Explore & Discover

Known far and wide as the Bali’s foremost centers for art and culture, Ubud is certainly one of the best places available to truly discover what makes Bali so renowned worldwide as a place filled with an enchanting and alluring exotic spirit. It is the best place in Bali to view the seamless blending of the old and new; where both visitors wanting to enjoy luxurious venues and visitors who want to enjoy off-the-beaten-path excursions can all find something to enjoy and appreciate.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN UBUD

Cultural Centre and Art Gallery in Ubud

Agung Rai Museum of Art

The Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) is part of a gallery, cultural centre and accommodation venture in Ubud. Founded by Balinese entrepreneur and art collector, Anak Agung Gde Rai, the museum has 2 main buildings housing exhibition halls, theatre performances, art classes, a bookshop, library, and cultural workshops.

ARMA’s permanent exhibition displays paintings by Balinese, Indonesian and foreign artists. Standouts include masterpieces by Batuan artists dating back to the 1930s and 1940, 19th-century Javanese artists Raden Saleh and Syarif Bustaman, as well as the Kamasan collection of paintings on tree barks. Foreign artists who lived and worked in Bali include Willem Gerard Hofker, Rudolf Bonnet, and Willem Dooijewaard.

Bali Animal Attractions

Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park

Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park is a unique and educational attraction that’s great for families. With 2 hectares of fine tropical gardens, it offers a leisurely walk through a rich collection of nearly 1,000 exotic birds from all over the Indonesian archipelago and from around the world.

See hundreds of different bird species in the magnificent aviaries and individual enclosures. Several varieties jointly dwell and roam free on open tree perches and in the interweaving ponds throughout the park grounds. The adjoining Reptile Park offers an extensive assortment of reptile and amphibian specimens in horticultural gardens. On display is a giant Komodo dragon together with pythons, lizards, geckos, toads, frogs, turtles, tortoises and crocodiles.

Popular and Scenic Waterfall Near Ubud

Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall is a great attraction for nature lovers staying in Ubud or have neighbouring Sukawati among their sightseeing itineraries. The waterfall is halfway between Ubud and Bali’s provincial capital of Denpasar and is considered the closest natural attraction of its kind that you can reach within a half-hour drive southeast from Ubud central.

You can go down to the vast pebbly base and enjoy a dip in the plunge pool, but this is not advised after heavy downpours, due to the risk of flash floods. There are restaurants here that serve great local dishes such as the signature Balinese-style crispy fried duck and which serve as good spots to hang out before or after heading down to Tegenungan Waterfall.

A Must-See Historical Site on Tours to Ubud

Goa Gajah Temple

Goa Gajah is one of the island’s most impressive archaeological sites. Also known as Bali's 'Elephant Cave', the complex is 300 metres west of the Bedulu village, a region famous for its collection of historical sites, and about 5 km southeast of central Ubud.

Upon arriving at Goa Gajah, walk down a flight of stairs to discover a relic-filled courtyard and the main 11th-century cave. The entrance to the cave features a carving of a wide-eyed figure, while inside are rock-wall carvings and a meditational site. Goa Gajah also has a Hindu temple and an impressive communal pool with stone sculptures and fountains, excavated back in 1954.

Sanctuary of Grey Macaques in Ubud

Sacred Monkey Forest

The Ubud Monkey Forest is home to over 700 grey long-tailed macaques. Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, this natural sanctuary has paved pathways through a leafy nutmeg forest as well as several ancient temples under dense foliage. It’s a popular wildlife reserve in Bali thanks to its community-based management, location and ease of access.

Overseen by the Padangtegal village, Ubud Monkey Forest is a place of scientific research and a site of spiritual and cultural aspects, as there are sacred temples sanctified by local villagers. The Ubud Monkey Forest is also called the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, and, by its official designation, Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana.