4 DAY UBUD ITINERARY (WATERFALLS, JUNGLE & TEMPLES): A PERFECT BALI TRAVEL GUIDE FOR FIRST-TIMERS!

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE UBUD ITINERARY?

Check out our blog post below to plan an unforgettable Ubud itinerary!

From our own personal experience in Ubud, we have now edited and perfected the full 4 days in Ubud below, including the best things to do in and around Ubud, the best tours from Ubud, where to stay in Ubud, getting around and more!

UBUD ITINERARY:
THE ULTIMATE 4 DAY GUIDE!

For our 4 days in Ubud itinerary, we begin exploring the inner delights of Ubud, including Campuhan Ridge walk, Karsa Spa and the Art Markets.

We then venture further to Sacred Monkey forest, all of the best Ubud temples and the best waterfalls in Ubud:

THE DAY BEFORE: ARRIVE INTO BALI
Arrive into Denpasar International Airport (DPS) and make your way to your accommodation in Ubud with an easy, pre-booked airport transfer.

DAY 1: CAMPUHAN RIDGE WALK, KARSA SPA & UBUD ART MARKETS

CAMPUHAN RIDGE WALK
Let the hustle of Ubud’s centre vanish with just one step into the lush and wild countryside on a mellowing walk along the Campuhan Ridge this morning.

Follow the cobbled path for approximately 30 minutes until you reach to our next intended destination, Karsa Spa.

Top Tip: The start of Campuhan Ridge Walk is not well signposted. Walk to just before the entrance of Warwick IBAH Hotel, and the Ridge Walk begins on the sloping path on the left:

A photo showing the start of the Campuhan ridge walk, beginning at the entrance of Warwick IBAH hotel

Top Tip: There is one of the typical pop-up “Ubud Bali Swing” near the start of the Campuhan Ridge on the left-hand side, charging 50,000 IDR (approx. £2.50) for a swing.

Jordie waltzing down the Campuhan Ridge walk in Day 1 of our Ubud itinerary to get to our main destination: Karsa Spa! Photograph taken by Liam. — Pictured: Jordie walking the idyllic Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud! Photograph taken by Liam.

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MASSAGE & FLOWER BATH AT KARSA SPA
No, it’s not a mirage! 30 minutes into the Campuhan Ridge walk, you will find the glorious relaxation haven of Karsa Spa Ubud nestled just on the left-hand side.

Pass the tropical lily-pad ponds and tranquil gardens, following the heavenly incense aromas to Reception. Make your way to your own private Balinese hideaway, complete with two massage beds and a centralised freestanding bath.

Jordie enjoying the massage and a flower bath experience at Karsa Spa, a must do on our Ubud itinerary! Photographs taken by Liam. — Pictured: Jordie indulging in a wonderful massage and flower bath experience at Karsa Spa, located along the Campuhan Ridge. The perfect way to relax and unwind at the start of your Ubud itinerary! Photographs taken by Liam.

Let yourself go through a soul-replenishing 90 minute full body massage, before winding down in the enchanting flower bath, enjoyed with honey teas and fruit skewers.

This is the perfect way to unwind on Day 1 of your Ubud itinerary, especially after a long flight the day before!

Return back to Ubud centre the way you came.

Top Tip: Karsa Spa Ubud is very popular, be sure to pre-book with them directly a day and time for your treatment before you arrive. They are extremely helpful and reply very efficiently. You do not pay anything beforehand, you pay on the day!

Top Tip: We had a 90-minute deep-tissue full body massage each followed by a 30 minute flower bath experience, totalling to 900,000 IDR (approx. £25) – Absolute bargain!

SPOTTED WILDLIFE!

The Bali Dog
The Bali Dog is an official, sacred breed of dog. In fact, evidence suggests it is the oldest and purest breed in the world, freely roaming Bali for over 12,000 years. Their DNA is a mixture of Australian Dingo, Akita, Chow-Chow and Spitz – all very strong independent dogs, allowing the Bali dog to survive in the harshest conditions on the streets.

