3 Days In Ubud: The Ultimate Ubud Itinerary

Famous for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and gorgeous hotels, Ubud is truly one of the best destinations in Southeast Asia. This charming town is set against rolling hills, lush rice fields, and picturesque jungle, so it’s the perfect spot for those after a relaxing getaway!

Not only are there plenty of things to do in Ubud, but there are so many awesome food options too. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, indulge in the local cuisine, or visit nearby waterfalls, there’s something for every traveller.

In this guide, we’ll cover the ultimate Ubud itinerary. We’ll include the best things to do, where to stay, and other helpful information such as how to get around.

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A Quick Overview of Your 3-Day Ubud Itinerary

Day 1:

Tegenungan Waterfall, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Goa Gajah, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Cooking Class

Day 2:

Campuhan Ridge Walk, River Rafting, Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati, Ubud Palace, Ubud Art Market

Day 3:

Alas Harum Bali, Ceking/Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tepi Sawah Waroeng, Candi Gunung Kawi Temple, Pura Tirta Empul, Bar

Your 3 Days in Ubud: Day One

The first day of this Ubud itinerary will see you explore the town’s surrounding area. You’ll visit two waterfalls, an impressive ancient cave, and the famous Monkey Forest. To end your day, you’ll enjoy a local cooking class, so this action-packed day has a bit of everything!

Tegenungan Waterfall

There’s no shortage of waterfalls to visit near Ubud, but Tegenungan is certainly one of the most popular.

Not only is Tegenungan Waterfall impressive to look at but it’s a great swimming spot. Alternatively, you can avoid the crowds and head a bit further up the cliffside where you’ll get epic photographs!

Omma Dayclub is also located alongside the waterfall, where you can enjoy delicious food while taking in the view. There’s a fantastic swimming pool here too although it can get busy.

Tegenungan Waterfall is around a 25-minute drive from central Ubud and the entry fee costs about 30,000 IDR (£1.50). There’s also plenty of parking, with the waterfall being just a short walk away.

If you don’t want to explore Ubud independently, you could always opt for this popular Bali waterfall tour. It lasts for around 8 hours and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Alternatively, there’s this spectacular waterfalls tour, which also offers an additional option to have lunch and entrance fees included.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Kanto Lampo Waterfall is located in the village of Gianyar, around a 20-minute drive from Tegenungan (depending on traffic). It boasts a scenic jungle setting and is known for its cascading water, which falls over an unusual rock formation. This makes it a popular spot with photographers.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall is just a short 5-minute walk from the parking lot, which makes it very accessible. Just ensure you wear suitable footwear as the rocks can be slippery, especially if it’s been raining.

Unfortunately, Kanto Lampo can get very crowded so try to avoid visiting during the weekend. We’d also recommend getting here relatively early as there’s sometimes a queue to take photographs!

The entrance fee for Kanto Lampo Waterfall is around 25,000 IDR (£1.20). Free parking is available and there are other amenities on-site including toilets and local warungs so you can grab something to eat if you’d like.

Goa Gajah

When planning an itinerary for Ubud, you need to visit Goa Gajah. Also known as the ‘Elephant Cave’, this archaeological site is located near the village of Bedulu, around a 15-minute drive from Kanto Lampo Waterfall.

Goa Gajah complex is one of the area’s most sacred sites but its origins are still relatively unclear. There’s evidence of Hindu and Buddhist influences dating back to between the 8th and 10th centuries, and you’ll find various relics here that depict this.

While wandering around the complex, you can appreciate the intricate cave entrance, various carvings, bathing pools, courtyard, and more, so take your time.

Goa Gajah is typically open daily, from 8 am – 6 pm (although some conflicting reports suggest it’s only open until 4 pm or 5 pm). The entrance fee is around 50,000 IDR (£2.45) and parking is available. Just be aware that you’ll need a sarong to enter the temple – they are provided for free at the entrance.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is perhaps one of the most famous attractions in Bali. Also known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, this nature reserve is home to over 1,260 long-tailed macaques.

The reserve covers approximately 12.5 hectares and you’ll explore via the forest’s paved trails. As you admire the monkeys, keep your eyes peeled for intricate Balinese statues, ruined ancient temples, and lush scenery.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is open daily, 9 am – 6 pm. Adult entrance tickets cost between 80,000 IDR – 100,000 IDR (£3.90 – £4.90) depending on whether you visit on a weekday or during the weekend.

