Ubud Bali Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary, Must-See Attractions & How to Get There [2025]

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Takuma Oka (岡 拓馬)

こんにちは、岡 拓馬（おか たくま）です。
このブログでは、海外ノマド×SEO×ストック収入をテーマに、自分の経験や学びを発信しています。

高校卒業後は料理人としてスタートし、その後、航空自衛隊での勤務を経て、2016年からWebライター・SEOコンサルタントとして独立。現在は、海外の外資系企業と契約しながら、フルリモートで働いています。拠点はアジア各国を転々としており、最近はベトナムやタイ、マレーシア、フィリピンなどでノマド生活をしています。

執筆者

Nestled in the heart of Bali, Ubud is a charming cultural hub surrounded by lush rice terraces, sacred temples, and artisan markets. While most travelers visit Bali for its beaches, Ubud offers a completely different side of the island—peaceful, spiritual, and deeply rooted in tradition.

In this guide, I’ll share my recommended 1-day itinerary for exploring Ubud’s highlights, including the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Market, and the Monkey Forest Sanctuary. You’ll also find practical tips on transportation, admission fees, and how to make the most of your visit.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning a romantic honeymoon, Ubud is a place where you can reconnect with nature and discover the true essence of Bali.

Discover the Charm of Ubud: A Perfect 1-Day Itinerary

Located in central Bali, Ubud is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. The area is known for its lush landscapes, art villages, and peaceful atmosphere that attracts both locals and international travelers—especially Europeans seeking tranquility and nature.

In this itinerary, I’ll introduce a 1-day plan that lets you explore Ubud’s most famous attractions efficiently while still enjoying its relaxing vibe.

Here’s a quick overview of the suggested schedule:

Time	Activity
10:00–13:00	Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and enjoy lunch with a scenic view
14:00–15:30	Shop for souvenirs at the Ubud Market
16:00–17:20	Take photos and interact with monkeys at the Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Visit the UNESCO-Listed Tegallalang Rice Terraces

One of the most iconic sights in Ubud is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape. These lush, green terraces stretch across the hillsides and showcase Bali’s ancient subak irrigation system—a traditional farming method that has sustained local communities for centuries.

The scenery is often compared to Japan’s rice terraces, but Bali’s tropical landscape—with its tall palm trees and vibrant greenery—creates a unique and exotic atmosphere. Farmers work year-round here, so no matter when you visit, you’ll likely witness some part of the rice-growing process.

Things to Do at the Rice Terraces

• Try the famous “Bali Swing” — a thrilling experience that lets you soar over the rice fields and capture those Instagram-worthy shots.
• Dress in traditional Balinese farmer attire — available for rent at nearby stalls for memorable photos.
• Take a leisurely walk — follow the trails that weave through the terraces and soak in the tranquil beauty.

Time Needed

Plan to spend about one hour exploring the terraces. The terrain can be steep and tiring, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water.

How to Get There

The best way to reach Tegallalang is by taxi or motorbike.
You can use Grab to get there, but note that return rides are often unavailable due to limited service coverage in the area.
Instead, negotiate a price with a local taxi driver before starting your trip—this will help you avoid being overcharged later.

From Ngurah Rai International Airport, it takes about two hours by car to reach Ubud, so plan your schedule accordingly.

Have Lunch at “By Café” with a View of the Rice Terraces

After exploring the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, it’s the perfect time to take a break and enjoy a relaxing lunch.
Located right above the rice fields, By Café offers one of the most stunning panoramic views in Ubud. You can dine while overlooking the UNESCO-listed terraces and feel the gentle tropical breeze as you eat.

What makes By Café unique is its fully vegetarian menu—no meat or poultry is served. This reflects Ubud’s growing trend of health-conscious and eco-friendly dining. Even if you’re not vegetarian, the dishes are flavorful and satisfying.

Recommended dish: The café’s signature lasagna is a must-try, made with fresh local ingredients and perfectly baked to a golden finish.

By Café – Information

• Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang No.5758, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
• Tel: (0361) 9084718
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Closed: None
• Budget: Around ¥500 (USD $3–4)
• Note: Currently temporarily closed (check Google Maps for updates before visiting).

