Ubud Bali: Complete Guide to Tours, Temples & Rice Terraces

Ubud is one of the most visited areas in Bali, and for good reason. It combines green rice terraces, ancient temples, traditional art, local markets, and a calm countryside atmosphere all in one place. Unlike the busy beach areas in South Bali, Ubud gives travelers a different experience — one that feels slower, more cultural, and closer to everyday Balinese life. This guide covers everything you need to know about planning an Ubud tour, from the best things to see and do to practical tips on routes, timing, and what to expect.

Why Visit Ubud?

Ubud is often called the cultural heart of Bali, and it is not hard to see why. The town itself is surrounded by small villages where traditional crafts, painting, wood carving, and dance are still part of daily life. Around Ubud, you will find some of Bali's most photographed landscapes — the layered rice terraces of Tegallalang, the sacred springs of Tirta Empul, and the lush valleys along the Campuhan Ridge.

But Ubud is not just about temples and rice fields. It is also a place where travelers can enjoy great local food, visit coffee plantations, try the famous Bali Swing, walk through monkey-filled forests, or simply relax in a place that feels far from the noise of Kuta or Seminyak. For first-time visitors to Bali, Ubud is almost always included in the itinerary — and for many returning travelers, it remains a highlight.

Best Things to Do in Ubud

Ubud Monkey Forest

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of the most popular stops in Ubud. Located in the center of town, this forest is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques that roam freely among ancient temple structures, banyan trees, and stone pathways. The forest itself is cool and shaded, making it a comfortable walk even in the middle of the day.

Entrance tickets cost around IDR 80,000 for adults, and the visit usually takes about one to one and a half hours. A few practical tips: keep your sunglasses, hats, phones, and any small loose items securely stored because the monkeys are curious and quick. Do not bring food into the forest, and avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys if they approach you. The staff inside the forest can help if needed, but most visitors enjoy the experience without any issues.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Tegallalang Rice Terrace is one of the most recognizable views in Bali. The layered green rice fields, tall coconut palms, and the surrounding valley make it a favorite stop for photos and sightseeing. The rice terraces are located about 20 to 30 minutes north of central Ubud, so they are easy to fit into a day trip.

The best time to visit Tegallalang is in the morning, when the light is softer, the air is cooler, and there are fewer visitors. You can walk down the paths between the rice paddies, stop at one of the small cafes overlooking the terraces, or simply enjoy the view from the top. Wear comfortable shoes because the paths can be narrow, uneven, and sometimes slippery after rain. Some local farmers may ask for a small donation when you walk through certain sections — this is normal, and keeping some small change handy is a good idea.

There are also several Bali Swing locations around the Tegallalang area, so if you want to combine the rice terrace visit with a swing experience, this is the place to do it.

Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul is one of Bali's most important water temples and a meaningful stop for travelers interested in Balinese culture and spirituality. The temple is built around a sacred spring, and Balinese Hindus come here for a purification ritual called melukat, where they bathe under the water spouts in the central courtyard.

Visitors are welcome to join the ritual, but a sarong is required. Sarongs are usually available for rent or included with the entrance ticket near the temple entrance. If you prefer not to enter the water, you can still walk around the temple grounds, observe the ceremonies, and appreciate the traditional Balinese architecture. The temple visit usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

Tirta Empul is often combined with Tegallalang, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Kintamani in a full-day itinerary, making it an efficient stop on a private Ubud tour.

Bali Swing

The Bali Swing has become one of the most photographed activities in Ubud. Located in the Tegallalang area, the swing lets you soar over a valley with views of rice terraces, palm trees, and jungle below. It is designed for photos, and many operators offer packages that include a few different swing heights, nests, and photo spots.

Prices vary depending on the swing operator, but expect to pay around IDR 200,000 to 500,000 depending on the package. The best time to visit is early morning, as queues can get long by mid-morning, especially during peak travel months. If you are visiting for the photo, wearing a dress that flows nicely adds to the picture, but also wear something comfortable underneath since you will be fitted with a safety harness.

Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace

The Ubud Art Market is located right in the center of town, across from Ubud Palace. It is a good place to browse for handmade crafts, textiles, silver jewelry, paintings, and souvenirs. The market is busiest in the morning when local vendors display fresh goods, but you can visit throughout the day. Bargaining is expected, so do not be shy about negotiating a fair price.

Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung, is just steps from the market. It is the former royal residence of the Ubud kingdom and a good example of traditional Balinese architecture. The palace grounds are free to enter, and if you are in Ubud in the evening, you can watch a traditional dance performance held in the palace courtyard — a beautiful way to end a day of sightseeing.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan is the closest waterfall to Ubud, located about 20 minutes south of the town center. Unlike many waterfalls in Bali that require a long trek, Tegenungan is accessible via a relatively short set of stairs. The waterfall itself is powerful, and there is a small pool at the bottom where visitors can swim.

The best time to visit Tegenungan is in the morning, both to avoid the midday heat and to have a quieter experience. Bring a change of clothes if you plan to swim, and wear shoes with good grip since the stairs can be slippery. There are several viewpoints along the way, so even if you do not go all the way down, you can still get a nice view.