If you want to swap this Ubud itinerary around, this full-day private tour may be a great option for you. The tour lasts for approximately 10 hours and you’ll visit popular spots, including the Ubud Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Cooking Class

To end the day, why not enjoy a cooking class? These classes are a great way to learn about the local cuisine and cooking techniques, and you can take the skills home with you!

There are plenty of fantastic cooking classes in and around Ubud so you’ll have plenty of options.

This Balinese cooking class takes place at an organic farm. There’s a 4 pm slot which fits in perfectly with this itinerary and you’ll get to enjoy the dishes at the end of the class. Better yet, you can choose from two menus (regular or vegetarian) and take home a recipe book.

Alternatively, you can swap your day around and opt for this authentic cooking class which starts at 8:30 am. You’ll get to visit a local market, learn about the different ingredients, and enjoy some Balinese tea and coffee. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are also included.

Your 3 Days In Ubud: Day Two

The second day of this Ubud itinerary will see you visit some of the area’s most impressive cultural attractions. After enjoying an adventurous morning (hiking and river rafting), you’ll spend the rest of the day in town, exploring popular spots such as Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk was certainly a highlight of our trip to Ubud. This walk is approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) long and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rice paddies and jungle.

This walk is a popular spot with photographers, especially during golden hour. Better yet, there are some quaint coffee shops and cafes located along this route, where you can grab breakfast.

For the perfect Ubud itinerary, we’d recommend hiking the Campuhan Ridge Walk early on in the morning. Depending on the time of year, the climate in Ubud can be very humid and there’s not much shade here. You’ll also want to take along plenty of water!

There’s no fee to walk this route and the main access point to the ridge is a concrete path, located just off the main road. You’ll see small signs that say ‘Going to the hill’ with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

River Rafting

After enjoying a relaxing walk in Ubud, it’s time for a bit of adventure! Luckily, Ubud has some fantastic river rafting tours to choose from if you’re up for a unique experience.

This white water rafting trip lasts for approximately 2.5 hours. You’ll head along the Ayung River on an exhilarating adventure while taking in the surrounding scenery. This tour also includes an Indonesian buffet lunch, drinking water, and insurance coverage.

There are several departure times, ranging from 9 am to 2:30 pm, so you’ve got plenty of options. For this Ubud itinerary, we’d recommend opting for a midday departure (or something similar) to make the most of your day.

If you’d like to swap your day around or change the whole itinerary, you can opt for this combination tour. There’s the option to include white water rafting and a tandem ATV ride, with the tour taking around 5 hours.

Ubud Water Palace

Ubud Water Palace (also known as Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati) is a must-visit. The temple was founded by Tjokorda Gde Ngo and is dedicated to Dewi Sarasvati, the Hindu goddess of art, learning, and literature.

Ubud Water Palace boasts traditional Balinese architecture and is known for its elaborate stone and wood carvings, which tell tales about Hindu mythology. The temple’s lush gardens and lotus ponds only add to its serenity, as you listen to the water fountains here.

If you’re feeling peckish, there’s an on-site cafe where you can enjoy delicious Balinese dishes while admiring the picturesque lotus pond. Traditional dance performances are also held at this temple.

The Ubud Water Palace is typically open every day; Saturday to Thursday (8 am – 7 pm) and Friday (8 am – 9:30 pm). Adult entrance fees are 50,000 IDR (£2.45) for internationals and 35,000 IDR (£1.70) for domestic tourists.

Ubud Palace

Just a short walk from Saraswati Temple, you’ll find Ubud Palace. Also known as Puri Saren Agung, this impressive compound is known for its stone carvings and beautifully crafted buildings. It’s also home to Ubud’s Royal Family!

This palace is also the perfect place to dive into the local culture as you can watch a traditional Balinese dance each night. These performances last for around 1.5 hours and generally start around 7:30 pm.

Ubud Palace is typically open daily, from 8 am to 6 pm. Just be aware that there’s hardly any public parking nearby. It’s possible to park scooters alongside the street but you’ll likely struggle!

If you don’t wish to explore independently, you can opt for this all-inclusive Ubud tour. This tour lasts for around 8 hours and includes a visit to Ubud Palace as well as Ubud Art Market, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and Tirta Empul.

Ubud Art Market

To end the day, head to Ubud Art Market, which is one of the town’s most popular shopping tourist destinations. You might also recognise this market from the iconic movie, Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts.

