The Best Ubud Itinerary – How to Spend 3 Days in Ubud

If you’re looking for the very best Ubud Itinerary, you’ll be pleased to know you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll share how to spend the perfect 3 days in Ubud, but it can be easily adapted to suit your schedule.

Nestled in the Balinese jungle, Ubud is the cultural and spiritual hub of Bali. Rich in lush nature, traditional architecture and vibrant culture, it’s our favourite place to base ourselves when we are on the island.  

Made famous by the movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love‘, many visit Ubud in search of spiritual transformation. Whether that be at a yoga & meditation retreat, visiting a local medicine man, or simply spending time in nature.

Either way, there’s something incredibly healing about the vibe in Ubud. I can safely say it’s unlike anywhere else on the island and an unmissable addition to your Bali itinerary.

If you’re wondering what 3 Days in Ubud might look like, think majestic waterfalls, lush rice terraces, ornate temples, and phenomenal food.

So let’s get to it. Here’s our perfect 3 Day Ubud Itinerary to help plan your time here.

The Best Ubud Itinerary – How to Spend 3 Days in Ubud

The Best of Ubud in 3 Days

Here is a quick overview of the highlights, in case you don’t have time to read through this entire 3 Day Ubud itinerary.

• Chase the 7 Incredible Waterfalls near Ubud
• Take an early morning stroll on Campuhan Ridge
• Climb Mount Batur for sunrise
• Visit the famous Tegalalang Rice Fields
• Brave the mischievous monkeys at Monkey Forest
• Shop for local souvenirs at Ubud Market
• Have a floating breakfast at Kamandalu 
• Discover Ancient Bali at Pura Gunung Kawi
• Stay in a unique eco-friendly treehouse

Ubud Itinerary Essential Info

If it’s your first time visiting Ubud, there are a few things worth knowing that will help you make the most of your time here.

First of all, you might want to check out my 10-day Bali itinerary. That’s full of handy tips about the island as well as all of the best places to visit for a first-time visit.

Or, if you’re a keen photographer, you may also be interested in reading about the best Bali Instagram spots.

Otherwise, here is some helpful information to guarantee a memorable Ubud itinerary.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ubud will be in the dry season, which runs from April to late September.

While there is always a chance of the odd rainy day, you can expect ideal conditions for all the Ubud activities and attractions. 

July and August is high season in Bali, as well as Christmas, New Year, and Easter. The island is at its busiest during these times, and prices rise at an alarming rate.

With this in mind, April, May, June and September are the best months to visit.

As a side note, we quite like visiting Bali during the wet season. While downpours aren’t uncommon, they often don’t last very long. It also means fewer tourists around, which can be refreshing in busy tourist hubs like Ubud.

Getting to Ubud

If you’re coming to Ubud directly from the airport, I suggest booking a private transfer to take you to your hotel.

It’s usually cheaper than taking a taxi from outside the airport since drivers are opportunists when it comes to tourists. The journey time is 1-2 hours depending on traffic.

I believe there are also buses that run from the airport; however, we’ve never used them personally. Public transportation isn’t really a thing in Bali, so we’d always hire a driver or get around on a scooter.

You could probably organise an airport transfer with your hotel. If not, I found a great deal for you here.

If you’re travelling to Ubud from somewhere else in Bali, again you might want to hire a driver.

Getting Around in Ubud

Like the rest of Bali, the best way to get around in Ubud is on two wheels. Being able to ride a scooter in Bali is a valuable skill.

If you’ve never driven a scooter before, I don’t suggest trying it out for the first time in Bali. The roads are in good condition, but the Bali traffic can be intimidating to even the most experienced of drivers.  

To rent a scooter in Bali will set you back around 60,000 IDR per day. And it is usually possible to negotiate a discount if you rent for extended periods.  

Of course, we advise exercising caution when driving in Bali. Always wear your helmet, and carry an international driving license.

If renting a scooter isn’t an option, you can opt to use GoJek or Grab which work in the same way as Uber. Or rent a vehicle with a driver and explore this Ubud itinerary at your own pace.

Another way of getting around in Bali is by the Kura Kura shuttle bus. It’s an ok option if you’re on a budget; however, there are limited routes and travel times are much longer.

