Ubud Travel Guide 2025 – Rice Terraces, Monkey Forest & Spiritual Bali

🌾 Why Ubud is Bali's Must-Visit

If Bali's beaches represent the body, Ubud is its soul. Nestled in the lush highlands surrounded by rice paddies, river gorges, and tropical forest, Ubud has been Bali's center for arts, culture, and spirituality for centuries. It's where you'll find the most authentic Balinese experience — from daily temple offerings to mesmerizing gamelan music drifting through the streets.

Ubud is also Bali's wellness capital — home to world-class yoga shalas, meditation centers, vegan restaurants, and spa retreats. The town gained global fame from the book and film "Eat Pray Love", but its magic goes far deeper. Step 10 minutes from the center and you're walking through rice fields, past hidden waterfalls, and into villages where time seems to stand still.

Top Ubud Attractions

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Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Bali's most iconic landscape — cascading emerald rice paddies carved into the hillside using the ancient 'subak' irrigation system (a UNESCO Cultural Practice). Walk the terraces, swing over the valley, and photograph Bali's most Instagrammed view.

🎫15,000 IDR (~$1)

💡Arrive 7-8 AM for empty terraces and golden light. Skip the swing lines.

🐒

Sacred Monkey Forest

A spiritual sanctuary housing over 1,000 Balinese long-tailed macaques. Ancient banyan trees, moss-covered stone temples, and dragon staircases create a jungle adventure atmosphere. Three sacred temples inside.

🎫80,000 IDR (~$5)

💡Secure all belongings! Monkeys will grab glasses, hats, and water bottles.

⛲

Tirta Empul Water Temple

A sacred Hindu temple with natural spring water pools where Balinese Hindus come for ritual purification (melukat). Visitors can participate — an incredibly spiritual and unique experience.

🎫50,000 IDR (~$3)

💡Bring a change of clothes. Wear a sarong (provided). Go early to avoid crowds.

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Campuhan Ridge Walk

A narrow ridge trail between two river valleys with stunning panoramic views of palm trees and morning mist. Only 2 km long — perfect for a sunrise walk. One of Ubud's most peaceful spots.

🎫Free

💡Go at sunrise (6 AM) for magical misty views and cool temperatures.

💧

Tegenungan Waterfall

A powerful, easily accessible waterfall just 15 minutes from Ubud center. Swim in the pool below or climb to the top for views. Can get busy midday but still beautiful.

🎫20,000 IDR (~$1.30)

💡Go early morning. Combine with Tukad Cepung waterfall (cave waterfall nearby).

🏛️

Ubud Royal Palace & Market

The Puri Saren Agung palace hosts nightly traditional dance performances. Across the street, Ubud Art Market sells handmade crafts, paintings, and souvenirs — haggling is expected and part of the fun.

🎫Free (dance: 100,000 IDR)

💡Dance performances at 7:30 PM nightly. Market is best before 9 AM when local artisans sell.

🌾 3-Day Ubud Itinerary

Day 1: Town & Forest

Sunrise Campuhan Ridge Walk (stunning misty views). Breakfast at a riverside café. Morning at the Sacred Monkey Forest (arrive before 10 AM). Lunch at Locavore or a warung. Afternoon: browse the Ubud Art Market and visit the Royal Palace. Evening: watch a traditional Legong or Kecak dance performance at the palace (7:30 PM nightly).

Campuhan RidgeMonkey ForestDance Performance

Day 2: Rice Terraces & Temples

Early morning at Tegallalang Rice Terraces (7-8 AM for empty shots). Continue to Tirta Empul water temple for a purification ritual (bring change of clothes). Stop at a Luwak coffee plantation for tastings. Afternoon: explore the lesser-known Gunung Kawi temple (carved into rock face) or Tukad Cepung Waterfall (magical light rays inside a cave). Evening: cooking class or spa treatment.

TegallalangTirta EmpulCoffee Plantation

Day 3: Waterfalls & Wellness

Morning yoga session at Yoga Barn or Radiantly Alive. Visit Tegenungan Waterfall (swim in the pool at the base). Lunch at an organic café overlooking rice fields. Afternoon: traditional Balinese massage and spa treatment ($15-25 for 90 mins — world-class value). Final sunset at a jungle-view restaurant like Sayan House overlooking the Ayung River valley.

Yoga SessionTegenungan FallsBalinese Spa

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Ubud?

2-3 days is ideal for Ubud. Day 1 for the Monkey Forest, Ubud Market, and Campuhan Ridge Walk. Day 2 for Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul water temple, and a coffee plantation. Day 3 for a yoga retreat, cooking class, or day trip to the waterfalls.

Is Ubud worth visiting in 2025?

Absolutely! Ubud remains the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali. While it's more touristy than 10 years ago, stepping just 5-10 minutes from the center reveals stunning rice terraces, quiet temples, and authentic village life. The food scene, wellness culture, and arts community are world-class.

What time should I visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces?

Arrive at 7-8 AM for the best experience — soft morning light for photos and minimal crowds. By 10 AM it gets very busy and hot. The terraces face east, so morning light illuminates them beautifully. Entry costs 15,000 IDR (~$1). Avoid midday when tour buses arrive.

How much does Ubud cost per day?

Budget: $20-35/day (homestays $8-15, warung meals $2-3, scooter $4/day). Mid-range: $50-100/day (boutique hotel $25-50, nice restaurants $8-15). Luxury: $150-400+/day (jungle villa $100-300, fine dining $30-60, private guide $50). Ubud is significantly cheaper than Seminyak.

Is the Sacred Monkey Forest safe?

Yes, it's safe if you follow the rules: remove all dangling items (sunglasses, jewelry, water bottles), don't eat or show food, don't touch the monkeys, and don't make direct eye contact. The long-tailed macaques can be cheeky and will grab things. Keep your phone in your pocket while taking photos with the selfie pose.

Ubud Travel Guide: Temples, Terraces & Tranquility