Top 10 Things to Do in Ubud Bali (2026 Travel Guide)
When you’re on holiday in Bali, especially in Ubud, it’d be a waste to just stay cooped up in your hotel. You need to find out what things to do in Ubud Bali are actually out there so your trip feels more exciting and leaves you with memories that stick.
No need to stress about it either, Ubud Bali activities come in all shapes and sizes. Pretty much anything you’re looking for is here, from adrenaline-heavy stuff to chilled-out activities that help you unwind, and everything in between.
Activities and Things to Do in Ubud Bali
Just like you’d expect, you’ll find tons of things to do in Ubud Bali Indonesia. But some experiences really stand out from the rest. Here are the top ones you’ll want to put on your list.
1. Explore Ubud’s Natural Beauty on an ATV
If you’re hunting for the most exciting Ubud adventure activities, ATV riding is the answer. Ubud has such varied roads and terrain that riding an ATV here feels completely different from anywhere else.
This activity is bound to be fun because you’re not just cruising on paved roads. You’ll ride through dirt paths, muddy tracks, and all sorts of raw ground. So the whole trip never feels flat or boring.
While tackling those rough sections, you’ll also soak up Ubud’s natural scenery, still so green and untouched. That’s what makes ATV Ubud feel extra special, you’ll pass waterfalls, caves, forest, rice fields, and dedicated off-road tracks.
Since the terrain isn’t your everyday road, a professional guide stays with you the whole ride. You’ll also get insurance, lunch, and other perks when you book this package with trusted ATV operators.
The ride lasts a fair while, around 1 to 1.5 hours, so make sure your body is fit before hopping on. It’s ideal with family, a partner, or friends, but going solo is still a blast.
2. Rafting Down the Ayung River
If you’re still figuring out things to do in Ubud Bali, give rafting a shot. This one’s pretty extreme too, perfect if you’re looking to get your adrenaline going. It’s also great for team bonding when done together.
Rafting in Ubud usually takes place on the Ayung River, so no worries, the current is just right. You can have fun battling the rapids without stressing about getting hurt or swept away.
For safety, a professional guide sticks with you the whole way down the river. Most Ubud rafting operators also include insurance to make sure you can enjoy the activity safely and with peace of mind.
On top of the guide and insurance, you’ll also get extras like lunch, towels, shower supplies, and full rafting gear. The trip usually runs between 2 and 2.5 hours, best done in the morning.
One raft can fit up to 5 friends, so 6 guests total, or 7 with the guide, making it ideal for a group activity. So if you’re looking for things to do in Ubud Bali with friends or family, rafting is a solid pick.
3. Cave Tubing for an Extra Adrenaline Rush
Another extreme activity you can add to your list of things to do in Ubud Bali is cave tubing. It’s got a whole different vibe from regular cave exploring since you’re floating along a river that runs right through the caves.
The basic idea is a bit like rafting, but there are some clear differences. The most obvious one is the boat itself, cave tubing uses a tube built for just one person.
You just paddle a little, then hold onto the tube and let the underground current carry you along. It’s perfect for an adrenaline boost, but you don’t need to worry since a professional guide is always right there.
Besides the guide, you’ll get safety gear like a helmet, a life jacket, and insurance. The ride lasts around 45 minutes, passing through 15 river caves, 3 dark caves, and the beautiful natural scenery that Ubud is known for.
4. Cycle Through the Ubud Countryside
Another thing to do in Ubud Bali, you shouldn’t skip is cycling around the peaceful, scenic villages. It’s a great pick if you want something outdoorsy without going too extreme.
You can ride solo, but joining a trip with a professional guide makes it feel more special. They’ll set you up with a bike and map out the route so everything flows nicely.
Along the way, you’ll soak in the countryside vibe that’s uniquely Ubud. It’s calm and quiet, even though Ubud is one of Bali’s most popular spots. Mornings are the best time for it, with that cool breeze keeping you company.
5. Dive Into Balinese Culture Through a Workshop
If you’re after things to do in Ubud Bali with a more unique touch, a workshop or class is the way to go. There’s plenty to pick from, and you can match it to your hobbies or whatever Balinese craft or skill you want to pick up.
One of the most popular classes in Ubud is Balinese cooking. You’ll meet a professional chef who’ll teach you how to make authentic dishes like ayam betutu, sate lilit, and more.
What’s interesting is you won’t just learn recipes and cooking techniques, some classes take things further. A few include market visits, learning about and harvesting organic ingredients, and other hands-on activities.
If you’re looking for things to do in Ubud Bali solo or with friends, a cooking class is a top choice. Beyond cooking, you can also join workshops for batik making, local crafts, and more.
6. Calm Your Mind with Yoga
It wouldn’t feel quite right putting together a Bali itinerary Ubud without adding yoga to the mix. Yoga didn’t start in Bali, but it’s become really popular here, and you can find a yoga spot without even trying.