LUNCH AT LAZY CATS CAFE
After making your way back to Ubud centre from Karsa Spa and the Campuhan Ridge, you will have definitely worked up an appetite! Have lunch at the delicious vegetarian café Lazy Cats Café, idolised for its vintage shabby chic interior design.

UBUD ART STREET MARKETS
Ubud Art Street Market – Ubud’s version of Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders! Prepare to wander deep down into the organised chaos of colour, noise, layers on layers of handmade arts, clothing, jewellery and homewares in search for a bargain.

Pictured: Liam scouting out the best deals down the infamous and bustling Ubud Art Markets, a must do on your Ubud itinerary! — Pictured: Liam scouting out the best deals down the infamous and bustling Ubud Art Markets!

Here is the place to snag those drool-worthy handmade woven Bali straw bags and dream catchers at a steal! Don’t be afraid to back-and-forth barter for the best price, it is expected and the way of the market.

We got some incredible bargains when shopping down Ubud Markets, including an iconic Bali dreamcatcher!

Top Tip: Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple are local temples you can visit, which are literally a 2 minute walk away from Ubud Art Market!

Top Tip: The Ubud Street Markets are open everyday 9am-6pm.

Top Tip: There are lots of other independent shops to browse, for example handmade pottery at Serayu Pot & Terracotta!

DAY 2: YOGA BARN, SACRED MONKEY FOREST, GOA GAJAH & JUNGLE FISH BAR!

YOGA BARN
Unwind and release all tensions in your body with a tranquil sunrise yoga session, spa or detox class at The Yoga Barn Ubud. Click here for their daily class schedule!

SACRED MONKEY FOREST
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is truly a sight to behold! This “Jungle Book” vibe of ancient ruins is a haven for over one thousands Balinese long-tailed macaques, proving a safe natural habitat for them in the heart of the city of Ubud!

There are 6 distinct “family groups” of macaque within the Sacred Forest: Main Temple, Forest Conservation, Central Point, Eastern, Michelin and Cemeteries group.

Top Tip: The price to enter the Sacred Monkey Forest is 80,000 IDR each on weekdays, and 100,000 IDR each on weekends (approx. £4-£5).

Top Tip: The monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest have earned a reputation of being boisterous, slightly unpredictable and forward. They have an inner lust to steal to loose accessories, like sunglasses and especially shiny jewellery. We would advise wearing a plain outfit and to not bring any food into the sanctuary.

Pictured: The cheeky macaque monkeys that roam freely at Sacred Monkey Forest sanctuary, an absolute must on anyones Ubud travel itinerary. Photograph on the left taken by Jordie. — Pictured: The cheeky macaque monkeys that roam freely at Sacred Monkey Forest sanctuary. Photograph on the left taken by Jordie.

Pictured: Jordie with one of the more placid macaques at Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest! This was one of our favourite spots on our entire Ubud travel itinerary. — Pictured: Jordie with one of the more placid macaques at Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest! This was one of our favourite spots on our entire Ubud travel itinerary.

SPOTTED WILDLIFE!

Balinese Long-Tailed Macaque
A cheeky primate species native to South East Asia, visually unique by their extremely long, slender tails – usually long than their full body! The macaque has a distinctive dark pink face and grey fur. They are omnivores – eating foods such as fruits, flowers, leaves, insects and even crabs!

AFTERNOON: GOA GAJAH ELEPHANT TEMPLE
Visit the mystical Goa Gajah temple, one of the small but characterful Ubud temples. The main attraction is the unique “Elephant Cave”, entered through the carved mouth of a demon, which inside houses 3 elephant statues and offering stations.

PIctured: Jordie outside the entrance to the 'Elephant Cave' within the Goa Gajah temple grounds. Photograph taken by Liam. — PIctured: Jordie outside the entrance to the ‘Elephant Cave’ within the Goa Gajah temple grounds. Photograph taken by Liam.

You won’t spend too long inside here, it is SO humid! Back out in the fresh air, take time to explore around the temple grounds, especially the lower gardens with its immersing nature leading up to the main Buddha temple.

