Top 5 Destinations in Ubud, Bali You Must See 

If you are traveling to Bali, Ubud is a must-see destination that should be on your travel itinerary. Ubud is known for its beautiful rice fields, but it will surprise you with so many other amazing destinations. From temples to waterfalls, Ubud really has it all. Here are five top destinations in Ubud you must experience.

1. Pura Tirta Tawar

Visiting the Pura Tirta Tawar Temple is a must if you are visiting Ubud. This temple is at the top of my list for one of the best experiences in Bali. 

About

Pura Tirta Tawar, also known as the Holy Water Temple, is a Hindu Balinese water temple. It gets its name, the holy water temple, because inside the temple there are two purification pools. It is a popular tourist spot, most likely because you can fully immerse yourself into the Balinese culture.  

Things to Know Before You Go 

The entrance fee is Rp 15,000 for adults (which is just over $1 CAD) and Rp 7,500 for children (which is around 60 cents CAD). I would recommend planning to spend about an hour if not a little longer exploring this temple. The temple is set up so when you first enter you walk into the main courtyard, then in the center are the purification pools and there is a walkway around the pools. I would recommend exploring around the outside, where you can see the Presidential Palace up on the hill, the amazing architecture, and the ponds holding and filtering the holy water. Then before going into the purification pools, you must be wearing proper clothes that cover your knees (there are sarongs for rent at the temple if you don’t have one). You can also buy offerings you can use in a praying ritual before entering the pools. Then there is a ritual you perform at each fountain, where you cleanse your face, then your head, then your body, and if you want at the end you can drink the water (which is safe to drink).  

2. Satria Coffee Plantation

Satria Coffee Plantation is a wonderful place to learn about the process of making coffee and tea in Bali. 

About

This coffee plantation is one of the most famous coffee plantations in Bali. Its located in the Gianyar region of Bali, which is very close to the Pura Tirta Tawar Temple. This plantation is known for producing Luwak coffee.  

Things to Know Before You Go

There is no entrance fee, the experience is completely free if you just take the tour and try the testers. I would plan to spend between 30 minutes to an hour exploring the plantation. When you first arrive one of the workers will give you a tour around the plantations. They will show you the different plants they grow and use in their teas and coffees, as well as the process of grinding the coffee beans, and you even get to see the famous  Luwak to make the Luwak coffee. Then after the tour, you will be given some testers of their coffees and teas, which are absolutely delicious and FREE (how amazing is that). They do have a store where you can buy their coffees and teas if you really likely any and want to bring some home. And if you want to make your experience so much better I would recommend paying a bit extra to go on their jungle swing on their property. It cost around Rp 200,000 (which is around $17 CAD). I think it was absolutely worth the price (and that’s coming from a cheapskate!)  

3. Ubud Monkey Forest

The Monkey Forests in Bali are a huge tourist attraction to get those amazing Instagram pictures with adorable monkeys. It is definitely at the top of the list of must-sees when you are in Bali.  

About

This monkey forest, located in the village of Padangtegal, is a sanctuary for over a thousand monkeys.  

Things to Know Before You Go

The entrance fee is Rp 50,000 for adults (which is just under $5 CAD) and 40,000 for children (which is just under $4 CAD). I would plan to spend around an hour if not longer exploring the monkey forest. I don’t want to scare you but I do want to remind you that these monkeys are wild animals and can sometimes be dangerous. But if you are careful and follow the rules they outline before entering you will most likely be absolutely fine. Also, remember you are in their home so be respectful and kind. I would recommend not bringing a bag, the monkeys are definitely attracted to plastic bags and if you want to keep your belonging I would recommend not bringing too much. All that negative stuff aside visiting the monkey forests in Bali is definitely high on many people’s bucket lists and for a good reason.  

4. Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon 

Visiting these hidden canyons in Ubud was such an amazing experience, and something I will never forget. I didn’t know what to expect but it exceeded my expectations and it’s a memory I will have forever.

About

This is called a hidden canyon for a reason as you can only assess it by walking, climbing, and swimming through the canyons. It is located a bit outside the city center but it is definitely worth the drive. With tour guides, you walk and swim through the breathtaking canyon. 

Things to Know Before You Go

The entrance fee for the hidden canyon tour cost around Rp 200,000 (which is around $18 CAD). When I went to Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon I had no idea what to expect and I was blown away. It takes around an hour from the beginning to the end. If you go remember to bring a bathing suit because you are swimming. If you are not a strong swimmer definitely ask for a lifejacket because you will be swimming upstream against pretty strong currents. The tour guides are amazing and take lots of photos and not only do you experience the amazing views of the canyon but to get back to the start you finish your tour walking through the rice fields. 10/10 would recommend it. 

5. Tegenungan Waterfall

Bali’s top places to see list is not complete without a waterfall. This waterfall is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the walk. 

About

The Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Bali which is not surprising. It is located in the village of Kemenuh which is a little outside Ubud’s city center, it’s around a 30-minute drive.  

Things to Know Before You Go

The entrance fee to get in is 15,000 for adults (which is just over $1 CAN) and 10,000 for children (which is just under $1 CAD). There is no certain amount of time this will take, some people may only spend 15-20 minutes while others stay for hours. I would like to warn you there are a lot of stairs to walk down to reach the waterfall so it is not accessible to everyone. And those who do the trek down and up be prepared to sweat (I think I’m decently fit but I was thinking otherwise when I was walking up those stairs!) 

Hope that was helpful and if you are planning to travel to Bali definitely check out these amazing places. Add some, if not all, of these five activities to your travel bucket list you won’t regret it. And check out 8 Places in Nusa Penida You Need to See, if you are planning on also traveling to Nusa Penida.