Having bad weather? No problem, there are still plenty of things you can do in Ubud!

Girl in Pura Mengening - Ubud Travel Guide

First Published: 10 Mar 2018

Plane tickets, check. Accommodation, check. Itinerary, check!

You’re on your way to Ubud — the cultural centre of Bali and just an hour north of the Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali Airport). Ubud awaits with a never-ending list of outdoor adventures, things to see and good eats!

You’ve got everything sorted out from the moment you’ve arrived at the airport to how you’re spending your last night in Ubud. Everything goes according to plan until you find yourself stranded in a local café waiting for the rain to stop.

If you find yourself freaking out, don’t worry! It’s normal that rain can halt your activities for an hour or so. Hence, in this Ubud travel guide, I’ve written down some suggestions you can check out in each of these activities if bad weather emerges.

Things to Do in Ubud

Ubud will spoil you with options for adventure! Non-stop thrilling experiences with rewarding views are definitely a thing to check out, and we’ll go through some of them in our Ubud travel guide.

In the case of light rain, the first three activities can still be carried out as you will get wet eventually. Each activity also has their adventure level ranked: from Low — being easy to handle — to High — letting you know if certain skills are needed to complete the experience.

1) Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Tekud Cepong Waterfall

Adventure Level: Low

Slightly further than the two other recommended areas below, Tukad Cepung Waterfall is worth the journey. The breathtaking view of this hidden waterfall in a cave will leave you speechless.

If it’s not cloudy, you can catch the sunshine rays emerging from the opening, where the waterfall begins. Come in slippers or booties as the pebbles on the ground leading to the waterfall can be jarring.

*Pro-tip: It’s best to explore during the afternoon when the sun is the brightest. Try to avoid arriving after 4PM as it might get too dark inside the cave.

Entrance fee: Rp15,000 (~S$2)
Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM
Address: Jl. Tembuku, Dusun Penida Kelod, Tembuku, Bangli, Tembuku, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80671, Indonesia

2) Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang

Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang

Adventure Level: Moderate. Non-swimmers at risk, and life vests not provided.

How amazing is it that this little secret — Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang — amongst locals is just an hour’s drive from Ngurah Rai? Rock climb, swim against currents and get amazed by the beauty nature has to offer.

Hiring a tour guide is mandatory (up to four pax) and you’ll soon understand why when you’ve experienced it yourself. These guides know the canyon inside out and are able to bring you across safely, at your own pace. Don’t worry about holding other adventurers up because not many know about this place.

For your convenience, you can book this activity with a tour guide through Klook.

The water can reach up to chest level at certain points. Make sure to hand over your small personal items such as phones, wallets and footwear to the tour guides. They’ll carry them across for you in a waterproof bag.

*Pro-tip: Wear sports gear or swimwear, and definitely bring a spare change of clothes.

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Cost: From ~Rp360,500 (~S$32)
Opening hours: 8AM – 5:30PM
Address: Jalan Sahadewa, Banjar Wangbung, Guwang, Sukawati, Guwang, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582

Read also: 5D Bali Itinerary: The Best of Bali For The Adventurous — Ubud, Seminyak, Nusa Dua

3) White Water Rafting at Ayung River

Red Paddle-Ubud Travel Guide

Adventure Level: Moderate. Safe for non-swimmers, and life vests are provided.

Expect to get soaked at the Ayung River and share hearty laughs with your guide as he teases you to be wary about the “crocodiles in the water”. Be awed by the beautiful waterfalls and carvings on the hills and rocks inspired by the Ramayana, one of the world’s largest ancient epics. The ancient Indian poem consists of 24,000 verses about a prince who wishes to save his wife, with the help of an army.

White Water Rafting

After two hours of rafting, a well-catered buffet is much needed — we booked ours with Red Paddle and they served up a feast of nasi goreng (fried rice), maggie goreng (fried noodles), vegetables, chicken curry, and rice. Drinks cost extra.

Red Paddle Buaffet-Ubud Travel Guide

Hence, in case of bad weather and you happen to be stuck there, purchasing a meal to pass the time there is not a bad idea. The delicious chicken curry is something that you should look out for!

