The Ultimate 3 Day Ubud Travel Itinerary

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Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by sydabroad

Looking for the perfect Ubud travel itinerary? Then keep reading!  

In this guide, we’re diving into the perfect 3 day Ubud Itinerary. Discover the best things to do, where to stay in Ubud, how to get around, and more in this 3 day travel guide.

Whether you are staying for a couple of days or a week in Ubud – this itinerary will certainly help with planning your trip! 

I spent a few weeks backpacking around southeast Asia and the majority of my trip was spent in Bali – Uluwatu and Ubud. There is so much to see on this wonderful island and today I’m sharing the perfect Ubud travel itinerary. 

Make sure to check out the map at the end of this article with all of the Ubud travel spots mentioned in this guide. Alright, let’s get into the itinerary! 

Looking for more Bali travel guides? 

• The Best Things to do in Uluwatu, Bali
• The 11 Best Beaches in Uluwatu, Bali
• A Guide to The Best Hotels in Uluwatu

Keep reading to discover the perfect Ubud travel itinerary. 

Ubud Travel Itinerary | The Basics

CURRENCY = INDONESIAN RUPIAH 

The currency in Indonesia is the Rupiah (IDR) 

1 USD = 15,416.80 Indonesian Rupiah

You’ll find that some restaurants and cafes will accept card payments but you do need cash to travel around Bali. Cash is useful if you need to tip a guide, split a restaurant bill, or shop at a local market. You can find ATMs in town. 

LANGUAGE = BAHASA INDONESIA 

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of Indonesia. In Bali, there are three main languages spoken on the island: Indonesian, Balinese, and English. 

I suggest brushing up on basic Balinese phrases to be polite. I love using the Duolingo app to learn languages. However, because Bali is pretty touristy and a digital nomad hot spot, you’ll find that it’s relatively easy to get around with English. 

PHONE & INTERNET 

Phone and internet can be spotty around the island depending on your location, especially in remote places. However, if you are in the town center of places like Uluwatu, Canggu, or Ubud, you’ll find many cafes with fast and reliable wifi.

Bali has become one of the top destinations for remote workers, so overall, the island has a great infrastructure for digital nomads. Most hotels and villas will also have wifi. I suggest double-checking with your accommodation.  

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

DAILY BUDGET 

Bali is a relatively affordable place to visit. Especially compared to destinations in the west. The average budget for Bali is about $25 to $40 per day. However, travelers have spent as little as $15 per day by spending time at the beach and eating local food. 

TIPPING IN BALI 

Tipping is not customary in Bali, however, a small amount of change is always appreciated. If you choose to tip, an amount of 10% to 15% is generous. Or a small amount such as 10,000 to 20,000 IDR is polite to leave. 

CAN YOU DRINK THE TAP WATER?

No, do not drink the tap water in Bali. 

3 Day Ubud Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Rice Terraces & Relaxation | Day 2: Explore The Heart of Ubud | Day 3: Waterfalls

The Ultimate 3 Day Ubud Travel Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered all the basics, let’s get into exactly how to spend 3 days in Ubud! Feel free to move these activities around depending on your preference and your schedule.  

Day 1 | Rice Terraces & Relaxation

Tegalalang Rice Terrace 

Begin your first morning in Ubud with a visit to Tegalalang Rice Terrace (also known as Ceking Rice Terrace). This place is absolutely stunning, It’s famous for its beautiful rice paddies. 

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is also one of the best things to do in Ubud so expect crowds if you visit later in the day. I suggest going bright and early when it opens at 8 AM. It also gets extremely hot in Bali so beat the heat and visit early. 

You’ll have to pay anywhere from 10k IDR to 25k IDR to enter. The prices fluctuate throughout the season. 

Cretya Ubud

Next, you can walk to Cretya Ubud, a restaurant and day club situated in the middle of a rice terrace. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the lush greenery, three pools, and a DJ. It’s such a peaceful place to spend an afternoon in Ubud.  

The entrance fee is only 100k IDR (about 6 USD) however, if you plan to stay for the afternoon I suggest renting a space with a minimum spend requirement. Guests can reserve hammocks, day beds, terrace cabanas, etc. You can book a reservation on Cretya’s website.

