The 3 Day Ubud Itinerary That Will Make You Fall in Love with Bali

Wondering what to do with 3 days in Ubud, Bali?

Tucked amongst lush green rice paddies, dense rainforest, and carved into steep ravines, Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Despite being on everyone’s Southeast Asian bucket list, Ubud is still a great hub to experience the authentic Balinese way of life compared to the beach resorts along the south.

As one of the island’s most popular destinations and my personal favorite, Ubud covers a wide range of cultural sights, nature adventures, wellness activities, and very chic shopping and dining spots. But today, we’re going to focus on its art and cultural experiences. 

After completely falling in love with this island on my first visit, I knew I had to come back. During my two months in Bali, I drove for weeks around Ubud, hiking volcanoes, eating Babi Guling (spit roast pig), and even attending a traditional ceremony. Plus, score, it’s a paradise for acro yogis. 

But if it’s your first time here, planning a 3 day itinerary for Ubud can be overwhelming with the many options available. To help you make the most of your time, I’ve put together this suggested 3 day Ubud itinerary covering the top cultural sights thrown in with the best adventure activities.

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Sample Ubud 3 Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Central Ubud 

• Browse handmade crafts and souvenirs at the traditional art market.
• Explore the Museum Puri Lukisan and Antonio Blanco Museum to appreciate Balinese art.
• Watch a classical Legong dance performance at the Ubud Palace.
• Dine on wood-fired pizzas at Three Monkeys Cafe.

Day 2: Countryside

• Hike Mount Batur Volcano for sunrise vistas and soak in the hot springs.
• Enjoy a tranquil lunch at The Silent Retreat overlooking the valley.
• Learn to cook Balinese cuisine during a cooking class at a local home.
• Marvel at the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace.
• Watch an evening Kecak Fire & Trance Dance performance.

Day 3: Villages & Wellness

• Tour the ornate Tirta Empul Temple and bathe in the holy springs.
• Stroll through the traditional Penglipuran Village to see authentic Balinese culture.
• Bike through bamboo forests to the artisan ABIManyu Studio.
• Practice yoga overlooking jungle scenery at the Yoga Barn.

Day 1: Explore Ubud’s Art & Culture

Morning: Traditional Ubud Art Market

Start your first morning in Ubud by wandering through the traditional art market, where you’ll find stalls filled with locally made handicrafts and souvenirs.

Browse rows of woven baskets, batik fabric, wooden masks, and other unique items made by local artisans. It’s one of the best places to pick up some souvenirs and try your hand at bargaining.

Top Tip: Have small bills on hand for paying vendors, and don’t be shy to negotiate for fair prices. The first price is never the right price.

Afterward, stop for a delicious and affordable local warung lunch at Labak Sari Restaurant, just across from the market. This cozy restaurant serves up Indonesian classics like nasi goreng, mie goreng noodles, satay skewers, and gado gado salads.

Afternoon: Visit Ubud’s Museums

Next, spend an hour or two at the Museum Puri Lukisan, which showcases a vast collection of Balinese and Indonesian paintings and artwork. Wander through the four buildings housing permanent and special exhibits to learn about local art history and styles. 

Later in the afternoon, check out the Antonio Blanco Museum. It used to be the former home of the renowned Spanish artist. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by large exotic birds before viewing a collection of over 300 of Blanco’s paintings and illustrations. 

Evening: Watch a Traditional Dance Show

End your first day with an evening Legong dance performance at the Ubud Palace. One of the most memorable things you can do in Ubud, these classical dances bring Hindu legends to life through music, costumes, and movement. Guests of all ages can appreciate this enduring traditional art form.

Finish up with dinner at Three Monkeys Cafe near the palace. Their wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and cocktails appeal to foodies craving international fare at reasonable prices.

Day 2: Volcano Trekking and More Cultural Activities

Morning: Sunrise Trek at Mount Batur

Make the most of day two by waking up in the wee hours of the morning to head out on an active adventure to Mount Batur Volcano! Then, if you’re not completely dead, continue next to a chiller activity with a cooking class and a stroll through the rice terraces.

