Best Day Trip Destinations from Ubud: Exploring Beyond Ubud (Bali, Indonesia)
Ubud is a small town located in the central region of Bali, Indonesia - a destination for tourists from all around the world for its diverse cultural and natural attractions. Geographically, the location of Ubud is perfect to base your stay because you can get to any point of the island in less than 3 hours. I’ve compiled a list of some of the top day excursions from Ubud for you to consider during your visit to the area. Just hop in a car or on a scooter and be on your way to a fulfilling excursion!
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How to Get to Ubud from the Airport
The international airport of Bali, Indonesia, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport or Denpasar International Airport, is located in the Southern region of the island of Bali in the capital city of Denpasar. There are two main routes from the airport to Ubud; via JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai or via JI. Imam Bonjol. Both routes can take anywhere from 1-2 hours one-way depending on traffic which is heaviest in the mornings and evenings. Get directions on Google Maps.
The best and most convenient source of transportation to get you from the airport to Ubud is by taxi though you do have a few more transportation options depending on your budget:
Private Taxi
By far the most abundant, trustworthy, and easy option to get around Bali is to grab a taxi. Many accommodations in Ubud will offer to schedule a pickup for you or you can go to the Taxi counters at the airport to get one after your arrival. Have enough Indonesia Rupiah on you for this option! Taxis can cost anywhere from 500K-900K IDR on average ($20-$60 USD).
Grab
An alternative option to a taxi is utilizing the Grab App (the Asia equivalent to Uber and Lyft) to get a ride from the airport to Ubud immediately. There is no need for cash with this option but you are a little more stuck with the price the app gives you. With a taxi, you may be able to better come to an agreement on the price for the ride with your driver.
Bus
While there are no direct bus stops at the Denpasar Airport, you can catch a Grab or walk to the nearest bus stop in Kuta to catch a bus to a drop-off point in Ubud. There are 2 top options - Kura Kura Bus and Perama Tour. This option can cost anywhere from 100K-200K IDR on average ($7-$14 USD). Note that these buses typically drop off in Ubud at a central location so you may need further transportation to get to your accommodation after you have been dropped off.
Hotel Shuttle
Some larger hotels and resorts have shuttle buses that transport their guests from the airport straight to their accommodations. This is typically a more cost-effective option though may not be ideal for everyone given the circumstances of this transportation.
Scooter Rental
If you have minimal luggage and are already confident and eligible to drive a scooter, then this could be an option for you! Companies like BIKAGO and Dewa Motor Bali Rental can drop off a scooter at the airport for you to pick up and they will also meet you there again at the end of your trip.
NOTE: As of May 2023, the Balinese Government has issued a new proposed law for tourists renting scooters. This law would not allow tourist rentals anymore without an International Motorcycle License and only rent from registered agencies. The latest update I could find on this topic was by The Bali Sun which you can read about here. It seems the government has taken the first steps to put these laws into effect but could already be cracking down on this. My recommendation is to hire private drivers and taxis as this is the safest form of transport anyways.
How to Get Around Bali
The best way to get around Bali is by a private taxi/driver or scooter.
All over Ubud on the side of the roads, you can find taxi drivers and many of them also offer day tour driving for a set price. Simply ask if they offer this service, check their availability and price, and schedule a day with them to one of the amazing Bali day trip destinations listed below!
You can also rent scooters from local suppliers across Bali. They are easy to find (especially around Ubud) - look for signs for scooters to rent and you can quickly be on your way on your own for a reasonable price. Sometimes depending on where you are staying, your hosts can also help arrange this if you ask!
NOTE: As of May 2023, the Balinese Government has issued a new proposed law for tourists renting scooters. This law would not allow tourist rentals anymore without an International Motorcycle License and only rent from registered agencies. The latest update I could find on this topic was by The Bali Sun which you can read about here. It seems the government has taken the first steps to put these laws into effect but could already be cracking down on this. My recommendation is to hire private drivers and taxis as this is the safest form of transport anyways.
Where to Stay in Ubud
Ubud being the popular and affordable destination that it is, means the city is packed with a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury, homestays to resorts. There is something for everyone! Here are some top accommodations in Ubud, Bali for every budget. (You can also read my blog post with 15 Incredible Hotels & Villas for Every Budget in Ubud). (❤︎ = I stayed here & loved it!)
Hostels in Ubud
Pillow Inn Ubud is best for solo travelers looking to socialize and meet new, like-minded travelers.
