Ubud is the cultural soul of Bali: a world of terraced valleys, artisan villages and temples wrapped in incense and birdsong. It's about an hour from the southern beach areas, and you can experience its best in a single day if you plan the route well. Here's how a local would spend it.
Start early at the Sacred Monkey Forest
Begin your morning at the Sacred Monkey Forest, a cool, cathedral-like rainforest in the heart of Ubud that's home to more than a thousand cheeky long-tailed macaques and three moss-covered temples. It's quietest right after opening. Keep sunglasses, water bottles and loose items tucked away — the monkeys are curious and quick.
Wander the Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Next, head north to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Bali's most photographed rice fields. The valley spills downward in emerald steps carved by the centuries-old subak irrigation system. Walk the paths between the paddies, watch the farmers at work, and take in the layered green that seems to go on forever. This is also where you'll find the famous jungle swings.
Fly on a jungle swing (optional)
If you like a little adventure, the swings around Tegalalang launch you out high over a green river gorge — pure fun and unbeatable photos. We build this into our Ubud with Jungle Swing tour if you'd like the thrill without the planning.
Visit a temple and a coffee plantation
Break up the day with a serene village temple such as Batuan or the spring-water gardens of Gunung Kawi Sebatu, then stop at a Luwak coffee plantation to see how Bali's famous coffee is made — the tasting of local coffees, teas and cocoa is usually complimentary.
Cool off at a waterfall
Ubud's surroundings hide some wonderful waterfalls. Tegenungan is the easiest to reach — a wide, powerful curtain of water with a swimmable pool and a viewing deck above. It's a refreshing way to round out the afternoon before heading back.
How to fit it all in
Ubud's sights are spread out and the roads are narrow, so a driver-guide makes an enormous difference — you skip the parking headaches and get local context at every stop. Two easy ways to do it: our all-inclusive Best of Ubud tour covers the Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, a village temple, Tegenungan waterfall and a coffee plantation; or, to pair Ubud with the volcanic highlands, the Exotic Ubud & Kintamani tour adds the sweeping Mount Batur caldera view.
Practical tips
Wear light, respectful clothing — you'll want covered shoulders and knees for temples (a sarong is usually provided). Bring a swimsuit for the waterfall, cash for small stalls and parking, and start early to beat both the heat and the crowds. Mornings are calm and photogenic; afternoons can bring a short tropical shower, especially in the wet season.
See Ubud with a local guide
Ubud rewards a slower pace and a little local knowledge. Browse our Ubud tours or message us on WhatsApp, and we'll shape the perfect day around what you most want to see.