An Insider’s Guide to Ubud, Bali

Posted by Christina Zipperlen on

Curated with love by the Ananda Soul Team

There’s something about Ubud.

Maybe it’s the hush of the early morning mist as it curls over the rice fields, the scent of frangipani at dusk, or the ever-present rhythm of offerings being placed at thresholds. Maybe it’s the way art spills into the streets and ceremonies slip quietly into daily life. Ubud is more than a destination—it’s a devotion.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov. Source: Pexels

This town, nestled in the heart of Bali, is a portal: to healing, to creativity, to connection—with the earth, the spirit, and yourself. And as travelers, we are invited to tread lightly, to remember that our presence is part of a larger tapestry. Mindful tourism means giving back as much as we receive, honoring the land, the culture, and the unseen forces that make this place sacred.

From our hearts to yours, here is a lovingly curated list of our favorite places to experience the magic of Ubud.

🌿 Nature & Sacred Springs

Here, nature isn’t a backdrop—it’s the sacred stage upon which life unfolds. From holy waters that cleanse the spirit to hidden jungle paths that whisper secrets, Ubud’s landscapes invite you into communion. Let yourself be held by the earth.

For deep exhale moments and sacred dips:

Royal Pita Maha Pools

Royal Pita Maha Pools

Swim in the King’s holy spring and
riverside pools surrounded by jungle.

Bambu Indah Natural Springs

Bambu Indah
Natural Springs

A breathtaking setting for a dip
in crystal waters and a slow lunch.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Campuhan Ridge Walk

An easy morning or sunset walk
with sweeping jungle views.

🎨 Art & Culture

The soul of Bali lives in its rituals, masks, and painted stories. In Ubud, art is not separate from life—it is life. Come witness the language of devotion, expressed through every carved detail and choreographed gesture.

Dive into the heart of Balinese creativity:

Neka Art Museum Ubud Bali

Neka Art Museum

Traditional and contemporary

Balinese and Indonesian art.

Tony Raka Gallery & Cafe Ubud Bali

Tony Raka Art Lounge

Eclectic art and a stylish café

under one roof.

Biasa Art Space Ubud Bali

Biasa Art Space

Bold exhibitions from local

and international artists.

Ubud Story Walks Bali

Ubud Story Walks

Guided walks exploring Ubud’s

myths and spiritual heritage.

Usada Cultural Center Ubud Bali

Usada Cultural Center

Talks, gatherings, and cultural

learning in a restored space.

 

🧘 Wellness & Movement

Ubud is a sanctuary where the body can remember its sacred rhythm. From stillness to sweat, movement here becomes medicine. Tune in, stretch wide, and allow your being to return home to itself.

Nourish body, mind, and spirit:

The Yoga Barn Ubud Bali

The Yoga Barn

Ubud’s iconic yoga

and healing center.

Alchemy Yoga Ubud Bali

Alchemy Yoga

& Meditation Center

Spacious, light-filled studios

and grounded teachings.

Ubud Yoga Centre Bali

Ubud Yoga Centre

Modern yet welcoming space

with jungle views and a

warm community.

🌸 Spa & Herbal Wisdom

Healing is woven into the very air of Ubud. Drawing from ancient knowledge and the bounty of the jungle, local spas offer not just beauty rituals—but ceremonies of restoration. Receive with gratitude.

Treat yourself to traditional healing and self-care:

Cantika Zest Spa Ubud Bali

Cantika Zest

Homemade, organic spa

magic in a jungle setting.

Book ahead!

Fresh Spa Ubud Bali

Fresh! Spa

Sweet, down-to-earth treatments

in the heart of town.

Nadi’s Herbal Spa Ubud Bali

Nadi’s Herbal

Shop or join a workshop

to make your own herbal products.

Campuhan Hotel & Spa Cave Pools

Hotel Tjampuhan

Spa Cave

Spa meets ancient rock carvings

and elemental immersion.

🍽️ Healthy Eating & Cooking Classes

Every meal in Ubud can be a prayer—an invitation to nourish, to connect, to savor. Here, food is more than sustenance. It’s storytelling, ceremony, and soul care all in one bite.

Plant-powered and heart-fed:

Zest Ubud

Zest Ubud

Elevated plant-based cuisine

with an incredible view.

Moksa Restaurant Ubud

Moksa Restaurant

& Dojo

Garden-to-table dining, events,

and cooking classes.

Casa Luna Cooking Class Ubud Bali

Casa Luna

Cooking School

Learn to cook Balinese food

with a cultural twist.

Hujan Locale Ubud

Hujan Locale

Elevated Indonesian flavors

with a modern, soulful twist.

 

🎨 Creative & Hands-On Experiences

Creativity pulses through the land like a heartbeat. From your hands to your heart, Ubud offers spaces where you can co-create with tradition, form, color, and spirit. Come make something sacred.

Get messy, inspired, and connected:

Setungku Pottery Ubud Bali

Setungku Pottery

Earthy, fun pottery classes

in a sweet setting.

Gaya Ceramic Ubud Bali

Gaya Ceramic

Art Center

Beautiful workshops

for all levels in fine ceramics.

Ruster Pottery

Rusters Pottery

A new favorite for hands-on

creative time.

Sepeda Bali Bike Tour

Sepeda Bali

Bike Tours

Cycle through rice fields

and local villages — a soulful

adventure.

🌺 Don’t Miss

Ananda Soul Store 

Jl. Dewisita No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571

View on Google Maps

 Stop by and say hello! Jewelry with a story, handcrafted by women in our Ubud community.

May we walk gently.

May we honor what we touch.
May our time here nourish not only ourselves, but the land and people who make this place what it is.

Welcome to Ubud, dear soul traveler.
We hope this guide helps you fall in love with her the way we have.

— With reverence,
The Ananda Soul Team

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