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Canggu Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay in Canggu, Bali 2021

So you’re planning a trip to Canggu, Bali! Lucky you! Over the course of our many years of traveling, we haven’t found somewhere that feels like home more than Canggu. Whether you’re an avid surfer ready to hit the beach breaks or you just want to watch the surfers from a beach bar down at Echo Beach, Canggu is always a fun place to be. But you want to make sure you book the hotel right for you. That’s why we put together our Canggu Accommodation Guide with the best hostels, guesthouses and hotels in Canggu, no matter what your budget is. So get excited, because the waves are calling!

Best Luxury Canggu Accommodation

One of the best parts of traveling to Bali is being able to splurge on a budget! Accommodation is super affordable. You can get gorgeous villa mansions for the price of a basic hotel room in the US or Australia. If you’re looking to spend a bit more and immerse yourself in complete luxury, we’ve got you covered.

COMO Uma Canggu

If you love the beach, and you’re looking for luxurious accommodation, it doesn’t get much better than COMO Uma Canggu. It’s one of the best hotels in Canggu. The modern design is exceptional and rather striking, and the property sits just a stone’s throw away from the famous Echo Beach. Needless to say, there is no shortage of stellar views!

Each room is large, fully kitted out, and incredibly comfortable. Some rooms even offer a terrace. A buffet breakfast is available each morning and the onsite restaurant offers a delicious array of cuisines from around the globe.

Free on-site parking is available to all guests and the staff is welcoming and happy to provide locally informed guidance on what to do and see in the area.

COMO Uma Canggu offers plenty of gorgeous and comfortable communal space, both indoors and outdoors. The property features several large swimming pools which look out over the Indian Ocean, a fully equipped gym, and a surf shack that offers great surf lessons.

ZIN Canggu

ZIN Canggu offers beautiful, simple, and rustic accommodation that is delightfully luxurious. It features exceptional design and the entire place has a light, airy, atmosphere to it. Much of the decor is reflective of traditional Balinese design, offering the perfect blend of immersion and comfort.

Large sliding glass doors make up an entire wall of each unit, with exceptional views of the dense green array of plants outside. Sunken sofa suites in the villas are perfect for relaxing and admiring the gorgeous surroundings. There are shared pools for the rooms and private pools for each of the villas.

Each unit is fully equipped with everything you’ll need for a comfortable and luxurious stay, and the communal areas are all beautiful and welcoming. The outdoor living space is peaceful and absolutely gorgeous and there is always comfortable seating available. Curl up in one of the beautiful hanging chairs for some peace and tranquility.

Better yet, Zin Canggu is just a short walk from the beach, and the town center is very accessible. It’s certainly one of the best places to stay in Canggu.

Theanna Eco Villa and Spa

Theanna Eco Villa and Spa offers incredible world-class luxury with traditional Balinese design elements. The private villas feature gorgeous decor and immersive garden views.

All of the usual amenities are featured in each of the beautiful villas, including air-conditioning, flat screen TV, minibar, and an ensuite bathroom. Guests are provided with bathrobes, slippers, and a hairdryer.

The rustic, yet clean and modern outdoor living space wraps a stunning infinity pool which looks out over the luscious jungle-like surrounds.

The outdoor living areas feature comfortable seating, water features, a bar, and gazebo style structures which provide an indoor-outdoor feel. Enjoy a fine dining experience at the restaurant or treat yourself to a relaxing massage in tranquility at the on-site spa.

Whilst is located a short drive away from the beaches and town center, free shuttle service around Canggu is provided, and is pretty much always available.

Best Midrange Canggu Accommodation

If you prefer a bit of peace and privacy, but don’t want to fork out too much cash, the following hotels and guesthouses will be a perfect fit.

Surf Motel

This sleek and modern motel is clean, comfortable, and stylish. It features an incredible rooftop area with a bar, a pool, comfortable sun loungers, and outstanding sea views, which is a great place to drink and socialize.

Surf Motel, as the name would suggest, is ideal for surfers. It’s a very short walk from Old Man’s Beach, and close to a surf rental shop for those who don’t have a board with them.

There is a large communal lounge area which, coupled with the free WiFi, can double as an effective workspace. Each of the air-conditioned rooms have their own private bathroom and guests are provided with fresh towels and linen. This chic motel is located in one of the best parts of Canggu!

Koa D Surfer Hotel

Located within walking distance of Berawa Beach, Koa D is awesome for surfers. The stunning bamboo architecture and laid back styling offer a great backdrop for your time in Canggu.

Best of all, the hotel has an amazing rooftop lounge area with a large swimming pool and a thatched bar that sells delicious cocktails. This makes for a fun evening atmosphere (nothing too hectic). There is even a sandy section on the rooftop and the views are exceptional, stretching out over the beach and ocean.

