I was surprised with how much Ubud had to offer in such a small town. I didn't realize that there was a myriad of things to do including waterfalls, monkey forests, and hiking. Here are my top 10 favorite things to do in Ubud, Bali that I really enjoyed:

1 | Yoga Retreat

A yoga retreat in Bali is the perfect combination as yoga methods tie in nicely with Bali's spiritualism. I don’t practice yoga regularly, but I enjoyed taking some classes and bonding with others as we all experienced this beautiful country together. I really enjoyed my yoga retreat at Soulshine Bali.

Check out more Yoga Retreats in Bali!

Yoga practice at Soulshine Bali — Yoga practice at **Soulshine Bali**

Freshly made drinks every morning at Soulshine Bali

2 | Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The monkey forest is in a beautiful, shaded area with tall trees throughout the park. There are hundreds of monkeys walking around, playing and eating. They are so entertaining to watch as they are super playful. You will also come across several temples that were built around 1350.

Playful monkeys of Sacred Monkey Forest — Playful monkeys of **Sacred Monkey Forest**

3 | Tegenungan Waterfall

This beautiful and powerful waterfall is easily accessible, which was perfect for me as I’m not much of a hiker. You can enjoy a nice swim beneath the waterfall and enjoy gorgeous views on top of the waterfall as well. Great photo opportunities everywhere!

Tegenungan Waterfall www.thetravelpockets.com

4 | Get a Massage

You must get the traditional Balinese massage or any kind of massage in Bali as they are incredibly rejuvenating and incredibly affordable. The resort I stayed at offered 1-hour massages for $30 and it was one of the best massages I’ve ever had. I’m sure you can get massages even cheaper at other places.

5 | Bali Swing

My new Balinese friend, Agung, suggested this place and it was one of the most exhilarating things I experienced in Bali. Swinging high over the trees and river, you can’t help but smile at the incredible views you are getting.

Swinging high over the trees at Bali Swing — Swinging high over the trees at **Bali Swing**

6 | Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

Hiking is usually not my thing, but I’m glad I climbed to the top of Mount Batur to view the sunrise on top of the clouds. Guaranteed you will feel like you can do anything after this climb!

Catching the sunrise at Mt Batur — Catching the sunrise at **Mt Batur**

7 | Ubud Market

Bali is full of souvenir shops and Ubud Market is the place to go for clothes and merchandise. I found many trinkets and clothing for a great price. Make sure you barter. I was told to always start with 50% off the original price, but I just couldn’t go that low. It’s just not in me to barter, but it’s definitely the thing to do here.

8 | Kecak Fire Dance Performance

I thoroughly enjoyed this unique dance performance. Right when the show started, I was intrigued with numerous men coming out and chanting "chaka chaka chaka". It was the weirdest chant I ever heard, but also very captivating. The performance is based on a famous Hindu story of the Ramayana.

Kecak Fire Dance in Ubud, Bali — **Kecak Fire Dance** in Ubud, Bali

9 | Bali Bike

If you want to learn more about the Balinese culture, Bali Bike does a terrific job explaining Balinese traditions and takes you through local neighborhoods as you bike your way to the beautiful rice terraces.

10 | See a Healer

See the popular healer, Cokorda Rai, in one of Ubud's communal villages. He is recommended by many locals in Ubud and is known to heal those with any pain or issues. Make sure to visit him first thing in the morning as he is in his 90s and gets tired easily.

There were so many other places I wanted to visit like Goa Gajah, Camphuhan Ridge Walk and more, but I guess that'll just have to be the next time I visit Bali.