As the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, Ubud is home to incredible temples and sacred sites, as well as world-class yoga schools and wellness centres.
Far from the busy beach towns in the south, this nature-rich area has lush rice terraces, beautiful walking trails, and refreshing waterfalls. And there are some truly unique experiences close by, such as hiking an active volcano at sunrise and participating in a sacred water purification ceremony!
I’ve spend a couple of months each year in Bali and nowadays I always choose Ubud as my base. While it does get a bit busy nowadays, it still feels much more authentic and culturally rich than areas like Kuta, Legian and Seminyak.
If you visit Bali and don’t explore Ubud then you’re missing out on what makes Bali so special. So I’ve put together a complete Ubud Itinerary that breaks down how to spend 3 to 5 days in Ubud based on my personal experience.
Tips for Planning Your Ubud Itinerary
Before diving into the ultimate Ubud itinerary, let’s cover the logistics. Knowing things like how many days to spend, the best time to visit, how to get there and around and where to stay will set you up for a smooth, stress-free trip.
How Many Days to Spend in Ubud
While many people visit Ubud on a day trip from the beaches, Ubud is so much more than just a day-trip destination. There is so much to see and do both in and around the town that it’s best to spend at least 3 days there just to experience the highlights of Ubud.
Many people visit Ubud as part of an extended Bali or Indonesia trip. For example, on my first trip, I spent the first 3 days in Canggu, 3 days in Ubud, and then explored the Nusa Islands and the Gili Islands. (See my 2 weeks in Bali itinerary for the perfect combination of surf, yoga, spirituality and island hopping)
However, on my first trip, I missed out on some of the best things to do in Ubud and didn’t have time to explore anywhere in East Bali or North Bali which is full of incredible and less visited spots. So, if you have time I highly recommend spending 4 or 5 days in Ubud if you don’t want to miss out anything.
Best Time to Visit Ubud
Generally, the best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. I’ve personally found April and May to be the sweet spot, because:
- Most hotels and tours still have low-season prices.
- The crowds haven’t yet arrived, so the roads and attractions are manageable.
- The island is just coming out of the rainy season, so the landscapes are at their greenest.
- Most days are sunny and warm, with low humidity.
September to October is another good time to visit, as crowds are fewer and prices drop yet the rain hasn’t fully arrived yet.
If you’re going to Ubud for a spa or yoga retreat, you can also consider the wet season (November to March). You can get some excellent deals at this time of year, and Ubud is at its quietest.
However, heavy rain showers might keep you from exploring the rice paddies and some other outdoor attractions, but if you’re flexible you can still have a good experience during the wet season. Just be aware that crowds and hotels prices rise around the Christmas and New Year holiday period even though it’s the wet season.
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a visa on arrival for citizens of most countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe. The visa costs 500,000 IDR ( approx. $30) and allows you to stay for 30 days, extendable for another 30 days.
You’ll also need to fill out an online customs declaration before arrival. You can do this online on the All Indonesia website and it only takes a few minutes. As always, check the latest requirements on the official Indonesian immigration website before you travel, as rules can change.
How to Get to Ubud
Bali only has one airport, so to get to Ubud, you will need to fly to Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar Airport). Bali Airport has excellent connections with the rest of Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and East Asia, and you can find direct flights from all the key hubs in these regions.
If you’re travelling from Europe or North America, you will have to fly into the Middle East or a major Asian hub like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur before taking a short onward flight to Bali. Check Skyscanner to find the best deals.
When you arrive at Denpasar International Airport, there are a few ways you can get to Ubud.
- The easiest option is to book an airport pickup service in advance through a reputable platform like GetYourGuide.
- Many hotels also offer a free shuttle service from the airport, so definitely enquire with your hotel about this.
- Metered taxis are also available at the kiosk in the arrivals hall. Avoid the persistent taxi drivers who approach you, as they often charge inflated prices.
- Grab is like the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber and is the only ride-hailing service you can get directly from the airport. If using Grab, go directly to the green Grab lounge, where staff members are available to assist you.
Ubud is about 37 km (23 miles) from Bali airport, but because traffic can be heavy, the journey typically takes about 1.5 hours.
Getting Around Ubud
Ubud centre is pretty walkable; however, there are few sidewalks, and the roads can be busy, making walking a bit stressful.
