10 Ubud Spots: Beyond the Usual Path in Bali

You might think this spot is super popular, and it is with over 59,000 reviews averaging 4.5/5, but it's still a wonderful place to start your Ubud adventure. It's more than just monkeys; it’s a beautiful nature preserve with ancient trees and temples. The monkeys here are quite cheeky, so keep your snacks tucked away! Walk slowly, enjoy the green paths, and watch the playful residents. Visiting earlier in the morning, right when they open at 9:00 AM, can give you a calmer experience before the bigger crowds arrive. Just remember, they close at 5:00 PM. Price varies, so check before you go.

Ready for some refreshing nature? Tegenungan Waterfall is a beautiful scenic spot that many people love, with a strong 4.4/5 rating from over 37,000 reviews. It's a great place to cool off and enjoy the power of nature. You'll need to walk down a fair number of steps to reach the base, but the view is absolutely worth it. It’s a popular spot for photos, so maybe try to visit on a weekday morning if you prefer fewer people. While specific hours aren't listed, it's generally accessible during daylight. The price varies, so be ready for an entrance fee.

Pura Tirta Empul is a special Hindu temple known for its holy spring water. With an impressive 4.6/5 rating from over 30,000 reviews, it's a significant cultural landmark. Many come here for purification rituals in the cool spring pools. If you plan to take part, remember to dress respectfully (sarongs are usually available for rent or provided). It's open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. Visiting in the late afternoon might offer a more peaceful atmosphere as the day trippers start to leave. The price varies for entry.

For a truly local, quieter experience, Puri Langon Ubud is a wonderful cultural landmark. It holds a high 4.8/5 rating, though from a smaller, more intimate group of 365 reviews. This spot offers a glimpse into traditional Balinese life and arts. It’s not as widely known as some other places, which is part of its charm. You can visit between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM daily. It’s located on a smaller lane, Gg. Mawar, so finding it feels like discovering a secret. The price varies, so it's good to check locally for the exact cost.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall, rated 4.3/5 by over 7,200 visitors, is another lovely waterfall option. What makes this one unique is its tiered rock formations, creating a beautiful natural shower. It's a popular spot for photos, so arriving early, perhaps right when it opens at 6:30 AM, can help you enjoy it with fewer people around. You can even stand under the falls if you're brave enough! It's open until 5:30 PM daily. The price varies for entry, but it’s a small fee for a memorable experience.

You've probably seen pictures of Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and it lives up to its 4.4/5 rating from over 53,000 reviews. These iconic terraced fields are a beautiful example of traditional Balinese irrigation. While popular, you can still find quiet corners. Try to go early in the morning, around 8:00 AM when it opens, or later in the afternoon before it closes at 6:00 PM, to avoid the midday sun and crowds. Walking through the fields gives you a real sense of peace. There are various viewpoints, and the price varies for entry.

Want to feel like you're flying over the rice fields? Aloha Ubud Swing, with its excellent 4.7/5 rating from over 12,000 reviews, is a fun way to do it. Located near Tegallalang, it offers several swings at different heights, giving you amazing photo opportunities with the green landscape as your backdrop. It's an amusement center, so expect a lively atmosphere. Visiting closer to opening at 8:00 AM or closing at 5:00 PM might mean shorter waits. The price varies depending on the swing package you choose, so call to confirm before you go.

Another great option for that iconic Bali swing photo is Ubud Jungle Swing. It holds a solid 4.5/5 rating, and with 238 reviews, it feels a bit less crowded than some of the bigger swing parks. If you're looking for a slightly more relaxed swing experience with beautiful jungle views, this could be your spot. It's an amusement center open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Like other swings, the price varies for different options, so it's best to check when you arrive. It's on Jl. Raya Tegallalang, making it easy to combine with a rice terrace visit.

For a peaceful stroll with gorgeous views, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a fantastic choice, rated 4.3/5 by over 17,000 people. This easy hiking area takes you along a scenic path with lush greenery on both sides. The best times to go are early morning for sunrise or late afternoon for sunset, when the light is soft and the air is cooler. Since it's open 24 hours, you can really pick your perfect moment. The walk is free, making it a budget-friendly way to enjoy Ubud's natural beauty. Just bring water and wear comfy shoes!

If you want to see rice terraces that feel truly expansive and less touristy, make the trip to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. This UNESCO Cultural Landscape boasts an incredible 4.8/5 rating from nearly 15,000 reviews. These terraces are vast and offer long walking paths through the fields. It’s a bit further from central Ubud but absolutely worth the drive for the stunning, wide-open views. Open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, try to go in the morning for crisp air. The price varies, but it's a small fee for such a grand sight.