Ubud is famous for its temples, traditional ceremonies, rice terraces, and spiritual atmosphere. But there is much more to experience here than visiting sacred sites.
For travelers wondering about the best things to do in Ubud besides temples, outdoor adventures are an excellent place to start. From rafting through the Ayung River to exploring waterfalls, cycling through villages, and enjoying Balinese food, Ubud offers plenty of ways to experience a different side of Bali.
And if you want an activity that combines nature, excitement, and unforgettable scenery, white water rafting in Ubud deserves a spot near the top of your itinerary.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Ubud Besides Temples?
Ubud has a surprisingly wide range of activities beyond temple sightseeing. The best choice depends on whether you want adventure, nature, culture, relaxation, or a little of everything.
Some popular options include:
- White water rafting on the Ayung River
- Exploring Ubud’s rice terraces
- Visiting waterfalls
- Cycling through rural villages
- Taking a Balinese cooking class
- Exploring local art markets and galleries
- Enjoying traditional Balinese dance performances
- Walking through jungle trails
- Visiting coffee plantations
- Relaxing at a spa
- Joining an ATV adventure
For first-time visitors, combining two or three different types of experiences can make your trip much more memorable. You could spend the morning rafting, have lunch overlooking rice fields, and finish the afternoon with a traditional massage.
For more inspiration, check out this guide to things to do in Ubud for first-time visitors.
1. Go White Water Rafting on the Ayung River
If you are searching for adventurous things to do in Ubud besides temples, Ayung River rafting is one of the most exciting choices.
The Ayung River runs through lush parts of Bali and offers a completely different perspective of Ubud. Instead of looking at the jungle from a road or viewpoint, you get to experience it from the water.
The journey can include tropical vegetation, river valleys, stone cliffs, waterfalls, and impressive carvings along parts of the river. The combination of moving water and jungle scenery makes the experience feel much more immersive than ordinary sightseeing.
Rafting is also a social activity. You normally share the raft with other participants and work together with a professional river guide. You do not need previous rafting experience for many beginner-friendly trips.
If you are new to the activity, this guide to what to expect on your first rafting adventure can help you understand how the experience works.
Is Ayung River Rafting Suitable for Beginners?
For many visitors, yes. Commercial rafting trips on the Ayung River are designed with safety procedures, trained guides, helmets, life jackets, and appropriate rafting equipment.
However, conditions can change depending on rainfall and river levels. Always follow your guide’s instructions and choose an operator that takes safety seriously.
You also do not need to be an expert swimmer for every rafting trip. Safety equipment and guide instructions are important, but travelers should always check the operator’s requirements before booking.
2. Explore Ubud’s Rice Terraces
Ubud’s rice terraces are another excellent choice if you want something slower after an active adventure.
The famous green landscapes around Ubud show how traditional agriculture remains part of everyday Balinese life. Walking through the terraces can be especially enjoyable early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler and the light is softer.
Do not rush the experience. Take time to notice the irrigation channels, coconut trees, small paths, and farmers working in the fields.
A rice terrace visit also pairs well with rafting. You get an active experience on the river and a peaceful experience on land without spending your entire day doing the same type of activity.
3. Visit Waterfalls Near Ubud
Another answer to the question of what to do in Ubud besides temples is waterfall hunting.
Several waterfalls can be reached from the wider Ubud and Gianyar area. Depending on the location, you may need to walk down steps or jungle paths before reaching the water.
The journey itself is often part of the attraction. You pass tropical vegetation and small streams before arriving at a waterfall surrounded by greenery.
Wear footwear with good grip and avoid treating waterfall visits like a simple photo stop. Rocks can become extremely slippery, especially after rain.
4. Try an ATV Adventure
For travelers who want more adrenaline, an ATV tour is another popular Ubud activity.
Instead of riding through busy roads, many adventure routes take visitors through rural landscapes, muddy tracks, plantations, villages, and jungle areas.