Where to Stay with 3 Days in Ubud

We’ve done the rounds in Ubud, returning many times over the years. With this in mind, it’s not too difficult for us to recommend great places to stay, especially if you’re on a budget.  

That said, if you plan to treat yourself when travelling in Bali, I would say that Ubud is the place to do it.

There are so many fantastic options in Ubud. From luxury wilderness hotels to traditional Balinese homestays, and quirky treehouses in the heart of the jungle.

The only thing worth considering when spending 3 days in Ubud or less is location. Unless you rent a scooter, you’ll want to be close to the town centre for access to restaurants, nightlife, and shops.

I’ve made some suggestions further down, but you can compare Ubud accommodations using the button below.

Your 3 Day Ubud Itinerary at a Glance

OK, when putting together this Ubud Itinerary, I’ve endeavoured to cover as much as possible. There’s a lot to see and do. Some of you will be more enthusiastic than others to cram a lot into the three days.

Don’t exert yourself; this is your holiday after all. I’m just here to guide you based on our experiences, but feel free to rejig the itinerary as you see fit.

• Day 1: Ridge Walks, Waterfalls, and Monkeys
• Day 2: Climbing Volcanoes, Hot Springs and Shopping
• Day 3: Ricefields, Floating Breakfasts, and Temples

Ubud Itinerary Day 1

Ridge Walks, Waterfalls, and Monkeys

Assuming you stayed the night in Ubud, you’ll be up bright, breezy and ready to explore.

If you haven’t already had breakfast at your hotel, you needn’t worry. There are tons of great cafes and restaurants in Ubud centre serving a wealth of international fayre.

You’ll find a section dedicated to our favourite places to eat in Ubud further down in the article.  Let’s get to day 1 of 3 days in Ubud!

Campuhan Ridge Walk

One of our favourite ways to start the day in Ubud, Campuhan Ridge is a scenic walking trail located just minutes from the town centre.

If you have an Instagram account, there’s no doubt you are familiar with this spot already. However, there’s actually a lot more to the trail than the Insta-famous stretch with the palm trees.

What’s great about this hike, is that it’s easily accessible and not so strenuous. Meaning it can be great fun for all the family.

The most popular trail is 2km in length with some steady inclines. Or if you fancy the challenge, you can continue for up to 9km.

Admire the breathtaking vistas as you walk, or stop off for a refreshment at the tranquil Karsa Cafe. 

Need more information? This article by LiveLoveRaw sums it all up perfectly.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Next up we have one of our favourite waterfalls near Ubud – Tukad Cepung.

Located approximately a 45-minutes drive from the town centre Tukad Cepung is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali and essential addition to your Ubud itinerary. 

The highlight of these falls is the incredible sun rays that shoot into the canyon around 10 am on a sunny day.

It’s this magical scene that’s made it one of the most instagrammable spots in Bali.

Need more information? Check out our guide to Tukad Cepung Waterfall here.

Tibumana Waterfall

By this point, you’ll be ready to cool down, so thankfully your next stop is an ideal spot to take a dip.

Many regard Tibumana waterfall to be one of the most picturesque in Bali, and we’d have to agree. It’s also perfect for swimming thanks to the deep lagoon that lay at the bottom.

Tibumana is accessible via an easy 10-minute hike, so it’s suitable for all ages and capabilities. The trail leads you through the jungle, making for the perfect mini-adventure for little ones.

Need more information? Check out our guide to Tibumana Waterfall here.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

By the time you’ve finished up at Tibumana Waterfall, it’s likely to be lunchtime.

We usually stock up on fruit, nuts, and biscuits to see us through. But if you want a proper meal, you can stop off in Ubud Town Centre on your way to the Monkey Forest.

The Monkey Forest is a top tourist attraction in Bali, and will generally land a spot on most Ubud itineraries.

It’s a chance to get up close and personal with hundreds of the Balinese long-tailed monkeys who are undeniably cute but equally naughty.

The monkey forest is an enchanting place to explore. A nature reserve and Hindu temple complex, the ornate temples and countless species of trees create a giant playground for the monkeys.

A fair word of warning though, the monkeys are not afraid to interact with humans – particularly if you have food. They also like to snatch loose belongings, so it’s wise to keep sunglasses, hats, phones and the like secured.  

