Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali: 20 Experiences You Should Not Miss
If you are searching for the best things to do in Ubud, you have probably already seen the usual Bali recommendations.
Rice terraces.
Temples.
Waterfalls.
Yoga.
Monkey Forest.
But Ubud has another side that is easier to miss.
It is a place where culture, nature, wellness, food, creativity, and unusual experiences come together.
That is why Ubud continues to attract first-time visitors, couples, solo travellers, wellness lovers, and people looking for something different from the beach-club side of Bali. Current Bali travel guides continue to describe Ubud as one of the island’s main destinations for culture, nature, wellness and yoga.
So, instead of giving you another basic tourist checklist, here are 20 things to do in Ubud Bali that can help you create a more memorable trip.
1. Try Puppy Yoga in Ubud
Let’s start with something completely different.
One of the most unexpected things to do in Ubud is puppy yoga.
Imagine stepping onto your yoga mat, starting a gentle yoga session, and suddenly having a playful puppy walking beside you.
That is the idea behind Puppy Yoga Ubud.
It combines yoga and movement with playful interaction with puppies, creating a wellness experience that feels much more relaxed and spontaneous than a traditional yoga class.
You might be stretching while a puppy sits next to your mat.
Another puppy might want attention.
And sometimes, the class simply turns into a few minutes of laughter.
That unpredictability is part of the experience.
Why try puppy yoga in Ubud?
Because not every Bali experience needs to be serious.
Ubud is famous for yoga and wellness, but puppy yoga adds something different: movement, connection, and fun in the same experience.
Puppy Yoga Bali Rizki currently offers a Puppy Yoga Ubud experience, with its Ubud venue listed at Lotus YogaShela & Acu Thai.
2. Walk Through Ubud’s Rice Fields
You cannot visit Ubud without experiencing its famous green landscapes.
One of the simplest ways to do this is by taking a slow walk through the rice fields.
You do not necessarily need an organised tour.
Sometimes, the best experience is simply walking without rushing.
Take photographs.
Watch local farmers working.
Enjoy the tropical surroundings.
And let yourself slow down.
After all, one of the reasons people come to Ubud is to experience a different pace of life.
3. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s most recognisable attractions.
The forest combines nature, temples, stone sculptures and hundreds of long-tailed macaques.
However, remember that these are wild animals.
Keep your belongings secure, follow local rules, and avoid feeding or provoking the monkeys.
The experience is much better when you observe rather than interfere.
4. Explore Ubud’s Art Scene
Ubud has a long connection with Balinese art.
You can find galleries, traditional paintings, sculptures, crafts, textiles and contemporary creative spaces around the area.
Instead of simply buying a souvenir, take time to understand the story behind the artwork.
You may discover that a small gallery becomes one of your favourite stops in Ubud.
5. Watch a Traditional Balinese Dance
For a cultural experience, attend a traditional Balinese dance performance.
The movements, costumes, music and storytelling create an experience that is very different from typical Western performances.
Furthermore, watching a local performance in Bali allows you to experience part of the island’s living culture rather than simply visiting a tourist attraction.
Check the schedule before going because performances and venues can vary.
6. Visit a Balinese Temple
Ubud and the surrounding villages are filled with temples.
However, remember that Balinese temples are active places of worship.
Dress respectfully and follow local rules.
If a ceremony is taking place, observe quietly and avoid treating the event as a photo opportunity.
That small amount of respect can make your cultural experience much more meaningful.
7. Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Tegallalang is one of the most photographed landscapes around Ubud.
The layered rice terraces create the classic Bali scenery many travellers imagine before arriving.
Go earlier in the day if possible.
The light is often softer, temperatures are more comfortable, and you can enjoy the landscape before the busiest periods.
8. Try a Balinese Cooking Class
Food is one of the best ways to understand a culture.
A Balinese cooking class allows you to learn about local ingredients, spices and traditional preparation methods.
Depending on the class, you may visit a local market first, prepare ingredients, cook several dishes and then enjoy the meal you created.
The best part?
You can take the recipes home.
So, your Bali experience does not have to end when you leave the island.
9. Spend Time at a Ubud Café
Ubud has developed a strong café culture.
