You’re probably already aware that Ubud is known as a yoga-hippie hub for those interested in healing, metaphysics, New Age or spiritual ideas. And as someone who lived there for almost 2 years, I can tell you there are plenty of local secrets in Ubud that take time to discover.

Before I moved there in 2013, I had no idea that Ubud was a spiritual mecca. I took a trip there based on a random recommendation (“Go there, you’ll like it”). Once I arrived, I just felt like it had a great vibe–so much so that I ended up moving there.

What’s Special about Ubud?

Bali is an island in Indonesia, with a peaceful and magical culture. While Indonesia is a Muslim country, Bali observes a very unique form of Hinduism, which is generally a central part of Balinese life.

Ubud is the cultural and artistic capital of Bali, which is where you’ll get the best sense of authentic Balinese culture and tradition. And let me tell you, their traditions are some of the most enchanting I’ve ever experienced!

And not only is the local culture fascinating and beautiful, but the Western expat community is as well. Beyond Ubud’s cultural tourism, there’s an abundance of activities related to yoga, healing modalities, and New Age spirituality.

Bali is an Energetic Chakra Point

There’s a theory that the earth has Ley Lines, or energetic channels, which convey strong electromagnetic energy. The points where Ley Lines intersect have strong energy.

This theory is echoed in many ancient and indigenous cultures around the world – the Chinese called them Dragon Lines, the South Americans called them Spirit Lines, and Australian aborigines called them Dream Lines. The Western term for them is Ley Lines.

Each vortex point, or intersection, has a unique energetic quality.

These points tend to correspond to geothermal energy like volcanoes and the high concentration of minerals produced at these sites. They also are said to align with astrological constellations, and ancient monuments are often constructed at these sites (the Pyramids, Stonehenge, Machu Picchu).

Major energetic vortex points in the States include Mount Shasta, Sedona, and Maui.

But more about this in another post…

In New Age circles, Bali is considered to be an energetic vortex point–a minor chakra. Specifically, Bali is the energetic purification center of the earth, which is partly why Bali has become such a mecca for healing.

Slow Travel: The Best Way to Experience Local Secrets in Ubud

You can experience Ubud (and the rest of Bali) on a budget, or an all-out luxury experience. Additionally, some people are just there for a few days of R&R, and some are there looking for a more spiritual experience.

If you’re looking for an experience with more depth, I recommend a longer “slow travel” type of trip. Not only because the plane ride out is so long, but it takes a while to discover and fully appreciate what’s there. This is the beauty of slow travel.

And I can’t tell you how many tourists I met that came to Ubud on a one- or two-week vacation, and ended up extending their stay past a month, because they realized how amazing this place is.

Beyond the Tourist Traps… to Local Secrets in Ubud

You can’t come all the way to Bali and not visit the most popular attractions. At first, you’ll probably want to take photos in the most highly recognizable sites like Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Beratan, or Lempuyang, which are spread all over the island (although take it from me – don’t waste your time visiting Kuta!)

Even Ubud has overly crowded tourist hotspots, which I agree are essential to check the box and experience for yourself.

My absolute favorite crowded tourist spot is the magical Monkey Forest. And you might want to check out the picturesque Tegalalang rice terraces, watch a show at Saraswati temple, and shop at the Ubud Art Market.

[Stay tuned for a list of Essential Spots for a short Ubud trip, and things you need to know to maximize your trip. For example, “What time of day/year is best to visit this spot?”]

But once you get beyond the typical “must-see” tourist traps, you might be wondering what else there is. If you’re able to arrange a slow travel experience, how do you get a more authentic, local experience?

How do I get off the beaten path that’s promoted in every travel guide and brochure?

Also, not everyone comes to Ubud for a spiritual experience. So how do I find the most high-vibe spots? What are the local secrets in Ubud?

Uncovering the Enchantment of Ubud’s Local Secrets

Here’s a list of the highest vibe, and hidden gems I enjoyed while living as a local expat in Ubud. These are the spots ideal for slow travel, and are unlikely to be found on a “Ubud Top 10” list.

1. Go to a Spa, Every Day!

Okay, maybe not every day, because you’ll get nothing else done, but this is something I LOVED about Bali. In the States, we’re so used to $100+ massages that, if you’re on a budget, you can’t consider it.

The prices are so reasonable in Ubud (like many other places in Asia). Because Ubud has such a tranquil vibe, it’s the perfect place to go to a spa.

Even the cheaper spas are a taste of heaven on earth. Really. Try out different places, and get the works.

2. Karsa Spa and Campuhan Ridge Walk

This is a full or half-day experience that is just divine. It’s a hike combined with a snack break and a spa experience. It’s more of an adventure, and definitely off the beaten path. Combining the hike with the spa at the end is definitely a local secret in Ubud.

