Ubud Itinerary – What To Do In Ubud In 4 Days

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Ubud is the best place to experience the culture of Bali. It’s the arts and culture centre of Bali that has a humongous tourism industry thriving on it. It might not be an exotic mountain holiday destination but if you explore in and around Ubud, you can explore royal temples, palaces, waterfalls, museums, traditional spas, cheap shopping, and great food. After exploring the best of Sanur, my friend Marinela & I stayed in Ubud for 4 days and explored a variety of things to do there. So here’s my Ubud itinerary explaining what to do in Ubud in 4 days.

Where To Stay In Ubud – Ubud Accommodations

Before discussing the details of the Ubud itinerary, I’d like to help you out w in Ubud. I thoroughly enjoyed my 4-day stay in Ubud thanks to my lovely accommodation at The Moksha, Ubud.

Set amidst the lush green rice fields of Ubud, the resort offers you private rooms with all the modern amenities besides a tropical pool and the best massage services in Bali.

Moksha is located right in the heart of Ubud so it gives you easy access to the best attractions and restaurants/cafes in town. The USP of this place? You get a luxurious room and great services at an extremely cheap price.

I’d strongly recommend you to book your stay here. The staff is friendly & they even pack your breakfast for you in case you’re leaving early morning for a day trip.

———> Book your stay at the Moksha, Ubud by clicking here.

Some Other Accommodation Options And Hotels In Ubud

1. Tejaprana Bisma: Book your stay at this lovely resort by clicking here.

2. Uma Dawa Resort and Spa: Book your stay at this fantastic property by clicking here.

3. The Udaya Resorts and Spa: Book your stay at this paradisiacal property by clicking here.

4. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan: Book your stay at this luxurious paradise by clicking here.

5. The Kayon Resort by Pramana: Book your stay at this stunning resort by clicking here.

4-Day Ubud Itinerary

Here’s the ultimate 4-day Ubud itinerary explaining everything – places to visit, where to eat, bucket list activities and things to do in Ubud, Bali.

Ubud Itinerary Day 1:

Your first day Ubud itinerary includes the following things –

• Enjoy white water rafting in the Ayung River
• Visit the Neka Museum
• Tour the Blanco Renaissance Museum
• Explore the Agung Rai Museum of Art
• Tour the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Visit the Ubud Royal Palace
• Explore the Pura Taman Saraswati
• Enjoy the Campuhan Ridge Walk
• Have a lovely meal at Casa Luna
  
  
  

Enjoy White Water Rafting In The Ayung River

Yes! We start our Ubud itinerary with an action-packed activity. If you’re into water sports, then you have to experience white water rafting in the Ayung river.

You reach the actual rafting spot after a long walk through beautiful paddy fields and lush green forests. They charge a fee of 25USD per adult and 15USD per child which includes a complimentary lunch.

During the 2-hour rafting session, you’ll get to swim in the river, stand under waterfalls, click pictures and enjoy the stunning forest views around you.

There’s also a 10-minute break in between where you can walk up to a little canteen and have some snacks & refreshments. However, they charge you 3 times the actual price for each item.

Note – A person in our group lost his Go Pro as the strong water current took away his camera & other gear. So be careful with your cameras & accessories. Give your cameras to your guide who’ll keep it in a water-proof bag and take them out only when necessary.

Visit The Neka Museum

Since Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali, the museums form a major part of the tourist attractions. The Neka Museum is one such cultural hub that’s home to batuan style paintings, contemporary Balinese art, and artwork made from mineral pigments & Chinese ink on cloth.

The theme of most paintings is centred around the beauty of the female human body. And my friend did the needful when there was a young kid in the same hall as us trying to get a glimpse of the paintings. The museum features a separate photography section too. The entry fee per person is 75,000 IDR.

Tour The Blanco Renaissance Museum

Blanco Renaissance Museum is my favourite museum from all the museums listed in the Ubud itinerary. And there are multiple reasons for that.

Firstly, you are greeted by a tranquil lush green garden with a Lord Shiva (a Hindu god) statue at the entrance.

