There’s plenty of unique things to do in Ubud beyond simply admiring the rice terraces. This region offers a rich mix of experiences worth exploring further, extending well past its most popular spots.
If you’re curious about the exciting things you can do here, we’ve put together a few activity recommendations below to make your holiday even more memorable and meaningful.
What Actually Makes an Ubud Experience Unique?
Ubud stands as one of Bali’s most popular destinations, a traditional village in Gianyar Regency roughly an hour from central Denpasar. It draws visitors for the way art, culture, and spirituality come together in one place.
Visiting Ubud can become one of your best ways to connect with the island’s beauty, culture, and inner calm. With its harmonious blend of Balinese art, stunning natural landscapes, and a deep sense of spiritual wellness, Ubud offers something rarely found elsewhere.
Central Ubud Hidden Corners You Can Reach on Foot
When it comes to exploring Ubud, the journey often begins in Central Ubud. As the heart of town, this lively area is home to some of its most iconic Ubud attractions, including the Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Art Market, and Ubud Palace.
But beyond these well-known landmarks, Central Ubud also hides a few quieter corners that are worth discovering. The best part? Many of them can easily be reached on foot, making them perfect additions to a slow day of wandering through town.
Here are a few hidden gems in Central Ubud to add to your list.
- Jalan Goutama
Tucked away in the heart of Ubud, Jalan Goutama is a charming pedestrian-friendly street located around 350 metres from Ubud Palace. The lane is lined with cosy restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and small local shops, creating a relaxed atmosphere away from the busier main roads.
Come in the evening, when hanging lights glow above the street and give the area a warmer, more intimate feel. - Serayu Pot & Terracotta
If you have a soft spot for ceramics and handmade art, Serayu Pot & Terracotta is a lovely place to discover. Hidden along one of Ubud’s smaller lanes, this colourful pottery gallery showcases distinctive ceramic pieces and creative displays.
It can also be reached on foot from Jalan Goutama, making it an easy stop while exploring Central Ubud at a slower pace. - Campuhan Ridge Walk
For a little nature without travelling far from town, Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of Ubud’s most refreshing escapes. Located less than a kilometre from Ubud Palace, this scenic walking trail stretches for around two kilometres through lush hills and valleys near the Wos River.
The walk is free, peaceful, and especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather feels cooler, and the landscape catches the softer light.
Spiritual Rituals Worth Doing Properly
If you’re looking for a slower, more peaceful side of Bali, Ubud might be exactly what you’re looking for. Known as one of the island’s cultural and spiritual centres, Ubud offers plenty of ways to unwind while feeling more connected to Balinese traditions, nature, and local ways of life.
- Melukat at Tirta Empul or Beji Griya Waterfall
For a meaningful cultural and spiritual experience, try melukat at Tirta Empul Temple or Beji Griya Waterfall. This traditional Balinese Hindu purification ritual uses holy water as part of a spiritual cleansing process, symbolically releasing negative energy and restoring a sense of balance.
It can be one of the most memorable things to do in Ubud if you’re looking for a calmer and more reflective experience. - Sound Healing
Sound healing is another popular wellness experience in Ubud. The practice uses vibrations and frequencies from instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, and bells to create a deeply relaxing atmosphere.
Sessions are often combined with meditation and are designed to help calm the mind, ease tension, and encourage a greater sense of inner balance. - Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation somehow feel even more natural in Ubud. The combination of lush tropical surroundings, quiet spaces, strong local spirituality, and an established wellness community creates the perfect setting to slow down.
Whether you join a morning yoga class overlooking the jungle or spend a quiet meditation session surrounded by nature, Ubud makes it easier to disconnect from everyday noise, reduce stress, and simply feel more present.
Nature Experiences That Skip the Crowds
Ubud’s natural beauty is hard to beat. Almost every direction leads to a different kind of landscape, from iconic rice terraces and lush green valleys to rivers, tropical forests, and hidden waterfalls.
If you want to experience the quieter side of Ubud, these nature spots are well worth adding to your list.
- Tibumana Waterfall
If you’re searching for hidden waterfalls near Ubud, Tibumana Waterfall is a beautiful escape. Located in Apuan Village, Susut, it sits a little farther from Central Ubud and takes around 45 minutes to reach by car.
The journey may be longer, but once you arrive, the peaceful tropical surroundings and refreshing waterfall make the trip feel completely worth it. - Sangeh Monkey Forest
Beyond the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Central Ubud, Sangeh Monkey Forest offers a quieter alternative with noticeably fewer crowds.
Located in Sangeh Village, this sacred forest is home to hundreds of free-roaming long-tailed macaques, surrounded by towering nutmeg trees that create a cool, shaded atmosphere. The forest is also home to Pura Bukit Sari, adding a cultural and spiritual element to the experience. - Sweet Orange Walk Trail
For an easy walk away from Ubud’s busier trekking routes, Sweet Orange Walk is a lovely option. This peaceful trail winds through rice fields and gardens, alongside small waterways and a handful of cosy cafés.
It is ideal for anyone who wants a relaxed morning walk or light trek while enjoying Ubud’s countryside without the crowds found on more popular trails.
Adventure Activities for a Different Kind of Adrenaline
Ubud isn’t only about slowing down and finding your inner calm. If you’re craving a little more excitement, there are plenty of adrenaline-filled Ubud activities to try too. Surrounded by lush tropical scenery, rivers, rice fields, and forested hills, even the more adventurous side of Ubud comes with incredible views.