Shop for Souvenirs at Ubud Market

If you love browsing local crafts and souvenirs, Ubud Market is the perfect place to visit.
Located in the heart of the town, this bustling open-air market is filled with colorful stalls selling handmade items, Balinese art, and traditional goods at surprisingly affordable prices.

The most popular souvenirs here are woven rattan bags (called ata bags), beautifully crafted from local materials. You’ll also find wood carvings, sarongs, dreamcatchers, silver jewelry, and other unique handicrafts that make great gifts or keepsakes.

Tips for Enjoying the Market

• Take your time—just walking around is fun! The market’s lively energy and narrow aisles are an experience in themselves.
• Don’t forget to bargain. Prices are often set high for tourists, but polite negotiation is expected and welcomed.
• Visit in the morning if you want to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds.

Time Needed

Set aside at least one hour if you plan to shop or compare prices among different vendors.

How to Get There

The Ubud Market is located right in the town center, just a short walk from most guesthouses and cafes.
If you’re returning from the rice terraces, tell your driver:

“Please take me to Ubud Market.”

From there, you can easily explore the surrounding streets on foot, filled with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.

Meet the Monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

No trip to Ubud is complete without visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to over 600 long-tailed macaques.
Located in the southern part of Ubud, this lush forest area combines nature, culture, and spirituality, as it’s also home to three ancient Hindu temples protected by the monkeys themselves.

For Balinese people, monkeys are sacred animals believed to guard the temples. That’s why they are treated with great respect—and roam freely within the sanctuary.

Things to Do at Monkey Forest

• Take memorable photos surrounded by playful monkeys (staff can help you safely pose with them).
• Feed the monkeys using fruit or snacks sold inside the park—never bring outside food.
• Explore the temples and forest paths, where you’ll see moss-covered statues and hanging vines that make the area feel mystical.

Important Rules

To ensure both your safety and the monkeys’ wellbeing, keep these three rules in mind:

1. Do not feed them with outside food.
2. Avoid direct eye contact—they may see it as a challenge.
3. Keep small belongings secured, as monkeys love to “borrow” sunglasses or phones!

Time Needed

Plan to spend about one hour here. Even beyond the monkeys, the lush greenery and ancient ruins make it a peaceful spot to walk around.

How to Get There

The sanctuary is within walking distance from central Ubud—about a 20-minute walk from Ubud Market.
If you prefer convenience, you can also take a Grab car or motorbike taxi directly to the entrance.

Entrance fee: Approx. ¥400 (USD $2–3)
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Closed: None

How to Get to Ubud

As mentioned earlier, Ubud is located inland, far from Bali’s coastal resorts. Getting there requires a bit of planning, but it’s absolutely worth the effort once you arrive.

The most convenient and cost-effective way to reach Ubud is by using Grab, Bali’s popular ride-hailing app. It’s reliable, affordable, and allows you to avoid aggressive touts and overpricing at the airport.

When you arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), ignore the drivers clustered around the arrival gate and simply open the Grab app to book your ride directly.

Estimated Fares

• Taxi: ¥2,500–¥3,000 (USD $15–20) one way
• Motorbike taxi: Around ¥1,000 (USD $6–7)

The ride takes about two hours, depending on traffic. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages and scenic countryside views—giving you a glimpse of Bali’s rural life before arriving in the heart of Ubud.

If you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can also book a private driver for a day, which costs around USD $30–40. This option is great if you plan to visit multiple attractions in one trip.

Conclusion: Why Ubud Should Be on Your Bali Itinerary

With its year-round warm climate (around 25°C / 77°F on average) and laid-back atmosphere, Ubud offers a refreshing contrast to Bali’s busy beach resorts. Surrounded by rice terraces, rainforests, and temples, it’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking peace, culture, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re here for a day trip or a longer stay, Ubud has something for everyone—from adventurous swings and lush landscapes to spiritual temples and cozy vegetarian cafés.

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, make sure to spend at least one full day in Ubud. You’ll discover that this small inland town captures the very soul of Bali—its harmony between nature, art, and spirituality.

So pack your camera, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready for one of the most unforgettable cultural experiences in Indonesia.