Hidden Ubud Adventures That'll Change How You See Bali
- Ramu Kitchen Team
- Sep 19
- 6 min read
Sure, you've seen the photos. Rice terraces that look like green staircases to heaven. Monkeys stealing sunglasses. Those famous jungle swings that everyone and their cousin posted on Instagram. But here's what nobody tells you—the real Ubud magic happens where tour buses can't reach.
This isn't another "must-see" list filled with overcrowded hotspots. We're talking about experiences that'll connect you to Bali's actual soul—the kind of moments that stick with you long after your tan fades. Ready to discover what Ubud's really about?
Why Ditch the Typical Tourist Trail?
The thing is, those mainstream spots exist for a reason. They're beautiful. But when you're fighting crowds for a decent photo and listening to tour guides shouting over each other, something's lost. The intimacy disappears. The magic gets diluted.
Real Ubud still exists, though. It's in the workshops where master craftsmen teach ancient techniques. In temples where you can actually hear yourself think. In kitchens where recipes carry stories from generations past. You just need to know where to look.
And this guide will help you do just that, curating a list of unique things to do in Ubud for an unforgettable Bali adventure.
Foodie Finds You Won’t Forget
Forest-to-Table Excellence at Ramu Kitchen
At Ramu Kitchen, we don’t just serve dinner. Every ingredient tells a rich history, seasonal rhythms, and sustainable practices. Located inside Titik Dua art hotel, your visit comes with rotating exhibitions in design-forward architecture found throughout the establishment.
Tip: Reserve your tables on Thursdays and Sundays to enjoy your meals with a side of live music!
Ramu Kitchen, Jl. Cok Rai Pudak No.48, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. (Open 3 - 11 PM)
Phone: 0811-3897-976
Raw Food Done Right
Plant-based cuisine reaches new heights in Ubud, where even chocolate becomes art and desserts prove that being healthy can be indulgent.
For instance, The Seeds of Life isn’t just a café; it’s a hub for conscious eating. Their raw, organic creations strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment, making it easy to satisfy your sweet cravings while still feeling good about what you’re putting into your body.
Think vibrant smoothie bowls, decadent yet healthy desserts, and plant-based dishes designed to fuel both body and mind!
The Seeds of Life, Jl. Gootama No.2, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 (Open 8 AM - 10 PM).
Phone: 0812-3792-3870
Learn to prepare your own Balinese meals at Paon Bali
It’s not the most unique thing to do in Ubud, but it’s a must-try for a reason! Cooking classes at Paon Bali Cooking Class go way beyond following recipes. You'll grind spices by hand, learn why certain ingredients pair together, and discover the cultural meanings behind traditional dishes like sambal and lawar.
It's anthropology disguised as lunch preparation, and what better way to do it than in a traditional Balinese Village in Paon! You’ll be guided through traditional markets and pick the best ingredients to kickstart your culinary journey. Classes are conducted in English.
Paon Bali Cooking Class, Jalan Raya Laplapan, Petulu, Ubud, Petulu, Kecamatan Ubud, Bali, 80552.
Phone: 0813-3793-9095
Cultural and Artisan Experiences
Canang Sari Workshops
Those tiny flower baskets scattered everywhere aren't just pretty decorations! They're known as Canang Sari, daily prayers woven into art. Learning to make them isn't just a craft class; it's like getting a backstage pass to Balinese spirituality. Your fingers learn the patterns while your mind grasps something deeper about how gratitude shapes daily life here.
At Lumeria Yoga Ubud, you can take part in a guided Canang Sari workshop that blends cultural learning with a meditative practice.
Lumeria Yoga Ubud, Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open 7.30 AM - 8 PM.
Where Wood Becomes Sacred Art
Mas Village operates like an open-air museum where the exhibits are still being carved. Generations of master woodworkers shape sacred figures using techniques their great-grandfathers taught them. Watch closely and you'll see stories emerge from raw timber—demons, gods, and mythical creatures that guard Balinese homes and temples.
Craft with Serayu Pottery
Serayu Pot proves that pottery isn't just about making bowls. It's a moving meditation. Your hands work the clay while your mind slows down and finds its rhythm. The process grounds you in ways that yoga classes sometimes can't. Perfect for when you need to reconnect with something real after too much screen time.