We would suggest 45 minutes to 1 hour is a good amount of time to spend at Goa Gajah on your Ubud itinerary, it’s not that big!

Top Tip: When we visited, the entrance fee was 100,000 IDR (approx. £5).

Top Tip: As Goa Gajah is located slightly out of Ubud, you will need to be driven here. You can politely ask your driver to wait for you, or we did spot other taxi vendors waiting in the car park.

Top Tip: During the stretch walking from the car park to the entrance, there is an onslaught of stall vendors shoving “Sarongs” in your face to buy, which you need to wear in the Goa Gajah.

They aren’t lying, you do need to wear a Sarong to enter the temple, but don’t be fooled – you are given free Sarong each to wear at the ticket office, which you give back as you leave. There is no need to buy one at these stalls if you don’t want to.

Pictured: The idyllic nature trail to the Buddha temple at Goa Gajah grounds. Photographs taken by Jordie during our visit here.

Heading to the Gili Islands? Here’s the best ways to get to the Gili Islands from Bali! (opens in a new tab)

JUNGLE FISH POOL BAR
Ubud’s renowned “No Beach, Beach Club”, Jungle Fish Ubud Pool and Bar is a must visit for a relaxed afternoon full of delicious food, drinks, chilled music and an all round great vibe!

Arrive at the luxurious Chapung Sebali (A 5-star hotel in Ubud where Jungle Fish is based) and make your way through Reception and down to Jungle Fish bar.

An epic place to unwind, swim in an infinity pool and enjoy delicious food and drink on your Ubud itinerary is Jungle Fish bar. — Pictured: Enjoy swimming in this jaw-dropping infinity pool at Jungle Fish bar!

Here, you will be greeted and assigned your own area, complete with very comfy sofas, a table, a wicker basket (to house all your belongings) and a fresh towel each.

Enjoy their incredible menu, drinks, laze on a hanging egg chair and take in the jungle views from the dreamy infinity pool!

Top Tip: Chapung Sebali Hotel is actually in the middle of nowhere. Once finished at Jungle Fish, go to the hotel’s main reception and they will kindly order you a local taxi back to Ubud.

Top Tip: When we visited, there was an entrance fee of 200,000 IDR (approx. £11) each.

Top Tip: There is no minimum spend on the food and drinks menu.

Pictured: Jordie relaxing on a poolside swing chair (left) and our delicious Strawberry Daiquiri cocktails (right) we enjoyed at the Jungle Fish bar in Ubud, Bali.

DAY 3: FULL DAY WATERFALLS TOUR

UBUD WATERFALLS FULL DAY GUIDED TOUR
Today for incredible ease, book this 5* ‘Best of Bali Waterfalls: Tibumana, Tukad Cepung and Tegenungan‘ full day private guided tour to see all of Ubud’s best waterfalls!

When we did this tour, our absolute favourite waterfalls to see where Tukad Cepung and Tibumana Waterfalls!

TEKUD CEPUNG WATERFALL:

On your Ubud itinerary, you must take a private guided tour to see the very best of Ubud's waterfalls, including the idyllic Tekud Cepung, which was one of our favourites when we visited! — Pictured: Jordie and Liam at one of the most idyllic waterfalls to see in Ubud was Tekud Cepung, and was one of our favourites!

Top Tip: At the bottom of the steps at Tekud Cepung, you will need you’ll be wading in a shallow stream towards the waterfall (between ankle and knee high). Bring suitable waterproof shoes to walk along the rocks.

TIBUMANA WATERFALL:

Top Tip: After Tukad Cepung, you’ll be pleased to know the steps down to Tibumana are much less, more spacious and far less steep! It was approximately 100 steps, and takes around leisurely 10 minutes to get there.

Book my spot on this ‘Best of Bali Waterfalls: Tibumana, Tukad Cepung and Tegenungan’ tour! 💧🌴

DAY 4: TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES, PURA TIRTA EMPUL & CANDI TEBING GUNUNG KAWI TEMPLES

TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES
Head out early to enjoy the infamous Tegallalang Rice Terraces under magical rays of morning sunlight and in the peaceful calm of morning. Tegallalang is a 20 minute drive from Ubud centre.

