Discover the Heart of Bali Beyond the Usual Tourist Trail
Why Ubud is More Than a Destination
When people think of Bali, images of sun-kissed beaches and lush green rice terraces often come to mind. Yet nestled in the spiritual and cultural heart of the island lies Ubud, a place that offers something far deeper than your typical vacation hotspot. Unlike the party scene of Seminyak or the surfing waves of Canggu, Ubud invites you to slow down and connect—with nature, culture, tradition, and even your own inner self.
Ubud is often described as “the soul of Bali,” and once you step into its jungled landscapes, hear the gentle gamelan music floating from distant temples, or witness a morning offering ritual, you’ll begin to understand why. With its vibrant arts scene, yoga retreats, and wellness-focused culture, Ubud has long attracted seekers of creativity, spirituality, and healing. But there’s another side to this magical town that goes beyond its well-known landmarks like the Monkey Forest or Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
This article dives deep into the less-traveled roads of Ubud—exploring hidden gems and immersive experiences that many tourists overlook. From secret water temples to night walks among fireflies, these handpicked activities are perfect for travelers who crave authenticity and connection. So, if you’re wondering what are the truly special things to do in Ubud, keep reading—we’re taking you off the beaten path and into the heart of Bali’s most soulful destination.
What are the most unique things to do in Ubud?
If you’ve ever asked yourself what makes Ubud so much more than a tourist stop, the answer lies in its hidden corners and preserved traditions. These experiences let you explore Ubud as the locals know it—rich, raw, and real.
1. Wander Through the Secret Gardens of Penestanan
Tucked quietly on the outskirts of Ubud, Penestanan is a picturesque village where art, nature, and serenity blend in perfect harmony. Historically, this area was an artists’ haven, home to renowned painters like Walter Spies who influenced Balinese modern art in the 1930s. Today, Penestanan retains its bohemian charm and continues to attract creatives, writers, and mindful travelers looking for peace and inspiration.
Unlike the crowded sidewalks of central Ubud, Penestanan offers leafy pedestrian paths where motor vehicles are scarce. As you stroll past bamboo groves, ancient shrines, and colorful bougainvillea, you’ll find intimate cafés tucked among lush rice paddies and artisan studios showcasing woodcarving, jewelry, and traditional batik. It’s a place where the pace of life slows and every corner feels like a scene from a novel.
Insider tip: Stop by local warungs like Yellow Flower Café or Alchemy for a healthy, organic meal while enjoying views over the valley. Many accommodations in Penestanan are eco-conscious villas that offer yoga classes and jungle immersion.
Cultural insight: Many families here still engage in traditional rituals, and you’ll often see canang sari (daily offerings) laid delicately in front of doorways—a reminder of the deeply spiritual life that pulses through this quiet village.
2. Experience a Traditional Melukat Ritual at a Hidden Water Temple
A trip to Ubud isn’t complete without tapping into its spiritual roots, and Melukat is one of the most powerful and personal experiences you can have. This Balinese purification ritual involves cleansing the body and soul using sacred water and prayer, performed at specific water temples known as beji.
While many visitors head to the famous Tirta Empul, locals often choose more secluded spots such as Pura Mengening, located near Tampaksiring, or Taman Beji Griya, tucked away in the lush village of Sangeh. These hidden temples are quiet sanctuaries of healing, where priests guide visitors through meditation, flower offerings, and bathing under waterfalls that represent spiritual rejuvenation.
Spiritual detail: Each fountain in the temple has a specific symbolic meaning—some for cleansing the mind, others for emotional burdens, and a few specifically dedicated to ancestral karma. Locals believe the holy water here is charged with divine energy passed down from Bali’s sacred volcanoes.
Environmental importance: Many of these water sources are protected by subak (Balinese water temple networks) and rely on pristine spring water from the jungle, so conservation efforts by villages are critical to preserving the sacredness of the site.
3. Take a Scenic E-Bike Ride Through Tegalalang’s Backroads
While the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of Ubud’s most iconic sights, experiencing them from a distance does little justice to their complexity and beauty. For a more immersive adventure, hop on an electric bike tour and ride through the lesser-known village paths that connect rice paddies, bamboo forests, and traditional homes.
E-bike tours allow you to cover more ground without sweating under the sun. You’ll pass by ancient temples, watch farmers tending their fields, and even witness the intricate Subak irrigation system in action—this 1,000-year-old system is a UNESCO-recognized marvel of sustainable agriculture.
Quick fact: The Subak cooperative network supports more than 50,000 hectares of rice paddies in Bali. The system is guided not just by practicality, but by Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese philosophy of harmony between humans, nature, and the divine.
Best route: Ask for tours that pass through Bayad Village or Keliki, where rice paddies flow like green staircases down jungle valleys and tourists are few.
4. Visit the Threads of Life Textile Center
If you’re curious about Indonesia’s deep artistic roots, Threads of Life offers one of the most meaningful cultural experiences in Ubud. This non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving traditional textile arts that date back hundreds of years and are deeply tied to Indonesian identity, ceremony, and womanhood.
