4 days in Ubud: The perfect Ubud itinerary for first-timers

Are you wondering how to spend your 4 days in Ubud? Well, look no further. After traveling in Bali for 15 years, I have put together what I consider to be the ultimate Ubud itinerary for first-timers.

This 4-day Ubud itinerary is the perfect mix of nature, culture, healthy eating and even some shopping. It includes all the best things to do in Ubud, in addition to how to get around Ubud, the best time to visit and what to expect.

4 days in Ubud itinerary overview

Day 1 – Early morning stroll on Campuhan Ridge Walk, stop by Juwuk Manis, shop at Ubud Art Market, visit Ubud Water Palace and the Sacred Monkey Forest.

Day 2 – Explore Tegalalang Rice Terraces and Gunug Kawi Temple in the morning, then make your own jewelry in a silver-smith class.

Day 3 – It’s all about the waterfalls. Visit 3 of Ubud’s most beautiful waterfalls, Kanto Lampo, Tibumana and Tukad Cepung. And stop by Goa Gaja on your way home.

Day 4 – Join a cycling tour on the backroads of Ubud, one of my all-time favorite experiences in Bali. (alternative cooking class if you can’t do a bike tour.)

+ Read about the 4-day retreat I did in Ubud which is the most transformational experience I’ve ever had. But first, let’s take a look at the things you should know before you visit Ubud.

Best time to visit Ubud

The best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to October. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, with little to no rainfall. But it is also the high season.

During the shoulder season, you may experience occasional rain showers, but the weather is generally pleasant though humid. Additionally, there are fewer tourists around.

If you’re planning to visit Ubud during the rainy season in Bali, which runs from November to March, be prepared for heavy rainfall and occasional flooding. While the rain can make the rice paddies and waterfalls more stunning, it can also make outdoor activities challenging and sometimes dangerous.

Are 4 days in Ubud enough?

Yes, 4 days is the perfect amount of time to experience all the best things to do in and around Ubud. You will get a little taste of everything, from waterfalls and rice fields to markets and different classes where you can learn new skills.

How to get to Ubud

Ubud is located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Bali’s international airport, Ngurah Rai, roughly a 1 hour and 45-minute drive. From Canggu, a popular surfing destination, expect to spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes on the road.

And to reach Ubud from Uluwatu on the south coast, where you find all the best beaches in Bali, takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

While driving in Bali takes a while, Ubud is easily accessible from all parts of the island, making it an ideal base for exploring areas such as north and East Bali.

Easy airport transfer to Ubud

I don’t know about you but after traveling for 16+ hours I’m not in the mood to bargain with drivers. The arrivals hall at Ngurah Rai Airport can be overwhelming with lots of private drivers, taxi drivers and companies pushing their services on you.

🌟 Pro tip >> To make your arrival in Bali as smooth as possible, I recommend booking this driver in advance. They will wait for you with a sign in arrivals and they’ll know exactly where to take you. You also have the option to add a local sim card at checkout. Super convenient!

🌸 4-Day Ubud Personalized Wellness Retreat

Booking this retreat is single-handedly the best decision and the best money I’ve ever spent on myself. I was a little unsure whether or not to spend money on a retreat in Ubud since I’ve been there so many times and I usually like to plan my own itineraries. But I’m so glad I did!

Spend your days doing yoga, meditating, exploring hidden gems, eating the most delicious food (even if you’re not vegan, I’m not), learning new skills and joining in on sacred Balinese rituals. Oksana tailors your retreat to your preferences and will give you experiences you didn’t even realize you were looking for.

It was exactly the reset I needed after a few hard years in life. I’m almost crying writing this, just because of how much I needed this healing experience.

If you don’t feel like planning your own Ubud itinerary, if you feel stuck or like you need to be pampered, this is the experience for you. It is so much more than a retreat, it’s truly a VIP experience. And that comes from me who usually travels on a budget and doesn’t necessarily enjoy a lot of attention.

But don’t just take my word for it, be sure to read the incredible reviews.

The retreat includes:

• Daily personalized yoga class
• Meditation and pranayama sessions
• Dessert and chocolate-making workshop
• Workshop on preparing raw vegan meals
• Visit the holy temple of Tirta Empul
• A pampering spa treatment
• Daily meals with desserts
• 3 nights of lodging

🌟 Check price and availability here >> 4-Day Personalized Wellness Retreat in Ubud

How to spend 4 days in Ubud

There’s a reason why Ubud is called the green heart of Bali. It is lush, vibrantly green and rich with cultural heritage. Ubud really is a haven for vegans, yogis and spirituals.

