How to Spend 3 Days in Ubud: Best Itinerary for Nature Lovers

Dreaming of infinite rice paddies, ancient temples, and the vibrant heart of Bali? Then Ubud is calling your name, as it did with me! I know you may have seen those TikTok videos of crazy traffic and busy roads (and yes, they’re real!). But trust me, Ubud is so much more than that.

My first trip to Bali was inspired by a vivid dream of a place I’d never been – a place filled with palm trees and those iconic bright green rice terraces. As soon as I landed in Ubud, I knew I was home.

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Even with its popularity, Ubud still holds a special magic. It’s a place where you can lose yourself on hidden trails, explore local markets, and truly feel the ancient energy of the Balinese rituals. Intrigued?

In this article, I’ll share the perfect 3-day Ubud itinerary to help you uncover the authentic side of this spiritual location and experience its true heart.

Is Ubud Worth Visiting?

As I mentioned, I fell head over heels for Ubud, and to me, it’s 100% a must-visit if this is your first trip to Bali—or even your second. Why, you ask?

Ubud has something for everyone: it’s the perfect base for day trips in central Bali, offers upscale dining experiences, and hosts some of the best yoga and meditation retreats for those interested in exploring spiritual practices.

However, Ubud might not be for you if you’re looking to party, as there are hardly any clubs in the city. If you’re seeking the beachy island vibe with surfboards and beach clubs, other areas of Bali may cater more to that lifestyle.

Wild Nature Nearby

Despite the traffic on the main road, Jalan Raya, you can easily find yourself enveloped by nature as if you’ve stumbled into a completely different place—a hidden rural village at the edge of nothingness. 

If you’re like me and enjoy the art of aimless wandering, you could spend hours exploring, hiding in the most unusual corners of this town. 

The deep green jungle is visible no matter where you are in Ubud, offering a view that immediately calms you down, even if you’re seated in the backseat of a Grab driver stuck in traffic.

Temples Everywhere

I adored how everything in Ubud looked like a Hindu temple, including some homestays and gardens.

Attracted by the red sandstone gates with intricate carvings, I nearly found myself “unexpectedly dropping in” on someone’s home.

I’m sure the owners wouldn’t have minded; the Balinese are so welcoming and kind that they’d likely greet me with a smile.

Spirituality in the air

I felt the pervasive spirituality from the first moment there. You can feel it in the air.

Hindu Balinese still wear traditional costumes, and sacred ceremonies are constantly present.

I was eager to visit many temples, but they were often closed due to ongoing ceremonies, serving as active places of worship.

Ubud 3-Day Itinerary Map

Ubud Itinerary Day 1: Monkeys, Rice Terraces, & Rituals

1. Ubud Monkey Forest

The first stop on your Ubud itinerary is the so-popular Monkey Forest, which, in my opinion, is worth a visit if you’re in Ubud for the first time. 

Yes, it can get crowded, but try to visit early in the morning to avoid the chaos of kids running around, screaming, and crying because a monkey dared to make eye contact.

There are two main reasons I truly enjoyed the visit: first, the forest itself. 

The Forest

The site is beautifully integrated into the forest rather than the other way around. You’ll find yourself surrounded by towering trees and the deepest shades of green, with the sky hidden from view. 

I’ve noticed that most visitors linger near the entrance, missing out on the more peaceful sections of the site.

Take this opportunity to descend a few steps and explore deeper, where you can truly appreciate its nature without crowds.

The Monkeys

The second reason, of course, is the monkeys.

The monkeys near the entrance seem overstimulated by the crowds or too accustomed to them. In contrast, venturing deeper into the forest revealed some funny family scenes: the wise old grandfather trying to crack open a coconut or two adults arguing over a playful little one. 

You could easily spend hours observing their behaviors, but remember not to make direct eye contact or smile too broadly—they might perceive this as a threat. 

And be sure to secure your glasses and phones; watching your belongings get swiped is not part of the fun.

2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

I didn’t personally buy a ticket to visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, also called Ceking Rice Terrace; I caught the view from the road while passing by. What I say might sound opinionated, but hear me out.

I plan to visit them next time I’m in Ubud to gain a personal experience that could help other travelers.

I’m not saying the site isn’t worth it. Even from afar, you can instantly see the picture-perfect, rice-padded terraces in a shade of green that almost looks unreal. 

