Bali Experiences: What to Do (and What to Skip) in Ubud

Date: April 2025

Me in Ubud :) (we never ended up eating at the Gabriel, but took a picture because it's my brother's name!)

Amazing Experiences in Bali

For my very first trip to Asia, I chose the magical island of Bali—and I couldn’t have picked a better place to start. I was lucky enough to share the experience with my Mom, who came to visit, making the adventure even more special. We started our trip in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, known for its lush landscapes, rich traditions, and spiritual charm.

During our stay, we packed our days with unforgettable activities. From wandering through the mystical Sacred Monkey Forest, to getting lost in the vibrant local markets on spontaneous shopping sprees, to marveling at the stunning rice terraces. We even stumbled upon a hidden gem that wasn’t on any travel guide—a serene spot that felt like our own little secret.

If you're planning a trip to Bali, especially Ubud, here’s a list of must-do experiences that you definitely shouldn’t miss!

Exploring the Monkey Forest

One of the first things I recommended anyone to do is to visit the Monkey Forest in Ubud. The Sanctuary is home to a little bit over 1260 long-tailed macaques. These monkeys are considered sacred from the local balinese people. Sadly, in 2022, they were listed as endangered with a high chance of extinction in the future.

Entrance fees during weekdays: 100,000 IDR per person (around $6 USD with the current exchange rate) & 80,000 IDR per child.

I had been warned more than once about the cheeky reputation of its furry residents. I’d seen countless videos of monkeys leaping onto unsuspecting tourists, snatching sunglasses, rummaging through backpacks, and boldly helping themselves to snacks. Naturally, I braced myself for a bit of chaos.

But to my surprise, my experience was far more peaceful than expected. The monkeys mostly kept to themselves, playfully swinging through trees, walking besides me, or playing with one another. I kept my belongings tucked away, avoided eye contact, and followed the guidelines closely. Aside from one bold little monkey who briefly attempted to climb up my leg—perhaps mistaking me for a tree or a snack source—everything went smoothly. No stolen items, no sudden ambushes, just a memorable walk through a lush, sacred forest filled with centuries-old temples and curious primates.

Shopping Adventures

Next up on my list of must-do activities in Ubud: shopping! If you love wandering through vibrant (and busy!) streets, browsing handcrafted treasures, and practicing your bargaining skills, then downtown Ubud is the place to be.

One of my absolute favorite shopping discoveries in Ubud was a charming little boutique called Flock Boutique. The space was filled with elegant, thoughtfully designed clothing that instantly caught my eye.

What stood out to me was the quality. Unlike many of the mass-produced items you’ll often see at street vendor stalls, Flock Boutique had pieces with soft fabrics, clean silhouettes, and earthy tones that perfectly captured that relaxed Balinese vibe. Even better, everything is locally made, supporting small-scale production and artisans right in Bali. Knowing that the clothing was ethically crafted added a deeper sense of appreciation to each piece

Visiting the Rice Terraces

Ceking Rice Terrace

We stumbled upon this rice terrace unexpectedly while en route to Dewitata Agrowisata, following a recommendation from our driver. At first glance, the view was absolutely stunning—lush, emerald-green terraces cascading down the hillsides, framed by palm trees and glowing under the sun. It was undeniably picturesque and worth a stop for the scenery alone.

However, once we got closer, the vibe shifted a bit. The area felt heavily commercialized, leaning more toward a tourist attraction than an authentic cultural experience. There were swings suspended dramatically over the terraces, zip-lining options, and numerous photo setups—think heart-shaped frames, and nests designed for Instagram moments. While it was fun to explore for a bit and snap some pictures, the overall atmosphere felt curated for tourists rather than rooted in tradition. That's up to you if that's your vibe!

Discovering Dewata Agrowisata

Here's my hidden gem: Dewata Agrowisata. This wonderful coffee plantation offers a tour through the coffee production process, as well as an overview of the numerous plants that it grows. You even have the chance to interact with a Luwak. These animals eat different vegetation, including coffee beans that will go through their system. Their feces will later be collected, cleaned, baked, and grounded to make this special Luwak Coffee.

Luwak

The tour concludes with a complimentary tasting experience featuring a wide selection of their locally produced teas and coffees. It’s the perfect way to wind down and savor the unique flavors cultivated on-site. My personal favorite was the mangosteen tea—subtly sweet and refreshing with a floral aftertaste that lingered pleasantly. I also really enjoyed the ginseng coffee.

You’ll also get the chance to try their more adventurous offerings like avocado and coconut coffee—both surprising contenders for the top spot in my book!

And the best part? The entire tour is free, and we were practically the only ones there!

Balinese Dance

Lastly, I highly recommend attending a Balinese dance show during your stay. These performances are a captivating blend of storytelling, intricate movement, and traditional music, offering a deeper connection to the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Thanks for reading! In the next blog, I'll write about the food I had in Bali. Cheers!