Cost: From Rp240,000 (~S$22)
Opening hours:
9AM – 5PM
Address: Jl. Raya Kedewatan No.31, Kedewatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571

*Note: Personal accident insurance and a pick-up from your accommodation can be arranged.

4) Ubud Traditional Art Market

Traditional Art Market

For the shopaholics, we have you covered too! Head on down to this traditional art market. Beautiful batiks and colourful sarongs hang from each store. You can even purchase those trendy straw bags in different shapes, sizes and colours too.

Don’t be afraid to bargain and bring that Singaporean auntie out of you! The vendors know that haggling is a process and will hike up the prices with their first offer.

Bring an umbrella, and you’ll be good to continue shopping should it rain.

*Pro-tip: The best time to head down would be right when they’ve opened (6AM), or are about to close (6PM).

Vendors are particular about making their first sale in the morning as it is considered good luck. They will give you a “morning price”. Similarly, they will try their best to end the day with a “good” last transaction.

Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM
Address: Jalan Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Things to See In Ubud

Spirituality plays an important role in Bali. Get a glimpse of their lifestyle by checking out some stunning temples and rice fields in our Ubud travel guide.

1) Purta Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul Temple

Purta Tirta Empul is a water temple and is considered one of the most sacred or holy temples in Ubud. The pools are filled with spring water for people to wash and cleanse themselves. Prayers and rituals still continue despite the rain.

*Note: Women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter as a sign of respect. Special dresses for women to cover up are available for rental at Rp10,000.

Entrance fee: Rp50,000 (~S$4.50)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM
Address: Jalan Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia

2) Pura Kehen Temple

Temple-Ubud Travel Guide

Visit East Bali’s biggest temple: Pura Kehen, which has been around since the 12th century. It’s well-maintained, solely for the purpose of the Ngusabha ritual — roasted pigs are given as offerings to reflect harmony amongst the villagers.

It also has a rather impressive historic architecture that, on a surface level, looks good in photos.

Similar to Purta Tirta Empul, women that are menstruating are not allowed to enter. Sarongs are provided at the entrance for free.

Entrance fee: Rp30,000 (~S$3)
Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM
Address: Jalen Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia

Read also: 15 Stunning Photo Spots in Bali for That Perfect IG Shot

3) Puri Pandawa

Man getting palm read at Puri Pandawa Palm Reading - Wellness tour in Ubud

Many people visit Ubud to have their own Eat, Pray, Love moment by going to a healer. Puri Pandawa gives you the chance to speak with one, and avail a “reading” — whether it be through your chakra energy, tarot cards, or in our case, our palms!

Whether or not you believe in these things, it’s a must-try experience for those seeking life advice from an intuitive stranger.

We visited Puri Pandawa as part of a half-day private tour that we booked through Klook!

Bali Eat Pray Love Private Tour
Cost: From Rp515,000/pax (~S$46/pax)
Tour timings: 
7AM – 5PM
Meeting point: Hotel pickup

4) Ubud Monkey Forest

The Monkeys of the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest

These mischievous animals at Ubud Monkey Forest will definitely keep you on your toes with their attempts to steal your glasses or pull on your shirt. Look out for how they play with each other and stare at you with curiosity!

Don’t worry about getting attacked by the monkeys, they are pretty docile.

Entrance fee: From Rp80,000 (~S$5)
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 6PM
Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Read also: 15 Stunning Photo Spots in Bali for That Perfect IG Shot

5) Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

No Ubud travel guide is complete without mentioning the UNESCO World Heritage site: Tegallalang Rice Terrace. What many people come here for though, is the signature Instagram shot of swinging high out above the rice terraces.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace Swing

If you’re looking to get a shot of you flying up into the terraces, you have to pay at least Rp150,000, depending on the swing. It’s slightly costly but worth the experience.

On the other hand, you’re welcome to enjoy a free cup of coffee while waiting for the rain to stop at this venue. There are many local cafes facing the terraces that offer free coffee/tea tasting.

Rice Terrace-Ubud Travel Guide

Alternatively, should it rain and you are unable to specifically visit the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, there are rice terraces throughout Ubud you can stumble onto. Another option would be to settle at a local food joint that overviews rice paddies. These places would provide you with shelter and a beautiful landscape to look at.