However, you can also spot the crowds lining up at the various red-dress and bicycle swing stops, which is why it didn’t feel authentic to me. 

Instead, it seems like a place designed for tourists, charging higher prices for everyone to have the same type of photos posted on social media.

Of course, if you’re on a tight schedule and want to witness with your eyes those vivid green Balinese rice terraces you have been dreaming of, you should go. 

But if you’re willing to hire a driver for the day and reach another location one hour away, you might have a more authentic and worthwhile experience at a rice terrace.

After visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, you can have lunch at Tebasari, one of the most popular restaurants in this area. However, make sure to book a table.

Alternative: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

If you’re up for an early start and can book a private driver, consider a day trip to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. 

Located near the Munduk Village and at the foot of the Gunung Batukau volcano, this UNESCO-protected site covers about 195 square kilometers.

At two hours from Ubud, your Balinese rice terrace experience here will feel far more authentic.

Firstly, it will be just you and nature, with hardly anyone else around. The site’s vastness ensures that even with some visitors, it never feels crowded. And you’ll not meet many other faces. For some reason, the site is not as appreciated as it should be. 

The island’s Subak agricultural system was also developed here in the 9th century. The same system guides the irrigation of these rice fields today. The Subak system embodies the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which aligns the realms of the spirit, the human world, and nature. 

Water management is deeply connected to the authority of priests in water temples, where rituals encourage people to engage with the environment and emphasize our reliance on nature’s forces.

I began my hike in front of the Gong Jatiluwih restaurant. There, I purchased my entrance ticket at a small stall. After your visit, you can plan on having lunch there.

Soon, you’ll find yourself enveloped by a sea of rice terraces, unfolding endlessly like green waves stretching to the horizon.

3. Pura Tirta Empul & Purification Ritual

On the afternoon of your first day in Ubud, make your way to Pura Tirta Empul. After showing your ticket at the entrance, you’ll receive a sarong. Be sure to cover your shoulders as a sign of respect.

Pura Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most sacred water temples, renowned for its mystical powers. The holy springs, believed to have been created by the God Indra, are said to hold blessed water that purifies those who participate in the melukat ritual. This is the main draw for many foreigners visiting Pura Tirta Empul.

I intended to participate in the ritual, but upon arrival, something felt off. As someone deeply spiritual, I found it unsettling to see mostly tourists taking selfies in what is considered sacred water in Balinese culture. It didn’t feel right, so I chose not to participate.

So, what did I do instead? True to form, I wandered off to explore the other areas of this sacred temple that most visitors overlook.

Pura Tirta Empul is constructed with three classic layers of Balinese Temples’ architecture. 

You enter through a stone Candi Bentar (stone gate) and arrive at the temple’s first area. In the second courtyard, you find the bathing pools, where the purification ritual occurs. 

Beyond that, if you venture further, you’ll discover the Jeroan, the temple’s most sacred courtyard, dedicated to prayers.

Exploring this area allows you to escape the crowds at the pools and experience your own purification simply by soaking in the tranquility and sanctity of the temple, witnessing Balinese Hindus praying and practicing their rituals. 

Alternative: Pura Mengening

For a more meaningful and peaceful ritual experience, you can perform your purification ritual at Pura Mengening. It’s located downstream, three minutes from Pura Tirta Empul, after a long series of steps.

Once you arrive, you’ll soon realize the difference in the atmosphere between the Pura Tirta Empul and Pura Mengening. Fewer visitors are around you, and more Balinese people are performing the ritual.

The temple is much smaller and surrounded by the deep Ubud jungle, which adds to the ritual’s spirituality. This is the ideal, calm location for the Melukat ritual. Make sure to book your purification ritual with an Indonesian guide.

Remember to bring clothes to get changed into and a towel, considering you will get wet during the ritual.

4. Dinner At Zest Ubud

If you’re in Ubud, have at least one meal at Zest Ubud. With its stunning location surrounded by the jungle, close to the Campuhan Ridge Walk, and its delicious food, it’s easily one of the most popular restaurants in Ubud. 

It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, and dinner all in one day. The menu is entirely plant-based, with locally sourced ingredients that make you almost forget about it when you taste their dishes.

If you’re there for dinner, you absolutely need to try one of their Forest Pizzas—especially the Roman Jack version.

