Ubud
Photo: Mitch Hodiono / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season); May and September offer best balance of weather and crowds
Language
Bahasa Indonesia, Balinese, English widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Time Zone
WITA (UTC+8)
Airport
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), 1.5-2 hours drive south of Ubud
Population
Approximately 75,000 (Ubud district)
Climate
Tropical highland, avg 24-30°C, cooler than coastal Bali, afternoon showers common
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1) — watch for aggressive monkeys at Monkey Forest
Top Highlights
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Ancient temple complex home to 1,200+ long-tailed macaques amid moss-covered statues and giant banyan trees. Entry IDR 80,000 (~$5). Open daily 8:30AM-6PM. Secure all belongings — monkeys grab sunglasses, phones, and water bottles. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Best visited early morning.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Bali's most photographed rice paddies with dramatic stepped terraces carved into a river valley. Free to view from the road; walking through the terraces involves small donations (IDR 10,000-20,000) to local farmers. The famous swing costs IDR 150,000-350,000 (~$10-22). 20 minutes north of Ubud center.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Scenic 2km ridge-top trail between two river valleys with panoramic views of palm trees and morning mist. Free. Start from the bridge near Ibah Luxury Villas. Best at sunrise (6-7AM) before the heat. Easy walk, suitable for all fitness levels. Allow 1-1.5 hours round trip.
Tirta Empul Temple
Sacred water temple where Balinese Hindus perform purification rituals in natural spring pools. Entry IDR 50,000 (~$3). Sarong required (available for rent at entrance). Visitors can participate in the purification — follow the pools left to right. 30 minutes northeast of Ubud. Allow 1.5 hours.
Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni)
Two-story market selling handmade crafts, paintings, silk scarves, woven baskets, and souvenirs. Open daily 8AM-6PM. Bargaining is expected — start at 30-40% of asking price. Best selection early morning. The traditional morning market (4-8AM) on the ground floor sells fresh produce and offerings.
Yoga and Wellness Retreats
Ubud is Bali's yoga capital with studios like Yoga Barn (drop-in IDR 130,000, ~$8) and Radiantly Alive offering daily classes in multiple styles. Multi-day retreats range from IDR 5-25 million ($300-1,600). Many include meditation, sound healing, and plant-based meals. Book retreats 2-4 weeks ahead in peak season.
ARMA Museum (Agung Rai Museum of Art)
Excellent collection of traditional and contemporary Balinese art housed in beautiful garden pavilions. Entry IDR 80,000 (~$5) includes a complimentary drink. Traditional dance performances held regularly. Less crowded than Monkey Forest. Open daily 9AM-6PM. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Ubud Itinerary
Arrival & Ubud Orientation
Arrive at Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS), get your Visa on Arrival, and transfer to Ubud. The 1.5-2 hour drive through Bali's interior reveals the transition from coastal tourism to lush jungle and rice terraces.
Visa on Arrival and airport transfer(2 hours)
Pay IDR 500,000 for VOA or use e-VOA purchased online. Pre-book hotel transfer (IDR 350,000-500,000) or use Grab. Avoid taxi touts. Traffic through Denpasar can be brutal — evening arrival is smoother
Check-in to Ubud accommodation(1 hour)
Stay near Monkey Forest or Campuhan ridge for best location. Budget guesthouses from IDR 250,000, boutique hotels from IDR 800,000
Late lunch at Warung Biah Biah(1 hour)
Authentic Balinese food near the palace. Nasi campur IDR 30,000-45,000. The best warungs don't have English menus — this one barely does, and that's the point
Evening walk through Ubud town center(1.5 hours)
Stroll along Jalan Raya Ubud past the Royal Palace and Ubud Art Market (closes 6PM). Get oriented for the week ahead. The evening atmosphere with temple offerings and incense is magical
Campuhan Ridge Walk & Sacred Monkey Forest
Start with Ubud's most scenic morning walk, then visit the famous monkey temple complex in the afternoon.
Sunrise at Campuhan Ridge Walk(1.5 hours)
Free. Start from the bridge near Ibah Luxury Villas. 2km ridge-top trail between two river valleys. Best at 6-7AM before heat. Panoramic views of palm trees and morning mist. Easy for all fitness levels
Breakfast at Lazy Cat Cafe(1 hour)
Near the ridge walk start. Smoothie bowls IDR 55,000, banana pancakes IDR 40,000. Jungle garden setting
Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni)(1.5 hours)
Two-story market for handmade crafts, paintings, silk scarves. Open 8AM-6PM. The back section past tourist stalls has better prices. Bargain — start at 30-40% of asking
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary(2 hours)
Entry IDR 80,000. 1,200+ long-tailed macaques among moss-covered temples and giant banyans. Secure all belongings — monkeys grab sunglasses, phones, water bottles. Never make direct eye contact
Dinner at Bridges Bali(1.5 hours)
Fine dining overlooking the Campuhan River gorge. Indonesian tasting menu IDR 450,000. The cliff-edge setting is worth the splurge on your first full evening
Tegallalang Rice Terraces & Tirta Empul Temple
Hire a driver for the day and visit Bali's most iconic rice terraces and the sacred water purification temple.
