If you are wandering around Ubud wondering what to do, you might like a little hit of culture and spirituality. A short stop at one of the many temples in town is a calming and pleasant way to spend half an hour, and some of these very beautiful places are very close to the main shopping and restaurant area. For other, book a driver from your hotel or villa, or grab a ride online via grab or gojek. We've also below details of the two palaces in Ubud for a slice of royal history.
Remember that all temples in Bali are working temples; they aren't designed for tourists to clamber around in. Often there will be locals making offerings and praying, and there aren't any information panels or the like. They are lovely to visit for a short while to simple appreciate the architecture and revel in the history and spirituality.
Please be respectful of the Balinese religion, and don't make too much noise. Please also don't do tiktok videos (I saw an 'influencer' do this a few months ago) or take intrusive photographs. There are sometime entrance fees in the more popular temples, which help with their upkeep.
For the ceremonial parts of the temples, you are required to cover your knees and, sometimes, upper arms. If you are wearing shorts or a skirt, you will be offered a sarong to enter.
For a guided tour of some of these places, you might like Ubud Story Walks; a very charming small group walking tour (R350,000 per person).
Gunung Lebah
Gunug Lebah is ancient; built in the 8th century it is one of Bali's oldest working temples and its second biggest after Besakih. The temple and the village of Ubud were established at the same time in an area renowned for medicinal plants. Ubud comes from an old word for Medicine, ubad. In Indonesian, the word for Medicine is obat.
To get to the temple, follow google maps to Ibah (it's a fancy hotel - there is a gorgeous gift shop here, and its excellent for tea after your walk), and turn left before the hotel along a steep road leading to a carpark. This is also the start of the Campuhan Ridge Walk. There is a pretty pathway with about 300 steps.
Sarawswati
The Water Palace, or Pura Saraswati temple is just along from the palace on Jalan Raya Ubud. This is NOT an ancient temple; it was built in 1951 for the worship of the goddess Saraswati (she's all about knowledge and wisdom). There is a pretty lotus pond and the pathway is lined with frangipani. Note that only worshippers are allowed to enter the temple; tourists can only wander into and around the main pond area. You MAY enter the temple if you are there to worship; you should do this by contacting a tour guide to talk you through it.
The best way to enjoy Saraswati temple is to pop into the Lotus Cafe for a drink if you are wandering about town on a hot day (that's everyday). There are also performances most evenings for viewing from the cafe. Here is the events website.
Pura Desa
This cute little temple right in now is worth a quick stop and photo, but it is often closed. There used to be dance performances here in the evenings; if you wander past and it looks lively and fun, let me know and I will update the article.
Puri Saren Agung
(Ubud Palace)
The Official Royal Palace of the kings and queens of Ubud, this is a working palace with members of the royal family still living and working here. The current buildings were constructed in the 1820s in classic Balinese style. Some damage from a earthquake in 1917 means some of the original buildings had to be rebuilt.
It is free to enter the public areas, although you can get a paid tour (for a donation, R50,000 is fine). The palace is open from 8am to 5pm. There are performances in the palace grounds at 6.30pm every day.
Pura Dalem Gede
If you are staying near Jl Turta Tawar (north east of the main road), you can wander into the little Pura here to look at teh architecture. They also have Kecak and Barong dances on Tuesday and Sunday nights at 6.30pm (R100,000 per person) - no need to book.
Peliatan Royal Palace
This palace is on the eastern edge of Ubud and is open to the public from 9am to 5pm daily. It's older than the main palace in Ubud central, build in 1769 and still houses some members of the royal family of Ubud. You can wander around after paying the R50,000 entry fee, or get an informative guided tour. You can also get dolled up in a traditional outfit for some fun photos. There is also a dinner and show on the weekends - no need to book.
Pura Dalem Monkey Forest
Pura Dalem is the death temple; there is one of these in every temple complex. This one is in the heart of the Monkey Forest. A
gorgeous and slightly haunting spot it is thought to have been built in around 1350.
Get tickets to the whole monkey forest at the front gate (R80,000 weekdays, R100,000 weekends). I recommend going early to beat the tourists and when many monkeys are still asleep. Hold onto your possessions tightly - they will steal the sunglasses right off your face.
Open 9am to 6pm daily. Here is the official map:
Goa Garba
These temple ruins in Pejeng village, 10 minutes east of Ubud, are thought to have been constructed in 1196. The temple is built into a cave as a place for study of the scriptures. It's a fascinating and peaceful place to scramble around in. To make a day or a morning of it, visit Goa Gajah (noted below) and then have a traditional Balinese meal at one of the lovely restaurants nearby with ricefield or jungle views.
Goa Gajah
For our review of the fascinating Goa Gajah complex, check out the article linked below.