at Ubud Palace before 7:00 PM to get a good seat.

Address and opening hours

Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. The Palace is open all day, but the performances start at 7:30 PM.

Fun things to do in Ubud with kids

5. Explore the jungles on a thrilling ATV adventure

Get your adrenaline pumping on an exciting ATV tour around Ubud. Weave through rivers, splash under waterfalls, and speed through huge caves as you explore the region’s lush jungle terrain in a fun way for the entire family.

Insider tip

Two of the best ATV circuits around Ubud include the Gorilla Face route, which features a huge cave that you enter through a gaping gorilla’s mouth, or the Kuber route, with a cave and waterfall you can drive under.

6. Go white water rafting on the Ayung River

Topping the list of cool activities in Ubud for adrenaline seekers is rafting on the Ayung River. Navigate exhilarating rapids surrounded by amazing scenery on a two or three-hour rafting adventure through the ravines of central Bali. Most rafting trips around Ubud are suitable for kids five years and above.

Best time to go

During the dry season (April to September), most rapids along the Ayung River are class 2-3, making it a more suitable experience for beginners and younger visitors. During the wet season, the rapids can rise to class 4, making it a more intense experience.

Fun things to do in Ubud on your own

7. Visit a historic art museum

While there are several fantastic museums in Ubud, Museum Puri Lukisan is the oldest and most famous. With four main galleries to explore, there are centuries of Balinese art to discover. See how local artistic traditions have evolved through the influence of outside cultures.

Insider tip

You can also take part in various art and cultural workshops at Puri Lukisan, including traditional painting, wood carving, batik dyeing, and dance classes. Ask reception for the full schedule.

Address and opening hours

Jalan Raya Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open 9:00 AM-6:00 PM every day.

8. Shop ‘til you drop at Ubud’s craft markets

The Ubud Traditional Art Market dominates the busy town center, with countless stalls and traders selling local artwork, handmade crafts, and tourist nicknacks. The vibrant markets are the perfect spot to shop for cheap local souvenirs and trinkets to take home.

Insider tip

Make sure to haggle on price — the market traders always start high.

Address and opening hours

Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open approx. 9:00 AM-6:00 PM every day. Opening times vary by trader.

9. Enjoy a relaxing yoga class

Known as the spiritual capital of Bali, practicing yoga is a must-try experience in Ubud. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned yogi, Ubud’s world-class yoga studios and serene jungle surroundings make it the ideal setting for peaceful relaxation and rejuvenation.

Insider tip

The Yoga Barn is one of the most popular yoga studios in Ubud, with a huge variety of classes available every day, including yoga, meditation, breathwork, and ecstatic dance.

Fun things to do in Ubud for food and drinks

10. Take a local cooking class

Learn about Indonesian cuisine at a hands-on cooking class in Ubud. Start by exploring a local produce market to hand-pick fresh ingredients, then head to a traditional farm where you’ll learn to prepare a range of authentic Balinese dishes. Afterward, savor the fruits of your labor with a delicious homemade feast.

Highlights

Make traditional local dishes like Sate Lilit (Balinese satay), Balinese curry, and crispy fried tempeh with sambal (spicy Indonesian sauce). Most classes include a free recipe book so you can recreate your favorite dishes back home.

11. Try local street food at the Gianyar Night Market

You can also sample local cuisine in Ubud at the Gianyar Night Market, a popular local market located a short drive from the town center. Each evening, the large market comes alive with food stalls offering a variety of traditional Balinese dishes.

Insider tips

Some local dishes to try at the market include Babi Guling (Balinese sucking pig) and Jaja Bali (local market cakes).

Address and opening hours

Jl. Ngurah Rai-Gianyar No.38, Gianyar, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80361. Open 4:00 PM-11:00 PM every day.

FAQs

What are some fun activities in Ubud at night?

Fun things to do in Ubud at night include watching a traditional Balinese dance performance at Ubud Palace, sampling local street food at the Gianyar Night Market, and enjoying live music at one of Ubud’s laid-back restaurants or bars.

Are there any fun day trips from Ubud that I should consider?

The most popular day trip from Ubud is a sunrise hike up Mount Batur, Bali’s second-largest active volcano, followed by a relaxing soak in the hot springs and a visit to the many beautiful cafes of the Kintamani region.

Are there any fun things to do for free in Ubud?

Some of the top things to do in Ubud for free include visiting Ubud Palace, browsing the vibrant craft markets, and taking a stroll along the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

What are some family-friendly fun activities in Ubud?

Ubud and its surroundings are among the best areas in Bali for family-friendly adventures. Kids can enjoy a range of fun outdoor activities in Ubud, including riding ATVs through the region’s lush jungles, rafting along the Ayung River, and zip-lining across Ubud’s rice fields.

What are some fun ways to explore Ubud’s neighborhoods?

While Ubud town itself is extremely walkable, a fun way to explore the surrounding region is on a guided VW Safari tour.