Nature lovers will certainly have Bali included in their list of top places to visit. This island in Indonesia is one that can boast having every kind of natural wonder imaginable, from lush rainforests and green rice paddies to sacred rivers and sandy beaches. Blessed with boundless beauty and home to over 20,000 temples, it’s easy to see why this destination is also called “The Land of the Gods”. Though many tourists will opt to go to the capital of Denpasar for the stunning Seminyak Beach and the historic Bajra Sandhi Monument, another popular choice is a town on the uplands: Ubud. Besides the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud is reputed to be the center for traditional Balinese art. But be sure to fortify yourself well with all the essentials for this tryst with nature. If you’re planning a trip to this mesmerizing island soon, check out this itinerary for 4 days 3 nights in Ubud, Bali.
Day 1
Lunch with a view at Bebek teba Sari
Om swastiastu and welcome to Bali! Before heading to your accommodation, stop by Bebek teba Sari, a restaurant located on the outskirts of Ubud, to get a first taste of the local cuisine. Besides the delicious food, this place is also known for having an unparalleled view of the rice fields. The bamboo cabanas on the water are where you should be having your meals at. The cool breeze coupled with delicious food will definitely warrant a great start to this vacation. Be sure to order their signature dish: breaded crispy fried duck with rice and snake skin-fruit pickle.
Bebek teba Sari
Address: Lodtunduh, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Website: Bebek teba Sari
Opening hours: 10am - 9:30pm
Explore and relax at the villa
After a hearty lunch at Bebek teba Sari, head to your home for the next four days and three nights: a stunning private villa, fully staffed and luxuriously decorated. This 12-bedroom haven near the town center includes an outdoor pool, a yoga shala, and an on-site restaurant. Each room is fully equipped, complete with unique furnishings and Balinese art. Lounge by the pool, take Instagram-worthy shots at the garden, and hang out with your crew at the common area. This is a great accommodation for big groups, as it can sleep up to 32 guests.
Check out our detailed review of the instgrammable Airbnb villa
Kecamatan Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
3.05 km (1.9 mi) from Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Barbeque dinner at Warung D'Atas Grill & BBQ
After settling in, head to Warung D'Atas Grill & Barbeque, located along Jalan Gunung Sari - you can’t miss it, as there’s a sign just outside illuminated with yellow spotlights. This restaurant is known for serving the best pork ribs in Ubud, so expect a lot of diners. Lauded for being tender and juicy, it’s a signature dish you won’t soon forget. Be sure to order the mouthwatering satay as well, another well-praised specialty.
Warung D'Atas Grill & BBQ
Address: Jl. Gn. Sari No.777, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Day 2
Visit ancient Goa Gajah
Ready to explore Ubud? Head to Goa Gajah, an ancient archaeological site. It’s a place that’s instantly recognizable from the ominous entryway, which is completely black even in daylight. Visitors who focus on this might miss out on seeing the figures, symbols, and faces carved on the stone around the “demon’s mouth”. Besides this, you’ll find a bathing temple and fountain that were discovered some 31 years after the cave. More than just a tourist attraction, Goa Gajah receives worshippers to this day.
Goa Gajah
Address: Jl. Raya Goa Gajah | Desa Bedulu, Ubud 80581, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Lunch at Spice by Chris Salans
American-born chef Chris Salans opened Spice in 2015, a casual restaurant serving palatable Indonesian flavors. Trained in French culinary arts, his first restaurant Mozaic boasts a reputation as one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Ubud. Everything used in Spice is locally produced, including the ingredients for some of their cocktails, for which they use high-quality arak (Balinese liquor) and brem (rice wine). A must-try dish here is the crispy pork belly. Be sure to pair your meal with a drink, as this establishment is also known for its bar.
Spice by Chris Salans
Address: Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Website: Spice by Chris Salans
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
Souvenir shopping at Ubud Market
After lunch at Spice, make your way to Jalan Raya, the main street that runs through the center of town. This jam-packed shopping street is where you’ll find Ubud Market. Ubud is known as the center for traditional Balinese art, so the market is a great introduction to the town’s artistic talents. Selling everything from batik skirts to Balinese paintings, this is the place to visit to get all your souvenir shopping done. Also known as Ubud Traditional Art Market, this area will definitely be a treat for art lovers and shopaholics.
Ubud Market
Address: Jl. Raya and Monkey Forest Road, Ubud 80571, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Massage bliss at Tamarind Spa
Shopping can be a tiring affair that leave your body muscles protesting. But, thankfully, you’re in Bali where there’s a massage service at every nook and corner, and they’re extremely cheap. Head over to any of these establishments and indulge in a relaxing Balinese oil massage, or just revive your sore foot muscles by selecting the blissful foot reflexology. The Trip101 team headed over to Tamarind Spa - a hidden gem - one that’s not easily located unless you walk up a slope, just off the market area.
Tamarind Spa
Address: Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Website: Tamarind Spa
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Dinner at Il Giardino
Craving familiar food like pizza and pasta? You’ll definitely enjoy having dinner at Il Giardino. While there are many restaurants in Ubud serving delicious local food, this restaurant is one of the best when it comes to authentic Italian cuisine. Besides wood-fire baked pizzas and fresh pasta, you can also order soups, salads, and bruschettas. Set in a picturesque garden and complete with soft jazz music, this is a complete dining experience that’s hard to beat.