Traditional Balinese craftsmen, with skills passed down through generations, call these parts home.

Woodcarvers, painters, silversmiths, mask makers and other artisans can be found in Ubud and the surrounding villages. The passion and love for their art and culture are what make this part of the island so special.

Central Ubud is made up of one very busy one-way road, lined with shops, restaurants and people everywhere. At the south end, you’ll find the Sacred Monkey Forest and at the north end along Jl. Raya Ubud the Royal Palace and Ubud Market.

Ubud itinerary – Day 1

The first day of this 4-day Ubud itinerary is all about getting to know the town. I have included all the highlights and most popular attractions in central Ubud.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

A morning or afternoon stroll on the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a definite must while in Ubud. It’s free, you get a workout and some of the best photo ops on the island, all in the most amazing setting. Think lush green rolling hills with the odd palm tree and yellow butterflies flying everywhere.

The only downside is that it gets incredibly hot during the day, so I would recommend going as early as you can manage, maybe even before breakfast. It’s the perfect way to start the day.

You’ll find the starting point of the walk to the left of the entrance to Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas and Spa, just follow the path over the bridge and past the temple.

Subak Juwuk Manis

Can you believe this place exists just off the busy Jalan Raya Ubud? Ok, it might look a little grey and gloomy in these photos, but we visited in the midst of the rainy season in the afternoon.

Blink once and you will miss the old sign saying “Subak Juwuk Manis (Rice Field) Ubud” pointing down an alley. Follow the path until you think you shouldn’t go any further because it looks a bit sketchy, then keep going past an abandoned house and you will soon see green everywhere.

We didn’t encounter many other tourists on this walk, just some ducks and a couple of workers. A pro tip is to pop in on your way back to town from the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

Ubud art market

Head back to your hotel or homestay for breakfast, or stop by a cute cafe like Zest, then make your way to the market.

Ubud Art Market is one of the most popular attractions in Ubud, known for its wide variety of traditional Balinese handicrafts and souvenirs such as handmade batik fabrics, wood carvings, jewelry, paintings and much more.

The vendors at the market are friendly and welcoming, and you can negotiate prices to get a good deal. The earlier you get there, the better the deal. As the first sale bless the day ahead.

Opening hours: Every day from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (some stalls open even earlier and close when there are no more people around)

Entrance fee: It is free to visit Ubud Art Market.

Saraswati temple

When you’re all shopped out, continue to Ubud Water Palace, also known as Saraswati Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple located in the heart of Ubud.

The temple is dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, arts, and wisdom, Saraswati. The temple is known for its stunning architecture, with intricate carvings and beautiful lotus ponds that surround the main temple building. 

Opening hours: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Entrance fee: It is free to visit Saraswati Temple in Ubud

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Before dinner, spend the afternoon at the Sacred Monkey Forest located south in central Ubud.

As I’ve had my share of monkey encounters at the monkey temple down in Uluwatu, I didn’t expect much when we headed to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. But wow was I in for a surprise, this place is so much more than just the monkeys.

It really felt like we stepped into an enchanted forest. With 115 different species of trees and three temples dating back to the 14th century, the complex is huge, so be sure to explore every nook and cranny to get the most out of your visit.

Don’t bring anything into the forest other than your camera, as the monkeys will steal it. I’ve seen the sneaky little creatures open backpacks, take sandals off the feet of grown men and keys out of people’s pockets.

Opening hours: The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is open daily from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. The ticket office closes at 5:00 pm.

Entrance fee: 80.000 IDR for adults and 60.000 IDR for children.

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Ubud itinerary – Day 2

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

If you’ve seen any photos from Ubud, chances are it’s of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Along with the Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang is the most iconic of all the attractions in the area, maybe also in Bali.

That means everyone wants to get a glimpse of it, so it gets extremely crowded. I would recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to escape both the crowds and the midday heat.

From the top of the road, you get stunning panoramic views of the terraces, which is really an irrigation system called Subak dating back to the 8th century. Don’t miss the stunning Tegalalang sunrise photo spot you see above.

The drive up from central Ubud takes about 20 minutes and is mostly straightforward, so even if you’re not the most experienced on a motorbike you should be fine.

Opening hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm (it says online that the opening hours are from 8:0 am, however, when we got there at 6:00 there were several open entrances).

