This itinerary is designed to help you see the main attractions in Ubud over 2 days without feeling like you’re rushing around. Having been ourselves, we feel this is the right amount of time to experience Ubud properly while still having time to relax and enjoy where you’re staying.
Ubud sits right in the centre of Bali and is considered the cultural hub of the island. It’s around an hour and a half to two hours from Denpasar Airport depending on traffic.
We based this itinerary on two nights. If you arrive early on your first day, you can swap the days around so you start with the waterfalls early before they get busy, because they will.
Before getting started, if you need accommodation in Ubud check out the Beehouse Dijiwa for something central and affordable. It’s a very wholesome setup with wooden villa-style accommodation overlooking the rice terraces as shown above.
If you’re looking for more luxurious accommodation in Ubud, check out our review of the Kayon Jungle Resort Ubud. It’s an incredible resort at an accessible price and the best resort we have ever stayed in. If you are staying somewhere like Kayon Jungle Resort, you could easily extend this to 3 or 4 days just to enjoy the property itself.
Both are rated highly for a reason, and from experience we completely agree with the reviews.
DAY 1 – Waterfalls, Rice Terraces & Temples (Driver Day)
On day one, we recommend hiring a private driver. Drivers in Bali are very affordable and make the whole experience much easier. The roads can be busy and a bit chaotic, so having someone local who knows where they’re going makes a big difference. They’ll also help with timings, give you insight into the places you’re visiting and usually provide things like water, which is easy to forget when you’re out all day. We used ‘balitourdriver_adi’ on Instagram on numerous occasions across our trip and his service was genuinely excellent.
We’d recommend starting early and heading straight to Kanto Lampo Waterfall. This is one of the most popular waterfalls in Bali and if you get there after 8am you can expect queues, especially if you want photos on the rocks. There’s usually a guide there taking photos which is great, but it does slow things down.
Even if you don’t wait for photos, it’s still worth seeing. The rock formation and the way the water flows over it makes it look even better in person.
From there, head to Tibumana Waterfall. This has a completely different feel. It’s calmer, more symmetrical and there’s a pool at the bottom where you can actually get in for a swim. It’s still popular, but nowhere near as busy as Kanto Lampo.
Both waterfalls are easy enough to access, around a 5 to 10 minute walk from the car park with some steps involved.
If you want to add more into your day, there are other waterfalls nearby like Tegenungan, Leke Leke and Sekumpul, but we felt two was enough to enjoy the experience without overdoing it.
Tirta Empul Temple – Stop 3
Next, head to Tirta Empul Temple. This is one of the most well known temples in Bali and gives you a proper insight into the cultural side of the island. You’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees, and while they provide clothing at the entrance, you might prefer bringing your own.
Walking into the temple feels like stepping into a postcard. The main attraction here is the water purification ritual, where people enter the pools and move through each fountain. You don’t need to be Hindu to take part, but we personally chose not to. Even just walking around, you can feel the atmosphere of the place. Those who had been through the ritual told us it was a spiritual experience.
Within the temple grounds, there’s also a large koi carp pond which ended up being one of the more relaxing parts of the visit. You can buy small bags of feed and as soon as you drop it into the water, the fish gather almost instantly. There are loads of them, and the way they move together creates a bit of a spectacle in itself. It’s a nice contrast to the busier areas of the temple and gives you a moment to slow things down and just take it in. We probably spent longer here than expected, just watching them and taking photos, especially with the surrounding temple structures adding to the setting. It’s a simple part of the visit, but definitely one that adds to the overall experience.
On the way out you’ll pass through a series of market stalls. The first few tend to be more expensive, so it’s worth holding off if you’re planning on buying anything. We picked up some fresh fruit and soft drinks here to keep us going but plenty of other goods were on offer.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces – Stop 4
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are one of the most iconic sights in Ubud and somewhere that genuinely lives up to expectations. As soon as you arrive, the views open up straight away, with layers of bright green terraces stretching out in front of you. It’s one of those places where you end up stopping almost immediately just to take it all in.
Depending on how much time and energy you have, you can either stick to the main viewpoints or head down into the terraces themselves. Walking through them gives you a much better sense of the scale and how everything is laid out, but it can be quite steep in parts and the heat can make it more tiring than expected. We opted to explore a bit further with our driver who guided us, which actually made a difference as he was able to show us the best routes and explained how the irrigation system works.
There are also a few swings and photo spots dotted around if that’s something you’re interested in. Even without those, the scenery alone is enough to make it worthwhile. It’s definitely a place where you’ll take more photos than planned, especially with the different viewpoints offering slightly different angles across the terraces.
Just make sure you’ve got water with you and you’re prepared for the heat, particularly around midday.
