Ubud attractions

Tourists flock to Ubud in their thousands each year attracted by its fascinating artistic heritage and authentic culture. It still has a sleepy, small town appeal yet is also the best place for indulging in thrilling adventure sports and for exploring nature and some of Bali’s most evocative history. There is no shortage of things to see and do in Ubud where family fun days are as abundant as high brow art and culture.

You can really sense the artistic atmosphere in town where every other person is seemingly a working artist, writer or designer. For such a compact area there is an amazing wealth of attractions to discover day and night. There are inspiring sights and activities to suit everyone and a few short days in Ubud can easily turn into a couple of weeks or more. This is especially true for the growing number of people who choose to take creative art, textile, woodcarving and holistic courses here. For a little inspiration here are a few of our favourite Ubud activities and attractions, all located within or very close to the town centre.

Museums
Ubud is home to some of the very best art museums in Indonesia, housing comprehensive collections of traditional Balinese art. Ubud’s finest is the Neka Art Museum (Jalan Raya Sanggingan Tel: +62 (0)361 976659 open daily 09.00 to 18.00 free entry) which showcases a a vast range of paintings, scuplture and photography. Other inspiring collections can be found at ARMA (Jalan Pengosekan open 09.00 to 17.00 admission rp20,000) and Museum Rudana (Jalan Cok Pudak, Tel: +62 (0)361 975779, open daily 09:00 to 18:00, admission rp25,000). A rarity in Asia, there is even a fine art gallery dedicated to female artists at the Seniwati Gallery (Jalan Srewadari, tel: +62 (0)361 975485, open 10:00 to 17:00 admission free).

Sacred monkey forest
Situated at the southern end of Monkey Forest Road, this is central Ubud’s most popular attraction and a real child pleaser. It is a lush forest featuring an inspiring Hindu temple but the main attraction is a large population of mischievous macaque monkeys. Keep a close eye on all belongings as these cheeky primates are expert thieves! Stock up on bananas at one of the grocery stores in town as the sellers at the main gates charge grossly inflated prices. (Monkey Forest Road, open daily 08:00 to 16:00, admission rp30,000)

Dance dramas
On any night of the week there are evocative Balinese dance performances at half a dozen or more Ubud venues. The town has the widest variety of dances and the finest dance companies. Acompanied by haunting gamelan music it is an uplifting and inspiring spectacle and best appreciated at the fabulous Ubud Palace (Jalan Raya Ubud, 19:00, admission rp60,000) This former royal residence offers a sumptuous and beautifully illuminated backdrop to a night of colourful drama.

White water rafting
Just west of town lies the raging Ayung river which is the centre of Bali’s white water rafting and kayaking scene. It is a heart stopping experience for all ages and offers a great vantage point for glimpsing some of Bali’s most picturesque scenery. Sobek (Komplex Dewi Ruci, Simpang Siur +62 (0)361 287059 prices from rp600,000) is one of the most professional operators. Book direct through them or at any one of the many tour agents in Ubud centre.

Bali bird and reptile park
Situated just south of town is this wonderful wildlife park that makes for a great day out for all ages. You get two parks for the price of one with a wealth of free range exotic birds of paradise and an assortment of snakes, reptiles, creepy crawlies and the magnificent komodo dragon. It is set in spacious manicured gardens and has educational weekend programs designed just for kids. (Jalan Serna Cok, Singapadu, tel: +62 (0)361 235600, open 08:00 to 18:00, admission rp140,000)

Ubud restaurants guide
Transportation in Ubud
Ubud hotels and lodging

Kampot & Kep attractions
Da Nang attractions