What to Do in Ubud for a Day: A Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary

What to do in Ubud for a day – Ubud stands as Bali’s cultural heart and packs more memorable experiences into a single day than most destinations do in a week. The enchanting town comes alive with misty morning rice terraces and bustling night markets that create unforgettable adventures.

A day trip to Ubud might seem daunting at first. Ancient temples, traditional markets, monkey forests and artistic venues compete for your attention, making every hour precious in this vibrant town.

Read More: 7 Exciting Things to Do in Ubud at Night

Our carefully crafted itinerary helps you experience Ubud’s best highlights in just one day. You’ll find ways to make the most of your time and avoid tourist crowds while creating perfect moments in this magical Balinese town from sunrise to sunset.

Planning Your Perfect Day in Ubud

What to do in Ubud for a day – Proper planning will make your Ubud adventure truly memorable. Let me share everything you need to prepare for an incredible day in this cultural paradise.

Best time to start your day

Your Ubud exploration should begin early to avoid crowds and heat. A single day barely shows you what this charming town has to offer, but an early start will give you the best experience at Ubud’s attractions before they get busy.

Transportation options and tips

You have several convenient ways to move around Ubud based on your comfort level and budget:

Private Driver: This option works best, costing around 500,000-600,000 IDR (USD 32-45) for a full day. The price has fuel included and suits trips to outlying attractions.

Scooter Rental: You can save money with this option at 50,000 IDR per day (USD 3.7), but ride only if you feel confident.

Taxi Services: Apps like Go-Jek provide both car and motorbike options.

Morning Day Itinerary

What to do in Ubud for a day – Your morning adventure in Ubud starts with a breathtaking experience. The early wake-up will be worth every minute of sleep you miss!

1. Sunrise at Tegalalang Rice Terraces

What to do in Ubud for a day – A perfect morning awaits you at the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces. You should get there between 6:00 and 7:00 AM to catch the most magical moments. 

This early start isn’t just about avoiding crowds. You’ll see ethereal sun rays pierce through palm trees and create that perfect golden morning light. 

The terraces look their best during March/April or September/October when they’re at their lushest.

2. Traditional morning market experience

What to do in Ubud for a day – The Ubud Traditional Art Market comes alive early. Getting there around 8:00 AM helps you explore before tourist crowds show up. 

This market shows you an authentic slice of local life, especially in the eastern section where locals buy fresh produce.

3. Temple visits before crowds arrive

What to do in Ubud for a day – Your morning ends perfectly at one of Ubud’s sacred temples. The magnificent Tirta Empul temple opens at 7:00 AM, though many guides wrongly say it’s 8:00 AM. 

You should arrive between 7:00-8:30 AM to enjoy peace and quiet – by 9:30 AM, crowds fill the space. 

The temple’s natural spring water holds deep spiritual meaning and gives you a chance to see Balinese Hindu traditions up close.

Midday Adventures

What to do in Ubud for a day – The midday sun bathes Ubud in warmth, making it perfect to experience the town’s rich cultural heritage.

1. Local cooking class experience

What to do in Ubud for a day – A hands-on cooking class reveals the secrets of Balinese cuisine. Your day starts at an organic farm where you’ll pick fresh ingredients for your dishes. 

Local chefs share their knowledge about spices and traditional cooking methods as you create authentic meals together. These 3-4 hour sessions help you become skilled at preparing Balinese specialties.

2. Sacred Monkey Forest exploration

What to do in Ubud for a day – The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary awaits with its 700+ Balinese long-tailed macaques. Beyond the wildlife encounters, you’ll discover temples from the 14th century that add a spiritual dimension to your visit. 

Important safety tips, these playful creatures might grab shiny objects, so secure your belongings and skip wearing expensive jewelry.

3. Art gallery hopping

What to do in Ubud for a day – Ubud’s vibrant art scene beckons with its museums and galleries. Here are the must-visit venues:

• ARMA (Agung Rai Museum of Art): The collection spans from 19th-century bark paintings to contemporary masterpieces
• Neka Art Museum: Traditional Balinese paintings share space with fascinating Indonesian wavy keris daggers
• Museum Puri Lukisan: Bali’s oldest art museum showcases major Balinese works across three distinct pavilions

Each gallery tells a different story of Balinese art, from traditional to modern interpretations. The spaces feature works by local talents and international artists who draw inspiration from Bali’s cultural heritage.

Evening Experiences

What to do in Ubud for a day – Ubud transforms into a magical evening destination that brims with cultural wonders and culinary delights as day turns to night.

1. Sunset at Campuhan Ridge Walk

What to do in Ubud for a day – The perfect Campuhan Ridge Walk experience starts 45 minutes before sunset. Visitors can capture spectacular photos during the golden hour while strolling along this scenic path. 

The sunset usually occurs around 6:45 PM, so plan accordingly and bring your camera to capture stunning views of Ubud’s forest and hills against the changing sky.

2. Traditional dance performance

What to do in Ubud for a day – Bali’s rich cultural heritage comes alive through traditional dance performances. Ubud Palace hosts the most popular shows at 7:30 PM, which run for 90 minutes. 

Good seats await those who arrive by 7:00 PM, with tickets costing 80,000 rupiah. The Legong dance performances blend haunting melodies with mesmerizing movements that tell ancient stories through intricate costumes and expressive choreography.

3. Night market food tour

What to do in Ubud for a day – Ubud’s vibrant night market offers a feast for the senses. Visitors can savor authentic Balinese delicacies like:

• Babi guling (roasted suckling pig)
• Sate lilit (minced fish satay)
• Nasi goreng (traditional fried rice)

The market springs to life at sunset, as local vendors proudly showcase their culinary heritage. 

Feel free to involve yourself with the friendly locals who love to explain their cooking techniques and share stories about their traditional recipes.

Conclusion

What to do in Ubud for a day – Though 24 hours in Ubud may not seem like much, with this itinerary, you’ll get to experience the best of Ubud’s culture, nature, and art. From tranquil rice terraces and sacred temples to exquisite dining and traditional markets, Ubud has a little something for everyone. 

So, lace up your walking shoes, prepare your camera, and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ubud for a day!