Secondly, the ambience of the museum makes you feel like royalty. It has a palace-like complex with two levels of stunningly beautiful paintings adorning the walls. The paintings majorly depict the beauty of the female human body. Don’t miss out on the photos of Blanco with Michael Jackson & Mick Jagger.

Thirdly, you get to click free pictures with colourful parrots (Macaw, Cockatoo & Toucan) posing on your hands. You also have the option of flaunting a flower as an accessory behind your ear and feeling like a cheap fashionista. I admit I did get a bit scared when one of them released huge poop balls behind my hand.

Fourthly, you can climb the stairs to the terrace and enjoy a lovely 360° view of Ubud. And finally, after all the walking you can recharge your batteries with a refreshingly tasty welcome drink sitting in the garden area (yes, we chose to have it at the end). The entry fee per person is 1,00,000 IDR.

Explore The Agung Rai Museum Of Art

Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) gives you a wonderful insight into both ancient & contemporary Balinese art and craft. You’ll see cute kids practising traditional Balinese dance in the learning centre built to preserve Balinese culture.

It’s a large property with various art galleries in different sections of the museum. You’ll be impressed by the sheer variety of artworks on display and will need at least 45-60 minutes to explore the entire museum. If you’re tired, then you can either sit and relax in the gardens or try to pluck an exotic green Calabash from the Calabash trees.

Entry fee to the museum is 1,00,000 IDR per person and it includes a welcome drink (hot or cold) of your choice which you can have at the ARMA cafe.

Tour The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

If you’re fed up with seeing the human clan, then go visit the home of the monkeys and spend some time with these naughty creatures. In the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, you’ll see monkeys freely walking and jumping around – some of them even performing stunts in a small pool down the stairs and playing to the gallery.

I’d read quite a bit about the monkeys here being temperamental, stealing personal belongings, and biting the tourists. However, I didn’t experience anything of that sort. There are caretakers and staff members at every 100-metre stretch to ensure that the tourists follow the instructions and don’t provoke the monkeys.

You’ll love little baby monkeys with innocent eyes staring at you. But make sure to not stare into their eyes for long (not kidding, avoiding eye contact is listed in the precautionary measures) as then, they will come close to you. Just remember to not have food on you or flaunt expensive items around them and you should be fine.

The sanctuary is easy to navigate and is a spot that must be included in your Ubud itinerary for the experience it offers you. The entry fee per person is 50,000 IDR.

Visit The Ubud Royal Palace

Also known as the Puri Saren Agung, the Ubud Royal Palace is a historical building situated right in the middle of Ubud town. Here you can admire the intricate carvings and details of Balinese architecture besides enjoying the garden settings.

Entry to the palace is free during the day but not during the night as it’s the site where traditional Balinese dance performances take place. The palace is quite an instagrammable location and the perfect stopover place for visitors, just minutes away from the Ubud market and various international food joints.

Explore The Pura Taman Saraswati

Pura Taman Saraswati is the first of the many lovely temples that you’ll be exploring in this Ubud itinerary. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, art, and learning. The main attraction in the temple is the stunning lotus pond on both sides of the pathway leading to the main temple complex.

Just the scent of the lotus flowers puts you in a pleasant mood as you walk around the temple. The temple is decorated with fine carvings on the characteristic Balinese doors that seem like monuments by themselves. You’ll also see statues of Goddess Saraswati and the devil Jero Gede Mecaling inside the premise.

At night, you can witness dance shows at the temple. Just book yourself a table at the Lotus Cafe, situated right in front of the temple, and enjoy the show while gorging on delectable food. Entry to the temple is free.

Enjoy The Campuhan Ridge Walk

Escape the hustle and bustle of Ubud with an easy 1.5-2km hike which offers you great natural views of Ubud. It’s a calm, relaxing walk which can be done by people of all age groups. The track starts from the bridge and doesn’t exactly have an end-point other than a few coffee shops where you can rest your feet and enjoy a hot cuppa.

You’ll see vast stretches of green paddies and river valleys on both sides of the walkway. The green views soothe your senses and the fresh cool air energizes you. I’d suggest you do the hike during the evening as the sunset views make the whole experience worth the effort.

