6 must-do activities in Ubud, Bali in 2023
Leave the party zones of Seminyak, Kuta and Canggu, and enter the peaceful and artistic community in Ubud, Bali
Bali, also known as the Land of the Gods, is a holiday destination that truly has something for every type of traveller, be it for parties, relaxation, culture, food, adventure, spiritual experiences and more.
Most visitors find that the best months to visit the island are between April to September, when conditions are warm and sunny all day long. For someone looking for a spot of rest and relaxation that's not entirely reliant on sunny weather, the fringe months of February/March and October/November work too!
I recently returned from a Bali trip in February 2023 and found the weather – sunny and/or overcast in the day, rainy through the night – conducive for the dialling down that I was looking toward to. Intending to slow down, I went to laidback Ubud, where tourists, like me, live perpetually in sundresses or activewear, and where many of the local art community find their muse.
Despite the gloomy weather forecast, I managed to get plenty of sun over three out of five days, even managing to embark on a short hike. To help you narrow down what precious few activities to do for a rest-&-relax trip, here are six activities to consider if you're going to Ubud!
Psst! Based on recent searches, the cheapest return ticket I can find from Singapore to Bali in March is S$175.
Explore your artistic side
Ubud is the heart of the art community in Bali. Music, dance, theatre, paintings, ceramic art and wood carvings – these are just some of the activities you can indulge in, whether as an audience or as a participant. Most of the museums and art galleries in Ubud are free to browse, or if you choose to, you can also pay a small amount of money to access performances and more!
Kecak & Fire Dance Show Pottery Class at Serayu Pottery Ubud Silver-Making Class at Bali Artika Silver Batik Making Class in Ubud Ubud Arts & Crafts Tour
Go to a spa and get a massage, or maybe three
The name Ubud originates from the Balinese word “obat”, which means “herb” or “medicine”. It's no wonder that Ubud has evolved into the wellness hub that it is today, with plenty of spas, massage parlours and yoga retreats providing good value for both the wallet and soul.
Mango Tree Spa by L'OCCITANE in Ubud Bali Kamandalu Ubud: Forest Spa Experience with Forest Swing | Bali Spa Experience at Ubud Traditional Spa Bali Lemuria Spa Treatment in Ubud Bali
Go on easy nature walks
Hey, it's a rest and recreation type of holiday, right? So, you don't need to climb a mountain (unless you wish to). Locals and tourists highly recommend easy and free hikes like the Campuhan Ridge Walk. For a tiny fee, it's possible to spend the entire day exploring the Sacred Monkey Forest or secret waterfalls and getting your step count in!
Get the Monkey Forest ticket here Ubud Secret Waterfalls Day Tour
Scour Ubud for good meals and happy-hour drinks!
There is no shortage of restaurants and bars in Ubud, but I can point you to Locavore (or Locavore-to-go as the main restaurant will undergo a concept overhaul after May 2023) for an incredible 18-course meal. I've also had really good cocktails at Ibu Susu, a recommendation by a friend which did not disappoint (try the green curry and dumplings!)
Of course, you cannot miss having the coffee (I'd recommend Ubud Coffee Roastery and Sunny Coffee) and Acai bowls (I had a very generous bowl at Acai Queen).
Kick back at the pool where you're staying
Ubud is landlocked, but apart from visiting waterfalls, you can also choose from many villas or hotels with pools.
As for where to stay? Here are a few places I shortlisted that are also friendly on the wallet!
Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa Ubud Village Hotel - CHSE Certified Element By Westin Bali Ubud - CHSE Certified, a Marriott Hotel
Get a guide and let him or her bring you around
Why stress over where to go, when you can get someone else to plan and drive you to wherever locals recommend?
Ubud Monkey Forest and Hidden Waterfall With Photographer Ubud Highlights Private Day Tour Ubud All-Inclusive Day Tour Downhill Ubud Countryside and Mountain Sightseeing Cycling Tour in Bali
Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com | Expedia
Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined
General info here: Tripadvisor
Affordable data plans here
And while you are at it, be sure to get your travel insurance!
