The town of Ubud, on the iconic island of Bali, is spellbinding. Only a few days in this lively yoga community among the rice fields will leave you feeling relaxed and reflective. I stayed for two wonderful months in Bali. Like many travellers, I fell in love with this place and returned to Ubud a year later. Read on for the most blissful 2 day Ubud itinerary.
This post may contain affiliate links. That means, if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclaimer.
Quick Ubud 2 day itinerary overview
- Day 1: Enter the Monkey Forest and indulge in a spa treatment
- Day 2: Explore Tegallalang rice terraces, coffee plantations and waterfalls
- Best time to visit is from May to September for the best weather
- Getting there takes 1.5-2 hours by taxi from Denpasar Airport
- Stay in the centre of Ubud for walkability
How to plan the perfect Ubud itinerary for 2 days
Situated in the heart of Bali, Ubud is surrounded by emerald rice paddies, waterfalls, jungle and mountains. Cycling through this scenery will make you feel like Julia Roberts in the movie Eat Pray Love.
Planning your time here means deciding how active you want to be. This 2 day Ubud itinerary balances cultural experiences with relaxation, taking you from the sacred monkey forest to traditional spa treatments, then out to the famous rice terraces and beyond.
Along the way, you’ll discover yoga studios, art galleries, bustling markets and traditional Kecak performances. Read on for exactly what to do, where to stay and how to make the most of your two days in Ubud.
For the full Eat Pray Love experience, including a Balinese fortune reading, try this one-day tour.
Day 1 – Monkey forest and spa day
Day one of your 2 day Ubud itinerary will be a relaxed day exploring the monkey forest, followed by an indulgent spa treatment and a spectacular cultural performance in the evening.
Morning: Venture into the sacred monkey forest
One of most famous places to visit in Ubud is its sacred monkey forest sanctuary. It’s an essential stop on any Ubud itinerary. This Hindu temple complex located in the jungle is home to hundreds of macaque monkeys.
These little monkeys are cute but fearless. They will want to steal anything that looks shiny or tasty, so keep your belongings close.
The Ubud monkey forest opening hours are 8.30am until 5.30pm daily. The entrance fee is priced at around Rp80,000 (US$5.50).
Take a private tour to see the best of Ubud, including the monkey forest, here.
Afternoon: Relax in one of Ubud’s sensational spas
In the afternoon, why not visit one of the sensational spas in Ubud. Bali has developed its own style of massage which is incredibly relaxing. The good news is, spa treatments in Bali are affordable, even if you are on a backpacker’s budget.
My favourite Ubud spa is the Ubud Wellness Spa. Here, you can enjoy one of the best massages in Ubud and beauty treatments at an attractive price.
For a luxurious Ubud spa centre, a little out of town, head to the fabulous Maya Ubud Resort & Spa.
Book a two-hour spa session in a riverside spa in Ubud, including a massage, body scrub and milk bath.
Evening: Enjoy a night out in Ubud
In terms of things to do in Ubud at night, it is a pretty chilled place after dark.
Some of the best bars in Ubud include No Más Bar, Night Rooster Bar and Laughing Buddha Bar.
One of the top things to do here in the evening is to watch a traditional Kecak Fire & Trance Dance. This is a compelling retelling of the Ramayana epic tales through dance and percussion. It’s full of fire, demons and magic. Performances take place at venues all over Ubud. One of the best places to watch it is at the Royal Palace.
Read my post about the all about Bali’s Kecak Fire & Trance Dance here.
Day 2 – Explore Ubud’s rice terraces and surrounding areas
The second day of your Ubud itinerary takes you beyond the town to discover the landscapes that make this region famous. Here’s the perfect day trip combining rice terraces, coffee plantations and waterfalls. Start your morning at the Tegallalang rice terraces, continue to a coffee plantation for lunch and tastings, then cool off at Tegenungan Waterfall in the afternoon.
Rice terraces
Around Ubud are gorgeous green rice fields. You can rent a bike to explore this wonderful area as part of your Ubud itinerary.
If you would like a local’s perspective, there are many Balinese trekking guides ready to give you a tour. They can show you Ubud’s famous Tegallalang rice terraces. Alternatively, choose a walking tour along the Campuhan Ridge Walk, Kajeng rice fields or the Sayan Valley. I went on a cycling tour which was great fun. There are also local waterfalls you can visit including the Tegenungan Waterfall.
You can book your Ubud cycling tour of the rice terraces in advance.