This is perfect if you’re looking for something on your things to do in Ubud Bali list that helps you slow down. It’s great for anyone juggling a busy life, work, studies, whatever, since yoga is known to ease stress pretty effectively.
You get to settle your mind and body with yoga, all while breathing in that fresh Ubud air that makes everything feel even more relaxing. Most yoga spots sit close to cafes or restaurants too, so grabbing a bite afterward is easy.
7. Watch Traditional Dance and Cultural Performances
A trip to Ubud wouldn’t feel complete without soaking in some authentic Balinese culture. So one more thing to add to your list of top things to do in Ubud Bali is watching traditional dance and other cultural shows. It’s entertaining, and you’ll pick up a lot along the way.
Some of the most popular attractions in Ubud Bali include the Kecak dance, sacred temple dances, traditional ceremonies, and other similar performances. You can usually catch these at Puri Saren Agung, also known as the Ubud Palace.
But aside from the palace, you can also watch them at several temples around Ubud, like Pura Dalem Taman Kaja and Pura Padang Tegal. Just pick the one closest to your hotel or wherever you happen to be that day.
8. Meet Long-Tailed Monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Another great pick for things to do in Ubud Bali is visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. If you’re into animals, this place is spot on since you’ll come face to face with long-tailed monkeys.
Around 1,260 monkeys live here, making it one of the best places in Ubud. No surprise it’s become such a hit with both local and international travelers visiting Bali.
Locals consider this Ubud attraction sacred, so watch your words as you wander through the forest. The area itself spans around 12.5 hectares, giving you plenty of space to explore.
Since it’s a proper forest, you’ll also get to enjoy the natural, untouched scenery inside the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Beyond the long-tailed monkeys, there are around 186 tree and plant species, so the walk is definitely a good one.
9. Relax with a Spa Treatment
After a full day of activities, what else can you add to your list of things to do in Ubud Bali? Turns out you can treat yourself to a Balinese spa. Don’t skip the Balinese massage and other spa services that are famous way beyond the island.
During a spa session, it’s not just your body that unwinds, your mind follows too. It’s such an effective wellness activity that you’ll head back to your normal routine after Ubud feeling way more refreshed and ready.
Most spas in Ubud sit tucked away in quiet corners, surrounded by greenery, with that calming scent of frangipani and essential oils drifting through the air. Whether you go for a full package or just a quick massage, it’s the kind of treat that rounds off your trip perfectly.
10. Shop for Unique Balinese Souvenirs
If you’re still stuck on what things to do in Ubud Bali, make some room for souvenir hunting. The locals sell all kinds of handmade bits, woven bags, jewelry, wood carvings, and good local coffee. You grab something nice and help their business at the same time.
Ubud Market is the obvious first stop. It can get busy, but that’s part of the fun, and haggling a little is completely normal there.
If crowds aren’t your thing, the smaller boutiques tucked along the side streets offer a quieter browse with more curated pieces. Either way, you’ll walk away with something that actually reminds you of your trip.
Planning Your Ubud Bali Itinerary
Now that you know what things to do in Ubud Bali, you’ll also want to figure out how to fit them all into your schedule. Here’s a handy Ubud travel guide to help you plan things out smoothly.
1. Start Day One with Extreme Activities
On your first day, your energy and excitement are usually at their peak. So what things to do in Ubud Bali on day one? Go for the extreme stuff like ATV riding, rafting, and cave tubing.
Since there’s a lot to pack into the first day, kick things off with rafting. It demands plenty of energy, so morning is the best time while the weather and temperature are still on your side.
A good tip is to grab the earliest slot since you still have other physical activities ahead. Then take a 1 to 2 hour break before heading off for cave tubing so you don’t end up too worn out.
In the afternoon, you can explore Ubud’s scenery on an ATV. Most ATV operators run sessions up to 4 PM, so you can take the last slot before heading back to the hotel to rest.
2. Focus on Relaxed Activities on Day Two
After a physically packed first day, the things to do in Ubud Bali on day two should lean more toward relaxed vibes. Start your morning cycling through the villages while breathing in that fresh air.
After that, you can join a workshop or class in the afternoon. Then at night, just sit back and enjoy a traditional dance or cultural performance.
3. Wrap Up with Wellness and Shopping on the Last Day
On your last day, the things to do in Ubud Bali Indonesia should center around wellness. You can join a yoga session in the morning, wander around and shop in the afternoon, then book a spa in the evening.
Ready to Explore Ubud?
So there you have it, a handful of things to do in Ubud Bali that span from muddy outdoor rides and local shows to slow afternoons spent unwinding. Doesn’t matter how you like to travel, Ubud just finds a way to keep your days full without making it feel like a chore.
If you want adrenaline, go find it. If you’d rather pick up a new skill or just do nothing in peace, that works too. Bali’s little green pocket has all of that. Just pack a bag and go see it.