Known as Bali's cultural capital, Ubud is located in the mountainous highlands and has become a beacon for budget-seeking backpackers. The town is best known for its local art village, traditional culture, nature walks, and relaxing yoga retreats.
If you want to be at one with nature, Ubud is the place to visit. Surrounded by lush jungle, wonderful waterfalls, and plenty of picturesque rice terraces, you can experience the region's best attractions without breaking the bank.
Newbie visitors to Bali flock to the easy beach towns of Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak, but serious travelers and repeat visitors know the island's beating heart is in jungle-centric Ubud. These travelers swap Bali's white-sand beaches, western-style restaurants, luxury resorts, and jet-ski rides for a focus on wellness, nature, and spirituality.
Ubud on a Budget
Visiting Ubud on a budget is easy. Like most of Bali, the cost of living is fairly low. By eating at local warungs you can taste the flavors of Balinese cuisine on a shoestring budget. An average meal at a small warung, like Warung Garasi, costs around Rp25,000 (USD$1.58).
Accommodation can be snatched up for a bargain too. While Ubud has its share of luxurious villas with insta-friendly infinity pools, there are also numerous low-cost options - these tend to gravitate around Monkey Forest Road. Top choices include In Da Garden, Umah De Arlika Ubud, and Pratama House.
When it comes to sightseeing, entry to Ubud's most popular sights, like Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Palace, and Tegenungan Waterfall, all cost under US$1.50. Others, like The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, are more expensive but still affordable, at less than US$7. More low-cost activity options include cooking classes, white water rafting, and tubing.
Those dreamy, jungle-clad Instagram photos don't have to be limited to the rich and famous or Insta-famous. Us backpackers can have the time of our lives in Ubud too, especially when armed with this comprehensive list of the best budget-friendly things to do in Ubud and the surrounding region.
Free Entrance
All these activities and attractions are free.
Ubud Palace
Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Price: Free Time spent: 15-30 minutes
Hours: 8am-6pm, 7 days
Home to the royal family of Ubud, Puri Saren Agung is a complex of great historical importance. Surrounded by flourishing flora, parts of the royal residence are open tourists. Constructed in traditional Balinese style, the buildings and in-house temple provide unrivaled insight into Balinese culture and customs.
Parking: scooter: Free, car: Rp2,000 ($0.13)
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Kelusa, Payangan, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Price: Free Time spent: 1-3 hours
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
A breathtaking escape from the hustle and bustle of Ubud, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is perfect for adventure hunters. This easy-going, 1.7km walk offers scenic views of the lush tropical landscape. Early risers are greeted by the first rays of sunlight rising over towering palm trees. Imagine the warmth from the early glow gently touching your face as you peacefully stroll above the jungle-like landscape. There's no doubt - this is paradise.
Parking: Free
Tip: If you forget a bottle of water, there's a vendor at the top of the stairs near the southern end of the trail.
Taman Saraswati Temple (Ubud Water Palace)
Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Price: Free Time spent: 30 minutes
Hours: 7am-5pm, 7 days
Saraswati Temple, officially named Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati or the Ubud Water Palace, is dedicated to the goddess Sarasvati and is instantly recognizable by the lotus ponds surrounding the path up to the main pagoda. The lotus pond is especially beautiful when the pink flowers are in bloom.
Tip: Visit early in the morning before crowds descend.
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Monkey Forest Road (Jalan Monkey Forest)
Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Price: Free Time spent: 1-2 hours
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
A lively, upbeat road running in an L shape through central Ubud and famous for its shops, restaurants and small budget hotels. Here you'll find handcrafted items, traditional food and unique souvenirs.
Tip: Bring your best bargaining skills as tourists are often charged inflated prices. Start by negotiating down at least 40% before offering a slightly higher price.
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Alas Harum Bali
Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
Price: Free Time spent: 30-120 minutes
Hours: 9am-6pm, 7 days
An intriguing rice terrace home to famous Bali swings and Luwak coffee. Beautifully constructed bridges, swings and hanging baskets make Alas Harum the perfect place to get those dreamy Bali Instagram shots. Amongst all the excitement sits a Luwak coffee plantation, offering visitors free samples of traditionally crafted world-renowned coffee.
Parking: Free
Tip: Although the guides who explain the coffee creation process are free, it is courteous to provide a tip afterward.