Kintamani is one of the harder-to-reach places on the island, but also one of the most spectacular and one of my favorite places. So even if you’re on a short week Bali itinerary, try to make it here!

Start your early morning on a thrilling sunrise trek up Mount Batur to experience a glowing sky over Bali. If you’re staying in the city center, your transport will pick you up at about 2 – 2:30am!

Warning! Even though you aren’t technically required to have a guide, I’ve heard horror stories of locals harassing tourists (even violently) without one. So it’s best to book a guided tour of Mount Batur to be on the safe side. You’ll be provided with basic trekking equipment, a breakfast at the summit, and many include the nearby hot springs (like this tour)

Hike along the crater rim in the pre-dawn hours to reach the summit just as golden sunbeams spread across the island each morning. Although challenging, this climb only takes 2 hours, so if you’re a decent hiker, you’ll make it with no problem. 

Return downhill for a soothing soak in the volcano’s hot springs. Many tours include this in their package, which is honestly a highlight after a tough hike. 

After a relaxing soak, stop for a healthy lunch at a restaurant with a view like The Silent Retreat. Refuel with organic vegetarian fare and locally sourced iced tea as you enjoy serene valley views.

Afternoon: Cooking class and Rice Terraces

Learn Traditional Indonesian Recipes

In the afternoon, get a hands-on learning experience with a Balinese cooking class at a local home. During this 3-hour course, you’ll visit a local market, receive recipes from your host, and then prepare classic Balinese dishes yourself. Connect with locals, learn new skills, and have a blast!

Walk on the Steep Steps of Tegalalang Rice Terrace

After having your fill (which you will), walk off the calories at Tegalalang Rice Terraces, one of Bali’s bucket list attractions. For a small entrance fee donation, you can explore the terraced landscape and take some seriously Insta-worthy photos. It’s also great spot if you’ve got a drone. 

While here, you may even want to ride on the Instagrammable’ Bali Swing’. Although, for Indonesia, this does come at a relatively high attraction price.

Even though you’re probably still going to be full, stop for an afternoon coffee at one of the cafes along the main road for great views of the stepped layers.

Related Post: Here’s a full guide on how to see the Tegalalang Rice Terraces.

Evening: Watch a Traditional Balinese Fire Dance Show

Afterward, join a guided walk on Campuhan Ridge Walk for sweeping valley views at sunset. The 9km trail stretches through the jungle above the rushing Campuhan River. Your local guide will point out traditional villages and temple sites along the way.

End your day with a luxe dinner at Locavore, where the tasting menu changes every months. Ubud is famous for these new-age restaurants, and this is a perfect place to splurge for a memorable farm-to-table meal. It was named one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants for 5 years in a row!

Update! Locavore is renovating into Locavore NXT. Make a reservation early here!

Cap off your day with another unique Balinese cultural show. Shows like a Kecak Fire & Trance Dance act out ancient myths through chanting, music, and costumes. The outdoor performances held at various temples and venues usually include transport from Ubud, but you can always bike or Grab there yourself.

When staying in Ubud, homestays are your best bet; however, if you’re looking for something truly unique, consider Sandat glamping tents – one of the best luxury glamping sites in Bali. 

Day 3: Discover Sacred Sites & Healing Arts

Morning: Tirta Empul Temple

On your last day, explore Ubud’s sacred temples and purify yourself by bathing in its holy waters.

In the morning, undertake a motorbike trip or tour from Ubud to the revered Tirta Empul Temple. Dating back over 1,000 years, the temple’s holy spring is where Balinese Hindus purify themselves with ritual cleansing.

Not only can you admire the ornately carved statues around the bathing pools and feed the masses of koi fish on the temple grounds, but you can even take a dip in the pools yourself. 

Change into the green silk garb before heading into the waters. Once it’s your turn, the ritual is this:

• Place your hands together on your forehead and say “ohm” 3 times
• Cup water to your head and face. Repeat 3 times
• Sip the water and spit 3 times (although I didn’t do this part)
• Then place your head under the spout

Afternoon: Plenglipuran Village and Bamboo Forest

Head to the traditional village of Penglipuran in the afternoon and be amazed by the perfectly aligned bamboo homes constructed according to Balinese architectural principles.

