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Are you planning a trip to Bali? One of the most popular locations is Ubud, and even though it’s a dynamic place, it’s still a gem, which we loved! You’ll need a few days to explore the town and surrounding areas, so I thought a Ubud 4-day itinerary would help you plan an epic holiday in Bali. We lived in Bali for six months, and although we were based in Canggu, we visited Ubud a few times; it’s one of my favorite places! Well, to be honest, Bali was great. In this post, I’m sharing the ultimate, or at least what I consider the top, 4-day Ubud itinerary. I’m also including personal insights, tour recommendations, and a few other topics to help you plan an epic trip!
This is a guest post by Abigail Dalton. Abigail is the owner and creator behind I’m Going On An Adventure. She focuses on budget travel and outdoor adventure, giving first-hand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect travel and make the best memories.
Campuhan Ridge, Ubud
For the best holiday, I recommend booking a couple of Bali tours and, if you have time, visiting some lesser-known spots as well as the more popular hangouts. 4-days in Ubud is a reasonable amount of time, but consider visiting other gems like Amed or Medewi as well.
Before we dive in, I want to go over some things worth considering when planning a trip to Bali in Indonesia. Firstly, Bali has become a popular holiday destination, meaning it attracts large crowds. Even though it’s still a beautiful destination, you won’t be getting paradise for yourselves. It’s essential to have realistic expectations, so you’re not disappointed.
Jalan Bisma in Ubud and Hindu statues
Questions to think about when planning your trip:
After you’ve considered these questions, you’ll be on your way to planning a great visit to Bali.
As for your 4 days in Ubud, let’s crack on; the itinerary below is how I would’ve chosen to spend my time if I had known what I know now from living there.
Ubud Town: Campuhan Ridge Walk – Kajeng Rice Fields – Ubud Art Market – Ubud Water Palace (Saraswati Lotus Temple) – Ubud Royal Palace – Sacred Monkey Forest.
It’s only fitting that you spend your first day exploring Ubud Town. This will fit into most schedules should you arrive early in the morning or the night before. Central Ubud is not big, and you can visit all these attractions in a day.
If you’ve got a full day to explore, I would recommend visiting Campuhan Ridge Walk in the morning. This is when there are fewer crowds; you’re more likely to see locals walking their dogs instead.
The morning also brings cooler temperatures, and early morning Ubud was always a favorite of ours; visit for sunrise to make it even better!
Once you reach the end of the ridge (start at the south end), you’ll enter a small community that sells local arts and crafts; this is quite an artistic area of Ubud. Follow the road through, and you’ll come out at rice fields. There are many small warungs within the fields, and they are great places to grab breakfast.
Afterwards, you can either walk back along the ridge or jump in a taxi to take you back to central Ubud. I suggest you download the Gojek or Grab ride-hail app (it’s the same as Uber) for ease. If you end up in remote areas, you can also request a scooter taxi through the same service!
Once back in central Ubud, enjoy the rest of your morning by visiting top sites like the Water Palace and Ubud’s Royal Palace. They are very close to each other, so you can easily walk between them.
The Royal Palace was the residence of the royal family of Ubud until the early 20th century. It was built in the 18th century. It’s a charming attraction known for its traditional Balinese architecture and intricate carvings.
Today, it serves as a cultural center and a venue for traditional dance performances, which you can book for evening entertainment. Keep in mind it’s also referred to as Puri Saren Agung if you see that somewhere and get confused.
The Ubud Water Palace, also known as Pura Taman Saraswati, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, who is the goddess of knowledge, music, and art. It was built in the early 20th century by the prince of Ubud.
Unluckily for us, when we visited, it was closed for maintenance, so we never got to enter! Even so, the temple is surrounded by a beautiful lotus pond, which makes it a popular spot for photography. It’s also known for its intricate carvings and traditional Balinese architecture.
I suggest going to Ubud Royal Palace first and then the Water Palace as it’s closer to the next attraction: Kajeng Rice Fields.
