3 Days in Ubud Bali – Travel Itinerary 2026

What is the best way to spend 3 days in Ubud in 2026? How do you make sure you don’t miss anything? And how do you fit all of these things into only 3 days?

In this article we are going to share a step-by-step detailed itinerary for 3 days in Ubud Bali.  Ubud is known for its mesmerizing temples, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Explore the hidden gems that make Ubud so special, from lush green rice paddies and majestic waterfalls to authentic temples and local culinary delights. 

Every time we visit Ubud we discover new wonders that keep us coming back for more. We’re super excited to share some of these hidden gems with you. Ubud really does have something for everyone. 

In this article, not only will we guide you through Ubud’s must-see attractions, but we’ll also share insider tips on the best places to eat, how to prepare for your trip, and the BEST places to stay. Please do use our booking links to book your Ubud hotel. We use affiliate links which enables us to earn a small commission when you book – at no extra cost to you. 

Don’t miss these dreamy 5 star hotels in Ubud

3 days in Ubud – Summary

Here is an overview of our 3 days in Ubud itinerary. Please keep reading for more details. We will share each day step-by-step after answering a few questions.

Day 1 Explore attractions around Ubud town

• Explore the Ubud morning market
• Visit Saraswati temple & Ubud palace
• Explore the art market
• Visit the Ubud monkey forest
• Visit ARMA
• Massage or Yoga class
• Dance performance at Saraswati temple

Day 2 Explore south of Ubud & take a cooking class

• Visit Tegenungan waterfall
• Visit the Kemenuh Butterfly Park
• Visit the Goa Gajah Temple
• Return to Ubud for lunch
• Take a cooking class

Day 3 Explore the north of Ubud

• Tegalalang Rice Terraces
• Tirta Empul Water temple
• Segara Windhu Coffee plantation
• Penglipuran Village

For more inspiration and ideas don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best things to do in Ubud

How many days should you spend in Ubud? 

This depends on your overall Bali trip length and itinerary. Most people spend around 2 weeks in Bali. We recommend spending at least 3 days in Ubud to see all of the main attractions. You could compress it to 2 days, but if possible we recommend 3 days in Ubud. Ubud is not just about “packing in” as much as possible. If possible we recommend slowing down and finding time to relax and slow down. 

In our view, if you’re taking a longer trip in Bali, we recommend staying in Ubud a little longer. If you are able to take 5 days in Ubud you can really immerse yourself in the culture and beauty and explore some of the lesser known attractions around Ubud. So, you can still see the main attractions around Ubud in just 2 days, but this would be rushed. 3 days in Ubud is optimal. If you have longer, Ubud is a great place to really slow down and relax. 

Looking for a longer itinerary? We also have a full 10 day Bali itinerary

How do you get to Ubud?

Here is a summary of the BEST ways to get to Ubud. The journey from Kuta to Ubud is around 30km by road. This journey can take anything between 1.5 hours – 3 hours depending on the traffic. Don’t miss our full guide on the best ways to get around in Bali.

1 Rent a motorbike

Don’t miss our full guide on how to rent a motorbike in Bali

The cheapest way to get to Ubud is to rent a motorbike. This also has the advantage of being able to use your bike to explore Ubud.  Bike rental in Bali is cheap and readily available. You can rent bikes from many shops and guest houses. Bike rental normally costs around 100,000IDR – 200,000IDR per day (roughly £5 – £10 per day or $6 – $12). Watch out for traffic on the roads between Kuta and Ubud. The roads can get pretty busy and this can be risky for motorcyclists – especially if you’re not experienced on these roads. 

Don’t miss our full guide on Bali by bike – 4 amazing routes around Bali

2 Take a shared minibus

A convenient way to travel to Ubud is to take a shared minibus. If you’re looking for a good company check out Perama Tour: 100,000IDR per person (this is roughly £5 or $6 per person). We particularly recommend this option for a solo traveler. If you are traveling with someone else it may be a similar price or cheaper to take a Grab taxi to Ubud (and a lot more convenient!). A Grab taxi is likely to cost around 200,000IDR to Ubud from Kuta and offers a very convenient door to door service. We found taxi drivers in Kuta were very quick and willing to accept a journey to Ubud for 200,000IDR. 