Coffee plantations and cooking classes
Around Ubud there are many coffee plantations where you can learn how the unique luwak coffee is produced. One of the best places is Ubud Me Sari Luwak Coffee Agrotourism. Here, you can taste several types of locally produced tea and coffee, flavoured with ginseng, coconut and ginger. You can also take a local cooking class in Ubud to discover how Balinese delicacies are made.
Book your place on a Ubud cooking class, waterfall trek and coffee plantation tour here.
Popular day trips from Ubud
Motorcycle tours
One of the best things I did while I was in Ubud, was to hire private cars and motorcycle taxis. Often the drivers double as tour guides and can give you the best Ubud tour itinerary.
I organised a motorcycle tour through my Ubud accommodation. The driver took me to a coffee plantation, waterfalls and the Tirta Empul temple near Ubud. Here I bathed in its Bali Holy Spring Temple along with many locals as part of a spiritual cleansing ritual.
Book a full day spiritual cleansing and shamanic healing tour at Tirta Empul.
Whitewater rafting
If you’re craving adrenaline, whitewater rafting on the Ayung River is one of the most exciting things to do near Ubud. The Ayung River is Bali’s longest river and cuts through stunning jungle scenery, rice terraces and waterfalls as you navigate the rapids.
Most tours include hotel pickup in air-conditioned transport, all rafting equipment and a guide who’ll brief you on safety before you set off. Along the two-hour rafting journey, you’ll spot exotic plants, wildlife and carved stone reliefs in the river walls.
Book your place on this popular Ayung river rafting adventure tour including lunch here.
Mount Batur sunrise trekking
One of the best day trips from Ubud is a sunrise trekking tour to climb Bali’s second highest volcano. Located in the village of Kintamani, Mount Batur reaches over 1700 metres (5,600 feet) above sea level, offering breathtaking views of Lake Batur and surrounding mountains. This accessible hike suits even novice trekkers without special equipment.
You’ll start very early with a 2am pickup from Ubud for the one-hour drive to Mount Batur. A local guide is required to access the volcano, costing around Rp350,000 (US$24) per person if negotiated in person. The two-hour climb involves navigating rocky trails in darkness, so bring a torch, warm layers and sturdy shoes or good trainers.
At the summit, you’ll witness magnificent views across waters to neighbouring lands and mountaintops emerging through misty clouds. You’ll also see Mount Batur’s unusual double caldera – one volcanic crater inside another – alongside Bali’s largest crater-lake.
Returning to your accommodation while it’s still early morning, you’ll have created unforgettable memories and the perfect start to the second day of your 2 day Ubud itinerary.
Go all-in and see Ubud’s rice terraces, temple and volcano on this popular tour.
The best accommodation in Ubud
The first thing you will need to do when you arrive in Ubud is check into your accommodation. There are many traditional family homestays in Ubud. They are often ornately designed, well-priced and give you a chance to get to know some of the locals.
Try the fabulous Tude’s Family Homestay, which has beautiful, authentic Balinese architecture set in peaceful tropical gardens. Alternatively, the superb Bale Bali House offers cooking classes in Ubud.
One of the best hostels in Ubud is the gorgeous Savanna Ubud, which has a divine swimming pool. If you’re a solo female traveller, try the wonderful women-only Arya Wellness.
For a budget Ubud hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, try Maple House, which overlooks rice fields.
I highly recommend taking the time to unwind in your accommodation. Enjoy the sweet scent of frangipani flowers and the twinkling sounds of the local gamelan instruments wafting in the air.
Browse the map below to find the best deals on accommodation in Ubud for your dates:
The best places to eat in Ubud
When you first arrive, I recommend simply going for a wander. Get your bearings and discover some of the many fantastic places to eat in Ubud.
Most accommodation in Ubud comes with breakfast included. Served to you on your terrace, it’s often a tasty banana pancake or eggs on toast and tropical fruit salad.
Lunch
For lunch, there are many delightful cafes in Ubud. Bali is obsessed with coffee and even produces its own speciality, called luwak coffee. One of the places that is loved by the yoga community is KAFE Ubud, in the centre of town. It is a cool place, serving vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free food and super-smoothies.
If you are vegetarian or vegan and wondering where to eat in Ubud, you are in for a treat. Vegetarians, vegans and eco-conscious eaters are well-served here, as there are plenty of cafes and restaurants serving healthy, organic food.
The nearby Atman Kafe is also excellent, as is Clear Cafe. If you’re going to the Radiantly Alive yoga studio, be sure to stop at the neighbouring Bali Buda Cafe. The Yoga Barn has an on-site restaurant serving top-notch vegetarian food including colourful stir-fries.
