Ubud sits at the cultural heart of Bali, surrounded by emerald rice terraces, ancient temples, and lush river valleys. It is one of the most romantic destinations in Southeast Asia -- and for good reason. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, on your honeymoon, or simply taking time away together, Ubud offers couples a rare blend of adventure, culture, and deep relaxation.
Here are the best things to do as a couple in Ubud, from adrenaline-filled mornings to blissfully calm afternoons.
1. Share a Couples Spa Experience at Hesa Wellness Spa
If there is one thing you do together in Ubud, make it a visit to Hesa Wellness Spa. Rated among the top wellness experiences in Bali with over 5,000 five-star reviews, Hesa offers couples a journey through multiple therapeutic stations -- not just a standard massage in a shared room.
A typical couples session at Hesa includes a steam room warm-up, a full Korean body scrub performed side by side, followed by a Balinese or deep-tissue massage. You will also have unlimited access to the hot and cold plunge pools for contrast therapy, which leaves you both feeling completely reset. The entire experience lasts two to three hours and is designed so you move through each stage together.
What sets Hesa apart from other spas in Ubud is the combination of Korean bathing culture, Turkish hammam elements, and Balinese massage -- all under one roof. It is genuinely unlike anything else on the island, and couples consistently describe it as the highlight of their Bali trip.
2. Walk Through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The iconic cascading rice paddies north of Ubud are a must-visit. Arrive early in the morning before the crowds, and walk the narrow paths together through layers of bright green terraces. The light is particularly beautiful at sunrise, and many of the small cafes along the ridge serve excellent coffee with panoramic views.
3. Take a Balinese Cooking Class
Several family-run cooking schools in Ubud begin with a trip to the local market to select fresh ingredients, then guide you through preparing traditional dishes like lawar, sate lilit, and black rice pudding. It is a relaxed, hands-on morning activity that gives you recipes and memories to take home.
4. Hike to Tegenungan Waterfall
Located about twenty minutes south of central Ubud, Tegenungan is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Bali. The short hike down the stone steps opens to a wide, powerful cascade where you can swim together in the natural pool. For something more secluded, ask locals about Kanto Lampo or Tukad Cepung waterfalls nearby.
5. Attend a Morning Yoga Session
Ubud is the yoga capital of Bali, and attending a class together can be a grounding way to start your day. Studios like Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive offer drop-in sessions ranging from gentle vinyasa to more challenging ashtanga flows, often in open-air shalas surrounded by tropical greenery.
6. Explore the Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in the centre of Ubud is home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques living among moss-covered temples and ancient banyan trees. Walking through the forest together feels otherworldly, especially in the late afternoon when the light filters through the canopy. Keep your belongings secure -- the monkeys are charmingly mischievous.
7. Cycle Through the Countryside
Rent bicycles or join a guided cycling tour that takes you downhill through small villages, past rice fields, and along quiet rural roads north of Ubud. It is one of the most peaceful ways to experience rural Bali together, far from the traffic of the main streets.
8. Watch the Kecak Fire Dance at Sunset
The Kecak dance at Uluwatu is famous, but Ubud has its own version performed at the Royal Palace most evenings. The hypnotic chanting of dozens of performers, combined with flickering torchlight and dramatic storytelling from the Ramayana, makes for an unforgettable evening together.
9. Have Dinner at a Jungle Restaurant
Ubud is full of restaurants perched above river gorges or nestled into the jungle. Sharing a candlelit dinner while listening to the sounds of the forest and the river below is effortlessly romantic. Look for spots along Jalan Bisma or the Campuhan ridge area for the best atmosphere.
10. Visit Tirta Empul Temple Together
This sacred water temple is one of Bali's most spiritual sites. Couples can participate in the purification ritual together, passing through a series of fountains while offering prayers. It is a profound shared experience that many couples find deeply meaningful, regardless of their religious background.
Why Couples Keep Coming Back to Ubud
Ubud strikes a balance that few places manage. It is adventurous without being exhausting, cultural without feeling like a museum, and relaxing without being boring. For couples, this means you can fill your days with as much or as little activity as you like -- and still feel like you have made the most of your time together.
If you are planning a trip, we recommend bookending your days with something active in the morning and a spa treatment in the afternoon. There is no better way to wind down after a day of exploring than sinking into warm pools, having tension worked out of your muscles, and sharing a pot of Balinese tea together.
Book a couples treatment at Hesa before you arrive -- sessions fill up quickly, especially during peak season.