10 Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali (and Why a Cooking Class Tops the List)

Ubud is the soul of Bali — a lush highland town wrapped in rice terraces, ancient temples, art markets, and jungle. If you're planning your trip and wondering about the best things to do in Ubud, this guide rounds up ten unforgettable experiences, from the famous sights to the hidden gems that turn a holiday into a story.

And while every one of these is worth your time, there's one experience travelers consistently rank as the highlight of their visit. (More on that at #1.)

1. Take a Balinese Cooking Class 🍳

Nothing connects you to Bali like learning to cook its food. A Balinese cooking class in Ubud is a half-day cultural journey: you'll tour a traditional morning market, walk through the rice paddies, and cook 4–5 authentic dishes from scratch with a local chef — then feast on everything you made.

It's hands-on, beginner-friendly, and deeply personal. You don't just see Bali; you taste it, smell it, and bring the recipes home. That's why it tops our list.

Travel tip: At Tumang Bali, classes include free hotel pickup, a market tour, a full meal, and a recipe book — starting at just IDR 350K.

2. Explore the Tegallalang Rice Terraces

These iconic emerald terraces are Ubud's most photographed landscape. Go early to beat the crowds, walk the paths through the paddies, and stop for a coffee with a view. It's the picture-perfect Bali you've been dreaming about.

3. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest

A lush jungle sanctuary in the heart of town, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and moss-covered temples. Keep your sunglasses and snacks tucked away — the monkeys are curious and quick!

4. Wander the Ubud Art Market

Right across from the Royal Palace, this bustling market is the place for handmade crafts, sarongs, woven bags, paintings, and souvenirs. Bring your bargaining skills and an open bag.

5. Chase Waterfalls

The Ubud area is dotted with stunning waterfalls — Tegenungan, Kanto Lampo, and Tibumana among the favorites. Cool off in the pools and capture some of the most breathtaking photos of your trip.

6. See a Traditional Balinese Dance

As night falls, watch a mesmerizing Legong or Kecak fire dance performance near the Ubud Palace. The costumes, gamelan music, and storytelling are pure Balinese magic.

7. Find Peace at a Water Temple

Visit Tirta Empul, the holy spring temple, where locals and travelers take part in a purification ritual. It's a serene, spiritual experience unlike anything else.

8. Trek the Campuhan Ridge Walk

An easy, scenic morning hike along a grassy ridge with sweeping valley views. It's free, peaceful, and best enjoyed at sunrise before the heat sets in.

9. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Ubud is a wellness capital. Indulge in a traditional Balinese massage, a flower-bath, or a full spa ritual — luxury that costs a fraction of what you'd pay back home.

10. Sip Luwak Coffee at a Plantation

Tour a local coffee plantation, learn how Bali's famous beans are grown, and taste your way through coffees and teas — including the legendary (and unusual) Luwak coffee.

How to Plan Your Ubud Itinerary

Most of these experiences pair beautifully. For a perfect day: Morning: Start with a cooking class (market tour + rice fields + cooking) — it's a full, immersive half-day. Afternoon: Relax with a spa treatment or explore the art market. Evening: Watch a traditional dance performance near the palace.

Because the cooking class includes a market visit and a rice-field walk, it's an efficient way to experience three of Ubud's best things at once — culture, scenery, and food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ubud best known for? Ubud is famous for its rice terraces, traditional arts, wellness retreats, and rich Balinese culture — including its food. It's considered the cultural heart of Bali.

How many days should I spend in Ubud? Two to three days is ideal to enjoy the highlights without rushing — enough time for a cooking class, the rice terraces, a temple or two, and some relaxation.

What's the best thing to do in Ubud for first-time visitors? A Balinese cooking class is perfect for first-timers — it combines a market tour, rice-field walk, hands-on cooking, and a meal into one rich cultural experience.

Make Your Ubud Trip Unforgettable

Ubud rewards travelers who go beyond the postcard sights. Of everything on this list, a hands-on cooking class is the one experience guests tell us they'll never forget — because you don't just visit Bali, you taste its spirit.

Book your Tumang Bali cooking class today and make it the highlight of your trip.