You can find everything from traditional Indonesian coffee to smoothie bowls, plant-based dishes and modern brunch menus.
Instead of treating a café stop as something you squeeze between attractions, make it part of the experience.
Sit down.
Order something you have never tried.
Put your phone away for a while.
Watch people passing by.
Sometimes, those quiet moments become the memories you remember most.
10. Book a Balinese Massage
After several days of walking, sightseeing and exploring, your body may need a break.
A Balinese massage is one of the easiest ways to slow down.
You can find everything from simple local massage studios to luxury wellness centres.
If you are building a wellness-focused itinerary, consider combining a massage with yoga, healthy food and time in nature.
11. Try a Yoga Class
Ubud has become internationally recognised for yoga and wellness.
Therefore, trying a yoga class is an obvious choice for travellers interested in mindful activities.
However, you do not need to be flexible or experienced.
Many classes welcome beginners.
If you want something traditional, choose a regular yoga class.
If you want something more playful, consider Puppy Yoga Ubud.
Both can provide movement and relaxation, but the atmosphere is completely different.
12. Discover a Waterfall Near Ubud
If you want to add a little adventure to your Ubud itinerary, visit one of the waterfalls in the wider Ubud area.
The combination of tropical vegetation, flowing water and natural surroundings makes waterfalls popular day-trip experiences.
However, conditions can change after rain.
Always check local conditions and follow safety instructions before entering the water.
13. Enjoy a Slow Morning
Here is one of the most underrated things to do in Ubud:
Nothing.
You do not need to fill every hour.
Wake up slowly.
Have breakfast.
Drink coffee.
Read a book.
Take a walk.
Then decide what you want to do next.
Ubud is much more enjoyable when you leave some space in your itinerary.
14. Explore Local Markets
Ubud’s markets are a great place to look for local crafts, textiles, artwork and souvenirs.
Take your time when browsing.
Talk to sellers respectfully.
And remember that bargaining, where appropriate, should remain friendly.
Instead of buying ten generic souvenirs, look for one item that actually reminds you of your trip.
15. Try a Wellness Experience
Ubud is an excellent place to build a wellness day.
For example:
Morning: Yoga
Late morning: Healthy breakfast
Afternoon: Massage
Late afternoon: Nature walk
Evening: Healthy dinner
Or you can replace the traditional yoga session with puppy yoga for a more playful experience.
Wellness tourism in Bali has become increasingly diverse, extending beyond traditional massages into yoga, retreats, mindfulness and other holistic experiences.
16. Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Village
Ubud is surrounded by villages where you can see another side of Bali.
Depending on your itinerary, you might explore traditional crafts, rice farming, local food or rural landscapes.
These experiences can feel very different from central Ubud.
Moreover, they can give you a better understanding of how Balinese communities live beyond the main tourist streets.
17. Watch the Sunset Somewhere Peaceful
You do not always need a famous beach club to enjoy sunset.
Find somewhere comfortable.
Order a drink.
Sit down.
And watch the sky change colour.
If you have spent the entire day exploring, a quiet sunset can be the perfect way to slow down.
18. Have a Romantic Day in Ubud
Ubud can be an excellent destination for couples.
Instead of trying to visit ten attractions in one day, create a slower itinerary.
For example:
Morning: Rice-field walk
Late morning: Breakfast together
Afternoon: Spa treatment
Late afternoon: Puppy yoga
Evening: Romantic dinner
This kind of itinerary combines relaxation, fun and memorable experiences without making the day feel rushed.
19. Try Something You Have Never Done Before
This may sound simple, but it is one of the best travel rules.
Do one thing in Ubud that you would not normally do at home.
Maybe it is a cooking class.
Maybe it is a meditation session.
Maybe it is a traditional dance.
Maybe it is puppy yoga.
The goal is not to find the most famous activity.
The goal is to create a memory.
20. Leave Time to Simply Enjoy Ubud
Finally, do not make the mistake of turning Ubud into a checklist.
Ubud is not just a collection of attractions.
It is an atmosphere.
The greenery.
The small cafés.
The temples.
The art.
The sounds.
The food.
The slower mornings.
The unexpected moments.
So, leave some space in your itinerary.
You may discover something that was never on your original list.
What Is the Best Thing to Do in Ubud?
