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Ubud

Ubud, a town in central Bali of around 75,000 people (2020), is regarded as the cultural centre of Bali. It is famous as an arts and crafts hub, and much of the town and nearby villages seems to consist of artists' workshops and galleries. There are some remarkable architectural and cultural sights to be found, and a general feeling of well being to be enjoyed, thanks to the town's spirit and surroundings. At first glance, the horrible traffic, over-development, loud nightclubs and taco Tuesdays might hide all this, but the art, nature and beauty are still there. You just have to get off the main roads to find them.

See
79
Do
53
Eat
781
Drink
277
Buy
34

Banner: Pixelated Pixels, CC BY-SA 3.0

1,224 places

  1. SeeArchaeological site

    Goa Gajah

    Elephant Cave

    The centerpiece here is a cave dating back to the 9th century, the entrance to which is an ornately carved demon's mouth. Inside are some fragmentary lingam and yoni statues, as well as a statue of Ganesha. Large, carved guards stand around pools near the entrance, and a little path leads to a waterfall, rice fields, and some Buddhist stupa fragments. Some parts of the Goa Gajah complex were not excavated until the 1950s. Nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 30-60 min visit without guide. Unclear if dirt path to rice fields and elephant river is usable/maintained.

    Daily 08:00-17:00Adults Rp 50.000, Kids Rp 25.000 including sarong · Entry 15000 IDR

  2. SeeArt museum

    Museum Puri Lukisan

    Museum of Fine Arts

    When it opened in 1954, this was the first private museum in Bali. Three buildings showcase traditional and modern Balinese art. The displays are a little musty and English labeling is spotty, but some of the works, particularly the carvings, are quite amazing. Exhibits by noted artists I Gusti Nyoman Lempad and Rudolph Bonnet, among others.

    Daily 08:00-16:00Rp 40,000

  3. SeeArt gallery

    Neka Art Museum

    This museum houses perhaps the most important art collection in the whole of Bali. Six pavilions house the various collections which include dedicated rooms for artists Arie Smit and I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. See beautiful depictions of Balinese life in times past as well as contemporary works, both by Balinese artists and by the foreign artists who settled here. Mainly paintings but also some sculptures and photography,

    Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00, Sun 12:00-17:00Rp150.000 (adults), Rp75.000 (students with ID), Rp75.000 (6-12 years old), free (under 6 years old)

  4. SeeArt museum

    Agung Rai Museum of Art

    ARMA

    Showcases works by well known Balinese artists, as well as international artists who made Bali their home such as Walter Spies, Adrian Jean Le Mayeur, Rudolph Bonnet and Arie Smit. The only painting in Bali by renowned Javanese artist Radan Saleh is exhibited here. They also run workshops for thirteen different aspects of Balinese art and culture. Price includes tea or coffee (hot or cold) at their cafe.

    Daily 09:00-18:00Rp150,000

  5. SeeMuseum

    Blanco Renaissance Museum

    Before he passed away in 1999, Spanish artist Antonio Blanco was an absolute fixture on the Ubud art scene. His former home is now a museum showcasing his sometimes bizarre but always interesting work. Think Salvador Dali transplanted to Asia. In the garden you can take pictures of the exotic birds flying around. A gallery and a studio is connected to the museum. Also, there is a family temple and a vegan restaurant here.

    Daily 09:00-18:00Rp 100,000

  6. SeeMuseum

    Museum Rudana

    A wide range of Balinese paintings is exhibited here, both traditional and modern. Run by its owner, artist Nyoman Rudana, who is often present.

    Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00, Sun 12:00-17:00Rp20,000, under 12 years old is free

  7. See

    Tirta Empul

    One of the holiest temples in Bali built around hot springs that still bubble in the central courtyard. The Balinese come here to bathe and purify themselves physically and spiritually, and during Galungan, the sacred barong masks are bathed here. The complex dates to 960, but the present buildings are largely modern reconstructions. Visitors may participate in the traditional purification ritual (melukat) by wearing a sarong and entering the bathing pools. Observe local customs and avoid entering if not appropriately dressed or during certain religious restrictions.

    Daily 08:00-18:00Rp50,000, including sarong and sash rental

  8. SeeHistoric site

    Puri Saren Agung

    Royal Palace, Water Palace, Ubud Palace

    This was the palace of the kings of Ubud until the 1940s, and some royal descendants live there to this day. Parts of the complex are off limits to the public, but entry to the rest is free, and this is Ubud's best setting for dance performances (see Do). 10-15 min visit without a guide.