For more information see our guide to Grab in Bali

3 Rent a car and drive

Another way to get to Ubud is to rent a car and drive. The cheapest way to get a good rental deal on a car in Bali is to contact a local rental company and negotiate a deal. Expect to pay around 200,000IDR – 400,000IDR per day (roughly £10 – £20 per day or $12 – $24). Be aware that parking can be challenging in Ubud, if you’re renting a hotel in central Ubud we recommend that you check if parking is available. Make sure you are fully qualified and insured to drive in Bali. We recommend using an international drivers license.

4 Take a taxi

One of the BEST ways to get to Ubud is by using a local taxi. You can get taxis on the Grab taxi app to get great prices. The Grab taxi app is very easy to use in Bali. Just buy a local sim card with data and download the Grab app. Register for an account and then you can use Grab to request taxis. The price is set before you book, and taxis tend to be very responsive on the app. 

It should cost around 200,000IDR to get a taxi from Kuta to Ubud (roughly £10 or $12). This is a very good price when you share it across several people. 

When is the best time of year to visit Ubud?

The best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. During this time, the weather is generally sunny with low humidity, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so the town can be quite crowded.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds, the shoulder season (October to November and February to March) can be a good time to visit as well. The weather is still pleasant, and you may be able to find lower prices on accommodations and activities.

The rainy season in Ubud runs from December to January and February to March, which may not be the best time to visit if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. However, the lush green landscape during this time can be very beautiful, and you can still enjoy indoor activities such as exploring museums and galleries or attending cultural events.

Ethical & responsible tourism tips for Ubud

• Respect the local culture: Ubud is known for its rich culture and traditions. Be respectful of the local customs and dress appropriately when visiting temples and other cultural sites. Many temples around Ubud allow visitors to borrow a sarong for free at the entrance.
• Support local businesses: Support the local economy by choosing locally owned and operated businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and accommodation.
• Reduce plastic waste: Ubud is known for its natural beauty, and it’s essential to keep it that way. Avoid single-use plastics by bringing your reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
• Respect nature: When exploring nature, stick to marked trails to avoid damaging the natural environment. Do not litter, and follow the leave-no-trace principle.
• Use sustainable transport: Choose eco-friendly transportation options such as cycling, walking, or using electric vehicles when exploring the city.
• Try to save water: Bali faces water scarcity issues during the dry season, so be mindful of your water usage. Take short showers, turn off taps when not in use, and reuse towels.
• Give back to the community: Consider volunteering with local organizations or donating to reputable charities that support community development or environmental conservation.

What are the best day trips around Ubud? 

If you have 3 days in Ubud, you may wish to pre-book a day trip. Low stress, no hassle, just get to the best places with a local guide. Here are some of our TOP PICK day trips and tours around Ubud: 

Tour	Attractions & highlights	Price
Ubud Highlights private day tour	Customisable itinerary; highlights such as waterfalls, temples and monkey forest.	£5 – £10 $6 – $12
Tirta Empul & Ubud tour	Tirta Empul, Tegalalang rice terrace, coffee plantations, Tegenungan waterfall & Ubud monkey forest	£35 – £40  $40 – $50
Tegenungan waterfall & Ubud tour	Tegenungan waterfall, Butterfly park, monkey forest, Petulu Village	£25 – £30 $30 – $40
Tegalalang & Ubud tour	Tegallalang Rice Terraces, coffee plantations, Goa Gajah, Monkey Forest	£20 – £25 $25 – $30

Day 1 Explore attractions around Ubud town

Your 3 days in Ubud starts by exploring the beautiful and fascinating attractions around Ubud town itself. We recommend exploring the town first so that you can take time to “find your feet” and work out what’s available locally. This is a great opportunity to explore the town, find some great places to eat and enjoy some of the amazing things to do in Ubud itself. Also, this could be a good chance to rent a motorbike or work out your preferred transport options for the rest of your 3 days in Ubud. 

