How to Spend 3 Days in Ubud

Three days in Ubud gives you time to discover the town, explore the natural wonders around it—and perhaps delve a little further into central Bali, or head north. In addition to experiencing the classic Ubud delights of temples, rice fields, rivers, and waterfalls, you can also venture out to Mt. Batur volcano, tube down canyons, or meet a real live shaman. Here’s how.

Day 1: Temples and Rice Fields

Spend your first day in Ubud discovering what made the town famous: its beautiful temples and stunning rice fields. Don’t miss the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, in the heart of town, and consider joining a tour that covers further temples such as Taman Ayun or Tanah Lot. Explore the rice terraces with a camera, on foot, on bike, or even by ATV: a guide can explain the ancient system that governs them. Don’t miss a chance to discover Bali’s spectacular cuisine, whether as part of a cooking class with a local family, on a food tour, or in an authentic local restaurant.

Day 2: Rivers, Waterfalls, and Hot Springs

On your second day in Ubud, delve deeper into the area’s natural wonders. Get the day off to an adrenaline-filled start with a white-water rafting trip down the Ayung River, which races through a gorge to the north of town. Take the opportunity to swim—or pose for photos—in waterfalls such as Tegenungan, or join a tour that combines waterfalls and hot springs. Learn about coffee and sample different styles of java at a coffee plantation, or swing high above the jungle on one of the area’s giant swings. Wrap up the day with a treatment at a Balinese spa.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures

Ubud makes a great base for exploring the heart of Bali—and its less-visited north. A classic day trip is the sunrise climb of Mt. Batur volcano, complete with a breakfast cooked in volcanic steam. Alternatively, discover the fine art of canyoneering, splash among the waterfalls of north Bali, snorkel pristine reef at Padangbai, or capture the selfie of a lifetime at the “Gates of Heaven” in Lempuyang Temple. Closer to home, shop for souvenirs from wood carvings to paintings at the craft villages around Ubud, or discover the world of Balinese healing over a session with a shaman. Round off your visit with a gourmet dinner at one of Ubud’s modern Indonesian restaurants.