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Guide · Bali ·

Ubud travel guide: temples, rice terraces and walks

By the Australia Travel Escapes editorial team · Who we are

Ubud travel guide basics: Ubud is a town in Gianyar Regency, in the hills of central Bali, and it works best as a base for three or four days of slow sightseeing. Most visitors come for temples, rice fields, art museums and dance. This guide gives you a simple plan, with the places worth your time and a few habits that make the trip easier.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Ubud.

Why base yourself in Ubud

Ubud sits inland, away from the beach strip. The area around town is rice paddies, small farms, dense forest and steep river ravines, and it is cooler and less crowded than the main tourist strip in the south. It is a tropical island, so pack a light rain jacket.

The town grew up around herbs and healing plants, and its name is thought to come from the Balinese word for medicine. In the late 19th century it became the seat of local lords loyal to the king of Gianyar. Foreign painters such as Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet helped make the town Bali's cultural centre, and it is still known for its art.

Staying in or near the centre means you can walk to the palace, the main museums and the Monkey Forest. For sights further out, hire a driver by the day and agree the price before you set off.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Ubud.

The Monkey Forest and the town centre

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary lies at the southern end of town, at Padangtegal. It covers about 10 hectares and holds at least 115 kinds of tree. Its main residents are long-tailed macaques, and they are used to people. Three temples stand inside: Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji and Pura Prajapati. The temples are said to date from around 1350.

Treat the monkeys as wild animals. Staff ban snacks such as peanuts and biscuits, and advise you not to touch the monkeys, and never to pull back food once you have offered it, because that can provoke a bite. Keep bags closed and hold your phone and sunglasses tightly. Sacred temple areas are closed to anyone who is not there to pray in proper Balinese praying dress.

In the centre, look at Puri Saren Agung, the old palace, where dance performances are held. Pura Taman Saraswati and Pura Desa Ubud are two more temples close by. Ubud also has four well known art museums: Puri Lukisan, the Neka Art Museum, the Blanco museum and the Agung Rai Museum of Art. Two or three hours in one of them is plenty.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Ubud Monkey Forest; Wikipedia, Ubud; Ubud Monkey Forest, official website.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk starts near the spot where two rivers meet on the western edge of town. Legend says an eighth century priest from Java founded Gunung Lebah Temple at that river meeting. From the hill you can see two rivers join. A paved track about one metre wide, roughly two kilometres long, leads up to the top.

Wear shoes with grip, bring water and start with enough daylight to walk back. Late afternoon is a good time to go, and early morning is cooler. Check the weather first.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Ubud.

Tegallalang rice terraces

Tegallalang is a district in Gianyar Regency, north of Ubud, and its terraced rice fields are a well known sight. A half day is enough. Go in the morning, when the light is soft and the roads are quieter, and ask your driver to wait.

The steps are narrow and can be slippery after rain. Stay on the paths, because the terraces are working farms. Ask your driver whether other stops fit on the same trip.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Tegallalang.

Temples and day trips nearby

Two old sites make good short trips. Goa Gajah, the Elephant Cave, lies near Bedulu. The Gunung Kawi temple is the site of royal tombs. Allow about an hour for each, so you can pair them with a morning drive.

At any temple, dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees, and follow the signs at the gate. Some areas are only for people who are praying.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Ubud.

A simple three day plan

Before you fly, read the Australian government's travel advice for Indonesia and buy travel insurance. Carry bottled or treated water, use insect repellent and keep your valuables out of sight. This is general information, not medical advice. Ask a doctor about vaccinations and health risks well before you travel. Rules, opening times and prices change, so check the official source before you go.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Ubud; Wikipedia, Ubud Monkey Forest.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, Ubud: en.wikipedia.org
  2. Wikipedia, Ubud Monkey Forest: en.wikipedia.org
  3. Wikipedia, Tegallalang: en.wikipedia.org
  4. Ubud Monkey Forest, official website: monkeyforestubud.com