TRAVEL BALI: 10 things you need to do in Ubud

My Travel Bali series is coming to an end soon and I only have a couple of posts left for you.

If you haven't been able to tell by now, man do I love Bali. Ubud in particular is a really special part of the world to me.

Imagine a tropical jungle, filled with quirky coffee shops, eateries, traditional arts and crafts, surrounded by the the lush greenery of rice paddies, the feel of the Hindu spirit of the island the sounds of nature.

You can do all the usual stuff like visiting the Monkey Forest, Ubud Market or take a traditional cooking class, but these things are extremely packed with tourists and I don't really enjoy them anymore.
Having been to Bali many, many times, these are my must do's for Ubud:

1. Tegallalang Rice Terrace

It's on a lot of the tourist lists and for very good reason. The view is truly stunning. Go for a stroll, soak up the atmosphere and just get lost in the beauty of this place.

2. Visit a coffee plantation

As mentioned in my previous article, I've done it a few times now and I truly love the whole experience of visiting a coffee plantation. From understanding how the beans are processed, to the smells and views, right through to sipping my coffee over looking the greenery of Ubud. Read my full feature on the coffee plantation here.

3. Take a Yoga class 

If you like yoga, or if you just want to try it, there are plenty of places you can practice in Bali and Ubud might just be the most beautiful of them all. Yoga Barn is the most well known, but I would suggest opting for something a little cheaper and quieter where you can still have the same experience. Try to pick somewhere outdoors with a jungle view for ultimate sweat and serenity (yes, the two can coexist ;-) ) Most hotels will offer reasonably priced, or even free, yoga classes!

4. Stay in a jungle villa

Bali does villas better than anywhere else. In Ubud you'll find private villas with infinity pools that won't break the bank (if you shop around). Read more about my stay in Ubud and where you can find villas like this here.

5. Tegenungan waterfall

It's a bit of a trek down to the waterfall, but fully worth it. It's a great way to work up a sweat with a refreshing reward at the end. I've only done it once before, but really enjoyed it. I mean who doesn't love swimming in a waterfall?

6. Explore the arts and crafts

Ubud is home to many talented craftsmen who live in the villages around Ubud. If you are looking for unique furniture or textiles, this is the place to come. Note that shipping from Bali is pretty expensive (to anywhere), so I would recommend buying things which can fit in your suitcase! The road to the Tegallalang rice fields is full of beautiful furniture and craft stores, but this area is a little more expensive since these stores are aimed at tourists. Take a stroll around the town and you're bound to find some beautiful pieces. 

7. Go on the Bali Swing

It really is an exhilarating, once in a lifetime kind of thing. There are other swings that I'm sure are just as good around Ubud and Bali, but I love the Bali Swing because of the whole experience they offer here. The package includes unlimited soft drinks and also lunch. Read more about it in my full feature here. 

8. Get a massage

Balinese massage is something worth experiencing. It's actually the only kind of massage I enjoy. There are massage parlours on most roads throughout the town and all hotels will offer massages. Since Ubud is much cheaper than the south of the island for massages, I tend to have mine at the hotel as they are usually considerably better, plus you can flop straight in your bed afterwards!

9. Swim in an infinity pool overlooking the jungle

image sourced via Pintrest

If you decided not to stay in a jungle villa, then you'll want to get yourself to an infinity pool! There are many places you can visit around Ubud, the most famous of which is Hanging Gardens Bali. The pool is absolutely stunning and makes for some incredible photographs! You can pay for entry and to have lunch here and at other places too.

10. Get lost

This one is my number one tip for discovering Ubud. Whether you choose to do it on a motorbike, on foot, with a driver or on one of the many bicycle tours,  just get lost and explore this extraordinary place for yourself because there is just too much to see and uncover that can be featured in any guide! There really is beauty and things to be discovered around every corner.

Hope you enjoyed my top 10 things to do in Ubud!

*all photographs are my own unless otherwise stated

Let me know what else you love to do in Ubud in the comments below!

Yasmine