From sunrise treks up Mount Batur to quiet village walks that start right outside your door, here's our full guide to the best things to do near Ubud, curated by the Villa Tau team.
Shopping in Ubud: Markets, Silver & Balinese Crafts
Ubud is a shopper's paradise in every direction. The main road through Andong, on the way into central Ubud from Villa Tau, is lined with shops of every kind - from clothing and homeware to handcrafted souvenirs.
Central Ubud has the widest general selection, but each outlying area specializes in something different: Batubulan is known for its stone statues, while Celuk is famous island-wide for silver jewellery. These specialised districts often offer better prices and bigger selections than the shops in town.
If you're after something specific, just ask our villa manager, Ayu - she'll point you in the right direction.
Where to Watch Traditional Balinese Dance in Ubud
Whether traditional dance is your thing is really a matter of taste, but the major venues in Ubud - most famously Ubud Palace - put on genuinely spectacular performances. Fair warning: shows can run long, so if you'd like the option to slip out early, sit near the back. That said, Ubud Palace itself is worth the visit alone, especially in the evening when the lights illuminate the Balinese architecture.
Best Nature Walks Around Ubud
Villa Tau is just a 15-minute drive from the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces, where you can climb down (and back up) the tiered paddies, or simply drive through and take in the view. You can also visit the rice terraces at Alas Harum, which charges an entrance fee. While it is undeniably popular with tourists and some areas have been designed with Instagram in mind (including the ubiquitous photo op on a swing), it is still a beautifully landscaped attraction and well worth a visit. The views over the rice terraces are spectacular, and there are plenty of places to relax, dine, or simply enjoy the scenery.
§ Sari Organik walk - best done top-down; our driver can drop you at the start so the walk finishes downhill all the way into central Ubud. Along the way you'll pass rice fields, small stalls, and the Sari Organik restaurant, worth a stop for a fresh fruit juice (their organic cocktails are more of an acquired taste)!
§ Tjampuhan Ridge walk - shorter than Sari Organik, starting on the art road in Sebali, just north of Ubud, and finishing in the town centre.
§ Kenderan village walks - the easiest of all, since you can walk straight from Villa Tau in any direction and find yourself surrounded by rice field scenery.
Climbing Mount Batur
One advantage of staying at Villa Tau is its location. The Mount Batur sunrise trek is only around a one-hour drive from the villa, compared with approximately 90 minutes from Villa Sagitta. That extra half hour can make an early 2am departure a little more manageable. For everything you need to know about the climb, what to expect, and whether it's worth doing, see our Things to Do Near Villa Sagitta guide, where we cover the Mount Batur sunrise hike in more detail.
White-Water Rafting on the Ayung River
Rafting near Ubud takes place on the Ayung River, (Mason Adventures) with rapids that range from gentle to exciting depending on the season. There's something for every skill level, including families with kids, all set against beautiful jungle scenery. It’s approximately a 40 minute drive from Villa Tau and the river rafting operators will collect you from the villa and drop you back again.
Bali Swing, Tegallalang
One of Bali's most Instagrammed experiences, the original Bali Swing has five swings ranging from 5 to 78 metres, plus a tandem swing and two couples' nests, all suspended by harness over a dramatic valley. Several swings have since opened around the island, but the closest to Villa Tau is the Aloha Ubud Swing in Tegallalang, about a 10-minute drive away.
Best Spas near Villa Tau
Ubud is home to some of the finest spas in the world, ranging from five-star hotel spas like Como Shambhala and Maya Ubud, to excellent-value day spas like Bali Botanica. The closest more upmarket option to Villa Tau is Serayu Spa at Kayon Resort, just down the road. For something even easier, we also offer high-quality, affordable massages right at the villa — just ask Ayu to arrange a time. We also offer a flower bath and spa treatments at the villa.
Yoga at The Yoga Barn
The world-famous Yoga Barn in central Ubud is worth a visit even if you're not a dedicated yogi. Its iconic bamboo structure and rice-field surroundings are beautiful, and many attendees are trying yoga for the first time, so it's a welcoming space for beginners.
Balinese Cooking Classes
Ubud has no shortage of cooking schools. Two of the most popular are run by Janet de Neefe at Casa Luna in town and Paon Bali, just outside central Ubud. Or skip the drive altogether — our villa cooks are happy to teach you their own recipes at Villa Tau.
Besakih: Bali's Mother Temple
Known as the "Mother Temple" of Bali, Besakih is well worth setting aside a full day for - you can combine it with a drive through Kintamani or after the sunrise trek at Mount Batur. It's roughly a 90-minute drive through spectacular scenery, and once there you'll find sweeping views of the volcano Mount Agung. A sarong is required for entry, we can provide you with one from the villa.
Kintamani & the Mount Batur Highlands
Kintamani is the highland region surrounding Mount Batur. Thanks to its altitude, rainfall, and relative remoteness, it has a noticeably different atmosphere from the rest of Bali. It's less a single destination than a scenic drive through some of the island's most dramatic landscapes.
Ubud Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest in central Ubud is a unique, beautiful setting with plenty of photo opportunities. Do be cautious, though: years of being fed by tourists have made the monkeys bold, so they can become aggressive if they think you're carrying food. We recommend skipping the bananas sold at the entrance, leaving bags in the car if possible (they can grab your bag to look for food), and simply keeping a respectful distance rather than avoiding the forest altogether.
Green School Ubud
A standout activity for families, the Green School is famous worldwide for its sustainable bamboo campus, progressive educational philosophy, and environmental programmes. Guided tours are available, and kids especially love seeing open-air, walled-less classrooms set right in the jungle.
Puri Lukisan Museum
Puri Lukisan Museum in central Ubud runs excellent short courses for tourists of all ages — from traditional Balinese dance to making ceremonial offerings to classic Balinese painting.
Gianyar Night Market
For a genuine "live like a local" experience, head to the Gianyar Night Market. While there's a daytime indoor market too, it's at night — especially on weekends — that the area truly comes alive with street food stalls, local vendors, and the buzz of the community.
Manuaba Waterfall
Tucked into Kenderan village near a small temple called Pura Griya Sakti Manuaba, this waterfall only opened to visitors in 2019 and remains one of Ubud's least-touristed natural spots. Locals believe its waters — said to be blessed by the ruler of Lake Batur — carry restorative properties for body and soul. You can walk there from Villa Tau through the villages of Kenderan and Manuaba or arrange a short drive and walk from the car park.
Telaga Waja Temple
Located in Kepitu village, next to Kenderan, Telaga Waja is a beautiful and historic temple that often hosts ceremonies guests are welcome to observe. It’s an easy 1km, approximately 15 minute walk from Villa Tau, through
Need help planning your stay? Ayu and the Villa Tau team are happy to recommend activities, arrange private drivers, organise tours, book spa treatments and help you make the most of your time in Ubud. Simply ask during your stay.