Carry a bottle of water with you and also a mosquito repellant spray if you’re doing the walk during the evening. Do not miss out on this activity if you’re in Ubud and have time on your hands as it’s a soothing inclusion in your Ubud itinerary.

Have a Lovely Meal At The Casa Luna

After exploring Ubud all day, you deserve to have a delicious meal. And what better place than the Casa Luna restaurant! Based on the restaurant’s interiors and the quality of food it serves, the food rates are pretty economical. I’d recommend you to visit the restaurant on a Thursday as they have jazz evenings every Thursday.

If you’re tired of typical Balinese food and crave a change with a fusion of tastes, then order their pizza, pasta, salads, and smoothies. They have an exciting mix of healthy vegan options as well to cater to your taste buds. Wine lovers can rejoice as they have an excellent diverse collection of local wines.

Ubud Itinerary Day 2:

This is my favourite day in the Ubud itinerary as it includes everything – nature, adventure, bucket list activities, sightseeing, history, culture, food, and shopping. You will be starting the day a bit early as you’ll be doing a sunrise trek to begin the proceedings. Your second day Ubud itinerary consists of the following things to do –

• Do the Mount Batur sunrise trek
• Relax at the Toya Devasya Natural Hot Spring & Camping Resort
• Explore the Tirta Empul water temple
• Shop at Ubud market
• Visit the Tegalalang rice terraces
• Do the Bali Swing and enjoy a Tea/Coffee tasting
• Have lunch at Locavore
• Enjoy retail therapy at Sukawati Art Market
• Explore the Tegenungan Waterfall
• Visit the Goa Gajah Elephant Cave
• Visit the Puri Lukisan Museum
• Witness the white heron colony at Petulu village
• Enjoy dinner at ‘Why Not!’
  
  
  

Do The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

Imagine trekking a mountain during the early hours of the morning, only to be seeing the sun – open the curtain of clouds and appear from behind a majestic volcano. That’s exactly what you’ll witness in this one-of-a-kind-you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it experience.

You’ll have to wake up early as your driver will pick you up at around 2:30-2: 45 am. You reach the starting point of the trek by 3:45 am and after that, it is almost 2 hours of hard work which requires both your physical strength and mental toughness.

Wear proper trekking shoes as the path is quite steep, rocky, and slippery at some places. There are resting points in between where you can stop to gather your breath, have a sip of water, and see the darkness slowly disappear.

When the sun is just about to peep from behind the clouds at around 6 am, absorb the exhilarating feeling of witnessing the most beautiful sunrise ever with the clouds forming a carpet right under your eye line.

Photographs don’t do justice to the paradisiacal panoramic view at the top. Nothing compares to the sense of achievement and pride you feel when you see the prized view. And this is what makes the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek a must-include activity in the Ubud itinerary.

Enjoy a fresh hot breakfast at the top of the mountain. The breakfast which will be arranged by your driver and his agency itself. The cost of the entire package per person is 4,00,000 IDR. You also have the option of coming down the mountain on dirt bikes which will cost you between 1,50,000-1,75,000 IDR per person.

Relax At The Toya Devasya Natural Hot Spring And Camping Resort

After doing the exhausting Mount Batur trek, you deserve a bit of pampering and relaxation. Head to the Toya Devasya Natural Hot Spring and Camping Resort and relax in one of the many natural hot spring pools with a view.

Towels are provided and the changing rooms are clean. The water won’t be boiling hot, to be honest, but it’s just the right temperature to soothe your body. Depending on the package of your choice, you can choose to get a massage and have lunch here as well. The cost of using the spring pool is 3,00,000 IDR per person, which makes it an expensive inclusion in the Ubud itinerary but the experience is worth the money.

Explore The Tirta Empul Water Temple

Witness the influence of Hinduism in Balinese culture as you visit the Tirta Empul water temple. The holy water of this temple is believed to be as pure as that of the river Ganga in India. You’ll have to wear a sarong around your waist before entering the temple premises. There’s a stall where you can borrow the sarong for free.

Many places of the temple are out of bounds for visitors and open only to devotees who come to worship. The central attraction of this temple is the bathing area which is a rectangular pool with multiple spouts from which the holy water is delivered. You’ll need a separate green sarong to proceed if you want to take a dip in the holy water.