Arya Wellness Retreat is a females-only hostel with wellness and community at its core.
The Wayan House is a traditional Balinese-style hostel with the option of dorms or private rooms with a terrace, wifi, AC, and a community pool.
Budget Guesthouses in Ubud
Bali Moon Guesthouse is a family-owned Balinese-style guesthouse adjacent to rice fields with mountain views, large terraces, and free breakfast every morning. ❤︎
Umah Dangin Guest House is a highly rated, small Ubud accommodation near rice fields and the cultural Ubud Centre.
Suka’s House Bed & Breakfast is located a short walk from one of Ubud’s most beautiful rice terraces - Kajeng Rice Fields.
Mid-Range Hotels in Ubud
Prabhu Ubud Villa (pictured above) was the very first villa that we stayed in during our first time in Ubud. It has held a special place in my heart not only for the cozy rooms, rice field views, shared pool, and in-room breakfast included every morning - but the relationships built with the owners and staff here. ❤︎
Villa Sonia Bisma is a gem of a hotel tucked away between Bisma and Monkey Forest in the heart of Ubud. These pristine and ultra-comfortable rooms have private balconies, large bathrooms, and views of Monkey Forest Sanctuary across the street. ❤︎
Meruhdani Boutique Hotel Ubud boasts affordability in Ubud while offering top-tier services like scooter rentals, island tour arrangements, and bike rentals, and is one of the many Ubud accommodations with a pool.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Ubud
Komaneka at Monkey Forest is another accommodation that I have personally stayed at in Ubud that went above and beyond. Large suites with private, lush balconies, soaking tubs, an infinity pool, incredible staff, and an ideal location. ❤︎
Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites at Monkey Forest is a 5-star hotel where beauty and comfort combine with suite or one-bedroom villa options, a spa, gym, restaurant, and in-room breakfast.
The Udaya Resorts are a tropical, luxury resort located in Northern Ubud away from the traffic and noise. They offer suites and villas - some with private pools, flower baths in their spa, and island tour packages with a trusted local guide.
Best Day Trip Destinations from Ubud
Cities Near Ubud
There are a number of cities around Bali, Indonesia worth visiting but there are a few honorable mentions in terms of location and accessibility from Ubud. If you have more than a day to spend here, do so! Otherwise, you can easily make a simple day trip out of the following Bali towns.
Sanur (~45mins from Ubud)
Sanur is a dreamy, low-key beach town on the Eastern Coast of Bali with soft, sandy beaches, lined with well-pathed boardwalks along the coast, endless water sports, and seaside cafes. Sanur is popular for tourists as a means of escape into a little Bali tropical paradise. Even if you are only visiting for a day, there are some things to do in Sanur such as:
Lounge on Sanur Beach in the morning to watch the local fishermen come and go
Walk around the winding, bustling streets of Sanur
Visit Mertasari Beach
Browse the Santrian Art Gallery
Have lunch at a seaside cafe
I have returned to Sanur 3 times. It is among my favorite beach destinations in Bali.
Canguu (~1hr from Ubud)
Canguu is a West Bali coastal town popular among the expat community and the younger population looking for surf, parties, and community. Canguu is just about an hour’s drive away from Ubud so even if it’s not the vibe you are looking for, it’s an easy day trip to get a taste of why it’s so popular for Bali tourists. Things to do in Canguu include:
Eat at the popular La Brisa restaurant, pool, and beach club destination
Take surfing lessons
Walk around some of the rice terraces in Northern Canguu (down this little road)
Visit the breathtaking Tanah Lot (a short drive from Canguu)
See the sunset at Canguu Beach
Uluwatu (~1.5hrs from Ubud)
To see where stunning, dramatic cliffs meet an ocean filled with surfers, head to Uluwatu! Located in the most Southern regions of Bali, you can get to Uluwatu by car from Ubud in about 1.5-2 hours. This landscape is one worth the drive to see. Check out these things in Uluwatu during a day trip:
Take surfing lessons
Climb down to Suluban Beach - a beach surrounded by limestone cliffs and popular for surfers
Have lunch with views at a cafe above Suluban Beach
Visit Uluwatu Temple - a temple sitting on the edge of a cliff
See a Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple in a unique, beautiful location
Sidemen (~1hr from Ubud)
Heading in a different direction from the other towns already mentioned is the lush, mountainous town of Sidemen. Sidemen embodies picturesque Balinese countryside landscapes - rice terraces, jungles, and volcanoes. There are many outdoor and authentic experiences to have in Sidemen such as:
Trek the Sidemen Rice Terraces
Visit the Tenganan Pegeringsingan Ancient Village for an immersive cultural experience
Wander the Sidemen Street Market
Take a dip at the Gembleng Waterfall
Have a coffee at La Montagne Coffee for epic views of Mt. Agung
Baturiti/Munduk (~1hr 45mins from Ubud)
Located in North-Central Bali are Baturiti and Munduk which are right next to each other and home to some of Bali’s most famous temples and waterfalls. I personally spent a day with my private driver exploring Baturiti coming from Ubud so while it’s one of the longer drives, there is a lot you can fit into a day in this area!