Ubud Itinerary Day 2: Rafting & Walking Surrounded by Nature

5. Rafting on the Ayung River

One of my favorite experiences in Ubud was rafting on the Ayung River. Although the rafting is easy enough for beginners, it is still challenging. 

It’s a 10 km journey along a section of the Ayung River, lasting about two hours. We booked our rafting adventure with Graha Adventure, and they took care of everything—providing all the equipment and handling transportation to and from the area closer to the river. 

Bring a change of clothes and a towel because you will get very wet during the rafting.

Walking downstream to the riverside takes about half an hour. If it rained the day before, it can be a bit muddy, so pack sturdy flip-flops in your luggage.

The rafting experience is so much fun. Indonesian guides are known for their humor and playfulness.

They guide you throughout the trip, shouting commands that sometimes seem counterintuitive. You might (often) find yourself stuck between two rocks and giggling to get unstuck. 

Along the way, you can stop at a waterfall to take a dip and at a drink stall to have a coconut.

When you return to the Graha Adventure base, lunch is included in the ticket. They serve Indonesian specialties—nothing fancy, but it’s all part of the experience.

6. Hiking around the Subak Juwuk Manis Walk

When I visit a new place, I love wandering, guided by instinct. This approach, combined with a desire to escape the hustle of Jalan Raya, led me to stumble upon a beautiful walking trail without even trying: the Subak Juwuk Manis Walk or the Sweet Orange Walking Trail.

I think I found an alternative entrance, which I recommend because it takes you past a charming souvenir market. 

Just after Ubud Palace, there’s a secondary road called Jalan Kajeng. Walking along, you’ll pass by the market and start noticing those famous stones with written messages on the ground. 

Follow the road until you spot the sign for the walking trail. Although the trail is just a five-minute walk from the bustling street, it feels like you’re miles away or even in a different city.

Here, surrounded by rice fields on both sides of the road, palm trees, and just some quiet hotels and villas, you’ll only hear the chirping of cicadas and some scooters passing by. 

After the paved road stops, you can explore the area aimlessly and even further. If you’re tired or it’s getting late, you can always hop on a grab scooter to return.

Alternative: Campuhan Ridge Walk

Strolling through Ubud’s natural beauty is one of the best activities for nature lovers who prefer the tranquility of fewer people over the crowds at the souvenir markets. 

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the city’s most popular trails. It offers a great view of the city’s landscape. 

This paved path winds between the Sungai Wos and Sungai Cerik rivers and passes by the secluded Pura Gunung Lebah. 

The trail begins near the Ibah Hotel, where you’ll take a left and follow the signs. You’ll find yourself flanked by grass fields on both sides, eventually leading you to the village of Bangkiang Sidem.

7. Dinner at Cantina Rooftop

Cantina Rooftop is a fantastic spot for an upscale dining experience in Bali that won’t break the bank. Every dish I tried was so good, with balanced flavors and high-quality ingredients. You can’t go wrong with any choice.

The vibe is that of a chic lounge restaurant. The elegant dining room features soft lighting, high tables, an open kitchen, and cozy sofas, perfect for romantic evenings and tapas-style dishes. 

Perched above the Campuhan Ridge Walk, the restaurant offers stunning views of Pura Gunung Lebah Temple that you can enjoy if you arrive before sunset. 

Ubud Itinerary Day 3: Waterfalls & Temples

If you’re in Ubud, you can’t miss experiencing the force of nature of one of the waterfalls surrounding the city.

8. Waterfall in Ubud: Tegenungan Waterfall

If you’re short on time and need to stay closer to Ubud, consider visiting the Tegenungan Waterfall. Just 15 minutes from the city, it’s one of the most accessible and visited waterfalls on the island. 

The waterfall offers an open view and a natural pool where you can dip. Across from the waterfall is the Omma Day Club, which features a pool that (in my opinion) detracts a little from the site’s natural beauty. 

However, it remains a popular tourist spot, thanks to the restaurant’s stunning view of the falls. The food is delicious, so you can plan to have lunch here before continuing your day.

Alternative: Leke Leke Waterfall

Leke Leke Waterfall is about one hour from Ubud and is one of Bali’s most secluded and lesser-known waterfalls. It’s also about 30 minutes from the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, so you can easily combine both in one trip.

