Nestled in the heart of Bali, Ubud is a vibrant town that embodies the island’s cultural soul which is why its one of the best areas in Bali to stay. Unlike the beaches of Seminyak, Canggu, or Uluwatu, Ubud offers an immersive blend of spirituality, art, and adventure.
From rice terraces that seem to ripple into infinity, to sacred temples alive with daily offerings, to jungle retreats where yoga mats are laid out at sunrise – Ubud is the Bali many dream of when they picture paradise.
Whether you’re planning a short trip or a longer stay, this Ubud Itinerary and Guide will walk you through the best Ubud attractions, helping you plan your visit with confidence.
We’ve written extensively about Bali, covering everything from the best beaches in Nusa Lembongan to the best accommodation in Uluwatu and a complete 10-day Bali itinerary.
If you’re planning a full Bali adventure, you’ll want to explore those guides as well. But if your heart is set on the lush jungle landscapes, flowing rivers, and spiritual calm of Ubud, this post has everything you need.
Here, we’ll cover how many days in Ubud is ideal, how to get there, how to get around, the best things to do in Ubud (with detailed breakdowns, entry fees, tips, and family-friendliness), plus day trips, food, and accommodation recommendations.
By the end, you’ll have a practical and inspiring Ubud itinerary ready to go. Whether you’re after serene yoga classes, thrilling ATV rides, or temple ceremonies steeped in tradition, Ubud offers an experience for every type of traveller.
Bali Key Information
E-SIM: We use Airalo
VISA INFO: VOA or E-visa
CURRENCY: Indonesian rupiah | 1 AUD = 10,309 IDR
LANGUAGE: Bahasa Indonesia
AIRPORT TRANSFER: Best Private Airport Pickup
GETTING AROUND BALI: Scooter Rental, Go-Jek, Private Driver
BEST HOTELS: Uluwatu Surf Villas, Merusaka Nusa Dua
BEST TOURS: Bali Highlights Tour, Nusa Penida Day Trip
TRAVEL INSURANCE: World Nomads
How many days for your Ubud Itinerary?
For most travellers, a 3–5 day itinerary is the perfect amount of time to spend in Ubud. Three days allows you to experience the highlights – rice terraces, temples, and cultural performances – while five days gives you space to slow down, explore hidden gems, and even take a couple of day trips.
We love spending around 4 – 5 days in each place during our Bali itinerary. We are a family of 4, our son is 4 yrs old and our daughter is under 1. Since we are travelling with a baby we allow extra time in each place.
Just like Sidemen, Ubud is a relaxing base to break up faster-paced stops. We usually choose to come here as our second stop in hopes to truly relax amongst the rice paddies.
Meanwhile, solo travellers or couples might prefer to stay longer, especially if diving deep into wellness activities like yoga or meditation retreats.
Ultimately, Ubud is the kind of place that rewards slowing down. If you’re planning a longer Bali trip, we recommend spending at least four days here, with a balance of sightseeing and downtime.
How to get to Ubud?
Most visitors arrive in Bali through Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar). From there, Ubud is around a 1.5–2 hour drive, depending on traffic. You can pre-book a private driver, use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek, or arrange transport directly through your hotel.
There are no trains or direct buses to Ubud, but several shuttle services operate between popular areas like Seminyak, Canggu, and Sanur. These can be convenient if you’re traveling solo and want to save money, but private transport is usually more efficient.
If you’re travelling with kids or lots of luggage, a pre-arranged driver is the most comfortable option. Many drivers double as tour guides, and you can even stop at attractions along the way, such as Tegenungan Waterfall or Goa Gajah Temple.
How to get around in Ubud
Once in Ubud, getting around is fairly easy. The town center is walkable, with attractions like Ubud Palace, Ubud Market, and many cafes located close together. However, for visiting places outside the center (like Tegalalang Rice Terraces or Tirta Empul Temple), you’ll need transport.
The most common options are:
Scooter rental: Affordable and flexible but best suited for confident riders.
Private driver: Convenient for families or groups. Drivers can be hired by the day (IDR 600,000–800,000 / USD 40–55).
Taxis and ride-hailing apps: Available, but sometimes restricted by local taxi associations.
If you’re traveling with children, hiring a driver is the easiest option. For adventurous couples or solo travelers, scooters provide freedom to explore at your own pace.
Best Things to Do in Ubud
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the following are the Best Ubud Attractions – an evergreen list of cultural, natural, and downright fun experiences that belong on any traveller’s plan. Use it to anchor the core of your Ubud Itinerary; we’ll add day trips and dining to round things out.