Hire a driver for the day(15 minutes)
IDR 500,000-700,000 for a full day with car. Your hotel can arrange. Much safer than scooters on Ubud's steep, narrow roads
Tegallalang Rice Terraces(1.5 hours)
Bali's most photographed rice paddies. Free from road; walking through involves donations IDR 10,000-20,000 to farmers. The famous swing costs IDR 150,000-350,000. Arrive before 9AM for best light and fewer crowds. 20 min north of Ubud
Lunch at Tis Cafe overlooking terraces(1 hour)
Terrace restaurant with panoramic rice field views. Nasi goreng IDR 45,000, fresh coconut IDR 25,000. The view justifies the tourist markup
Tirta Empul Water Temple(1.5 hours)
Sacred spring purification pools. Entry IDR 50,000. Sarong available at entrance. Visitors can participate — follow pools left to right, skip certain spouts marked for funerals. Water is cold but the spiritual atmosphere is powerful. 30 min northeast of Ubud
Dinner at Locavore To Go(1 hour)
Casual offshoot of Bali's top restaurant. Nasi campur with local ingredients IDR 65,000. Flavors that prove Indonesian food can be world-class
Morning Yoga & ARMA Museum
Slower-paced day embracing Ubud's wellness and arts culture. Morning yoga, afternoon art, evening dance.
Morning yoga at The Yoga Barn(1.5 hours)
Drop-in class IDR 130,000. Multiple styles from Vinyasa to Yin. The bamboo shala overlooking rice paddies makes any practice better. Book popular classes 1 day ahead on their app
Brunch at Clear Cafe(1 hour)
Health-conscious cafe. Dragon fruit smoothie bowl IDR 65,000, nasi campur IDR 75,000. Beautiful multi-level bamboo space popular with the yoga crowd
ARMA Museum (Agung Rai Museum of Art)(2 hours)
Traditional and contemporary Balinese art in garden pavilions. Entry IDR 80,000 includes complimentary drink. Less crowded than Monkey Forest. Open 9AM-6PM. Excellent collection spanning centuries
Ubud Palace evening dance performance(1.5 hours)
Daily traditional dance at 7:30PM. IDR 100,000. Legong, Barong, or Ramayana ballet depending on the night. Open-air palace courtyard with torches creates unforgettable atmosphere
Rest Day — Spa & Free Exploration
A true rest day. Balinese massage, lazy cafe-hopping, and whatever calls to you.
Sleep in and slow morning(2 hours)
No alarm. Listen to the roosters and gamelan practice from a nearby temple instead
Balinese massage at Karsa Spa(2 hours)
Set among rice paddies near Tegallalang. 2-hour Balinese treatment from IDR 450,000. Sound of water irrigation and birdsong is the soundtrack. Book ahead
Late lunch at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka(1 hour)
Anthony Bourdain's famous pick. Suckling pig (babi guling) IDR 50,000 for a plate of crispy skin, meat, lawar, and rice. Near the Palace. Non-negotiable Ubud experience
Free afternoon — walk the rice paddies(2 hours)
The Kajeng Rice Paddy Walk starts north of the football field. Free. 1-hour loop through working paddies. Less touristed than Tegallalang. Wear shoes that can handle mud
Cooking Class & Waterfall Chase
Morning Balinese cooking class with market tour, afternoon visiting one of Ubud's jungle waterfalls.
Balinese cooking class with market tour(4 hours)
Start at Ubud's traditional morning market (arrive by 6:30AM for the local market before tourist stalls). Learn to make satay, lawar, nasi goreng, and black rice pudding. Classes IDR 350,000-500,000. Paon Bali and Bali Asli are top-rated options
Tegenungan Waterfall(2 hours)
15-meter waterfall in a lush valley. Entry IDR 20,000. 15 minutes south of Ubud. Swim in the pool at the base. Best before noon for fewer crowds and good light. The staircase down is steep but well-maintained
Dinner at Hujan Locale(1.5 hours)
Modern Indonesian cuisine by chef Will Meyrick. Tasting menu IDR 550,000. Each dish reinterprets a classic Indonesian recipe. The cocktail program is equally impressive
Departure Day — Last Morning in Ubud
Final morning in Bali's cultural heart before the drive to Ngurah Rai Airport.