Seeing people of different ethnicities partaking in the activity and experiencing Hindu culture is a lovely sight. The entrance fee for the temple is 50,000 IDR per person.

Shop At Ubud Market

Ladies rejoice! It’s time for your favourite part of the Ubud itinerary – shopping. Situated just a few metres away from the Tirta Empul water temple is the Ubud Market. Here, you can shop for clothes, bags, footwear, souvenirs, artworks, caps, and other decorative items for your home.

The sellers increase the rate of the items by almost 3 times on seeing tourists so use your bargaining skills with a smile and you should get what you want, at the desired price. Remember that the original prices are generally one-third of what they initially quote you.

Visit The Tegalalang Rice Terraces

A trip to Ubud is incomplete without you visiting the Tegalalang rice terraces. It’s the most touristy thing but hey who would mind a picture of you with lovely green rice terraces in the background. They charge you 10,000 IDR per person to enter and get access to the first viewpoint.

If you want to go further down to the rice plantations, they charge you again which didn’t make sense to me so my friend Marinela & I admired the rice terraces from the first point only. The view is picturesque and the price you pay is used by the authorities for the welfare of the rice farmers.

Pro-tip: Do NOT eat at any of the cafes/restaurants around this place as they’re all tourist traps that charge you a bomb.

Do The Bali Swing And Enjoy a Tea/Coffee Tasting At Uma Pakel

An Ubud itinerary is incomplete without the inclusion of the famous Bali swing activity. But the activity can be very expensive. However, I have a better, economical option for you for which you won’t have to sell your kidneys. It’s called the Uma Pakel Bali Swing and it’s only a 5-minute drive from the Tegallalang rice terraces.

This place is simply the best. Firstly, entry to the place is free. Secondly, you get to do the famous Bali Swing at an affordable price.

Thirdly, you get to pose for pictures in the Bird’s nest for free. And finally, you get to enjoy a free comprehensive tea/coffee tasting with 15 different testers of teas and coffees.

There are various kinds of swings available here but I’d recommend you try the Super Extreme Swing which costs 2,00,000 IDR per person. The staff is friendly, warm, and ensures that the safety standards are up to the mark. They even take photos and videos for you on request.

Have Lunch At Locavore

If you, like me, like to splurge on quality food then look no further because Locavore provides you with the best dining experience in Bali. Enjoy local cuisine with a modern twist as the fresh local ingredients are served straight from the farm to your table.

You can either try the Herbivore menu with a cocktail pairing or Locavore menu with a cocktail pairing. Both of them will give you foodgasms. The tasting provides surprising, off the menu dishes and the food presentation is creative. My personal favourite dish was the falafel wrap with greek salad while my meat lover friend Marinela relished her pulled up pork.

The only downside to the place is the lack of parking space outside but otherwise, it ranks a deserving “five stars” in terms of food taste, quality, and variety.

Enjoy Retail Therapy At Sukawati Art Market

The Sukawati Art Market is a gem that not many people know about. My driver and guide Ariyana was kind enough to suggest this place for souvenir shopping.

The Sukawati Art Market may not be as glamorous as the Ubud Market but it offers you clothes, paintings, bags, footwear, artwork, souvenirs, and local handicrafts of the highest quality at an extremely discounted price.

I purchased jute handbags and souvenirs at half the price than the already discounted price at Ubud Market. So you can imagine what a haven this place is for retail therapy!

Explore The Tegenungan Waterfall

The Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Ubud. And as you’d expect, it’s always jam-packed with tourists. There are 165 steps from the car park to the waterfall. So I’d advise you to wear proper walking shoes and carry a bottle of water with you because the steep steps can make the journey a bit tiring.

The entrance fee for the waterfall is 15,000 IDR per person.  You can also get a picture clicked inside the Bird’s Nest at the entrance. You’ll find many viewing platforms for photo opportunities which are Instagram-worthy.

You can swim at the foot of the waterfall in an area that’s cordoned with ropes to protect the tourists from going too close to the waterfall.  There’s a separate shallow swimming area for kids as well. Outside the waterfall premises, there are many vendors trying to sell you stuff but don’t buy anything as the items are exorbitantly priced.

