Our Ubud
And here we are at our favorite destination. Many consider it the most touristy and least authentic area of the island, but after spending nearly two weeks here, we can confidently say that authenticity is there, you just have to know where to look.
For us, Ubud was a true breath of fresh air. It welcomed us with open arms, and we created a beautiful bond with the family at our homestay. We chose to stay in the heart of the city, close to the main attractions, but without giving up on peace and tranquility.
Every morning, we woke up to the sound of water from the offering altar, the scent of incense, and the sweet taste of banana omelet with fresh fruit. Here, we learned to slow down. Between studying, pilates, and scooter adventures, Ubud gifted us moments of pure serenity. 🧘🏼🙏🏻
To truly experience Ubud, let yourself be guided by your senses. Get lost in the alleys, explore temples, walk on the wobbly sidewalks, but be careful not to step on the morning offerings! Savor fresh fruit from street vendors as you browse through markets and art exhibitions. The locals are incredibly welcoming, make friends, listen to their stories, and if you get the chance, attend a Hindu ceremony (only if invited). Let yourself be inspired by their way of life, their deep respect for everything, and their contagious smiles. Every moment is an opportunity to learn and take home valuable lessons. 🛕🍍🧡
Immerse yourself in local culture through food! Try the many affordable and authentic warungs. We fell in love with one near our homestay and couldn’t stop going back. And if you love smoothie bowls, make sure to stop by Acai Queen, it’s worth the wait!
Ubud is an invitation to slow down, live mindfully, and embrace the beauty of Balinese culture. An experience that will stay with you forever. 💛
Sacred Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest is a touristy but unmissable stop! Located in the center of Ubud, it is easily reachable on foot. This natural reserve is home to over 600 macaques and holds deep spiritual significance for the Balinese people.
The Monkey Forest stretches through a tropical jungle, filled with statues, temples, vines, and bridges, where hundreds of monkeys live freely, interacting with thousands of visitors every day. The monkeys are generally harmless, but to avoid disturbing them, don’t use flash photography or make direct eye contact. The entrance fee is around €6, and the experience is absolutely worth it! 🐒🌴🍌
Balinese cooking lessons
One of the best activities to do in Ubud, or anywhere in Bali, is joining a Balinese cooking class. For us, Balinese cuisine was one of the most delicious, and we still treasure the recipe book we received during the class. There are plenty of options on platforms like GetYourGuide or Airbnb, but we highly recommend choosing a class that includes a market visit to explore the ingredients up close.
Our cooking class started at Ubud’s main market, surrounded by spices, fresh vegetables, and flowers for offerings. Most experiences also include transportation, making it a fully immersive culinary adventure! You’ll fall in love with Balinese food, and once you’re back home, you’ll definitely want to recreate all the dishes you learned to prepare. 🍛🌶️
Waterfalls, rice fields, and temples
Ubud is the perfect base to explore the island. From here, you can venture into the forest, admire stunning rice fields, and watch local farmers at work. By renting a scooter, you’ll have the chance to discover authentic and untouched places, far from mass tourism.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Ubud’s spectacular waterfalls! One of our favorites is Kanto Lampo, a bit touristy, but with a little luck, you might find it less crowded. Tibumana Waterfall is also worth a visit, but the real magic lies in the journey. You’ll ride through roads surrounded by endless rice fields, passing by locals harvesting rice.
There are plenty of waterfalls to explore, so choose the ones that inspire you the most… these were our favorites! 🌿✨
One of the most beautiful and scenic walks in Ubud is the Campuhan Ridge Walk. This picturesque 4 km trail is perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and immerse yourself in a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal to relax and admire breathtaking views, it’s best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset when the weather is cooler and the landscape even more magical.
A trip to Bali wouldn’t be complete without visiting Pura Tirta Empul, one of the island’s most sacred temples. Famous for its holy spring water, this temple attracts both devotees and visitors who come daily to seek protection, forgiveness, and inner peace.
Taking part to the purification ritual is a unique and moving experience, that leaves you with a deep sense of serenity and gratitude. We hope you get the chance to experience this at least once in your life, to connect with Balinese spirituality and appreciate its extraordinary culture even more. 🛕🙏🏻
If you have time, you can also visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces on the same day, a place with breathtaking views and vibrant colors. However, we have to be honest: the experience felt quite touristy and left us with mixed feelings. Plus, there are quite a few scams related to the entrance, with unclear payment requests.
If it’s your first time seeing terraced rice fields, it might still be worth a visit, perhaps to snap an iconic photo on the swing. But if you’re looking for something authentic, we recommend a walk through Ubud’s rice fields or a visit to a less crowded waterfall.
Activities that nourish the heart
If you love yoga and meditation, Ubud is the perfect place to dedicate time to your practice. With countless local centers, you’ll find unique opportunities to cultivate inner peace. We were lucky enough to join a laughter yoga session, invited by our host, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. 🧘🏼🙏🏻
Unlike the luxurious studios we’re used to, we found ourselves in a simple concrete patio, with no fancy furnishings, surrounded by the scent of incense and the sound of unfamiliar mantras. After some meditation, we started dancing and then laughing, warmly welcomed by Balinese women who tried to teach us something despite the language barrier.
We will never forget an elderly woman, around 80 years old, who told us: “If you smile, you live longer.” In that hour, we learned so much! It’s so easy to forget such simple lessons in everyday life.
Ubud offers endless activities, and some of our favorites are the most creative ones. We tried batik painting and silver jewelry making, two unique experiences that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in local traditions.
We attended a batik workshop just a few kilometers from the center of Ubud, at Widya Batik. The family who runs the studio comes from Java, the birthplace of this art, and they guided us step by step in creating a beautiful cloth, which is hanging in our home today.
The ceremony
Our time in Ubud flew by, and with a mix of sadness and deep gratitude, we had to say goodbye. Before leaving, however, we had the honor of taking part in the Tumpek Kandang ceremony, a special ritual where Balinese people offer prayers and gifts to honor animals and their role in the island’s spiritual balance.
The ceremony includes processions through the city, leading to sacred sites like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Our host, with great kindness, lent us traditional clothing, allowing us to join the procession and witness the sacred rituals. 🐒🌴🛕
It was an extraordinary experience, that gave us an even deeper connection to Balinese Hindu culture, filled with respect and admiration.
Our conclusions
Looking back at our time in Bali, we feel filled with joy and gratitude. Every experience we lived, every lesson we learned, and the island’s deep spirituality have left us with unforgettable memories. We often think of Bali with a hint of nostalgia, hoping to return one day to thank it for all that it has given us.
If you had any doubts before reading this blog, give yourself this gift. Travel to the Island of the Gods and let yourself be amazed. Even just a week will be enough to learn, slow down, and see the world with new eyes. 💚🙏🏻