Early morning at Campuhan Ridge(1 hour)
Return to the ridge for one last misty sunrise. The light is different every day
Breakfast at Anomali Coffee(1 hour)
Indonesian specialty coffee — single-origin Toraja or Flores pour-over IDR 35,000-50,000. The best coffee in Ubud. Pastries IDR 25,000-40,000
Last shopping and goodbyes(45 minutes)
Pick up Balinese crafts, silver jewelry from Celuk, or luwak coffee (IDR 50,000 for a small bag) from the Art Market
Transfer to Ngurah Rai Airport(2 hours)
Allow 2-2.5 hours for the drive. Hotel transfer IDR 350,000-500,000 or Grab. Traffic through Denpasar is unpredictable — leave early
14-Day Ubud Itinerary
Arrival & Ubud Orientation
Arrive at DPS, VOA, and 1.5-2 hour transfer to Ubud through Bali's interior.
VOA and airport transfer(2 hours)
IDR 500,000 VOA or e-VOA. Hotel transfer IDR 350,000-500,000. Evening arrival avoids Denpasar traffic
Check-in to Ubud(1 hour)
Stay near Monkey Forest or Campuhan. Budget from IDR 250,000, boutique from IDR 800,000
Lunch at Warung Biah Biah(1 hour)
Nasi campur IDR 30,000-45,000. Authentic Balinese
Evening walk through town center(1.5 hours)
Royal Palace, Art Market, temple offerings and incense
Campuhan Ridge & Sacred Monkey Forest
Scenic morning ridge walk and afternoon at the famous monkey temple.
Sunrise Campuhan Ridge Walk(1.5 hours)
Free. 2km ridge trail. Best 6-7AM. Start near Ibah Luxury Villas
Breakfast at Lazy Cat Cafe(1 hour)
Smoothie bowls IDR 55,000, banana pancakes IDR 40,000
Ubud Art Market(1.5 hours)
Crafts, paintings, scarves. Back section has better prices. Bargain from 30-40%
Sacred Monkey Forest(2 hours)
IDR 80,000. 1,200+ macaques. Secure all loose items
Dinner at Bridges Bali(1.5 hours)
Cliff-edge dining. Indonesian tasting menu IDR 450,000
Tegallalang & Tirta Empul Temple
Hire a driver. Visit the iconic rice terraces and sacred water purification temple.
Hire day driver(15 minutes)
IDR 500,000-700,000 for car and driver
Tegallalang Rice Terraces(1.5 hours)
Arrive before 9AM. Donations IDR 10,000-20,000 to walk through. Swing IDR 150,000-350,000
Lunch at Tis Cafe(1 hour)
Nasi goreng IDR 45,000 with panoramic terrace views
Tirta Empul Water Temple(1.5 hours)
IDR 50,000. Sacred purification pools. Follow left to right sequence. 30 min from Ubud
Dinner at Locavore To Go(1 hour)
Nasi campur IDR 65,000. World-class Indonesian flavors
Yoga, ARMA Museum & Dance Performance
Embrace Ubud's wellness and arts scene.
Yoga at The Yoga Barn(1.5 hours)
Drop-in IDR 130,000. Bamboo shala overlooking paddies
Brunch at Clear Cafe(1 hour)
Dragon fruit bowl IDR 65,000. Multi-level bamboo space
ARMA Museum(2 hours)
IDR 80,000 including drink. Traditional and contemporary Balinese art
Ubud Palace dance performance(1.5 hours)
7:30PM. IDR 100,000. Legong or Barong in candlelit courtyard
Rest Day — Spa & Rice Paddy Walk
Slow day with Balinese massage and free exploration.
Karsa Spa massage(2 hours)
Among rice paddies. 2-hour treatment from IDR 450,000
Lunch at Ibu Oka(1 hour)
Babi guling (suckling pig) IDR 50,000. Bourdain-approved
Kajeng Rice Paddy Walk(1.5 hours)
Free 1-hour loop through working paddies. Less touristed than Tegallalang
Cooking Class & Waterfall
Morning market-to-table cooking class, afternoon jungle waterfall.