7am – 8am Explore the Ubud morning market

If you’re not too tired, get an early start. Ubud town is very tranquil in the morning and this is a great time to explore the town before it gets too hot. Every morning there is a lovely morning market selling fruit, meat and fish. It is located along the road near the Ubud Palace. This is a great chance to try a local Balinese breakfast. Nasi Jinggo is very popular and cheap; these are banana leaf packages containing rice cooked in coconut milk, noodles, chicken and veggies. Alternatively there are plenty of cafes around offering western breakfast options such as pancakes, waffles, cooked breakfasts and smoothie bowls. 

8am – 9am Visit Saraswati temple & Ubud palace

After exploring the morning market we recommend a visit to the Ubud Palace and the Saraswati temple. Both attractions are free to visit. Ubud palace and Saraswati temple are pretty small and wont take too long to explore. Saraswati temple has some very beautiful lotus ponds in front of the temple – this is a great spot for photography. There are also a couple of coffee shops located here too. 

9am – 10am Explore the art market

Explore the art market along the streets near Saraswati temple. The Ubud art market sells local art, craft, clothing and more. Balinese people are wonderfully creative, we love the way that their creativity is expressed in their art and craft. If you plan to buy anything on the art market we recommend bartering to get fair prices. 

10am – 12pm Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest

We highly recommend a visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest. This is one of the most iconic and well known attractions in Ubud. The monkey forest is a reserve with hundreds of long tailed macaque monkeys living in the trees. If you take a visit to the Monkey Forest you can explore paths and watch the monkeys playing in the trees. There are temples, ponds and statues. The monkeys are very accustomed to visitors. Always take care of your belongings and follow the rules. Never take food into Monkey Forest.

Here are the prices for the Ubud Monkey Forest: On weekdays it costs: 80,000IDR for adults (around £4 or $5) and 60,000IDR (around £3 or $4) for children 3 – 12 years old. Weekends: 100,000IDR for adults (around £5 or $6) and 80,000IDR (around £4 or $5)  for children  3 – 12 years old. Children under 3 years old: FREE entry.

12pm – 1pm Lunch

Ubud has loads of great options for lunch. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat: 

Pison Ubud (coffee shop selling gourmet food, situated next to lush green rice paddies). Soul Bites (amazing quality & price, international cuisine) or Mama Mia (Italian food and stone baked pizzas, great lunch deals).  

1pm – 3pm Visit ARMA

After lunch, visit the Agung Rai Museum of Fine Art for a dose of culture and inspiration. This museum is divided into three main buildings and boasts a beautiful large garden, with a mossy area filled with statues and sculptures – perfect for photography or chilling. The Agung Rai Museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary Balinese and international artists, including a section dedicated to the works of Walter Spies, the German painter. This section features both original and reproduced works. Depending on your level of enthusiasm, expect to spend an hour or two exploring the museum. Admission is 100,000IDR, which includes a complimentary drink in the museum’s cafe. Alternatively, you can opt for the entry and lunch package for 185,000IDR. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Balinese art and culture.

3pm – 5pm Massage or Yoga class

In the afternoon we recommend getting a massage or taking a yoga class. 

Spas in the area offer a range of tempting treatments, from oil massages and deep tissue massages to traditional Balinese massages. Ubud has a well earned reputation for its amazing spas, with many located in luxurious resorts (although these can be quite expensive). Alternatively, you can opt for smaller independent spas scattered throughout town. For a luxurious spa experience, expect to pay around £50 – £100 (roughly $70 – $120) for a massage. For a truly beautiful natural luxury spa experience, don’t miss the stunning Kamandalu forest spa. 

