Bali Life / Shouts

10 Things to do in Ubud

Away from the crowd and be one with nature – those are probably your reasons for choosing Padma Resort Ubud as a place to stay in Ubud. Located just about 30 minutes away from downtown Ubud, Padma Resort Ubud offers serenity and seclusion that makes it the perfect area for you to recharge your energy, body, mind and soul. But if you’re looking for some activities outside of the hotel, don’t worry because Ubud has almost everything to make you forget about the world for a while, from delicious healthy delicacies to cultural events and natural sites. Here are the top 10 things to-do in Ubud:

KOU

1. Downtown Ubud

Using Padma Resort Ubud’s shuttle service, you can go to downtown Ubud which is the heart of the area. Here, you can stroll around by foot to explore the shops and restaurants. Be sure to check out KOU Bali and KOU Cuisine that sells soaps and jams respectively, Uluwatu Handmade Balinese Lace for some simple yet elegant dresses, and Secret Gelato to refresh your energy over a gelato or sorbet. And don’t forget to visit Ubud traditional market to find unique Balinese souvenirs to bring home.

yogabarn

2. Yoga

Ubud is like the mecca of yoga in Bali. There are a lot of yoga sanctuaries and retreats in the area, one of the famous is Yoga Barn on Jl. Raya Pengosekan. Surrounded by greenery, Yoga Barn offers not just yoga classes but also holistic healing retreat. Other yoga sanctuaries in Ubud that you should visit are Radiantly Alive and Ubud Yoga Center. While yoga promotes mindfulness and physical well-being through gentle movements and focused breathing, online games provide a digital escape, offering a different form of entertainment and mental diversion. Slotogate offers some innovative slots, so all beginners can try at first the treasures of aztec demo. Whether it’s through the mindful movements of yoga or the immersive world of online games, each offers a distinct yet effective way to alleviate stress and promote overall relaxation.

ubud palace

3. Cultural Tour

Your trip in Ubud would not be complete without watching some cultural performances. Head to Ubud Palace to see a live Kecak Fire Dance (tickets are available from Rp. 75,000) or go to ARMA Museum to see theater, dance and music performances and painting exhibition. 

pomegranate

4. Trekking along the Rice Fields

Go trekking in the middle of the rice fields is not-to-be-missed in Ubud, especially if you get to indulge in some healthy delicious dishes at the end of your walk. Sari Organik and Pomegranate are two of the must-visit restaurants in Ubud where you can enjoy your meal with the view of the rice fields. A little tip; have lunch at Sari Organik first then go to Pomegranate for a refreshing drink while watching the sunset. 

campuhan

5. Jogging and Riding a Bike

Jogging or riding a bicycle with the view of lush greenery? How can you say no to that? Padma Resort Ubud provides a jogging track around the hotel for a morning or afternoon run. You can also go riding a bike around the hotel area. Another option is to go to Bukit Campuhan which is also known as Bukit Cinta (the hill of love) to exercise. 

melukat

6. Soul Cleansing

While in Ubud, why don’t you go on a spiritual journey by joining melukat, a Balinese purification ritual to cleanse your body, mind and soul? You can do this ritual at Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring, a Balinese holy water temple that is about 45-minute drive from Padma Resort Ubud. Once you arrive at this water temple, you need to wear a sarong and a sash before going into the pond to cleanse your soul using water that flows from the water jets. Note that it is better to come early in the morning before the place is crowded with the locals and tourists. 

goagajah

7. Temple Hopping

Learn more about Balinese culture and ritual by visiting some temples in Ubud. You can go to Pura Taman Saraswati that is located in central Ubud, just behind Cafe Lotus, or visit Goa Gajah, a sanctuary that was built in the 9th century.

 pondok pekak

8. Balinese Workshops

Be a little bit more Balinese by joining some workshops. Casa Luna Cooking School will teach you all about Balinese food, from the ingredients to the recipes and cooking techniques. You will also get to indulge in a Balinese feast at the end of the class. Pondok Pekak Library has classes that teach Balinese traditional dance and gamelan, while Ubud Botany Interactive gives lessons on making your own beauty products using all-natural ingredients.

bawa

9. Help the Society

Give a little something back to the society by helping or visiting the disabled at Yayasan Cahaya Mutiara Ubud and underprivileged children at Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB). If you’re an animal lover, you can also visit BAWA and BARC to help safe Balinese stray dogs and cats.

safari

10. Fun with Kids

If you’re bringing your children along, don’t worry because Ubud also has a list of fun and educative parks to keep your little ones happy. Take them to Bali Safari & Marine Park, Bali Zoo or Bali Bird Park where they can meet various animal species from up close.

ABOUT THE WRITER

FOTO Risty

Risty Nurraisa

Risty Nurraisa is the Managing Editor of Bali & Beyond magazine, one of the leading lifestyle, travel and tourism magazines in Bali, and author of Indonesian young adult novels.

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