Ubud, the vibrant heart of Bali, is more than just an artist’s haven or a spiritual sanctuary. It’s where thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts converge. Which is why Adrien and I decided to make Bali our belated honeymoon destination.
Bali, often referred to as the “Island of the Gods,” stands out as one of the world’s most enchanting honeymoon destinations. This Indonesian paradise boasts a harmonious blend of mesmerizing landscapes, pristine beaches, verdant rice terraces, and majestic volcanoes.
Couples can find both serenity and adventure amidst its rich cultural tapestry, as the island offers everything from tranquil sunsets in Uluwatu to thrilling water sports in Nusa Dua. The island’s luxurious resorts cater specifically to honeymooners, offering private villas, infinity pools, and spa services that epitomize romantic indulgence. Furthermore, the warm-hearted Balinese people, with their traditional dances, temples, and ceremonies, add a unique cultural depth to the experience. The island’s diverse offerings ensure that every couple, whether they’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, finds their own personal paradise in Bali.
Here are some of the most mesmerizing experiences Ubud has to offer.
1. ATV Quad Biking in Ubud
ATV quad biking through Ubud’s diverse landscapes promises both excitement and an unparalleled view of Bali’s interior. Traverse through thick bamboo groves, splash across rivers, and get up close and personal with the daily life of Ubud’s locals.
Adrien and I shared a tandem bike allowing us to share the thrill of the adventure. Quadbikes are a great way to traverse through the terrains, from its dense jungle trails to its rocky paths and muddy slopes, makes for an exciting quad biking journey. Guided tours ensure the safety and comfort of participants, offering both instruction for beginners and challenging routes for the more experienced. We booked with Bali ATV Quadbike Adventure and had a great experience with them.
The great thing about booking packages is that most of the time, they offer hotel pick-up, and drop-off, and some may even provide lunch. After doing a few packaged experiences, we highly recommend them if you don’t feel like planning and want a smooth and easy experience. Of course, always do your due diligence before booking with your provider.
2. Campuhan Ridge Walk
For a softer, more introspective experience, Campuhan Ridge offers a serene walk amid panoramic vistas of undulating hills and verdant jungles. It’s a favourite amongst early birds who seek the tranquil embrace of nature and the golden touch of dawn upon the landscape.
The Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud, Bali, is not just a popular trek for tourists but holds deep significance both historically and culturally. The name “Campuhan” in Balinese means the confluence of two rivers, which is spiritually considered to purify and provide energy to the area. According to local beliefs, this meeting point of rivers has healing properties, making it a revered site for centuries.
3. Sacred Monkey Forest
Stepping into the Sacred Monkey Forest is like entering a fantastical realm. Home to hundreds of playful macaques and adorned with ancient temples, this sanctuary encapsulates the mystical essence of Bali. But remember, while the monkeys are captivating, they’re also cheeky — watch those belongings!
The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a tapestry of spiritual, cultural, and ecological wonders. Nestled within its lush confines are three ancient temples from the 14th century, revered by the local community and integral to Ubud’s spiritual heritage. The forest’s over a thousand Balinese long-tailed macaques aren’t just wildlife inhabitants; they’re seen as sacred protectors warding off evil spirits. Beyond its spiritual allure, the forest stands as a beacon for conservation, home to over 115 tree species and ongoing research and education efforts that highlight the balance between the human and natural worlds.
4. Water Rafting on Bali’s Ayung River
As Bali’s longest river, the Ayung winds its way through a breathtaking landscape of deep valleys, dense tropical forests, and stunning waterfalls, providing a backdrop that captivates as much as the thrill of the rapids. Rafters, whether novices or experienced, are treated to a journey that oscillates between adrenaline-pumping stretches and tranquil waters, allowing moments of exhilaration and reflection.
Along the way, the intricate rock carvings on the river banks offer a glimpse into Bali’s rich cultural tapestry, while the diverse flora and fauna enliven the senses. Guided by experienced local instructors who ensure safety while sharing tales of Balinese lore, water rafting on the Ayung River becomes more than just a sport—it’s a holistic experience that immerses participants in the island’s natural beauty and cultural essence.
