12 Best Day Trips From Ubud: Hidden Waterfalls, Sacred Temples & Sandy Beaches

Last Updated on October 14, 2025

“How much of Bali can you explore in a day?” That’s a question I often ask myself — and after living here for over four months, I can confidently say: a lot, if you know how to plan your day trips.

Ubud is, without a doubt, the best place to start. Not only is it surrounded by beautiful natural sights and cultural landmarks, but its central location makes it easy to reach different corners of the island in just about two hours (especially if you leave early in the morning).

In this post, I’m sharing the 12 best day trips from Ubud — from waterfalls and temples to beach and island escapes — plus a few practical tips to make the most of each. Ready to explore Bali beyond Ubud?

Don’t have time now?📌 Save it for later!

How To Plan Your Day Trips From Ubud

1. Rent A Scooter

Renting a scooter is the most flexible and affordable way to get around in Bali. It gives you complete freedom to stop wherever you like and discover places at your own pace.

However, traffic in Bali is wild, and not everyone feels comfortable driving in those conditions (I’m no exception).

✨ Pro Tip: If, like me, you’re okay riding a scooter but not for long distances in heavy traffic, book a Grab car or bike to reach your destination, then rent a scooter for the day once you arrive (if Grab is not available onsite). It’s a little more expensive, but it gives you complete flexibility once you’re there — just make sure to arrange your ride back in advance.

2. Grab or Gojek

Some of the locations mentioned in this blog post are actually very close — anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour away.

In those cases, you can book a Grab or a private driver in the morning and ask if they can take you around for a couple of hours. That’s how I handled most of my day trips while staying in Ubud.

✨ Pro Tip: Figuring out how much to pay a driver for this kind of service can be tricky. A good rule of thumb is to check the Grab app for the round-trip fare, then add roughly the same amount again to cover the driver’s waiting time and overall service.

3. Hiring A Driver for The Day

Hiring a private driver is one of the most popular ways to plan a day trip in Bali. You can usually book a driver for 10–12 hours and agree on an itinerary.

Some service providers may charge extra for specific areas or if you go overtime — which is fair — but it’s always best to confirm any additional costs in advance. Also, make sure your plans are realistic within the available time (Bali’s roads — and traffic — can definitely hold a few surprises!).

After a few not-so-great experiences with other providers, I finally found one that’s transparent from the start, so all you have to do is enjoy your day trip. You can book their service here.

4. Join a Tour

This is probably my least favorite option. Most tours depart around the same time and cover the same spots, often resulting in visits to the most crowded and touristy places. Still, it’s an easy way to enjoy the beauty all around Bali.

The good thing is that most tours already include entrance tickets, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and a local guide, which usually ends up being cheaper than hiring a private driver.

There are also some genuinely good, more niche tours out there (you just need to know which ones to pick). For every day trip, I’ll link to a few of my favorites.

13 Best Day Trips From Ubud

Below you’ll find my favorite day trips from Ubud.

All of them can be planned in a single day, though some might be a bit more challenging depending on traffic in certain areas.

Travel times will largely depend on what time you leave Ubud, but as a general rule, it’s best to start your day between 6:00 and 7:00 am to avoid the worst of the traffic.

1. Kintamani: Volcanoes & Lake Views

Distance from Ubud: 30 km (around 1 hour)

Kintamani is one of the easiest — and honestly one of the best day trips from Ubud. Just an hour away, this area offers incredible views, temples, and plenty of things to do beyond the Mount Batur hike.

The main reason to visit Kintamani is simple: the view. There’s truly nothing like it anywhere else in Bali.

From the main road, you can see the towering Mount Batur with its black lava slopes, and on clear days, the peak of Mount Agung often appears through the clouds. Between the two, you’ll spot the shimmering Lake Batur, creating one of the island’s most breathtaking sceneries.

If you’re only planning a day trip to Kintamani, I wouldn’t recommend the sunrise hike — unless that’s the only thing you want to do. After leaving Ubud at 2 am and hiking (and sweating) for at least one hour, you’ll probably just want a shower and a nap once it’s over!