Entrance fee: 15.000 IDR per person in addition to several checkpoints throughout the rice terraces.

Gunung Kawi temple

Continue your morning at Pura Gunung Kawi, an ancient temple set in a beautiful valley surrounded by lush green rice paddies in the small town of Tampaksiring, northeast of central Ubud. It is one of Bali’s most important historical sites and is believed to have been built in the 11th century.

The temple complex consists of 10 rock-cut shrines, which are carved into the side of a steep cliff face. Each shrine is around 7 meters tall and is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs.

I suggest getting there when they open so you can take in the beauty in peace and quiet as the sun rises. When you’re there all alone it truly feels like a magical place, I could’ve wandered around the stunning grounds for hours and hours.

Opening hours: Every day from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Entrance fee: 50.000 IDR per person.

Head back into town and enjoy lunch at Yellow Flower Cafe, a hidden gem in Penestanan.

Ubud Silver-smith Class

One of the more unusual things to do in Bali, or at least something you probably didn’t think about doing, is joining a silver-smith class. I love wearing the wave ring that I made with my mum in our class.

Ubud is known for its rich artistic heritage, and silversmithing is a centuries-old craft that has been passed down from generation to generation.

In this popular silversmith class, you’ll learn the basics of metalworking, including how to shape and mold silver into beautiful pieces of jewelry. You’ll also get to work with local artisans who will teach you the intricacies of Balinese design and techniques.

You can choose between a class in the afternoon or in the evening. You also have the option to add transport and other activities such as a cooking class or a village tour.

🌟 My top pick for unusual things to do in Ubud >> 3-hour Ubud silversmith class

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Ubud itinerary – Day 3

Day 3 of this Ubud itinerary is all about incredible waterfalls. Ubud is located within an hour of 80% of the best waterfalls in Bali, so dedicating a day to chasing waterfalls is a no-brainer.

As mentioned earlier, you can rent a scooter, hire a private driver for the day, or alternatively join the popular guided tour below.

If you end up going by yourself, I would say that Tegenungan Waterfall isn’t really worth it. I mean, it is the largest waterfall close to Ubud, but it is also very commercialized with tons and tons of visitors every day. So I would prioritize the lesser-known ones.

Be sure to check out my complete guide to all the best waterfalls in Ubud to pick out your favorites. In the map below you can see the distances to all the waterfalls from central Ubud.

Goa Gajah

If you have some time in the afternoon, stop by Goa Gajah or the Elephant Cave if you will, located an easy 10-minute drive southeast of Ubud. and just a few minutes from Kanto Lampo and Goa Rang Reng Waterfalls.

Some say it was built during the 11th century as a place for meditation and some say it dates back to as early as the 9th century. You enter the t-shaped cave through the mouth of a demon and inside you’ll find different stone carvings and shrines.

Outside in the courtyard, there’s a holy pond with six Hindu angels, where worshippers will rinse off and purify themselves. The temple isn’t among the grandest on the island, but it’s still a fun place to visit and it’s easily reached from central Ubud.

Goa Gajah opening hours: Every day from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Entrance fee: 50.000 IDR for adults and 25.000 IDr for children.

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Ubud itinerary – Day 4

Day four of this Ubud itinerary is all about exploring the backroads and experiencing daily life in Bali. The people and places you won’t see on your own.

Jegeg Bali Cycling Tour

I booked a cycling tour with the family-owned business Jegeg Bali Cycling. It turned out to be one of my favorite experiences in Bali ever.

We had breakfast overlooking the spectacular volcanic caldera of Mt. Batur with its crater lake, before continuing to a coffee plantation and then started the cycling part of the day.

It was mostly downhill, so you’ll be able to do it even if you’re not in the greatest shape.

The best part of the whole day was getting to come inside their family compound to enjoy a traditional Balinese meal. We learned so much from our guide Putu who spoke very good English and was happy to explain everything we wanted to know.

At the end, we received a gift, a beautiful shirt, made in the neighboring village. If you prefer to do a cycling tour on an electric bike instead, I recommend this popular 3-hour tour.

Alternative: Cooking class

If you don’t feel like cycling or are even more interested in learning how to cook delicious Balinese food, I highly recommend this cooking class.

Southeast Asian food, Indonesian in particular, is at the top of my list when I think of delicious food. Mie Goreng, chicken sate, Lumpia and Tempe, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. So what can be better than a cooking class where you can learn to make all this yumminess at home?

