Walk Along the Scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk
One free thing to do in Bali that is a must do when you’re in Ubud is walk along the beautiful Campuhan Ridge Walk.
This 2km path that takes you along a lush hillside ridge with views of palm trees and rice fields is best seen in the early hours of the morning. At sunrise, the sun creeps up behind palm trees and lights up the valley.
Another advantage of going to Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunrise is to avoid the large crowds as it gets busy very quickly. Joggers, dog walkers, tourists and those oh so pesky Instagrammers all congregate at Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Take in Sunrise at Bukit Cintra
To see Mt Agung throughout the day you need to be lucky. This symbolic Balinese volcano spends much of the day cloaked in mist and clouds, adding to its mystique.
In order to give yourself the best chance to see the volcano is to wake up at sunrise.
It’s worth the early morning. There’s not a more impressive setting to stand before it than at Bukit Cintra.
Aim to be there from 6:30am for this is the time of day when the looming mountain is at its most visible.
Catch Sunset at a Black Sand Beach
Have you ever walked along a Black Sand Beach before? They’re rare, however, in Bali, there are a few black sand beaches that you can visit.
Black sand beaches are created by nearby volcanic activity and is formed from eroded volcanic material. Most of the black sand beaches in Bali are along Bali’s west coast.
Black sand is said to have healing properties so walking along one during sunset is not only good for the soul but good for the body.
There are two black sand beaches in Bali that are particularly well known – Pasut Beach and Pigstone Beach.
Climb a Palm Tree at Pasut Beach
There’s a palm tree at the black sand Pasut Beach that leans over the black sand towards the sea rather than shooting upwards towards the sky. The way the tree leans makes it possible to climb, though it looks easier than it is.
The Balinese locals make it look very easy as most can simply scale the tree as easy as walking.
It can be a beautiful spot to catch sunset, if you manage to get up the tree to watch it, and is a completely free thing to do in Bali.
Explore Tegalalang Rice Terraces
A huge tourist attraction in Ubud is the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. It is one of the most popular things to do in Bali and yet this must do activity in Bali is still free to do.
You will be asked for donations by locals as you climb through the terraces – it’s up to you how much you give.
If you’re there early enough at sunrise, then you’ll likelihood not have to pay anything. If you’re looking for the section with those gorgeous Instagrammable light rays, then you will have to pay the local farmer for access to his land.
Visit an Instagrammable Fruit Stand
Most of these fruit stands are located in Uluwatu, and you could technically walk in and out without paying a penny.
One fun and quick thing to do when in Bali is visit an Instagrammable fruit stand on the side of the road.
We’re sure we drive the Balinese fruit stand owners bananas when we turn up.
However, if you’re looking to take a picture amongst all of those colourful fruits, then you should probably buy something. Especially if you’re like us and can’t just take one picture and have to try all of the different angles.