Generally, for very short distances, walking is ok, but for distances longer than 15 minutes, it’s better to get a motorbike taxi from the Grab or Gojek apps, which are very low-cost. Then, if visiting attractions outside of Ubud, you can use car taxis with these apps.
Many tourists choose to rent a scooter to get around Ubud which offers maximum flexibility and freedom. However, I don’t recommend renting a scooter unless you have prior experience riding one in Asia, as Bali’s narrow roads can be very crowded and dangerous.
You can visit all of Bali’s sights and attractions on your own via scooter or taxi. However, I recommend hiring a private driver, especially if you’re travelling in a group or with kids.
Private drivers in Bali aren’t just drivers; they are also tour guides and even personal photographers. You get tons of local insight, you maintain flexibility with your schedule, and it reduces the stress of Bali traffic jams, since you’re not behind the wheel.
You can hire a private driver in Ubud on Viator or Get Your Guide. Most drivers speak English and can help you create a custom Ubud itinerary.
These are the top rated options:
- Expert Bali Driver: Best Private Driver for Tour in Bali
- Private Car Charter With English Speaking Driver
- Full-Day in Bali: Private Design-Your-Own Tour
- Private Car & Minibus Hire with Local Host
Guided Tours and Experiences
Another way to explore Ubud is by joining a group or private tour which will allow you to see highlights like the Monkey Forest, temples, rice terraces and waterfalls all in one day.
Private tours are ideal for couples or families looking for flexibility and a personalised experience where you can fully relax, knowing all the logistics are taken care of. Group tours are a fab option if you’re travelling solo or it’s your first time in Bali, as you’ll meet other travellers.
You will find plenty of half and full-day trips in and around Ubud on Viator and Get Your Guide. The most popular guided tours include:
- Monkey Forest, Jungle Swing, Rice Terrace and Water Temple Tour
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Monkey Forest and Tibumana Waterfall Tour
- Tirta Empul Temple Tour with Spiritual Cleansing
There’s also plenty of activities to try including tubing, trekking, cooking classes, ATV rides and adventures on the rice terraces. The most popular activities in Ubud include:
- Swing, Zipline & SkyBike Rice Terrace Adventure
- Guided ATV Quad Bike Jungle Adventure
- Cooking Class with Market Visit
- Cave Tubing Adventure
- White Water Rafting Experience
- Mount Batur Sunrise Guided Trekking From Ubud
Where to Stay in Ubud
Ubud has some incredibly beautiful, picturesque, and unique accommodations. You’ll find everything from luxury villas with infinity pools in the jungle to cute treehouses overlooking the rice terraces and boutique hotels that offer a peaceful oasis in central Ubud.
There are plenty of options for budget travellers too. Ubud has some hostels, an ever-increasing number of co-living spaces aimed at digital nomads, and plenty of guesthouses and homestays that are simple, cosy, and a wonderful cultural experience.
Then, for travellers coming to experience Ubud’s yoga, wellness and spiritual offerings, some of the yoga schools offer on-site accommodation, such as The Yoga Barn, and there are also plenty of wellness and spa hotels and amazing yoga retreats.
However, one thing you should consider when choosing where to stay in Ubud is the area. You might be tempted to stay in central Ubud to be within walking distance of everything, but this area gets incredibly busy. The streets are narrow and built close to the buildings, resulting in some noise and traffic pollution.
For a more peaceful experience, it’s better to stay a bit further out of town, ideally down a small street rather than on the main road. But of course, you don’t want to stay so far from the city centre that it’s challenging to get into town each day.
A good balance between the peacefulness of Ubud’s countryside and the accessibility of the town centre is the area around Kajeng Rice Field and Sari Organik Rice Field. Here it is quiet and picturesque, yet still within walking distance to town. Penestanan and Nyuh Kuning are also lovely options for the same reason. See my in-depth, detailed guide on where to stay in Ubud for more information about all the different areas and villages that make up Ubud.
The Best Hotels In Ubud
- Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan – This dreamy 5-star resort is one of the most magical places in Bali. Located about a 10-minute drive from central Ubud, it’s set amid lush jungles and valleys, offering a luxurious nature-immersion experience.
- Pool villa: Ubud Padi Villas – Stay in a luxury villa with a private infinity pool directly on the rice terraces. These lavish villas are located in one of the least developed parts of Ubud and come with a 24-hour private butler!
