Ubud village is Bali’s cultural capital, home to a stunning royal palace, ancient temples, local arts and crafts, and amazing local restaurants serving healthy food.
Once you’ve explored all the Ubud’s surroundings like Ubud Monkey Forest and nearby waterfalls and taken a few pictures on the Bali swing, you are ready to venture further. Ubud central location makes it equally easy to reach South, North, or East Bali on a single day trip.
Here are some of the most memorable day trips from Ubud you should include in your Bali itinerary.
A Few Tips To Make The Most Out of Your Day Trips From Ubud
Find a local English-speaking driver and tour guide. Locals know all the hidden spots and best local restaurants to grab lunch and access to the attractions.
Most of the temples and natural attractions have an entrance fee. Prepare cash to pay it. However, when you book a trip in advance, all the fees are already included.
Going to South Bali, leave early to avoid traffic jams, especially if you’re heading towards Canggu or Uluwatu.
Beautiful temples may be closed for visits on big ceremonial days and for females during menstruation. Dress appropriately.
Temples are very popular among both domestic and foreign tourists. Arrive early to avoid long lines to get a ticket and crowds inside.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Tegalalang rice terraces are located roughly half an hour north of Ubud centre and it is probably the most popular Ubud day tour, which you can combine with taking photos on a swing or a zipline.
It is a nice stroll through the paddies, you can observe local farmers work on the fields, and grab a local lunch in a nearby cafe with the view of the valley.
It is best to combine your visit to the terraces with some nearby waterfalls.
Penglipuran Village
Stunning traditional Balinese village showcasing hand,ade goods, art, and Balinese architecture. It is famous for immaculate paved streets and organized residential block and temples, and is the most beautiful village in Bali.
Some residents will be happy to show you their houses and the ways of how Balinese families live.
The best time to visit this village is during Balinese new year and big ceremonies like Galungan and Kuningan (celebration of ancestors), when it will be abundantly decorated. You can plan your next visit accordingly.
Canggu Day Trip
Gather your friends and head to Canggu – the epicentre of the nomad scene with beaches, pretty cafes, and boutique and souvenir shops lined along the streets. A must-do here is a morning surfing session with a local surf instructor!
The crown of the Canggu trip is to splurge on the ultimate relaxation and party at the world’s best beach club – FINNS.
There we kept ordering delicious snacks, swam in all the pools, sat in the pool bar chatting for a whole hour, and danced after sunset. That was definitely a highlight of the friends’ gathering.
FINNS Beach Club: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Tanah Lot Temple
The best time to visit Tanah lot temple is sunset without a doubt.
The complex is actually huge, and to reach it you will first walk down a paved alley with local craft and souvenir shops. Once you reach the temple ground, you can walk around the park, visit all the small temples on the territory, and head to the main temple on the rock – sitting right by the shore.
The brave souls can take a picture on the rocks with waves splashing around them during sunset.
Unesco World Heritage Site – Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Green rice terraces are a natural beauty of the island and produce one of the best rice kinds we eat in Bali.
But Jatiluwih is not just that, it is also a part of the big protected region of an old fields irrigation system called subak that makes sure all the rice fields get water from the mountains.
Strolling or cycling along paths in Jatiluwih rice terraces you will meet local farmers, and rice and treats vendors, and you will see wild cacao, coffee, and vanilla plants. Take the longest trekking route the enjoy the maximum of the stunning landscapes.
Amed Snorkelling & Diving & East Bali Day Trips
Amed is snorkelling and scuba diving heaven on the East coast of Bali. Quiet Balinese villages, shallow calm waters, breathtaking views of the active volcano – Mount Agung and lush hills – this is Amed.
Rent a cheap snorkeling gear in a nearby cafe and just a few steps from the shore you will be able to enjoy coral reefs, turtles, tropical fish, and the further you go, the more beautiful it gets – there is even a WWII shipreck in the area.
Jemeluk and Amed Beaches are best for snorkeling right in Amed, and Virgin beach, not too far from Amed is also a cool spot for swimming. For diving it is best to go further in the ocean.
Combine water adventures with cultural experience and visit Lempuyang Temple’s Gate of Heaven to get the famous photo with the Gates of Heaven.
Dolphin Watching, North Bali
The best place in Bali to witness dolphin families in the wild is Lovina beach up in the Northern Bali. The area is know for calm clear waters, beautiful sunsets, proximity to mountains, growing wine grapes (yep, Bali has wine!), and water sports.
There are many tour companies offering dolphin watching, and even your accommodation can arrange for you to combine it with some snorkeling.
If you have time, spend a couple of days in the North and make a trip to the National Park to see deer, monkeys and plants you can not find anywhere in Bali or stay in a nice resort with private hot springs (like Mimpi Resort Menjangan).
Cacao & Coffee Plantation Visits
Cooler and more humid northern Bali has many coffee plantations but only a few offer guided tours and tasting.
Your best bet is to do a tour, as most of the farms do not accept walk-in visitors. You can also head to places like Desa Coklat or Secret Garden in the Tabanan area of Bali and do a little tour or join a chocolate making class.
For learning about coffee making process, Talasi coffee plantation is a secluded spot up in the Batukaru mountains.
Coffee farms like Segara Windhu Coffee Plantation will be able to do a tour and explain the process and history of Luwak coffee.
Mount Batur Sunrise Tour
For adventure lovers of any level, a 4-hour Batur hike to watch the sun rise from the top of the volcano is one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will start the trek while it is still dark and once you reach the view point, you will be served a warm breakfast with a view.
Many sunrise tours will also include some other activities in the Kintamani area – the mountain area with lakes, waterfalls, coffee plantations, and hot springs. The valley is also a popular destination for dirt biking!
Tirta Gangga Water Palace & Karangasem Regency
The complex is what Balinese Versaille would look like: intricate fountains, lush gardens, and shimmering natural pools with koi fishes and lotuses. It belongs to the King of Karangasem. There are 3 levels of gardens and ponds, and a pool dedicated for swimming.
We recommend combining the visit to Tirta Gangga with exploring Karangasem. Karangasem was one of the wealthy kingdoms in old Bali days, just like Ubud.
Apart from Tirta Gangga, there are plenty of cultural and historical sites worth visiting iKarangasem, like Besakih temple, hike the highest peak in Bali – Agung, one of the best dive sites Tulamben, and Tenganan village – one of the traditional villages in Bali known for textile and gamelan music (metallophones).
Where Is It? HHQQ+836, Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat Jl. Raya Tirta Gangga, Ababi, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Besakih Temple
Besakih or Mother temple on the slope of the Mount Agung is a 2000-year old temple in Bali, or precisely a complex of 23 temples. It is also the crucial temple for Balinese Hinduism.
Sitting high above the sea level, the temple ground spans 6 levels on the mountain slope. The temple survived a few volcano eruptions which is considered to be a God’s sign by Balinese Hindu.
The best time to visit is the annual festival to honor the anniversary of the temple, which happens every 210 days according to the Balinese calendar.
Where Is It? Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863
Final Thoughts On Day Trips From Ubud, Bali
Exploring Balinese culture and nature brings unforgettable memories and it is a bucket-list kinda thing.
If you want a more premium experience, hire a private driver and let him take you around Bali’s most famous temples, waterfalls, and local eateries (aka warungs).
If travelling alone, join a group day tour to make friends and find companions for your next adventure. In any case, beautiful scenery, introduction to Balinese art and lifestyle are guaranteed to not disappoint.
Read more: 17 Best Day Trips From Canggu You Can’t Miss Exploring Bali
