Goa Gajah or ‘The Elephant Caves’ in Bali hold a cultural as well as spiritual significance with its Buddhist and Shaivite relics and engravings. The entrance to the cave is particularly noteworthy with a large open-mouthed demon head welcoming you in. If you have been craving a glimpse into Indonesia’s architectural heritage, taking a tour of these caves and witnessing its intricate carvings is one of the top things to do in Ubud Bali.

Take a tour of one of the most scenic hiking trails in Bali that is located just a few minutes drive from the center of Ubud. The surrounding mountain views, rolling green landscapes, and a cool breeze blowing makes this hike very popular when compared with other nearby trails. The trail starts at the confluence, or Campuhan, of the Wos Rivers and takes around one or two hours to cover. Along the way there are some beautiful streams, settlements and shops where you can even stop for a drink.

Known among the locals as ‘Pasar Seni’, this Art Market is one of the best places to visit in Ubud. You can get a range of local goods such as Ikat woven skirts, woodcarvings, brass statuettes, and oil lamps among several others. It is a haven for lovers of local handicraft items especially if you are on the hunt for good quality and a variety of products. Located right in the heart of Ubud this market exudes the local essence of the place with its narrow bylanes.

Built around a crystal clear natural bubbling spring, this is a very active temple where devotees flock primarily to partake of the Hindu bathing and purification rituals. The Tirta Empul temple has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site with its rich history that goes back to 960 AD. The temple also offers some beautiful sights for photography, especially around the traditional Balinese doorways and statues you will see here along with some huge banyan trees as well as a koi pond. Apart from the local population, the temple also attracts a lot of tourists from different regions to bathe in the two big pools into which the holy spring bubbles up.

This museum is actually the palatial home and studio of a famous artist, the late Philippine-born maestro by the name Don Antonio Blanco and is one of the best places to visit in Ubud Bali. Perched on a hilltop that overlooks the beautiful Campuhan River, the Blanco Renaissance Museum boasts some of the most exquisite displays and interesting artwork by Blanco and his son Mario. The museum is also renowned for its collection of lithographic artwork of nude Balinese women as well as illustrated poetry, collages, and much more.

A visit to Ubud remains incomplete without a visit to its Royal Palace, located centrally and easily accessible. You can witness the magnificence of Balinese art and architecture here as well as the beauty of intricate carvings and handiwork. The palace gardens are extremely well kept and this also becomes a site for international events on music, art, and literature from time to time. The lush greenery and intricate art work of this palace also makes it one of the best places to visit in Ubud Bali.

If you fancy an experience of a walk in the woods with nothing but nature to accompany you, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is among the best places in Ubud Bali. Known for its mesmerizing views, paved walkways, and adventurous hiking trails, this is the perfect place to soak in nature’s bounty either on foot or on a cycle. The place attracts a lot of trekking enthusiasts every year who cover the entire stretch of nine kilometers surrounded by dense green foliage on either side.

Head to the Ubud Celuk Village to enjoy the peaceful village surrounded by mountains that reflect the rich old culture of Bali. This village is well known for its craftwork in gold and silver which you can also buy at very affordable rates. The villagers make for excellent craftsmen who have been upholding the tradition for generations now. You can make the most of their craftsmanship at wholesale prices at this village, sometimes referred to as the Silver Village. You can also catch the artists in action if you so wish and pick up a few tips on jewelry design and workmanship from them.

Visit this beautiful temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess of wisdom, education, and the arts that is located in the heart of Ubud. The sandstone carved Saraswati Temple draws a lot of devotees as well as other visitors who flock here particularly for the notable lotus pond and water garden that border the main temple area. If you wish to indulge in some refreshments, you can also head to the local café that is housed within the temple gardens for a quick snack and beverage. Complete your visit here by witnessing a traditional dance that is performed here in keeping with the spirituality of the temple.

Tucked deep within the Campuhan Valley at the point where the Sungai Cerik meets, the Pura Gunung Lebah is one of the region’s most important temples. Built in the eighth century, this temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Batur. An important feature of the temple is an empty stone throne or a traditional Balinese Padmasana that sits atop an intricately carved pedestal. The temple is located amid lush greenery and beautiful landscapes as it overlooks the entire Campuhan Valley and sits at the confluence of the two tributaries of Sungai Cerik.

This famous Balinese temple is especially noteworthy for its distinct and exquisite roof with its exceptional artwork. The temple situated in central Ubud is very popular among the local devotees who visit here to seek blessings from the higher power. You can enter the temple premises through its western entrance that opens into the heart of Ubud. The temple dates back several centuries and legend has it that the original Guardians of the edifice had inscribed mantras on its rooftop, made out of coconut leaf fibers, that translated into prayers to protect the local people from evil spirits.

Hidden deep within the famous Monkey Forest of Bali is this gem, the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtega, which means the ‘Great Temple of Death’. The temple is situated in the southwestern corner of the forest and is dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva. Visit this temple for its exquisite architectural beauty and intricate craftsmanship that goes back to the 1350s. You can also witness the captivating Kecak dance performances at the temple that adds to the cultural value and attraction of the place. The people in the local communities hold the temple in high regard and follow the spiritual way of life that is taught here.

This is yet another exotic locale in Ubud known for not only its spiritual richness but also its magnificent setting and breathtaking artwork. The temple complex comprises three structures that are lined from the North to the South- the Pura Taman Sari Water Castle, the Pura Penataran, and the Seganing Temple. Visit this temple to soak in the serenity that the place offers as well as admire the wonderful architectural work. A particularly magnificent feature of the temple that makes it very popular among visitors are the beautifully kept and manicured flower gardens surrounding it. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as the Flower Garden temple because of the lovely water lilies that are grown in the nearby pond.

If you are seeking thrill, go for one of the best water sports in Ubud Bali, river tubing down the Ayung River. Get ready to set out on a journey that will take you on a floating trip in open waters. This is a sheer adrenaline-pumping water sport that will keep you on the edge for a full 45 minutes. You will be guided along the entire course by a professional instructor and thus can embark on this ride even without prior experience. All you need to know is that this will be an experience of a lifetime amid lush vegetation, crystal clear waters, and the warm tropical sun shining down upon you.

One of the best ways to explore the off-beaten routes in Bali is to go white water rafting down the Telaga Waja River. Although the sport takes place at a quiet and remote part of the town, it does not fall short of the thrill and adrenaline rush it promises. Enjoy beautiful breathtaking vistas of mountains, waterfalls, stony cliffs, and paddy fields, along your ride down the river. Do not worry about your safety on this challenging journey along rough waters, as you will under the keen guidance of skilled instructors at all times.

Give yourself the peace and tranquility that the Ubud rice fields offer with a trekking trip here. The breathtaking scenery replete with lush green terraced fields, surrounded by mountains and rocky cliffs, dotted with quaint villages, art galleries, and ancient cave temples, is certainly not something to be missed. Click innumerable photos along the entire 6 km long trek to take back valuable memories home. Head to the tiny village of Keliki Kawan known for their traditional miniature paintings. You can also see the way the villagers indulge in the farming of other crops here like cocoa, soursop, tamarind, and more.

Trekking in Ubud is a wholesome and peaceful endeavor you must undertake during your visit to this spiritual destination and a trek along its beautiful rice fields is among the most favorite pastimes here. The massive terraced rice field set amid mountains and rocky cliffs offer innumerable trekking trails that go through quaint hamlets, small jungle roads, dusty back roads, and some off-beat tracks as well.While at it, you can also interact with some of the local farmers or villagers who are extremely friendly and can give you a deeper insight into the ways of life and the unique traditional systems of irrigation practiced here.