We soon realised that the entry points to Tegallalang are not very obvious, usually a very narrow pathway between road-side shop units.

We found a good entry point into Tegallalang is the one near Uma Ceking restaurant. You should see a vendor sitting there to collect payment for entry, cash only with low note currencies!

Top Tip: It is important to note that the rice fields are divided into sections with multiple local farm owners, so which ever entry point you choose, you will have to pay a small fee, which can be up to 50,000 IDR (£2.60).

Make sure you have lower note currencies to pay this, as sometimes the local farmers do not have sufficient change to give you for larger note values.

PURA TIRTA EMPUL TEMPLE
Just a 17 minute (5.7km) drive away from Tegallang Rice terraces is Tirta Empul temple, translating as “Holy Water Spring”. Built in AD 962, this temple attracts visitors from all over the world come to experience a unique bathing and purification ritual.

One of the best temples to visit during your Ubud itinerary is Pura Tirta Empul to bathe in its purified waters! — Pictured: The “Holy Water Spring” at Tirta Empul temple. Visitors from all over the world come to experience a unique bathing and purification ritual.

After a prayer at the shrine, visitors step into the cool springs – believed to have magical purification powers – to bathe under one of the 11 purification water spouts for a spiritual cleansing of your mind, body and soul.

A beautiful experience you cannot miss. Once you are finished, explore the remaining idyllic grounds including a relaxing, secluded pond with dozens of Koi Fish.

Top Tip: This temple gets incredibly busy due to its popularity, so be sure to visit first thing at 8am in the morning for a quiet, much more meaningful spiritual blessing experience in the fountains!

Top Tip: The entrance fee is 50,000 IDR (approx. £2.50) each. You are given a sarong to wear upon entry.

Top Tip: On the way out, cut across the grass straight towards the car park (where the entrance was) instead of going down the path that leads towards the vendor stalls. Otherwise, you will be forced to wander the labyrinth of stalls for a long 5-10 minutes.

Pictured: A collection of 'Canang Sari' offerings (left) and the Koi Fish pond (right) both at Tirta Empul temple. Photographs taken by Jordie. — Pictured: A collection of ‘Canang Sari’ offerings (left) and the Koi Fish pond (right) both at Tirta Empul temple. Photographs taken by Jordie.

CANDI TEBING GUNUNG KAWI TEMPLE
Just a 20 minute walk from Tirta Empul, the glorious Ancient Rock Temple “Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi” was one of our all time favourite Ubud Hindu temples, and a must do for your Ubud itinerary!

Pictured: Jordie at the jaw-dropping shrine rock facing carvings at Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi temple. We absolutely loved it here!

Known as the Balinese “Valley of the Kings”, the main draw of these charming temple grounds are 10 jaw-dropping ancient shrines (or ‘Candi’s’), exquisitely carved into the sheer, 7-metre high rock faces. Each Candi is believed to be a memorial to 11th century Balinese royalty.

Soak up the tranquility and true beauty of its vast grounds. Incredibly, this one is of the few Ubud temples that remains relatively quiet from mass tourism, making the experience all the more authentic and special.

Top Tip: The entrance fee is 50,000 IDR (approx. £2.50) each.

Top Tip: We won’t lie, the 300+ steep stairs down to this temple are a killer (especially in the heat!), but it is fully worth it as you descend into the lush valley of Gunung Kawi!

Top Tip: Pre-arrange a time for your hotel / local taxi service to pick you up from the main temple car park further up the road. Don’t arrive too early however, as you will be hounded by the frantic stall vendors surrounding the car park trying to sell you all sorts as you wait.

Top Tip: This temple should not be confused with Gunung Kawi Sebatu, another beautiful but different temple set outside of Ubud, with a very similar name.

Pictured: Jordie wandering grounds of Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi temple are simply stunning and take you to another world. It was our favourite temple to visit during our Ubud itinerary!

