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).
Bali’s Most Incredible Waterfalls To Visit From Ubud
Munduk Waterfalls
Munduk area is a nice cooler mountain area with lots of trekking trails and waterfalls to explore.
GitGit, Aling Aling, Cemara, Twin waterfalls are just a few you can add to your trek. Make sure to bring your swimsuit as pretty much all the Bali waterfalls have icy natural pools at the bottom.
Tibumana Waterfall
A lesser known waterfall surrounded by tropical rainforest, with a trek leading you through bamboo bridges, forest trails, rock carvings and statues, and some steep steps.
Not to worry, the trek is short and there are also plenty of cafes in the area to rest afterwards. The best time to visit is before 10am to avoid crowds and sun.
Where Is It? Jl. Setra Agung, Apuan, Kec. Susut, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80661
Tegenungan Waterfall
A beautiful waterfall with rocky cascades and a large natural pool. The spot is super popular among domestic and international tourists and there are lots of view points and cafes overlooking the valley for those who don’t want to get wet.
Where Is It? Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
A unique wide waterfall cascade and a natural pool. You can climb up and sit on one of the natural rock “steps” of this waterfall to cool yourself down after the short trail through the forest.
However, due to its natural beauty, this waterfall gets crowded during the day and people may wait in line to take a picture.
Where Is It? Jl. Kaliasem lingk.kelod kangin, Beng, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80513
Grudugan Waterfall
Grudugan waterfall is one of the hidden gems not far from Ubud. It is literally hidden, as you need to first walk aroun 10 minutes through the forest, and then pass through a narrow cave with ankle-high water level to get to it.
Come any time of the day, it is shielded from the sun, and there will be rarely anyone besides you.
Where Is It? H98G+CJ, Jehem, Tembuku, Bangli Regency, Bali
To be fair, Bali has so many absolutely gorgeous waterfalls, it would be impossible to list them all. However, local guides often have combo day trips from Ubud covering a few of the most scenic ones.
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!
Goa Gaja Elephant Cave Temple
Goa Gaja is one of the oldest Hindu temples on the island – founded in the 11th century by one of the first priests who introduced Hinduism to Balinese people.
The complex includes bathing pools with fountains for purification rituals, ponds, small waterfall, well-kept gardens, religious statues, and the small temple carved in the rocky formation with an impressive entrance.
It is an archaeological site and the temple caretakers will be happy to tell you stories about the place and show the remains of some older statues and buildings.
Where Is It? Jalan Raya Goa Gajah No.99 Kemenuh Sukawati, Pejeng Kawan, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582
Goa Lawah Temple
A similar temple, also built in 11th century, Goa Lawah Or Bat Cave, occupies a cave filled with thousands of large bats that have been nesting there for centuries.
The experience is absolutely otherworldly and if you’re not scared of the bats, a must-see cultural and historical site for your Ubud day trips.
It sits next to the East coast and there is a beach right in front of it where you can chill afterwards. Add this temple as a stop when heading to explore East Bali.
Where Is It? CFX9+9GG, Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Kec. Dawan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80761
Pura Gunung Kawi Temple Complex
Hindu temple complex and funerary site built in 11th century with bathing pools for rituals, religious statues, 10 stone shrines carved into 7-meter cliff niches, ponds, and gardens.
This complex is also called The Valley of The Balinese Kings as the stone shrines and monuments are dedicated to different Balinese kings, their queens and children.
You will definitely need a local guide if you wan to ask questions and learn the history of the kings.
Where Is It? Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80511
Pura Tirta Empul Temple Complex
The most popular Hindu temple for tourists to do the water purification and blessing ritual – Melukat – is Tirta empul temple.
It is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of Water, and its bathing pools for ritual have holy springs water and are filled with large koi fish used to swimming around humans stepping into the holy waters.
For spiritual people from all over the world it is quite a pilgrimage site so it gets crowded.
Where Is It? Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552
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
Klungkung Royal Palace
A tragic historic site with one of the best kept art and architecture of royal palaces in Bali. Klungkung palace was one of the last standing on the way of Dutch colonial invasion and the royal family members as well as elite performed mass suicide to avoid being taken by invaders.
It is still a standing reminder of the strength of Balinese people and horrors they went through.
The complex itself is a way lesser known tourist attraction but has rich history, interesting art pieces to explore, a memorial, and a new royal house where the ancestors still keep all the photos and stories from the past centuries.
Where Is It? Klungkung Royal Palace, JL. Diponegoro, Semarapura Kangin, 80751 Bali, Indonesia, Central Semarapura, Klungkung, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80761
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
The enchanting town and hills around the lakes up north are often covered with clouds and offer a nice breezy break from hot South.
Located in central bali, this area is famous for its water temple, strawberries farms, gold resort, hikes, and Botanical garden. The main attraction is the scenic Hindu temple – Beratan Temple sitting on the lake shore with gardens and cafes.
It is easier to reach with a private car, and all attractions will have proper car park.
Where Is It? Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191
Uluwatu Beach Hopping Day Trips from Ubud
ATV, Waterparks, rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, hiking the mountains – all are possible during your Bali day tours from Ubud. There are many rivers and canyons in the northern part of Bali but only the tour guide will be able to find the best for your fitness level and preferences. Some are even kid-friendly.
Southeast Asia best water park – Waterbom is in Kuta, which is a few hours drive from Ubud, is a place where kids and adults can easily spend a whole day. They have a huge territory with dozens of activities and slides.
Book adventures with our local partners – Bali Res Center.
Nusa Penida
A short boat ride from Bali’s east coast – 3 picturesque islands: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida. All are famous for laid-back vacation vibes, white sand beaches, and amazing day tours for snorkelling, diving, and surfing.
Before getting on the boat, make sure to stop by another hidden gem on the way to the port – Blue Lagoon beach where you can relax and snorkle.
The most beautiful sights to see at Nusa Penida are Klinging beach aka T-rex beach, Manta bay to see big mantas, Crystal Bay to spot Mola Mola fish, Goa Giri Putri Temple in a cave, and Diamond beach.
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