Surfers will feel right at home – the hotel offers board racks and even an onsite surfing equipment store. The air-conditioned rooms are all comfortable and come equipped with satellite TV and a private bathroom. There is an onsite restaurant, and car and scooter rentals are available from the hotel.

Serenity Eco Guesthouse

A mere 150m from the nearest beach, Serenity Eco Guesthouse offers a tranquil paradise with a colorful vibe. The property is an alcohol and smoke-free zone with a focus on a healthy body and environment. It offers 10 yoga sessions each day for individuals with any amount of experience.

Both private rooms and dorm rooms are available, each with their own bathrooms. The guesthouse is committed to environmental sustainability and utilizes a grey water system throughout and natural pesticides for the on-site permaculture garden. A stay here is perfect for anyone interested in responsible tourism.

There is a relaxed atmosphere throughout the guesthouse and lush gardens, which feature a large pool and outdoor chilling area. The in-house restaurant serves delicious health conscious vegan food.

Semimpi

Semimpi is located further inland than many of the hotels on this list, but it offers incredible value for money! It is a modern, stylish, and comfortable guesthouse with great facilities, all for a very affordable price.

The air-conditioned rooms all come fitted with a satellite TV, private bathroom, coffee maker, seating area, and a desk. Many of the rooms even have a balcony overlooking the pool area. The pool is large, and the outdoor living space is laid-back and lovely. There is also a restaurant on site.

Best Hostels in Canggu

Hostels are awesome for those traveling on a budget, and a great way to meet like-minded travelers and have fun. Fortunately, Canggu is home to many amazing hostels and welcomes a constant stream of enthusiastic adventurers!

The Farm Hostel

The Farm is a gorgeous place that goes beyond what one usually expects from hostel accommodation. Each bed is big and comfortable, and each of the rooms has air-conditioning and an ensuite with an open-air shower. Each bed even has curtains so you can enjoy some privacy despite being in a shared room.

The staff is friendly and professional and the rooms are clean and comfortable. The fiber optic WiFi is free and fast, and the hostel offers some great other amenities. These include scooters up for hire, surfboard racks (which will come in useful – Canggu has great surf), yoga mats, and a clothesline. There is a social atmosphere, but it’s really relaxed and you can always find some privacy.

The pool and wooden deck which wraps around it are both incredible; the deck is warm underfoot, lined with lush green plants, and kitted out with sun loungers and comfy bean bags. The hostel is in a great location near the center of Canggu and not too far from the beach.

Black Pearl Hostel

Black Pearl Hostel is ideal for beach lovers and surfers. It’s perfectly located just 200m from the world-famous Old Man’s Beach with its legendary surf break. Each of the five rooms contains four comfortable beds and comes equipped with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning.

The friendly staff will make you feel right at home. The included maid service will ensure the rooms stay clean and tidy, leaving you with more time to explore Canggu. Grab a drink at the awesome rooftop bar and admire the views or relax by the hostel’s beautiful swimming pool. The vibe here is great, with a good balance between partying and getting enough sleep.

Tribe Theory – Entrepreneurs Hostel for Digital Nomads

If you’re an entrepreneur or digital nomad looking for a well-priced place to stay while you build your business from Canggu, then Tribe Theory is an incredible option. The hostel has a relaxed vibe and is geared entirely toward entrepreneurs and digital nomads, populated with a community of ambitious, creative, young people.

There is free WiFi, and a co-working space where you can network, collaborate, and share ideas with like-minded individuals. The hostel even hosts start-up events where you can further your knowledge and make new connections. Located just a 10-minute scooter ride from Canggu’s beautiful beaches, Tribe Theory offers both shared and private rooms, as well as incredible views out over scenic rice fields.

It also offers comfortable beds, towels and linen, a great swimming pool, and a free parking spot for each guest.

Kos One Hostel

A stay at Kos One Hostel is almost a luxurious experience. The beds are incredibly comfortable with privacy curtains and reading lights, the building is clean and beautiful, and there are even two open-air hot tubs on site!

The vibe at Kos One is awesome, and the guests are always looking to have a good time with like-minded adventures travelers. The views from the hostel stretch across rice fields to the Indian Ocean, which is only a short walk away. Kos One is also close to several great restaurants and the Canggu town center.

One of the best features of this hostel is its amazing Mediterranean inspired pool. It features a diving platform, swing, pool bar, and an artificial sand beach. The whole area surrounding it is perfectly crisp white and peppered with plants.

