Ubud Rainy Season: What To Do In Ubud When It Rains
The rainy season is real and truly something you want to experience once while travelling Southeast Asia.
If you happen to be on the beautiful island of Bali, discovering hidden gems, Instagramming around up-and-coming places like Canggu or travelling with your other half, most days in the rainy season are still fine to go out exploring.
When is the rainy season in Ubud/Bali?
Bali's tropical monsoon season kicks in around October and lasts until April. During that time, the days will still be sunny, usually with an afternoon downpour which usually lasts an hour or two.
So what if you happen to be in the spiritual yoga capital of Bali, Ubud and all you see is raindrops outside? I just spent the month of November in Bali and wanted to share all the many cool things you can do in Ubud, which might even be better when it's raining because rain can be quite soothing right? I ended up joining a yoga retreat while I was there, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision.
Things To Do In Ubud When Raining
1. Go Cafe Hopping In Ubud
There sure are plenty of really good cafés in Ubud! Not to mention the coffee quality and food variety. Get a good book or podcast, take some time to journal or work away on your laptop. With the sound of rain in the background, I actually work especially well on editing photos and writing blog posts.
My absolute favourite cafe is definitely Clear Cafe. As you enter the two-story cafe you feel like you must've stumbled into a bigger version of Hobbiton. Spread out at one of the tables or on the floor in the cozy seating cushions. They even have a spa upstairs!
The food is healthy, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and looks even better than it sounds on the menu. Try the raw sprouted Granola, Falafel Pita and Hint of India. Sooo delicious, you will be coming back here!
Other cafes you'd want to check out:
- Watercress Café
- Atman Kafe
- Cafe Wayan & Bakery
- Kafe
- Seniman Coffee Studio
2. Spend A Day Relaxing At The Spa
What better way to spend a rainy day than getting pampered at the spa? I totally had to take advantage of this and so I booked an afternoon at Tjampuhan Hotel & Spa through Ithaka Travel. The hotel itself is actually a little outside the main street of Ubud located at the bottom of the valley overlooking the river and close to the starting point of the popular Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Speaking about water, in addition to the variety of Balinese beauty and massage treatments offered, you can also use the extensive hot and cold spring water jacuzzis that are carved into the stone surrounded by a lot of greenery. A peaceful place!
I opted to enjoy the half day spa package which included a one-hour body massage, body scrub, yogurt rub and finally a flower bath with a cup of hot tea. I think next time I would just for a two-hour massage as I enjoyed that the most.
The flower bath was definitely nice, even though the facilities of the spa including the bathtub are a little dated, the view out to the green and listening to the rain and river flow right next door made up for it.
Other spas I recommend trying in Ubud:
- Spa at Maya Ubud
- Fresh! Spa in the heart of Ubud
- The stunning spa at COMO Shambhala Estate
3. Sign Up For An Arts & Craft Workshop or Cooking Class
Since you are in Bali's arts and crafts capital, why not try your hands on DIY-ing?
From silver jewellery workshops to wooden mask carving classes, Batik painting, ceramic-making or taking a Balinese cooking class, there are really some great classes worth taking.
Working on a passion project along with the rain is something you won't want to miss. And you will get to take your final results home with you, what better souvenir from Bali could you get!
4. Practice Yoga
Lastly, I have recently become a true yoga fan, especially acro yoga, whereas before I always chuckled when I encountered self-proclaimed yogis. And here I am, practicing yoga myself. I think good things might take time and everyone's gotta find the style of yoga that suits them most.
Some yoga studios I like in Ubud:
- Alchemy Yoga
- The Yoga Barn
- Radiantly Alive
- Ubud Yoga House
Rainy season in Bali is also an amazing time to go an a yoga retreat or become a certified yoga teacher!
5. Go Shopping & Visit Ubud Art Market
Whenever I come to Bali, I love to do a bit of boutique shopping. In Ubud, you can also find the Ubud Art Market, which has been refurbished recently and is now housed in a big two-story building that is open but you still have a roof over your head if it's raining. Make sure you bargain!
Ubud also has great individual boutiques which you can find along the main streets:
- Jalan Raya Ubud
- Jalan Hanoman
- Jalan Monkey Forest
All three streets are lined with boutiques, galleries, and shops offering everything from traditional Balinese crafts and textiles to art, fashion and souvenirs.
6. Go Chasing Waterfalls
The surroundings of Ubud have some of Bali's best waterfalls to discover. During Bali's rainy season, the island's numerous waterfalls are at their most majestic and powerful and cascading in full force, creating breathtaking sights and soothing sounds.
Waterfalls like Tegenungan, Tukad Cepung, Leke Leke, and Sekumpul which is a little further. The increased water flow really amplifies their beauty and even when the jungle treks might get a bit more muddy, it's even more rewarding to see the untamed beauty of Bali during the rainy season.
7. Chill at A Private Villa
When coming to Bali in the rainy season, I highly recommend you book yourself into one of the many stunning private villas with a private pool, which you can snatch up for a much cheaper rate!
Listen to the rain softly patter against the roof and unwind in your cozy sanctuary. Many villas are designed with large windows and open spaces that allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty of Ubud and the soothing sounds of the rain without stepping outside. Many villas also have either a hot tub or soak tub overlooking the rice fields or jungle, a perfect excuse on a rainy day and definitely romantic!
Book Your Trip To Bali
Book Your Flight
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Book Your Hotels & Villas
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Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
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