Ubud is also a hub for yoga enthusiasts, with a vast selection of yoga studios and classes available for all levels. From Hatha and Vinyasa to Yin and Restorative, there is a yoga style to suit everyone. Many of the yoga studios are situated in lush and tranquil surroundings, providing a peaceful setting for your practice. In addition, some studios offer outdoor yoga classes with breathtaking views of the surrounding rice paddies and jungle. Some yoga retreat centers even offer accommodation and meal plans for a more immersive experience. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, Ubud offers a plethora of options to deepen your practice or simply relax and unwind.

Evening: Dance performance at Saraswati temple

We highly recommend attending a traditional dance performance if you get the chance. These performances tell significant stories from Bali’s history and folklore, often accompanied by live traditional music. Ubud is a great place to catch a traditional music and dance performance. The stunning traditional clothing and captivating live music create a truly enchanting and memorable experience. 

One popular performance to catch is the traditional Legong & Barong dance at the Ubud Palace every Thursday at 7.30pm for 100,000IDR. Arrive early if possible. Alternatively, the Saraswati temple hosts a traditional Joged Dance show every Monday at 7.30pm-8.30pm (performed by the Cepuk Wirasa dance group). The live music and intricate costumes are truly impressive, set against the beautiful ambiance of a Balinese temple. Watching a traditional dance performance is a great way to immerse yourself in Bali’s rich culture and history.

Day 2 Explore south of Ubud & take a cooking class

On the second day of this epic itinerary we recommend exploring some attractions located to the south of Ubud. We also recommend taking a cooking class in the afternoon. You could of course switch it up and do the cooking class in the morning and see the other attractions in the afternoon. 

8am – 10am  Visit Tegenungan waterfall

Start your day with a visit to the epic Tegenungan waterfall. This is a popular tourist attraction surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and considered a sacred site by the local Balinese people. It costs 20,000IDR for adults and 10,000IDR for kids to enter, and swimming and paddling are not allowed due to the strong currents. The waterfall sprays mist into the air and has a powerful 25m cascade into a deep plunge pool, and you can cross a makeshift wooden bridge to a small island for an awesome view (take care if you plan to do this!) 

The area around the waterfall is being developed, with shops, cafes, and even a day club. While the waterfall is worth a visit, expect crowds as it is a popular spot. If you’re looking for a more secluded jungle waterfall experience, consider heading north to some of the more remote waterfalls in the area.

10am – 11am Visit the Kemenuh Butterfly Park

If you have time, why not stop at the Kemenuh butterfly park which is situated a few minutes drive from Tegenungan waterfall. This butterfly park has a beautiful array of local flora and fauna including a collection of colorful tropical butterflies. The Kemenuh Butterfly park costs 100,000IDR for adults and 50,000IDR for children.

11am – 12pm Visit the Goa Gajah Temple

After visiting the butterfly park, travel back to Ubud via the Goa Gajah cave temple. This relatively small temple complex features several temples, shrines, restored statues, and a forest section at the back with a small waterfall and Buddhist temple. The main attraction here is a cave temple. You are allowed to enter the cave, which has an impressive stone carving at the entrance. There are also small market stalls, restaurants, and public toilets located at the entrance. Plan to spend around 30 – 45 minutes exploring the area. Goa Gajah temple in Ubud charges 50,000IDR for adults and 25,000IDR for children, with tickets available at the entrance. The temple is open daily from 8am-5pm.

12pm – 1pm Return to Ubud for lunch

Return to Ubud for lunch and a well earned rest.

3pm – 7pm Take a cooking class

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best cooking classes in Bali

We highly recommend Ketut’s cooking class in Ubud. Hosted by Ketut and his family, this is a great way to learn about Balinese cuisine from a teacher with amazing skills and a great sense of humor. Conveniently located only 3 km northeast of Ubud, this class offers a range of hands-on activities. The class takes around 4 hours. You’ll learn how to prepare several dishes and enjoy plenty of delicious food by the end of it.