Entrance: 80,000 IDR/Allow: 2-3 hours

Ubud Town Centre

A nice way to round off your first day in Ubud is to meander around the town centre. You could pass by a local temple such as the picturesque Water Palace, do some shopping at the various markets or boutiques, or sink some happy hour cocktails at the bars. All I’ll say is that you’ll want to be well-rested, as it’s a disgustingly early start in the morning!

Ubud Itinerary Day 2

Climbing Volcanoes, Hot Springs and Shopping

Day 2 in Ubud and you are in for an action-packed day! If you thought yesterday was adventurous, today is going to blow your socks off.

The first activity is optional, and will heavily depend on a) if you can get up on time, and b) if you are up to the challenge. But if you consider yourself an adventurer, you won’t want to miss what we have in store.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

Out of all the magical mornings we’ve experienced in Bali, hiking to the peak of Mount Batur for sunrise is one of our favourites.

At 1717 metres above sea level, Mount Batur is the 2nd tallest volcano on the island. Only the notorious Mount Agung proceeds it at 3031 metres.

What can you expect from this hike? An unearthly early start and a challenging 2-hour climb in the darkness. When I say early, I’m talking about a 1.30 am collection from your Ubud hotel kind of early.

But we consider this hike to be one of the top things to do on this Ubud Itinerary. Watching the sunrise atop an active volcano is an experience you’ll never forget.

Need more information? Check out our guide to hiking Mount Batur with Bali Sunrise Trekking here.

Batur Natural Hot Springs

The Batur Natural Hotsprings are an optional add-on to most Mount Batur Hiking packages. It can be a great way to soothe the muscles post-hike.

However, I feel obliged to point out that the term ‘natural’ is quite misleading since the springs are in concrete pools. 

We also read a ton of mixed reviews before our hike, where some were raving about the incredible view and relaxing pools. Others complained about dirty facilities and unfriendly staff. 

We decided against visiting in the end; however, you should read the views and decide for yourself if it’s worth paying the extra few dollars on top of the hike.

Ubud Market

Depending on how your trek goes, you should be back in Ubud around lunchtime. I know the first thing on our agenda was a big feed and a nap; you might be different.

Either way, you’ll inevitably want a relaxing afternoon involving nothing too strenuous. So I recommend a leisurely stroll around the Ubud market.

Ubud Market is probably the most famous market in Bali. Famed for its endless market stalls selling everything from local handicrafts to tourist souvenirs, and collections of unique clothing that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

It’s a bit like Aladdin’s Cave, where you’ll have to hunt through the unworthy treasure in order to find your lamp. But if you’re a keen shopper, you’ll no doubt be in your element.

Entrance: Free/Allow: 1-2 hours

Balinese Massage

One of the essential things to do on your 3-day Ubud Itinerary is to have a traditional Balinese massage followed by a flower bath. And there’s no better time than after hiking Mount Batur!

Whether you’re looking to splash the cash in a luxurious spa, or wanting a cheap and cheerful massage, there is no shortage of wellness centres in Ubud. 

The traditional Balinese massage style is quite gentle, focusing on the entire body and encouraging general well being in both body & mind.

If you’re like me and prefer a firmer deep tissue massage, let your masseuse know at the start, and they’re generally happy to accommodate.

Price: Varies/Allow: 1-2 hours

Ubud Itinerary Day 3

Ricefields, Floating Breakfasts, and Sacred Places

OK, the third and final day of your Ubud Itinerary, and hopefully you’re fully recovered from yesterday’s antics. Today we’ll be busy covering the final Ubud highlights.

Again, we suggest starting your day at sunrise for reasons I will get into; however, if you don’t fancy another early start, you can restructure the day as you see fit.  

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Our first stop is the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces. What was once a mere source of income for local farmers, has since become one of the most photographed spots in all of Bali.

The local farmers are making a killing from it too, charging up to 50,000 IDR to access the fields for the iconic photo!

We’ll be honest with you. We have a bit of a bugbear with these commercialised spots in Bali and refuse to pay for a photo. Nonetheless, the Tegalalang rice terraces are utterly beautiful and well-worthy of a visit.

The best time to visit the rice terraces is first thing in the morning. Not only will you skip the crowds – this spot gets incredibly busy after 10 am – but the golden hour glow creates a magical scene of the valley.

You’ll also find the iconic Bali swings and ‘I Love Bali’ signs, which again are very popular for taking photos.