Located just 10 minutes from the Ubud Palace, this center showcases handwoven cloths from over 13 regions across the archipelago. You’ll learn about natural dyes like indigo, morinda, and turmeric, and the sacred meanings behind ikat and songket motifs. Every piece here is created by skilled female artisans using backstrap looms, a method passed down through generations.
Social impact: Threads of Life directly supports over 1,000 artisans, ensuring they earn sustainable incomes while preserving endangered crafts. Many of these weavers live in remote areas such as Flores, Timor, and Sumba, where textile traditions are linked to ancestry and spiritual ceremonies.
Interactive activity: Join a natural dyeing workshop or weaving class for a hands-on look at this meticulous process. It’s not only educational but a deeply human experience of patience, tradition, and cultural respect.
5. Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Cooking Class in a Village Compound
There are cooking classes, and then there are immersive culinary journeys—and in Ubud, you’ll find the latter in family-run village kitchens. Programs like Paon Bali, Periuk Bali, and Pemulan Farm Cooking School begin with early-morning market tours where you’ll haggle over fresh galangal, long beans, and turmeric root alongside local moms and grandmas.
You’ll then head to a Balinese compound, where generations live together and food is prepared communally. Learn how to grind spices using a traditional stone mortar, wrap fish in banana leaves, and prepare urap (vegetable salad with coconut dressing) or bebek betutu (slow-roasted duck with rich spices). Every dish tells a story about Bali’s connection to ritual, community, and the land.
Cultural layer: Meals in Bali are not just nourishment—they’re part of spiritual offerings and are often prepared with intention. Balinese Hindus believe the act of cooking itself is a sacred ritual when done with a pure heart.
Stats: According to Bali’s Cultural Tourism Office, more than 42% of visitors now prefer immersive, experience-based travel, with cooking classes ranking among the top five cultural activities.
- Chase Waterfalls in Gianyar’s Hidden Corners
While Tegenungan Waterfall is beautiful, it’s often packed with crowds. For a more tranquil escape into Bali’s natural beauty, explore the lesser-known waterfalls in Gianyar Regency, just north and east of Ubud. Tibumana, Kanto Lampo, and Tukad Cepung are stunning natural wonders surrounded by thick jungle, moss-covered rocks, and the soothing sounds of rushing water.
- Tibumana Waterfall offers a quiet, swimmable pool ideal for meditation or simply floating in nature.
- Kanto Lampo is a tiered rock waterfall that makes for a dramatic photo and peaceful visit, especially in the morning.
- Tukad Cepung is a hidden cave waterfall that’s reached by walking through a gorge where sunbeams slice through the mist, creating a surreal atmosphere.
Sustainability tip: Many of these waterfalls are maintained by local banjar (community cooperatives), and entry fees go directly into village development and conservation efforts.
7. Catch a Firefly Dance at Night in the Rice Fields
As night falls over Ubud and the skies turn indigo, the rice fields come alive in a different way—tiny fireflies flicker like floating lanterns, dancing above the paddies. One of the best places to witness this quiet spectacle is Subak Juwuk Manis, a hidden walking trail that begins behind the Ubud Palace and stretches into silent fields and shrines.
This free and peaceful walk offers a rare glimpse of untouched rural life, and as you walk past swaying rice stalks, chirping crickets, and glowing insects, you’ll feel transported into a world where nature still reigns. It’s a perfect way to end your day and reconnect with the quiet magic of the earth.
Ecological note: Fireflies thrive only in pesticide-free zones, making them indicators of healthy, sustainable farming. Seeing them means you’re walking through one of Ubud’s few truly organic environments.
What are the best off-the-beaten-path activities in Ubud?
From spiritual purification ceremonies to rice field firefly walks, the best hidden activities in Ubud go far beyond the typical tour. These experiences offer a chance to connect with Balinese culture, the environment, and the people who make this region so special. They’re not just beautiful—they’re transformational.
Why should I explore Ubud beyond the main tourist sites?
Because the soul of Ubud can’t be found in a crowd—it’s discovered in the silent temples, the slow-moving rivers, the stories told by grandmothers weaving cloth, and the laughter shared over a home-cooked meal in a village compound. Going off the beaten path means returning with more than photos; it means returning with perspective, wisdom, and peace.
Relax and Rejuvenate at Happy Sway Spa: Your Perfect Bali Escape
After exploring the hidden gems and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Ubud, why not treat yourself to a well-deserved break at Happy Sway Spa Bali? Located in the serene areas of Uluwatu and Kerobokan, Happy Sway Spa offers the ultimate wellness experience to refresh both body and mind. Whether you’re recovering from a day of hiking through rice fields or unwinding after a spiritual Melukat ritual, Happy Sway Spa provides a peaceful oasis to rejuvenate.
Indulge in signature treatments like traditional Balinese massages, soothing body scrubs, and luxurious spa rituals, all designed to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with professional therapists, ensures a relaxing experience that complements your Ubud adventure. Take the time to nurture your body in one of Bali’s most healing environments and let Happy Sway Spa’s holistic therapies guide you toward complete relaxation.
Discover the true meaning of well-being at Happy Sway Spa Bali and elevate your Bali journey to new heights!