- Mid-range: Ubud Aura Retreat – This little resort is both beautiful and incredibly affordable. It has traditional Balinese decor, a swimming pool, and even a spa, offering luxury without the hefty price tag.
- Budget: Gedong Bali Family Homestay – This lovely homestay offers a unique, cultural experience for a budget price. Located very close to town, you get a private, air-conditioned room in a family compound with a temple onsite!
- For couples: Kayon Jungle Resort – This is the ultimate couple’s retreat and honeymoon destination. Surrounded by dense jungle and rice paddies, it blends privacy with luxury, featuring a three-story infinity pool, private pool-villa accommodation, and free bicycle use for easy access into town.
- For digital nomads: Outpost Penestan Coliving and Coworking – If you’re in Ubud on a workcation, this is the place for you. You’ll get a beautiful, modern suite with unlimited access to the pool, coworking spaces, and communal kitchen, yoga deck, and more.
- For backpackers: Ubud Tropical – A hostel that looks nothing like a hostel; this ultra-modern accommodation features beautiful Balinese architecture, gorgeous pools and gardens, and cool tent-style dorms.
For a deeper look at where to stay in Ubud, check out my in-depth Ubud accommodation guide.
How to Spend 3 – 5 Days in Ubud: My Perfect Ubud Itinerary
Now you’re ready to start planning your day-by-day Ubud itinerary. Here’s how I recommend you spend your time in Ubud to get a good balance of the island’s highlights and hidden gems.
- Day 1: Explore the sights of Ubud Town, including Ubud Palace, Ubud Market, and the Sacred Monkey Forest.
- Day 2: Visit the temples, rice terraces & waterfalls around Ubud, including Elephant Cave, Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and Pura Tirta Empul.
- Day 3: Take a sunrise trek up Mount Batur, then enjoy a Balinese cooking class.
- Day 4: North Bali day tour visiting Ulun Danu Beratan, Handara Gate, Banyumala Waterfall, and Wanagiri viewpoints.
- Day 5: East Bali day tour of the Lempuyang Temple (The Gates of Heaven), Tirta Gangga Water Palace, and Besakih Temple.
Short on time? If you only have 3 days in Bali, choose just one day tour. Do the East Bali tour if you want those iconic Instagram shots, North Bali for something more off-the-beaten-track, or Mount Batur if you’re feeling like a challenge.
Day 1: Explore Ubud Town
It makes sense to kick off your Ubud itinerary with a day exploring the many sights around Ubud town. As everything is within a short walking distance, you can get around today almost entirely on foot.
Morning: Saraswati Water Palace, Café Lotus, and Ubud Art Market
Start your exploration of Ubud by visiting the Saraswati Water Palace (also known as Saraswati Temple) for a glimpse of traditional Balinese culture in a beautiful and tranquil setting.
The Hindu temple is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, who is the deity of knowledge, music, and art. It features a traditional Balinese design, with split gates, elaborate stone carvings, and an expansive lotus pond. It gets busy here by mid-morning, so arrive at around 8 am for a more peaceful experience.
Next door is Café Lotus, where you can tuck into a delicious breakfast with the priceless view of the stunning lotus pond. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places to eat in Ubud.
Afterwards, wander down to Ubud Art Market to admire the incredible range of authentic, artisanal goods made by talented locals.
Navigating the narrow paths lined by overflowing stalls feels a bit like you’re in a maze, but it’s super interesting as you never know what you’ll find around the next corner. It’s impossible to leave without buying something, whether it’s a cute woven bag, a carved wooden sculpture, or a piece of locally made artwork.
Afternoon: Ubud Monkey Forest and yoga or sound healing at The Yoga Barn
For lunch, head to ‘This Is Bali’ for some authentic local dishes and rice bowls. The design of this award-winning Indonesian restaurant is just as impressive as the food. The bright, all-white aesthetics are incredible, and there are even elevated tables. The menu features a range of tasty rice bowls, including jackfruit curry, honey chicken, and chicken katsu, as well as build-your-own-bowl options.
In the afternoon, visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which is probably Ubud’s most famous attraction (and one of my most memorable experiences in Bali).
The sanctuary, set in a nature reserve and temple ruins, is home to over a thousand macaques. Along with monkey watching, you can see traditional dance performances or meditate in one of the many sacred sites.