Cooking class with market tour(4 hours)
Start 6:30AM at morning market. Make satay, lawar, nasi goreng. IDR 350,000-500,000. Paon Bali or Bali Asli
Tegenungan Waterfall(2 hours)
15m waterfall, 15 min south. IDR 20,000. Swim at base. Best before noon
Dinner at Hujan Locale(1.5 hours)
Modern Indonesian tasting menu IDR 550,000 by chef Will Meyrick
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Pre-dawn volcano trek for sunrise over the caldera lake, then hot springs recovery.
Mount Batur sunrise trek(5 hours)
Hotel pickup 2AM. IDR 350,000-500,000 including guide, transport, breakfast cooked on volcanic steam vents. Summit by 5:30AM. Moderate difficulty
Hot springs at Toya Devasya(1.5 hours)
IDR 150,000. Infinity pool with lake views. Perfect for sore legs
Return to Ubud and rest(2 hours)
After a 2AM start, afternoon nap is mandatory
Light dinner at Warung Biah Biah(1 hour)
Nasi campur IDR 35,000. Simple, restorative, authentic
Day Trip to Sidemen Valley
Escape to Sidemen — a quieter, more traditional rice terrace area east of Ubud with views of Mount Agung.
Driver to Sidemen Valley(1.5 hours)
1.5 hours east of Ubud. Hire a driver IDR 500,000-700,000. The road passes through traditional villages
Sidemen rice terrace trek(2 hours)
Guided walks through terraces with Mount Agung as backdrop. IDR 150,000-250,000 with local guide. Far fewer tourists than Tegallalang. The terraces are steeper and more dramatic
Lunch at Warung Pondok Sidemen(1 hour)
Local warung with terrace views. Nasi campur IDR 25,000. Authentic village cooking
Ikat weaving village visit(1 hour)
Sidemen is famous for traditional ikat weaving. Watch artisans at backstrap looms and buy handwoven textiles directly. Scarves from IDR 100,000
Nusa Penida Day Trip
Speedboat to the rugged island southeast of Bali for dramatic cliffs and manta ray snorkeling.
Transfer to Sanur and speedboat(1.5 hours)
Driver from Ubud to Sanur (1 hour), speedboat 45 min. IDR 300,000-500,000 return. Boats depart 8-9AM
Kelingking Beach viewpoint(1.5 hours)
T-Rex shaped cliff. Free viewpoint. Descent to beach is steep (45 min down) — viewpoint is enough for most
Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach(1.5 hours)
Natural infinity pool and circular cliff arch. Both free. 10 min from Kelingking. Swim at Billabong only at low tide
Snorkeling at Manta Point(1.5 hours)
Boat from Crystal Bay IDR 350,000. Giant manta rays with 5m wingspans. Best April-October. Life-changing
Rest Day — Yoga Retreat Experience
Full wellness immersion day. Multi-class yoga pass, sound healing, and plant-based eating.
Morning Vinyasa at Radiantly Alive(1.5 hours)
Drop-in IDR 150,000. Modern studio with excellent teachers. More dynamic than Yoga Barn
Plant-based brunch at Sage(1 hour)
Vegan restaurant. Raw pad thai IDR 60,000, matcha latte IDR 45,000
Sound healing or meditation class(1 hour)
The Yoga Barn hosts afternoon sound healing with singing bowls. IDR 130,000. Deeply relaxing
Free afternoon at a pool or river(2 hours)
Many Ubud hotels have infinity pools overlooking the jungle. Or walk down to the Campuhan River for a wild swim
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces & Batukaru Temple
The UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih terraces — bigger, quieter, and more impressive than Tegallalang — with a remote highland temple.
Driver to Jatiluwih(1.5 hours)
IDR 500,000-700,000 for driver. 1.5 hours west of Ubud through mountain roads
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces trek(2.5 hours)
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry IDR 40,000. Walking trails from 1-4 hours through working terraces. The scale dwarfs Tegallalang — hundreds of hectares of sculpted paddies. Few tourists on weekdays
Lunch at Jatiluwih restaurant with views(1 hour)
Several restaurants overlook the terraces. Buffet lunch IDR 75,000-100,000. The panorama from up here is staggering
Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple(1 hour)
One of Bali's six key directional temples, set in highland rainforest on Mount Batukaru's slopes. IDR 50,000. Misty, mossy, and mystical. Sarong required. Far quieter than Uluwatu or Tanah Lot
Silver Workshop & Art Villages
Visit the artisan villages south of Ubud — Celuk for silver, Batuan for painting, Mas for woodcarving.