You’ll walk 20 minutes down a muddy path through a deep green jungle to reach the waterfall. 

Once you arrive at the trail’s entrance, you’ll pay your ticket and begin your walk downstream. If that swing experience has been on your mind, you’re in luck—you’ll find it here, too.

There are no crowds and no flowy red dresses, but if the thrill of swinging out into the void excites you, this experience won’t disappoint.

The trail downstream can be steep and challenging in parts, especially if it rained the day before—I walked barefoot the whole way. However, the view of the waterfall cascading into a natural pool makes it all worth it!

Due to the rocky terrain, it’s not the most accessible waterfall in Bali. This likely keeps the crowds away, making the experience all the more rewarding. You’ll probably share it with just a few others.

9. Ubud Palace

Puri Sareng Agung, or Ubud’s Royal Palace, sits right in the heart of Ubud, and you’ll likely pass by it numerous times during your stay. The royal family still lives here, meaning many of the site’s buildings remain off-limits.

Much of the palace was reconstructed after the 1917 earthquake, and it stands as a great example of traditional redstone Balinese architecture adorned with intricate stone carvings.

If you visit in the afternoon, you might be lucky to witness a traditional dance performance rehearsal. Alternatively, plan to stop by at 7 pm to attend one of these fascinating performances.

10. Pura Taman Saraswati

Not far from Ubud’s Palace, you’ll instantly recognize the Saraswati Temple. You’ll notice the charming lotus pond before the main temple structure, crossed by a low bridge above the water. 

You’ll receive a sarong upon arrival, as wearing traditional clothes is required. 

The temple is a beautiful blend of colors, with pink frangipani flowers and the deep green of the surrounding vegetation harmonizing with the typical Balinese red sandstone. 

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So, now you’ve got a fantastic plan for three magical days in Ubud! But remember, the real magic of Ubud lies in its hidden corners, which you’ll likely discover when wandering around aimlessly.

Exploration is one of the most rewarding (and free!) activities Ubud has to offer. And if you’re already thinking about extending your stay, check out my post on 24 incredible things to do in Ubud.

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FAQ Section

How Many days should I stay in Ubud?

To truly experience Ubud, you should plan to spend at least three days there. However, a three-day visit can effortlessly stretch into a couple of weeks, especially if you use it as a base to explore nearby areas or if you’re keen on hiking all the rice-padded trails around the central region.

What to do in Ubud for free?

You can explore all the rice-padded walking trails, Ubud’s Palace, and the Saraswati Temple, and you can also shop at the local markets, including Ubud’s art markets. 

Besides the Campuhan Ridge Walk and the Sweet Orange Walking Trail, see below for other walking trails you can check out in Ubud: 

Sari organic walk: one-hour walk surrounded by farmers at work and smaller warungs.

Hiking trails close to the Kajeng rice fields: A 2-3 hour walk starting at Jl Kaleng road, surrounded by the deep green forest, rice fields, and waterfalls. It explores the north of Ubud. 

How do you get to Ubud from the Ngurah Rai International Airport?

Booking a private driver with Klook is the most hassle-free way to get to Ubud from Bali’s main airport. I did precisely that, and I can’t recommend this service enough.

Picture this: you’re exhausted after a long flight and arrive late at the airport. Suddenly, you are surrounded by drivers and agencies competing for your attention, likely leading you to spend more than necessary. Booking a private driver eliminates all that stress.

In addition, the driver will wait for you for up to two hours without charging extra and will communicate with you to ensure everything is okay. There is no better welcome when landing in Bali.

How to get around in Ubud?

Ubud’s traffic is hectic, and I recommend renting a scooter only if you’re familiar with the Balinese driving style.

The best way to navigate Ubud is to download apps like Grab or Gojek and book affordable scooter rides with their drivers.

If you need to travel beyond Ubud, hire a private driver for the day or book a simple A-to-B journey with Klook. This option offers flexibility for day trips in case you need to return quickly or if the weather takes a turn.

Where to stay in Ubud? 

Luxury Villa: Candy Villa is the perfect luxury escape from the traffic. The highlight is the private pool in every bungalow. 

Eco Bed & Breakfast: Bali Firefly B&B is located in the heart of Ubud. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden with an infinity pool.

Homestay: Kuaya Homestay is the perfect budget option in the heart of Ubud. Offering great value for money.