The Hideout Hostel

The Hideout is a cozy boutique yoga and surf hostel, tucked away in a dense green garden. It features great outdoor chill spots and a lawn that welcomes all kinds of activities. A couple of friendly dogs roam the property and there is a great relaxed communal vibe!

The hideout delivers on its promise of being a surf and yoga hostel. It offers top-notch yoga sessions in the onsite yoga shala and is an easy walk away from beaches with great surf. There is also a swimming pool and self-catering kitchen on site, and the hostel offers free WiFi.

You’ll be welcomed and taken care of by friendly staff who are more than happy to share their wealth of local knowledge. The dorms are air-conditioned and the comfortable beds each come with charging points and a reading light.

Gypsy Moon Bali

Gypsymoon is a beautifully designed hostel with a laid back vibe that is simultaneously rustic and modern. The communal spaces and dorm rooms are all large, open, light, and airy with a great atmosphere.

The beds here are incredibly comfortable and large. Each of the four beds in the large shared rooms comes with privacy curtains, a reading light, and a charging point. Private rooms with double beds are also available. All of the rooms come with a wardrobe and their own ensuite bathroom.

There is a great swimming pool with a fantastic communal area around it. The wooden deck is lined with beanbag chairs, sun loungers, and plants. At night, the outdoor area glows with atmospheric lights, and the vibe is relaxed.

WiFi and a delicious daily breakfast are included, the hostel is clean, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. Gypsy Moon is a little further from the beach than some of the other hostels, but it more than makes up for it in style and atmosphere.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace Guide for 2021

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No trip to Bali is complete without a visit to one of the island’s gorgeous rice terraces. You’ll see them everywhere as you motorbike or drive around, but if you want to visit the big kahuna of rice fields, Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This is the famous rice terrace near Ubud that you’ve probably seen in everyone and their mother’s Instagram photos. It’s touristy and most people visit for the photo opp, but these fields really are stunning. Unlike some places around the world that have been spoiled by tourism, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are definitely still worth visiting despite their notoriety. That being said, you can definitely ensure you have a less crowded and overall better quality experience if you follow some basic tips.

How to Get to Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Also known as the “Ubud Rice Fields,” it makes sense that most people stay in Ubud to visit Tegalalang. Driving to the rice terrace, Ubud is only a 20 minute taxi or motorbike ride away from the city center. The rice fields are a great start to a day of exploring things to do around Ubud. We recommend renting a motorbike in Ubud, so you can then jet off to some local waterfalls or the water palace. But if you’re nervous on a bike, there are a ton of taxis that will take you to the fields from Ubud.

You can also visit from Canggu/Seminyak area, but it’s a bit further out. It’ll take you about an hour and a half depending on your form of transportation and traffic. For the most part it’s a really beautiful and peaceful drive up to the Ubud area.

If you drive a motorbike to the rice terraces you can park anywhere along the main street.

Best Time to Visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces

The best time to visit the rice terraces are sunrise. We know, getting up early is a pain! But if you really want to get the most out of your visit, early morning is the best. We left Ubud at about dawn to get to the fields just as the sun was rising. The office wasn’t even open yet, so we skipped paying the entrance fee. Not only are there much less people, but it’s so much cooler at this time of day. The rice fields are exposed to the sun with very little shade, so after the sun comes up you’re pretty much baking under the heat.

Tegalalang rice terraces get pretty busy so if you want those sweeping photos of empty rice fields, you’ll want to beat the crowd. When we were there at sunrise there were only a handful of other visitors, but as the morning progressed it started to get busy. The early morning is also a great time for photography because the lighting is really even throughout the rice terrace. As the sun comes up, you start to get a bad glare and stark contrast on the fields that look bad in photos. You also get nice misty rays of light coming through in the early morning.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace Entrance Fee

There is an office on the other side of the main road to purchase an entrance ticket. The ticket costs 10,000 rupiah per person. There doesn’t seem to be anyone checking if you got a ticket, but considering the low price we were fine paying. As I mentioned the first time we visited was before it officially opened so we didn’t pay the entrance, but the second time we visited mid-morning and our driver dropped us at a parking lot by the payment desk.

How to Navigate Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud

Many companies offer a Tegalalang rice terrace tour, but they are easy enough to navigate on your own. You can enter the rice terrace at a number of entrances. The street adjacent to the terrace is lined with cafes and shops, so you just duck into one of their entrances and go through. As you walk the steps down, take a moment to look out and see just how vast these terraces are. It’s a huge place and there are tons of paths you can take. The first part of the terrace is shaped like a valley, so you’ll walk down, cross off the small river and can start walking up to the other side. The paths are step and mostly made of dirt which can get a bit slippery in the wet season. There are some concrete and wooden steps, as well as hand rails in some parts to make it easier to get around.

