From its art boutiques to its organic restaurants and vegan cafes, Ubud is where traditional Balinese culture and modern wellness meet.
The stunning area is scattered with temples, yoga studios and stunning jungle accommodations. Nature is right on the doorstep, with waterfalls, rainforests and rice paddies just off the main street!
This 5 day Ubud itinerary will pack your days with the perfect mix of culture, relaxation and adventure.
Day 1 in Ubud
If you only have 5 days to see all the best bits of Ubud, these are the spots you simply can’t miss!
Brunch at Zest
Zest Ubud
Every good day in Ubud is gonna start off with a delicious, energising meal.
The first stop on our Ubud itinerary is a delicious brekkie at the renowned cafe, Zest. On a hillside overlooking the jungles, the plant based spot is a great place to start your day.
Tuck into a fresh, organic brunch, all-day breakfast and sip tasty, local coffees. Zest is an Ubud fave for a delicious start to the day.
Explore Ubud Monkey Forest
If its your first trip to Ubud, a trip to the Monkey Forest is kind of a right of passage. In fact, people come from across the island to visit this unique slice of history and nature rolled into one.
With 115 different species of trees, the remains of three temples (the oldest of which dates back to the 14th century) and 1,260 wild macaques roaming free, this is a monkey sanctuary with a difference.
Spend some time, exploring the trails and natural scenery – just make sure to leave your snacks at home, unless you want to be harassed by the monkeys!
Witness a Kecak Fire & Trance Dance at Pura Luhur Batukaru
Watching a traditional kecak dance should be on every Ubud itinerary. It is a top highlight to get a glimpse into the interesting culture of Bali.
The kecak dance is a Balinese tradition based on the epic tale of Ramayana. The dance has its own distinct style, accompanied by traditional gamelan.
One of the best places to watch the performance is in Ubud at the stunning Pura Dalem Ubud.
Day 2 in Ubud
Stroll around Subak Juwuk Manis
Ubud is famous for its luscious landscapes. There are many famous rice terraces dotted around the area where you can get stunning photos and immerse in the nature of the island.
These top spots can often get a bit crowded. Subak Juwuk Manis is still a relatively unknown rice paddy in Ubud, that sprawls over a large area.
Incredibly scenic and picturesque, you can stroll or take a bike ride down the central running lane, overshadowed by towering palm trees. Forget the hustle and bustle of Ubud for a peaceful moment in the rice paddies.
Located here.
Browse Crafts at the Ubud Art Market
The next stop on the Ubud itinerary is some retail therapy. Let’s go to the colourful Ubud Art Market!
It is a popular spot to shop for everything from fabrics to paintings, an ideal place to pick up some unique, handmade souvenirs. Shop for batik, wooden sculptures, eye-catching jewellery, and accessories.
It’s a great place to wander around, so take your time – and try out some haggling!
Eat Babi Guling at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka 3
By this time in your day you’re probably pretty hungry. The ideal antidote for that is Bali’s signature babi guling – suckling roast pig.
These local roadside restaurants have honed their babi guling recipes over decades, and none is more famous in Ubud than Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka 3.
Not only is it amazing tasting, it’s easy on the budget too! You’ll find it close to Puri Saren Royal Palace.
Day 3 in Ubud
Head to One of Ubud’s Stunning Waterfalls
Layana Warung
Ubud is a tropical paradise escape with lots of hidden treasures. The hillside landscapes of Ubud are a perfect place for discovering magical waterfalls.
Layana Waterfall is just a short distance from central Ubud making it a great stop for your 3rd day in Ubud.
Sitting behind Layana Warung, you can sip coffee and tuck into a fresh breakfast while you look over the beautiful falls and luscious surroundings.
There isn’t any crazy hike or walk down to Layana Waterfall, making it a perfect first stop!
Located here.
Pay a Visit to the Ubud Water Palace
The Ubud Water Palace is one of Bali’s thousand Hindu temple that pays tribute to Saraswati, the goddess of learning, literature and art, who is also associated with water.
The temple grounds are elegantly laid out in classic Balinese style. There are ponds strewn with water lilies, thatched pagodas and pathways.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be so entranced that you’ll find it hard to leave the tranquil setting.