Engage in conversations with welcoming locals and discover their local culture, handed down through generations. This is the real, authentic Bali way of life.

Afterward, take a stroll through the nearby Bamboo Forest in Kubu Village. This hidden gem is an enchanting sight, with towering bamboo stalks forming a canopy over you as you walk along the path.

Next, hop on your bike through the bamboo forests just outside of Ubud. Ride downhill, shaded by soaring bamboo stalks, before arriving at the ABIManyu Studio, an artisan workshop crafting beautiful bamboo artwork. Tour the studio and learn traditional techniques.

Evening: Yoga and Spa sessions

Get a Balinese Massage

In the evening, choose to relax and get a Balinese full-body massage or join a yoga class. Ubud is considered the wellness capital of Bali, offering everything from cheap massages to meditation. They also have a very active acro yoga scene.

I’d suggest a treatment at a spa like Tjampuhan Spa. Their signature massage uses local ingredients that combine coconut, spices, and Balinese palming techniques.

Take a (Acro)Yoga Class

Alternatively, take a yoga class overlooking the rice terraces at The Yoga Barn. Their varied schedule has options for all levels to improve strength and flexibility. Classes end just before sunset.

While at the Yoga Barn, treat yourself to one of their mouthwatering and nutritious vegan smoothies or Buddha bowls. But you should really save your stomach space for my next suggestion. 

Step in the Revolving Doors of Clear Cafe

End your last evening in Ubud with a healthy dinner at Clear Cafe. This is honestly one of the coolest cafes/restaurants I have ever been to. You walk in through a revolving stone door to the most aesthetically pleasing atmosphere that any feng shui master would be proud of. 

Their menu offers organic, vegetarian, and raw dishes packed with local flavors. Plus, I had two meals and two drinks for just $15!

What to Do in Ubud with More Time

While 3 days in Ubud is a good introduction to the town’s top tourist attractions, there are still so many things you can do here. I’ve spent weeks in Ubud, and there are still so many waterfalls and rice terraces that I have yet to visit.

Consider extending your stay to enjoy these additional phenomenal experiences. Alternatively, you can customize the suggested itinerary by swapping out some activities with the following recommendations to better suit your preferences and interests.

Pura Lempuyang Temple (Gate of Heaven)

Make a day trip to the north coast’s Pura Lempuyang Temple, one of Indonesia’s most iconic temples. Atop a mountain ridge, its highlight is the towering Gate of Heaven, framing Mount Agung volcano in the distance.

This spectacular gateway makes for legendary photos. The temple also features serene gardens, ponds, and vistas. While there, you can also check out another Agung viewpoint called Lahangan Sweet or the best temple in all of Bali – Besakih Temple.

👉 Lempuyang Temple is pretty far, and you want to get very early. Join this North Bali Instagram Tour to make sure you get this shot below, without waiting for 2 hours.

Go Waterfall Chasing

Bali is known for its stunning waterfalls, and Ubud has a lot worth visiting. Some of the best waterfalls include the very developed Tegenungan Waterfall or more secluded ones like Kanto Lampo, Tibumana, or Tukad Cepung Waterfall.

There are also plenty of tours that take you to multiple waterfalls in one day, so you can see as many as possible. 

👉 If you are really into waterfalls, sign up for this tour that will take you to 3 of the best waterfalls around Ubud!

Jungle Cycling Tours

Tackle an off-road cycling tour through villages and jungles north of Ubud, riding through green valleys, rice paddies, and small communities rarely seen by tourists.

Stop for lunch at local restaurants along the way. Join this two-wheeled excursion that appeals to active, adventurous types seeking authentic encounters with real Bali life.

Whitewater River Rafting

Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting along the Ayung River for an adrenaline rush. Led by experienced guides, paddle and splash through exhilarating rapids surrounded by thick jungle. Between rapids, relax and absorb serene valley scenery. 

👉 If you have a complete other day and are looking for adventure, combine two activities in one on this ATV and White Water Rafting Tour.