We recommend going straight down, coming back up the other side and continuing over to the rice terrace on the other side of the hill. There are fewer people on the other side because it’s far to walk. The paths aren’t super clear and you may start following one only to realize that it’s not going where you wanted or just ends abruptly, then have to turn around and start over. It’s all part of the fun!

There are cafes and little shops dotted throughout where you can buy snacks or drinks. You may get stopped from time to time by farmers who want a donation to visit their section of the rice fields. I don’t think there’s a set amount to pay, but 10,000 rupiah seemed like a good donation. When we first visited in 2018 it felt like there were more farmers asking for money. We even came across one woman who brought out a wooden stick with a bunch of nails in it to stop us from going any further without payment. When we visited again in 2019, we only came across one farmer asking for a donation.

Farmers may also come up to you with the traditional rice baskets balanced by a bamboo stick. If you take their picture they’ll ask for some money. They’re probably making way more from photos than from actually growing rice, so we applaud their initiative!

Traveling to Ubud, why not check out all the other amazing things to do, see and experience in our Ubud Travel Guide!

Rice Terrace Swings

There are several Ubud swings made famous by Instagram, but Tegalalang rice terrace has some pretty epic ones. We’ve all seen the photos of young women in flowy dresses swinging across the rice fields. There are a fews swings at Tegalalang, so you can take your time deciding which one looks best. The prices vary depending on which one you choose. Our friend paid 300,000 and got to ride one single-person swing, one double-person nest swing, as well as take photos another nest and a wooden love heart. The price is probably negotiable, especially if there’s a group of you paying.

The swings do have harnesses so you won’t fall off. It does look a little crappy for photos when you first get on, but once you’ve been pushed out you can barely see the harness. Unlike other Bali swings where we’ve heard that you get a limited amount of swings, the guys working these swings seemed pretty chill. There was no wait in line and they made sure we got all the photos we wanted.

What to Bring to Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Make sure you bring a water bottle (extra points for an eco-friendly reusable bottle or purchase one at a shop on your way in. The sun is no joke at Tegalalang and you can get heat stroke pretty quickly. You may want to bring in some snacks to keep you energized along the way. Of course you can always buy something at one of the little cafes on the terrace. Bug spray is also a good thing to bring because there are mosquitos around.

Make sure you bring small notes for the entrance fee and to pay farmers along the way. Other than that you’ll want to pack light for when you visit Tegalalang. You’ll be walking up and down some steep paths so you’ll be grateful if you don’t have much to carry!

What to Wear to Tegalalang Rice Terraces

First and foremost you’ll want to make sure you’re staying cool. The last thing you want is to get the perfect photo opp and then pass out because of the heat. The long flowy dresses do look amazing amongst the rice fields and on the swing. But make sure you have a shawl or something to cover yourself with in between the photo shoots. We also highly recommend bringing a hat, you’ll be so grateful you did! Here are some outfits that we think would look amazing amongst the rice terraces.

Looking for another stunning Bali rice terrace? Check out our complete guide to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces!

Where to Stay Near Tegalalang Rice Terraces

There are plenty of places to stay in Ubud, from hostels to guesthouses to luxury villas. These are some of our favorites:

Puji Bungalow – This is where we stayed the first time we visited Ubud. It’s simple, cheap and they have a great pool overlooking a rice terrace. We highly recommend this as a great budget accommodation in Ubud.

Pajar House – This super cute guest house is a popular choice in Ubud. The rooms are midrange, about $40-50 USD per night.

Goya Boutique – This gorgeous luxury hotel is upscale without breaking the bank. Just a ten minute walk from the the Ubud temple, Goya has an amazing location. The hotel also has a beautiful infinity pool.

Hanging Gardens – This is the hotel with the famous tiered pools that overlook the jungle. If you’re going to splash out on a Ubud hotel, this is a good choice. It’s not cheap but each villa comes with its own private infinity pool! Doesn’t get any better than that!

Things to do Near Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Pura Tirta Empul

This water temple near Ubud is the perfect place to visit after your trip to Tegalalang. You’ll most likely be dripping with sweat from the rice terrace so visiting water temple is perfect. We recommend bringing a bathing suit. They have changing rooms where you can put on your swimmers and then put on a rented sarong that you’re allowed to get wet. Then you’ll enter the temple, get in a pool of water and dunk yourself under a series of water fountains. Each fountain signifies a different blessing. Pura Tirta is a bit touristy but there are plenty of locals in the water with you, placing offerings and going under the fountains.