Go for Dinner and Drinks at Dumbo
Ubud has no shortage of hip hangouts for dinner and drinks, but Dumbo is my favourite.
With its open-plan style kitchen, you can see all the action unfold as the professional chefs whip up all the best Italian dishes.
You haven’t lived until you’ve had one of Dumbo’s pizzas fresh out the wood-fired oven!
It’s not just about the food, the cocktails are out of this world too! Plus there’s an incredible vinyl collection that plays a smooth backing track.
Day 4 in Ubud
Check out Pura Gunung Kawi
Start your 4th day of your Ubud itinerary with a visit to the ancient monument of Pura Gunung Kawi. Dating back to the 11th century, it is sometimes called “The Valley of The Balinese Kings”, which is probably down to the fact that it looks a bit like the Egyptian Valley of the Kings.
Surrounded by lush rice paddies and tropical greenery, Pura Gunung Kawi is part final resting place, part temple.
There are 10 shrines allegedly dedicated to the Balinese King and his favourite wives.
Getting there early means you’ll have the magical place all to yourself.
Check Out Art at the Blanco Renaissance Museum
Don Antonio Blanco Museum
Ubud is known for its cultural and artistic scene, but if you want to explore beyond the traditional crafts, you should pay a visit to Blanco Renaissance Museum. It’s dedicated to the art of Antonio Blanco, a Spanish painter born in Manila.
Blanco moved to Ubud where he became known as “the Dali of Bali”.
The quirky museum is set inside Blanco’s former home and is filled with a 1920s soundtrack, parrots, and dozens of his weird and wonderful artworks. There’s also a cafe, gift shop and family temple to check out.
Devour Desserts at Room4Dessert
Room4Dessert
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Room4Dessert is an amazing addition to your Ubud itinerary.
The eatery is all about elevated dessert dishes and cocktails, taking dessert to a whole level rather than just an after dinner treat.
Traditional Balinese herbs are used in the decadent dishes, with attention to detail both in the food and the venue itself.
Their tasting menu is incredible, you literally get moved through the restaurant after each course. It is the ultimate experience for a dessert lover.
Day 5 in Ubud
Take a Walk on Campuhan Ridge
On the final day of your Ubud itinerary, let’s start with something beautiful, like a hike along Campuhan Ridge!
You’ll want to get there early in the morning to avoid the sweltering afternoon heat.
The hike isn’t particularly strenuous, probably wouldn’t even call it a hike, more of a walk. As you explore the ridge walk you will be able to see stunning scenery that is iconic to Bali including rice paddies, towering palm trees and more!
Get Zen with Some Yoga at The Yoga Barn
The Yoga Barn
Over the years Ubud has become synonymous with wellness and wellbeing – yoga included.
Maybe it’s the rural location, or maybe it’s the long association of Ubud with alternative lifestyles. Who knows. Either way, Ubud is an amazing spot for getting into flow.
One of the most famous spots for yoga in Ubud is The Yoga Barn.
The chilled out studio is more like a polished resort, with seven different yoga studios, accommodation, and a restaurant all rolled into one. They do all different styles of yoga, byt you could even enroll yourself into a meditation class if you’re not feeling active.
Discover Puri Saren Agung
Once the official residence of the royal family of Ubud, Puri Saren Agung is one of the most famous landmarks in the area.
The palace was originally built in the early 19th century for Ida Putu Kandel, a former ruler of Ubud, and is still maintained by his descendents today.
Some say the palace is the birthplace of Ubud itself, and it definitely seems to reflect the town’s creative and cultural credentials. Inside the palace compound (free admission), you’ll find gardens, bungalows and sculptures, as well as traditional Balinese architecture with ornate carvings.
It’s not huge and sprawling, but it’s a lovely place to wander around and take photos.
Where to Stay in Ubud
Final Thoughts
Ubud is positively PACKED with so many incredible things to do. Whether you want to be active or just want to relax for a few days, if you’re into traditional crafts or ancient history, there’s something here for every type of traveller.
There’s no doubt that you’re going to have an amazing time. See the sights, eat some delicious Balinese food, sip some cocktails, and take some time out to unwind among Ubud’s stunning natural scenery.
This Ubud itinerary is a perfect balanced getaway for a little bit of all Ubud’s best bits.
Featured image: Layana Warung