Optional Stop – Coffee Plantation
If you want to add something different to your day, you can stop at a coffee plantation on the way back.
This is something a lot of people include in their Ubud itinerary. You’ll be able to try different types of Balinese coffee and tea, and learn about how it’s produced. Even if you’re not massively into coffee, it’s quite an interesting stop and breaks the day up nicely.
We personally skipped it as we’re not big coffee drinkers, but it’s definitely worth considering if it appeals to you.
We wrapped up the day around 2pm after starting just after 7am, which felt like the right balance. It gave us time to relax back at the villa before heading out again in the evening.
DAY 2 – Central Ubud (Walkable + Slower Pace)
Day two is all about slowing things down and exploring central Ubud. Everything is close enough to walk, so there’s no need to rush.
Start your day by heading towards Ubud Art Market. This is right in the centre and you’ll probably end up spending more time here than you expect. There are loads of stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, bags and handmade items. You can also pick up traditional Balinese clothing such as Sarongs.
You’ll notice pretty quickly that there’s a haggling culture, so don’t accept the first price. At the same time, it’s worth remembering that many of the people here rely on these sales, so keep things respectful.
Ubud Palace – Stop 2
Just across from the market is Ubud Palace. It’s not somewhere you’ll spend loads of time, but it’s worth seeing while you’re there.
The architecture is impressive and gives you a glimpse into the history of the area. If you’re around in the evening, it’s meant to be even better with traditional dance performances and the palace lit up.
Saraswati Temple – Stop 3
A short walk from the palace takes you to Saraswati Temple. This is one of the more photogenic spots in Ubud, mainly because of the walkway leading up to it surrounded by water and lotus flowers.
It’s a quick stop, but definitely worth it for the setting alone. Again, a visit here in the evening is nice you’ll be able to stop for some food and drink whilst enjoying live performances with the incredible backdrop and from experience, it’s something we’d definitely recommend doing.
Sacred Monkey Forest – Stop 4
The Sacred Monkey Forest is one of the main attractions in Ubud and is located around a 15 to 20 minute walk from the centre.
As expected, you’ll see monkeys roaming freely through the forest paths. Some people love this experience, especially for photos, but it’s worth being aware that they can grab things like phones or bags if you’re not careful.
If you’re comfortable with that, it’s a unique experience. Most visitors don’t have any issues, but it’s always better to stay aware.
The Kajeng Rice Field Walk – Stop 5
If you want a break from the noise and traffic in central Ubud, the Kajeng Rice Field Walk is something we’d definitely recommend building into your day. It’s only a short walk from the main streets, but it feels completely different once you’re there. You move away from the crowds and into a much quieter setting with open views over the rice fields and a more relaxed pace. It’s an easy walk, not too long, and a nice way to slow things down for an hour or so before heading back into the busier parts of town.
For food, we’d recommend trying a Warung. These are small, family-run restaurants and the best way to experience authentic Balinese food.
One we really enjoyed was Nikuna Warung. The food was great, the atmosphere was relaxed and it was very affordable. We actually ended up leaving a decent tip because the value was that good, and it clearly meant a lot to them.
If you’re planning more time in Bali beyond Ubud, it’s worth checking out our full Bali travel guide where we break down the best areas to stay, things to do across the island and how to plan your trip properly. Ubud is just one part of Bali, and depending on how long you have, you’ll likely want to explore places like Seminyak, Canggu or Uluwatu as well. Having everything mapped out before you go makes a big difference once you’re there.
Final Thoughts
2 days in Ubud felt like the perfect amount of time.
You get to see waterfalls, temples, rice terraces and the town itself without it feeling rushed. At the same time, you still have space to relax and enjoy where you’re staying, which is a big part of the experience in Bali.
If anything, the only reason to stay longer would be if you’re in a place like the Kayon Jungle Resort, where you’ll probably want to spend more time just enjoying the property itself.
If you still need to book a flight into Denpasar check our prices below, availability can be low particularly during the dry season.
FAQ
Is 2 days enough in Ubud?
Yes. You can see the main highlights including waterfalls, temples, and the town centre.
Do you need a driver in Ubud?
Yes hire a driver for day trips outside the centre. It’s affordable and makes everything safer and easier.
What is the best time to visit the waterfalls?
Early morning, ideally before 8am for Kanto Lampo. After that, crowds build quickly.
Is Ubud walkable?
Central Ubud is walkable, but you’ll need transport for attractions outside town.
Is Ubud worth visiting?
Yes. It’s one of the best places in Bali for culture, nature, and relaxation.
What should I wear in temples?
Cover shoulders and knees. Sarongs are usually provided, but bringing your own is a good idea.
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