Things to Do in Ubud: A Practical 2026 Travel Guide
Why Visit Ubud, Bali
Ubud sits inland in Gianyar Regency, roughly ninety minutes from the coast, and it offers what the beach towns cannot: working rice terraces, a dense cluster of temples and museums, and a river valley you can walk into from the main street. It suits travellers who want culture and green space over surf and nightlife, and it makes a strong base for central and east Bali day trips.
Ubud at a Glance
| Detail | 2026 Figure |
|---|---|
| Distance from DPS airport | About 36 km, 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Private airport transfer | From IDR 450,000 per car |
| Full-day car and driver | IDR 500,000 to 900,000 |
| Best months | April to October |
| Suggested stay | 3 to 4 nights |
Things to Do in Ubud
Walk the Tegalalang Rice Terraces
A working terrace system on a steep valley wall, twenty minutes north. Entry is IDR 25,000 to 50,000 and the walk down and back takes an hour. Arrive before 9am, because coaches come from mid-morning and the swing queues build fast.
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A 12.5-hectare reserve in town with several hundred long-tailed macaques and three 14th-century temples. Adults pay IDR 130,000, children IDR 100,000. Allow ninety minutes, and leave sunglasses, loose bags and food in the car.
Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk
A free two-kilometre path along a grass ridge between two rivers. Start by 6.30am for cool air and clear views; there is no shade after 9am. The round trip takes about an hour and ends near the Karsa Kafe cluster.
Take a Balinese Cooking Class
Half-day classes begin with a market visit and cost IDR 400,000 to 600,000 per person including transport and lunch. Most teach base gede spice paste, sate lilit and lawar, which explains much of what you later eat in warungs.
Ubud Attractions: 2026 Entry Fees
| Attraction | Adult fee |
|---|---|
| Ubud Monkey Forest | IDR 130,000 |
| Tegalalang Rice Terrace | IDR 25,000 to 50,000 |
| Tirta Empul Temple | IDR 75,000 |
| Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) | IDR 50,000 |
| Tegenungan Waterfall | IDR 30,000 |
| Ubud Palace and Art Market | Free |
How to Get to Ubud from Denpasar Airport
There is no train or public bus, and Grab and Gojek cannot collect passengers at Ngurah Rai arrivals. A pre-booked private car is the practical option. The route crosses Denpasar and slows badly between 4pm and 7pm.Source: Bali Holiday Secrets, Bali entrance fees, July 2026. Ticket booths are cash only.
| Route | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| DPS airport to Ubud | 1.5 to 2 hrs | From IDR 450,000 |
| Seminyak to Ubud | 1 to 1.5 hrs | IDR 350,000 to 450,000 |
Where to Stay in Ubud
Central Ubud is walkable to the market and palace but noisy. Penestanan and Sayan sit above the Ayung valley, quieter and five minutes from town. Guesthouses start near IDR 300,000; boutique rooms run IDR 800,000 to 1,500,000; valley-view pool villas start around IDR 2,500,000.
Ubud Transport and Private Tours
Airport Transfer to Ubud
Car Hire with Driver in Ubud
Private Tours from Ubud
Build your own route through waterfalls, Kintamani or east Bali. You set the stops; the driver handles parking and ticket booths.
Plan Your Ubud Trip
See What Travelers Are Saying About Us!
People who love to Witness the Beauty of Bali through Indonesian Vacations