Finish the afternoon with a yoga class or a sound-healing session at one of Ubud’s most famous yoga studios – The Yoga Barn. This iconic school offers drop-in classes open to the public all day long. The schedule differs each day, but you can find a wide range of styles from vinyasa flow to aerial yoga to qi gong so you’re sure to find a class to suit.
Evening: Dinner at Alchemy and Balinese dance performance
For dinner, head to my favourite vegan restaurant in Ubud, Alchemy, which is a short scooter or Grab ride from The Yoga Barn.
It has some of the freshest and most flavourful plant-based dishes, such as turmeric laksa, kimchee bowls, and gluten-free pizzas. The desserts are also divine, from familiar favourites like banoffee pie and carrot cake to mouthwatering chocolate truffles (which I seriously recommend) and real fruit sorbets.
End your first day in Ubud with a celebration of local culture. Every evening, several locations across Ubud host a traditional Balinese dance performances. The dances blend artistry, mythology, and choreography to create a captivating, immersive experience. It’s the perfect way to end your first day in Ubud. You can get your tickets here and, if you fancy learning how to dance yourself, you can even try a dance class.
Day 2: Temples, Rice Terraces & Waterfalls
For day 2 in Bali I recommend spending the day exploring the beautiful places around Ubud. As today’s itinerary involves scooter/taxi trips between attractions, get an early start to fit everything in without rushing. The easiest way to get around is to hire a private driver who will allow you to customise your own itinerary if you don’t want the hassle of ordering and waiting for multiple taxis. They are very affordable.
Morning: Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Tegenungan Waterfall, & Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Start your morning with a quick visit to Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave temple), about a 15-minute drive from Ubud centre. It’s more of a mini archaeological site than a temple, and it’s one of Bali’s most quirky cultural spots. The temple grounds are small, and the highlight is the Elephant Cave, which has really cool carvings of creatures all over its exterior.
Next, drive south to Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the most popular waterfalls in Bali. It gets very busy here, so visit early for the best photos. You’ll have to descend a long staircase to reach it, and there is a small entrance fee, but it’s well worth it as you get to swim and cool off at the base of the waterfall.
From here, head to Tegalalang Rice Terraces, a 45-minute drive away. The lush green rice terraces are truly incredible and are famed for the ancient subak irrigation system, which is recognised by UNESCO and has been used to maintain agriculture here for over 1000 years. You can wander around the rice fields, take photos on the swings, and grab a coffee from one of the cafes perched on the top while you soak up the stunning views.
Afternoon: Pura Tirta Empul (Melukat purification ritual) & Sunset Campuhan Ridge Walk
There are plenty of restaurants around the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, but if you’re after something special then I recommend having lunch at Cretya Pool Club. Set amidst the lush greenery of the jungle and rice paddies, you can eat with a view and then take a dip in the infinity pool or hot tub. The vast menu has everything from pizza and pasta to burgers and chargrilled meat.
In the afternoon, head to Pura Tirta Empul temple, where you can experience one of Bali’s most sacred Hindu rituals: a purification ceremony (Melukat). The temple contains holy spring water, and the ritual, which involves immersing your head under sacred water spouts, is believed to cleanse the body, mind, and soul of negative energy.
I really recommend doing it with a local guide as there’s a specific order to follow, certain spouts to skip and prayers and offerings that go alongside the ritual, and having someone explain it all makes the experience much more meaningful. You can book a guided melukat ceremony. I found the whole experience incredibly fascinating and profound, and the temple has a very magical and peaceful ambience.
Finish up the afternoon back in Ubud for a sunset Campuhan Ridge walk. This is one of my favourite places in Ubud as it’s both scenic and peaceful, ideal for unwinding after the tourist crowds of some of the other popular sites. The paved trail is just 4 kilometres (2.4 miles) out-and-back and not strenuous at all and you’ll get lovely views along the way.
Evening: Karsa Spa and dinner at Sayan House
Treat your tired legs to a Balinese massage at Karsa Spa, a serene Ubud traditional spa in the rice fields at the end of the Camphun Ridge walk. I highly recommend adding on the flower bath afterwards. It’s not just Instagrammable, it will leave you feeling totally rejuvenated.
For dinner, I recommend Sayan House, a South American and Japanese fusion restaurant. The dishes are so well presented, the ingredients are creative, and everything is full of flavour. They also serve delicious cocktails, craft beer, and sake.
Day 3: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek & Cooking Class
Today requires a very early start, but I promise it’s worth it. After hiking in the dark, you’ll be greeted with the most incredible sunrise in Bali, and can then spend the rest of the day relaxing and eating!
