10 Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud for Nature Lovers

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – Ubud showcases some of Bali’s most breathtaking outdoor spots. Hidden waterfalls, sacred monkey forests, volcanic landscapes, and peaceful river valleys await your discovery. 

The area welcomes both thrill-seekers and those who prefer gentle nature walks with countless ways to experience nature’s beauty.

Read More: Best Bali Swing In Ubud You Must Know

Let me share the 10 best outdoor attractions you shouldn’t miss while visiting Ubud. These spots will give you unique experiences, amazing photo opportunities, and lasting memories of Bali’s natural wonders.

1. Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – Bali’s most breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces sits just 20 minutes north of Ubud. These cascading emerald terraces showcase the ingenious traditional Balinese irrigation system called “subak” that dates back to the 11th century.

Golden light bathes the landscape at sunrise, making it the perfect time to see the terraces. The most vibrant green views appear between March and April or September and October.

2. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – A fascinating sanctuary sits deep in Ubud’s heart, where nature and culture blend perfectly. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary covers 27 acres of protected land.

Three ancient temples from the 14th century stand amid the forest’s winding paths. The sanctuary’s dedicated staff feeds the monkeys nine times each day. This helps keep the primates healthy while letting them stick to their natural ways.

Your visit will be more enjoyable if you follow these tips. Secure your valuables in the provided lockers and leave food or plastic bags outside. Give the monkeys space and stay relaxed if they come close. The staff will help you take photos with these fascinating creatures.

3. Campuhan Ridge Walk

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – Need a break from Ubud’s bustling streets? The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a peaceful 2.3-mile out-and-back trail that you can complete in about an hour. This free walking path guides you through some of Ubud’s most enchanting landscapes.

The trail starts at the majestic Pura Gunung Lebah Hindu Temple. A paved path that has managed to keep its quality winds through a verdant jungle setting. The ridge climb rewards you with views of charming villages, clifftop cafes, and glimpses of vibrant rice fields in the distance.

Smart timing makes your walk more enjoyable. The most magical atmosphere comes early morning, right after sunrise. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and soft morning light that bathes the greenery. The golden hour during sunset also offers equally stunning views.

4. Tibumana Waterfall

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – Tibumana Waterfall is a serene escape in central Bali’s lush jungles, 30-40 minutes from Ubud center. This beautiful cascade drops 4-5 meters and hides a cave behind its flowing water curtain.

A modest 25,000 IDR fee lets you enter this natural wonder. The path through verdant jungle foliage takes just 15 minutes to walk and suits visitors of all fitness levels.

5. Ubud Butterfly Park

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – Kemenuh Butterfly Park, 7 years old, welcomes you to a magical world of fluttering wings across its impressive 3,000 square meters. This enchanting sanctuary is home to 30 different butterfly species that create a mesmerizing display of nature’s most colorful creatures.

You’ll meet 13 spectacular species including the Papilio Phrantus, Papilio Polityes, and the magnificent Attacus Atlas. The park’s design mirrors these butterflies’ natural habitat with tropical flowers and cooling water features.

The park also offers a water park to entertain children, a peaceful bonsai garden, and a restaurant that serves delicious Indonesian dishes. Friendly staff members welcome visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and share interesting facts about these delicate creatures.

6. Saraswati Temple Lotus Garden

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – The Saraswati Temple stands as a masterpiece of nature and architecture at the center of bustling Ubud. This magnificent water palace, Pura Taman Saraswati, fascinates visitors with its stunning lotus ponds and traditional Balinese design.

This sacred space was built in 1952 to honor Dewi Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, literature, and art. The temple’s lotus pond serves as its crown jewel, where pink blooms float peacefully against the ornate temple architecture. The pond’s edges are lined with frangipani trees that create perfect photo opportunities.

7. Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – Bali hides a mesmerizing cave waterfall that makes visitors feel like they’ve stepped into nature’s own light show. Tukad Cepung Waterfall offers a unique experience as sunbeams pierce through the cave opening and dance across the cascading waters.

Dramatic waters plunge into a deep canyon surrounded by naturally sculpted walls that create a stunning amphitheater effect. Visitors should plan their visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to witness the ethereal light rays in their full glory.

8. Mount Batur Geopark

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – Mount Batur stands tall in Indonesia’s Pacific Ring of Fire and gives you one of Bali’s most exciting outdoor adventures. This UNESCO Global Geopark reaches 1,717 meters above sea level and creates a stunning backdrop to Ubud’s landscape.

Mount Batur is one of Bali’s two active volcanoes. Its last major eruption happened in 2000, and experts monitor it closely to keep visitors safe. 

The volcano draws countless visitors who come for its magical sunrise treks. You can watch the first rays of sunlight paint the volcanic landscape in golden hues.

9. Ayung River Valley

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – Bali’s longest river winds through Ubud’s lush landscape, stretching 75 kilometers from northern mountains to the Badung Strait. 

The experience stands out because it’s just 20 minutes from central Ubud. Professional guides lead each rafting trip with safety gear and initial training. This makes it ideal for first-timers and families.

The Ayung River Valley gives you a thrilling escape into nature’s playground. A 10-kilometer rafting route takes about 2 hours to complete.

10. Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang

Best Outdoor Attractions in Ubud – The dramatic Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon in Ubud awaits as your final natural wonder to explore. Ancient rock formations tell stories carved by thousands of years of flowing water in this sacred Hindu site. The place combines thrilling adventure with stunning natural beauty.

A mandatory guided trek kicks off your exploration, which costs 15,000 IDR for entrance and 120,000 IDR for an experienced guide. 

The canyon’s impressive walls stretch up to 30 meters high, and crystal-clear streams flow between naturally sculpted rock formations.

Conclusion

Ubud emerges as a breathtaking destination that offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. 

From the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces to the mystical Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang, this remarkable region of Bali presents travelers with an incredible diversity of experiences that cater to every type of nature enthusiast.