Play with the Monkeys in the Monkey Forest

 Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in central Ubud with over 600 cheeky monkeys. Walk the trails while observing the mischievous primates. You can even tip the park workers for snacks to feed them – just be careful, as they can get quite grabby!

Most people know of the Ubud Monkey Forest, but not many tourists realize there are a few different monkey forests in Ubud. 

For a more secluded monkey forest that isn’t packed with tourists, go see the monkeys and sacred temples at Sangeh Monkey Forest. This rainforest is home to two troops of gray long-tailed macaques, and they are less aggressive than the ones at Ubud. 

Visit the Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah)

Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, is a mystical archaeological site located on the outskirts of Ubud. This 9th-century sanctuary has elaborate rock carvings of various menacing creatures, elephants, and demons at the cave entrance. 

Inside the cave, you’ll find a small worship area where locals often come to pray. This is quite close to Tirta Empul if you want to combine attractions. 

Where to Stay in Ubud, Bali

While Tegalalang Rice Terrace is not a place where you can stay overnight, Ubud and its surrounding area are overflowing with superb accommodation choices. In all of Southeast Asia, few other destinations offer the same value for the cost that you can find than around Ubud.

TRI-TIERED INFINITY POOL LUXURY RESORT – The Kayon Jungle Resort

Experience the tranquility of Ubud at Kayon Jungle Resort! You know you’ve made it when you’re chilling in a three-tiered infinity pool luxury resort overlooking the treetops, just a few kilometers from Tegallalang Rice fields. You’ll best the best amenities that money can buy, with live music, free yoga, and amazing eats. 

STYLISH MID-RANGE MODERN IN UBUD – Sabana Ubud

Just out of the heart of Ubud, book a stay at Sabana Hotel, a highly-rated favorite around town. Along with modern, clean rooms with all the amenities you need, this small boutique hotel has a long outdoor pool and a restaurant for food and drinks. Plus, they have complimentary breakfast and free shuttles to Ubud center.

NICEST HOSTEL OWNERS YOU’LL EVER MEET – Bali Bamboo Jungle Huts & Hostel

I could not sing more praises to the fantastic owners (Boom Boom & Sri) of Bali Bamboo Jungle Huts & Hostel. Although you are getting hostel amenities, the vibes this place attracts are amazing. Plus, they are super close to the rice terraces and will help you plan any trip or activity you may want to take.

They even set me up with a class with their wood carving uncle so I could finally cross this activity off my bucket list. 

Is 3 Days Enough in Ubud?

For most, 3 days is generally considered enough time to go to the main attractions of Ubud. However, as mentioned earlier, there are still many other activities and destinations in and around Ubud that can be added to your itinerary if you have more time. 

I think Ubud is a great hub if you plan on going to more adventurous places in North Bali or East Bali. I even left my luggage at Bamboo Bali, the amazing hostel I was staying in.

How to Get Around

For an adventurous and flexible method, renting a scooter is the most affordable and best way to get around. With prices starting as low as 60,000 IDR ($4 USD), you can easily rent one from local services or directly through your accommodation in Ubud. [Click here to pre-reserve a scooter and enjoy the added convenience of delivery!]

But Ubud’s traffic is notoriously terrible, so I get that renting a scooter is not for everyone. Then you can hire a private driver to make a customized itinerary, take a tour from Ubud, or use Indonesia’s Uber (Grab or Gojek). 

Update! Local taxi drivers used to harass people who used these ride-sharing apps around central Ubud. But now, it seems so integrated into society that they’ve made peace with it.

Final thoughts: Things to do in a 3 Day Ubud Itinerary

Ubud is a destination you can visit again and again. I’m even thinking of making it one of my digital nomad hubs. Although this suggested 3 day itinerary covers the highlights, there are always more treasures to uncover in Ubud’s villages, rice fields, jungles, and ancient temples.

But there’s more to see in Bali. If you’re up for it, I highly suggest snorkeling in Amed in the north or island-hopping over to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Or, if you’re planning a visit to other places, be sure to check out my other posts about Bali below.