Ubud Travel Guide: Waterfalls, Temples & Rice Terraces – My Top Picks & Tips
Ubud is the heart of Bali’s culture, nature, and wellness scene. With stunning rice terraces, sacred temples, and hidden waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to experience Bali beyond the beaches. In this guide, I’ll share where I stayed, my favourite places to eat, must-visit attractions, and things I’d do differently!
✈️ Quick Summary
• Best Place to Stay: Ubud Bird’s Nest – Close to Ubud centre & jungle views
• Must-Try Food: Local warungs for authentic Balinese cuisine
• Top Activity: Exotic Waterfall Day Trip – exhausting but worth it!
• Would I Go Back? Yes! But I’d stay longer to explore more hidden gems
🏨 Where I Stayed in Ubud
1. Airbnb in Ubud Centre: Kecamatan Ubud
• Location: 10 mins walk from Ubud Market & Palace, 15 mins from Monkey Forest
• Pros: Great location, walkable to attractions, comfortable stay
• Cons: Can get a bit noisy due to traffic
2. Ubud Bird’s Nest (Jungle Stay)
• Location: More secluded, surrounded by nature
• Pros: Unique experience, peaceful vibes
• Cons: Shared toilet & shower
💡 Tip: If you prefer convenience, stay in central Ubud. For a nature escape, go for a jungle villa!
🍽️ Where I Ate – Best Food Spots in Ubud
1. Local Warungs
• Best For: Traditional Balinese food
• Must-Try Dish: Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
2. Merlin’s Magic
• Best For: Immersive experience & magical vibes
• Must-Try: ‘The Food Chooses You’ Concept
💡 Food Tip: Warungs serve the best, most authentic food at a fraction of the price of tourist restaurants!
🏝️ Things to Do & See in Ubud
1. Tegenungan Waterfall
• Cost: 20,000 IDR (~£1)
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours
• My Experience: Beautiful waterfall but can get crowded
• Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds
2. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
• Cost: Free to enter, but donations are encouraged
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours
• My Experience: Iconic Bali views, peaceful in the early morning
• Tip: Try the Aloha Swing (for a fee) for a fun experience!
3. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Cost: 80,000 IDR (~£4)
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours
• My Experience: Cute but cheeky monkeys – watch your belongings!
• Tip: Avoid wearing sunglasses or carrying loose items, as monkeys may grab them!
4. Saraswati Temple & Ubud Palace
• Cost: Free
• Time Needed: 1 hour
• My Experience: Beautiful traditional Balinese architecture
• Tip: Visit in the evening for cultural performances
💡 Would I Recommend? Yes! Ubud is a must-visit if you love culture, nature & wellness.
💡 Tips & Recommendations – What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Ubud
Plan your transport in advance – Uber doesn’t work in Ubud, download Grab/Gojek
Pack comfy shoes – You’ll be walking a lot, especially at the rice terraces
Start your days early – Ubud gets busy with tourists by mid-morning
🔄 What I Would Do Differently Next Time
I’d avoid going to the waterfalls in the afternoon – too crowded
I’d spend more time in the countryside rather than the main tourist areas
I’d stay in Ubud longer – 3 days wasn’t enough to see everything!
I’d visit hidden waterfalls like Tukad Cepung for fewer crowds
🌟 Final Thoughts – Is Ubud Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Ubud is the perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure. If you love temples, waterfalls, and jungle views, this is the place for you. Just be prepared for tourist crowds in the most popular spots!
💬 Have you been to Ubud? Let me know your favourite places in the comments!
Next Post: Nusa Penida – The Best Beaches & Snorkelling Spots!
