So, you’ve found yourself in Ubud—Bali’s spiritual and cultural hub, where jungle-covered hills meet artsy cafés and slow-living retreats. Beyond its yoga studios and boutique shops, Ubud is also home to a growing permaculture movement that’s redefining sustainable travel.
If you’re keen to dive into something more meaningful than your average holiday, learning permaculture in Ubud offers a hands-on approach to reconnecting with nature, understanding local agriculture, and embracing sustainability in your everyday life. Whether it’s getting your hands dirty in a regenerative farm, exploring an Organic Farmers Market, or joining a Bali cooking class, these experiences are far from your typical tourist trail.
What Exactly is Permaculture?
If you’re new to the concept, permaculture is all about working with nature rather than against it. It’s a design philosophy that integrates sustainable farming, ecological conservation, and ethical food production—creating systems that regenerate the land rather than deplete it.
In Ubud, permaculture isn’t just an idea—it’s an immersive experience. Local initiatives have turned farms into learning hubs, inviting travellers like you to experience organic gardening, natural building techniques, and even eco-conscious cooking. It’s a great way to understand how agriculture and culture intertwine while gaining practical skills that can be applied anywhere in the world.
Experiences That Bring Permaculture to Life
If you’re ready to step beyond sightseeing and actually experience Bali’s commitment to sustainability, here are some incredible ways to get hands-on with permaculture in Ubud:
Join a Permaculture Workshop
Scattered across Ubud’s lush landscapes are farms dedicated to organic and regenerative agriculture. Many offer day-long workshops or multi-day courses, where you can learn about soil health, companion planting, natural fertilizers, and even sustainable building techniques.
You’ll be getting your hands dirty, learning from passionate farmers, and gaining a new appreciation for how food should be grown—without the chemicals or industrial farming practices that have taken over modern agriculture.
Explore an Organic Farmers Market
Bali’s Organic Farmers Market scene is thriving, especially in Ubud. This isn’t just a place to grab fresh produce—it’s a gathering space for sustainable farmers, eco-conscious chefs, and local artisans.
Wander through stalls bursting with exotic fruit, organic veggies, homemade kombucha, and artisanal products. Chat with the farmers, sample fresh coconut juice, and stock up on chemical-free goodies. Supporting these markets isn’t just great for your health—it’s helping sustain Bali’s small-scale growers and regenerative farming communities.
Take a Bali Cooking Class with Organic Ingredients
Food lovers, this one’s for you. A Bali cooking class isn’t just about mastering Indonesian flavours—it’s about understanding where your food comes from.
Many cooking workshops in Ubud source their ingredients from local organic farms. You’ll pick fresh produce, learn traditional recipes, and cook meals using sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. By the end of it, you won’t just know how to make a killer nasi goreng—you’ll also leave with insights into how traditional Balinese agriculture aligns with permaculture principles.
Visit the Tegallalang Rice Paddies Through an Eco-Tour
You’ve probably seen the Tegallalang Rice Paddies in every Bali travel guide—but instead of just snapping a quick photo, why not experience them through a local-led eco-tour?
Learn about the Subak irrigation system, an ancient Balinese technique that ensures water is shared fairly between farmers. You can even try planting rice yourself (if you don’t mind getting knee-deep in mud). It’s a fascinating way to understand how sustainability and agriculture have always been interconnected in Bali—long before permaculture became a global movement.
Stay in a Permaculture Eco-Retreat
If you’re looking to take your sustainable travel experience even further, Ubud has some incredible permaculture-inspired stays. These eco-lodges and sustainable retreats integrate organic farming, waste-free living, and renewable energy into every aspect of their design.
Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds and rustling bamboo, enjoying farm-fresh breakfasts, and spending afternoons learning about natural building techniques or forest gardening. It’s the kind of travel experience that leaves you feeling inspired—not just well-rested.
Permaculture and Slow Living: More Than Just a Holiday
What’s amazing about permaculture in Ubud is that it’s not just about agriculture—it’s a lifestyle.
Bali’s Slow Living movement embraces mindful travel, ethical food choices, and sustainable practices, encouraging visitors to slow down, connect with nature, and rethink how they interact with the world.
Whether it’s choosing locally sourced meals, opting for plastic-free markets, or even learning traditional skills like weaving or herbal medicine, every little choice contributes to a more sustainable Bali. And the best part? You carry these lessons home with you, making small but meaningful changes in your own daily life.
Why Learning Permaculture in Ubud is Worth It
Travelling isn’t just about ticking places off a list—it’s about experiencing a destination beyond the surface.
By engaging with permaculture experiences in Ubud, you’re not just having an incredible adventure—you’re actively supporting local communities, sustainable farming, and environmental preservation.
So next time you visit Bali, instead of just admiring the lush landscapes, take the time to immerse yourself in them. Grow something, cook something, connect with the land, and discover how Bali’s agricultural heritage and sustainability efforts are shaping the island’s future.