Visit The Goa Gajah Elephant Cave

The Goa Gajah Elephant Cave is a place that was built for spiritual meditation. In this place, you’ll see the ruins of a small temple. The main attraction here is the elephant cave which is actually carved on to a rock by hand. The fountains and the pool just outside the cave provide for a picturesque calm setting.

The ‘devil’s face’ entrance to the cave gives you a “Legends of the Hidden Temple” feel when entering. Inside the cave, you’ll see three damaged statues of gods who are worshipped by the devotees. There’s also a short waterfall track behind the cave. Remember to wear a sarong before entering the place. The entrance fee for the site is 25,000 IDR per person.

Visit The Puri Lukisan Museum

Puri Lukisan is one of the better museums in Ubud. The entrance fee for the museum is 75,000 IDR per person. The entrance fee includes a welcome drink. You can also choose to pay an admission fee of 1,15,000 IDR per person and get a 2-course lunch with dessert and a drink included.

The green gardens on the premises are a welcome change from the crowded streets of Ubud. The museum is laid out over four buildings with artworks and paintings right from the 1800s to the current contemporary times. A section of the current paintings is for sale as well.

Some of the oil and acrylic work on canvas is just magic. You can literally stare at a Balinese painting for 5 minutes and still keep observing finer details. The artwork has clear descriptions in English so that is a big help as far as understanding the art is concerned.

Witness The White Herons At Petulu Village

Fancy bird watching? Then tell your driver to take you to Petulu village. Travel along a kilometre long winding road through rice paddies at around 5 pm and witness the white heron colony. Though there’s a viewing platform from where you can watch the birds, they are pretty much seen throughout the village.

Don’t go in expecting to see thousands of birds flying together. That depends on the season you’re visiting in and your luck. There’s a small 20,000 IDR fee they charge you to enter the village. The birds are mostly white herons, cattle egret, and little egret. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, then you shouldn’t miss out on this experience.

Enjoy Dinner At ‘Why Not!’

This restaurant at Jalan Bisma street is one of the liveliest food and drinks place you’ll come across. With super friendly staff, amazing service, live music, and great food, you are guaranteed a good dining experience here.

The veg club sandwich, mozzarella sticks, and fries are super tasty. The staff was kind enough to make me a delicious veg burger as well. If you come here during happy hours, then you can enjoy some chilled beer at a discounted rate as well *win-win*.

Ubud Itinerary Day 3:

Your third day Ubud itinerary consists of the following things to do –

• Explore the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• Visit the Handara Gates
• Enjoy the view at the Twin Lake viewpoint
• Swim in the Banyumala Twin Waterfall
• Relish lunch with a view at Gong Jatiluwih
• Hike through the Jatiluwih Green Land rice terraces
• Explore the Taman Ayun Temple
• Get a massage at the Putri Bali Spa
• Enjoy fine dining at Copper Kitchen & Bar
  
  
  

Explore The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

The Ulun Danu Beratan temple is the most beautiful landmark that you’ll visit in Bali. Not only is it a famous tourist spot but it also has a magnificent natural backdrop of the Beratan lake surrounded by the mountain range of the Bedugul region.

It takes one and a half hour to two hours to reach the temple from Ubud. Entry to the temple costs 50,000 IDR per person. Lush green gardens leading to the temple give it a scenic appeal. Because it’s situated on the outskirts of Ubud and at a higher altitude, the weather here is much cooler.

The temple was built in the 17th century and dedicated to the worship of the Hindu Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and also the lake goddess Dewi Danu. The reflective surface of the lake surrounding the temple’s base gives the impression that the temple is floating.

Such is the visual appeal of this temple that your camera will fall in love with this place. You can walk around the temple complex and notice the Balinese architectural features along with the tiered shrines of the three gods – Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva.

Visit The Handara Gates

Handara Gates is basically the entry point to the Handara Golf and Resort. There’s literally nothing more to the place than the huge gates and a pathway (with lots of greenery on either side) going into the resort that has a beautiful mountain backdrop.