Instead, spend your day exploring the area: sip a cup of Kintamani coffee with a view, visit the lakeside Pura Ulun Danu Segara Temple, or cycle around the lake to discover traditional Balinese villages.

If you still want a bit of adventure, you can always plan a Mount Batur sunset hike or a jeep ride across the lava fields.

2. Bedugul: Lakes, Temples & Mountain Air

Distance from Ubud: 40 km (around 1 hour 15 minutes)

I visited Bedugul, in Central Bali, during my very first trip to Bali, and completely fell in love with it.

Just like Kintamani, it shows an entirely different side of the island — made of traditional villages, endless green rice fields, and a foggy, mountainous landscape that’s actually cooler than the south.

I’d go to Bedugul for its natural beauty, vibrant colors, and to discover a more traditional side of Bali.

The view of the meru shrine of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, seemingly floating on the lake, with the hills fading behind the thick fog and clouds, is something I’ll never forget.

For a day trip in Central Bali, I’d suggest visiting:

• Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, one of the most enchanting temples near Ubud, especially the corners closest to the lake.
• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see the ingenious irrigation system that helps every farmer on the island grow rice.
• Leke Leke Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, is hidden in a lush jungle valley, and getting there is an adventure on its own.

3. East of Ubud: Waterfalls Trip

Distance from Ubud: 7 Km (30-40 minutes)

A waterfall hopping day is a must-do day trip in Bali. Just by opening Google Maps, you’ll realize how many waterfalls near Ubud there actually are, from north to south.

While some might be too far for a single-day trip from Ubud, you can easily visit at least four in one day (or even half a day if you plan it well).

I wouldn’t leave Ubud without taking a dip under one of its waterfalls; it’s honestly one of the best experiences. I’d avoid the most touristy ones, especially after 9 am, like Kanto Lampo or Tegenungan. Instead, focus on lesser-known spots.

About 30 minutes northeast of Ubud, you’ll find a series of waterfalls all close to one another: Suwat, Taman Sari, Tibumana, and Goa Rang Reng are the ones I visited. Each is entirely different, but all are worth seeing.

In the same area, there are even more hidden falls — Bankiang Jaran, Ulu Cangkir, Gatep Waterfall, or, if you don’t mind driving further away, you can check out Tukad Cepung and Goa Raja.

If you’re getting around Bali by scooter, this is the perfect chance to (figuratively) get lost and explore as much as possible. If you’re heading there with a driver, I highly recommend checking out my Half-Day Ubud Waterfall Trip.

4. East of Ubud: Goa Gajah

Distance from Ubud: 7 km (around 30 minutes)

Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, is one of the most unique temples near Ubud, and a perfect day trip if you don’t feel like riding too far.

It’s not the kind of Hindu temple you’d expect — its origin is still quite mysterious. What’s known is that this ancient site was built as a meditation sanctuary for both Hindu and Buddhist monks.

There are two main reasons why Goa Gajah is worth visiting. The first is the cave itself: though small, you enter through the mythical face of a demon carved into the rock, which is even more striking when you see it in person.

The second is the Buddhist temple area — a lush and colorful (though very humid) tropical garden hidden at the bottom of a long staircase leading into the valley.

The nature here will leave you speechless, and there’s even a small waterfall and a tiny temple tucked away in the greenery.

If you’re up for a longer day trip from Ubud, you can easily combine Goa Gajah with nearby waterfalls like Kanto Lampo and Tibumana.

5. North of Ubud: Tampaksiring & Sebatu

Distance from Ubud: 15 Km (50 minutes)

There must be something special in the air when it comes to spiritual energy here. Just north of Ubud, in the villages of Tampaksiring and Sebatu, you’ll find some of the most important — and most hidden — temples near Ubud.

Tampaksiring is known for Pura Tirta Empul, one of the most significant water temples in Bali. This is where many visitors come to take part in the Balinese purification ritual.

Another fascinating site, though not as famous, is Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, an ancient funerary temple carved into the rock and dedicated to old Javanese kings.

And last but not least, my two favorite temples near Ubud: Pura Mengening and Gunung Kawi Sebatu.