OTHER UBUD ACTIVITIES & TOURS

• Nusa Penida One Day Trip (All-Inclusive) 🏝️🦖

• Bali Sekumpul Waterfall, Banyumala Waterfall and Bedugul Temple (Private Tours) 🌿🌴💧

• ATV Quad Bike Through Tunnel and Waterfall in Bali 🏝️🏍️

• Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking tour 🌄🥾

• Full day tour: Private tour to Tanah Lot temple ⛩️

• All Inclusive: Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling with Lunch and Transport 🤿🐠

WHERE TO STAY IN UBUD

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN UBUD:

💎 Bidadari Private Villas & Retreat

💎 Goya Boutique Resort

💎 Adiwana Resort Jembawan

MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN UBUD:

Villa Kalisat Resort

Ubud Village Hotel

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION OPTION IN UBUD:

Honeymoon Guesthouse
(where we stayed & would highly recommend!)

UBUD PACKING LIST

Loose comfortable clothing, such as tank tops and cotton shorts.
High DEET mosquito repellent, especially if visiting damp areas such as Bali’s famous rice terraces.
Antihistamine creams or allergy tablets for allergic reactions to mosquito bites.
Your swimsuit.
Protective waterproof shoes for exploring Tekud Cepung waterfall.
Comfortable lightweight walking shoes with good grip.
A microfibre beach towel (fast drying & lightweight).
A spare waterproof bag to store your wet towel / swimsuit.
A GoPro / waterproof camera to capture amazing footage!
Or! A waterproof dry bag (with a lanyard!) to take photos and videos on your smartphone instead.
High factor sun cream
After sun moisturising cream.
Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
A medical pouch / first aid kit.
Refillable water bottle.
Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.

HOW TO GET TO UBUD FROM DENPASAR AIRPORT

When you arrive at the exit of Bali’s only airport, Denpasar airport (DPS), you will be greeted with an overwhelming, chaotic scene of countless drivers and taxi services waving name cards and offering their services.

Trust us when we say, after an incredibly long haul flight to Bali, the last thing you want is to be scrambling around trying to arrange onward travel to Ubud, which is roughly a 1 hour drive (38km) from the airport.

We would strongly advise to pre-book your airport transfers before you leave for Bali to take you directly to your Ubud hotel.

You can either arrange this directly with your hotel (most Bali hotels will offer an airport pick-up service), or pre-book your 5* own private transfer round trip, so you are sorted for both arrival and departure.

HOW TO GET AROUND UBUD

CAN YOU WALK AROUND UBUD? 🚶‍♀️

If you stay in the centre of Ubud, a lot of the attractions are within reasonable walking distance, including: Campuhan Ridge walk, Art Markets, Sacred Monkey Forest, Yoga barn etc.

However, there are a few ‘Ubud’ based destinations which are much too far to walk. These include: Goa Gajah, Gunung Pawi and Tirta Empul temples as well as many scenic hotspots, such as the Tegallalang rice terraces and all the waterfalls in this Ubud itinerary.

HIRING A SCOOTER IN UBUD 🛵

Foreign visitors have recently been banned from renting a scooter in Bali due to the high amount of accidents incurred on Bali’s chaotic roads. That being said, foreign visitors are still currently allowed to rent a car.

IS THERE UBER IN UBUD?

No, you cannot use UBER in Ubud. UBER is banned in Ubud to preserve the local livelihoods and income of locals. Bali (and Indonesia) does have its own version of UBER called Bluebird, but when we visited, this was also banned in Ubud for the same reasons as above.

YOUR BEST BET: HIRING A PRIVATE DRIVER! 🚘🙋🏻‍♂️

As mentioned above, should you need to go further afield that the immediate centre of Ubud, we would highly recommend hiring a private driver for the full day to take and guide you to exactly where you want to go that day.

They will also wait for you while you explore at your stops, making it a totally hassle free experience. This is the livelihood of many people on Bali, so using their services supports them greatly and makes a big difference.