Best Ubud Day Tour Itinerary

If you only have one day to explore Ubud, here are two suggested routes depending on your interests:

Option 1 — Culture and Scenery: Start with Ubud Monkey Forest in the morning, then visit Ubud Palace and the Art Market. Continue to Tegallalang Rice Terrace for lunch with a view, then visit Tirta Empul Temple in the afternoon. Finish with the Bali Swing before heading back to your hotel. This route covers culture, nature, and iconic photo spots in a comfortable full-day itinerary.

Option 2 — Nature and Adventure: Begin early at Tegenungan Waterfall, then visit a local coffee plantation to try Bali coffee and luwak coffee. Continue to Tegallalang Rice Terrace, followed by the Bali Swing. In the afternoon, visit Tirta Empul Temple and then drive up to Kintamani for a late-afternoon view of Mount Batur and Lake Batur before returning to your hotel.

Both itineraries work best with a private driver who knows the area, the best order of stops, and the timing between destinations. This is especially helpful in Ubud because some roads can be narrow, parking can be limited, and traffic patterns change throughout the day.

How to Get to Ubud

Ubud is located in central Bali and is accessible from most tourist areas by car. From Ngurah Rai Airport, the drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. From Seminyak, Kuta, or Canggu, expect about 1 to 1.5 hours. From Sanur, Ubud is about 45 minutes to an hour away.

Public transportation in Bali is limited, and there are no direct buses or trains to Ubud. Most travelers either rent a scooter, hire a private driver, or join a private tour. A private driver is often the most comfortable choice, especially for families, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants to focus on sightseeing instead of navigating unfamiliar roads.

Best Time to Visit Ubud

The best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season from April to October. Mornings are especially pleasant because the temperature is cooler and popular spots like Tegallalang and Monkey Forest are less crowded. If you are traveling during the rainy season from November to March, you can still enjoy Ubud — just plan outdoor stops for the morning and have some indoor alternatives in case of afternoon rain.

Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, since Ubud also attracts domestic tourists and local visitors on Saturdays and Sundays. If you have flexibility in your schedule, a weekday tour will feel more relaxed.

Ubud Tour Prices

The cost of an Ubud tour depends on the type of experience you choose. A private Ubud day tour with a driver typically ranges from IDR 600,000 to 850,000 for a full day, covering around 8 to 10 hours. This usually includes hotel pickup and return, a private air-conditioned car, a friendly English-speaking driver, fuel, and parking fees.

Entrance fees to individual attractions are usually not included in the driver price and are paid separately on arrival. For example, Monkey Forest tickets are around IDR 80,000, Tegallalang Rice Terrace around IDR 25,000 to 50,000, and Tirta Empul around IDR 50,000. Bali Swing packages are priced separately and vary by operator.

Compared to joining a large group tour, a private driver offers much more flexibility. You can adjust the route, decide how long to spend at each stop, skip places that feel too crowded, and add extra stops along the way if something catches your eye.

Where to Eat in Ubud

Ubud has one of the best food scenes in Bali, with options ranging from simple local warungs to riverside restaurants and healthy cafes. For a local experience, try a nasi campur or babi guling at a small warung — the flavors are authentic and the prices are very reasonable. If you prefer a view with your meal, several restaurants around Tegallalang and the Campuhan area serve Indonesian and international food with rice terrace or river valley views. Ubud is also known for its healthy and plant-based food scene, with many cafes offering smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and organic local ingredients.

Your private driver can often recommend good local places that are not on the typical tourist lists. Let them know if you have any dietary preferences or if you want to try something specific.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you need in Ubud?

One full day is enough to see the main highlights of Ubud, including Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul, and the Bali Swing. If you want to explore at a slower pace, visit more waterfalls, join a cooking class, or spend time in art galleries and yoga studios, two to three days would be ideal. Many travelers also use Ubud as a base for a few nights and take day trips to nearby areas like Kintamani, Jatiluwih, or Bedugul.

Is Ubud worth visiting?

Absolutely. Ubud offers a different side of Bali that many travelers find just as memorable as the beaches. The combination of culture, nature, art, food, and the calm village atmosphere makes it one of the most well-rounded destinations on the island. Even if your hotel is in Seminyak, Kuta, or Nusa Dua, an Ubud day trip is worth the drive.

Can you do Ubud as a day trip from Seminyak or Kuta?

Yes, a day trip to Ubud from Seminyak, Kuta, or Canggu is very common and works well. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way, so starting early in the morning is recommended. With a private driver, you can cover four to five main stops comfortably in a single day and still be back at your hotel by late afternoon or early evening.

Planning an Ubud day tour becomes much easier when you have a private driver who knows the area, the best sequence of stops, and the little details that make the day feel smooth. Martin Bali Tours offers Ubud day tours covering Monkey Forest, Tegallalang, Tirta Empul, and Bali Swing with flexible timing and private transport. You can also check our ATV and rafting adventure tour if you want to add some action to your Ubud trip, or browse our one day car charter option to build your own route. Visit our Bali tour packages page for more ideas, or contact us on WhatsApp to plan your Ubud day trip.