Il Giardino
Address: Han Snel Siti Bungalows, Jl. Kajeng No.3, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Website: Il Giardino
Opening hours: 4pm - 11pm (daily)
Day 3
Morning hike at Campuhan Ridge Walk
Nothing says ‘travel’ like waking up bright and early to get to the first stop on the itinerary. Start your third and last full day in Ubud with a morning hike to Campuhan Ridge Walk. This scenic hiking trail is the best one in town, owing to the rich nature views. Try to go as early as possible, before the sun is high, so the temperature is more comfortable to walk in. The trail goes slightly uphill, so be prepared with a bottle of water and a fully charged camera or phone because you’ll see a lot of picture-worthy sights.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Address: Kelusa, Payangan, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Photo op at Tegalalang Rice Terrace
This day is all about treating yourself to the town’s best natural attractions. From Campuhan Ridge Walk, you can either opt for a two-hour hike to Tegalalang Rice Terrace or take a 30-minute car ride. Among all of the tourist hotspots here, this is one of the most iconic. Try to look for the bird’s nest or the swing - another reason to get here early is to avoid the line for these popular spots. If you’re looking to curate your feed with enviable photos of your tropical vacation, this is a must-visit.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Address: Jalan Raya Ceking, Tegalalang 80517, Indonesia
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Lunch at Murni's Warung
A morning spent hiking and posing for photos and you’re bound to feel hungry come lunchtime. Make your way back to Jalan Raya Campuhan to have lunch at Murni’s Warung. Ni Wayan Murni is known for being the first restaurateur in Ubud, and her restaurant has been around long before millennials started posting filtered photos of rice terraces and infinity pools with rainforest views. Best known for the succulent Balinese duck and beef rendang, first-time tourists can’t leave Ubud without experiencing a meal here. Those with a sweet tooth should order the caramel cake for dessert.
Murni's Warung
Address: Jl. Raya Campuan, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Website: Murni's Warung
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm
Afternoon dip at Tegenungan Waterfall
After recharging over plates of flavorful Indonesian dishes at Murni’s Warung, you can take a 30-minute car ride to Tegenungan Waterfall via Jalan Raya Mas. Located on the outskirts of Ubud, you’ll have to descend about 100 steps to get to the waterfall. Bring swimming wear, as the sun should be high around this time, making a cool dip especially refreshing. Else, just dip your feet in and enjoy the incredible view. This is one of the most easily accessible waterfall sites in Bali, so expect a number of tourists and locals around.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Address: Jl. Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Opening hours: 6:30am - 6:30pm
Price: 1 - 2 USD (15,000 IDR)
Dinner at the villa
At the end of an adventurous day, return to your luxury abode to rest and freshen up before dinner. As there is an in-house restaurant here, you can do what the Trip101 team did and request for a big buffet dinner. Be sure to let them know ahead of time so they can prepare for it. The property is staffed with expert chefs who are more than happy to provide meals for guests. As it’s your last night in Ubud, it’s best to stay close to your accommodation so you can pack up and squeeze in a good night’s rest.
Day 4
Yoga at the villa
Ubud is a great place to have yoga retreats, and since the villa has an on-site yoga shala that can be booked in advance, you can make the most it by spending your last morning in town with a yoga session. Trip101 team had theirs conducted by co-founder Venkatraman Damodaran, who is a certified yoga instructor. Take advantage of the property’s yoga space and inquire with the staff ahead of time if they can assist in finding you an instructor for a morning session.
Lunch and massage at Artotel Beach Club
Artotel Beach Club is about 25 minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport, so you can stop by here before your flight to have lunch. Their menu is a mix of different cuisines, with dishes like fish and chips, aglio e olio, mie goreng, and falafel bowl, among others. Take a moment to relax on the private beach before your flight back home. The staff can even call a local masseuse to give you a massage treatment on the beach - a great way to ease your tired muscles from the previous day’s adventures.
Artotel Beach Club
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.35, Sanur, Kec. Denpasar Sel., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
Website: Artotel Beach Club
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 10pm
Yogofi
You’ll definitely want to have Wi-Fi at all times on your trip to Ubud - after all, you’ll be actively updating Instagram stories as you go from one adventure to the next. To make sure you stay connected, rent this pocket Wi-Fi from Yogofi. Big groups will definitely appreciate being able to connect to one handy device. Since you only have to pay for the data you use, it’s definitely going to cost less compared to individual sim cards and data roaming. A fully charged device lasts for up to 15 hours and, best of all, data is unlimited. For more information on how to rent, use, and return Yogofi pocket Wi-Fi, check out our in-depth guide here.
Don’t forget to use our exclusive promo code: TRIPSAVE30 when you book your Yogofi device to get 30% off unlimited data usage if you travel by the June 30, 2020.
Trip101 recommended itinerary
Though Ubud will take you to Bali’s uplands, you’ll still be able to see all of nature’s best in just four days and three nights with this itinerary. Take it from our Trip101 team - they had a blast! Follow this tried-and-true guide to Ubud and you’re guaranteed a fantastic holiday ahead.
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12 Things To Do In Ubud At Night - Updated 2023Stephanie Anais -
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