Is This What an Authentic Ubud Bali Experience Looks Like?

If Bali has a cultural heart, it’s Ubud. About an hour north of Kuta, up in the highlands and surrounded by rice terraces and jungle, it runs at a completely different pace from the rest of the island. I only had a day, so I hired a local driver-guide to take me around. This episode covers the five stops we made, which between them hit the art, history, wildlife, food and nature that make Ubud worth more than a day trip.

Hiring a driver for the day was the right call. There are plenty of people on the island who offer this, and it saves you from juggling rides between stops that are spread out.

Ubud Palace. Still an active royal residence right in the heart of town, and free to walk through during the day.

Ubud Art Market. Just across the road from the palace: two floors of local crafts, textiles, wood carvings and silver. Bargaining is expected. Go early for the best selection and the most patient vendors. I didn’t buy anything this time, only because I had no room left in my luggage.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Home to more than 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques and three ancient Hindu temples. The monkeys are not shy. Keep your belongings secure, avoid direct eye contact, and don’t hold food out in the open. I didn’t have any close calls, but only because I went in knowing to stay guarded and kept a healthy distance so I didn’t “lose” anything.

Satria Agrowisata. Outside central Ubud, this working organic farm grows coffee, spices and tropical fruit on site. If you’ve heard of luwak coffee and want to see the process firsthand, this is the place. I tried the luwak coffee, and it was very good. They give you a sample platter of maybe 10 to 15 of their coffees and teas, and the teas were good too. I was impressed enough to buy some coffee to enjoy in my hotel room for the rest of the trip.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall. Less visited than Bali’s bigger falls but arguably more dramatic, with water cascading down a natural rock face. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

My honest advice: give Ubud more than a day. It rewards slowing down.