Kajeng Rice Fields is a beautiful hidden gem in the centre of Ubud, or at least they were when we visited! Currently, I think they have become better known, but people still opt to visit the larger rice terraces and forget about these.
Located in the heart of Ubud, these are picturesque rice fields where you can walk around and engage with local farmers. It was one of the highlights of our trips to Ubud.
Kajeng rice fields
These rice fields join the larger Juwuk Manis Rice Fields, although there is a shorter circular path you can follow, which I recommend. Otherwise, you’ll end up way out of town, near the rice fields you visited at breakfast at the end of Campuhan Ridge, but on the other side of the river!
There are a few warungs and restaurants attached to hotels located within these rice fields, which are perfect for grabbing lunch. A favorite is Sweet Orange Warung; I suggest stopping by and refilling while taking in the tranquil surroundings.
Once back in central Ubud, heading to the Sacred Monkey Forest is the next best thing. You can walk; it’s simply at the end of one long road: JL. Monkey Forest. However, your feet might be tired by this point, so it’s easiest to jump in a taxi.
Ubud Monkey Forest
Sacred Monkey Forest is a Hindu temple complex set within the lush jungle and home to hundreds of macaque monkeys. They aren’t the friendliest and will rob you blind if given the opportunity; they like phones and hats, so be warned!
There are other animals here as well, such as deer and many beautiful birds. That said, the monkeys are cute, especially the babies.
Closes are 6:00 pm
The final point of call on your first day in Ubud is the Art Market or street market. You likely would have seen it when visiting the Royal Palace as it’s directly opposite, but I’ve left it till last so you don’t have to lug your purchases around with you all day; you’re welcome!
The Ubud Art Market is excellent. You’ll find all things boho and crafty: food, clothes, souvenirs, jewellery and nick-nacks of all sorts. If you’re planning on buying, be sure to pack some reusable bags in your day packs. Bali has a huge pollution problem!
For dinner, there are a few great places nearby. Depending on how much local food you ate during the day, you might want something closer to home. Some suggestions are Milk & Madu, La Barraca, or Taco & Grill.
Ubud Bike Tour: Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Villages and Local Crafts – Balinese massage in Ubud
Tegalalang rice terraces near Ubud, Bali
One of the best things we did in Bali was go on a scooter road trip around the island. Although it’s not quite the same as a bicycle, we were able to visit authentic Bali towns, explore rural villages, enjoy beautiful scenery, and learn about Balinese culture and traditions.
If you’re only visiting Bali for a few days, a Bali bike tour should be top of your list for all the reasons mentioned above! You’ll get a local guide who knows the area and can guide you through untouched parts of Ubud. Visiting such areas will be a truly fulfilling experience!
The best bike tours include visits to volcanoes, rural villages, waterfalls, and the famous UNESCO rice terraces; some are even on e-bikes, so make the most of your day by choosing one of those that include these attractions.
I recommend the Downhill Bike Tour with Rice Terraces and Meal.
Sinar Spa, Ubud
There’s nothing better than being pampered, and I love a good massage. After your day of riding, if you feel like you need a little R&R, and let’s be honest, you probably will, head out for a Balinese massage!
It’s a traditional Indonesian healing technique that combines elements of acupressure, reflexology, and aromatherapy. It is a type of deep-tissue massage that typically involves long, sweeping strokes, deep kneading, and gentle stretching of the muscles.
The history of Balinese massage dates back to ancient times when it was used as a form of healing for warriors and royalty. But, these days, it has become a popular spa treatment around the world.
The best part is that in Bali, Balinese massages are super affordable! We went to one at the end of Kajeng Village just before the start of the rice fields: Juwuk Manis Massage Ubud.
Purification Ceremony – Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu – Goa Gajah Cave Sanctuary
The best way to complete day three is to hire a scooter and go about the sites independently.
This will give you time at each attraction without feeling rushed. If you don’t fancy renting a scooter in Bali, you can always hire a private driver for the day. Luckily, this is very affordable in Bali, and many companies offer this service.