Dinner
In the evenings, there are also many excellent places in Ubud to eat dinner. My personal favourite restaurants in Ubud include Mamma Mia, a fantastic pizza place, and the marvellous Mexican Taco Casa.
As you move out of Ubud city centre, along Jalan Rayan Campuan, you will find more top Ubud restaurants. These include the iconic Naughty Nuri’s for sumptuous barbecue ribs, as well as French fare at Mozaic.
Where to go for yoga in Ubud
In Ubud is a world-class yoga studio called Yoga Barn. Here, you can take a wide range of popular classes and meet like-minded people.
As well as movie screenings, meditation, kirtan they hold divine Thai yoga massage workshops. Their weekly ecstatic dance sessions have a reputation as one of the most fun things to do in Ubud. For more information about Yoga Barn, check out my full review here.
Another excellent yoga centre in Ubud is Radiantly Alive, which is quieter and offers aerial yoga classes.
Getting to Ubud from Bali’s international airport
From Ngurah Rai international airport in Denpasar to Ubud, the distance is around 15 miles (25 km). However traffic on the island means it can take an hour or two to reach Ubud by taxi.
The good news is, there are beautiful things to see in Bali out of the taxi window on your way. You’ll likely see intricately decorated temples, artisan craft stores and colourful religious offerings.
Avoid the hassle when you arrive and book your airport transfer to Ubud in advance.
Frequently asked questions about Ubud
Is 2 days in Ubud enough?
Two days gives you enough time to experience Ubud’s main highlights – the monkey forest, rice terraces, temples and exceptional spas. However, many travelers extend their stay once they discover Ubud’s laid-back atmosphere and the sheer number of activities available. If you can spare 4-5 days, you’ll have time to truly relax, take yoga classes and explore the surrounding villages at a slower pace.
How long do you need to spend in Ubud?
Two days covers the essential highlights, but 4-5 days allows you to settle into Ubud’s rhythm with yoga classes, cafe-hopping and exploring nearby villages. Many digital nomads and yoga enthusiasts stay for weeks or even months. For a first visit to Bali, I’d recommend allocating at least two days to Ubud as part of your wider itinerary.
What’s the best time to visit Ubud?
The dry season from May to September delivers the best weather with minimal rain and perfect conditions for temple visits and rice terrace walks. However, Ubud remains beautiful year-round. The wet season from October to April brings lush green landscapes and fewer crowds – just pack an umbrella for afternoon showers. I visited from mid-April to June and the weather was perfect.
Is it better to stay in Ubud or outside?
Stay in central Ubud for your first visit, particularly if you only have two days. You’ll be able to walk to restaurants, cafes, the monkey forest and yoga studios. The surrounding villages like Penestanan and Sayan are quieter and closer to rice fields, but you’ll need transport to reach town. For a 2 day Ubud itinerary, the convenience of staying centrally outweighs any benefits of being outside town.
Is Ubud better or Seminyak?
Ubud and Seminyak serve completely different purposes, so neither is objectively better. Choose Ubud if you want culture, yoga, rice terraces, temples and a spiritual atmosphere among the jungle. Pick Seminyak if you prefer beach clubs, surfing, shopping and nightlife. Many Bali itineraries include both – the island is small enough to experience different areas in one trip.
Final thoughts on the best Ubud itinerary for 2 days
This 2 day Ubud itinerary gives you the perfect introduction to Bali’s cultural heart. You’ll experience sacred temples, stunning rice terraces, world-class spas and that magical jungle atmosphere that makes Ubud so special.
Two days here might not feel like enough. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself extending your stay – it happens to almost everyone who visits. There’s something about the rhythm of life in Ubud, the morning yoga sessions and the sound of gamelan music drifting through the rice fields, that makes it incredibly hard to leave.
If you’re continuing your Bali adventure after Ubud, consider heading to Amed for quiet beaches and incredible diving, the cooler mountain village of Munduk, or catching a boat to the Gili Islands for car-free roads, snorkelling and laid-back island life.
Next up, explore more of Bali on this complete itinerary here.
Happy belated birthday! I’m a huge fan of Liz Gilbert (and Julia Roberts) so I’m quite jealous. Your blog is making me wish I was doing around the world too!
Hi Claire, Just stumbled across your blog post and wondering where you stayed while in Ubud? The first time I was there I stayed on Monkey Forest Rd and it was way too busy for my liking! The places you stayed look fantastic. Thanks in advance!
Hi Devon, yes Monkey Forest Road can get pretty hectic – these are the other end of town. One is called Balila and the other is Bening Bungalows. Both are wonderful and peaceful. You’d love them both!