Just follow the path on your phone, and know that Ubud is one of the absolute safest places on earth, and local people couldn’t be friendlier!

Start with the Campuhan Ridge Walk. This path goes along a mountain ridge and has an amazing view of the forest valleys in the distance. If you start near the Warwick Ibah (see #4), you can walk for about 1.5 miles and get to Karsa Spa.

At this point, you can stop at the adjoining Karsa Cafe for a fresh coconut water (island-style–straight of the coconut, my fav!) or a snack.

Then get a massage to further relax from the hike–they have a great view of rice fields. And you can take a taxi back home. As of June 2023, prices for a full-body massage start at $15.

Keep in mind – it’s hot in the middle of summer, so if you feel like a midday hike will make you melt, go in the morning, or time your hike for near sunset.

3. Cafe Pomegranate

This little restaurant is just outside town, but not far, and so worth it.

The reason this place is so amazing is its location–in the middle of rice fields, on an open-air platform, tent-style structure.

The view & vibe during sunset is so peaceful, you might want to stay for hours just enjoying the ambiance, even after the sun has gone down.

4. Explore the mystical grounds behind the Warwick Ibah

The Warwick Ibah is a unique luxury hotel just a few minutes outside the town of Ubud, and it’s right on the edge of the Campuhan River. This entrance is just near the beginning of the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

The building grounds have an ancient, hidden-temple vibe. Impressively carved stone walls and archways covered in moss lead you to different sections of the lush garden grounds. It’s just very idyllic.

Just on the edge of the grounds is a small temple overlooking a valley with a creek that has some of the most incredible, mystical vibes I’ve experienced.

The land around the hotel is considered sacred grounds that contain healing and inspirational energy. The point where the two rivers connect here is what contributes to this amazing energy. The Pura Gunung Lebah temple was built overlooking this spot and is next to the Ibah Hotel.

You can have dinner at the hotel’s beautiful Wana restaurant for permission to access the grounds.

Even if you’re not able to gain access to the grounds, the public entrance point to the Campuhan Ridge walk is just around the corner, and exploring this area with your intuition (and your phone map) will lead you to some spots with beautiful and uplifting healing energy (find the river bed below the Pont de Campuhan).

This is truly a “slow travel” experience, as it’s not really a tourist destination, and you’ll need to wind down a bit with some patience to be able to find and fully appreciate the energy at this spot.

The next two recommended spots (#5, and #6) are also in the same high vibe area.

5. Soak at the Hotel Tjampuhan Spa

This is another hotel overlooking the magical Campuhan River, and it has a spa that is one of my favorites!

Of course, you can get a massage under a Balinese Bale (a massage cabana) overlooking the gorgeous Campuhan River.

But what I think is truly unique are the spa pools in the grotto, also overlooking the river valley. Traditional carvings of playful monkeys surround the pools of various temperatures–hot and cold. There’s also a sauna and steam room.

You can get half-day access to the pools for only $13.

One of the most amazing experiences I’d ever had was soaking in the pools while a ceremony was occurring at the Temple Pura Gunung Lebah. This temple is just down the river, and the hypnotic sound echoes down the valley.

Ceremonies happen often in Ubud, so maybe you’ll get lucky with timing!

6. 5-star Dinner with a View at Arcadia

Formerly known as Bridges, this is one of the most gorgeous restaurants in Ubud! It gives you a Western-style 5-star experience, with a touch of Balinese tradition, and the view is to die for! And the prices still match any mid-tier American restaurant.

The restaurant is built on the edge of a steep valley, overlooking an old bridge, lush jungle, and that magical high vibe energy where the rivers meet.

Try to get a table at the edge of the restaurant so you can look down into the river valley as you eat. It’s a one-of-a-kind view.

7. Purify at Tirta Empul (and another local secret in Ubud)

Okay, so I wouldn’t classify this one as a local secret in Ubud, but it’s definitely high vibe. And it’s an often overlooked spot–for some reason, it took me a year of living in Bali before I made it here.

Tirta (meaning “Holy Water”) Empul is about 30 minutes from Ubud and is one of the holiest temples in Bali. The temple is located on a sacred healing spring, that bubbles up and through water spouts for spiritual purification.

The Balinese love to soak their heads in the running water. Bring a sarong and sash (required to enter all Balinese temples), and a change of clothes for afterwards.

For an even more local experience that’s very similar, but with fewer crowds, you can also soak in the healing water at the nearby Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu temple.

8. Take a Class at Yoga Barn

Yoga Barn is one of the biggest and most popular yoga centers in Ubud, but its popularity doesn’t dilute its high vibe quality. It’s frequented by both tourists and local expats.

As a local expat, I went to Yoga Barn most days. It has a wide range of classes, and services with healers using various modalities. They’ve got everything from yoga classes, to breathwork, to astrology classes, to ecstatic dance…

The main structure is a huge bamboo structure, where they hold open-air classes, which feels so nice and natural, as opposed to the indoor, air-conditioned classes we typically get at home. The campus is vast, so they usually have several classes to choose from at any given time.

