How to Spend Time in Ubud: A 3-Day Itinerary (2026)
Ubud was my first stop when I arrived in Bali and it ended up shaping the rest of my Bali trip. In these first few days, I had breakfast overlooking rice fields, eased into yoga and wellness, and even fitted in some adventure. This 3-day itinerary for Ubud focuses on the experiences that helped me to understand Bali. It’s somewhere you can stay longer – and many people do – but even over three days, you can enjoy a balanced introduction to Ubud.
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Quick overview of this 3 day Ubud itinerary
- Day 1: Settle in to Ubud by exploring the Sacred Monkey Forest and do a spa treatment
- Day 2: Head out to the Tegallalang rice fields and visit a nearby coffee plantation
- Day 3: Start early with a trip to the sunrise from Mount Batur, then a restful afternoon
- Ubud is best visited during the drier months from May to September
- Travel time from Denpasar Airport is usually 1.5–2 hours by car, depending on traffic
- Staying centrally in Ubud makes it easy to explore on foot and keeps days relaxed
Why start your Bali trip in Ubud?
Starting a Bali trip in Ubud makes sense because it gives you space to arrive properly. Set inland and surrounded by rice fields, jungle and small villages, Ubud is a peaceful yet well set-up place, which helps ease the transition after travel.
A short walk in Ubud can take you past temples, markets and along quiet backstreets, while the surrounding countryside gives you easy escapes into nature without long journeys.
Ubud also works well as a first base because you can do as much or as little as you want. Visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest, booking a tour, having a massage or sitting somewhere with a coffee, it all feels natural. Time in Ubud lets you slow down and settle in, before exploring more of Bali.
How to plan an Ubud itinerary for 3 days
This 3-day itinerary for Ubud is designed for travellers who want to experience the heart of Bali without rushing through it. When I first arrived on the island, Ubud was where I slowed down properly – easing into the rhythm of daily life, exploring gently, and letting the intensity of travel fade. These days are intentionally built around one main focus per day, with room to rest, wander or change pace if needed.
Day 1 – Monkey forest and spa day
Day one of your 3 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).
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 Maya Ubud Resort & Spa.
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.
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. Start your morning at the Tegallalang rice terraces, then spend the afternoon at a coffee plantation to see how the famous Balinese kopi is made.
Morning: See the famous 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.
Afternoon: Visit a coffee plantation
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.
Evening: Dine in one of Ubud’s great restaurants
Spend your last evening in this special place with dinner at one of Ubud’s fantastic restaurants. For a refined meal, try the legendary Mozaic which has innovative tasting menus. For those who prefer dinner with a dramatic backdrop, the jungle-view terraces of Indus or the riverside bamboo cocoons at Kubu at Mandapa provide an unforgettable romantic setting. Alternatively, simply head to one of the town’s friendly warungs like Casa Luna for soul-warming Balinese classics.
Day 3 – See the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur
The final day of your 3 day Ubud itinerary takes you on an early morning trip to Mount Batur to watch the sunrise, then enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Morning – Mount Batur sunrise trekking
One of the most memorable day trips from Ubud is a sunrise guided hike 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 last day of your 3 day Ubud itinerary.
Afternoon: Relax in Ubud
After your early start and the climb up Mount Batur, the afternoon in Ubud is deliberately gentle. Spend the rest of the day close to where they’re staying — enjoy a late lunch and a few quiet hours resting or reading. If you do head out, it’s usually for something simple: a short walk, an easy dinner, or sitting somewhere with a view and letting the day settle. Take the time to unwind. Enjoy the sweet scent of frangipani flowers and the twinkling sounds of the local gamelan instruments wafting in the air.
Where to stay 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 Tude’s Family Homestay, which is set in peaceful tropical gardens, while Bale Bali House offers cooking classes and Maple House overlooks rice fields. Hostels in Ubud include Savanna Ubud, which has a swimming pool, and the women-only Arya Wellness.
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.
Another excellent yoga centre in Ubud is Radiantly Alive, which is quieter and offers aerial yoga classes.
For more information about Yoga Barn, check out my honest review here.
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.
Frequently asked questions about Ubud
Is 3 days in Ubud enough?
Yes, three days is enough to experience Ubud. It gives you time to explore the surrounding landscape, spend time in the rice fields and visit key places like the Monkey Forest. For most travellers, it’s enough to arrive, experience the atmosphere, and move on feeling grounded.
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 three 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 3 day Ubud itinerary, the convenience of staying centrally outweighs any benefits of being outside town.
Final thoughts on the best Ubud itinerary for 3 days
Three days in Ubud is enough to understand why so many people start their Bali journey here. It gives you time to experience the culture, nature and wellness that defines the area.
Morning walks, time in nature, a yoga class or spa treatment, and evenings that feel calm rather than crowded all become part of the experience.
Ubud is a place that can easily absorb more time, but that doesn’t mean a shorter stay feels incomplete. As part of a longer Bali trip, three days works as a grounding introduction before moving on. Wherever you go next, Ubud sets the tone — calm, curious, and unhurried.