Serayu Pottery, Jl. Gn. Sari No.3, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open 9AM - 4.30PM.
Phone: 0813-5302-2235
Wellness That Actually Works
Rediscover your inner power at Pyramids of Chi
Sound healing may seem abstract until you step inside the geometric chambers of the Pyramids of Chi in Ubud. The architecture itself becomes part of the experience—amplifying the resonance of gongs, crystal bowls, and didgeridoos so that every vibration travels through your entire body. You walk out lighter, clearer, and quietly amazed at how deeply this unique thing to do in Ubud can transform the mind and spirit.
Pyramids of Chi, Banjar Bentuyung Ubud, Jalan Kelebang Moding No.22, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. 8 AM - 9 PM.
Phone: 0821-4782-3397
Yoga Where Nature Does the Rejuvenating
Forget sterile studios with mirrors and motivational posters. Intuitive Flow perches high above Campuhan Ridge, where valley views stretch to the horizon and bird songs replace playlist music. Whether you're nailing advanced poses or just trying to touch your toes, the focus stays on inner connection rather than perfect alignment.
Sign up for a week of wellness retreats, or opt for a drop-in class. Every visit to Intuitive Flow promises a brand new rejuvenation.
Intuitive Flow, Banjar Penestanan Kaja, Jl. Raya Campuan Jalan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open daily, 7 AM - 5.30 PM.
Phone: 0822-2162-5200
Nature Sanctuaries That Feel Otherworldly
The Water Temple Nobody Talks About
While everyone crowds into Tirta Empul, Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu sits peacefully in jungle solitude. Koi fish glide through sacred pools while lotus blooms frame the most unique aspect of this temple: stone shrines carved directly into cliff faces. It's everything you hoped a Balinese temple would be—mystical, peaceful, and refreshingly uncrowded.
This temple is less likely to get crowded even during peak tourist season, so if you’re planning to go through a purification ceremony (or ‘melukat’), this temple is perfect for you.
Address: Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80511
Ancient Mystery Cave
Goa Gajah dates back to the 11th century, when Hindu and Buddhist traditions intertwined in fascinating ways. Enter through the demon-mouth carved entrance, and you'll find meditation chambers and stone relics that ground you from the bustle outside. The jungle-framed pools add to the mystical atmosphere.
Address: Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Village Life Without the Performance
Time Capsule Living
Penglipuran Village banned motorbikes to preserve tranquility, creating streets lined with traditional bamboo architecture and customs that tourists usually only see in cultural shows. Here, preservation isn't performed—it's simply how people live. The pace slows down automatically when you walk these peaceful paths.
Snake Fruit Paradise
Sibetan Village specializes in salak, the exotic fruit that looks like snake skin but tastes like sweet-tart heaven. Orchard tours let you pick fruit straight from trees while learning about different varieties—some sweet, others tangy, and a few fermented into surprisingly good wine.
FAQ
When should I visit these unique things to do in Ubud?
Early mornings between 7 and 9 AM give you the best chance at solitude and perfect lighting, especially for waterfalls and temple visits.
Are kids welcome at these experiences?
Absolutely—pottery workshops, offering-making classes, and village tours work great for families. Sound healing and yoga might be better suited for older children who can sit still longer.
How do I book these activities?
Most places accept direct bookings through WhatsApp or their websites. Your hotel can also help arrange workshops and provide transportation recommendations.
Do I need a guide for everything?
Not necessarily, though local guides add valuable context, especially at temples and villages. Scooters or taxis easily reach most locations.
The Real Ubud Awaits
Ubud's tourist trail serves its purpose—it introduces people to Bali's beauty. But the island's true magic lives in its hidden workshops, peaceful temples, village rhythms, and mindful meals that connect you to something deeper than photo opportunities.
These experiences won't just fill your camera roll. They'll change how you see travel, culture, and maybe even yourself. This is Ubud beyond the guidebooks—authentic, transformative, and waiting for travelers brave enough to venture off the beaten path.
And after a day of exploring the most unique things to do in Ubud, Ramu Kitchen is ready to welcome you back into our cozy corner in Ubud, complete with housemade cocktails after a day well spent.
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