12 Things to Do in Ubud at Night That’ll Make You NEVER Leave

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Everyone says Ubud dies after sunset. Let me tell you why they’re wrong. This town trades its green juice for arak cocktails when the sun dips, and those “peaceful” streets fill up with some of the best street food aromas you’ll ever chase down.

Looking for the best things to do in Ubud at night? From local bars where expats and Balinese share plates of babi guling at midnight, to night markets that make tourist lunch spots taste like cardboard, Ubud after dark is incredible. Fair warning: your morning yoga class might be a write off!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this private cooking class in Ubud at a local Balinese home! Putu and her family teach you to make authentic dishes in their traditional compound, using spices from their garden and sharing recipes passed down generations. You get to feast on your creations with local booze and chat with three generations of their family. This intimate experience is a must-do in Ubud in my opinion.

1. Watch traditional Legong dance performances at Ubud Palace

• Location: Central Ubud, Jl. Raya Ubud No.8 
• Best For: Culture enthusiasts seeking authentic performances, first-time visitors wanting royal court ambiance, night owls craving intimate traditional entertainment
• Nearby Stay: SenS Hotel and Spa – stylish boutique property with pool, 5-minute walk

Want to see authentic Balinese culture without the tourist traps? Head to Ubud Palace at 7:30 PM for their nightly dance show. For just $6-7, you’ll watch incredible dancers tell ancient stories in an actual royal courtyard. It’s way more intimate than those big cultural centers, and you’re literally sitting where only kings used to watch these performances. The setting makes this special. You’re sitting in an actual royal courtyard where these performances were once exclusive to kings.

Tickets usually cost around $6-7 and I recommend arriving 30 minutes early to snag front-row seats on the stone benches. Skip the street vendors outside, they’re legitimate, but buying at the door works fine and helps you secure better positioning. 

The performance runs about 90 minutes, so use the restroom at a nearby restaurant first – the palace facilities aren’t great. The concrete seating can get uncomfortable, but watching these ethereal dancers in golden headdresses perform sacred stories in this centuries-old setting makes any minor discomfort worthwhile.

• Read next: Beautiful Places in Bali

2. Sample authentic street food at Ubud Night Market

• Location: Sayan district
• Best For: Budget food adventurers, cultural immersion seekers, anyone craving authentic Balinese street food away from tourist restaurants
• Nearby Stay: Cinta Inn – central location on Jl. Sugriwa, 10-minute walk to Sayan Night Market

Skip those Instagram cafes charging $15 for avocado toast. The real food action happens at Ubud Night Market, where I can stuff myself for under $2. This is where actual Balinese people eat, not tourists, so you know it’s legit. Street food ranges from $1-5, featuring traditional dishes like nasi campur (mixed rice) and the famous babi guling (roast suckling pig).

Hit the market between 7-9 PM when it’s buzzing with energy. Arrive earlier and you’ll find empty stalls. But before that, download Google Translate since the markets cater to locals, not tourists, and vendors might not speak English. What most visitors miss is trying beyond the obvious dishes, so grab some klepon (palm sugar-filled glutinous balls) or nasi jingo (spicy rice portions) that locals devour.

Note: Transactions are only through cash. This is authentic street food culture where the focus is flavor, not Instagram-worthy presentation. 

• Read next: Unique Restaurants in Bali

3. Take sunset walks along scenic Campuhan Ridge trail

• Location: Jl. Raya Campuhan, starts near Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas, 15-minute walk from Ubud center
• Best For: Sunset photographers seeking golden hour magic, nature lovers craving peaceful escapes, fitness enthusiasts wanting scenic evening workouts
• Nearby Stay: Hotel Tjampuhan & Spa – historic riverside property at the trailhead, 2-minute walk to starting point

The Campuhan Ridge Walk transforms into pure magic during sunset, when golden light bathes the lush valley and rolling hills in an ethereal glow. This 2-kilometer paved trail runs along an exposed ridge offering panoramic views that photographers dream about. Unlike the crowded sunrise sessions, sunset brings a more relaxed vibe with locals finishing their evening runs and visitors savoring the day’s end.

Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to secure the best viewpoints and avoid the rush. The trail starts right beside Warwick Ibah resort. Look for the small “Going To The Hill” sign with an arrow pointing left. Access is completely free and open 24/7, though it’s unsafe after dark due to lack of lighting. The real payoff comes when you reach the rice paddies and village area where cafés like Karsa provide perfect sunset viewing spots.

Be prepared for the heat. There’s zero shade along the ridge, so bring water and wear a hat. The walk takes about 20-25 minutes one way, but budget extra time for photos and soaking in.

4. Dine at award-winning fine dining restaurant Locavore

• Location: Jl. Dewi Sita, central Ubud – 10-minute walk from Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Best For: Fine dining enthusiasts craving innovative cuisine, foodies seeking Asia’s top-rated restaurants, couples wanting a memorable splurge dinner
• Nearby Stay: Adiwana Resort Jembawan – luxury property with jungle views, 5-minute walk to restaurant

Look, I’m not usually picky with food, but Locavore blew me away. They take local Indonesian ingredients and turn them into art on a plate. Yes, it’s pricey at $58 for the tasting menu, but this is ranked #22 in all of Asia for a reason. Chef Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah create dishes like “Into the Sawah”, an edible rice field complete with heritage rice, duck egg, snails, and frog legs that tastes like a memory of Bali itself.

Book reservations 2-3 weeks ahead through their website, as walk-ins are impossible. The 7-course tasting menu runs $58 plus 21% tax and service, with drink pairings adding another $40. What most diners miss is requesting the table near the open kitchen for the full theater experience. The meal spans 3+ hours, so arrive hungry and prepared to be schooled in Indonesian terroir.

The restaurant opens Tuesday-Saturday for lunch (12:00-2:30) and Monday-Saturday for dinner (6:00-10:00). Each dish tells a story of local sourcing and sustainability. They even present a traditional Balinese canang sari offering made from edible flowers as your welcome. 

5. Enjoy live music and cocktails at Laughing Buddha Bar

• Location: Jl. Monkey Forest, central Ubud 
• Best For: Music lovers craving live performances, night owls seeking vibrant atmosphere, social butterflies wanting to mingle with fellow travelers
• Nearby Stay: Ubud Village Hotel – contemporary boutique property directly on Monkey Forest Road, 2-minute walk

If you’re sick of Ubud’s meditation vibes and want to actually party, Laughing Buddha is your spot. Live bands play every night from 9-11 PM, and during happy hour you get 3 cocktails for the price of 2. Can’t beat that math. This happening tapas bar and cocktail lounge serves up “Buddhalicious” Asian-Mediterranean fusion alongside inspired cocktails, with a crowd that’s always ready to dance and sing along to the infectious live music that spills onto the street.

Hit the happy hour specials…buy 2 get 1 free cocktails from 4-7 PM. The weekly lineup features blues on Mondays, blues-rock on Tuesdays, and Latin beats lighting up Friday and Saturday nights. What most visitors miss is arriving early for dinner; their famous noodle soups and authentic local dishes are surprisingly good, and you’ll secure the best seats before the music crowds arrive.

The venue stays open all day but transforms after dark when the live bands take the stage. Kitchen serves until 1 AM for serious night owls, making this the perfect spot to cap off your Ubud evening.

6. Join evening yoga classes at Radiantly Alive studio

• Location: Jl. Jembawan No. 3, Padang Tegal 
• Best For: Yoga enthusiasts seeking authentic practice, meditation seekers wanting community connection, wellness travelers craving transformative experiences
• Nearby Stay: Adiwana Resort Jembawan – luxury jungle views property, 2-minute walk on same street

Radiantly Alive stands as Ubud’s most established yoga sanctuary, where five jungle-overlooking shalas host world-class instructors leading everything from sunset gentle flow to transformative evening Kundalini sessions. This isn’t your typical tourist yoga experience, it’s where serious practitioners and international teachers gather to explore authentic yogic traditions through 46 classes weekly, ranging from aerial flow to sound healing meditation.

Indonesian residents score 40% discounts, while visitors can grab week-long unlimited passes making daily practice incredibly affordable. Evening classes typically run from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, perfect for winding down after a day of Ubud exploration when cooler temperatures and softer light create ideal conditions for deeper practice. What tourists miss is the Chandra Café downstairs. I love the plant-based fuel, it’s perfect for post-practice recovery and connecting with the global yoga community.