Price: 10,000-50,000 IDR/Allow: 1-2 hours

Pura Gunung Kawi 

Drive 20 minutes North East of the rice terraces, and you’ll reach the first sacred spot of the day.

Pura Gunung Kawi is one of the largest temple complexes in Bali and is said to date back as early as the 11th century.

Out of the thousands of temples on the island, this one is arguably the most interesting. That’s because it’s quite a mystery as to how the temple came to be and what exactly was its purpose.  

The temple consists of 10 seven-metre high shrines, known as candis, which have been carved out of the rock face.

For a while, many believed the candis were tombs, housing the remains of ancient royal families; however, that later proved not to be the case.  

Nonetheless, there is something mysterious and magical about the temple complex. You’ll have to be blessed using before you can enter, before meandering a picturesque trail to the candis.

Price: 15,000 IDR/Allow: 1-2 hours

Tirta Empul Temple

Next up we have the Tirta Empul Water Temple, just 5-minutes drive South of Pura Gunung Kawi.

Balinese Hindu worshippers have been visiting this temple for thousands of years, which they believe to be a sacred pool of purification. Today it’s a top tourist attraction, and locals & tourists alike, gather for the spiritual ceremony.

Bathing in the blessed waters is not mandatory when visiting the temple complex. You can also come as a spectator and to admire the centuries-old Balinese architecture.

As with all sacred temples in Bali, it will be required to wear a sarong before entering the complex. The sarongs are available for rent at the temple’s entrance in exchange for a small donation.

Price: 50,000 IDR/Allow: 1-2 hours

Floating Breakfast/Brunch 

In recent years, floating breakfasts have become a quintessential Bali experience.

If you followed our morning itinerary, you might just make it back in time for a floating brunch or lunch, which will be even more enjoyable after a morning of exploring.

Natalie treated me to our first floating breakfast at the iconic Ubud hotel, Kamandalu. We rarely spoil ourselves when we travel, but it was my birthday, so in this instance, a one-off splurge was deserved.

The overall experience was terrific. The fantastic selection of food and inclusive bottle of champagne certainly helped with that.  

While we can highly recommend Kamandalu for a floating breakfast or brunch, it’s on the higher-end of the scale price-wise.

It needn’t be expensive if you shop around, as many hotels in Ubud offer a similar experience.

Yoga & Meditation

I mentioned earlier that Ubud is the spiritual heart of Bali. With that, countless yoga and meditation classes are held daily throughout the town.

The studios here make the very most of Ubud’s tranquil settings, with astonishing views over rice fields or jungles.

In our opinion, there’s no better place on the island to connect spiritually, and if you’ve never tried yoga before, now’s the time to start.

I suggest reading this guide to Yoga in Ubud which will help find a class suitable for you.

Ubud Nightlife

It’s your last night in Ubud, so I think you deserve to let your hair down and sink a few Bintangs. The last thing that Ubud is known for is its nightlife; however, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any.

Sure, it’s more low key than the likes of Kuta or Uluwatu, but there are a few quirky bars where you’ll find a great atmosphere of an evening.

Our favourites include Laughing Buddha Bar, or for late-night drinks, CP Lounge.

Best Places to Eat in Ubud

There are so many incredible places to eat in Ubud: from brunch spots and quaint cafes to high-end restaurants and local warungs.

We recommend this article by Honeycombers if you’re a real foodie, but in the meantime here is a handful of our favourites:

• Mexican Food: Taco Casa
• Date Night: Watercress
• Breakfast: Milk & Madu
• Indian (Veggie): Roti Daal
• Local Food: Sawobali
• Desserts:  Caramel Patisserie & Cafe

Enjoy this 3 Day Ubud Itinerary!

That concludes our 3 day Ubud Itinerary. I hope you’ve found it helpful and that you have a wonderful time exploring.

We love hearing from you! If you have any questions or feel that we’ve missed anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can drop us a message or leave us a comment in the comment section.

Planning a trip to Bali? Check out our other articles to help plan your trip.

• The Best Black Sand Beaches in Bali
• Gay in Bali – LGBT+ Travel Guide
• 18 Unmissable Things to do in North Bali
• Things to do in Amed & East Bali
• Travel From Bali to Nusa Penida by Ferry

Stay adventurous and Happy travels.

Charlotte & Natalie x

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