This class also includes a market tour, a pick-up and drop-off service within the Ubud area, and the chance to prepare and savor eight dishes. Whether you have special dietary requirements or not, Ketut can cater to your needs. Some of the dishes that you might prepare include Ayam Bumbu Bali (Balinese Fried Chicken), Soup Ayam (Chicken Soup), Pepes Ikan (Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf), Sate Ayam Sauce Kacang (Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce), and Mie Goreng (Fried Noodle). While the menu is subject to change, you can expect to have a unique and fulfilling cooking experience with Ketut. The class usually costs around £20 or $25 (350,000 IDR).

Day 3 Explore the north of Ubud

For the last of your 3 days in Ubud we recommend exploring some amazing attractions to the north of Ubud. This is a long and potentially tiring day so try to pace yourself.

6am – 8am Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Get an early start and head to the beautiful Tegalalang Rice Terraces located around 30 minutes north of Ubud. Getting here early allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the most tranquil and beautiful time of day.  

This iconic UNESCO-listed site is the most popular rice terrace in Bali, and for good reason – the lush green rice paddies are set in a deep valley, surrounded by tropical jungle, palm trees, and a small river with waterfalls. While the Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a popular tourist attraction, its popularity doesn’t detract from the peaceful vibes and natural beauty of the area. 

When you visit the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, you’ll witness farmers working on the terraced fields, water flowing through the ancient irrigation system (Subak), and friendly locals going about their daily lives. The terrace is also home to several swings and nests, which are popular spots for capturing the perfect Instagram shots. 

While there is no entrance fee to visit the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, some local farmers may ask for a small donation, around IDR 10,000-20,000 (approximately $0.70-$1.40). This is optional but appreciated, as it helps support the local community. There are also cafes along the road that may ask for a small fee to use their paths into the valley. 

8am – 11am Tirta Empul Water temple

After exploring the rice terraces head over to Tirta Empul. This is a large temple complex situated in the peaceful countryside of central Bali. The complex consists of various temple buildings, shrines, and pools, making it a popular attraction. Despite the crowds, there is a serene and tranquil atmosphere here.

The highlight of Tirta Empul is the ceremonial bathing pools known as petirtaan. There are two large adjacent pools, each measuring around 20m in length and 6m in width.

The pools contain clear spring water, around 1m deep, which is used for ritual purification. However, anyone is welcome to bathe in the pools. The back of the pools has 15 spring water spouts that people use to wash themselves. Visitors usually line up and take turns to bathe in the water.

To enter Tirta Empul, you need to purchase an entrance ticket from the ticket office at the main entrance. The entrance fee is 50,000IDR for adults and 25,000IDR for children aged 5-11 years old. Children under 5 are free. If you plan to bathe, you can rent a green bathing sarong for 10,000IDR and a locker for 15,000IDR. Visitors can also borrow a free non-bathing sarong for exploring the temple. Tirta Empul is open daily from 8am to 6pm.

1pm – 3pm Segara Windhu Coffee plantation

Segara Windhu Coffee Plantation in Bali is a beautiful and serene coffee farm located around 15 minutes north of Tirta Empul. The plantation offers a unique experience where you can learn about the process of coffee making from bean to cup. They offer a guided tour which takes you through the different stages of coffee production and tasting. It is FREE to enter Segara Windhu plantations. It costs 50,000IDR to sample a cup of Kopi Luwak. 

Find our more about coffee plantations in Bali

3pm – 5pm Penglipuran Village

And finally take a visit to the beautiful Penglipuran Village. The name “Penglipuran” means “a place to remember ancestors” in Balinese language. The village has a unique layout with narrow streets lined with traditional Balinese houses made of bamboo and wood. These houses have a distinct architectural style and are known for their unique entrance gates, intricately carved wooden doors and windows, and tiled roofs. Penglipuran Village is also known for its traditional village temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu gods and is an important center for local religious ceremonies and festivals. Visitors can explore the village and learn about its rich culture and traditions, and interact with the friendly and welcoming locals. Entry costs 25,000IDR for adults and 15,000IDR for children. 