It is easily the most instagrammable location in Bali thanks to the picturesque setting. The surprising part is that you have to pay 30,000 IDR per person at a small entry booth if you want to get clicked with the Handara Gates

The fee grants you access only to the gate and not the resort. So go ahead, take that selfie for your insta-feed. You can choose to go inside the resort if you want to explore the place or have a meal there. But if you ask me, I’d say you can skip this place in the Ubud itinerary if you don’t fancy visiting a place just to click a photograph.

Enjoy The View At The Twin Lake Viewpoint

Ever seen two lakes in the same frame with a majestic mountain in the background? The Twin Lake viewpoint gives you exactly that. Here you can enjoy the alluring panoramic view of the Buyan and Tamblingan lakes next to each other.

There’s a viewing platform at the viewpoint for you to capture pictures of the mesmerizing setting. There are a couple of wooden benches and a little cafe around as well so you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee/tea while enjoying the view.

You’ll also find an animal photo stop at the viewpoint. If you fancy a photo with some bats, a snake, or a huge reptile (that’s chilling like a villain), then you can pay a small amount to the animal keeper and get clicked.

Swim In The Banyumala Twin Waterfall

The Banyumala Twin waterfall is the best waterfall in Bali. Period. The fact that my friend and I were the only people swimming in the cool and clear waters at the base of the waterfall speaks volumes about the exclusivity of the place. It is an off-the-beaten-path inclusion in your Ubud itinerary.

Entry to the waterfall costs 30,000 IDR per person. The walk to the waterfall is a bit steep and slippery so wear proper trainers (shoes). There is a small hut with two cubicles for men and women for changing clothes. The place also has a western toilet.

The waterfall, undergrowth, and the surrounding green cliff just leave you spellbound. Since the water flow isn’t that strong, even the sound of the falls is pleasant and doesn’t give you a headache if you plan to stay for long.

You can spend hours swimming and chilling at this place. I remember I was behaving like an excited chipmunk since we had the waterfall all to ourselves. I didn’t expect the waterfall to be so gorgeous and the water to be crystal clear which is why I absolutely recommend this stunner of a place.

Relish Lunch With a View At Gong Jatiluwih

If you want to have a meal with a picture-postcard view of the greenest rice terraces in Bali, then head to the Gong Jatiluwih restaurant & lounge. Entering Jatiluwih village costs you 85,000 IDR. These rice terraces of Jatiluwih are also the biggest in Bali and hence a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The place mainly serves Asian and Indonesian food. You have a variety of options to choose from as far as vegetarian food is concerned. Also, from my travel partner’s reviews, I can safely say that the seafood served here is amazing. I bet you won’t be able to resist yourself from capturing a panorama shot of the place with the view.

Hike Through The Jatiluwih Green Land Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih rice terraces are the largest you’ll see in Bali. Jatiluwih is primarily a farming village with rice cultivation being the main source of income. After having your lunch at the Gong Jatiluwih, you can hike the walking trail through the rice paddies of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The starting point is a minute’s walk from the Gong Jatiluwih restaurant. There is a clear 1.5 km walking path with clear signage for tourists to enjoy a stroll through the rice fields. There are benches and little shacks along the way so you can also sit and have a drink and absorb the Vitamin Green on display.

The views are stunning and pictures don’t do justice to the beauty of the landscape. The smells, breeze, and the vibe of the place are relaxing and you feel rejuvenated at the end of the hike.

Explore The Taman Ayun Temple

Situated in the Mengwi village, the Taman Ayun temple is a significant place of worship for the locals here. You’ll see characteristic Balinese architectural features throughout the temple. A water canal surrounding the temple gives it a pristine and scenic appearance.

There is a sense of tranquillity around the place and the lovely gardens with lotus & fish ponds add to the temple’s charm. You’ll have to wear a sarong before entering the temple. There’s a small counter at the entrance where you can borrow a sarong for free. Entry to the temple costs 20,000 IDR per person.

Get a Massage At The Putri Bali Spa

The Putri Bali Spa centre is clean, well decorated and the staff is friendly & professional. You are welcomed with a smile and a detoxifying welcome drink. We got a one and a half hour exotic Balinese massage and we wished it lasted another two hours. The massage therapists are well trained and have proper knowledge of the body.