Celuk silver workshop(1.5 hours)
Watch silversmiths hand-craft intricate jewelry. Try a 2-hour silver-making class IDR 350,000-500,000. Buy directly from makers — rings from IDR 50,000, elaborate pieces IDR 500,000+
Batuan painting village(1 hour)
Traditional Batuan-style painting galleries. Dense, detailed works depicting Balinese mythology. Watch artists at work. Paintings from IDR 200,000 for small works
Lunch at Warung Teges(1 hour)
Between villages. Authentic Balinese lunch IDR 25,000-40,000. No tourists, all flavor
Mas woodcarving village(1 hour)
Master carvers create Garuda, Ganesha, and traditional masks from local wood. Galleries line the main road. Masks from IDR 100,000-2,000,000 depending on detail
Dinner at Room4Dessert(2 hours)
Dessert-focused tasting menu by chef Will Goldfarb. IDR 750,000 for 7 courses. Each creation is edible art. Book 3+ days ahead
Rest Day — Free Morning & Farewell Evening
Final rest day. Free morning, afternoon exploring any missed spots, farewell dinner.
Free morning(4 hours)
Your call. Return to favorite cafe, revisit a temple, or do absolutely nothing. Two weeks earns you the right
Last Ubud Art Market browse(1 hour)
Pick up final souvenirs. Sarongs, incense, coconut oil, silver jewelry. Your bargaining skills have improved over 2 weeks
Sunset at Sari Organik rice terrace(1.5 hours)
Walk through the paddies north of the football field to this hillside organic restaurant. Sunset views over working terraces. Juice IDR 25,000, nasi campur IDR 45,000
Farewell dinner at Mozaic(2 hours)
Ubud's finest restaurant. French-Indonesian tasting menu IDR 1,100,000. A fitting farewell to Bali's cultural heart. Book days ahead
Departure Day — Last Morning in Ubud
Final morning before the drive to the airport.
Early Campuhan Ridge Walk(1 hour)
One last misty sunrise on the ridge
Breakfast at Anomali Coffee(1 hour)
Single-origin Indonesian pour-over IDR 35,000-50,000. Best coffee in Ubud
Last-minute shopping(30 minutes)
Luwak coffee, Balinese crafts, silver from Celuk
Airport transfer(2 hours)
Allow 2-2.5 hours. IDR 350,000-500,000 or Grab. Leave early for unpredictable Denpasar traffic
21-Day Ubud Itinerary
Arrival & Ubud Orientation
Arrive at DPS, VOA, and transfer to Ubud through Bali's interior.
VOA and airport transfer(2 hours)
IDR 500,000 VOA. Hotel transfer IDR 350,000-500,000. Evening arrival smoother
Check-in to Ubud(1 hour)
Near Monkey Forest or Campuhan. Budget IDR 250,000, boutique IDR 800,000
Lunch at Warung Biah Biah(1 hour)
Nasi campur IDR 30,000. Authentic Balinese
Evening walk through town(1.5 hours)
Royal Palace, Art Market, temple offerings
Campuhan Ridge & Sacred Monkey Forest
Morning ridge walk, afternoon monkey temple, evening fine dining.
Sunrise Campuhan Ridge Walk(1.5 hours)
Free. 2km trail. Best 6-7AM
Breakfast at Lazy Cat Cafe(1 hour)
Smoothie bowls IDR 55,000
Ubud Art Market(1.5 hours)
Crafts, paintings. Back section better prices. Bargain from 30%
Sacred Monkey Forest(2 hours)
IDR 80,000. Secure all belongings
Dinner at Bridges Bali(1.5 hours)
Indonesian tasting menu IDR 450,000 over Campuhan gorge
Tegallalang & Tirta Empul
Iconic rice terraces and sacred water temple with hired driver.
Hire day driver(15 minutes)
IDR 500,000-700,000
Tegallalang Rice Terraces(1.5 hours)
Arrive before 9AM. Donations IDR 10,000-20,000
Lunch at Tis Cafe(1 hour)
Nasi goreng IDR 45,000 with terrace views
Tirta Empul Temple(1.5 hours)
IDR 50,000. Purification pools. Follow left-to-right sequence
Dinner at Locavore To Go(1 hour)
Nasi campur IDR 65,000
Yoga, ARMA Museum & Dance
Wellness and arts. Yoga class, art museum, traditional dance.
Yoga at The Yoga Barn(1.5 hours)
Drop-in IDR 130,000. Bamboo shala
Brunch at Clear Cafe(1 hour)
Dragon fruit bowl IDR 65,000
ARMA Museum(2 hours)
IDR 80,000 with drink. Balinese art spanning centuries
Palace dance performance(1.5 hours)
7:30PM. IDR 100,000. Candlelit courtyard
Rest Day — Spa & Paddy Walk
Slow day. Massage, lazy lunch, rice paddy walking.