Morning: Sunrise trek to Mount Batur Summit
Wake up around 4 am for your pickup to the Mount Batur trailhead. As you need a guide to take you up the mountain in the dark, book onto a Mount Batur sunrise trek group tour like this one. It takes about 2 hours to hike up to the summit. From here, you can watch the sunrise over the crater lake with a light breakfast and a hot drink, before descending with your guide.
If you don’t fancy the long trek, there is a way to reach other sunrise viewpoints without hiking. The Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour takes you via 4WD to the best viewpoints around Mount Batur, with equally impressive views of the volcano and lake.
Afternoon & Evening: Lunch in Ubud & Balinese cooking class
When you get back to Ubud take some time to relax at your hotel or enjoy a well-earned lunch at Tablespoon Ubud, where you can get both healthy and hearty bowls, along with a mix of Western, Asian, and Indonesian food.
Then, do a relaxing activity like this Balinese Cooking Class at an organic farm, which starts at 4 pm. You start by picking your ingredients by hand from the onsite farm, then receive guided instruction on 6 local dishes, such as Opor Ayam (Balinese chicken curry) sate lilit (traditional kebab made with meat, coconut and spices paste) and Pisang Goreng (banana fritters). There’s also a vegetarian menu for non-meat eaters.
Of course, the best part of cooking classes is eating your creations. After all the hard work, you’ll get to sit down and tuck into your dinner with your classmates. The perfect way to fuel up after your adventures today.
Day 4: North Bali Day Tour
If you have time to spend 4 days in Ubud then you can use Ubud as your base to explore further afield, get off the beaten track and spend some time discovering the north of the island.
The best way to do this is by booking on to a full-day guided tour of North Bali to visit 4 iconic spots. You’ll get picked up from your Ubud accommodation around 8 am, before heading to Lake Beratan, where you’ll find the picturesque Ulun Danau Beratan temple. Nearby here is the Handara Gates, where you can stop to get an epic photo amongst the mountain backdrop. It’s like the more famous Gates of Heaven but much less crowded.
You’ll then travel to Banyumala Waterfall, hidden in the middle of the jungle. There is a steep trek down and back up, so bring sturdy shoes as it can be slippery when wet. The base of the waterfall is huge, swimmable, and very refreshing.
After lunch, explore the viewpoint at Wanagiri Hidden Hills, overlooking Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. There are some awesome scenic swings, nests, and other photo spots here which make for some breath taking views and great photos before you drive back and get dropped off in Ubud.
End the day with a lavish meal at one of Ubud’s fine dining restaurants, like Locavore NXT. Rather than a standard à la carte menu, Locavore NXT offers a tasting menu, creating an extended dining experience. Every dish is beautifully presented and creative, and they use only local ingredients. You can also pair each dish with an organic wine for an extra special meal.
Day 5: East Bali Day Tour
If your Ubud itinerary can stretch to 5 days, use the final day to explore the east of the island, home to some of Bali’s most photogenic spots.
I recommend booking a guided trip like this Besakih Temple and Lempuyang Temple Gates of Heaven Tour. It’s a long day (around 10 hours), and you start early (around 7 am).
The first stop is the famous Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple. If you want to get the iconic mirror shot, you’ll need to join the queue as you can’t take the photo yourself. However, be aware that queuing to get this photo can take quite some time in peak season.
The tour then takes you to Tirta Gangga, a former royal water palace, and to the Mother Temple of Besakih, Bali’s largest and most sacred Hindu temple complex.
Finally, you’ll get dropped off at your accommodation in Ubud around 5 pm. Grab dinner at your hotel or at a casual Indonesian dinner at a warung and take an early night after your Bali adventures.
Ready to Plan Your Own Itinerary for Ubud?
These recommendations are based on my experience visiting Ubud and Bali over the years, but don’t feel like you need to follow them strictly.
If there are certain things you’re keen to do that I didn’t include, such as white water rafting, feel free to switch up some of the activities.
Likewise, if you prefer a slower pace, skip some sights and enjoy more time chilling by the hotel pool or do a couple more yoga classes.
There really is no right or wrong way to do a trip to Ubud, in fact it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak up the unique culture and spirituality of ‘The Island of the Gods’
If you’re looking for more ideas for your Bali trip, check out my other travel guides and articles:
