What to see in Bali—Ubud

What to see in Bali—Ubud. Temples, rice terraces, coffee boutiques, monkey forest, art-markets and friendly people. If you are into culture, you should stay in the town of Ubud. For TIPS on Ubud, click here.

What to see in Bali—Ubud Town

Ubud is located in the central uplands of Bali and 40-kms (1-hr) north of the airport. It is the center for traditional crafts and dance. Here you will find the scenic Tegallalang Rice terraces, many intricately carved temples, coffee boutiques and the monkey forest among other attractions.

1. 1. Bali Tegallalang Rice Terraces
   2. Bali Water Purification Temple-Tirta Empul
   3. Bali Volcano Mount Batur-Kintamani
   4. Pura Besakih Temple
   5. Bali Water Palace-Tirta Gangga
   6. Heaven’s Gate-Lempuyang Temple
   7. Bali Coffee Boutiques
   8. Bali Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
   9. Ubud Water Palace-Saraswati Temple
   10. Ubud Royal Palace
   11. Ubud Art Market

1.Bali—Tegallalang Rice Terraces

10-kms north of Ubud, on the east side of the street are the entrances to the Rice Terraces. An entrance fee/donation is required, some spots offer free coffee, some have awesome view-points.

Pick the entrance with the best view because here is where you get the iconic picture on the swing. They also offer options of “nests”, couple-swings, or heart-shaped wicker seats. You can take a look before paying.

Take a walk along the rice terraces but come prepared. The weather can change pretty fast in Bali especially past the noon hour. Don’t get caught in the rain, there is no shelter. To watch video, click here.

2. Bali Water Purification Temple—Tirta Empul

16-kms north of Ubud is this holy Balinese Hindu temple founded in 962-AD. Famous for its holy spring-water baths, where Hindus and tourists take a dip to purify themselves.

Everything about these temples are elaborate, even the entranceways/split-gates.

3. Bali Volcano Mount Batur—Kintamani

Kintamani is a village high in the mountains of the west wall of the caldera of Mount Batur. 34-kms north of Ubud and at an elevation of around 1500-mtrs. It is used as a stop-over to view the two volcanic peaks of Mount Batur and Mount Agung.

To the north is mount Batur and to the east is mount Agung. Lake Batur occupies the caldera. The sunrise volcano trek up Mount Batur, is a bit challenging but worth the exercise.

4. Pura Besakih Temple

The most important, largest and holiest Hindu temple in Bali. Built 1000-meters high on the southern slope of mount Agung.

A cluster of 23 separate temples make up this single complex, built on six levels terraced Into the slope.

5. Bali Water Palace—Tirta Gangga

A former royal palace known for its bathing pools. 54-kms northeast of Ubud, it is near the east coast.

There are many elaborately carved fountains here, almost in all the bathing ponds. The Koi fish are huge and a big attraction too.

One of the highlights here is to buy a packet of fish-food and feed the fish. You will have a whole school of fish gathering around you.

6. Bali Heaven’s Gate—Lempuyang Temple

62-kms northeast of Ubud and close to the coast. Perched 600-meters high on the slope of Mount Lempuyang, the drive up is very challenging with narrow roads and hair-pin bends. Keep in mind, most cars in Bali are manual-gear shift. An “automatic” might have difficulty going up the mountain.

This is the iconic Heaven’s Gate or Candi Bentar (split gate) in the local language. Due to the high demand for pictures at this spot, there is a queue system in use. Take a number and wait your turn, on busy days it can be up to an hour’s wait. You can click your own photographs or use the resident photographer.

7. Bali Coffee Boutiques

There are quite a few Coffee Boutiques in Bali that promote the coffees produced and blended at their plantations. The entrance fee to their boutiques usually includes a complimentary sampling tray.

They do have fancy menus from which you can purchase other treats or buy their coffees. We had this exotic coffee flavored chocolate ice-cream served in a ripe coconut with chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon.

You also get a guided tour of the property. They explain to you the processes their coffee goes through before it is ready for the shelf.

8. Bali Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

With over a thousand monkeys living in this 12.5 hectare natural habitat sanctuary, it is a thrill to visit. The sanctuary is sacred to the Balinese people and they care for these creatures dearly.

You will come across monkeys performing their impish antics, and also lovingly caring for their young. They are attracted to hanging and shiny objects, so don’t carry sling-bags, or wear sunglasses on the forehead. If any personal effects are snatched by the monkeys, do not fight back or chase them. Look for the care-takers in “green uniform”, they will retrieve your items for you.

9. Ubud Water Palace—Saraswati Temple

Right in he middle of Ubud town is this temple dedicated to the goddess Saraswati.

This temple is noted for its lotus pond however, when we visited it was in neglect. It is still a pretty sight and offers a spot of calm in the bustling town.

10. Ubud Royal Palace

This historical building complex was the former residence of the Royal family of Ubud. The gate to the palace is carved very ornately.

The inner courtyard is pretty to observe and worth a visit.

There are many monuments here that are dedicated to various gods.

11. Ubud Art Market

In the center of town, the market entrances can easily be missed as they are obscured by other shops. It is quite a large market and spills out onto the streets surrounding it as well.

Handicrafts from the local villages, clothes and souvenirs, can all be bought here.

For Kuta Beach, Bali, click here.

TIPS

• Keep lots of small notes handy, they are useful for tips/donations in lieu of entry fees
• Most cars are Manual gear-shift, very difficult to rent an automatic
• If visiting temples/holy places, carry a sarong and scarf with you. NO bare shoulders and Sarong a MUST
• The monkeys can be quite confrontational, avoid interacting with them
• Negotiate a price with the taxi-driver before beginning your journey
• It rains most days past 1-pm
• Carry mosquito repellent