That depends on what kind of traveller you are.
If you love nature:
Try rice-field walks, waterfalls and village experiences.
If you love culture:
Visit temples, markets, galleries and traditional performances.
If you love wellness:
Try yoga, meditation, massage and other wellness activities.
If you want something unusual:
Try Puppy Yoga Ubud.
If you are travelling as a couple:
Combine nature, spa treatments, food and a unique shared experience.
There is no single best activity.
The best experience is the one that matches the kind of holiday you want.
Why Puppy Yoga Is One of Ubud’s More Unusual Experiences
Ubud already has plenty of yoga studios.
So why choose puppy yoga?
Because it changes the atmosphere completely.
Traditional yoga often asks you to focus inward.
Puppy yoga adds an element of interaction and play.
You still move.
You still stretch.
But you also have spontaneous moments with puppies.
For travellers who want a unique thing to do in Ubud, this combination can make a memorable addition to their itinerary.
Puppy Yoga Bali Rizki describes its experience as combining yoga with playful puppies while supporting rescued puppies and local shelters.
How Many Days Do You Need in Ubud?
For a first visit, around 3–4 days can give you enough time to experience the main highlights without constantly rushing from one attraction to another. Current 2026 travel guides commonly recommend several days in Ubud for culture, nature, wellness and surrounding excursions.
A relaxed example could look like this:
Day 1 — Culture
- Ubud Palace
- Local market
- Temple
- Traditional dance
- Dinner
Day 2 — Nature
- Rice terraces
- Waterfall
- Village
- Café
Day 3 — Wellness
- Yoga or puppy yoga
- Healthy breakfast
- Massage
- Slow afternoon
- Dinner
Day 4 — Flexible Day
- Cooking class
- Art gallery
- Shopping
- Café hopping
- Or simply relax
This gives you structure without making your holiday feel like a race.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Ubud
What are the best things to do in Ubud Bali?
Some of the best things to do in Ubud include visiting rice terraces, exploring temples, experiencing Balinese culture, joining a cooking class, enjoying yoga and wellness activities, visiting art galleries, exploring local markets and trying unique experiences such as puppy yoga.
Is Ubud worth visiting for first-time visitors to Bali?
Yes. Ubud offers a very different experience from Bali’s coastal areas, with a strong combination of culture, nature, art and wellness.
What are some unique things to do in Ubud?
For something beyond the typical sightseeing itinerary, try a Balinese cooking class, local art experience, meditation, wellness activity or Puppy Yoga Ubud.
Is Puppy Yoga available in Ubud?
Yes. Puppy Yoga Bali Rizki currently lists a Puppy Yoga Ubud experience at Lotus YogaShela & Acu Thai in Ubud.
Is puppy yoga suitable for beginners?
Yes. You do not need to be an experienced yogi. The experience is designed to combine yoga movement with playful interaction, making it accessible to people who simply want to try something different.
What should I wear for Puppy Yoga Ubud?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Since you will also interact with puppies, practical and comfortable clothing is generally a good choice.
Is Ubud better than Canggu?
Neither is automatically better.
Ubud is generally associated with culture, nature and wellness, while Canggu is known for surf, cafés, beach life and a more social atmosphere.
The better choice depends on your travel style.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Visit Ubud — Experience It
The best things to do in Ubud are not necessarily the activities with the biggest crowds.
Sometimes, the most memorable moments are surprisingly simple.
A quiet walk through the rice fields.
A conversation over coffee.
A Balinese meal.
A yoga class.
A sunset.
Or a playful puppy wandering onto your yoga mat.
That is what makes Ubud special.
You can explore its culture, connect with nature, focus on wellness, discover local food, or simply slow down for a few days.
And if you want to add something genuinely different to your Bali itinerary, Puppy Yoga Ubud is an experience worth considering.
Ready to Experience Puppy Yoga in Ubud?
If you are looking for a fun and memorable activity during your Bali holiday, join Puppy Yoga Bali Rizki in Ubud.
Stretch, relax, laugh, and spend time with adorable puppies while experiencing a different side of Bali wellness.
Book your Puppy Yoga Ubud experience and make one of your Bali memories a little more playful. 🐶🧘♀️