Pyramids of Chi

Ubud is all about health and wellness, and that includes some new age techniques like sound healing. The Pyramids of Chi are a sound healing experience just outside of Ubud. Basically you book a session and your group lays down in a large pyramid shaped tent for about an hour. During this time you’re laying in the dark while they play different instruments. It’s pretty trippy and we really recommend it if you want to try something different during your visit to Ubud! Plus the Pyramids of Chi are only a 15 minute drive from Tegalalang.

Pengempu Waterfall

This may not be one of the most popular waterfalls in Bali, but Pengempu is one of the closest waterfalls to Tegalalang rice terrace and an easy addition to your Bali day trip. It’s also pretty secluded and relatively unknown so you may even have the whole place to yourself!

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Travel Guide for 2021

The landscape of Bali is undeniably beautiful, from the coastline to the traditional architecture of the cities. But there’s nothing more stunning, or iconic, than the Bali rice fields. Maybe it’s the perfectly engineered geometric shapes of the fields or the mesmerizing shades of green, but the Bali rice fields are a natural beauty.

As you explore the island of Bali you’ll see fields of green to your left and right, they’re everywhere! But if you want to visit the bigger fields, it takes a bit of planning. When it comes to the best rice terrace in Bali, the island has some beautiful ones on offer. The Tegalalang rice terrace near Ubud is the most famous one and a top pick for Instagrammers looking for the perfect shot. We loved visiting the Tegalalang rice field, but when we visited the Jatiluwih rice terrace, it absolutely took our breath away. The Jatiluwih rice terrace is not only less crowded and easier to navigate, but it’s equally as beautiful as Tegalalang rice terrace. Here are our top tips for visiting the Jatiluwih rice terraces.

Take a walk with us through the Jatiluwih rice terraces in our video below.

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How to Get to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The Jatiluwih rice fields are located in central Bali. It’s about an hour to an hour and a half drive up from Canggu, depending on traffic and whether you ride a motorbike or go by car. The length of time to travel from Ubud to Jatiluwih rice terrace is about the same, an hour and a half.

On your drive up from Canggu or Ubud you’ll start to catch a glimpse of the vast rice terraces. Eventually you’ll pass a checkpoint where a guard will signal you to pull over and purchase an entrance ticket. If you pass the first checkpoint, there’s a second one waiting for you. And if you pass both (like we accidentally did!) they’ll find you when you go to park in the parking lot across from the entrance.

The Jatiluwih Rice Terrace entrance fee is 40,000 rupiah per person. Compared to the Tegalalang rice terrace entrance fee of 10,000, this seems a bit steep, but it’s still only $3 USD. The entrance fee includes parking. Also, you won’t be asked for donations at different areas of the rice field like at Tegalalang. There is simply one entrance fee and that’s it.

Best Time to Visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

When planning a trip to Jatiluwih there are two things to take into consideration, the time time of day and the time of year. Although you can visit the rice terraces at any time of year, if you visit during the rainy season then you’re more likely to get randomly rained on in the middle of the day. Bali’s rainy season is typically early November to the end of March, with torrential downpours more likely to occur in the afternoon.

That being said, the weather is super unpredictable and you could just as easily get stuck in the rain in June. So if you’re visiting Bali at the beginning of end of the year don’t be put off by the chance of rain, just don’t forget to pack your umbrella!

When it’s not rainy season, like most places around the world, the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon. The sun is considerably less hot and the lighting is much prettier for photos. The cooler morning and evening air also means less sweat drenched clothes as you climb up and down the terrace paths.

Spending some time to Ubud? Check out our Ubud Travel Guide for all the best things to do, see and experience.

Navigating the Bali Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih is actually really well laid out, which makes it easy to navigate. Guides and drivers may offer you a Jatiluwih rice terrace tour, but we enjoyed going through on our own. At the entrance, and dotted throughout the paths, there are maps that show you all the routes you can take. There is one main concrete path that circles through the field and from there you can take little offshoots. To get around you can walk, ride your motorbike, rent electric bikes and or rent a regular bicycle. We chose to park our motorbike at the main parking lot and walk through.

There are several hikes available, all of which are laid out on the map and can be navigated by sign posts. There are several points of interest to see along way, including an outdoor amphitheater, a UNESCO monument and a few small temples. We arrived in the late afternoon, so we mostly stuck to the main paths. You could probably walk the entire thing in just a couple of hours, depending on how often you stop for photos.

While you’re exploring you can walk off the main path and into the fields themselves. At first I wasn’t sure if this was allowed, but I had multiple farmers pass me while I was trekking into the fields and they all gave me an enthusiastic waves. So I guess it’s game on! Obviously, be careful you don’t fall over and ruin someone’s crop. I actually found the trails in the Jatiluwih rice terrace easier to walk through than at Tegalalang. It can still be hazardous, though, as some of the paths look like a trail but are really just long grass with no sturdy ground underneath.