When I visited, the three of us rented a day bed once we arrived for 2,500,000 IDR which is about 180 USD. We used this minimum spend between the three of us on breakfast, lunch, and drinks. I thought this was reasonable to spend the afternoon here at Cretya with a day bed included. 

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Get ready in time to watch the sunset from Campuhan Ridge Walk. This is a popular walking path in Ubud. It offers scenic views as you walk through the beautiful green rice terraces and small villages. 

The walk is relatively easy, and it’s best to visit at either sunrise or sunset for the best views. You will also find restaurants near Campuhan Ridge Walk with beautiful scenery. Check out Murni’s Warung or Karsa Cafe.   

If you’d like to, head back into Ubud town for dinner. There is no shortage of amazing restaurants in Ubud. More on the best restaurants in town later in this guide. 

Day 2 | The Heart of Ubud & Temples 

Sacred Monkey Forest 

Day 2 in Ubud! Today we are exploring the town center. After breakfast, begin your day at the famous Sacred Monkey Forest. 

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a natural habitat and conservation area for many long-tail macaque monkey species. It’s a lush green forest, about 27 acres, offering lots of space for the monkeys to roam. 

This was the craziest experience. There are monkeys everywhere. They have been known to grab people or jump on people so just be aware. Do not bring food and don’t run. I didn’t have a problem with the monkeys attacking or anything. 

I would allocate around an hour here. On weekdays the tickets are 80k IDK and on weekends they cost 100k IDK. You can even pay extra to get a monkey selfie! 

Book a Monkey Forest and Jungle Swing tour here.

Here are some things to know before visiting Ubud’s monkey forest: 

• Don’t bring food 
• Stay on the designated pathways 
• Avoid wearing a lot of loose jewelry that may be attractive to the monkeys 
• Keep your belongings secure! 
• No plastic water bottles 
• Keep a safe distance from the monkeys

Balinese Cooking Class 

A Balinese cooking class is one of the best things to do in Ubud! There are several classes available in Ubud where you can learn to prepare traditional Balinese dishes and immerse yourself in the local culinary culture. 

A few classes available in Ubud include Paon Bali Cooking Class, Casa Luna Cooking School, Tresna Bali Cooking School, etc. I will link a few tour options below as well. Book a cooking class here.

Ubud Water Palace | Saraswati Temple

Saraswati Temple, also known as Ubud Water Palace, is a Balinese Hindu temple in Ubud. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Sarasvati. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Balinese architecture and traditional cultural performances. 

Ubud Water Temple | Pura Tirta Empul

Tirtta Empul temple is a Hindu Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring, Bali. Here at the temple, you’ll see a bathing structure – famous for its holy spring water – where the Balinese Hindus go for ritual purification. 

This temple is famous for its sacred spring where visitors can participate in a purification bathing ritual known as “melukat.” Make sure to dress modestly, and cover your shoulders and knees. You should also be mindful of local customs and traditions. 

You can visit any day of the week from 8 AM to 6 PM. 

There are so many wonderful full day tours from Ubud! This is a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time. Check out this one and more on GetYourGuide 🙂

Ubud Art Market 

Ubud market is a must when you visit Ubud! It’s a lively market with all sorts of authentic and artisanal goods available for purchase. You can buy handmade clothes, bags, jewelry, etc. Near the market’s east end, you’ll find fresh produce and groceries.  

The Ubud Art Market is a wonderful spot to pick up local souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. The art market is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM aside from Holidays. 

This is a really cool jewelry making class! You can make your own silver jewelry with a silversmith.

Day 3 | Waterfall Adventure

Tibumana Waterfall 

Tibumana Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls to visit in Bali! Located just about 30 minutes outside of Ubud, you’ll reach the stunning TIbumana  Waterfalls. You’ll go on a walk through the jungle and down a few stairs to reach the waterfall, nothing too challenging. 

Tibumana Waterfall is one of the best in Bali because it’s relatively less crowded compared to others in Bali. I visited in the afternoon and there weren’t too many people here. Make sure you bring your swimsuit! (also photos don’t do this place justice, the waterfall is massive!)

Tegenungan Waterfall 

Located about 30 minutes south of Ubud is Tegenungan Waterfall. This is one of the most popular waterfalls in Bali and thus can get quite busy. It is a stunning waterfall, you’ll be able to enjoy the large pool and pretty greenery. 