Monkey Forest
Part sacred grove, part ecological reserve, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary unfurls in a tapestry of banyan roots, mossy bridges, and three temple complexes from the 14th century. Over a thousand long‑tailed macaques live here in social troops, and observing their antics – grooming, squabbling, free‑running along pagoda roofs—is half the fun.
Respect is key. Don’t feed or touch the monkeys, keep zips closed, and stash sunglasses and bottles. Staff are present and helpful if a curious macaque gets too friendly. Beyond the wildlife, look up: the forest canopy filters light into a constant golden haze that makes even a simple stroll feel cinematic.
With kids, set expectations first (“we look, we don’t touch”) and stick to paths. Early visits mean cooler temperatures and calmer troops. It’s an easy win for families and photographers alike.
Location: Jl. Monkey Forest (south of the center)
Best Time: Morning or late afternoon
Entry Fee: IDR 80,000 adults / 60,000 children
Tip: Secure all loose items; never carry visible food
Is this kid‑friendly?: Yes – with close supervision
Ubud Markets
The Ubud Art Market is a kaleidoscope – bright batiks fluttering like flags, woven baskets stacked in honeycomb towers, silver catching the morning sun. Arrive early and you’ll share the lanes with locals setting out offerings and stallholders arranging wares with meticulous pride. It’s not just a shopping stop; it’s a living gallery of Balinese craft, from hand‑loomed textiles and ikat to wood carving and contemporary prints.
Bargaining here is a sport played kindly. Start with a smile and a counter‑offer around half the first price; expect to land somewhere fair for both of you. If you can, buy directly from makers – look for small signs of handwork and ask questions. You’ll leave with more than souvenirs; you’ll carry the story behind them.
Parents: the market is delightful but intense. Ditch the stroller for a carrier, snag an iced coconut on the edge of the lanes, and take sensory breaks. Photograph windows are best before 10am when light is soft, crowds light.
Location: Ubud town center
Best Time: Morning before it gets crowded
Entry Fee: Free (shopping at your own cost)
Tip: Bargain politely and bring small cash
Is this kid-friendly?: Yes, though busy and crowded at times
Ubud Palace
Known as Puri Saren Agung, the palace remains home to Ubud’s royal family and a living stage for ceremony and art. By day, its courtyards and gates, carved with mythic scenes, act as an open‑air introduction to classical Balinese architecture. You’ll often catch flower‑laden offerings being placed in niches, a gentle reminder that the palace is woven into daily devotional life.
Come evening, music swells as dancers perform Legong, Barong, and Ramayana epics. Watch the eye and hand work, micro‑expressions and fingertip flourishes carry entire plot lines. It’s spellbinding even if you don’t know the stories.
The palace sits opposite the market, so it’s easy to bundle these stops. Explore by day for details, return after dark for performance -two entirely different moods in the same space.
Location: Central Ubud (across from the market)
Best Time: Evenings for dance; mornings for quiet photos
Entry Fee: Daytime browsing free; shows ~IDR 100,000
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early for good seats
Is this kid‑friendly?: Yes (shows run ~60–75 minutes)
Cooking Class
Balinese cuisine is built on bumbu – fragrant spice pastes that transform humble ingredients into feasts. A cooking class typically starts in a wet market, where you’ll touch and smell galangal, candlenut, and torch ginger before heading to an open kitchen framed by jungle. Expect to pound spices in a mortar, skewer satay, fold banana‑leaf parcels, and fry krupuk to crackling perfection.
The magic is in context: you’re not just learning recipes, you’re learning stories – why temple days call for particular offerings, how a family garden supplies herbs, which sambal belongs with which dish. Most classes culminate in a shared meal that tastes better for the hands‑on work.
Many schools welcome kids with simple tasks (mixing, skewering, stirring). If you have dietary needs, book ahead; vegetarian and gluten‑free adaptations are common and delicious.
Location: Farm kitchens and family compounds around Ubud
Best Time: Morning (often includes market tour)
Entry Fee: IDR 350,000–500,000 per person
Tip: Wear light clothing; it gets warm by the stoves
Is this kid‑friendly?: Yes—ask for family‑friendly classes
Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk
A ribbon of green that rises above the river valleys, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is Ubud’s most beloved stroll. The path undulates between alang‑alang grass and palm clusters, delivering wide‑angle views you won’t get from any roadside café. It’s a reminder that Ubud’s countryside is never far away, even when the town feels busy.
