Day 1 in Ubud
Welcome to Ubud! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!
We recommend you get acquainted with the city and explore the city center, which is filled with quaint cafes, authentic restaurants and plenty of shopping options. Enjoy some lunch at one of the eateries and take a stroll along the streets lined by clothes, jewelry and yoga gear. The markets in Ubud sell plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts at discounted prices, check out the Ubud Art Market, which is a sprawling market place filled with hundreds of stalls selling anything and everything amongst a unique, authentic atmosphere.
Continue to explore the streets of Ubud which has an artsy vibe offering several art galleries, studios, and museums to explore. Stop by the eccentric Antonio Blanco Museum, which displays an authentic mix of European and Balinese style art and culture. The museum sits on top of a gorgeous hill in Ubud, housed in a European style mansion with neo-renaissance style architecture and beautiful surrounding gardens. The museum showcases Blanco`s own collection of paintings, poetry and erotic artworks.
Stop by the Ubud Palace, a historical building complex that was the official residence of the royal family of Ubud. The palace and grounds are very unique and are the host of nightly Balinese Dance Performances by Barong Ubud Dance. The palace was the place for the kings of Ubud up until the 1940s and some royal descendants still live here today. Roam around the grounds filled with elegant pavilions, ponds, and Balinese architecture, then head over to the food stall for some snacks and refreshments.
Around 4`o`clock make your way to Petulu, just outside the city center where a strange, natural phenomenon takes place each evening. Witness around 15 - 20,0000 white herons fly into the area to roost in the trees for the evening. The birds began gathering here in 1965 and no one is sure why they continue to return, the locals say the birds bring good luck. It is quite a spectacle to see.
After enjoying some dinner in the city center, where you will find countless quality dining options including local Indonesian cuisine, Indian, Chinese, Italian and more. Head back to the Ubud Palace to check out a traditional dance performance, where classic Hindu legends are told through dancers in vibrant traditional costumes.
Day 2 in Ubud
Begin your day with some yoga! Ubud offers countless yoga studios including the open air Ubud Yoga House with small, intimate classes held in serene surroundings making it a great way to start your day and connect with nature.
After some breakfast, take a scenic hike through the countryside along Camphuhan Ridge, one of the most popular places for a trek in Bali with breathtaking mountain top views and vistas over the surrounding verdant rice fields. You can hike or bike along the 6-mile trail which is an easy trek through a peaceful atmosphere and spectacular vistas, pass the Pura Gunung Lebah temple.
Next up, visit one of the many fascinating Rice Terraces just outside of Ubud. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a spectacular sight to see when visiting the region, this UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 1,500 acres of verdant green landscapes that creep up the mountain ranges and cascade down to the coast. These iconic rice fields stand 2,296 feet above sea level and are one of the top 10 visited places on the island. Take some stunning photographs and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants in the area serving authentic cuisine with tables overlooking the rice fields.
After some lunch, rent a bicycle and head out to the enchanting Ubud Monkey Forest. The lush green forest is home to hundreds of macaques and one of the area`s main attractions. The forest is filled with green canopies where the monkeys roam freely along with moss-covered stone statues that make for great photo opportunities.
Visit the Goa Gajah, Elephant Cave, an archeological site and ancient cave dating back to the 9th century. The entrance to the cave is carved into the shape of a demon`s mouth and the inside of the cave is decorated with rock carvings, statues, a meditation cave, pools and fountains which lead to a waterfall.
As evening time approaches make your way down to the bustling Ubud Night Market, a lively place filled with tantalizing sights and tempting smells from the abundance of food stalls. Here you can try some of the traditional Thai dishes such as martabak, chicken satay or Balinese babi guiling (suckling pig), try some Pisang Goreng (fried bananas) for dessert and wander around the stalls to see all the delicious food and take in the authentic ambiance.
Day 3 in Ubud
Head out early this morning to capture a magical Bali sunrise. The sky lights up with vibrant colors at the break of dawn, awakening the soul. Mount Batur is a 5,633-foot tall mountain provides hikers with jaw-dropping scenery from the top. A 2-hour hike to the top is a rewarding way to start your day providing panoramic views across the mountain range and Lake Batur. Afterward, visit the natural hot springs in the village of Toya Bungkah to relax and relieve sore muscles.
After a hearty breakfast, do some temple hopping. Pura Gunung Kawi is an ancient temple complex dating back to the 11th century, climb the 300 steps to the temple and wander around the beautiful green grounds. This is a unique archeological attraction in Bali and features 10 rock-cut shrines carved into a 23-foot tall cliff face. Check out the shops that line the walking path here selling local art and grab some food at the local warungs or stop into Cafe Kawi on site for some lunch.
In the afternoon do some river rafting on the Ayung River at Sayan, this is a wonderful outdoor experience that takes you through the Ayung gorge where high-end resorts such as the Four Seasons and Amandari are located. Take in the stunning scenic surroundings and get wet on the Class II and III rapids.
This evening take a traditional cooking class such as The Paon Bali Cooking Class which is an amazing experience. Learn tips and tricks from your local chef who will help you buy, cook and devour some delicious Balinese dishes.
After dinner, head out to one of the many bars and nightlife options in the city such as the Laughing Buddha Bar, where you can enjoy some drinks and listen to live music. The Laughing Buddha Bar is one of the liveliest bars in the city offering live bands, DJs and jazz music, they even have salsa night on Saturdays where you can dance the night away.
Additional Days in Ubud
If you are able to spend additional days in Ubud visit Mount Agung the volcano is the highest point on the entire island and dominates the area standing at 9,950 feet above sea level. The volcano is still active and last erupted in 1963, it holds a spiritual significance to the Balinese people and houses Pura Besakih (Mother Temple) which is the most important temple in Bali. The mountain and surrounding region are a great spot for trekking, hiking, and camping.
Visit Pura Besakih temple nestled in the slopes of Mount Agung, this is the largest, most important and holiest temple of the Hindu religion sitting at 3,280 feet high on the mountainside.
Uluwatu Temple is a Balinese Hindu Sea Temple perched on top of a limestone cliff 229 feet above the Indonesian Ocean in the Pecatu Village. The grounds are the perfect location to soak up the outstanding views and capture a spectacular sunset. The temple is said to protect Bali from evil sea spirits.
Your Last Day in Ubud
Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.