An ATV experience is particularly appealing if you are traveling with friends or as a couple and want an activity that feels more adventurous than conventional sightseeing.
You can also combine ATV riding with rafting for a full day of outdoor activities. Just make sure you leave enough time between activities to eat, rest, and change clothes.
5. Cycle Through Ubud’s Countryside
Cycling is a great way to explore the quieter side of Ubud.
A guided cycling tour can take you away from the busiest tourist areas and into villages, farmland, and traditional neighborhoods. You may see locals working in the fields, small temples, family compounds, and daily village life.
This is one of the better choices for travelers who want cultural experiences without spending the entire day inside museums or temples.
Morning is generally the most comfortable time for cycling because Bali can become hot and humid later in the day.
6. Take a Balinese Cooking Class
Food is one of the easiest ways to connect with Balinese culture.
A cooking class gives you the opportunity to learn how local ingredients are prepared and how familiar dishes get their distinctive flavors. Depending on the class, you may visit a traditional market first before preparing the food.
This is also a good rainy-day activity. If the weather is not ideal for outdoor adventures, a cooking class can keep your itinerary interesting without requiring you to spend the day indoors at your hotel.
7. Explore Ubud’s Art and Local Markets
Ubud has long been associated with Balinese art and craftsmanship.
Spend some time exploring galleries, artisan shops, and traditional markets. You will find paintings, wood carvings, textiles, handmade decorations, jewelry, and other locally produced items.
Markets can be busy, so take your time when comparing products. If you plan to buy souvenirs, carrying a small reusable bag can also be useful.
8. Relax With a Balinese Spa Treatment
Not every activity in Ubud needs to be adventurous.
After rafting, cycling, or exploring waterfalls, a traditional Balinese massage can be the perfect way to slow down. Many spas offer treatments ranging from short massages to longer wellness packages.
This is especially useful when planning a multi-day Ubud itinerary. Balance active experiences with downtime so you do not spend your entire vacation feeling exhausted.
How Should You Plan Ubud Activities Beyond Temples?
The easiest approach is to group activities based on location and energy level.
For example, you could start with rafting in the morning, have lunch, then enjoy a relaxing spa treatment. On another day, combine rice terraces with a cycling tour or waterfall visit.
Avoid packing too many activities into one day. Bali traffic can make travel times unpredictable, and rushing between attractions can take away from the experience.
If you are preparing for a rafting day, it is also worth checking this practical Bali packing list for tourists before leaving.
What Should You Wear for Ubud Outdoor Activities?
Comfortable clothing is important for almost every outdoor activity in Ubud.
For rafting, choose lightweight clothes that can get wet. Secure footwear is also important because you may walk on wet or uneven surfaces before and after entering the river.
You can read more about what shoes to wear for white water rafting if you are unsure what type of footwear works best.
For cycling and hiking, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes are usually a better choice than heavy travel clothes.
Is Rafting Worth Adding to an Ubud Itinerary?
If you want more than sightseeing, rafting is absolutely worth considering.
It gives you an opportunity to experience Bali’s natural landscape from a different angle. You are not simply looking at the jungle, river, or cliffs from a viewpoint. You are moving through the landscape and actively participating in the experience.
It is also a good option for travelers who have already visited several temples and want something more energetic.
The key is choosing a reputable rafting operator with trained guides, suitable equipment, clear safety procedures, and routes appropriate for your experience level.
Experience the Best of Ubud Beyond Temples
Ubud is much more than its temples. Its forests, rivers, rice fields, villages, food, art, and adventure activities give travelers plenty of reasons to stay longer.
Among all the best things to do in Ubud besides temples, Ayung River rafting stands out because it combines adventure with Bali’s natural scenery. It can turn an ordinary sightseeing itinerary into a more active and memorable trip.
For a guided rafting experience in Ubud, visit Rafting Ubud, a rafting tour operator in Ubud, Bali. To check availability, packages, and booking information, contact TLP/SMS/WhatsApp: +6281338284028 or click the chat button on the website.
