How to Explore Ubud Bali in Just One Day – Your Complete Itinerary for a Fun Getaway

Bali is all about culture, nature, and heritage. It used to be one of those places that people didn’t yet know. Due largely to its natural and cultural assets, however, Bali has become one of the most frequented places in Indonesia. While it’s not inherently bad, if you’re someone who likes to see the authentic side of a destination, you might be hard-pressed to find it here. But don’t worry; there’s one spot where you can find it: Ubud, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. 

Good to Know 

Before you plan your one-day itinerary, it’s good to know some of these essential tips. 

• Best time to go: The dry season from April to October is the best time to visit, but the wet season has its own unique appeal, complemented by fewer crowds and low accommodation rates. 
• What to wear: You’ll be walking around a lot, so wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothes to withstand the hot and humid weather. You might want some modest clothing for when visiting religious sites. 
• Health: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and wear sunscreen. 
• Getting around: There are scooters and taxis – take your pick! 
• Money: IDR is the local currency. Bring some cash for small purchases. 
• Accommodation: It is best not to skimp on accommodation and choose a place close to tourist attractions. This is easily done. Luckily for you, the sector of hotel real estate in Ubud, Bali is diverse, which includes places such as Anantara Ubud Bali Villas. 

Start Your Trip Early 

You have only a day, so you better make the most of it. Start your day early and head to Ubud. If you’re coming from popular tourist hotspots like Kuta or Seminyak, it might take about an hour to get here, depending on traffic. You can be sure that the journey is going to be scenic, with paddy fields and coconut trees lining the roads. Make a stop along the way for a delicious Bali-style breakfast. 

Campuhan Ridge Walk

This is one of the shortest hikes you can enjoy during your limited time in Ubud. It’s not a round trip, so you’ll come back the same way to the starting point. It’s about four kilometres, which you can cover within an hour. Don’t rush it though; remember to pace yourself, enjoy the scenery, and take a picture or two. It’s best to start the hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat. 

Ubud Palace

Your next stop: Ubud Royal Palace! From the Campuhan Ridge Walk, it takes only five minutes to get here. The palace goes back to the early 1800s, and there’s no admission fee! The architecture is stunning, and there’s plenty to take pictures of. The palace is not a sprawling complex by any means, so you don’t need a lot of time here. There’s no strict dress code but stick to modest clothing. 

Chainwit., Ubud Palace (2022), CC BY-SA 4.0 

Ubud Market

The market is just opposite the palace, so you can get here in no time. It’s always busy with tourists looking for the perfect gift to take home. There are beautiful rattan products you might want to get hold of. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, a visit to this market is a must just to see local life unfold. If you’re hungry, you’ll find plenty of eateries by the side of the road. 

Monkey Forest Ubud

Your next destination is the Monkey Forest. From the market, it takes barely five minutes to get here. This place is a bit touristy now, but don’t let that put you off; it’s still a scenic place to visit. The forest spreads over 12 hectares, so you’ll need a few hours to explore. There are about 700 Balinese monkeys here. They’re used to humans, but they love to snatch mobile phones, hats, and sunglasses. Keep everything zipped up in your bag, and do not take any food with you – there’s absolutely nothing you can do to stop them from pinching your food. 

Tegenungan Waterfall

One of the most stunning spots in Ubud, Tegenungan Waterfall is next in your day’s itinerary. No matter when you visit, there will always be throngs of tourists, but the waterfall is a must-visit. You can take a swim in the pool, and don’t forget to take some pictures. Plus, there’s a swing at the top of the waterfall.