Things to do — Ubud

Ubud holds one of the densest portfolios of cultural, natural and spiritual activities in Southeast Asia. The rice terraces are the single most iconic Balinese landscape. The fields at Tegalalang, 3 km north of town, are the most accessible and most photographed: cascading green steps carved over centuries by the subak irrigation system (UNESCO-listed) tumble down the volcanic slopes in a panorama that justifies the trip by itself. To beat the crowds that fill the site between 9am and noon, get there at sunrise. The terraces at Jatiluwih, 45 km from Ubud, see far fewer visitors and are considered by many travellers as the most spectacular on the island.

The Sangeh Monkey Forest (Ubud Monkey Forest) is a natural sanctuary home to more than 700 Balinese macaques inside a sacred grove. Entry gives you access to three temples and several ritual pools set in dense forest undergrowth. The monkeys are used to visitors and approach freely — secure your sunglasses, hat and bag, and don't carry food.

The water temple of Tirta Empul (the Sacred Spring) is one of the most actively visited places of worship on the island. Balinese pilgrims come weekly to purify themselves in the twelve spouts of the holy spring to the sound of prayer and the rustle of canang sari offerings. Visitors who respect the dress code (sarong and sash, both rentable on site) can take part in the purification ritual themselves — a moving cultural experience. The Goa Gajah cave temple, 4 km from Ubud, is an 11th-century archaeological site cut directly into the volcanic cliff face.

Ubud's yoga and wellness scene is one of the deepest in the world: The Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive, Taksu Spa and dozens of other centres run daily classes, multi-day retreats and Ayurvedic treatments. A traditional Balinese massage (pijat) costs 150,000-250,000 IDR (USD 10-17) at a local spa. The kecak dance at Pura Dalem and the barong performance at the royal palace run nightly and are essential cultural viewing.

Finally, the dawn climb up Mount Batur (1,717 m) is one of the area's most popular activities: a 2am pickup from your hotel, a two-hour walk up the ash slope, then sunrise from the summit overlooking the volcanic lake, with Bali and the neighbouring islands spread out below. A licensed guide is mandatory (400,000-700,000 IDR per person). Book the day before through your accommodation or a local operator, and bring layers — the summit is cold at dawn.