Entrance fee: Rp25,000 plus donations (~S$2)
Cost of swing: From Rp150,000 (~S$14)
Address: Jalan Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia

*Pro-tip: If you want to experience both the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, as well as the Sacred Monkey Forest, you can book a private day tour through Klook. This saves you the hassle of looking for transportation in between attractions.

Elephant Cave - Ubud Travel Guide

Photo credit: Reena Yadav via Unsplash

Bonus: this tour will take you to Elephant Cave as well!

Central Bali Full Day Tour
Cost: From Rp515,000/pax (~S$46/pax)
Tour timings: 
7AM – 5PM
Meeting point: Hotel pickup

Things to Eat In Ubud

One can never get sick of Balinese food. Good eating joints here are countless, so this Ubud travel guide will showcase three places which we really enjoyed!

1) Naughty Nuri’s

Naughty Nuri's Ubud Entrance

“Sharing is caring” will not exist in your vocabulary after you’ve had a bite of the amazing pork ribs from Naughty Nuri’s. Currently a popular chain with various outlets around Bali and outside Indonesia, the Naughty Nuri’s in Ubud happens to be the OG! Prices here are slightly lesser than the outlet in Seminyak.

You’ll definitely want to have one for yourself.

Naughty Nuri's Spareribs

Not to forget their generous cocktails that pack a punch!

Naughty Nuri's -Ubud Travel Guide

*Pro-tip: A phoney Naughty Nuri’s lies a block ahead. Look out for the barbeque stand outside of the authentic shop.

Opening hours: 10AM – 9:30PM
Address: Jalan Raya Sanggingan No.88X, Kedewatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

2) Kedai D’Sawah

Kedai D'Sawah-Ubud Travel Guide

If you need a place to wind down after a day of shopping and adventure, Kedai D’Sawah is the ideal place. It’s one of the best places to watch the sunset against the rice paddies as you savour your dinner. This relaxing eating spot offers a wide spread of options from Indonesian to Western cuisine, take your pick!

*Pro-tip: Bring mosquito repellent to avoid getting bitten as the entire restaurant is open-spaced!

Opening hours: 10AM – 11PM
Address: Jl. Raya Goa Gajah No. 93, Ubud, Indonesia

3) Murni’s Warung

Murni’s Warung is a world-renowned restaurant owned by the Mother of Ubud herself, Murni, who’s known for driving a wave of tourism in the area. Despite all the recognition that they have, their meals are just as affordable as other restaurants in Bali.

gado gado-murnis warung-must eat places in bali-1

They are known for serving authentic and delicious local cuisine. We absolutely loved their chilli so much that by the end of the meal, we were just eating that on top of white rice! And to top off the experience, you’ll get to enjoy a scenic view of the Ubud hills as well.

*Pro-tip: Do visit this place in the daytime because you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the restaurant!

Opening Hours: 9AM – 10PM
Address: Jl. Raya Campuan, Ubud, Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 8057

Read also: The Ultimate Bali Food Guide: 21 Things To Eat in Seminyak, Ubud and Nusa Dua

Getting Around in Ubud

Travellers boarding a private car charter in Nusa Penida Bali - Ubud Travel Guide

Getting around Bali can be difficult as there’s a lack of public trains and buses. Grab and Gojek are available most of the time, but it can be hard to get one in the more remote areas.

You also have the option of hiring a scooter, but it may not be the ideal for group travellers. (Note: you can rent one to drive yourself around, although Bali is proposing a law that will ban foreign tourists from doing this soon!)

For our Ubud travel guide, we recommend renting a private car charter since it is the most convenient and cost-efficient option if you’re travelling in a group. This would be super useful especially if it rains and you’re stuck with no means of transport out of said destination.

You can have the car for 10 hours to visit the five main areas of Bali — Tabanan, Badung, Denpasar, Gianyar, Bangli (Ubud is within the Gianyar area).

Hope you found this Ubud travel guide useful! Check these articles out if you’re looking for other itineraries in other areas, such as Nusa Dua and Uluwatu or an extensive guide to Bali.


This post is brought to you by Klook.

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