Looking for another amazing rice terrace in Bali? Check out our complete guide to Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

What to Bring to Jatiluwih Rice Fields

While the hikes around Jatiluwih aren’t as grueling as trekking through Tegalalang rice terrace, you’ll still want to make sure you have plenty of water. There are several shops and a couple of warungs around the rice terrace, so you can pick up a bottle or better yet, grab a coconut to keep you hydrated! Shout out to the eco-conscious warung owner who has bamboo straws for her beverages!

You’ll also want decent walking shoes, so you can keep up your stamina for exploring. There isn’t much shade on the main path, so a hat and sunscreen are key. We didn’t encounter any bugs, but it’s never a bad idea to have bug spray with you in Bali.

What to Wear to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (for the ladies!)

We visited on a day with lots of cloud cover and it was surprisingly cool. But considering the lack of shade, it looks like it can get really hot on a sunny day. Clothes that keep you covered up are a must, as is a good wide brim hat.

Because there are a lot less people at Jatiluwih rice terrace, it’s a perfect opportunity to get some epic photos of yourself. Flowery dresses look beautiful in the terrace, especially in colors like white or red that contrast the green. There aren’t any photo props like the nests or swings near Ubud, so don’t expect any staged Instagram photos. But the rice terraces are pretty easy to walk into so it’s not hard to get a shot of you surrounded by green!

Where to Stay Near Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Adhi Jaya Suite – Probably the closest Jatiluwih accommodation to the rice terraces. This hotel has simple rooms with stunning views of the terrace. Considering the proximity to this tourist attraction, the rooms are affordable at around $20USD/night.

D’wan Tea Mountain Side – If you want something a little fancier, this secluded homestay is built into the mountains. The rooms are gorgeous and the views are stunning. They also make tea on site.

Sang Giri: Mountain Glamping Camp – Perfect for those that want to feel outdoorsy sense of camping without giving up their creature comforts. It may be the most expensive camping you ever do, but the luxury tents make it all worth it.

Things to Do Near Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The area near the rice terrace is called Jatiluwih Green Land, an appropriate name considering just how green the rice fields are! There are several things to do in the Jatiluwih area:

Yeh Hoo Waterfall

This is a small waterfall that you may just come across accidentally as you explore the rice terraces. It’s a perfect spot for taking a dip after a hot afternoon trekking through rice!

Angseri Hot Spring

These hot springs are only about a 15 minute drive from the rice terraces. Angseri Hot Springs are pretty unknown and you may find that you’re the only tourists there. From the entrance you have about a 1 km walk through the jungle to get to the spring. It’s not a fancy spa type hot spring, but a natural heated pool surrounded by lush trees and rocks.

Hike Mount Agung

You can actually hike the famous volcano in the center of Bali! It is active, but you can still hike up as long as you don’t go super close to the crater. Unlike Mount Batur, Mount Agung is a pretty challenging hike and takes about four hours to climb up. You need to be in good physical condition to do this trek. Most travelers go up late at nigh,t so they can catch sunrise at the top. If and when you make it up (you can do it!) you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and the feeling of being amongst the clouds.

Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali In 2021

For as long as Bali has been a travel destination, Ubud has been one of the island’s most popular cities. As you drive in to Ubud you wonder how such a hot spot can exist amongst the dense jungle that surrounds you. And then, through the giant trees with overhanging branches, a small bustling city emerges.

The center of Ubud is really only a few streets, but they pack as much in as possible. The traffic can be insane and the shops are crammed in right next to each other, but somehow Ubud still manages to be a place of serenity. Unlike the crazy party town of Kuta or the cool surfer vibe of Canggu, Ubud is all about wellness, clean living and getting in touch with yourself.

With its endless amount of vegan restaurants and healing centers, Ubud might feel pretentious to some, but if the hippie life isn’t your jam, there are plenty of other things to do in Ubud, Bali that don’t involve releasing your chakras. We recommend getting a taste of everything, from exploring the gorgeous natural sights, to getting a taste of the local culture, and yes, even dipping your toe in the wellness waters. These are our recommended best things to see in Ubud.

Getting to Ubud

Getting to Ubud is as easy as jumping on a bus, hiring a private car or renting your own scooter. Because Bali is such a small island it’s a convenient place to travel to no matter where you’re staying in Bali. Whether you’re coming in from Kuta, Sanur, Canggu, the Bukit Peninsula or the north, traveling to Ubud is an easy location to get it.