I practiced my most meaningful Balinese purification ceremony at Pura Mengening, while Gunung Kawi Sebatu remains one of the most enchanting and peaceful temple complexes I’ve ever visited in Bali.

6. North of Ubud: Tegallalang Rice Fields

Another classic day trip from Ubud is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, located just 30 minutes by car from central Ubud. When I visited, I went early in the morning to avoid the crowds, then stopped by Gunung Kawi Sebatu right after.

You can easily pair the two, or combine Tegallalang with some of the temples mentioned above.

If you’re not planning to travel all the way to central Bali, visiting Tegallalang is your chance to experience the island’s famous rice terraces. And while the place definitely feels a bit touristy, the structure itself is still unique — the terraces aren’t flat, but spread across both sides of the valley.

Surrounded by coconut trees and greenery, the whole view looks like that perfectly painted postcard of Bali you’ve seen so many times on social media.

Most visitors stop right at the entrance, but you can also climb up to the opposite side, where it’s a little calmer. Just be ready for a bit of a workout — the stairs are steep and high!

If you’re still planning your Bali itinerary and wondering whether visiting Tegallalang Rice Terraces is for you — or maybe you’d prefer Jatiluwih — here’s my review of Tegallalang, where you’ll also find a comparison between the two.

7. West of Ubud: Sangeh Monkey Forest

Distance from Ubud: 30–40 minutes from Ubud

Sangeh Monkey Forest, located in Sangeh Village, is a great alternative to the popular Ubud Monkey Forest. In fact, if you want more interaction with the monkeys, it might even be a better choice.

The forest is smaller, but no less special. You’ll walk among towering nutmeg trees, and right in the center stands Pura Bukit Sari — a beautiful temple featuring a traditional Meru-style shrine.

Here, the monkeys seem much calmer, friendlier, and far more polite than those in Ubud (still, keep an eye on your belongings, because they might steal mosquito sprays!).

The entrance ticket even includes a small basket of food to feed them, making the visit much more interactive and fun.

There are far fewer visitors compared to Ubud, which might explain the monkeys’ different behavior. Getting to “know” them up close in such a peaceful setting makes Sangeh Monkey Forest absolutely worth a visit.

Depending on what you’re looking for, one monkey forest might suit you better than the other. I’ve rounded up all the differences and similarities in my Ubud vs Sangeh Monkey Forest review, so you can decide which one to add to your Ubud itinerary.

8. Sanur: Relaxing Beach Escape

Distance from Ubud: 18Km (around 1 hour)

Sanur might not be the first place that comes to mind for a beach day trip from Ubud, but it could be precisely what you need.

If you ever find yourself in the middle of the jungle dreaming of the ocean — craving a breezy, peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds — yet don’t want to take a ferry to an island, Sanur is the perfect place.

I recently visited Sanur, and it genuinely feels like an open-air retreat resort. Sure, most of the visitors are families and older couples, but that’s what makes the area so calm.

You’ll find a long, quiet beachfront promenade — no scooters honking or rushing by (a rarity in Bali!) — lined with cozy beachside bungalows, inviting pools, and stretches of white sand where you can spend the day sunbathing before heading back to Ubud in under an hour.

Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to stop by ICON Supermall, where you can stock up on international products that are hard to find in Ubud.

These were the easy day trips — the kind that don’t require waking up at the crack of dawn or having every single detail planned out in advance.

The next ones, however, are a bit more challenging, whether because of the distance, the need to catch a ferry, or unpredictable weather and road conditions.

That said, if you plan them wisely (meaning leaving early from Ubud), they’re absolutely doable. They might not be the most relaxing experiences, but they’re definitely the most adventurous day trips from Ubud you can take.

9. Pura Besakih: Bali’s Mother Temple

Distance from Ubud: 26 km (around 2 hours)

Let’s start with the day trip from Ubud that I recently took — and that ended up taking twice as long as planned.

The main road was blocked, and since our driver didn’t know about it (and it took us nearly an hour to get out of Ubud), I only managed to visit Besakih in what became a six-hour round trip. I was so disappointed — but it was also my fault. Lesson learned.

