My Ultimate Ubud Bucket List

I always imagined paradise with turquoise water, palm trees and coconuts.

And then I found myself in Ubud.

Turns out that endless views of rice fields can make you forget all about the turquoise water.

It is by far my favourite place on this earth and here is my ultimate Ubud bucket list aka 10 things to do in Ubud.

– My Ultimate Ubud Bucket List –

1) Rice Paddies

The rice paddies of Ubud are a true paradise. Wander around the endless paths and breathe in the stunning nature surrounding you. Prepare yourself for the kind of beauty that requires no Instagram filters whatsoever.

Ubud is simply surrounded with the rice terraces and all of them are unbelievably charming, so you can literally just ride around and go crazy.

I recommend you visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces as well, which you may recognise from many travel pictures, but prepare for quite a few people especially during high season.

➣ ➣ ➣

2) Discover Ubuds Beauty on a Bicycle

Cycle around the villages, visit local markets and take your time in exploring the magnificent landscapes. It can get quite hilly but don’t worry as the views will take your mind off it completely.

Scooters are the more common choice, therefore if you’re not feeling like burning those calories – driving around will be just as beautiful.

Watch : Cycling Around Ubud

➣ ➣ ➣

3) Yoga Retreat

As Ubud is known for it’s yoga retreats, why not try it for yourself. There are a number of places to choose from, some more spiritual than others, check www.bookyogaretreats.com for good deals and ideas. I recommend booking through Agoda for great deals (including breakfast) and is super easy to book – link below.

For more spiritual experience, consider staying in an Ashram. It will allow you to get a feel of the community life and learn about the culture & religion. Ashrams are often set in a simple setting away from the distractions of modern life, usually surrounded by a magnificent natural scenery.

Read : Om Ham Yoga Retreat Ubud, Bali – Review

➣ ➣ ➣

4) Balinese Ceremony

Balinese love their ceremonies and there is a big chance that at least one will take place during your visit. This is the greatest way to indulge yourself in the beautiful culture.

Have a chat with a local and show your interest, or ask around – most likely you will be invited to one sooner or later, just make sure you take this opportunity! Also, check whether you should wear traditional clothing.

Read : When a Balinese Ceremony Left Me Speechless

➣ ➣ ➣

5) Sunrise Trek up to Mount Batur

Hike up to the top of the mountain at night using only a torch to lead the way, then watch the stunning sunrise from above the clouds while munching on some freshly cooked eggs on the volcanic steam.

It can get quite tricky (make sure you wear good shoes) but it’s absolutely worth it and simply a must do! I promise you, this experience will stay in your heart for a long, long time.

Watch : Mount Batur, Bali Sunrise Trek

➣ ➣ ➣

6) Tegenungan Waterfall

Dive in, swim, or simply observe from a viewpoint – whatever you’ll choose, it’ll stick in your mind for sure. The magnificent greenery and the heavy water drop will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a postcard.

The drive to the waterfall is mind-blowing from the centre of Ubud, so it’s a perfect destination (together with the rice paddies, of course) to ride your bicycle / scooter to.

➣ ➣ ➣

7) Food, Food, Food.

Indonesia being known for it’s rice dishes, Nasi Goreng should be a must try for sure. However, the local cuisine has much more to offer.

Sate ayam for example – the peanut sauce is usually made fresh and it tastes delicious every single time. Gado-gado – a combination of vegetables and peanut sauce surprises everytime as the ways of preparing it seem to be endless. Some of the other dishes are Soto Ayam, Gudeg, Rawon, Soto Mie and many more. {Full list of my favourite places coming soon}.

➣ ➣ ➣

8) Visit a Temple in Traditional Balinese Attire

It is believed, that the number of temples in Bali is over 10,000. Spread all over the island from hilltops to mountains, every single one of them is unique and beautiful. The peace and tranquillity will slowly make it’s way through your body when wandering around, leaving a special feeling in you every time.

Balinese, of course loving their ceremonies transform the temples often due to different occasions such as anniversaries and festivals, somehow managing to make them even more beautiful than they already are.

➣ ➣ ➣

9) Treat Yourself with a Spa Treatment

It seems there are just as many spas as there are temples in Ubud, meaning you should be able to find somewhere that suits every budget. Ubud must be the ultimate place where a full day itinerary of indulging yourself in body-scrubs, massages and petal baths could not be easier to plan (or not.. just go for it).

Walk around and you can get a full body oil massage (1 hour) for £4-£6. Don’t let the outside exterior put you off.. many times those places are the good ones (and cheap). If however, you’d like to go all out – make sure you book in advance.

Whatever the place – get ready to find yourself in a complete bliss.

➣ ➣ ➣

10) Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Yes, it’s on everyones ‘things to do list in Bali’ but even if monkeys are not your thing, the forest itself will steal your heart. Besides the 600 (long-tailed macaques) monkeys, the forest also contains rare plants & animals plus over 150 species of trees – creating a unique jungle like feeling.

The Monkey Forest is home to three beautiful Hindu temples, which were built around 1350. Many tourists don’t realise the importance that the place has to the locals – it is in fact viewed as a ‘very spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center for the village.’ It’s also believed to create harmony and peace to all of the visitors from around the world.

So.. yh. Surely, that’s enough to make you visit!?

➣ ➣ ➣

Ok.. I know I said these are my ‘Top 10 Things to do in Ubud’ but I didn’t realise how restrictive it will be.

So, I’ve decided to add one more.

11) Visit a Tea & Coffee Plantation

Have you ever tried a mangosteen, red rice or rosella tea? Or.. maybe the famous Luwak coffee?

No? Well, then this is a must.

A tea & coffee plantation was never on my ‘Ubud bucket list’, not because it doesn’t interest me – but because I knew nothing about it. Not until our guide made insisted we visit one right after we hiked the Mount Batur. Completely shattered and barely being able to open our eyes or move our legs, it’s safe to say we weren’t too enthusiastic.

It didn’t take longer than a couple of minutes for the place to surprise us. Turns out, tea & coffee plantations are.. just wow and the views include rice paddies. What more could you want. From what I know, a guided tour is free, together with tea & coffee samples (exc. the Luwak coffee) – you just need to get there, and seriously enjoy. At the end, you will be able to purchase any of the tested teas and coffees at a seriously reasonable price.

Ubud.. you are unreal.