Day three and you absolutely have to experience a Balinese Purification Ceremony. These are known as Melukat ceremonies, which are believed to purify the mind, body, and soul. It’s an essential part of the Hindu Balinese culture, which dominates the island of Gods.
There are many locations throughout the island where it’s possible to partake in this ceremony, the most popular being Tirta Empul temple, a wonderful temple in Southeast Asia. We decided to visit Taman Beji Waterfall and think it’s one of the better spots.
A traditional ceremony includes prayers, offerings, and purification rituals. They differ slightly depending on location, but at Beji Waterfall, one of the final steps is to enter the waterfall and scream as loudly as possible to release negative energies.
It was a surreal experience and one we highly recommend!
About 15km outside of central Ubud is this ancient water temple. It’s built around a natural spring and is another site for purification rituals; when we visited, many locals were bathing and performing the ritual. However, we didn’t see too many tourists; it’s definitely a more tranquil temple that is very suitable for conscious travelers who like to explore more of the beaten path places.
The small temple complex is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and a pond filled with koi fish, the reason for visiting. It’s a lovely temple, although it is unkept in comparison to some of the more significant sites.
You are able to explore the temple complex, the entrance fee is 30,000 IDR (about £1.50), but keep in mind that to enter beyond the pond, proper dress is required. It’s recommended to wear a sarong or sash (included in the fee), so make sure you pack one. Otherwise, it is possible to rent these from outside the temple or purchase them from the nearby shops.
Alternatively, you can visit Titra Empul temple, which isn’t far away (or both if you have time).
The last stop for the day should be Goa Gajah Cave Sanctuary, also known as the Elephant Cave. It’s a historic cave temple located in Bedulu Village near central Ubud, so it’s a nice place to finish the day.
It’s believed to have been built in the 9th century as a spiritual place for meditation and worship. The cave is covered in carvings and sculptures that depict various Hindu and Buddhist symbols and mythological creatures.
Interestingly, the entrance to the cave is designed to resemble the mouth of a demon, with a large statue of a demon-like creature guarding the gate, which costs 15,000 IDR to enter.
It’s a popular tourist destination and used to be on the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE tentative list so it would be a great addition to your Ubud itinerary.
Waterfall & Temple Visits: Pura Lempuyang Temple – Tirta Gangga (Water Palace) – Tirta Empul Temple – Tukad Cepung Waterfall
For your final day, I suggest booking a temple and waterfall tour. There are many available, but try to book one, which will take you to the remaining must-visit sites, such as Pura Lempuyang temple, Tirta Gangga, and a waterfall. If you haven’t already visited Tirta Empul temple, today is a good day to head there.
I recommend the Bali Instagram: Gate of Heaven Temple Tour, which includes all the above locations.
Alternatively, you could continue exploring independently on a scooter. However, you’ll be covering quite a lot of distance, and so a car is better. Another option is a private customizable day tour.
Better known as Heaven Gate, this is a temple to visit in the morning before the clouds set in above Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest volcano. It’s a small temple, and the main reason to visit it is to grab a shot between the gates with the volcano in the background.
Tirta Empul, Ubud, Bali
These two are beautiful water temples; Tirta Gangga is famous for its stepping stones and koi fish, while Tirta Empul is where you’ll find the majority of purification ceremonies taking place. They are both bust attractions, although still lovely to visit, just expect crowds so you’re not disappointed!
→ Also read: Everything you need to know about Banjar Hot Springs in the north of Bali
One of our favorite waterfalls, Tukad Cepung, takes a little work to reach, but it’s worthwhile. Nestled within the jungle in a fissure cave, you’ll find the waterfall has a charming appeal. It’s surrounded by huge boulders, with a small stream running through the lush overgrowth.
The whole site is quite lovely to explore, with a few other smaller waterfalls around. Back at the top, there are a handful of local warungs with seating overlooking the canopy below.
Other significant waterfalls to visit include Tibumana Waterfall, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.