- Rafting on the Ayung River
Rafting along the Ayung River is one of the most fun and challenging Ubud activities you can try. The route takes you through several kilometres of rapids, with jungle-covered cliffs, carved rock walls, and hidden waterfalls appearing along the way. It’s exciting, refreshing, and still gives you plenty of time to enjoy Ubud’s beautiful natural scenery. - ATV Quad Biking
For something a little muddier, ATV quad biking is a great choice. You can ride off-road through muddy tracks, rivers, rice fields, forest paths, and even some of Ubud’s iconic tunnels. It’s a fun way to explore the countryside while adding a bit more adventure to your day. - Trekking and Canyoning
If you prefer exploring on foot, trekking and canyoning around Ubud offer a more challenging way to experience the landscape. Depending on the route, you can hike through forested hills, follow hidden river valleys, climb across rocky terrain, or explore waterfalls and narrow canyons. It’s perfect for travellers who want nature with a little more adrenaline.
Creative and Culinary Arts Experiences Beyond the Ordinary Menu
Food in Ubud should definitely have a place on your itinerary. But instead of sticking to a regular restaurant experience, you can make it more memorable by choosing somewhere that combines creative cuisine with entertainment and interactive activities. For something a little different, this is one experience worth checking out.
- Seven Paintings Ubud
Located inside Kaamala Resort Ubud, Seven Paintings Ubud offers an immersive fine-dining experience where art, animation, storytelling, and gastronomy come together. Its signature Dinemation concept transforms the dining table into a visual stage, with projections, sound, and interactive elements accompanying a seven-course menu inspired by legendary artists from around the world.
Rather than simply sitting down for dinner, guests become part of the experience as each course introduces a different artistic story. It’s especially worth considering for a date night, special celebration, or simply when you want to try one of Ubud’s more unusual dining experiences. Seven Paintings currently operates two sessions daily, from 5:00–7:00 PM and 8:00–10:00 PM, so booking ahead is recommended.
Choosing Unique Ubud Experiences by Travel Style
For Couples Seeking Romance
If you’re traveling with your partner and want something more romantic and intimate, Ubud has plenty of experiences made for two. Think quiet activities away from the crowds, such as a unique dinner experience, a sunset walk through rice fields or valleys, a couple’s spa, or simply sharing a meal at a peaceful restaurant surrounded by lush greenery.
For Solo Travelers Wanting Connection
For solo travelers, Ubud is one of the most flexible destinations, as you can explore at your own pace without adjusting to anyone else’s mood or schedule. There are plenty of activities to enjoy alone or meet new people through, from yoga and cooking classes to art workshops and other community experiences.
For Small Groups and Friends
If you’re traveling with friends, fun and interactive activities you can enjoy together are always a great choice. From rafting, ATV rides, and trekking to cooking classes, spa days, and plenty of other group experiences, Ubud has no shortage of options.
Planning Notes Before You Go
Before heading to Ubud, there are a few simple things worth noting to keep your trip smooth, fun, and drama-free:
- Check the distance between attractions, as many places are located outside Central Ubud.
- Start your day early when visiting popular spots to avoid bigger crowds and the midday heat.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, especially if you’re planning to trek or visit waterfalls.
- Bring some cash, as smaller shops and local attractions may not always accept cards.
- Book popular experiences in advance, especially spa treatments, rafting, and unique dining experiences.
- Respect local customs, particularly when visiting temples or joining spiritual and cultural activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unique Things to Do in Ubud
- What not to miss in Ubud?
Don’t miss exploring Central Ubud, from visiting Ubud Palace to learn about local history and culture, shopping for souvenirs at Ubud Art Market, and strolling through the charming Jalan Goutama. For nature, beat the crowds with a morning walk at Campuhan Ridge, explore the Tegallalang rice terraces, or spend some time discovering Ubud’s waterfalls. - What to do in Ubud not touristy?
The key to finding non-touristy things to do in Ubud is exploring quieter places away from the main tourist areas. You can walk through Subak Juwuk Manis rice fields, discover traditional art in Keliki Village, join a firefly experience, or watch hundreds of herons return to Petulu Village at sunset. - What are some unique Ubud experiences?
One unique Ubud experience to try is Seven Paintings Ubud, an immersive dinner combining art, visual projections, interactive storytelling, and gastronomy. Throughout the experience, you’ll enjoy seven courses inspired by iconic artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Banksy. - What to do in Ubud for a day?
If you only have one day in Ubud, combine a few different experiences to make the most of your time. Start with a sunrise walk at Campuhan Ridge, visit nearby temples, browse Ubud Art Market, and finish with a melukat purification ritual at Tirta Empul.
Finding Your Own Version of Ubud
Ubud always has something interesting waiting around the corner, so it’s hard to get bored here. From calming wellness experiences and cultural discoveries to outdoor adventures packed with adrenaline, there are plenty of ways to make your time in Ubud feel special.
But when it comes to the most unique things to do in Ubud, Seven Paintings is one experience you shouldn’t miss. This immersive fine-dining restaurant goes beyond simply serving great food, combining gastronomy with visual storytelling and interactive entertainment to create a dinner experience that feels truly memorable.