Adrien and I had the pleasure of sharing our raft with four other guys from India, and while they weren’t the best paddlers, they were great company. We booked this package with the same folks that provided our ATV Quadbike Adventure. So if you’re already planning on booking with them for quad biking, see if you can negotiate a better deal for both these packages.
5. Jeep Sunrise Views at Mount Batur
Jeep sunrise adventures on Mount Batur offer a unique and exhilarating way to witness the breathtaking beauty of Bali. As you embark on this rugged journey in the pre-dawn hours, the anticipation builds. The off-road capability of the jeeps allows for an intimate encounter with the volcanic terrains, weaving through hardened lava trails and ascending the caldera’s viewpoints.
As the first hints of light begin to paint the horizon, the summit of Mount Batur provides an unparalleled vantage point, with the sun casting a golden hue over the surrounding landscapes and the serene Lake Batur below. Guided by locals well-versed in the area’s history and geology, the Jeep sunrise adventure on Mount Batur is an immersive experience you do not want to miss.
Adrien and I booked our experience on Klook and they offered a few variations of the tour depending on the type of experiences you’d like to tack on. Since were were going to be up super early (3:00 a.m., to be exact!), we decided to add on visits to the black lava fields, coffee plantation and Ceking Rice Terrace after. Although we enjoyed all the locations that day, we did find ourselves getting extremely tired near the end (by that time, it was only 1 p.m.). However, were had already been out exploring for 10 hours and we were ready to go back to the villa for a nap.
6. The Black Lava Fields of Mount Batur
The black lava fields of Mount Batur stand as a mesmerizing testament to nature’s raw power and artistry. This vast expanse, with its intricate patterns of solidified lava, provides a stark contrast to Bali’s typically verdant landscapes, offering visitors a surreal visual experience. Beyond its arresting appearance, the fields serve as a live canvas of volcanic geology, allowing one to tread upon and understand the very processes that have sculpted them over time.
This rugged terrain, while challenging the adventurous spirit of trekkers, also opens a window into the spiritual significance the mountain holds for the Balinese people. Amidst the seemingly inhospitable stretches, life persists in resilient flora and fauna, capturing the essence of nature’s adaptability. Photographers find a unique haven here, with the dark lava set against the sky creating breathtaking imagery, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
7. Ubud’s Coffee Plantations
Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Ubud lies the Santi Bali Coffee Plantation, a haven for coffee connoisseurs and nature lovers alike. This plantation offers more than just a glimpse into the intricate process of coffee production; it immerses visitors in a holistic experience of Bali’s agricultural heritage. Walking through the verdant fields, one can witness the journey of the coffee bean, from its initial bloom to the final roasted product.
But what truly sets Santi Bali apart is its dedication to the traditional method of making Luwak coffee, a unique brew processed through the natural fermentation in the digestive tract of the civet cat. Beyond coffee, the plantation also showcases an array of other local crops, such as cacao and tropical fruits, enriching the sensory experience with tantalizing aromas and flavours.
Guided tours, often led by knowledgeable local farmers, not only provide insights into farming practices but also underscore the deep-rooted connection between the Balinese culture and its land. A visit to the Santi Bali Coffee Plantation is both an educational journey and a delightful sensory experience, set against the picturesque backdrop of Ubud’s serene countryside.
8. Ceking Rice Terrace
The Ceking Rice Terrace in Bali is more than just a visual treat; it’s a testament to the harmony of human cultivation and nature’s beauty. Renowned for its meticulously manicured rice fields cascading down the hillsides, the panorama at Ceking captures the essence of tropical allure and offers a photographer’s paradise.
Beyond the vistas, the terraces provide a deep dive into Bali’s cultural heart, showcasing the age-old Subak system — a reflection of the Balinese philosophy that emphasizes the balance between humans, environment, and divinity. As visitors tread the pathways, they’re not only indulging in mild physical activity amidst fresh air but also supporting sustainable tourism, contributing to both cultural preservation and environmental conservation.
Ubud, with its plethora of experiences, promises to be a treasure trove of memories. From adrenaline-packed adventures to meditative walks, from nature’s wonders to man’s ingenuity, this little slice of Bali caters to every soul.
So, which of these experiences would you do in Ubud? Have an experience to suggest? Let us know.
Leave a Reply