Have lunch at House of Tundra where you will have sweeping landscape views
Walk around the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple located in a crater lake
Stop by Bali Strawberry Farm & Resto or Leon’s Strawberry to pick up some fresh, locally-grown strawberries
Admire the Air Terjun Munduk plunge waterfall and Golden Valley Waterfalls in the rainforest
Watch the sunset from the Munduk Rice Terraces
Guided Tours & Excursions from Ubud
Some destinations require a bit more planning and local guide assistance to visit, but can still be done in a day from Ubud. Here are some guided tours and excursions in Bali.
Image of Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida by Paolo Nicolello of Unsplash
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is an island you’ve probably seen pictures of posted by influencers as a must-visit destination from Bali - and for good reason! Its picturesque landscape calls crowds year-round. The good thing is it is easy to get to with the help of numerous tour boat agencies that depart from the Bali coast offering round-trip day excursions to the island.
You have a few options to go about getting there:
Book a tour online through activity/excursion agencies such as Viator
Book your tour through local agency booths that can be found all around Ubud
Get yourself to Sanur where the ferries and speed boats depart for Nusa Penida and take yourself to the island
Mt. Batur
Mt. Batur is the most summited active volcano in Bali. Specifically for an epic sunrise viewpoint, this is a bucket list experience for tourists in Bali. The hike to the top needs to start early in the morning and is considered a moderately challenging climb depending on where you start and your fitness level as gain over 500 meters in elevation and hike a total of almost 6 miles out and back.
The tours you can find for this hike include the typical trek guided by a local, OR you can take a jeep trip up to the top (a good option for those who are unable to physically hike to the top) which is a unique way to get up there.
White Water Rafting
Bali may not be the first place you consider for white water rafting but they have that too! White water rafting in Bali through lush jungles and canyons is an epic adventure for adrenaline junkies. Browse sites like Viator or book your tour directly with a local guide at agency booths around Ubud.
Waterfalls Near Ubud
Bali, Indonesia has some of the most scenic, impressive waterfalls in the world located all over the island - some a few minutes from Ubud, some hours away. Any of these must-see waterfalls near Ubud are the perfect day trip destination.
Leke Leke Waterfall
Leke Leke Waterfall is a tall waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation. A steep hike down a trail leads to the waterfall. When I visited we had the waterfall to ourselves for over an hour around 10 am on a weekday. Pure magic!
TIP | It’s much easier going down the trail than going back up, lol. Try to get here early in the morning before it gets too hot and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Award yourself at the top of the trail with a coconut and views of the rainforest from the small cafe, Leke Leke Bali, afterward.
💰 50k IDR/person (~$3.30 USD)
🚗 ~50mins / 32km from Ubud
Image of Sekumpul Waterfall by Aleksandra Dementeva of Unsplash
Sekumpul Waterfall / Fiji Waterfall / Hidden Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is known as one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Bali with access to 2 more waterfalls close by that you can hit in a single trip, Hidden Waterfall and Fiji Waterfall. Getting there though takes a bit of work physically if you’d like to see all 3 up close due to the many stairs that are especially tiring on the way back up. I promise though, these waterfalls make it worth it! Come prepared with water shoes and bottled water!
TIP | A guide is not technically required to access these waterfalls. You can access a viewpoint of Sekumpul Waterfall for 20,000 IDR located here. Or, you can visit the ticket booths located at a different entrance where you can pay for a guide to go with you. The booths offer a package to see 2-3 of the waterfalls for a rather high cost compared to most other waterfall entry fees in Bali (150-200k IDR/person). You are essentially just paying to have a local guide take you straight to the waterfalls which may be worth the cost to some for safety/guidance reasons!