Go early for cool air and soft light. The walk itself is straightforward (about 2 km one way), with small warungs dotted near the far end for coconuts and iced coffee. Photographers love the line of the ridge; families love the freedom for kids to walk safely away from traffic.
There’s little shade midday, so pack hats and water. The surface is paved but not ideal for strollers; a soft‑structured carrier works well with toddlers.
Location: Trailhead near Warwick Ibah, central Ubud
Best Time: Sunrise or golden hour
Entry Fee: Free
Tip: Start before 8am for the best experience
Is this kid‑friendly?: Yes (not stroller‑friendly)
Visit a Day Club
Swap sea views for rice‑terrace infinity pools at jungle day clubs like Cretya Ubud or Jungle Club. Expect tiered pools, comfy daybeds, and menus that run from smoothie bowls to satay platters. It’s the perfect half‑day when you want some sunshine and a soundtrack without trekking to the coast.
At Cretya, the showpiece is the amphitheater of water curving along the Tegalalang terraces – order lunch, drift between dips, and watch the paddies change color as clouds pass. Folk, closer to the center, blends tropical landscaping with a more bohemian vibe: think beanbags, shaded nooks, and occasional live music.
Weekends book out. Families often prefer earlier slots when the mood is mellow; couples might aim for late afternoon into sunset for a glow‑drenched finish.
Location: Cretya (Tegalalang), Jungle Club (central Ubud)
Best Time: Late morning through sunset
Entry Fee: Usually a minimum spend (IDR 200,000–300,000+)
Tip: Reserve daybeds in advance, especially on weekends/holidays
Is this kid‑friendly?: Yes at many venues; afternoons can skew adult
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
The terraces of Tegalalang are Bali’s postcard – swooping, layered fields stitched with irrigation channels from the ancient subak system. Up close, you’ll see farmers tending shoots by hand, water spiders skimming mirror‑bright paddies, and coconut palms framing everything like stage wings.
Arrive early and stroll the paths that cut across the slopes. You can cross little footbridges, climb to viewpoints, and settle into a café balcony for second breakfast. Many visitors try a giant swing here as well; whether you swing or not, the vantage points are stellar for photography.
The terrain is stepped and sometimes muddy after rain. Wear shoes with tread and keep a gentle pace if you’re with little legs. Shade is patchy; a hat and a hand fan go a long way.
Location: 20 minutes north of Ubud
Best Time: Sunrise to 9:30am; or late afternoon
Entry Fee: IDR 15,000–25,000 (some paths request small donations)
Tip: Combine with coffee tasting nearby to maximize the drive
Is this kid‑friendly?: Yes with supervision near edges
ATV adventure
ATV tours thread through coconut groves, rivers, and purpose‑built tunnels, delivering equal parts mud and grin. After a safety briefing, you’ll practice throttle and braking before following a guide in convoy. Expect splashes, small climbs, and a few “whoa!” moments that feel daring but are designed for first‑timers.
Clothing will get dirty – embrace it. Operators provide helmets and often boots; bring socks you don’t mind staining. Photo stops are built in, and some routes include short cave sections with dramatic light shafts.
Weather shifts the personality of the trail: dry season is dusty and fast; wet season turns everything into a slip‑n‑slide (in the best way). Teens love it; younger kids can sometimes ride tandem with an adult – ask the operator.
Location: Rural villages just outside Ubud
Best Time: Morning (cooler, less chance of storms)
Entry Fee: IDR 550,000–900,000 per person
Tip: Bring a change of clothes; showers are usually available
Is this kid‑friendly?: Teens yes; check minimum ages
Pura Tirta Empul
At Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring, spring water feeds stone spouts into a purification pool where worshippers queue to duck under each fountain in sequence. It’s a powerful scene- hushed, communal, and deeply rooted in Balinese Hindu practice. Even if you don’t bathe, simply witnessing the ritual is moving.
If you choose to participate, staff will guide you through sarong and sash requirements and the order of the spouts. Keep shoulders and knees covered elsewhere in the complex, and move respectfully around prayer areas. Lockers are usually available; bring a small towel and change of clothes.
Crowds build mid‑morning with tour buses; earlier is calmer and cooler. The broader complex includes shrines, koi ponds, and shaded courtyards – give yourself time to wander after the ritual.
Location: Tampaksiring (30–40 minutes from Ubud)
Best Time: Early morning (before buses)
Entry Fee: IDR 50,000 (sarong typically included/available)
Tip: If bathing, remove jewellery; water is chilly
Is this kid‑friendly?: Yes to visit; bathing best for older kids/adults
Soak in a Flower Bath
A flower bath is Ubud distilled: petals, perfume, and a slow exhale. Spas arrange marigolds, frangipani, and roses into intricate mandalas floating on warm water, often after a massage or body scrub. It’s decadent, yes – but also a gentle moment of stillness in a destination buzzing with things to see and do.