Here, you’ll find a variety of hand-crafted goods, making it the perfect place to grab a souvenir (or two). Whether you’re after woven bags, hats, baskets, or beach clothes, there really is something for everyone! If you’ve got some extra space in your luggage, you can opt for a Balinese painting or traditional woodcarving.

If you’re looking to make a purchase, you’ll need to haggle at this market. To get an idea of prices, shop around so that you know what you should be paying!

Ubud Art Market is open daily. Some reports suggest it’s open from 8 am to 5 pm, while Google Maps states it’s open between 10 am and 5 pm (unfortunately, we can’t be sure which is correct).

Your 3 Days In Ubud: Day Three

If you stick with this 3-day Ubud itinerary, you’ll spend the last day exploring the surrounding area. You’ll visit famous rice terraces, indulge in Indonesian cuisine at a local warung, and explore popular temples. After tackling the destinations below, you can always enjoy a nice cold Bintang in Ubud.

Alas Harum Bali

If you’re looking to see the best of Ubud in 3 days, we’d suggest heading to Alas Harum Bali. This spot is famous for its jaw-dropping rice terraces, where you can wander around and take photographs.

The lush green scenery here will take your breath away, but there’s plenty more to do as well. While at Alas Harum, you can also enjoy a coffee tour where you’ll get to try luwak coffee.

Adventurous travellers can also try out the various swings that are on offer, such as the super extreme swing, the couple swing, and the swing bed. There’s also a sky bike and impressive zip line, but you can simply just wander around too. Don’t forget about the small cave which has a huge gorilla face!

Alas Harum Bali is around a 20-minute drive from Ubud town centre, although this is dependent on traffic. It’s typically open daily, from 7 am to 7 pm.

Ceking/Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Often referred to as Ceking Rice Terrace, Tegallalang Rice Terrace is one of the most popular destinations in Bali. These rice paddies follow the island’s traditional irrigation system known as ‘subak’, which is believed to have been passed down from the 8th century.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace is a popular photography spot and it’s not hard to see why! As you wander around these rice terraces, you’ll be greeted with sweeping views. If you’ve got a drone – even better.

Just be aware that Tegallalang gets very busy, so we’d recommend heading here relatively early. If you visit during the afternoon, you’ll find that this place can get extremely crowded.

Although we explored Ubud independently, you can always opt for a guided tour. This Ubud highlights tour includes a visit to Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and other popular spots, such as Tegenungan Waterfall, Ubud Art Market, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Have lunch at Tepi Sawah Waroeng

After exploring Alas Harum Bali and Tegallalang, it will likely be time for something to eat. If you’re feeling peckish, we’d highly recommend heading to Tepi Sawah Waroeng.

This affordable restaurant overlooks Tegallalang Rice Terrace so you can enjoy incredible vistas while you dine. If you can, opt for a seat along the balcony, where you’ll get uninterrupted views.

Tepi Sawah Waroeng is the perfect place to try Indonesian cuisine, with the nasi goreng being especially delicious. If you’d like to swap this itinerary around, it’s also a great spot for breakfast, with popular dishes including the smoothie bowl, cinnamon toast, triple pancakes, and omelette.

Better yet, you can access the rice terraces below from the restaurant. Just be aware that there are usually locals here who will ask you for a small fee.

Tepi Sawah Waroeng is typically open daily, from 9:30 am – 6 pm.

Candi Gunung Kawi Temple

Next up is Candi Gunung Kawi Temple, which is around a 15-minute drive from Tegallalang. It’s one of the island’s largest ancient temple complexes and is a must-visit while in Ubud.

Candi Gunung Kawi Temple is known for its shrine reliefs or ‘Candi’ which are actually carved into the rockface. It’s believed they date back to the 11th century and were built to honour previous rules, including King Udayana.

The are 10 shrines in the main complex and they are very similar to East Java’s ancient temples. These Candi’s actually look like doorways, although they don’t go anywhere. Instead, you’ll find a small chamber just in front of the structures, where symbolic offerings are placed.

As you enter Candi Gunung Kawi Temple through the stone archway, ensure you sprinkle yourself with holy water from the nearby vase. It’s also important to note that there are lots of stairs here!

Pura Tirta Empul

Finally, we have Pura Tirta Empul, another excellent addition to your 3 days in Ubud itinerary! It’s located just a short 6-minute drive from Candi Gunung Kawi Temple and is the perfect destination for those looking to appreciate Balinese culture.

