Travel Bali Part One- Ubud
Lush hikes, waterfalls, and endless rice paddies. Come and explore the gem that is Ubud
Written by Gracie Rounds
Introduction
As the first of a four part Bali series, you will not want to miss Ubud. People say that this is the place where you go in Bali when you’ve become tired of the sand and sea, but Ubud is an amazing destination in itself without needing to go there after tiring of somewhere else.
Waterfalls will be an absolute staple here, with more to see than you can possibly imagine. Many being world-famous and a haven for photographers and drone pilots alike.
Based on the multi-year Bali stay of my sister, solo world-traveler Callie Rounds, read on to find the most special recommendations you can get to see on this island.
Where To Stay
As Bali gets more and more popular, it will become harder to find places to stay as many spots will easily get fully booked. Definitely try to book ahead of time as much as possible to try and get the best stays in the area.
For a budget option in Ubud, try the Firefly Eco Lodge. This is a really unique stay that won’t run your pockets, where you get to stay in multi-level woven basket huts. There are beautiful views and really interesting interior design work surrounding you at this stay constantly.
If you are looking for something a little more upscale, try Chapung Sebali. This spot is known for meshing Indonesian and Scandinavian architecture in a really interesting way. It is also located in a indigenous village outside of Ubud so you can have a really immersive experience.
Hideout Bali offers insane architecture with incredible attention to detail. This option is one that will bring you time to meditate and reflect, and is super peaceful.
Skai Joglo is an AMAZING choice, but gets booked incredibly fast. If you have the foresight to plan your trip far ahead of time, make sure to book this!
Coffee
Rice. Terrace. Cafe. You hardly need any other recommendations than this for your time in Ubud. And by not need, I mean that after visiting this spot, it will become your go-to and you won’t likely have a desire to continue searching for another spot!
The food and coffee are great but the views are what will hold you here. The rice terraces are absolutely insane from this vantage point, and it’s a really special spot for photos.
Waterfalls
You could literally spend multiple weeks here JUST trying to hit the waterfalls in the area. But regardless of your availability or lack thereof, any waterfall you’re able to hit will be memorable and worth it!
The Nungnung Waterfall is a super popular tourist attraction, but you’ll immediately understand why when you witness the power of this fall. It is absolutely enormous, and is worth visiting despite any crowds.
For a different, more closed in waterfall to experience, the Leke Leke Waterfall is not to miss. It’s tall and narrow, surrounded by cave walls covered in lush vegetation.
In the same trip you are taking to see Leke Leke, make sure to also stop at the Campuhan Antapan Waterfall. Both waterfalls are only a couple minutes to get to and can barley be considered hikes.
The Tukad Cepung Waterfall is also an Instagram famous spot that is likely to be quite crowded, but it’s still an important one to have on your list. Just make sure to go on a sunny day as it has amazing light rays that come down through the path of the waterfall. It’s not worth it to come unless you are witnessing this!
The Suwat Waterfall is one that you can climb up behind and cliff jump off of, for those who are looking for more adventure. You can also get on a bamboo raft here for some really epic photos.
And finally the Timbumana Waterfall is the last one that you want to make sure to hit. This won’t be as jaw-dropping if you’ve done a lot of the other waterfalls first, but is a spot to come and swim if you have more time on your hands in Ubud.
More to Do
A really fantastic hiking spot would be the Campuhan Ridge Walk. This trail is amazing at either sunrise or sunset, and offers a lush path between tropical flora. This is a really easy hiking trail, meant for people who maybe aren’t looking for any sort of strenuous exercise or have limited time. And if you’re lucky at sunrise you might get to watch the clouds pass around and below you.
Langhanan Sweet is another amazing sunrise spot that you’ve probably seen on Instagram before if you’ve been researching Bali. It is 100% worth waking up early and the drive to get there.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem (at least that was hidden in 2022), Tukad Tista offers an overlook over the whole jungle with a natural jacuzzi pool.
And finally, for those who have any sort of interest in this or are looking to learn, the Bali Flow Center offers really interesting fire arts and trapeze classes. This may seem out of your comfort zone- but sometimes really unique memories come from pushing yourself past what you’re used to. And what better place than Bali!