Here’s your insider’s guide to the hidden gems in Ubud — from where to stay and what to do, to where to eat (and drink) when you want an experience that feels local, genuine, and unforgettable.
There’s a reason Ubud holds a special place in Bali’s heart. It’s more than lush rice terraces and boutique yoga retreats — it’s where creativity, flavour, and authenticity meet. Yet, beyond the well-known spots lies a quieter side of Ubud: one filled with charm, community, and discovery
Where to Stay — Hidden Gems in Ubud: Stay Beyond the Crowd
The best stays in Ubud are the ones that feel like they found you. They’re tucked between rice paddies, wrapped in jungle, and made for people who appreciate design as much as stillness.
1. Bisma Eight
Jl. Bisma No.68, Ubud, Gianyar Regency
Website: bisma-eight.com
Just minutes from the centre, Bisma Eight is the definition of understated luxury. Think bamboo architecture, copper bathtubs, and a rooftop pool with sweeping jungle views. It’s close to everything, yet somehow still feels worlds away.
Why it’s a hidden gem: Perfect balance of convenience and calm — a sanctuary with soul.
2. Goya Boutique Resort
Jl. Bisma No.25, Ubud, Gianyar Regency
Website: goyaboutiqueresorts.com
Stylish, intimate, and refreshingly quiet, Goya Boutique Resort offers private pool villas with lush garden views and a serene spa to melt the day away. Ideal for honeymooners or anyone craving a peaceful corner without leaving town.
Why it’s a hidden gem: A short walk from Monkey Forest but feels like a private hideaway.
What to Do — Hidden Gems in Ubud Beyond the Crowds
Ubud’s true magic reveals itself when you wander just a little off the main road which is the true hidden gems of Ubud. Here are places and experiences that keep the spirit of exploration alive — without the queues.
1. Subak Juwuk Manis Rice Field Walk
Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Gianyar Regency
A stone’s throw from Ubud Palace lies one of the most peaceful trails in town. The Subak Juwuk Manis Rice Field Walk winds through vibrant green paddies and family compounds, where farmers still tend to the fields as they’ve done for generations.
Go early in the morning or around sunset — it’s just you, the breeze, and the sound of nature.
Hidden gem factor: Right in the heart of Ubud, yet feels a world away.
2. Threads of Life Gallery
Jl. Kajeng No.24, Ubud
Website: threadsoflife.com
A quiet refuge for culture lovers, Threads of Life preserves Indonesia’s textile heritage through exquisite hand-woven pieces and natural dyes. The gallery’s team supports traditional artisans from across the archipelago, making each piece more than art — it’s a story of legacy.
Hidden gem factor: Peaceful, purposeful, and deeply rooted in community.
3. Taksu Yoga & Spa Sanctuary
Jl. Goutama Selatan, Ubud
Website: taksuspa.org
A secret wellness oasis in the middle of town, Taksu feels hidden behind its bamboo walkways and lush garden canopy. Come for a yoga class, stay for a Balinese massage, and end with a cold-pressed juice in their open-air café.
Hidden gem factor: A serene escape just steps from Monkey Forest Road.
4. Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud
Website: armabali.com
More than a museum, ARMA is a living cultural centre that honours Balinese and Indonesian art. Stroll through tranquil gardens, take in traditional paintings, or join a creative workshop — it’s one of Ubud’s most soulful spots.
Hidden gem factor: Often missed by casual tourists, but beloved by artists and locals alike.
5. Ubud Botanical Garden
Kutuh Kaja, Ubud
This lush sanctuary north of town is perfect for nature lovers seeking calm without leaving Ubud. Wander through tropical flora, bamboo groves, and orchid gardens. It’s quiet, green, and restorative.
Hidden gem factor: An under-the-radar spot that proves Ubud’s beauty isn’t just about the rice fields.
Where to Eat — Spice by Blake: Ubud’s True Culinary Gem
After a day exploring Ubud hidden gems, you’ll want a meal that feels equally thoughtful and alive.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at Spice by Blake, located on Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud’s most iconic street — yet somehow still its best-kept secret.
A Celebration of Modern Indonesian Flavours
At Spice by Blake, food is a dialogue between tradition and creativity. Chef Blake Thornley and his team bring the spirit of Indonesia’s kitchens into a contemporary light — playful, honest, and irresistibly flavourful.
The menu celebrates local ingredients and regional recipes, each transformed with a touch of refinement. Expect familiar tastes — sambal, turmeric, coconut, rendang — but reimagined with textures and techniques that surprise.
Must-Try Dishes from the Current Menu
- Beef Cheek Braised in Rendang Spices – Slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth, served with coconut sauce and a modern twist on sambal.
- Cured Kingfish with Pomelo and Rujak Sauce – Bright, citrusy, and refreshing; a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spice.
- Duck Nuggets with Turmeric & Lemon Dip – A playful reinvention of a comfort snack, crisp outside and tender within.
- Seasonal Dessert – Rotating creations highlighting tropical fruits, local chocolate, or pandan.
Each plate tells a story — of produce grown nearby, of spice markets that inspire, and of Indonesia’s diversity expressed through flavour.
The Bar — Where Spice Comes to Life
The same creative spirit flows through the bar. Spice’s cocktail program is as bold and layered as its menu, built around tropical botanicals and spice-driven infusions.
Guest favourites include:
- Snake in a Jar – Chili, snakefruit, and coconut kombucha combined with Karu Sotju (25%). A drink that’s fiery, tangy, and tropical all at once — a true signature.
- White Snapper – Umami tomato soda and chilli; savoury and refreshing at once.
- Island Tribe – Kalamansi, kaffir leaf soda, and local gin; bright and aromatic.
Each cocktail complements the dishes seamlessly, bridging food and mixology into one conversation.
The Experience
Spice isn’t a restaurant you just eat at — it’s one you feel.
The open kitchen hums with energy, chefs move like dancers, and the bar glows softly under warm light. Music sets the rhythm, and conversation fills the air.
It’s both lively and intimate — a true hidden gem in Ubud for those who crave quality without pretense.
Why it’s special: Modern Indonesian flavours, crafted cocktails, and a team that treats hospitality as an art form.
Your Hidden Gems Day in Ubud
Here’s how a perfect day might look when you follow your curiosity instead of the crowds:
Morning: Start your day walking the Subak Juwuk Manis trail. Pause for a local coffee along the path.
Late Morning: Explore Threads of Life and learn about Indonesia’s textile heritage.
Afternoon: Relax at Taksu Spa or explore art at ARMA.
Evening: Head to Spice by Blake for dinner. Start with a Snake in a Jar, savour a few shared plates, and toast to a day well-lived.
Why Hidden Gems in Ubud Matter
The beauty of Ubud isn’t just in its views — it’s in its spirit. It’s found in quiet corners, in laughter shared over food, and in the stories of people who make this town what it is.
When you discover hidden gems, you connect to Ubud’s essence — and when you dine at Spice by Blake, you taste that essence on every plate.
Plan Your Visit
Spice by Blake
Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud
spicebali.com
Join us for a meal, a cocktail, or simply the kind of evening that reminds you why you fell in love with Ubud in the first place.