That being said, Pura Besakih is absolutely a one-of-a-kind day trip from Ubud.

Getting there means exploring a different, untouched, and wilder side of Bali — the kind of place where you won’t see a single construction for kilometers. And then, the temple itself: breathtaking.

Known as Bali’s Mother Temple, Pura Besakih is the largest, holiest, and most important temple on the island. Its setting is spectacular, built on the slopes of Mount Agung, which towers majestically behind it on clear days.

There’s genuinely no other temple like it in Bali — both for its spiritual significance and its scale.

10. Nusa Penida: Adventurous Island Escape

Distance from Ubud: Around 2 hours (including the drive to Sanur and a 30-minute ferry ride)

A day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali is not for the faint-hearted — but having been there myself, I can understand why so many people do it, and I genuinely think it’s worth the effort.

Nusa Penida is the largest of the Nusa Islands — wild, raw, and beautifully untamed. For a day trip, the highlights are its dramatic coastal cliffs and scenic beaches, divided between the island’s western and eastern sides.

Here’s where the compromise comes in. In my opinion, the most breathtaking (and less crowded) beaches — like Diamond Beach — are found on the eastern side.

However, this area is about two hours from the harbor, which means you’ll spend a big chunk of your day in the car.

The western side, on the other hand, is home to the island’s most iconic sights, like Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong. The downside? These sights are where most day trippers go, so you’ll likely be surrounded by crowds the entire time.

11. Nusa Lembongan: Relaxing Island Escape

Distance from Ubud: Around 2 hours (including the drive to Sanur and a 30-minute ferry ride)

A very different type of day trip from Nusa Penida. It will take you the same time to arrive, but the vibe is not nearly as “stressful”. Nusa Lembongan is much smaller than Nusa Penida; therefore, you can easily explore by scooter yourself.

The island is all about relaxing on white sand beaches, snorkeling among vibrant reefs, and heading north to explore the mangrove forests. Ferries depart from 7 am, and the last call in the afternoon is at 5 pm.

The ideal day trip in Nusa Lembongan, if you ask me, is arriving early, having breakfast with the ocean view, and maybe booking a snorkeling tour in the morning.

Then renting a scooter, and doing absolutely nothing but sunbathing on one or more of the many beaches around the island in the afternoon, right in time to catch the ferry back to Sanur.

If that’s your vibe and you’re already dreaming about this kind of day trip, you can check out my favorite beaches and restaurants in Nusa Lembongan.

12. Uluwatu: The Southern Island Escape

Distance from Ubud: 56 Km (around 2.5 hours)

Last but definitely not least: Uluwatu. Another day trip from Ubud that’s not for the faint-hearted.

During my first trip to Bali, I actually took a half-day trip to Uluwatu from Ubud, can you believe that? We returned to Seminyak afterward, but still — not for the weak.

Uluwatu is one of my absolute favorite places on the island. I swear, if it were as close as Canggu, I’d probably be there every other weekend. Its wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, and laid-back cafés make it a must-see if you’re in Bali.

If you’re visiting on a day trip, leave early and make sure to stop at Uluwatu Temple. Ideally, you’d go at sunset for the view and the Kecak dance, but sometimes you have to make do with the timing you have — just beware of the monkeys (Uluwatu monkeys have quite the reputation!).

Then, head down to Padang Padang or Thomas Beach — two of my personal favorites — or grab lunch with the most surreal ocean view at Le Cliff. You’ll love it.

Here they are — my favorite day trips from Ubud. There would be many more to include in this list, but these are the locations I’ve personally visited and can genuinely recommend.

When planning your Bali trip, choosing the right place to stay is just as important. It ensures you don’t end up disappointed — thinking something is an easy day trip, only to realize it’s not, and missing out on a spot that was high on your bucket list.

To make it easier, I’ve written a short guide to all the best places to stay in Bali. It breaks down each location by vibe, things to do, pros and cons — so you can make a truly informed choice before booking your stay.

And if you have any questions or doubts about organizing your Bali day trips (or traveling here in general), feel free to drop them in the comments — I’m always happy to help!

Did you find it helpful? 📌 Save it on Pinterest!