The attached cafe is so also really nice, and has great food–it’s easy to spend half a day here. As you can see, some of their classes are very large, and it’s a great place to meet other people who are more yoga and spiritually-oriented.

As far as local secrets in Ubud, the weekly ecstatic dance sessions would be one. They were one of the biggest draws for high-vibe local expats. If you haven’t been to an ecstatic dance, this is a must! Especially if you “don’t know how to dance”.

It’s a sober and barefoot event, no talking or judgment allowed, designed to allow you to go within and let your body do whatever it feels like doing. It’s really fun, and it’s great for accessing insight and creativity.

8. Herbal Steam Sauna Night at Dragonfly Village

This one tops the list of my favorite local secrets in Ubud. This is a regular event that attracts mostly local expats in a quaint retreat center in the middle of rice fields, definitely off the beaten path. It’s currently held multiple times a week.

It’s a sunset experience, from 6-9, which features a Turkish sauna with herbal-infused steam, a saltwater pool, a fire to gather around, and high vibe background music (most nights).

The charming spa grounds allow for a communal hydrotherapy experience, in which you can circuit from the sauna, then rinse off in an outdoor stone shower before cold plunging in the saltwater pool, and then heat up again around the bonfire, all while drinking tea.

And then do it again, at your own pace, for another round, over and over.

The relaxation you’ll get from 3 hours of this is like no other.

I’ve had some of my favorite experiences cooling off in the pool, head still buzzing from the hot-cold plunge, overlooking a rice field, with dragonflies buzzing around at sunset.

I also remember getting in the sauna (holds maybe 10 people max?) and everyone participating in “om-ing”, creating a strong vibrational and echoing resonance within the tiled structure. It was incredible!

Getting there, you pass the rice fields on the Sari Organic Walk, which is also a great slow travel activity to visit small cafes and local art shops in the middle of the fields. This route is only accessible by motorbike–the road is too narrow for a car.

9. Take a Local Balinese Yoga Class in Ubud

Yoga classes are all over Ubud, but taking a class from a Balinese local is a different experience. These are the only yoga classes where you might be joined by other Balinese local participants.

One of the classes I really enjoyed was at Taman Hati. It’s a few minutes outside town (Nyuh Kuning), past the tourist area, and in the charming, more local residential area.

The classes are held in a cool open-air and uniquely designed space on a Balinese family compound, which gives these classes an intimate vibe. It also gives you a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Balinese, which isn’t something you’ll see in the heart of town unless you’re staying at one of the many affordable homestays (another great experience!)

It’s definitely one of the most local secrets in Ubud: information for these classes is hard to find. but the most up-to-date info can be found on Facebook: search Taman Hati Yoga.

Another lesser-known place to take a local class is at Anand Ashram, just north of town. They offer yoga classes, and if you have the chance, stay for a few days for the full experience, and to explore the grounds, which includes a garden with some fascinating statues. There are also kirtan and meditation classes offered.

10. Explore the maze of Walkways in Sayan.

This is a hidden gem located a few minutes outside Ubud. It’s a cute 20-30 minute walk through pathways for pedestrian foot traffic only — too narrow for scooters. Along the walk, you’ll see many charming local family homes, and end up at Yellow Flower Cafe, next to Intuitive Flow Yoga.

Grab a coconut or get some high-quality organic food (Western and Balinese options) at Yellow Flower. It’s a cozy, bohemian atmosphere with a tropical volcano view.

It’s a very local experience that tourists rarely hear about. The classes at Intuitive Flow are smaller, with more local expats. The studio is a one-room indoor but the front wall is a large window with an impressive view similar to Yellow Flower.

The entrance is at the top of the Penestanan Stairs–you can find it on Google Maps. It’s also very close to the Antonio Blanco Museum, which is also a good place to stop and check out while you’re there. Follow the small signs through the walkways.

Other Hidden Gems and Local Secrets in Ubud

These were my favorite lesser-known spots in Ubud that I never got around to visiting. But I wanted to share them because they’re still off the beaten path, and considered local secrets in Ubud. Even after almost two years of living there, there are still so many great spots I haven’t visited, but these still are on my bucket list:

• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): somewhat known tourist spot, featuring elaborate traditional Balinese carvings on the stone cave entrance
• Waterfalls: Bangkiang Djaran, Tangkub, Tukad Cepung: Amazing energy, and beautiful photo ops.
• Gunung Kawu: impressive funeral shrines carved into cliffs
• Penglipuran Village: one of the most idyllic, traditional Balinese villages, and untouched by tourist development.

Once you visit Ubud, just be aware you might want to stay longer than planned! Enjoy your slow travel experience!