Ubud is a fantastic location in Bali to base yourself for an epic holiday. It’s central, an hour from the airport, and surrounded by lush jungle and ancient temples. It’s the cultural hub of Bali and a very relaxing spot to visit.
To make sure you have the best holiday, it’s essential to choose the suitable accommodation for you. There are lots of options, from guest houses and hostels aimed at backpackers and budget travelers to luxury villas and resorts with private pools and breathtaking views.
Since Ubud is in the hills, it’s worth remembering that it’s not close to the ocean. Due to this, I suggest booking accommodation with a swimming pool if possible!
To help you choose, I’ve found three options to browse through, depending on your budget.
Tirta Empul near Ubud, Bali
Bali has two seasons: wet and dry. It’s possible to visit throughout the year, although during the wet season, expect short sudden bursts of rainfall, usually in the afternoons and evenings. It can be a beautiful time to visit, especially if you’re looking for wildlife encounters as they become more active this time of year.
For beach holidays, consider visiting during the dry period, so you’re not disappointed. Keep in mind that during peak season, the price of activities and attractions does increase.
The peak season runs from April to September, with the wet season starting in October and lasting until May.
Four days are enough to visit the top sites in Ubud. It’s not enough for a whole holiday to Bali, but for Ubud, you will be fine. Generally, a 10 to 14-day holiday in Bali is sufficient to have a fulfilling trip but if you like to travel slowly, consider staying for at least a month.
Ubud is around 1 hour 15 minutes from Bali’s international airport. There are numerous ways to reach the town, and it’s not necessary to pre-book a transfer, although this can save time and hassle.
A lot of visitors will opt for a private car transfer. This is the most convenient way of reaching Ubud but usually the most expensive. However, Bali is affordable, so even a costly option isn’t necessarily going to be too expensive.
I recommend this private Bali airport transfer from Kirana Tour.
When we are in Bali, we use Gojek to book our taxis. They work like Uber; however, they are frowned upon by the local Bluebird taxi services. Sometimes, they refuse to enter the airport, so if you plan to use them, you might have to walk to the car park to meet them.
Personally, I think they are the best way to get from A to B. You will know exactly what you’re paying before you travel, and they are readily available.
Bluebird Taxis is the local taxi service; in all honesty, we have never used them, so I can’t tell you for sure if they are good. From reading reviews, they seem to be reliable and reputable. You can grab them from the taxi rank outside the airport.
If you have already booked your accommodation, they will likely offer an airport shuttle service. This is usually the most cost-effective option, although the Gojek could work out cheaper depending on your accommodation.
Some hotels will offer a free airport transfer; for others, you will have to pay an additional charge. If you choose this option, you’ll have to email the hotel before your arrival to arrange the shuttle.
Rice terraces at the end of Campuhan Ridge
Central Ubud is pretty easy to explore on foot; in fact, it’s the best way, as any other method is not practical. Traffic can get nasty, especially during rush hours.
For exploring attractions outside of central Ubud, renting a scooter is the most efficient.
However, some of you might prefer something else. It’s also possible to use taxis to take you to sites or, as I mentioned earlier, hire a private driver for the day. Some people also arrange for a private driver for the entirety of their holiday; this is also a feasible option.
Finally, you can use tours to explore Ubud, which includes transfers to and from attractions.
As always, I leave you with a few final thoughts for your 4-days in Ubud itinerary. The biggest takeaway is to remember that Ubud is a popular destination, and you must prepare for crowds, especially if you visit during peak season.
As for the attractions I’ve listed in this Ubud itinerary, and after spending a lot of time in Bali, I honestly believe that they are the best sites to visit if you only have four days. They will provide you with a variety of cultural, educational, and fun experiences so you will have a fulfilling holiday.
Remember, Bali has a unique culture, and it’s important to respect their religion; always cover your knees when visiting sacred sites. We loved eating in the warungs, and if you’re a little foodie like us, be sure to check them out too; there is one in central Ubud we recommend: Warung Makan Bu Rus!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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