Where are the best places to stay in Ubud? 

Traveling with kids? Don’t miss these amazing family hotels in Ubud

Looking for somewhere with character? Check out our guide to THE BEST boutique hotels in Ubud

If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Ubud we recommend getting your hotel booked up as early as possible. This area can get busy – especially in peak season. With only 3 days in Ubud, you don’t want to get this wrong. So here are our TOP PICK places to stay. We have tried to pick a range of different properties with different styles and budgets. There really is a fantastic range of accommodation in Ubud:

1 Poshtel Ubud

Poshtel Ubud is a trendy hostel with a fun Asian-inspired decor. For budget-conscious travelers, this is a great option with an 8-bed mixed dorm available at £5 – £10 per night. Centrally located, Poshtel is close to a variety of cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and markets in Ubud.

2 Yoga’s House

Yoga’s House is a fantastic value for money option in the heart of Ubud. With a spacious and airy double room featuring a balcony and small lush gardens, this is a great option for solo backpackers or travel couples on a budget. Prices start at £10 – £15 per night.

3 Putu’s Paradise Guest House

Putu’s Paradise Guest House, situated next to the Monkey Forest, is an affordable home-style accommodation option with lovely tropical gardens. With double and twin rooms available at £15 – £20 per night, Putu’s Paradise offers great value for money. There is also outdoor seating for guests to relax and enjoy the lush surroundings.

4 Liyer Spirit House Ubud

Famously featured in the movie Eat Pray Love, offers a charming and comfortable stay at an affordable price. With beautiful gardens, a small outdoor pool and comfortable double and twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms and bathtubs, this hotel is a great value at £20 – £50 per night. They can also provide an additional mattress to accommodate families.

5 Ubud Lestari Bungalows

Situated in the heart of Ubud on Jalan Monkey Forest, is a stunning rice terrace hotel with spacious suites featuring bathtubs and an outdoor pool. With double and twin rooms available at £20 – £50 per night, this hotel offers amazing value for money.

6 Pondok Serayu

Pondok Serayu is a small and beautiful hotel with spacious rooms and balconies at a very good price. Conveniently located next to the Ubud Palace and Saraswati temple, this hotel offers great value for money with prices starting at £30 – £40 per night. Breakfast can also be booked.

7 Sapodilla Ubud

Sapodilla Ubud offers luxury and tranquility surrounded by lush green gardens. With beautifully furnished suites featuring natural light and elegant freestanding bathtubs, this hotel is a great option for those looking for a more upscale experience. Guests can enjoy the large outdoor swimming pool and a great breakfast, but it’s worth checking whether it is included when booking. Prices range from £50 – £120 per night.

8 Kebun Indah Ubud

Kebun Indah Ubud offers style, character, and charm with its beautiful wooden Balinese design. As a 4-star hotel, it comes with great facilities and service. The spacious two-bedroom suite, with a double and a single bed, is particularly impressive. The ensuite bathroom features a Balinese style bathtub. Prices range from £50 – £160 per night.

9 The Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites

The Royal Kamuela is a luxurious 5-star resort located in the heart of Bali. Guests can enjoy a stylish villa with a private pool, offering one of the best values for money for this level of luxury. If you’re looking for a splurge in Ubud and an experience of Balinese hospitality and service, this is a great option. Prices start at £200 – £400 per night.

10 Goya Boutique Resort

Goya Boutique Resort is an amazing 5-star resort with a wide range of rooms and suites to choose from. The rooftop infinity pool has breathtaking views of the jungle and mountains. With a decadent Asian interior design, comfortable furniture, and plenty of space to relax, this hotel offers a great location in Ubud town. Villas with private pools and open-air bathtubs are also available. Prices range from £200 – £1,000 per night.