Gunung Kawi Temple
Eleventh-century shrines carved directly into a river-gorge cliff near Tampaksiring. The stair descent through rice paddies is one of the best temple approaches on the island.
Tampaksiring · ~30 min north
Ubud · Bali · 2026
Ubud, Beyond the Guidebook
A locally-informed guide for travelers who want more than the tourist circuit — real restaurants, honest picks, and the quieter corners of the valley.
A different way to see Ubud
Many of the well-known spots you'll see on other websites — Monkey Forest, Tegallalang, the famous rice terraces, the classic temples — are genuinely worth visiting and shouldn't be skipped. But Ubud and its surroundings also hide plenty of quieter corners that most guides overlook. This site focuses on those hidden gems: less touristy places that reward the trip just as much, sometimes more.
Everything here is grouped for how travelers really plan a trip: things to do, where to eat, and the practical questions that come up before you land. Each page shows when it was last checked, and you can email corrections at any time.
Things to Do — Hidden Gems Near Ubud
Temples, villages and day trips that most itineraries skip. Distances are approximate driving times from central Ubud.
Pura Mengening
A quiet spring-water temple that is essentially the local, low-key version of Pura Tirta Empul — same holy-spring bathing tradition, far fewer tourists.
Tampaksiring · ~30 min northUlun Danu Beratan Temple
The iconic lakeside temple that appears to float on Lake Beratan, backed by mountains and often morning mist. Cool highland air and a completely different atmosphere from the temples closer to Ubud.
Bedugul · ~2 hr north-westPenglipuran Village
One of Bali's most photogenic traditional villages, with a single stone-paved lane lined by identical family compound gates. About one hour is plenty; slot it into the same day tour as Besakih.
Bangli · ~1 hr north-eastSidemen Valley
A slower, rural version of Bali: green terraces, family compounds, and cooking classes at local warungs. Easy to combine with a stop at Pura Besakih.
Karangasem · ~1 hr eastMunduk
Mountain villages, coffee and clove plantations, and the twin Melanting and Munduk waterfalls. Cooler air and a completely different landscape from south Bali.
Buleleng · ~2 hr northWhere to Eat — Best Restaurants in Ubud
Six places worth planning a night around. No inflated fine dining, no fake-review tourist traps — just food that Ubud regulars actually recommend.
Kusi
Chef-led kitchen serving a tight South American–Asian fusion menu built around house-made ferments. The room is small, the pacing is deliberate, and the wine list punches above its price tier.
Jl. Goutama Selatan 27x · Central UbudWarung Biah Biah
An authentic, no-frills Balinese warung that has stayed local through Ubud's boom years. Mix-and-match a plate of vegetable and protein sides and share a couple of sambals. Cheap and reliable.
Jl. Goutama Selatan 13 · Central UbudRusters
Best visited for breakfast — a bright, cheerful spot with a solid brunch menu and excellent coffee. Heads up: breakfast is only served until 12pm, so don't sleep in on this one.
Jl. Raya Kengetan 44 · KengetanChito
A rare find in Ubud: authentic Caucasus cuisine — Georgian and neighboring flavors done properly. Think khachapuri, khinkali, and slow-cooked stews you won't find anywhere else on the island.
Jl. Made Lebah · PeliatanBali Jip
A proper Korean BBQ spot where you grill at the table. The move is the parrillada special — a generous BBQ set that already comes with plenty of sides. You don't need to add more.
Jl. Raya Sanggingan 40 · SangginganNaughty Nuri's Ubud
The Ubud institution for pork ribs — smoky, sticky, cooked over an open grill out front. Order a rack, an ice-cold Bintang, and don't overthink the rest of the menu.
Jl. Raya Sanggingan 88x · SangginganPractical Info — Before You Land in Ubud
Short answers to what travelers actually ask before landing in Ubud, with a full guide behind each one.
When is the best time to visit Ubud?
May to September, during the dry season. May, June and September strike the best balance of weather and quiet. Month-by-month guide
How do you get around Ubud?
Walk the centre, use Grab or Gojek where drivers accept, and hire a private driver for day trips. Only rent a scooter if you already ride confidently. Getting around Ubud
How much cash should you carry in Ubud?
About 500,000 to 1,000,000 IDR per day. Many warungs, drivers and temple booths are cash only. Cash and ATMs in Ubud
What should you wear at Balinese temples?
Cover shoulders and knees and wear a sarong tied at the waist; most temples lend them at the entrance. Temple dress code and etiquette
Are money changers safe in Bali?
Rigged money changers are one of the most common scams. Always be the last person to count your money, and never hand it back. How to avoid money changer scams
How do you get from Denpasar airport to Ubud?
A private car costs about 350,000–500,000 IDR and takes 60–90 minutes. A pre-booked driver is the least stressful option. Airport transfer options
About Ubud Local
Ubud Local is an independent, locally-informed guide to Ubud and the day trips around it. Places are chosen for quality and value rather than popularity, and every page shows when it was last checked. How this guide works.
Get in Touch
Have a spot we should know about, or a correction to suggest? Reach us at ubudlocal@gmail.com.