It is also important to mention that there is a known aggression (sometimes physical) towards tourists by locals trying to sell themselves as guides to the waterfalls that are not associated with the guides mentioned above. They try to stop you before you get to them to charge tourists up to more than double. You can avoid these people by heading straight to the guide booths or lookout points by car/scooter - don’t stop for them. Even better if you have a local driver taking you here that knows exactly where to go.
💰 20-250k IDR/person (~$1.30-17 USD)
🥾 Trails to waterfalls accessible solo or with a guide
🚗 ~2 hours / 68km from Ubud
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Banya Wana Amertha Waterfall is one of four gentle cascade waterfalls flowing over rich jungle vegetation that are all relatively easy to access by trails and close to each other. You can spend a couple of hours here taking pictures and swimming in the cool pools the waterfalls have created. These falls are highly rated for the sparse crowds, ease of access, kind locals selling tickets, and extraordinary beauty.
💰 40k IDR/person + parking fee (~$3 USD)
🚗 ~ 1.5 hours / 55km from Ubud
Image of Nungnung Waterfall by Carles Rabada of Unsplash
Nungnung Waterfall
Nungnung Waterfall is not for the faint of heart! Access to this powerful plunge waterfall in central Bali requires over 500 steps and is one of the busier waterfalls in the area. The effort to reach Nungnung is worth it though for the sight that it is.
💰 20k IDR/person + parking fee (~$1.30 USD)
🚗 ~ 55mins / 35km from Ubud
Image of Banyumala Waterfall by Priyank Pathak of Unsplash
Banyumala Waterfall
This split twin waterfall cascading over rock and jungle leaves attracts crowds of visitors daily. Even with a more challenging trek to Banyumala Waterfall, people come from all over the island to be surrounded by the island jungle, take a dip in the waters, and admire its beauty. Good news? You can avoid the stairs back to the parking lot by paying a small extra fee to ride a scooter back!
💰 50k IDR/person + parking fee (~$3.30 USD)
🥾 Marked trails from the parking lot
🚗 ~ 1hr 40mins / 57km from Ubud
Gitgit Waterfall
Gitgit Waterfall is located in Northern Bali and is one of the largest waterfalls on the island with a popular natural swimming pool. As with most waterfalls in Bali, as you’ve likely noticed, there are stairs leading down to the waterfall. While it can be challenging for some, the work is worth the reward!
TIP | A guide is not technically required to access this waterfall. You can walk yourself down after paying a small 20,000 IDR entry + parking fee. Or, you can pay 150,000 IDR/person to a local who will guide you down to the falls. A guide may be worth the cost to some for safety/guidance reasons!
💰 20-150k IDR/person + parking fee (~$1.30-10 USD)
🥾 Marked trails from the parking lot
🚗 ~ 1.5 hours / 62km from Ubud
Image of Tibumana Waterfall by Une fille en vadrouille of Unsplash
Tibumana Waterfall
A short trek downstairs leads you to Tibumana Waterfall located just East of Ubud. This is one of the easier waterfalls near Ubud to access and swim at for a very low cost. Signs from the parking lot lead you to the path. Also worth checking out are the warungs for a bite to eat before or after your visit.
💰 20k IDR/person (~$1.30 USD)
🚗 ~ 30 mins / 15km from Ubud
Temples & Parks Near Ubud
You can’t visit Bali without visiting some of the cultural and spiritual grounds this island is built from. Balinese Hinduism is in every aspect of life in Bali and luckily there are some fantastic destinations for visitors to respectfully and knowingly immerse themselves in the religion as well. Keep reading for some temples to visit in Bali.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is home to one of the tallest statues in the world (left picture above). For that reason itself, this cultural park is worth visiting but there is so much more it offers to make it worth the cost of entry! With general entry, you get:
“The Adventure of Garuda Cilik” animated movie watch
Access to the museum located at the base of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue
Free cultural performances
A refreshment drink
Miles of walking around the cultural park boasting tons of statues, gates, ponds, and more
For 300k IDR/person you can get general entry PLUS a guided tour of the 23rd story of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue which is also a stunning viewpoint of the surrounding area.
TIP | There is quite a lot of walking to get around this park and particularly up to the Garuda statue (that is slightly an uphill climb). There are shuttle buggies in the park that cost 40k IDR to get you around if you’d prefer not to or can’t walk.
