Bali’s beaches may dominate the spotlight, but Ubud’s jungle-covered hills hold some of the island’s most enduring treasures. Away from the crowded coastline, this green heart of Bali offers waterfalls hidden in caves, sacred monkey forests, and rice terraces that are still worked using ancient methods.
Quick Reference: Nature Spots Worth Your Time
| Where to Go | What You'll Experience | How Hard Is It? | Perfect Time | Why I Loved It |
| Abisena Resort | Jungle luxury vibes | Just relax | Any time works | Felt like living in the trees |
| Petulu Village | Bird watching heaven | Easy stroll | Before sunset | Nature's daily show |
| Campuhan Ridge | Valley walking trail | Gentle workout | Early or late | Views that go on forever |
| Sangeh Forest | Ancient monkey home | Leisurely explore | Morning visits | Centuries-old trees everywhere |
| Tukad Cepung | Hidden waterfall magic | Some hiking needed | Mid-morning sun | Those light beams are insane |
Waking up here feels different. Bird calls replace traffic noise. Your morning coffee comes with a view of untouched rainforest canopy. The Yoga Shala has no walls, so the forest breeze can slip in and greet you during your morning stretches.
What made this special wasn't just the location - it was how they transform the beauty of heritage while honoring nature. From the design that incorporates artistic Balinese influences, to the open spaces that lets you feel completely at one with nature.
Dirasha Wellness is where you can get the best of both worlds, a taste of luxurious treatments in open-air pavilions with products that are good for your skin and kind to the environment.
Location: Jl. Raya Keliki No.123, Keliki, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
Phone: (0361) 6201123
Highlights: Eco-luxury suites with a touch of authentic Balinese magic.
Each evening, thousands of white herons return to roost in Petulu, a quiet village north of Ubud. Locals tell different stories about why these birds chose this village. Some say it started after a temple purification ceremony in 1965. Others point to ideal habitat and community protection. Whatever the reason, the daily homecoming is breathtaking.
Location: North of Ubud (≈20 min drive from Abisena Wellness & Resort Ubud)
Hours: Best viewing 4:30 PM – 6 PM to watch the build-up before sunset.
Highlights: Thousands of white herons roosting at sunset, a tradition linked to a temple ritual in 1965.
Tip: Arrive early to watch the gradual build-up before peak activity.
This free trail offers sweeping views of Bali’s countryside, including rolling hills, alang-alang grasslands, and glimpses of Mount Batur on clear days.
The full loop covers 9 kilometers, but most people walk 2-3 kilometers out and return. Early morning (6-8 AM) offers cool temperatures and golden light. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) brings sunset views and smaller crowds.
Location: Starts near Warwick Ibah Villas, central Ubud (≈16 minutes from Abisena Wellness & Resort Ubud)
Hours: Always open, free entry
Highlights: 9 km trail of rolling hills, alang-alang grasslands, villages, rice paddies, and artist studios. Midway, a small warung offers fresh coconuts.
Best Times: 6–8 AM for cool golden light; 4–6 PM for sunsets.
Less crowded than Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest, Sangeh is a 600-year-old nutmeg forest considered sacred by locals. Towering trees create a cathedral-like canopy, while gray langurs live in multi-generational groups around Pura Bukit Sari temple.
Location: Jl. Brahmana, Sangeh, Kec. Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80353 (≈40 minutes from Abisena Wellness & Resort Ubud)
Phone: 0851-0302-8181
Entrance fee: IDR 50,000/international tourist
Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Highlights: 600-year-old nutmeg forest, calm gray langurs, sacred temple Pura Bukit Sari, and towering jungle canopy.
Notable Feature: A quieter, more serene alternative to Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest.
Reaching Tukad Cepung involves a moderate trek through paddies, ravines, and shallow rivers before arriving at a grotto illuminated by sunlight. Between 10 AM and noon, light beams stream through the canyon opening, creating one of Bali’s most striking natural spectacles.
Location: Tembuku, Bangli Regency (≈1 hour from Abisena Wellness & Resort Ubud)
Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
Highlights: Sunlight beams between 10 AM – noon illuminate the hidden grotto, creating a cathedral-like effect.
What to Bring: Sturdy water shoes, waterproof phone case, quick-dry clothing, towel.
Getting around: Scooter rental gives maximum flexibility for connecting multiple spots in one day. Alternatively, hire local drivers who know back roads and hidden shortcuts.
Weather reality: Dry season (April-October) means reliable weather but more crowds. Wet season (November-March) brings lush landscapes and fewer people, plus afternoon rain showers that are dramatic but brief.
Being respectful:
Local expertise: Eco-tour guides transform simple nature walks into educational experiences. Their knowledge reveals ecological relationships and hidden spots you'd miss exploring solo.
Which spots are less crowded?
Abisena Resort, Sangeh Monkey Forest, and Tukad Cepung are quieter compared to central Ubud attractions.
Are these locations family-friendly?
Yes, Petulu and Sangeh are ideal for families, while waterfall treks suit older children or active groups.
When is the best time to visit?
Early mornings or late afternoons for cooler weather, fewer visitors, and better photography light.
Do attractions require fees?
Some charge small entrance fees that support conservation and local communities.
Ubud’s landscapes reveal Bali’s ecological and cultural depth beyond its beaches. From hidden waterfalls to heron migrations, from sacred forests to scenic ridges, each site offers a different facet of the island’s natural heritage. With thoughtful planning and respect for the environment, exploring Ubud’s green paradise is one of Bali’s most rewarding experiences.
