Visit Ubud, Bali, Bali & Indonesia

Ubud is the Bali of temples, rice terraces and evening dance, set in green hills about an hour or more inland from the airport, depending on traffic. It has grown busy, and the center can feel crowded, but step a few minutes out of town and you’re walking between rice fields and small family temples. It’s the best base for seeing Balinese culture, and a good contrast to a few days on the coast.

What to see

Rice terraces. Tegallalang, north of town, is the famous one, best early in the morning before the crowds. The water that feeds these fields is shared through subak, Bali’s centuries-old system of irrigation managed by farmers and water temples. UNESCO listed the subak landscapes in 2012, including the Pakerisan valley north-east of Ubud, with the spring temple of Tirta Empul and the rock-cut shrines of Gunung Kawi.

Temples and the palace. Ubud Palace in the center hosts evening dance performances. Nearby, Pura Taman Saraswati has a lotus pond in front of the temple, and a short drive away is the cave temple of Goa Gajah.

The Sacred Monkey Forest. A forest sanctuary with old temples and hundreds of long-tailed macaques. Keep bags closed and don’t carry food.

Walks and crafts. The Campuhan Ridge walk follows a grassy ridge between two river valleys. Villages around Ubud are known for wood carving, painting and silverwork, and many workshops welcome visitors.

How long to stay

Three nights is a good amount: one day for the temples, one for the rice terraces and countryside, and time for a cooking class or spa. Many travelers then move to the coast. Our where to stay in Bali and things to do in Bali guides help with the rest of the trip.

Before you go

Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy of Rp150,000, best paid online through the official Love Bali system before you arrive. Ubud is cooler than the coast in the evenings, and the dry season, roughly April to October, is the most comfortable time. See the best time to visit Bali.

Planning it with My Way Travel

We plan private Bali trips with a driver and guide, villas and hotels in Ubud’s countryside, and time on the coast or in Komodo. Have a look at our Bali tours or tell us your dates.

Sources: UNESCO on the Cultural Landscape of Bali Province (2012); Bali provincial regulation on the foreign tourist levy. Last checked October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Ubud?

Three nights covers the temples, rice terraces and a cooking class or spa day.

How far is Ubud from Bali’s airport?

Usually an hour or more by car, depending on traffic.

Is Ubud worth visiting?

Yes. It’s the best base for Balinese culture: temples, dance, crafts and rice terraces.

Photo: Philip Nalangan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.