This is extremely common practise in Bali, and all of the drivers we personally encountered were very reliable, friendly and would do anything to make your day the best.

SUPER TOP TIPS FOR VISITING UBUD

The currency used in Bali is Indonesian Rupiah. It is roughly 18500 IDR to every £1.
You must wear appropriate attire when entering Balinese temples. A sarong (effectively a long wrap around skirt) must be worn to specifically cover your legs and shoulders whilst in temple grounds. These are usually handed out for free to wear as you walk around, and returned on your exit.
Women are forbidden to enter a temple grounds if you are visibly pregnant OR if you are on your period. There are signs outside most temples to remind you. You also need to have your hair up when inside the temples, so make sure to bring a hair-tie!
Other big no-no’s in Balinese temples are: standing higher than the priest, having an exposed wound, blatantly pointing at things (especially statues) and being overly loud.
Every morning, ‘Canang Sari’ offerings are laid out daily by the Balinese Hindus for the Divine Order – everywhere from outside temples, fountains, shrines public spaces and houses. They are small offerings of multicoloured flowers, grasses and divinely smellg incense. To step on them, even accidentally, is seen as disrespectful – so make sure you watch your step!
Pet ownership in Bali is very different to the Western world. While it is said the majority of the dogs here are owned by a family, they are all mainly allowed to run wild on the streets and along the roadside.
Bahasa Indonesia is the country’s official language, however most Balinese speak 3 languages: Balinese, Indonesian and English. Most Balinese who work in the tourism industry (hotels, drivers and even restaurants) will speak very good English.
Ubud is one of two main areas in Bali to get custom-made pieces of gold and silver jewellery made on request. This is long-standing traditional craftsmanship and skill has been remained strong down through Balinese family generations. You can even take part in workshops to create your own.
Bali has a very hot and humid climate all year round. Be sure to stay hydrated, but make sure you do not drink the tap water, or you will become very sick. Your hotel will most likely provide drinking water, or it is possible to buy large bottled water in any shop for next to nothing.
There are many laundrettes dotted around Ubud. Drop off your laundry and within 24 hours, it will be ready to be collected and returned all wrapped up, ironed, neatly folded and smelling divine – all for roughly £3!

VISITING UBUD, BALI:
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

WHY IS UBUD SO SPECIAL?

Ubud is special and unique destination in Bali, Indonesia, as it bustling cultural and artistic hub set within surrounding tropical wilderness and jungle.

It’s most well known for its beautiful rice paddies, traditional crafts, dance and music performances, spiritual retreats and yoga centres!

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT UBUD?

Bali has two distinct seasons – the Dry Season (April – September) and the Wet Season (October – March).

Despite this, expect hot and humid temperatures of 26-29°c throughout the entire year. The only main difference is the amount of rainfall and the resultant implications that may have on certain activities.

HOW TO GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: THE BEST TIME TO VISIT UBUD 👌🏻

To get the best of both worlds, we would suggest visiting Ubud in either of the shoulder months, May – June or September – October. Both periods allow for decent daylight hours, less rainfall and reduced tourist crowds.

IS THERE A LOT TO DO & SEE IN UBUD?

Absolutely, there is so many diverse things to do and see in Ubud. From eating your way through delicious acai bowls, sunrise yoga, indulging in exotic flower baths, swiping a bargain at the art markets and witnessing jaw-dropping nature and waterfalls – Ubud has something for everyone!

IS 3 TO 4 DAYS ENOUGH IN UBUD?

From experience, we believe 3 to 4 full days in Ubud is a great amount of time to see the majority of epic highlights that central region in Bali has to offer!

CONCLUSION: UBUD ITINERARY

To conclude – a visit to the enchanting jungles of Ubud in Bali must be on everyone’s bucket list!

From the healing waters of temple purification rituals, magical flower baths, spiritual yoga sessions, roaming monkeys at the Sacred Forest, cascading waterfalls and jaw-dropping scenery, our 4 day Ubud itinerary will leave you feeling calm and reborn.

We hope you have the best time following our Ubud travel guide itinerary, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.