💰 125k IDR/person + parking fee (~$8 USD)
🚗 ~ 1hr 5mins / 44km from Ubud
Pura Tirta Empul
An immersive Balinese cultural experience to have is to visit the Pura Tirta Empul temple for cleansing and prayer in the holy water. This ritual has become popular among tourists looking for an authentic experience. Expect to wait in lines for your turn, you will have access to changing rooms to dry up and change clothes afterward, admire the beauty of the temple architecture, and respect the locals that are also here for their own worship.
TIP | A guide is not required to visit but is highly recommended so that you have guidance on what to do to ensure you are participating respectfully. You can easily find guides on sites such as Viator for a low cost!
💰 50k IDR/person + locker rental (~$3.30 USD) - fee includes sarong
🚗 ~ 30 mins / 15km from Ubud
Pura Tanah Lot
A stately and unique Balinese Hindu temple is Pura Tanah Lot. During high tide, this temple is not accessible. Its stunning, rocky island location carved out by years and years of rough ocean waves, created the perfect spot for a temple to worship the sea God, Bhatara Segara. Besides Tanah Lot, visitors can marvel at the coastline walking paths, the Batu Bolong Temple (right picture above), and epic sunset views.
TIP | I highly recommend visiting Tanah Lot during low tide so that you can walk across the rocks to the temple and two caves. The first is the Cave of Snakes where you can pet the holy Tanah Lot snake with a prayer and small donation. The second cave sits under the base of the Tanah Lot temple. Here you must wash your hands with holy water and provide a donation to walk up the steps of the temple. The temple gates are closed so you cannot actually enter but are still required to be blessed before accessing the steps.
(Left picture above shows Tanah Lot at low tide).
💰 60k IDR/person (~$4 USD)
🚗 ~ 1 hour / 33km from Ubud
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
One of my favorite Hindu temples I visited! Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sits on Beratan Lake and is surrounded by lush mountains. While this temple gets crowded with tourists and locals alike (for good reason), it is worth the hype to visit. Several temples, gates, and gardens can be found along the intricate walking paths winding through the park offering plenty of photo opportunities. Locals fish on the lake and worship in the temples. It’s a beautiful place!
💰 75k IDR/person (~$5 USD)
🚗 ~ 1 hour / 44km from Ubud
Image of Lempuyang Temple by Road Trip with Raj of Unsplash
Lempuyang Temple (Gate of Heaven)
You probably recognize this popular Bali Instagram photo spot, right? Lempuyang Temple, or the Gate of Heaven, has unfortunately become just that. You don’t really visit here for any kind of cultural experience, but rather 99% of tourists come here to get the iconic mirror gate picture with the majestic volcano views in the background (if you are blessed with clear skies)!
Your intent for your Bali visit will determine the priority of visiting Lempuyang. If you want a pic in this stunning location and are willing to wait up to several hours to get it, it’s a must-visit!
TIP | It is recommended to arrive around 5-5:30 am. The system setup here is pretty fluid. Upon arrival, you will get a ticket number and wait in the queue. A local helps take the photos! It moves quickly but the number of people who come here daily means you will be in and out faster the earlier you arrive.
💰 55k IDR/person for entry + 45k IDR/person for shuttle (~$7 USD)
🚗 ~ 2 hours / 70km from Ubud
Rice Terraces Near Ubud
When you think of Bali, you may think of rice terraces. The heartbeat of the island and means of work and living for many locals. Here are the 3 most magical and must-visit rice fields near Ubud.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The most famous and accessible rice terraces near Ubud are the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. There are several access points to see these rice terraces. I went to Alas Harum Bali, a tourist hotspot with rice terraces, Bali swings, a pool club/restaurant, and a coffee plantation but is just a small corner of Tegallalang. I recommend going to restaurants like Santana Terrace & Swing Bali for a more authentic, quiet, and beautiful view of the fields.
💰 Depending on your entry, donation or minimum entry fee required
🥾 Trekking trails available
🚗 ~30mins / 10km from Ubud
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
My favorite and an absolute must-visit are the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces - a UNESCO World Heritage Site of over 600 acres of rice terraces and trails winding through the lush landscape suitable for hiking and biking. These are the largest rice terraces in Bali.
💰 40k IDR/person (~$3 USD)
🚗 ~1.5 hours / 40km from Ubud
Belimbing Rice Terraces
The Belimbing Rice Terraces are located in the Belimbing Village west of Ubud and boast stunning views of Mt Batur. There are trekking trails through the terraces and is a quiet, magnificent location for landscape photography.
💰 Free
🥾 Trekking trails available
🚗 ~1hr, 50mins / 52km from Ubud
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