Things to do in and Around Ubud
Ubud rewards the traveller who arrives without a checklist. The highland setting, the valley views, the pace of mornings that do not ask anything of you, these are the things most visitors only understand after a day or two of slowing down. Ubud is not a destination you see. It is one you inhabit.
For guests staying at Viceroy Bali above the Valley of the Kings, the finest version of Ubud is already close. The guest services team can arrange private tours with dedicated drivers and guides for half-day and full-day itineraries, from temple circuits to artisan village visits, timed and coordinated so your days away from the resort are as considered as your days within it.
On Property at Viceroy Bali
1. Lunch at CasCades Restaurant & Bar with Valley Views
CasCades Restaurant & Bar opens at 11 am, with the terrace overlooking the Valley of the Kings. As the mist clears from the gorge and the jungle comes to life, lunch here offers an experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in Ubud. The kitchen draws on homegrown produce and locally sourced ingredients, featuring both Western and Indonesian cuisine. The Royal Balinese Rijsttafel, a nine-course tasting of traditional dishes prepared using traditional methods, is the highlight of the CasCades menu and one of the finest culinary experiences in Ubud.
2. A Couple’s Treatment at Akoya Spa
Akoya Spa has three dedicated couples treatment rooms, each genuinely spacious, designed for two people to be treated simultaneously in the same private space. The menu blends Western techniques with Balinese wellness traditions, covering massages, body scrubs, facials, and personalised wellness rituals inspired by Balinese traditions. Signature packages include the Romantic Couples Treatment, the Ladies in Leisure package, and the Gentlemen’s Recharge Package. Combination packages pairing spa treatments with yoga, trekking, or dining are also available. Many treatments can be taken in the villa beside the private pool. The spa also features a cold plunge and sauna, one of the more restorative ways to spend an afternoon in Ubud. Arrange through spa@viceroybali.com.
3. Dinner at Apéritif Restaurant
Under the culinary artistry of the Apéritif Restaurant’s team, the kitchen serves a seven-course degustation that draws on Indonesian produce and modern European techniques. The evening begins at the bar with canapés before the dining room opens. The room itself, with chandeliers, antiques, and mid-century heirloom pieces, creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Vegetarian and vegan degustation menus are available. The dress code is smart-to-formal. Reserve in advance at res@aperitif.com.
4. An Evening at Pinstripe Bar
Viceroy Bali’s hidden speakeasy, perched above the Valley of the Kings and decorated in marble, dark wood, and bronze. The cocktail menu draws inspiration from Miguel Covarrubias, spanning 1920s New York, local Balinese ingredients, and refined classics. Live jazz performances and a wide selection of cigars complete the experience. An evening that begins here before dinner at Apéritif is the right way to spend a significant night in Ubud.
5. Yoga with a Valley View
Yoga sessions are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with additional sessions on request. The highland setting and the valley below create a context for practice that is genuinely different from a studio environment. Private one-on-one sessions can also be arranged. Contact res@viceroybali.com to confirm availability.
In Ubud Town
6. Walk the Campuhan Ridge
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the most popular Ubud activities for good reason. Stretching approximately 2 to 3 kilometres one way, the trail winds through rolling hills with beautiful valley views. An early morning walk offers cooler temperatures and softer light before the path becomes busier later in the day.
7. Visit Ubud Royal Palace
Puri Saren Agung remains the residence of Ubud’s royal family and is open to visitors during the day. In the evening, the courtyard hosts traditional Balinese dance performances, including the famous Kecak dance. Watching the performance beneath the open sky is one of Bali’s most iconic cultural experiences.
8. The CasCades Cooking Masterclass
Guests interested in Indonesian cuisine can learn to prepare traditional dishes such as Nasi Goreng, Beef Rendang, and Gado Gado under the guidance of the CasCades culinary team. After the lesson, participants enjoy the meal they have created, making this one of the most rewarding culinary experiences in Ubud. Arrange through res@viceroybali.com.