Different spas lean different ways: some go maximalist with full‑petal canvases, others keep it minimal and meditative. Ask about water temperature, privacy, and whether you can customize the design. Couples’ baths are common and can be a sweet way to cap a temple‑heavy day.
Photos are part of the fun; book a daylight slot if you want natural light through jungle windows. Then put the phone down and just soak – your muscles (and nervous system) will thank you.
Location: Spas across Ubud (many boutique hotels offer them)
Best Time: Late afternoon or early evening
Entry Fee: IDR 300,000–700,000 (often in a package)
Tip: Request extra petals if photos are a priority
Is this kid‑friendly?: Not usually; best as an adults’ treat
White water rafting
The Ayung River curls beneath Ubud’s ridges, carving a jungle canyon of basalt carvings, fern curtains, and birdsong. This tour is a favourite with raft trips running several kilometers with Class II–III rapids – enough bounce to thrill first‑timers without demanding elite fitness. Guides handle steering and safety; you paddle, laugh, and get gloriously wet.
Access involves staircases down to the river and back up at the end – plan footwear accordingly. On the water, you’ll weave past carved cliff panels, slip under hanging roots, and pause for a swim in gentle sections. It’s a cool, green counterpoint to Ubud’s warm streets.
Wet season (Nov–Mar) raises flows and bumps up the ride; dry season is gentler and great for families. Outfitters supply helmets and life vests; bring rash guards and strap‑on sandals.
Location: Ayung River (northwest of Ubud)
Best Time: Late morning (after chill lifts)
Entry Fee: IDR 500,000–900,000 per person
Tip: Waterproof your phone or leave it with staff
Is this kid‑friendly?: Yes for ages ~7+ (operator dependent)
Get zen with a yoga class
Ubud is Bali’s wellness capital, and studios like The Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive offer everything from sunrise vinyasa to candlelit yin. Drop‑ins are welcome; mats and props are provided, and classes are taught by an international roster of teachers. The vibe is inclusive – serious about practice, but not precious.
If you’re new to yoga, try a foundations or slow‑flow session; if you practice regularly, look for intermediate vinyasa, ashtanga, or specialty workshops. Sound healings, breathwork, and meditation circles fill evenings – ideal after a day of walking and sightseeing.
Arrive 15–20 minutes early to settle in, especially for popular morning classes. Post‑practice cafés on site make it easy to linger over smoothies and nourish bowls amid frangipani trees.
Location: Central Ubud (multiple studios)
Best Time: Early morning or sunset
Entry Fee: IDR 150,000–200,000 per class
Tip: Book online in high season; bring water
Is this kid‑friendly?: Teens yes; some studios offer kids’ yoga
Best day trips from Ubud
Day trips expand what your Ubud Itinerary can hold without changing hotels. Here are easy, rewarding options:
Mount Batur Sunrise + Hot Springs
Leave around 2am for a guided hike up Gunung Batur. Sunrise paints Lake Batur and the caldera in pinks and golds. After descending, soak at lakeside hot springs – pure bliss for tired calves.
Entry/Guide: Tours from IDR 600,000–900,000; hot springs IDR 150,000–200,000.
Kid‑friendly? For confident older kids/teens.
Tibumana & Tukad Cepung Waterfalls
Tibumana’s wide, elegant curtain contrasts with Tukad Cepung’s cave‑lit beam of sunlight. Combine the two for a cinematic morning.
Entry: IDR 20,000–30,000 each.
Kid‑friendly? Yes with hand‑holding on steps.
Tirta Gangga & Sidemen Valley
Wander the water palace’s koi ponds and stepping stones, then roll into Sidemen for lazy rice‑valley views and a long lunch.
Entry: Tirta Gangga IDR 50,000.
Kid‑friendly? Yes.
Kintamani Viewpoints & Coffee
Loop the caldera rim for wide‑angle volcano views, then drop into a plantation for tastings.
Entry: Viewpoints free; tastings low‑cost.
Kid‑friendly? Yes.
Goa Gajah & Gunung Kawi
Two historic sites close together: Elephant Cave with its demon‑mouth entrance and Gunung Kawi’s rock‑hewn shrines in a river gorge.
Entry: IDR 50,000 each.
Kid‑friendly? Yes with stair breaks.