The place has a peaceful and meditative aura which leaves you relaxed and beaming after your treatment. The experience is a bang for the buck as it cost us just 2,15,000 IDR per person.

Enjoy Fine Dining At Copper Kitchen & Bar

After pampering yourself at the Putri Bali Spa, all you crave is some great food to top off a wonderful day. And Copper Kitchen & Bar exceeds your expectations with it’s high-quality fine dining services.

It’s located at the rooftop of the Bisma Eight hotel property and has a warm and welcoming vibe to it. The staff is well trained and the service is swift. They serve you a complimentary welcome drink and snack before you even order your meal.

They also have vegan, gluten-free food options on the menu besides a lovely collection of Indonesian wines. A delectable mix of western and Indonesian cuisine coupled with a romantic ambience ensures you have a night to remember!

Ubud Itinerary Day 4:

Your final day Ubud itinerary consists of the following activities –

• Explore the Tirta Gangga Water Palace
• Visit the temple of Lempuyang Luhur
• Tour the Besakih Temple
• Have lunch at Mahagiri Resort & Restaurant
• Visit the Tukad Cepung Waterfall
• Swim in the Tibumana Waterfall
• Enjoy a photoshoot at the Kanto Lampo Waterfall
• Have dinner at ‘La Pacha Mama’
  
  
  

Explore The Tirta Gangga Water Palace

“Tirta Gangga” means water of the Ganga river, which is considered holy according to Hinduism. The royal Karangasem family owns the Tirta Gangga Water Palace. It is located in the Ababi village, which is a two-hour drive from the town of Ubud. It features fountains, bridges, and as it’s name suggests – pools and ponds in a lush green garden setting.

The main attraction is the pool area with hexagonal steps on the water surface. Remember to carry some fish food with you to feed the enthusiastic, energetic, and hungry fish in the pond as you walk inside the pool. The stone sculptures of mythical creatures spouting water into the pond make for a lovely sight.

Go a bit early during the day to avoid large crowds. The entrance fee for the water palace is 40,000 IDR per person.

Visit The Temple Of Lempuyang Luhur

The Lempuyang Luhur temple is worth the visit because of it’s unique structure and wonderful panoramic views of the mountains from the top. I was excited to visit the temple as I’d seen breathtaking pictures of the “Heaven’s Gate” with Mount Agung in the background.

However, that excitement turned to disappointment. Because when I reached the place I saw people standing in a long queue with a local photographer sitting in the centre of the courtyard, clicking pictures of people with the gate, adding a photoshop “reflection effect” to the picture to beautify it. I found the original pictures of the gate much better than the “beautified ones”.

You can’t walk up the stairs of the temple as it’s open only to local devotees for worship. There are a series of temples around which require a bit of a hike so if you have time on your hands, you can walk up to the peak and enjoy panoramic views from the Lempuyang Temple.

You’ll have to wear a sarong before entering the temple and the entrance fee here is basically whatever amount you choose to donate at the counter.

Tour The Besakih Temple

Pura Besakih is the biggest and the most sacred Hindu temple located on the slopes of Mount Agung in Besakih village. The entrance fee for the temple is 60,000 IDR per person which includes your admission, a one-way ride to the temple (strangely not two-way), a sarong and the services of a guide to help you explore the entire temple property.

The Besakih temple is also called Bali’s “Mother Temple”. The temple complex comprises of several temples sitting on parallel ridges.

It has flights of stairs leading you to brick gateways that in turn lead you to the main spire structure, also called the Pura Penataran Agung. The temples are mainly dedicated to the three main Hindu gods – Shiva, Brahma & Vishnu. The temple is set against an active volcano which also adds an aura of mystique to the place.

In 1963, A series of volcanic eruptions of Mount Agung went on to kill almost 1,700 people and also threatened to destroy the Besakih temple. However, the lava flows miraculously missed the temple by a few metres. This led people to believe that the temple is not only blessed but it is the “House of the Gods”.

