Monkey Legend

Fresh Balinese produce blends perfectly with traditional Mexican flavors at Ubud's Taco Casa. Unlike many Mexican restaurant chains, Taco Casa's tortillas, taco shells, corn chips, guacamole, hot sauce, salsas and salad dressings are freshly made in-house with no MSG, preservatives, or other nasties.

A traditional Balinese warung so small only 8 tables fit in the semi-open dining area. These tables book out days in advance by diners eager to indulge in Melting Wok's authentic curries. Dishes scrawled on humble blackboard menus are few in number, usually 2 main curries and a daily special, meaning chefs focus on quality over quantity, preparing mouth-watering curries worthy of the wait.

One of Bali’s first health-focused restaurants, Bali Buda uses hand-made ingredients and all-natural processes to create the highest possible quality of food, in terms of nutrition and taste. The diverse food menu caters to most dietary requirements including vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan. Meals can be enjoyed in the restaurant’s cozy dining area, or delivered to your accommodation via the Gojek app.

One of Ubud's first vegan restaurants and a pioneer in establishing the jungle-front town's reputation as a trendy sanctuary for veg-heads. Alchemy proves that by eating raw plant-based foods, you're not limited to simple salads. The restaurant's creative chefs craft raw versions of favorite meals including pizza, quiche, burgers, and a scrumptious range of desserts.

Alongside Ubud's urban center is a section of pure jungle, home to over 1,000 Balinese monkeys. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is located on spiritually-significant ground, constructed around 3 Hindu temples dating back to the 14th century. While tourists delight in watching the furry critters frolic and get into all sorts of mischief, measures are in place to protect visitors and also preserve the monkeys’ natural way of life.

Artisan markets selling locally-made products. Items include clothing, jewelry, homewares, and souvenirs. Venders never offer their best price first, expect to have barter for a bargain.

The definitive example of traditional Balinese culture and art located within the heart of Ubud. The palace is the traditional home of the Sukawati royal family who still reside in the rear of the compound today. The front of the compound is open for visitors to wander and marvel at the Hindu-inspired architecture, sculptures and landscaped tropical gardens.

Ubud's jungle-like greenery, deep valleys, trickling rivers, and wooden chalets are best admired from Campuhan Ridge Walk, a 1.7-kilometer-long (1-mile) trail. The walk is inclusive for all fitness levels, with the most difficult section being the steep southern steps up the Wos river valley to the start of the ridge. The trail winds above two jungle-filled valleys as the East and West Wos rivers rush towards their confluence with the Cerik River, below the beginning of the trail.