Summary
Ubud is the cultural capital and heart of Bali, making it an essential stop on your itinerary. Moreover, it serves as a perfect base for exploring the island!
This 3-day Ubud itinerary will navigate you through some of the top highlights of the area, commencing in the town center and branching out to nearby villages featuring natural wonders such as waterfalls, temples, and rice terraces.
You can click the links for additional information on each of these activities as you continue your journey!
Table of Contents show
About This Ubud Itinerary
To provide some background on this Ubud itinerary, my wife is Balinese, and we always spend time in Bali between our other travels. It is her home and my second home, thus we’ve dedicated countless days to exploring the island.
While three days is insufficient to see all that Ubud offers (as there is an abundance to explore!), it is a commendable start. Consequently, I’ve included an optional fourth day at the end of this itinerary for those eager to discover even more!
For many of the attractions highlighted in this Ubud itinerary, transportation is essential. It’s quite straightforward to rent a scooter in Bali, or you can hire a private car with driver for up to 10 hours of sightseeing.
Upon arriving in Bali, it’s advisable to take an airport transfer via private taxi to Ubud. You can arrange this in advance on GetYourGuide.
Once you check into your hotel in Ubud, take some time to rest and prepare for the tropical adventure ahead!
Where To Stay
• Day 1: Ubud Center
○ Monkey Forest Sanctuary
First things first: the monkeys! Visit the renowned Ubud monkey forest for an amusing experience of getting your photo taken with the Balinese macaques. There are hundreds living in the jungle here, and they’re predominantly friendly to visitors. This is the ideal kickoff for your Ubud journey.
○ Ubud Market
Just a short walk from the monkey forest, you’ll discover the Ubud art market. It is brimming with fascinating handmade souvenirs such as wooden carvings, paintings, coconut bowls, rattan hats, and more. Don’t hesitate to negotiate for lower prices, as some vendors here may initially quote higher.
○ Ubud Palace
On the street corner stands this splendid palace, dating back to the 1800s, showcasing stunning Balinese stone carvings and courtyards. Although it’s a brief stop (15 minutes), it’s incredibly rewarding!
○ Saraswati Temple
Just a 3-minute stroll across from the Ubud palace is Saraswati Temple, featuring ornate doors and walls that serve as excellent photo op spots.
• Day 2: Ubud Terraces & Temples
○ Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Bali’s most renowned rice terraces are situated at Tegalalang, just a 15-minute drive north of Ubud. There are pathways to walk through the entire valley and witness the terraces up close.
○ Gunung Kawi Sebatu Water Temple
For an unknown reason, this temple is less recognized in Bali despite being one of the most picturesque (in my opinion) and easily accessible from Ubud. It features a lovely koi pond, garden, and courtyards to explore, located just a 5-minute drive north from Tegalalang.
○ Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul is the most famous temple in the Tegalalang region and one of the most significant in Bali. Tourists and locals frequent this site to bathe in the Hindu spring. Even if that isn’t your inclination, you may still enjoy the distinctive architecture and the nearby large art market.
○ Gunung Kawi Temple
This hidden temple and archaeological site is over 1,000 years old, featuring ancient funeral shrines carved into the cliffs. It represents a fascinating piece of Bali’s rich history.
○ Goa Gajah Temple
You may feel templed out by this point. On the other hand, if you’re still eager, head over to Goa Gajah, an eye-catching cave temple from the 9th century. It boasts one of the most unusual doorways you’ll encounter in Bali.
• Day 3: Bangli Waterfalls
○ Goa Giri Campuhan Waterfall
The Bangli region is home to numerous impressive waterfalls, all within a short distance from Ubud. Start your adventure at Goa Giri Campuhan waterfall, located to the north. This hidden gem requires you to traverse through a couple of intriguing caves to access it.
○ Kuning Waterfall
This waterfall is distinctive and features a swimming hole at the base of a large ravine in the jungle. Although it may be a steep hike down, you can cool off in the natural pools waiting at the bottom.
○ Tibumana Waterfall
Tibumana used to be a hidden treasure, yet it has gained significant popularity over the last couple of years, attracting many Instagrammers. Nonetheless, it remains worth a visit!
○ Taman Sari Waterfall
This enchanting waterfall is another free attraction, located just 500 meters from the entrance to Tibumana. It features a compact 2-step waterfall that’s free from crowds, and you can reach it within 5-10 minutes.
○ Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
Be cautious of the slippery rocks! Goa Rang Reng encompasses 3 different waterfalls; however, my favorite is the first one—a large sloped cascade resembling a natural Slip N Slide.
• Optional: Day 4
If you’d like to extend your Ubud itinerary by an extra day (or half-day), consider hiring a private driver and venturing south from Ubud to Denpasar, taking in more sights along the way.
○ Mas Wood Carving
Balinese wood carvings are renowned throughout Southeast Asia, with the artisans in Mas village recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship. However, be wary as some pieces may come with a hefty price tag. Conduct thorough research and don’t hesitate to bargain.
○ Kemenuh Butterfly Park
This small park houses hundreds of butterflies, but the highlight is the opportunity to hold an Atlas Moth, the largest moth globally. Visitors can also interact with colossal stick bugs from Borneo.
○ Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan stands as the busiest and most touristy waterfall in Bali. While it’s not the best choice for those seeking solitude, it remains a pleasant spot for lunch, and you’ll likely pass by it as you explore!
○ Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park
This park boasts an impressive collection of over 1,000 birds and reptiles, ranging from vibrant tropical parrots to Komodo dragons. The park is designed with an ancient ‘Angkor Wat’ theme, complementing the wildlife and providing a well-managed experience. If this park isn’t appealing, you could opt for a visit to nearby Batuan Temple instead.
More Bali Travel Tips
I hope this Ubud itinerary proves helpful for planning your journey.
Be sure to check out my comprehensive Bali Travel Guide, which offers free tips, information, photographs, and more!
Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental
If you wish to explore Bali comfortably and safely in a private car with an English-speaking driver, I highly recommend GetYourGuide.
Their prices begin at 700k Rupiah (~$48 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. This is the total cost for the entire car, driver, and petrol, making it an outstanding deal. They also provide affordable hotel transfers from the airport.
If you prefer to travel by motorbike, they offer that service as well. Their scooter rentals start at 140k Rupiah (~$9) and include helmet, raincoat, and free delivery in the southern Bali area.
We’ve utilized GetYourGuide for numerous tours and activities across the globe, and they have consistently impressed us! Highly recommended.
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
The optimal time to visit Bali hinges on what you’re seeking:
☁ Bali’s rainy season lasts from November to April. During the day, temperatures can reach 90°F (32°C) with high humidity, yet it’s less crowded, and rainfall tends to occur mostly at night.
☀ From May to August, temperatures are significantly cooler with more breezy and sunny conditions, which renders this the most pleasant weather. However, this is also high season, meaning it may be more crowded.
The sights within this Ubud itinerary are magnificent any time of year, yet I believe the best months for photography are from March to May, just after the rainy season ends, when much of the island is lush and green.