Karsa Spa massage(2 hours)
Among paddies. IDR 450,000 for 2 hours
Lunch at Ibu Oka(1 hour)
Babi guling IDR 50,000
Kajeng Rice Paddy Walk(1.5 hours)
Free loop through working paddies
Cooking Class & Waterfall
Market-to-table cooking class, then jungle waterfall swim.
Cooking class with market tour(4 hours)
6:30AM market start. Satay, lawar, nasi goreng. IDR 350,000-500,000
Tegenungan Waterfall(2 hours)
15m falls. IDR 20,000. 15 min south. Swim at base
Dinner at Hujan Locale(1.5 hours)
Modern Indonesian tasting menu IDR 550,000
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Pre-dawn volcano trek for sunrise, then hot springs.
Mount Batur trek(5 hours)
Pickup 2AM. IDR 350,000-500,000. Breakfast cooked on volcanic steam
Toya Devasya hot springs(1.5 hours)
IDR 150,000. Infinity pool with lake views
Light dinner at Warung Biah Biah(1 hour)
Nasi campur IDR 35,000
Sidemen Valley Day Trip
Quieter rice terraces with Mount Agung backdrop and traditional ikat weaving.
Driver to Sidemen(1.5 hours)
IDR 500,000-700,000. Through traditional villages
Sidemen rice terrace trek(2 hours)
IDR 150,000-250,000 with guide. Mount Agung backdrop. Far fewer tourists
Lunch at Warung Pondok Sidemen(1 hour)
Nasi campur IDR 25,000. Village cooking
Ikat weaving village(1 hour)
Watch artisans at backstrap looms. Scarves from IDR 100,000
Nusa Penida Day Trip
Speedboat to the rugged island for dramatic cliffs and manta ray snorkeling.
Transfer to Sanur and speedboat(1.5 hours)
IDR 300,000-500,000 return. 45 min crossing
Kelingking Beach viewpoint(1.5 hours)
T-Rex cliff. Free viewpoint
Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach(1.5 hours)
Natural infinity pool and cliff arch. Free. Low tide only for swimming
Manta Point snorkeling(1.5 hours)
IDR 350,000 from Crystal Bay. Giant mantas. Best April-October
Rest Day — Yoga Retreat
Full wellness immersion. Multi-class yoga, sound healing, plant-based eating.
Vinyasa at Radiantly Alive(1.5 hours)
Drop-in IDR 150,000. Dynamic style
Plant-based brunch at Sage(1 hour)
Raw pad thai IDR 60,000, matcha latte IDR 45,000
Sound healing at Yoga Barn(1 hour)
IDR 130,000. Singing bowls. Deeply relaxing
Jatiluwih UNESCO Terraces & Batukaru Temple
The grandest rice terraces in Bali and a misty highland temple.
Driver to Jatiluwih(1.5 hours)
IDR 500,000-700,000 through mountain roads
Jatiluwih trek(2.5 hours)
UNESCO site. IDR 40,000. Walking trails 1-4 hours. Dwarfs Tegallalang in scale
Lunch overlooking terraces(1 hour)
Buffet IDR 75,000-100,000. Staggering panorama
Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple(1 hour)
IDR 50,000. Rainforest temple on Mount Batukaru. Misty and mystical
Silver Workshop & Art Villages
Artisan villages south of Ubud — silver, painting, and woodcarving.
Celuk silver workshop(1.5 hours)
Try silver-making class IDR 350,000-500,000. Buy from makers — rings from IDR 50,000
Batuan painting village(1 hour)
Dense Batuan-style mythological paintings. Watch artists work. From IDR 200,000
Lunch at Warung Teges(1 hour)
Between villages. IDR 25,000-40,000
Mas woodcarving village(1 hour)
Garuda, Ganesha, masks. From IDR 100,000
Dinner at Room4Dessert(2 hours)
Dessert tasting menu IDR 750,000. Edible art. Book 3+ days ahead
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance
Day trip south to Bali's dramatic cliff temple and its legendary sunset performance.