Ubud Art Market
Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571
Price: Free Time spent: 1.5 hours
Hours: 6am-6pm, 7 days
A central part of Ubud's identity, this art market is every shopper's dream. Find everything from handbags and kitchenware to paintings and souvenirs. You name it, they have it! If you don't know where to start, handmade cane handbags from the Ubud Art Market have become a trendy fashion item across the globe.
Parking: scooter: Free, car: Rp2,000 ($0.13)
Tip: Remember to put your bargaining skills to use to get the best deal.
Kintamani - Mount Batur Viewpoint
Jl. Raya Penelokan | Grand Puncak Sari 2, Kintamani 80652, Indonesia
Price: Free Time spent: 1 hour
Hours: 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm, 7 days
Just a 45-minute drive north from the center of Ubud is the magnificent Kintamani viewpoint, offering tourists unparalleled views of the enormous active volcano, Mount Batur. Visit for an affordable meal or simply capture some photos from the viewing platform.
Parking: Free
Tip: Buy an ice-cold Bintang to enjoy in the restaurant while soaking up the view. It is more relaxing than rushing to secure a good photo spot, and the view is equally impressive.
Cheap as Chips
Ok, time to fork out some money, but all these are less than Rp100,000 (USD$6.31) so they are easy on your wallet.
Tibumana Waterfall
Jl. Desa Apuan, Apuan, Susut, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80661, Indonesia
Price: Rp10,000 (USD$0.63) Time spent: 2 hours
Hours: 6am-6pm, 7 days
Tibumana Waterfall is located along a secluded trail. These strong glass-like cascading falls form cool natural pools where visitors can safely swim and snap the perfect shot.
Parking: Rp5,000 (USD$0.32)
Tip: The force of the water can be very strong, and varies depending on recent rainfall, so check it is safe before getting too close.
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Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Br. Kelod Kangin, Beng, Gianyar 80551 Indonesia
Price: Rp10,000 (USD$0.63) Time spent: 1-2 hours
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
Popular with locals on weekends, Kanto Lampo is a seasonal waterfall rolling into a natural rock pool. Many visitors climb to the top and jump in for a refreshing swim.
Parking: Free
Tip: Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience.
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Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali 80561
Price: Rp15,000 (USD$0.95) Time spent: 1-1.5 hours
Hours: 8am-6pm, 7 days
Rise early to experience this magical valley of rice terraces. Tegallalang's endless layers of green rice fields are the most iconic vista in Bali. This place is hugely popular with tourists, so be sure to arrive as soon as it opens for the best lighting and no crowds.
Parking: scooter: Rp2,000 (USD$0.13), car: Rp5,000 ($0.32)
Tip: Trek along narrow pathways to the eastern ridge for the best views.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Jl. Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Price: Rp15,000 (USD$0.95) Time spent: 1 hour
Hours: 8am-6pm, 7 days
This isolated waterfall has become a huge hit with tourists. A winding staircase leads to the base of these towering falls where fresh, clear water provides an opportunity for a cool, refreshing swim after enduring Bali's heat. The main entrance features a viewing platform over the vast jungle.
Parking: Rp5,000 (USD$0.32)
Tip: The waterfall can get very busy so visit early in the morning or just before closing to avoid crowds.
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Pura Tirta Empul
Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Price: Adult: Rp15,000 (USD$0.95), Child: Rp7,500 ($0.47) Time spent: 2 hours
Hours: 8am-6pm, 7 days
An important holy site with fresh drinking water from the ground. Locals and tourists gather to wash themselves in two purification pools. Start at the left before moving through 30 washing stations in a traditional Hindu cleansing routine.
Parking: Rp2,000 (USD$0.13)
Tip: Visitors are provided with free sarongs to wear, so don't worry about bringing your own.
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Bali Botanical Garden
Jl. Baturiti Bedugul, Candikuning, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191,
Price: Adult: Rp20,000 (USD$1.26), Domestic: Rp11,000 ($0.69) Time spent: 1-2 hours
Hours: 8am-6pm, 7 days
Also known as Kebun Raya Bali, this is the largest botanical garden in Indonesia. The gardens are popular with tourists and locals alike and feature a greenhouse, exotic trees and flowers, monuments, native bird species, and a serene lake.
Parking: scooter: Rp3,000 (USD$0.19), car: Rp6,000 ($0.38)
Tip: Check out the treetop adventure park within the gardens. There are 6 courses to climb across, complete with high jumps and a zipline.
