One Day Trip Ubud: Nature, Culture, and Cuisine in Bali’s Cultural Heart
Beyond a single day’s itinerary, Ubud remains known for its varied attractions. The area offers natural beauty in its rice fields and valleys, a cultural centre through galleries and dance performances, and traditional villages such as Penglipuran and Tenganan that preserve older ways of life.
Culinary highlights include bebek betutu and babi guling, served in settings ranging from family-run warungs to established restaurants. Annual events such as the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival and Bali Spirit Festival add further cultural layers.
While some travellers combine Ubud with other locations in Bali from waterfalls in Gianyar to Nusa Penida, Sanur, and Tirta Empul Temple many find that even a short visit offers enough variety for a complete experience.
Morning: Rice Fields and a Slow Breakfast
A one day trip to Ubud offers a balance of nature, heritage, and authentic food. The morning begins at Tegalalang Rice Terrace, located around 10 kilometres from central Ubud. Known for its green terraced fields and cool air, the site attracts both photographers and those seeking a quiet start. Entry is Rp15,000 per person, with an optional donation to the local community.
Visitors can follow the walking paths or stop at a small café overlooking the rice fields. One such spot, Kopi Desa, serves Balinese coffee for Rp30,000 per cup. Some choose to take a turn on the swing, priced at Rp100,000–Rp150,000 per person.
Breakfast is best enjoyed at Yellow Flower Café, situated near the Blanco Museum in Sayan. Surrounded by trees, it offers seating on bamboo sofas or cushions and serves dishes prepared from local ingredients. The location also provides views towards the volcanoes and valleys.
Late Morning: Hill Walks and Historic Temples Around Ubud
From the café, Campuhan Hill is a short 2.9-kilometre motorbike ride. The hill’s pathway is popular for a mid-morning walk before moving on to historical sites.
One of Ubud’s most notable temples is Gunung Kawi Temple, located in Tampaksiring. Built in the 11th century during the Udayana Dynasty, it features 10 shrines carved directly into sandstone cliffs. The temple sits amid rice fields and is open daily from 8am to 6pm, with an entry fee of Rp30,000 for domestic visitors and Rp50,000 for foreign visitors.
Lunch: Classic Balinese Flavours
Around 1pm, lunch at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka on Suweta Street is a long-standing tradition for visitors. The babi guling set includes rice, lawar (spiced vegetables), sate lilit (minced meat skewers), and sambal matah (raw chilli condiment). The cost is about Rp75,000 per portion. The warung often becomes crowded during peak hours.
Afternoon: Ubud Monkey Forest & Ubud Art Market
A short walk from Ibu Oka leads to the Monkey Forest Ubud, located within Padangtegal Village. The site is home to hundreds of monkeys, rare plants, and Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, an important temple for local ceremonies. Entry fees are Rp80,000 for adults and Rp60,000 for children on weekdays, rising to Rp100,000 and Rp80,000 respectively at weekends. Opening hours are 9am–6pm.
From there, the Ubud Art Market on Jalan Raya Ubud offers textiles, silver jewellery, paintings, and woven bags. Prices start at around Rp50,000, though bargaining is expected. The market is also a place to meet local artisans and observe their work.
Evening: Dining Among Rice Fields
Dinner at Bebek Tepi Sawah closes the day. The restaurant is surrounded by rice paddies and is known for its bebek betutu and ayam betutu, both marinated and slow-cooked with Balinese spices. Other options include crispy duck and roasted duck dishes. The venue operates from 10am to 10pm.
Visit Ubud: One Day Trip Ubud, Bali
Spending one day in Ubud, Bali, offers a unique opportunity to experience Bali’s rich culture, natural beauty, and vibrant lifestyle in a short time. Whether you’re starting from Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua, a day trip from Ubud can be arranged to include the island’s most iconic spots. From visiting the Ubud Palace and soaking in the atmosphere of the traditional market, to enjoying scenic rice terraces and hidden temples, you’ll find that even a day tour can be deeply rewarding.
Many travellers prefer a private tour for their Ubud day trips, as it allows for a more personalised experience with flexible timing. You can combine cultural visits with stops at a charming cafe for Balinese coffee, or even extend your journey towards famous coastal spots like Tanah Lot or the cliffs of Uluwatu. This makes it one of the best day trips from Ubud, blending both inland and seaside experiences.
If you only have one day in Ubud, consider focusing on the highlights that match your interests, be it Hindu temple visits, exploring artisan villages, or heading south to beach areas like Seminyak and Nusa Dua after your cultural exploration. Even with limited time, you can weave together an itinerary that captures Bali’s essence, from spiritual sites to stunning coastlines.
Ultimately, a day in Ubud is perfect for travellers who want to experience the heart of Bali without committing to a longer stay. With thoughtful planning, you can enjoy a mix of cultural immersion, natural landscapes, and beachside relaxation. All in one unforgettable day.
Travel Tips: Ubud Day Trips
- Start early – To make the most of your Ubud day trips, begin your journey in the morning to avoid traffic and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Choose a private tour – A customised day trip from Ubud allows for a flexible schedule, ensuring you visit your preferred attractions without rushing.
- Mix inland and coastal stops – Combine Ubud’s cultural treasures with scenic beaches in Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua for a well-rounded experience.
- Include temple visits – Iconic Hindu sites like Tanah Lot or Uluwatu can easily be part of your day tour for a spiritual and scenic touch.
- Plan your cafe breaks – Ubud and surrounding areas are home to charming cafes where you can recharge between sightseeing stops
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