If you have three days to spend in Bali, do yourself a favor and visit Ubud, a captivating town nestled in the heart of Indonesia’s most famous tropical island.
Surrounded by lush green fields, mystical temples, and a vibrant arts scene, this area is a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty.
There’s a lot you can do here. From spoiling yourself with its delicious local cuisine to exploring its traditional markets brimming with handmade crafts, every corner is a testimony to its rich heritage.
Whether you seek tranquility and relaxation or an adrenaline-packed escapade, this magical town has something for everyone. This Ubud itinerary for a 3-day journey is the proof. Let’s go through it one by one!
How to Get to Ubud?
Photo: sabandari.com
Before we discuss your Ubud itinerary, let us guide your way there to avoid any mishaps during the start of your trip in the highlands of Bali.
Ubud is located in central Bali, in Gianyar Regency to be exact (see the red circle). To reach this town, there are a few options you can choose for a seamless journey: taxis, private transfers, and buses.
Make sure you know which one you’d pick before landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Taxi and private transfers are the popular choices for those going to hotels or chosen destinations hastily.
However, if you prefer a more scenic route that takes time, not to mention budget-friendly, we suggest you arrange a shared shuttle or hop on a bus. Keep in mind that buses may have limited schedules, so checking the timings in advance is crucial.
As for the fare, the price for a bus ranges from Rp30,000–70,000 (2–5$), while private transfers or taxis cost around Rp300,000–450,000 (20–30$).
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Your Go-to 3-Day Ubud Itinerary
Day 1 – Cultural Immersion
1. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Photo: Wisata Bali Penida
- Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar (Gmaps)
- Opening hours: 8 AM–6 PM
- Admissions: Rp80,000 ($5.40) for adults, Rp60,000 IDR ($4.00) for children
Start your day early and visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This eco-destination is one of the hottest tourist spots in Ubud. Explore the lush forest while observing and feeding the playful monkeys.
2. Ubud Market
- Address: Jl Raya Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar (Gmaps)
- Opening hours: 8 AM–6 PM
- Admissions: No tickets (free)
Head to the nearby Ubud Market to experience the vibrant local culture and shop for unique souvenirs, traditional textiles, and handicrafts.
This market is only 10 minutes from the Monkey Forest and is the perfect place to unwind after a fun and educational morning at the sanctuary.
3. Puri Saren Royal Palace
Photo: Putri Bali Rental
- Address: Jl Raya, Ubud, Gianyar Regency (Gmaps)
- Opening hours: 7 AM–6 PM
- Admissions: No tickets (free)
Visit Puri Saren Royal located right next to the market. While you’re here, you can admire the intricate Balinese architecture. As a tourist, you can also catch a traditional dance performance if you come here in the evening.
4. Lunch
There are lots of warung (a traditional restaurant) in Ubud, be it around the tourist hotspots or any modest street. around the Jalan Raya. However, if you want to go to a restaurant, there are plenty you can choose from. Here are some of the restaurants we recommend:
5. Blanco Renaissance Museum
Photo: Travel Triangle
- Address: Jl Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar (Gmaps)
- Opening hours: 9 AM–5 PM
- Admissions: Rp30,000 for domestic (1.9$) and Rp100,000 (6.4$) for foreign tourists
End your cultural immersion by going to the Blanco Reinassance Museum. The museum showcases the artwork of the late Filipino artist Antonio Blanco. Aside from the paintings, you can also enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the arts.
Read More: Top 7 Family-Friendly Activities: Things to Do in Bali with Kids
Day 2 – Exploration Time
1. Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Address: Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar (Gmaps)
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Admissions: No tickets (free)
Campuhan Ridge Walk is an alternative for those who want to catch a beautiful sunrise in Ubud. This destination is usually chosen by beginner trekkers who are preparing themselves for Mount Ubud in Kintamani.
Get ready to witness a picturesque trail through lush hills, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
2. Tegallalang Rice
Photo: Conde Nast Traveler
- Address: Jl Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar (Gmaps)
- Opening hours: 8 AM–6 PM
- Admissions: Rp10,000 (0.70$)
After descending, visit the nearby Tegalalang Rice Terrace to complete the scenery journey of Ubud. This is where you see the iconic terrace landscapes you often see on your Bali-crazed friends’ Instagram, by the way.
Take a walk through the rice fields or enjoy a swing with a view, either way, you’re guaranteed a rejuvenating experience here.
3. Lunch
Lunch in the Tegalalang area is surely an experience like never before. Imagine sitting down, relishing your mouthwatering dishes while being surrounded by the breathtaking view of rice fields. Here are some of the restaurants you can choose from around the area:
4. Tirta Empul Temple
Photo: Nick Fewings via Unsplash
- Address: Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency (Gmaps)
- Opening hours: 8 AM–6 PM
- Admissions: Rp30,000 for adults (1.9$) and Rp25,000 for kids (1.6$)
Tirta Empul Temple is a Hindu Balinese water temple famous for its holy springs. Visitors often come here to take a ritual purification bath and learn about other Balinese rituals.
Before you visit, it is important to note that this temple is packed most of the time. According to avid travelers, coming here on the weekdays or around awkward hours (2–4 PM) is the best time.
5. Ubud Art Village
Photo: Bali Star Island
- Address: Jl Penestanan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar (Gmaps)
- Opening hours: 8 AM–5 PM
- Admissions: No admissions (free)
In the mood to admire more art and Balinese rich tradition? Stop by at Ubud Art Village. This place offers art performances in the form of Balinese dance, paintings, traditional music, woodcarving, and silver jewelry making.
The souvenirs from Ubud Art Village are also to die for, so make sure you explore the art exhibition to the T!
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Day 3 – Relaxation
1. Spa Treatments
Before you go home, make sure your body is as rejuvenated as your mind. Wake up early and try Ubud’s best relaxing spa treatments! This spa package usually includes a Balinese traditional massage and sauna.
If you don’t know where to go, do not fret, Bob’s Besties, here are some of the best spa treatments we find in Ubud:
- Jaens Spa Center (Gmaps)
- Synergy Spa (Gmaps)
- Sang Spa & Yoga Centre (Gmaps)
- Ubud Traditional Spa (Gmaps)
- Putri Bali Spa (Gmaps)
2. Museum Puri Lukisan
Photo: purilukisanmuseum.com
- Address: Jl Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Gmaps)
- Opening hours: 9 AM–5 PM
- Admissions: Rp85,000 per person (5.5$)
End your Ubud itinerary by surrounding yourself with the beauty of art. Established in 1956, Museum Puri Lukisan is Bali’s oldest art museum and was founded by Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati.
The museum is important for preserving and showcasing traditional Balinese art, including Kamasan paintings, as well as contemporary works by artists like Gusti Nyoman Lempad.
The museum’s garden also has sculptures and offers a peaceful place to enjoy art and nature, a perfect blend to end your day!
Complete Your Ubud Itinerary with a Nature-sy Accommodation
Make your 3-day Ubud itinerary even more memorable by staying at Bobocabin Ubud. With its serene and idyllic location surrounded by scenic greenery, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature!
Book your cabin via app and enjoy a truly serene stay with us!
Writer: Samala Mahadi
Header image by: Jared Lisack via Unsplash