Driver south to Uluwatu area(1.5 hours)
IDR 500,000-700,000 for the day. Scenic drive through Denpasar and south Bali
Morning at Padang Padang Beach(2 hours)
Enter through a cliff cave. IDR 10,000. Small beautiful beach from Eat Pray Love
Lunch at Single Fin(1.5 hours)
Clifftop bar above Uluwatu surf breaks. Nasi goreng IDR 85,000 with mesmerizing surf views
Uluwatu Temple(1 hour)
IDR 50,000. Clifftop temple 70m above the ocean. Secure sunglasses — expert monkey thieves. Arrive by 4:30PM
Kecak Fire Dance at sunset(1.5 hours)
6PM daily. IDR 150,000. 50+ performers chanting as sun sets. Fire dance finale. Arrive 30 min early for seats
Besakih Mother Temple & East Bali
Visit Bali's holiest temple on Mount Agung's slopes, with stops at east Bali's hidden waterfalls.
Driver to east Bali(1.5 hours)
IDR 600,000-800,000 for a long day trip
Pura Besakih (Mother Temple)(2 hours)
Bali's largest and holiest temple complex on Mount Agung. IDR 60,000 plus sarong. Hire an official guide at the entrance (IDR 60,000) to avoid unauthorized touts. 1,000+ years of Hindu-Balinese history
Tukad Cepung Waterfall(1.5 hours)
Hidden waterfall inside a cave — sunlight streams through the canyon creating rainbow mist. IDR 15,000 entry. 15-minute walk down stone steps. One of Bali's most magical spots
Lunch at Bali Asli(1.5 hours)
Cooking school and restaurant near Amlapura. Traditional Balinese dishes cooked on wood fire. Set menu IDR 200,000. Views of Mount Agung. Worth the detour
Rest Day — Free Morning & Painting Class
Fourth rest day. Free morning, afternoon Balinese painting workshop.
Free morning(4 hours)
Return to favorite cafe, swim, read, do nothing
Balinese painting class(3 hours)
Learn traditional Ubud-style painting at one of the art galleries near the market. IDR 250,000-400,000. You create and keep your painting. Teachers are practicing artists
Sunset at Sari Organik(1.5 hours)
Walk through paddies to hillside organic restaurant. Sunset views. Juice IDR 25,000
Tibumana & Kanto Lampo Waterfalls
Chase two more of Ubud's jungle waterfalls — both less touristed alternatives.
Tibumana Waterfall(1.5 hours)
Smaller and quieter waterfall 30 min east of Ubud. IDR 15,000. Beautiful jungle setting. Short walk through bamboo forest to reach it. Swim in the pool
Kanto Lampo Waterfall(1.5 hours)
Unique cascading waterfall flowing over stepped rock formations. IDR 10,000. Popular for photos — the water fans out dramatically. 20 min from Ubud. Visit before noon
Lunch at Warung D'Sawah(1 hour)
Rice paddy setting between the waterfalls. Nasi goreng IDR 40,000 with panoramic green views
Afternoon spa treatment(2 hours)
Traditional Lulur body scrub — a Javanese royal treatment with turmeric and flower petals. From IDR 300,000 at any Ubud spa
Penglipuran Village & Bangli
Visit one of Bali's best-preserved traditional villages and the ancient court town of Bangli.
Driver to Penglipuran Village(45 minutes)
IDR 500,000-700,000 for the day. 45 min northeast of Ubud
Penglipuran Traditional Village(2 hours)
One of Bali's cleanest and most beautiful traditional villages. IDR 50,000. Identical bamboo-gate compounds line a stone path. Traditional Aga community. No motorbikes or cars allowed inside
Bamboo forest walk behind the village(45 minutes)
Dense bamboo forest behind Penglipuran with walking paths. Cool and quiet. Free with village entry
Lunch in Bangli(1 hour)
Old court town with almost no tourists. Local warungs near the main temple. IDR 20,000-35,000
Kehen Temple in Bangli(1 hour)
Ancient terraced temple often compared to a mini-Besakih. IDR 20,000. Giant old banyan tree in the courtyard. Almost no visitors
Language & Culture Day
Balinese language lesson, temple ceremony attendance, and deep cultural immersion.
Bahasa Indonesia mini-lesson(1.5 hours)
Several tutors in Ubud offer 1-2 hour casual lessons. IDR 200,000-300,000. Learn greetings, market bargaining phrases, and reading a simple warung menu. Your attempts will delight locals
Attend a temple ceremony(2 hours)
Ask your hotel staff about upcoming ceremonies — they happen almost daily at various temples. Wearing proper temple attire (sarong, sash), visitors are usually welcome to observe respectfully. An unforgettable spiritual experience
Lunch at Sari Organik(1 hour)
Walk through paddies. Organic nasi campur IDR 45,000. Your Bahasa ordering impresses the staff
Traditional Balinese music lesson(1.5 hours)
Several hotels and community centers offer gamelan music workshops. Learn to play the metalophone instruments. IDR 200,000-350,000. The interlocking rhythms are more complex than they sound
Rest Day — Your Favorite Things
Fifth rest day. Revisit your favorites from three weeks. This is your greatest-hits day.
