Ever wonder why travellers keep coming back to Bali’s cultural heart, Ubud? Just imagine, waking up to the sound of rooster crowing, getting fresh by the gentle breeze flowing through endless rice terraces, and the calming smell of the Earth.
Spending your vacation in Bali is never complete without visiting Ubud, the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali. But, what if you could only spend one day in Ubud?
Don’t worry. Although a day won’t feel enough, with the right planning, you can still experience the magic of Ubud efficiently. Here’s your perfect one day itinerary in Ubud, written to make the most of every minute and make you want to come back for more.
If you're staying outside Ubud, aim to arrive before 8AM to beat the traffic and enjoy Ubud while it’s still calm and cool. Starting your day early is the smartest way to maximize your Ubud day tour, capturing the golden sunrise over rice paddies and temples for an unforgettable Bali experience.
Start your morning with a light trek along Campuhan Ridge Walk, one of the things to do in Ubud. This iconic trail offers sweeping views of lush valleys and palm-lined hills. The walk is gentle, only around 2 km round trip, and takes about 30-45 minutes depending on how often you stop for photos.
It’s the perfect way to warm up your body and spirit before exploring deeper into Ubud.
After your morning walk, head to Abisena Wellness and Resort Ubud for a nourishing breakfast – overlooking the jungle views. A classic buttermilk waffle with crispy chicken hits different in an open-air pavilion surrounded by nature. It’s the ideal energy boost for your one day trip in Ubud.
Check Abisena Wellness and Resort Ubud’s breakfast menu here for wholesome options that energize you for your day ahead.
After a hearty breakfast, you’re all geared up and ready to visit the famous Ubud Monkey Forest, just 10 minutes from Abisena Wellness and Resort Ubud. Here, you’ll meet families of playful long-tailed macaques roaming freely among ancient temples and banyan trees.
Allocate about 1-1.5 hours to walk around, observe their social interactions, and snap memorable photos.
P.S. Hold your belongings tight. The monkeys are cute but curious!
Feeling a little tired? Well, it’s the perfect time for a cup of coffee! And what better way to wake up your senses than in Ubud, where you can sip the world-famous Luwak coffee with verdant valleys as your backdrop.
30 minutes is enough to stop by, take pictures with cute civets and watch the traditional way of roasting coffee beans, order a tasting menu for the ultimate coffee experience in Bali, snap a pic or two, and refresh before lunch.
After a day of exploring, you deserve a little moment of indulgence just in time for lunch. Habitat Bistro Ubud is one of the places to find the tastiest Italian comfort food in town for a quick recharge. And perhaps, a delightful sip of a well-deserved afternoon cocktail while overlooking the Ubud canopies.
No one day trip to Ubud is complete without seeing Tegalalang Rice Terrace, just 20 minutes north of Abisena. Wander along the rice fields paths, take photos of iconic tiered landscapes, and watch farmers trending to their crops. Spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour here before your next stop.
Afterwards, go to Tirta Empul Temple. It’s known for its holy spring water purification rituals. It’s a spiritual place where locals and visitors cleanse themselves in cool spring water for blessings and purification. Allocate 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore, and if you wish, participate in the cleansing ceremony.
Return to Abisena Wellness and Resort Ubud for an afternoon yoga session in their tranquil open-air studio, surrounded by soothing jungle. If you prefer to relax, book a traditional Balinese message or flower bath at their eco-friendly spa to refresh your body and soul before dinner.
As the sun sets and jungle sounds intensify, settle in for a romantic dinner at Abisena Wellness and Resort Ubud. They offer a private lantern-lit pavilion for a romantic dinner experience, complete with Balinese melodies and candlelight.
If you’re staying overnight, take a short stroll around Ubud Town. Many cafes remain open for late-night desserts or herbal teas, and you can shop for last-minute crafts or souvenirs at small boutiques before they close.
End your day back at Abisena Wellness and Resort Ubud. Take a warm shower, listen to the jungle night sounds from your balcony, and sleep peacefully, feeling grateful for a day well spent in Ubud Bali.
Yes, central Ubud is walkable with cafes, markets, and attractions nearby. However, visiting sites like Tegalalang or Tirta Empul requires a car or scooter as they’re spread out.
Ubud is famous for its artistic heritage, rice terraces, yoga retreats, traditional dance, Monkey Forest, and wellness resorts like Abisena Wellness and Resort Ubud that combine nature with rejuvenation.
Try walking lesser-known trails, joining traditional cooking classes, visiting local markets at dawn, or meditating at quieter temples away from main roads. Staying at Abisena Wellness and Resort also offers non-tourisity experiences like private yoga and jungle treks.
For tips about non-touristy things to do in Ubud, read this article.
Absolutely! Even with just one day in Ubud, you can experience its natural beauty, spiritual energy, cultural sites, and culinary treasures. However, many visitors find themselves for longer stays.