Expect intensive 90-minute classes that’ll leave you sweating in Bali’s tropical heat, though evening sessions are more comfortable than midday practice. Bring your own mat towel and plenty of water. The studio operates on authentic yoga time, so classes might start a few minutes late while teachers create sacred space. Evening sessions often focus on restorative practices, yin yoga, and meditation – perfect for transitioning from day into night in Ubud’s peaceful atmosphere.

7. Photograph sunset views at Tegalalang Rice Terraces

• Location: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, 20-minute drive north of central Ubud
• Best For: Photography enthusiasts and Instagrammers, early risers, nature lovers
• Nearby Stay: Chapung Sebali Resort – five-star jungle property with valley views, 10-minute drive to terraces

Yeah, everyone and their mom goes to Tegalalang for Instagram shots, but here’s the thing…it actually lives up to the hype. Show up around 5:30 PM for sunset and you’ll understand why your feed is full of these terraces. Just don’t expect to be alone. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases the ancient subak irrigation system through dramatic terraced landscapes that cascade down the valley, offering countless angles for that perfect shot.

Time your visit around 5:30 PM to claim your spot before other photographers arrive for the sunset show. The famous viewpoint locations require walking through the terraces, which takes 15-20 minutes along well-marked paths. Entry costs $2, with multiple access points along the main road. What most visitors miss is that the rice fields are greenest in March-May and September-October, right before harvest season.

Pack water and wear comfortable walking shoes for navigating the terraced paths. Those Insta-perfect shots require respectful movement through working rice paddies where farmers appreciate visitors staying on designated walkways. The terraces stay open until 6 PM, making sunset the perfect magic hour when soft golden light enhances the vibrant greens and creates dramatic shadows across the landscape. Skip midday visits when the tropical heat becomes unbearable and harsh overhead sun washes out the natural colors.

8. Experience cultural performances at ARMA Museum & Resort

• Location: Jl. Raya Pengosekan
• Best For: Culture enthusiasts seeking authentic traditional performances, art lovers wanting museum experiences, families looking for educational entertainment
• Nearby Stay: ARMA Museum & Resort – on-site accommodation with exclusive access to performances and museum

Looking to experience the best of Ubud at night? ARMA Museum and Resort transforms traditional Balinese dance into an immersive cultural education. I love the evening performances, which are way more than just entertainment…but also preservation of centuries-old artistic heritage. Founded by Agung Rai, ARMA presents authentic Kecak, Barong, and Legong dances on their open-air stage four times weekly, with performances that tell epic stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata through intricate choreography and live gamelan music.

Evening performances run Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday nights starting at 7:30 PM, creating magical experiences under the stars with traditional torchlight illuminating the dancers. Regular performance tickets cost around $8-12, while museum entry runs $5 with complimentary refreshments included. Book ahead for the private villa dinner shows if you want the ultimate experience. They arrange intimate Balinese dance performances right in your accommodation pavilion.

The evening performances take place in lush gardens surrounded by rice paddies, creating an enchanting atmosphere where traditional stories come alive under tropical night skies. The combination of flickering torches, gamelan music echoing through the gardens, and dancers in elaborate costumes creates an unforgettable cultural immersion that commercial venues can’t match. Arrive 30 minutes early to explore the museum galleries and settle into the garden seating before the magic begins.

9. Dine with jungle canopy views at The Upper Deck restaurant

• Location: Tegallalang (Sebali area), overlooking Wos River Valley – 10 minutes drive from central Ubud
• Best For: Couples seeking romance, fine dining enthusiasts, special occasion celebrants
• Nearby Stay: Chapung Sebali Resort – on-site restaurant, walking distance from your villa

The Upper Deck serves creative Indonesian-international fusion dishes using locally sourced organic vegetables, many from the resort’s own garden. The real draw here is how they’ve positioned the dining room. You’re literally eating in the jungle canopy with valley views that make you forget you’re at a restaurant.

Book for 6pm when they open to catch the transition from daylight to their signature “dreamy lighting” setup. WhatsApp them at +6281 1394 2429 rather than calling. It’s faster and they can send you photos of available table positions. What most tourists don’t realize is there’s a separate cocktail bar with pool table on the same property where you can continue the night after dinner.