Morning — your favorite activity(3 hours)
Yoga, ridge walk, market, waterfall — whatever became your Ubud ritual. Three weeks earns you rituals
Lunch at your favorite warung(1 hour)
The place you kept coming back to. Order your usual. The staff knows your face by now
Afternoon — free(3 hours)
Pool, paddy walk, shopping, or nothing at all
Sunset cocktails overlooking the valley(1.5 hours)
Swept Away at the Samaya has infinity pool views over the Ayung River valley. Cocktails IDR 120,000-180,000
Farewell Tour — Tanah Lot & Seminyak Sunset
Day trip south to the iconic sea temple and Bali's famous beach sunset before your final evening.
Driver south via Tanah Lot(1.5 hours)
IDR 500,000-700,000. En route to the coast
Tanah Lot Temple morning visit(1.5 hours)
IDR 60,000. Sea temple on a rocky outcrop. Less crowded in morning than sunset. Holy spring at the base accessible at low tide
Lunch at Mama San in Seminyak(1.5 hours)
Pan-Asian restaurant in converted warehouse. Duck curry IDR 145,000, creative cocktails
Seminyak Beach sunset(2 hours)
Bean bags at La Plancha beach bar. Cocktails from IDR 80,000. Or Potato Head Beach Club (min spend IDR 150,000). The legendary Seminyak sunset
Farewell dinner at Mozaic(2 hours)
Ubud's finest restaurant. French-Indonesian tasting menu IDR 1,100,000. Book days ahead. A grand farewell
Departure Day — Goodbye Ubud
Final morning in Bali's cultural heart.
Last Campuhan Ridge sunrise(1 hour)
One final misty walk. The light is different every day, but the feeling is always the same
Breakfast at Anomali Coffee(1 hour)
Single-origin Toraja pour-over IDR 35,000. Best coffee in Ubud
Last shopping and goodbyes(45 minutes)
Final gifts. Say goodbye to the staff who made your three weeks special
Airport transfer(2 hours)
Allow 2-2.5 hours. Leave early for Denpasar traffic. IDR 350,000-500,000
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Visa on Arrival
Most nationalities get a 30-day visa on arrival for IDR 500,000 (~$32). Can be extended once for another 30 days at immigration offices in Denpasar. Have a return ticket ready — airlines check before boarding. The e-VOA (electronic visa on arrival) can be purchased online before arrival to skip airport queues.
transport
Airport Transfer to Ubud
Ubud is 1.5-2 hours from Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) depending on traffic. Pre-book a private car through your hotel (IDR 350,000-500,000, ~$22-32) or use Grab/Gojek ride-hailing apps. Avoid airport taxi touts who quote inflated prices. Traffic through Denpasar can be brutal — consider arriving late evening.
Scooter vs Driver
Scooter rental IDR 70,000-100,000/day (~$5-7) is the local way to get around, but Ubud traffic and steep narrow roads are challenging for inexperienced riders. Hiring a driver for a full day costs IDR 500,000-700,000 (~$32-45) and is recommended for visiting Tegallalang, Tirta Empul, and other outlying sites.
Local Customs
Temple Dress Code
Sarongs and sashes are required at all Balinese temples. Many temples provide rentals (IDR 10,000-20,000) but buying your own at the market (IDR 50,000-100,000) is more comfortable. Cover shoulders and knees. Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter temple grounds.
Safety
Monkey Forest Survival Guide
Remove all loose items before entering: sunglasses, earrings, hair clips, water bottles, and dangling phone straps. Never make direct eye contact with monkeys (they see it as a threat). Don't bring bananas — only buy food from official vendors inside. If a monkey grabs something, don't fight it; staff will help retrieve items.
Watch Out for Ceremony Traffic
Balinese Hindu ceremonies can close roads without warning — entire streets blocked for processions. Check with your hotel about upcoming ceremonies. Nyepi (Day of Silence, usually March) shuts down the entire island for 24 hours: no driving, no flights, no leaving your hotel. Plan around it or embrace the experience.
Budget
Eat Like a Local
Tourist restaurants charge IDR 60,000-150,000 (~$4-10) per meal, but local warungs (family-run eateries) serve nasi campur for IDR 20,000-35,000 (~$1.30-2.30). Try Warung Biah Biah near the palace for authentic Balinese food. The best warungs don't have English menus — that's how you know they're good.
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