Pura Tirta Empul dates back to 926 AD and is one of the island’s most sacred temples. It’s dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of Water, and boasts several holy springs which are said to have been created by Indra, the God of Rain. These springs are believed to contain blessed water, where you can take part in purification rituals.

If you want to learn more about Pura Tirta Empul, you can opt for this popular temple tour. This tour includes your entrance ticket, sarong rental, and temple offering with incense. There’s also the option to include a spiritual cleansing and lunch at a local restaurant.

Visit a local bar

To end your 3-day Ubud itinerary, we’d recommend heading to one of the town’s many bars. This way, you can spend the evening relaxing and reminiscing on your trip – trust us, you’ll have plenty of memories to talk about!

No Más is one of the most popular bars in Ubud. This place is known for its charming decor, live entertainment (which takes place every night), and late-night eats. It also boasts an extensive drinks menu, full of beers, wine, cocktails, and spirits.

The Blue Door Bali is another great spot to grab a drink (or several). Not only does it boast a club lounge but there’s also a beer garden, where you can watch live sports and listen to live music. In this beer garden, you can also enjoy classic pub grub while choosing from various cocktails and craft beers.

Other popular bars in Ubud include the Laughing Buddha Bar, CP Lounge, and Lokal Bar Ubud.

Helpful Information for Your Ubud Itinerary

How to get to Ubud

As Ubud is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bali, you’ll have no problems getting here!

Travellers arriving in Bali will land at Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Ubud is around a 37 km (23-mile) drive from the airport and you can expect the journey to take between 1-2 hours (depending on the traffic). Taxis will typically cost between 300,000-350,000 IDR (£14.65-£17).

Now, there’s no direct bus from the airport to Ubud. However, if you head to Kuta first, you can take the Kura Kura bus service between the two locations. Unfortunately, services are pretty irregular, so a taxi is the more convenient option.

If you’re already exploring Bali, there’s also the option of hiring a scooter. Rentals are extremely affordable but you’ll need to consider how much luggage you have with you. Of course, some hotels also offer a private transfer/shuttle service so do your research in advance.

How to get around Ubud

Ubud is fairly small so it’s easy to get around. Many of the tourist attractions are located relatively close together so planning an Ubud itinerary is relatively easy!

If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area too (which we highly recommend), you can choose to hire a scooter. Rentals are very affordable, as you can pick up a scooter for as little as 60,000 IDR (£2.95) a day. However, the roads in Bali are pretty chaotic so we’d only recommend this for experienced drivers.

Luckily, there are other options. We actually hired a private driver while in Ubud, and quickly became friends with him. Hiring a driver is very cost-effective, especially if the cost is split between a group. You can expect to pay between 600,000 – 800,000 IDR (£29-£39) for a full day.

Alternatively, there are some fantastic tours on offer. This Ubud private tour lasts for approximately 8-9 hours and you’ll visit the area’s highlights such as Celuk Village and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

The best time to visit Ubud

The best time to visit Ubud is generally between May and October, which is Bali’s dry season. During this time of year, average temperatures typically sit between 24°C and 30°C (75.2°F to 86°F). You’ll also encounter less rainfall during the dry season, with the summer months offering especially pleasant weather.

However, this time of year also coincides with the island’s peak tourist season. July and August can be especially busy, so you can expect the streets to be more crowded. Not only that, but accommodation can be more costly during the summer, so just keep that in mind.

As such, many people choose to visit during Bali’s shoulder season (May to June and September to October). Not only will Ubud likely be quieter during these months but you’ll still have great weather.

Travellers can also visit during the wet season (November to April), but be prepared for heavy rainfall and high humidity levels. The benefit – accommodation may be cheaper!

Exploring Ubud by tour

If you’ve only got 3 days in Ubud then you’ll want to see as much as possible. Although we explored independently, there are plenty of tour options if you’d prefer to visit with a guide. Heading out on a tour will allow you to see a lot in a short amount of time and you’ll get local insight into the area.

Here are some of the most popular tour options in Ubud:

• All-Inclusive Ubud Private Tour – This popular tour will visit some of Ubud’s most popular attractions. It includes private transport, lunch, bottled water, and an Ubud swing experience.

• Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Private Tour – This private tour is another fantastic option that lasts for between 8-10 hours, and will see you visit iconic destinations such as Mas Village.