At Tegenungan Waterfall there are parking facilities, ticket booths, and plenty of snacks and souvenirs for sale.  

Nung Nung Waterfall 

Nung Nung Waterfall is another gorgeous waterfall located about a 1 to 2-hour drive from Ubud. This is one of the tallest waterfalls on the island of Bali, cascading from a height of about 50 meters. 

This is another one of Bali’s more secluded waterfalls. You’ll be able to enjoy the serene atmosphere and go for a refreshing swim. You will have a bit of a walk down to reach the waterfall but nothing too hard. I do suggest wearing sneakers or some type of good walking shoe. 

If you don’t want to worry about visiting these places on your own, this guided Ubud tour includes a visit to a waterfalls, rice terraces, and the water temple. It’s a great value!

Ubud Travel Guide FAQs

Where to Eat in Ubud?

There are so many amazing options when it comes to food in Ubud! Here are a few places to add to your list.  

• Three Monkeys Bali 
• Acai Queen 
• Simply Social 
• Chora 
• Merlin’s 

Are you visiting Thailand too? Check out my Thailand travel guides here!

When to Visit Ubud? 

Dry Season | Bali’s dry season is between April and October, this is typically the best time to visit to enjoy the dry weather. 

Wet Season | On the other hand, Bali’s wet season occurs from November to March. The island will experience higher rainfall which can lead to occasional flooding. If you visit during this time be prepared for wet weather. 

Where to Stay in Ubud 

Bennu House | This is the most gorgeous villa situated right in a rice terrace. This is where I stayed during my trip to Ubud and it was wonderful and very affordable. Check rates for Bennu House here. 

The Udaya Resort & Spa | For a serene atmosphere, luxury amenities, and a fantastic location, consider staying at the Udaya Resort & Spa. The rooms are spacious and the resort offers many different amenities. Check rates here.

Adiwana Suweta | This is a boutique resort located near Ubud center. It’s a beautiful property designed with touches from local artists. This is a wonderful place to stay for tranquility and relaxation. Check rates here.

The Compass Rose Ubud | This is a beautiful property located about 5 km from Ubud Palace. They have an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a bar, and more. Check rates here. 

How to Get to Ubud 

Ubud is about an hour and a half from Denpasar International Airport. You can book a Grab (Southeast Asia’s rideshare) or hire a driver. Contact your accommodation to set you up with airport transportation. They can usually provide this and you’ll have someone waiting for you with your name on a sign. 

Note: Traffic in Bali can be insane. The drive from Ubud to Uluwatu typically takes a little less than 2 hours. However, it ended up taking us over 4 with the traffic. Just keep this in mind when traveling around the island. 

How to Get Around Ubud 

You can rent a motor scooter to get around Ubud, but if you aren’t comfortable driving a scooter (like me) use Grab, Gojek, or a private driver to get around. 

Hiring a private driver for your 3 days in Ubud is actually very affordable and a great way to get around the island. Especially if you are splitting the cost with a few others. 

Is 3 Days in Ubud enough?

3 days in Ubud will be enough to see all the highlights in and around Ubud. You can explore the town center and the surrounding waterfalls in the areas and a couple of temples.  

Which is better, Ubud or Canggu? 

Ubud and Canggu are two very popular places to visit in Bali. They each offer their distinct atmosphere and experiences. 

Ubud | Visit Ubud if you are looking for arts and culture, yoga retreats, wellness spas, and terraced rice fields. You can visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, and many waterfalls. 

Canggu | Visit Canggu if you are looking for a laid-back beach atmosphere, trendy cafes, surfing, and vibrant nightlife. In Canguu you can enjoy Echo Beach, and Batu Bolong Beach, and there is a thriving digital nomad community here. 

What are The Best Day Trips to Take from Ubud? 

A few great day trips to take from Ubud include Lempuyang Temple (where you’ll find the famous Bali gates), Sidemen Valley, and Sekumpul Waterfalls. 

If you are into photography and want to hit all the photo spots in Ubud, check out this guided Bali Instagram Highlights tour. It has wonderful reviews and it’s under 50 USD.

Ubud Travel itinerary Map

I hope you enjoyed this Ubud travel itinerary! If you have any questions about visiting Bali, comment below or DM me on Instagram.

Recommended Tours in Ubud

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