Locals often skip the formal dining and head straight to the live music sessions from 7-10pm, jazz nights on piano or acoustic performances depending on the evening. The musicians are genuinely talented, not just background entertainment.

The open-air design means you’re at nature’s mercy. Sudden tropical downpours can disrupt outdoor seating, though covered areas provide backup. 

10. Relax with exotic brews at Lumbung Sari

• Location: Jl. Monkey Forest Road, central Ubud – walking distance from main attractions
• Best For: Coffee enthusiasts seeking unique local brews, budget travelers wanting affordable drinks, digital nomads needing reliable WiFi spots
• Nearby Stay: Lumbung Sari Hotel – traditional Balinese accommodation with poolside setting, on-site cafe access

Look, I’ve had a lot of coffee in Southeast Asia, but Lumbung Sari does something different. They serve authentic Balinese coffee alongside exotic local brews you won’t find at your typical tourist cafes. We’re talking luwak coffee (yes, the civet cat kind), traditional jamu herbal drinks, and locally sourced single-origin beans that’ll wake you up without breaking the bank.

The setup is perfect for digital nomads or anyone needing to chill for a few hours. Reliable WiFi, comfortable seating, and drinks starting at just $2. Their signature kopi luwak costs around $8 – expensive for Ubud but cheap compared to what you’d pay for the real deal elsewhere. Trust me, most places serve fake luwak coffee to tourists.

Here’s what locals know: come in the late afternoon around 4 PM when they start their evening brewing sessions. The baristas actually know their stuff and can walk you through the different Indonesian coffee regions. Plus, the poolside setting means you can sip your exotic brew while watching the sunset over traditional Balinese architecture.

The cafe operates all day, but evenings are when the magic happens. They often have acoustic music sessions after 7 PM, turning your coffee stop into an impromptu concert. Just bring cash – like most local spots in Ubud, they don’t do cards.

11. Play pool and games at Wild West-themed Melting Pot Saloon

• Location: Jalan Pengosekan (Hanoman Road) – central Ubud, 5-minute walk from main area
• Best For: Sports fans, pool players, groups wanting competitive fun
• Nearby Stay: Lumbung Sari Hotel – traditional Balinese hotel with poolside café, 3-minute walk

Sometimes you just need a break from all the yoga and meditation, right? The Melting Pot is basically Texas dropped into Bali – 11 pool tables, axe throwing, and cold beer. It’s open until 2 AM, which is rare in sleepy Ubud.

Pool tables cost about $4 per hour, and they’re open daily from 10:30am to 2am. I recommend arriving after 8pm when the dinner crowd thins out and you’ll get better table availability. They show live AFL, NRL, Premier League, F1, and UFC on multiple screens, so check their Facebook for which games are scheduled.

Transactions are cash-only, which catches tons of visitors off-guard when they’re ready to settle up after hours of games. Expect to spend around $5-7 per person for games and drinks. The Texas-inspired menu is decent bar food, but you’re really here for the games and the only authentic saloon atmosphere in Bali that’ll make you forget you’re in a yoga town.

12. Dance to nightly live reggae at L.O.L Bar & Restaurant

• Location: Jalan Monkey Forest – heart of Ubud’s main strip
• Best For: Live music lovers, budget-conscious travelers, reggae fans
• Nearby Stay: Puri Garden Hotel – cozy guesthouse with pool, 2-minute walk

Here’s what I love about L.O.L – they have live music EVERY night, not just weekends like most places. Plus, 2-for-1 mojitos during the show. At $2 beers, this is probably the cheapest place to party in all of Ubud. This multi-level venue breaks Ubud’s wellness stereotype with danceable reggae covers and a young backpacker crowd.

Book a table early if you want to catch the popular Aboe Band on Monday and Wednesday nights. They’re local legends known for classic rock covers. I recommend arriving after 9pm when the real energy kicks in and people start dancing.

Locals often skip the touristy main dining area and head straight to the back section with the pool table, where the vibe is more relaxed and you can actually have conversations between sets. 

Beers cost around $2, while meals run about $15-17 per person. The food is standard bar fare, but the nightly live music and unbeatable mojito deal make it Ubud’s go-to spot for travelers wanting to party without the Seminyak prices.