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Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Ubud, Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Price: Adult: Rp50,000 (USD$3.16), Child: Rp25,000 ($1.58) Time spent: 45-60 minutes
Hours: 8am-5pm, 7 days
Known as the Elephant Cave, the main draw of this sacred site is an ancient carved meditation cave. Exquisite workmanship and beautifully decorated pools have helped Goa Gajah serve as place of both Buddhist and Hindu worship since its construction in the 9th century AD.
Parking: Cars: Rp5,000 (USD$0.32), Motorbikes: Rp2,000 ($0.13)
Tip: Avoid the sellers near the parking lot enticing you to buy a sarong - they are loaned for free as you enter the site.
Pura Gunung Kawi
Banjar Penaka, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Price: Adult: Rp50,000 (USD$3.16), Child: Rp20,000 ($1.26), Domestic Tourist Adult: Rp30,000 ($1.89) Time spent: 2 hours
Hours: 8am-6pm, 7 days
Ancient Bali comes to life in Pura Gunung Kawi. This intricate 11th-century temple and funerary complex is known for its sacred shrines, carved into a stone cliff face. Today the area is surrounded by lush rice paddies and is a beautiful place to visit.
Parking: scooter: Rp2,000 (USD$0.13), car: Rp5,000 ($0.32)
Tip: Grab a low-cost bite to eat at on-site restaurant, Lazy Cats.
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Yoga Saraswati
Jl. Suweta No.6, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Price: Rp75,000 (USD$4.74) Time spent: 1 hour
Hours: 8:30am-6:30pm, 7 days
Since the early 2000s Bali has become the Mecca for yoga buffs in Southeast Asia. The vast natural jungle landscape in Ubud serves as the perfect backdrop. Yoga Saraswati offer daily budget-friendly classes for beginner and experienced yoga lovers. Unwind and learn a new skill in a friendly, relaxed environment.
Parking: Free
Tip: Sessions book out quickly, so arrange your yoga session early to avoid missing out.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Price: Adult: Rp80,000 (USD$5.05), Child: Rp60,000 ($3.79) Time spent: 1-2 hours
Hours: 8:30am-6pm, 7 days
This natural sanctuary is home to over 1,000 Balinese macaques and has developed into the focal point for tourism in central Ubud. The monkeys, along with the Indiana-Jones-style vines, weaving themselves among intricately designed bridges and hand-carved stone sculptures, draw in thousands of tourists every month. Within the 12-hectare forest lie 3 Hindu temples, significant spiritual sites for the Balinese.
Parking: cars: Rp5,000 for first hour (USD$0.32) & Rp2,000 ($0.13) / hr additional, motorbikes: Rp2,000 for first hour ($0.13) & Rp1,000 ($0.06) / hr additional
Tip: Do not feed the monkeys and avoid touching them unless guided by one of the staff.
Balinese Dance
Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Price: Rp80,000 (USD$5.05) Time spent: 1-2 hours
Hours: Starts at 7pm
Ubud is known as the heart of culture in Bali. Cultural performances, mainly dance shows, are scheduled throughout the city. The most popular performances are held at Ubud Palace. Balinese women and children dress in elaborately designed headdresses and vibrant clothing before performing expressive gestures, hand movements, and complex footwork. Tickets can be found on the main street in front of the palace.
Tip: For dinner and a show, visit the dance at Taman Saraswati Temple where a table in the restaurant costs Rp200,000 (USD$12.63).
Watch videoA Bit Pricey, But Worth It
We've helped you stick to your budget so far... but these unique activities around Ubud are worth spending a little more.
Bumbu Bali Cooking Class
Jl. Kajeng No.1, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Price: Rp300,000-Rp400,000 (USD$18.94 - $25.26) Time spent: 4 hours
Hours: 9am-1pm or 2pm-6:30pm, 7 days
Taste Bali's unique cuisine then recreate it at home yourself. Live like a local by visiting fresh local markets before getting hands on with local chefs and families to create an authentic Balinese dish.
Tip: The morning cooking class includes a trip to the local market while the afternoon class does not.
Ayung White Water Rafting/Tubing
Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Price: Tubing: Rp600,000 (USD$37.89), Rafting: Rp445,000 ($28.10) Time spent: 5 hours
Hours: 7am-11pm, 7 days
White water rafting will appeal to adrenaline junkies while the less adventurous can choose to float down the river in an inflatable tube. Both options are a lot of fun and entirely refreshing. The cost is as the higher end of the scale, but it's worth doing at least once.
Tip: The bigger your group the cheaper the cost. Visit with friends for a more budget-friendly experience.
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