What to Do in Ubud: Nature

Unlike the rugged coast of the Bukit Peninsula, or the sandy shoreline of Canggu, Ubud is a lush green oasis in the middle of Bali. From levels upon levels of stunning rice terraces, to wild life and adventure activities. Here are our top suggestions for things to do in Ubud for the nature lovers.

Visit a Bali Rice Terrace

You can’t go to Bali and not visit a rice terrace! Rice is a huge part of the Indonesian diet (hello Nasi Goreng!) and it’s pretty cool to see where it all comes from. As you travel around Bali you’ll likely see rice fields everywhere, but visiting the big terraces is an awesome experience.

The most popular Ubud rice field is, of course, Tegalalang rice terrace. This beautiful rice field is only 20 minutes from Ubud and it’s a gorgeous sight to see. The entrance fee is only 10,000 rupiah and you can easily spend a couple hours wandering the different paths around the terrace. They also have the iconic Bali swings and nests for photos.

If you’re looking for an equally stunning, but a bit less crowded, the Jatiluwih rice terrace is a great alternative. Although further from Ubud (you have to drive about an hour and a half), Jatiluwih is definitely worth visiting. The path around the rice terrace is easier to navigate than Tegalalang and because it’s less popular, it’s easier to get photos where you’re the only person in the rice field.

Read our complete guide to Tegalalang Rice Terrace for information on how to get there, entrance fee, the best time to visit and more!

Ubud Monkey Forest

As soon as you drive close to Ubud you’ll start to notice monkeys on the side of the road. That’s because you’re driving past the Monkey Forest! The forest itself is really beautiful and you’ll feel completely enveloped by the lush trees around you. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth of monkeys; there are over 600 in the forest!

The monkey’s go about their daily business and are mostly interested in whether you’re going to feed them or not. You can buy bananas at the front desk to feed them, but it’s prohibited to give them any outside food. The monkeys are able to smell food in your bag and may try to take it from you, so we recommend not bringing any food with you. Personally, we don’t like to feed wild animals because it creates a dependence on human interaction, so we recommend just enjoying watching the monkeys as you walk through the forest. There are also rumors of thieving monkeys so be sure to keep your sunglasses and valuables tucked away.

The forest is sacred to the local people and there are temples throughout. However, only three temples are accessible for foreigners – Pura Dalem, Holy Water Temple and Cremation Temple. The Ubud Monkey Forest entrance fee is 50,000 rupiah.

Tegenungan Waterfall

This impressive waterfall is about a half hour drive outside of Ubud and definitely worth a visit. When you arrive you’ll pay 20,000 rupiah entrance fee and then walk down a set of stairs to the waterfall. Tegenungan is one of the most popular waterfalls near Ubud, so chances are there will be a bit of a crowd by the falls. When we went we had to wait our turn to get a shot in front of the waterfall without any other people in it. To the right you’ll find a swing that you can hop on for photos at an extra charge.

Admittedly Tegenungan waterfall isn’t the most secluded spot, but at 25 meters in height it’s pretty impressive. Plus you can wade into the water for a refreshing dip.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

We loved the Campuhan Ridge Walk and highly recommend it if you’re visiting Ubud! The entrance to the Campuhan Ridge Walk is just outside of the Ubud city center. The walk is mostly flat and easy, with stunning views of the rice terraces on either side. There’s very little shade cover, so you’ll want to start really early in the morning and make sure you’ve got plenty of water and a hat. As soon as the sun starts to get hot, you’ll basically be baking during your walk.

The entire nature trek is 9 kilometers, so you can definitely get your steps and really work up a sweat. Be on the look out for the free version of an Ubud swing. Not far into the path there’s a small swing tied to a tree that is a fun, free alternative to the swings around Ubud that you have to pay for.

White Water Rafting

If you need to cool down a little and want some adventure, do some white water rafting in Ubud! The Ayung river is a perfect mix of rapids and relaxation. As you cruise down the river you’ll be able to take in the lush jungle and breathtaking gorges that surround you. This a great activity for anyone who wants to see a different part of the Ubud landscape, while getting your blood pumping!

What to See in Ubud: Culture

Ubud has long been regarded as a cultural center of Bali, way before travelers started doing downward dog on their yoga mats. If you want a real taste of Balinese and Hindu culture during your trip, Ubud is a great place to learn about it.

Pura Taman Saraswati

This is an easy one to visit, considering this temple is located in the heart of Ubud. The temple was built to honor the Hindu goddess Saraswati. The architecture here is simply stunning. One of the temple’s most popular features is the water garden, filled with floating lotuses. If it’s not too busy, this is a lovely spot to come by yourself and enjoy a moment of introspection.