    Daily 09:00-17:00Free

  9. See

    Gunung Kawi

    Poet Mountain

    Dating from the eleventh century, this is presumed to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his many wives. Reached by climbing down 371 steps, the location at the bottom of a steep valley lined with paddy fields, is quite stunning. The smaller complex on the south side of the river is presumed to have been built for the King's wives, while the larger complex is thought to have been the residence of the King himself, and perhaps his concubines. The structures are carved into the sides of a steep river valley, and the river crossed by twisting trees and vines. You must take off your shoes before entering into the central pura complex. About 1 km downstream there are further tomb cloisters. On the way back up, take a break at Cafe Kawi which has cold drinks for Rp10,000 and up. If you haggle for a taxi from Ubud, it should cost no more than Rp150,000 to get there and back, with the driver waiting for you while you make the visit. Sarong is included in the entry and free, so you can ignore the ladies in the parking lot trying to sell you one

    Daily 07:00-17:00adult Rp30,000, child Rp 15,000 including sarong and sash rental

  10. See

    Pura Kehen

    Kehen Temple

    One of the most attractive temples in the whole of Bali, and as it is slightly off the beaten path, one which receives relatively few visitors. The temple was founded in 1206, and has an especially impressive 11-tiered meru in the inner courtyard. When you visit here take a little extra time to look around Bangli. It is a quiet and attractive market town.

    Daily 09:00-17:00Rp50,000

  11. SeeAttraction

    Saraswati Temple

    Pura Taman Saraswati

    Taman Saraswati Temple, also known as Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati, is a graceful water temple located in the heart of Ubud, Bali. Dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts, this temple is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its striking beauty—especially the elegant lotus pond and water garden that stretch out in front of its ornately carved gates.^Built in the late 20th century by famed Balinese architect I Gusti Nyoman Lempad under commission from the Ubud royal family, the temple blends traditional Balinese architecture with classical Hindu iconography. Intricate stone reliefs adorn the walls and gateways, many of which depict figures from Hindu mythology, including Saraswati herself holding a manuscript and a veena, symbolizing knowledge and the arts. A wide path flanked by blooming pink lotuses leads visitors from the street to the temple entrance, though the inner sanctum is reserved for worshippers, the outer courtyard and pond are accessible and are particularly atmospheric around sunset, when the temple is bathed in golden light.

    60000IDR · Entry 75 000 IDR

  12. BuyMarket

    Ubud Market

    This is a double storey warren of stalls bursting at the seams with wood carvings, batik shirts, sarongs, and all manner of other souvenirs aimed specifically at tourists. The merchants here haggle with tourists for a living, and think nothing of asking for ten times the going price, so try to establish a baseline before you go in to buy. Most of the merchants downstairs will lose interest if you try to get a reasonable price. It is better to try the shops upstairs where you will find the same products often for sale at lower prices. You will still need to use your best bargaining skills of course. Try to avoid the period from 11:00-14:00 when tour buses from further afield tend to arrive en-masse. If hiring a car for a day, it might be worth it to make a stop in Tegallalang, where they are geared more towards wholesale buyers. The Sukawati Market is crowded and sells trinkets in bulk as well, but quality is dubious.

  13. EatInternational restaurant

    Donna

    Donna combines Mediterranean flavours with a lively rooftop atmosphere, offering tapas, grilled meats, seafood, handcrafted cocktails and live music. Its stylish setting makes it one of Ubud's most popular evening dining destinations.

    Closed · opens 11:30 amWi-Fi · Takeaway · Outdoor seating

  14. EatRestaurant

    Alchemy

    A 100% raw vegan organic cafe & juice bar, organic health food store, and holistic clinic. Yummy breakfast bar with fruits, nuts, seeds, and raw vegan organic nutmilks and yoghurts from 07:00-11:00, delicious salad bar with amazing superfoods and toppings from 11:00-21:00. Alchemy has an Instagram account at @alchemybali.

    Daily 07:00-21:00Rp39,000-60,000 · Wi-Fi · Fully vegan

  15. EatSandwich restaurant

    Zest

    Set beside the Campuhan valley, Zest has earned a reputation as one of Bali's finest vegan restaurants. The creative menu features beautifully presented plant-based dishes inspired by Indonesian and international flavours, complemented by excellent coffee, juices and desserts.

    Closed · opens 7:30 amVegan options · Wi-Fi

  16. EatGrill restaurant

    Naughty Nuri's Warung and Grill

    Crowded roadside watering hole. Microbrews, great martinis and slabs of BBQ ribs. This is very much a standard stop for Korean or Japanese tour buses. Once a week they do amazing grilled tuna. Careful that the waitresses do not stick other peoples drinks on your bill. A few times a year they have parties where drinks are US$10 for as much beer as you can handle, for example during USA elections and the Superbowl.