• Ubud: Monkey Forest, Jungle Swing, Rice Terrace, and Water Temple -This is another private tour, where round-trip transfers, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide are included.

Where to stay in Ubud

To make the most of your Ubud 3-day itinerary you’ll need the perfect base. Luckily, there are plenty of accommodation options. Whether you’re after an affordable hostel or a luxurious 5* hotel, there’s something for every traveller. Just shop around for the best deals.

Here are some of the best accommodation options:

Budget: Merthayasa Bungalows

We stayed at Merthayasa Bungalows during our trip to Ubud. This beautiful property is just a short walk from the Monkey Forest and you’ll be staying in a spacious double room (with a private bathroom).

Those staying here will benefit from an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a garden area. Breakfast is also included and the property offers laundry facilities and an ironing service.

Mid-range: Jati Cottage

Jati Cottage is another charming property located in downtown Ubud. The rooms are modern and spacious, and you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery. Better yet, there’s an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace.

Another highlight of staying here is the on-site restaurant which serves delicious food using fresh ingredients. There’s also an on-site spa where you can enjoy various treatments. Free private parking is available too.

Luxury: Bisma Eight Ubud

Those after something more luxurious should check out Bisma Eight Ubud. This 5* boutique hotel is located just a few minutes from central Ubud and offers gorgeous suites – perfect for a romantic getaway.

On-site facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, garden, and sun terrace. Complimentary activities are also available including rooftop yoga, cooking classes, Balinese dance lessons and more!

Frequently asked questions about Ubud, Bali

How many days should I spend in Ubud?

We’d recommend spending at least 3 days in Ubud. This will give you enough time to visit the town’s main attractions, explore the surrounding area, and simply relax. Of course, you can always spend longer here!

As there are so many amazing things to do in Ubud, you could easily base yourself here for the entire trip. However, there are plenty of other great places to visit in Bali so you’ll want to split your time effectively.

What is a good budget for Ubud?

We’d suggest allowing yourself a budget of at least £25-£35 per person per day. This will be enough for a cheap private room (especially if shared), affordable local meals, and a few attractions!

Bali is one of the most affordable destinations in Asia, so your money will stretch far. Those with more cash to spare will be happy to know that there are plenty of luxurious hotels and activities on this island too.

What month is best for Ubud?

There’s no ‘best month’ for visiting Ubud, however, the dry season is the most popular time to visit. Bali’s dry season falls between April and October, where you can expect warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.

As the weather is so favourable, the summer months of July and August tend to be very busy here. As such, many travellers prefer to visit during the shoulder season (May to June and September to October).

Why is Ubud so popular?

Ubud is one of the most famous destinations in Bali, partly due to its laid-back atmosphere, cultural attractions, thriving wellness scene, and tasty local cuisine. Honestly, this town has something for everyone!

Ubud is also known for its natural beauty, thanks to the area’s lush rice paddies, picturesque jungle, and charming river valleys. If you’re looking to relax and unwind, this is the place to be.

Where to go after Ubud

Spending 3 days in Ubud is a great way to start your trip. However, there are so many other fantastic places to visit, so you’ll only be scratching the surface if you decide to stay in one destination!

The popular town of Canggu is another great addition to your Bali bucket list. We stayed here during both our visits to Bali so we could enjoy the epic sunsets, fantastic eateries, and traditional markets.

Alternatively, you could head to Kuta. Although it’s one of the more touristy destinations in Bali, there are so many awesome things to do, such as releasing baby sea turtles and having fun at Waterbom Bali.

Uluwatu is another hugely popular destination thanks to its surfing opportunities. This place is also known for its iconic cliffside temple, traditional Kecak fire dance, and fantastic beach clubs. Honestly, there’s no shortage of places to visit in Bali, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Final thoughts on this 3-day Ubud itinerary

Ubud is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Bali. We loved everything about this town – its relaxing atmosphere, fantastic local restaurants, cultural attractions, and jaw-dropping natural beauty.

However, as there’s so much to do, planning an Ubud travel itinerary can often feel overwhelming. Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of what’s on offer and how to best spend your time. Just make sure you don’t rush your time in Ubud as there’s a great vibe here.

If you have further questions about this Ubud itinerary then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

Here are some other guides that you may find helpful:

• Visiting Pura Lempuyang Luhur
• Releasing Sea Turtles In Bali
• The Ultimate Sumatra Travel Guide

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