Pura Tirta Empul

This water temple is one of our favorite things to see in Ubud. We stumbled across this place after our first visit to Tegalalang rice terrace and, boy were we excited about cooling off in the water! Not only is the Pura Tirta Empul water temple a great opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the local culture, but you actually get to participate as well!

When you first enter you’ll be given a sarong if you’re not already covering your knees. Then right before you enter the water temple you need to rent a water sarong that you can actually get wet. There are changing rooms to put on a bathing suit under the water sarong.

Once you’re good to go you’ll get in the water and dunk yourself under each fountain to purify yourself. Each fountain represents a different blessing. There are local guides that you can pay to explain the history and process, but we found most locals who were bathing were happy enough to explain the blessings to us. There are a couple of water spouts that you shouldn’t go under, as they’re reserved for post-funeral, so be sure to check with the locals. And make sure to save some time before or after bathing to walk around the nearby temples, they’re stunning!

Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Cave, is another popular temple to visit near Ubud. When you arrive you’ll walk down a flight of stairs to the cave entrance. To walk into the cave you’ll enter through the mouth of a demon carved into the rock. Inside you’ll find paintings, shrines and small statues. It gets pretty busy at Elephant Cave, but considering its proximity to Ubud it’s still worth a look.

Things to Do in Ubud: Health & Wellness

Unblock those energy lines, loosen up your chakras and awaken the spiritual curiosity within when you spend time exploring Ubud. With a range of holistic healers, classes and workshops to find your inner balance, Ubud is the perfect place to experience something different. Here are a couple of our suggestions for the best activities for the soul in Ubud.

Pyramids of Chi

One of the newer wellness activities in Ubud, the Pyramids of Chi is an experience hard to grasp until you’ve actually been there. Basically, you enter a large pyramid shaped tent and lay down on one of the thin mattresses on the floor. The pyramid is almost entirely pitch black, but they give you a weighted eye mask to ensure total darkness.

For the next hour a sound healer plays a variety of instruments, including gongs, drums and the Didgeridoo. The sound healing is meant to release your chakras and heal your energy. They hold different sessions throughout the day, but the standard “Ancient Sound Healing” session is 300,000 rupiah. Even Jules, who is usually a skeptic with all sorts of new-age healing, found the session enlightening and definitely beneficial. If you end up booking a session we’d love to hear what you thought of the experience.

Yoga Class at The Yoga Barn

Even if you’re not a practicing yogi, it’s worth going to the famous The Yoga Barn for a class. Known as one of the best yoga studios in the world, The Yoga Barn has a variety of classes from beginner to expert. One of the biggest draws to the classes is the opportunity to practice overlooking a beautiful jungle landscape. Classes fill up, so be sure to get there early to get a spot in the front. You can put your name down and then grab a juice at the studio’s cafe.

Ubud Market

Don’t think shopping is a form of wellness? You’ve clearly never heard of retail therapy. And the Ubud market is the perfect place to get your retail therapy fix! Made famous by Eat Pray Love, this market is located in the center of Ubud. You’ll find pretty much everything here, from beautiful traditional wood carvings to cheap plastic sunglasses. A lot of the shops carry the same stuff, so be sure to get a sense of the prices before purchasing. Haggling is definitely recommended!

Where to Eat in Ubud

Being the health and wellness capital of Bali, there are some amazing Ubud restaurants on offer. Here is our list of top recommended place to eat in Ubud.

Breakfast in Ubud

Watercress – This cafe is pretty well known in Ubud. It’s definitely on the pricier side of what you can pay for breakfast in Bali, but the food is worth it. They have a variety of healthy choices and delicious coffee!

Habitat Cafe – Specializing in Pan-Asian cuisine, this modern cafe serves up a diverse range fresh and authentic dishes. Conveniently located next to the Monkey Forest, you can have a cup of coffee and share a slice of banana bread with a new furry friend.

Lunch and Dinner in Ubud

The Fair Warung Bale – We’d go so far as to say this is one of the best restaurants in Bali, period. Not only are they serving up an incredible fish curry and Tom Yum soup, but they give 100% of their profits back to helping local people pay for medical procedures and health care. So awesome!

Warung Makan Bu Rus – An excellent local restaurant that serves up traditional food with an incredible amount of flavor. The first time we visited Ubud we ate here on numerous occasions!

Dessert in Ubud

Tukies Coconut Shop – You can’t go to Ubud and not eat at Tukies. There are actually three locations, so it’s hard to miss. These little shops serve up the best coconut ice cream in the world. Their secret? It’s topped with young coconut slices, roasted coconut chips and a sweet coconut brittle. It’s best to go during your first day in Ubud so you can keep going back everyday.