9. Explore the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Located around 15 minutes from Viceroy Bali, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces are among the most photographed landscapes in Bali. Visiting early in the morning provides the best lighting and a quieter atmosphere. The resort’s guest services team can also arrange a stop at a nearby coffee plantation as part of the excursion.
Around Ubud
10. Discover Goa Gajah
Known as the Elephant Cave, Goa Gajah is a ninth-century sanctuary carved into a hillside east of Ubud. Visitors can explore the cave, tranquil gardens, and ancient bathing pools while learning about the site’s Hindu and Buddhist heritage. A sarong is required and is provided at the entrance.
11. Visit the Pejeng Antiquities
The village of Pejeng is home to the Moon of Pejeng, believed to be the largest single-cast bronze drum in the world, dating to around 300 BCE, as well as the Temple of the Crazy Buffalo and the Archaeological Museum of Pejeng. For guests interested in history, a morning here with a private guide is a rare cultural experience within 10 to 15 minutes of Viceroy Bali.
12. Explore the Artisan Villages
Celuk is the centre of Balinese silverwork. Mas is the centre of woodcarving. Visiting the working studios and watching craftspeople at work gives an entirely different experience from the market. Viceroy Bali’s private tour service can arrange half-day village tours, including introductions to studios known for the quality and authenticity of their work.
13. Watch the White Herons at Petulu
Every evening at dusk, thousands of white Javan herons return to roost in the trees of Petulu village, about 3 kilometres north of Ubud. The village is considered sacred, and the herons are believed to be the souls of those who died during the political upheaval of 1965. The private tour service can time a visit to coincide with the arrival, with a return to the resort for drinks at Pinstripe Bar.
14. Go White Water Rafting
Arranged through Mason Adventures, a two-hour journey down the Ayung River through varying levels of rapids, suitable for first-timers and experienced rafters alike. All gear and a safety briefing are provided. Arrange through res@viceroybali.com.
15. Experience Horse Riding in Bali
Horse riding through Bali’s countryside offers a different perspective of the island, taking riders past bamboo groves, alang-alang grasslands, traditional villages, temples, and stretches of coastline. No previous riding experience is required. Arrange through res@viceroybali.com.
Planning the Best Things to Do in Ubud
Viceroy Bali’s private tour service is available for half-day and full-day itineraries across Ubud and the surrounding area. The guest services team can build a complete activity plan around your stay, from Akoya Spa bookings and Apéritif reservations to temple circuits, cooking classes, and cultural evenings
Contact the reservations team at res@viceroybali.com or call +62 361 971 777 before arrival to begin planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best luxury things to do in Ubud?
The finest experiences in Ubud for luxury travellers combine on-property and in-town activities. At Viceroy Bali, Akoya Spa, Apéritif Restaurant, lunch at CasCades Restaurant & Bar, Pinstripe Bar, and private pool mornings are among the most consistently valued by guests. In Ubud and the surrounding area, the Kecak dance at the royal palace, the Campuhan Ridge Walk, Goa Gajah, the Pejeng antiquities, and the Petulu heron village are particularly worth your time. Viceroy Bali’s guest services team can arrange temple and paddy tours, wildlife visits, and adventure activities as tailored daily itineraries.
How many days do you need in Ubud to do it properly?
A minimum of three nights. Four nights are recommended to cover on-property experiences, the main attractions in town, and a wider-area circuit. Most guests who leave after three nights wish they had booked more time.
Can Viceroy Bali arrange activities and tours for guests?
Yes. The guest services team can arrange temple circuits, artisan village visits, cooking classes, cultural performances, and adventure activities, all tailored to your preferences.
Is Ubud good for couples?
Ubud is one of the finest destinations in the world for couples. The private pool villas, couples spa treatments at Akoya, fine dining at Apéritif, and the natural setting of the valley create a deeply intimate environment without requiring effort.