You will prepare 3 starters, 4 main courses and 1 authentic dessert. This is one of the activities you can do during midday when it’s too hot to do anything else.

How to get around Ubud

Rent a scooter

I highly recommend you rent a scooter to get the most out of your 4 days in Ubud. It is one of my favorite places in Bali to drive by myself.

You can easily ask your accommodation to arrange a scooter for you, or motorbike as the locals call them. You can also book a scooter in advance online.

Just make sure your travel insurance covers you and look out for scams run by both the police and renters. You can read more about it in my articles about common scams in Bali and things not to do in Bali.

Scooter delivery

Get a scooter delivered to your hotel or homestay. That way you don’t run the risk of being told that there are no more scooters available. It doesn’t get more convenient. All of this is included in the rental:

• Helmet for maximum 2 persons
• full tank of gas (petrol) upon delivery
• 24/7 road-side assistance
• Mobile phone holder
• First-aid kit and rain poncho (for maximum 2 people)

🌟 Check price and availability here >> Scooter rental with delivery

With a private driver

When I’m doing day trips to different parts of the island or covering a lot of places, I often book this driver. You can, of course, drive your scooter as well, however, for longer distances I prefer to enjoy the landscape from the comfort of an air-conditioned car.

Also, parking isn’t always easy on the island, so that way the driver takes care of parking while you can focus on enjoying beautiful Bali.

It’s the perfect option if it’s your first time in Bali and there are a lot of places on your Bali bucket list.

Where to stay in Ubud

If you only have a couple of days in Ubud, I would stay in a homestay on one of the smaller roads off Monkey Forest Road. That way you can walk to a lot of attractions and restaurants while getting a taste of real Balinese life from the family you’re staying with.

In the photo below you can see us having breakfast on the balcony of our homestay, Jawi House & Painter. We had a great time there much thanks to our host Putu. She arranged drivers, motorbikes, sarongs for the temples and even bought us a traditional Balinese meal on our last day.

If you have some more time I would suggest staying in a villa up in Penestanan, which is a little village about a 20-minute walk out of Ubud town.

Budget accommodation in Ubud

If you’re looking for budget hotels, check out Agoda. I almost exclusively book hotels through their site whenever I’m in Southeast Asia, as some of the cheapest places are only listed there.

One of my favorite budget hotels in Penestanan is Gerebig Bungalows. The gardens and pool area are gorgeously green, with pathways leading through a rice field.mOn the other side of town, the incredibly stunning Green Bird Villas are definitely worth checking out.

During our most recent trip to Bali, we booked four nights at the beautiful Green House. We had been to central Ubud many times before, so staying in the calm rice fields halfway between Tegalalang and the center of town, was such a nice break from the normal Bali craziness.

And did I mention there is a swing in the garden overlooking a lush green rice terrace!?

Frequently Asked Ubud Questions

Q: Is there a lot to do in Ubud?

A: Yes, there are so many amazing things to do and experience in Ubud. You can visit temples, rice terraces, waterfalls and museums. You can also do yoga, meditation, cooking classes and spa treatments. Ubud is also known for its art galleries, handicraft markets and organic cafes.

Q: Is Ubud a good place for coworking?

A: Yes, if you work remotely or for yourself, there’s no better place to be than Bali. And Ubud has long been the co-working capital on the island with creatives from all over flocking to spaces like Hubud and Outpost. These days Canggu’s coworking spaces are the only ones that can compete with Ubud.

With rates starting at $12 a day for a working space with high-speed wifi, it should be doable for most.

Q: What are some must-see temples to include in a Ubud itinerary?

A: Some of the must-see temples in Ubud are the Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple, Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul. Each temple has its own unique architecture, history and significance.

Q: Which is better, Ubud or Canggu?

A: It depends on what you are looking for. Ubud is more cultural, spiritual and surrounded by nature, while Canggu is a laid-back surf town with beaches, cool cafés and a vibrant nightlife.

If you want to relax, rejuvenate and connect with nature, Ubud is a better choice. If you want to surf, party and socialize, Canggu is a better choice.

But hopefully, you’ll have time to explore both. You can read more about how I recommend you spend your first trip to the island in my ultimate two-week Bali itinerary.

Q: What are the best day trips to take from Ubud?

My two favorite day trips to take from Ubud are:

North Bali – Sekumpul Waterfall, Banyumala Waterfall and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.

East Bali – Pura Lempuyang, Taman Ujung Water Palace, Bukit Cinta Mt. Agung Viewpoint and Sidemen Village.

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