    Daily 10:00-23:00Mains Rp20,000-70,000 · Wi-Fi · Limited wheelchair access

  17. See

    Penglipuran Village

    One of Bali's best-preserved traditional villages, Penglipuran is renowned for its immaculate bamboo-lined streets, beautifully maintained family compounds and traditional Balinese architecture. Vehicles are kept outside the village, creating a peaceful atmosphere that offers a glimpse into traditional Balinese community life.

  18. EatRestaurant

    Sun Sun Warung

    One of Ubud's best-loved local warungs, Sun Sun Warung serves authentic Balinese cooking in a relaxed atmosphere. Housed in a rustic double-storey building with gardens and pavillions to sit in as well. Excellent food and service.

    Closed · opens 10 amNasi campur Rp 67,000 · Wi-Fi

  19. EatFine dining restaurant

    Apéritif Restaurant

    Views of a jungle valley and colonial-era decor, under the guidance of chef Nic Vanderbeeken.

    Sat-Tue, lunch noon – 2pm, dinner 5:30pm-8:30pm

  20. EatRestaurant

    Casa Luna

    Large, long-established restaurant serving western and local dishes, and plenty that fall somewhere in between.

    Daily 08:00-22:00Mains about Rp 30,000-50,000

  21. EatRestaurant

    Murni's Warung

    Excellent western and Balinese food in a stunning, gorge setting. Elegant lounge bar. Historic, being the 1st real restaurant in Ubud founded by Murni herself in 1974. Also a shop with interesting collectibles and the odd real antique.

    Daily 09:00-23:00Mains Rp20,000-70,000

  22. EatRestaurant

    Nomad

    A long-standing institution that serves up a good selection of Balinese, Indonesian, and western dishes, but deservedly popular is their version of a tapas selection, consisting of bite-sized portions of local flavors. 12 pieces of tapas served with rice costs Rp90,000 and feeds two. Also serves a wide range of cocktails and spirits.

    Daily 11:00-23:00

  23. EatRestaurant

    Sayuri Healing Food

    Sayuri Healing Food has become one of Ubud's best-known vegan restaurants. The menu features colourful organic dishes, raw food creations, smoothies and fresh juices, with an emphasis on healthy, nutrient-rich ingredients and sustainable eating.

    Vegan options · Wi-Fi

  24. EatRestaurant

    The Elephant

    The Elephant combines fresh vegetarian cuisine with one of Ubud's most peaceful dining locations overlooking the Campuhan valley. Seasonal ingredients, excellent coffee and panoramic views make it a favourite for breakfast, brunch or a relaxed lunch.

    Wi-Fi · Vegetarian options

  25. EatRestaurant

    Cafe des Artistes

    This Belgian-owned eatery serves Indonesian dishes as well as a vast array of international classics. Famous for their grilled tenderloin steaks. Extensive winelist, cocktails, Belgian beers and homemade desserts. Free wifi from 11:00-18:00. To make sure you get a table for dinner, call ahead.

    Daily 11:00-00:00About Rp 50,000 per head

  26. See

    Tegenungan Waterfall

    Located south of Ubud, Tegenungan Waterfall is one of Bali's most accessible waterfalls. A short walk down steps leads to a powerful cascade surrounded by tropical forest. Early morning visits avoid the largest crowds.

  27. EatRestaurant

    Warung Lokal

    Warung Lokal offers excellent Indonesian comfort food in a clean, modern setting. The varied menu includes everything from nasi goreng and satay to regional specialties, making it a reliable choice for an inexpensive meal.

    Closed · opens 8 amOutdoor seating

  28. EatIndonesian restaurant

    Sawah Indah Resto Ubud

    Sawah Indah Warung Ikan Bakar

    Lunch or dinner with a rice field view. Fish pond. Relaxing and good for a family or group.

    Daily 09:00-22:00Rp50,000

  29. EatIndonesian restaurant

    Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka 1

    A Bali culinary experience. The babi guling (spit-roasted pig) here is world-famous, and this humble eating place is virtually a place of pilgrimage. The roast pork is served with rice and spiced veggies, order the special (Rp55,000) to get a bit of everything — including offal and blood sausage. There are normal tables and chairs but you can also sit on the floor at low tables inside the bale (pavilion).

    Daily 11:00-15:00From Rp25,000

  30. EatRestaurant

    Nusantara by Locavore

    Nusantara by Locavore showcases the incredible diversity of Indonesian cuisine, with recipes collected from islands across the archipelago. Beautifully prepared and presented, it offers one of the best opportunities in Bali to explore authentic regional cooking beyond the familiar Balinese classics.

    Limited wheelchair access