Have Lunch At Mahagiri Resort And Restaurant

After exploring the Besakih temple, you can enjoy buffet lunch at the Mahagiri Resort and Restaurant. The place is famous for it’s panoramic views of Mt. Kintamani. However, we were a bit unlucky as it was overcast and raining. But that didn’t stop us from having a buffet meal at an economical price of 1,00,000 IDR per person.

The vegetarian spread was deliciously fresh and I particularly liked the flavours of the local dish called nasi goreng. And though we couldn’t get to see Mt. Kintamani, we did enjoy the panoramic view of the green terrace gardens.

Visit The Tukad Cepung Waterfall

The Tukad Cepung Waterfall felt like a secret waterfall thanks to the approach route to get to it and the fact that it’s inside a cave. Wear flip flops to get to it because your shoes will get completely wet.

The hike to get to the waterfall is a bit long but worth the effort as the place is unspoiled and less crowded. You’ll see light sneaking in from where the water breaks through the cliff. The water flow is quite strong and the water stream appears like a translucent silky white curtain over the cliff.

There’s no place around to keep your bags other than a few rocks so have a waterproof bag on you if you plan to carry a phone for clicking pictures. Try going there when the weather is sunny to enjoy a better view of the waterfall and the rocky outcrops. The entry fee for the Tukad Cepung waterfall is 15,000 IDR per person.

Swim In The Tibumana Waterfall

After working hard to get to the Tukad Cepung waterfall, you’ll be visiting the Tibumana waterfall which has much easier access. The Tibumana waterfall is an exclusive, unexplored spot and hence, you’ll find less to no crowds at all.

You’ll love the sight of the water stream falling down a cliff with rocky outcrops into an emerald pool of cold water. The water is clean and safe for swimming so do bring your swimming costumes with you. The entry fee for the Tibumana waterfall is 15,000 IDR per person.

Enjoy a Photoshoot At The Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Yes, I’ve blatantly put it out there in the heading itself because the waterfall is that amazing & people-friendly. And yet, the surprising part is that I saw no tourists around when I visited the place. The Kanto Lampo waterfall is one of my favourite waterfalls in Bali and I’m glad I included it in the Ubud itinerary.

Located in the Gianyar regency, this waterfall facilitates the one thing that travellers like me love doing – posing for photographs and videos while having fun. The entry fee for the waterfall is 15,000 IDR per person.

You need to do a small hike to get to the waterfall. There are clean changing rooms for you to get into your glamorous swimwear. The waterfall surrounded by the forest makes for a stunning sight. The rocks can be a bit slippery so be careful when climbing the rocks to pose for photos.

A local caretaker at the venue takes amazing photos and videos (even slo-mo) for you while you pose away for Vogue’s Travel edition. He’s extremely friendly and tells you all the spots where you can pose to catch the perfect light. Kanto Lampo feels more like a luxurious private shower than a waterfall and that’s the USP of this fabulous place!

Have Dinner At ‘La Pacha Mama’

La Pacha Mama is a Mexican restaurant that my friend and I landed at while searching for another restaurant. But I’m glad we made the mistake as it turned out to be one of the most rewarding food experiences in our Ubud itinerary. You’ll be greeted by paintings of Al Pacino, Penelope Cruz and Leonardo DiCaprio raising a toast on the walls of the restaurant.

Trees inside the seating area and wooden benches provide a rustic feel to the place. A special mention to the manager and owner who suggested to us their specialties and boy was the food amazing or what!

The chef made a lovely vegetarian mixed platter (with tacos and quesadillas) which was bursting with flavours. Do try their ginger margarita as well. If you’re okay to experiment with your food and fancy a unique margarita with some Mexican music for company, then La Pacha Mama is the place to go to!

Conclusion

We had a blast in our Ubud leg of Bali trip because of the sheer variety of things we could do and places we could explore. I’m sure if we had another day, we’d still have a packed itinerary with newer places. Ubud offers everything a tourist can ask for – adventure sport, art, culture, nature, history, food, you name it!

I hope my carefully curated 4-day Ubud itinerary helps you explore this fantastic place to it’s fullest. And by the end of it, I bet you’ll fall in love with Ubud.

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