Ubud · Itinerary
2 to 3 days in Ubud
A realistic Ubud plan that front-loads the outdoor sights before the heat and the crowds, and keeps afternoons for rest and culture. Two days for the essentials; three to add a waterfall, art and a class. Pair it with our things to do in Ubud for the details on each sight.
Day 1: ridge, forest and a dance
- Early morning
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Start at sunrise while it's cool and quiet — the ridge has little shade. A gentle hour on a paved path between two river valleys.
- Breakfast
Coffee and breakfast in town
Ubud does calm, healthy mornings well. See our cafés & coffee guide for where to land.
- Late morning
Sacred Monkey Forest & Saraswati Temple
The forest temple and its macaques, then the lotus-pond Saraswati Temple a short walk away in the centre.
- Afternoon
Rest, spa or a slow lunch
Beat the midday heat. Ubud is the wellness capital — a massage or yoga class fits here.
- Evening
Balinese dance at Ubud Palace
Nightly traditional performances in the palace courtyard. Buy tickets at the gate in the afternoon, then dinner nearby.
Day 2: rice terraces, a waterfall and art
- Early morning
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Drive up early (~30 min) to walk the terraces before the crowds and the heat. Small donation gates on the way down.
- Midday
A waterfall — Tegenungan or Tibumana
Cool off at an accessible waterfall south/east of town. Tegenungan is closest; Tibumana is quieter.
- Afternoon
Art & culture
An art museum (Puri Lukisan, ARMA or Blanco) or the Ubud Art Market for crafts and textiles.
- Evening
A long, slow dinner
Ubud's dinner scene rewards taking your time — see our best restaurants guide, sorted by the evening you want.
Day 3: (optional) a class and a quiet corner
- Morning
Yoga or a cooking class
A drop-in class, or a Balinese cooking class that starts with a market visit. Ubud's signature slow morning.
- Late morning
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
An ancient cave-temple site in green grounds, ~15 minutes east — sarong provided at the gate.
- Afternoon
One more terrace or village
A quieter rice-field walk or a craft village (silver in Celuk, painting in Peliatan) before you move on.
Practical notes
- Start early — the terraces, ridge and waterfalls are far better before mid-morning.
- Book the palace dance and any special dinner ahead in high season.
- Distances are short but roads are slow; hire a driver for the terrace-and-waterfall day.
- Ubud is inland with no beach — pair it with a coastal area for the rest of your trip.
Good to know
How many days do you need in Ubud?
Two days covers the highlights; three lets you add a waterfall, an art museum and a cooking or yoga class without rushing. Ubud rewards a slower pace.
What's the best order to see Ubud?
Do the outdoor sights early — the ridge walk, rice terraces and waterfalls — before the heat and tour buses, and keep afternoons for rest, spa or indoor culture.
Should I stay in Ubud or day-trip from the coast?
Staying at least one night is worth it: the early mornings and evening dance are the best of Ubud, and day-trips from the coast lose hours in traffic each way.
Is two days in Ubud enough?
Yes for the essentials — ridge walk, Monkey Forest, a temple, rice terraces and a dance performance. Add a third day for waterfalls, art and a class.