Where to eat in Ubud
Ubud’s food scene runs from market warungs to chef‑driven tasting menus. A few standouts to anchor your list of things to do in Ubud when your appetite calls:
Locavore (and casual sister spots)
A pioneer of Bali’s hyper‑local movement, Locavore’s multi‑course menus celebrate island produce with playful technique. Reservations are essential, and the experience is a splurge worth planning a night around. If you can’t snag a table (or want something breezier), their casual spin‑offs deliver the same ingredient love with fewer rituals.
Clear Café
Beloved for nourishing comfort – think vibrant salads, broths, smoothies, and curries – in a space that feels like a treehouse. Great for post‑yoga lunches, picky eaters, and families who want fresh food without fuss.
Naughty Nuri’s
Smoky, sticky, finger‑licking ribs with a side of cheeky energy. It’s loud, fun, and perfect for a no‑frills feast after a day in the paddies. Martinis are a local legend for the grown‑ups.
Warung Bintangbali / Warung Mendez (local favorites)
Terrace‑view warungs that make classics sing: nasi campur, pepes ikan, tempe manis. Come for sunset and watch the fields change color between bites.
Sage / Alchemy / KAFE (plant‑forward)
A trio of long‑time favorites serving creative vegetarian and vegan plates, raw desserts, and excellent coffees. Easy to slot into any schedule.
Where to stay in Ubud
Choosing your base shapes the feel of your trip, so weave this into your Ubud Itinerary planning:
Central Ubud (walk everywhere)
Best for café‑hopping, markets, and night performances on foot. Boutique hotels and guesthouses hide behind temple walls; expect smaller pools but unbeatable convenience.
Jungle Resorts (quiet + views)
North and west of town, hillside properties overlook river gorges and paddies. Think infinity pools, spa sanctuaries, and dawn mist rising from the valley. Ideal for honeymoons, babymoons, and anyone craving stillness.
Family Villas (space + privacy)
Two‑ to four‑bedroom villas with kitchens and pools make traveling with kids easy -breakfast in pajamas, naps on your timeline, and room to spread out. Many include daily housekeeping and optional chef service.
Budget Gems (social + value)
Hostels and homestays deliver friendly vibes and local tips. Look for places with garden nooks and small pools – simple doesn’t have to mean spartan.
Luxury:
Boutique:
Family Friendly:
Budget:
Check out: “Best Ubud Accommodation for under $200“
Things to do in Ubud when it rains
Tropical showers are part of the charm – and a perfect excuse to pivot your things to do in Ubud when it rains list.
- Spa day + flower bath: Lean into the coziness with a long massage and a petal‑filled soak.
- Museums & galleries: ARMA and Neka house extraordinary collections; smaller galleries showcase contemporary work.
- Cooking class: Covered kitchens, simmering broths, and stories—rain makes it even better.
- Café crawls & bookshops: Ubud excels at snug corners and great coffee.
- Workshops: Silver, ceramics, batik painting—creative hours fly by to the sound of rain on the roof.
Things to do in Ubud with kids
Traveling as a family? Here are easy wins for things to do in Ubud with kids that balance energy and attention spans:
- Monkey Forest (early): Fewer crowds, cooler temps; set clear “look, don’t touch” rules.
- Campuhan Ridge + coconut stop: Short, open spaces to roam with a treat at the turnaround.
- Family cooking class: Simple tasks keep little hands busy, and everyone eats the results.
- Rice terrace wander + café view: Keep paths short; reward with juice and pancakes up top.
- Hotel pool + one daily outing: Build your days around one anchor plan and generous downtime.
- Visit Bali Family Hangout: More than just playground this space has everything you need to keep the kids entertained for hours including waterslides, trampoline, toddler room, climbign nets, bike path and lots of events. They also have a great little cafes for parents can have a coffee and everyone can refuel.
Plan smart, roam slow, and give yourself room for serendipity. With the Best Ubud Attractions as your backbone and this Ubud Itinerary as your map, you’ll balance headline sights with quiet, soul‑filling moments – the fragrance of canang sari on temple steps, the hush under banyan shade, the clatter of plates at a warung that becomes “your place.” Use the day trips to extend your reach, the classes to deepen your connection, and the cafés to catch your breath.
String it all together and your plan will feel effortless – temples at first light, terraces after breakfast, a swim and a spa in the heat of the day, dance at dusk, and dinner under lanterns. Revisit the list of Best Ubud Attractions whenever you need to reshuffle; the town rewards both planners and wanderers. And when you leave, you’ll already be sketching the next itinerary in the margin of your flight nap – proof that Ubud has worked its quiet magic.
