A Ubud day trip is the perfect way to experience the cultural heart of Bali in just one day. Nestled in the island’s lush highlands, Ubud is far removed from the lively beach parties and nightlife, offering instead a serene atmosphere filled with rice terraces, temples, and rich artistic traditions.
A single trip here lets you discover the true soul of Bali. Exploring iconic landmarks, engaging with local culture, and soaking up breathtaking natural beauty. To help you plan, here are 11 popular places for Ubud day trips won’t want to miss:
1. Bali Holy Water Purification and Palm Reading
One of the best destination for Ubud day trips is joining a purification ceremony at the sacred Pura Tirta Empul. Here, you’ll take part in the melukat ritual, bathing in holy water to cleanse body and soul.
Afterwards, a Balinese palm reader or spiritual guide will share wisdom and insights about your life. This isn’t just a sightseeing stop, it’s a deeply personal journey, perfect for reflection and connection. Good experience for a honeymoon couple looking for an extraordinary holiday.
2. Hidden Waterfall Tour (Manuaba Waterfall)
If you’re planning a day trip to Ubud, escape the crowds and explore hidden gems like Manuaba Waterfall. Tucked away in Ubud’s lush forests, this spot features two peaceful cascades where you can swim in natural pools or simply relax in the serene atmosphere.
It’s a refreshing adventure, good for couples seeking privacy or anyone spending many days in Ubud who wants to discover Bali’s untouched beauty.
3. Cooking Class
Joining a Ubud day tour with a cooking class is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Balinese culture. You’ll start at the local market, handpicking fresh ingredients and spices before learning how to prepare signature dishes like sate lilit, lawar, and rendang.
It’s more than just a class; it’s a flavorful cultural journey that lets you bring a taste of Bali home.
4. Wellness Journey
A trip to Ubud isn’t complete without a wellness experience, and Kaamala Resort Ubud makes it easy to enjoy it all in one place. Start with a relaxing spa treatment using traditional Balinese techniques, especially with stunning views of the forest and valley. After your massage, try a sound healing session with singing bowls to calm the mind and restore balance.
For a more complete experience, you can also join a yoga class surrounded by nature, or even consult with a local healer to find the right treatment for you.
No need to go far or search around, everything can be arranged directly through your stay at Kaamala. Simple, seamless, and soothing.
5. White Water Rafting
One of the most thrilling Ubud day tours is white water rafting on the Ayung River. As you ride the rapids, you’ll pass through lush rainforests, towering cliffs decorated with Ramayana carvings, and hidden waterfalls. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and nature, giving you a fresh perspective of Bali’s wild beauty.
6. ATV
For a land-based thrill, Ubud private tours often include ATV rides across rice fields, bamboo forests, mud trails, and even the striking Gorilla Face Cave. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, it’s an unforgettable way to explore Ubud’s countryside.
After the adrenaline rush, unwind with good food or coffee along Goutama Street, one of Ubud’s most charming hangout spots.
7. Mount Batur Sunrise Tour
If you’re planning an Ubud day trip, the Mount Batur Sunrise Tour is an experience you can’t miss. Starting in the early hours around 2:00 a.m., you’ll hike to the summit of this active volcano just in time to watch the sun rise over Lake Batur and the surrounding caldera.
The view is nothing short of magical, and to make it even better, breakfast is often cooked using volcanic steam, think warm eggs, bananas, and a hot drink. Many tours also add extra stops, like soothing hot springs or visits to local coffee plantations, making it a full and memorable adventure.
8. Silver jewelry-making class in Ubud
For something more hands-on, Ubud’s artistic side shines through in its silver jewelry-making classes. Guided by talented silversmiths, you’ll learn to melt, shape, cut, and polish silver into your own custom piece of jewelry. It’s more than just a craft, it’s a cultural experience that lets you bring home a unique keepsake from your time in Bali.
9. Electric Cycling Tour of Ubud
A day trip to Ubud isn’t complete without exploring its countryside, and an electric cycling tour is the perfect way to do it. With the ease of an e-bike, you’ll glide through rice paddies, traditional villages, and hidden trails that cars can’t reach.
The ride is effortless, letting you soak in the scenery, feel the fresh breeze, and connect with both nature and the locals along the way.
10. Rice Terraces
The famous rice terraces of Ubud, especially Tegalalang, are among Bali’s most iconic landscapes. Walking along the narrow paths, you’ll witness the beauty of the ancient Subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a place where culture and nature harmonize, offering stunning views and photo-worthy moments at every turn.
11. Culture Tourism
a. Traditional Balinese Dance Performances
As Bali’s cultural hub, Ubud comes alive every evening with mesmerizing dance shows on open-air stages. From the elegant Legong Dance to the powerful Kecak Dance with its rhythmic male choir, and the dramatic Barong Dance symbolizing the battle between good and evil, each performance is a vibrant journey into Balinese mythology. The colorful costumes, graceful movements, and hypnotic gamelan music make it an unforgettable experience.
b. Historic Temples and Palaces
Ubud is also home to sacred sites like Tirta Empul Temple, known for its holy water purification ritual, and Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung), once the royal family’s residence. Here, you’ll marvel at intricate carvings and traditional Balinese architecture while discovering the spiritual and historical importance these places hold in local life.
c. Craft-Making Workshops
For a hands-on experience, join a local workshop and learn traditional crafts such as silversmithing, batik-making, or painting wooden masks. Guided by skilled local artisans, you’ll create your own masterpiece to bring home. More than just a souvenir, it’s a personal memory and a deeper appreciation of Balinese artistry.
Final Thoughts on the Best Ubud Day Trip
An Ubud day trip is the perfect way to dive into the heart of Bali, where culture, nature, and spirituality blend into an unforgettable experience. From sacred temple rituals and sunrise hikes to silver-making classes and lush rice terraces, every corner of Ubud promises a new story to take home.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, romance, or cultural discovery, Ubud offers it all in just one day. To make your journey even smoother, check out the Jungle Club Ubud guide, your go-to resource for exploring the best of Ubud with ease and insight.
