Town, temples, rice terraces, waterfalls and a volcano sunrise — a relaxed but complete three days.
By Bali ExplorerUpdated 11 September 20267 min read
Three days is the sweet spot for Ubud: long enough to see the town, the rice terraces, the temples and the waterfalls, and to fit in a Mount Batur sunrise, without feeling rushed. Here's how to structure it so you're not criss-crossing the area — one town day, one driver day for the spread-out sights, and one early start.
The plan:Day 1 central Ubud on foot (Monkey Forest, market, palace, evening dance). Day 2 a driver day for rice terraces, waterfalls and temples. Day 3 Mount Batur sunrise trek — or a slow wellness morning if you'd rather sleep in.
Day 1 — Central Ubud on foot
The town at a walking pace
Keep it local and low-key on arrival day:
Morning: the Sacred Monkey Forest, then wander the centre — Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple's lotus pond.
Afternoon: the Ubud Art Market for sarongs and souvenirs, then the Campuhan Ridge Walk in the golden late-afternoon light.
Evening: a traditional Legong or Kecak dance at the palace, then dinner in town.
Day 2 — Rice terraces, waterfalls & temples
A driver day through the countryside
The big sights are spread out, so hire a private driver for the day and loop them:
Early: Tegallalang Rice Terraces before the crowds.
Late morning: a waterfall or two — Tegenungan, Tibumana or Kanto Lampo.
Afternoon: the holy spring temple Tirta Empul and the rock-cut shrines at Gunung Kawi.
Wear proper shoes for the waterfall paths and bring a sarong for the temples.
Day 2 links the rice terraces, waterfalls and temples in one driver-led loop. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (CC).
Day 3 — Sunrise or slow down
Your choice of finish
Two great ways to end, depending on your energy:
Active: a Mount Batur sunrise trek — a pre-dawn (2–3am) start to hike an active volcano for sunrise above the clouds, back by late morning.
Relaxed: a wellness morning — yoga at the Yoga Barn, a long Balinese massage, or a cooking class starting with a market tour.
Either way, keep the afternoon free for a last café, a swim, or shopping in the craft villages.
Yes — three days covers central Ubud and the Monkey Forest, a day on the rice terraces, temples and waterfalls, and a Mount Batur sunrise or a wellness morning, without rushing.
What is the best order to see Ubud in?
Start in town (Monkey Forest, market, a dance), then use a driver day for the spread-out sights (rice terraces, waterfalls, temples), and save an early start for Mount Batur sunrise or a relaxed wellness day to finish.
Do you need a car or driver in Ubud?
Central Ubud is walkable, but the rice terraces, waterfalls and temples are a 20–60 minute drive out, so a private driver for a day (or Grab/Gojek) makes the most of your time.
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