Om Swastiastu from Ubud, Bali!
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the cultural heart of Bali, this Ubud Bali 1 day itinerary will help you make the most of it.
We originally planned to spend just one night in Ubud, thinking Bali was all about beaches. Turns out… we were very wrong.
This ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our trip. Filled with monkeys, rice terraces, elephants, and yes… even poop coffee.
Ubud Bali 1 Day Itinerary: At a Glance
If you’re planning a quick visit, here’s how to spend 1 day in Ubud Bali:
- Morning: Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest
- Midday: Explore Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Afternoon: Visit an elephant sanctuary
- Coffee stop: Try Luwak coffee
- Evening: Head to your next destination, do some cheap shopping in town, or relax
This exact route worked perfectly for us and is ideal if you’re short on time.
Where Is Ubud? A Quick Look for Your Ubud Bali 1 Day Itinerary
Ubud is located in central Bali, about 1 to 1.5 hours from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) depending on traffic.
Unlike coastal areas like Kuta, Ubud is surrounded by:
- lush jungle
- rice terraces
- temples
- traditional villages
It feels calmer, greener, and more cultural. A completely different side of Bali.
How to Get to Ubud Bali
Getting to Ubud is simple, but it does take a bit longer than beach destinations.
Here are your best options:
- Private driver: The easiest and most common way
- Taxi or Grab: Available but can be pricier
- Hotel transfer: Many hotels offer pickups
We arrived late at night from Singapore and took a taxi straight to our hotel.
Our First Night in Ubud (Not Exactly Smooth)
We checked into Inata Hotel Ubud after midnight… or at least we tried to.
The place was completely dark. No staff. No front desk. Nothing.
We walked around calling out, for about 30 minutes, fully preparing to sleep on the outdoor furniture, when suddenly we heard movement.
Turns out the front desk employee was sleeping nearby.
Not exactly the welcome we expected, but definitely memorable.
Even though it wasn’t the greatest welcome we’ve ever had, the hotel was still great for how cheap it was. The room was comfy and it was right in the center of town. Click here for more info and to check availability.
Things to Do on an Ubud Bali 1 Day Itinerary
There are so many things to do in Ubud Bali. Even with just one day, there’s a lot you can squeeze in. Especially if you plan it right.
Visit the Sacred Ubud Monkey Forest
We started our day at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, just a short walk from our hotel.
Entry was around $6, and it was absolutely worth it.
Expect:
- jungle paths and bridges
- temples and shrines
- monkeys… everywhere
There are rules posted throughout, including:
? Do not make eye contact with the monkeys
Which is harder than it sounds when they’re all staring directly at you ?
To book your tickets before you go click here!
Hire a Private Driver (Game Changer)
After the Monkey Forest, we checked out and found ourselves standing on the street with all our luggage.
That’s when a local driver offered to take us around for the day while keeping our bags safe.
Naturally, my brain went straight to:
“This is how we lose all our belongings.”
But it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.
Not only was the driver extremely friendly, he was super knowledgeable and gave us great tips on what to see and do, and a history lesson while we drove around.
Stop at Tegalalang Rice Terrace
When in Bali, you can’t miss the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace.
These rice paddies are one of Bali’s most iconic views.
We didn’t have time to walk through them, but even stopping along the roadside to take it all in was worth it.
If you have more time, you can:
- walk through the terraces
- take photos on jungle swings
- grab a drink overlooking the view
Came to Bali to as an influencer? Don’t skip the Rock Bar…it’s where all the cool kids go.
Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Next, we visited Mason Elephant Sanctuary & Lodge.
Our driver specifically brought us here because of their focus on ethical treatment and conservation.
And honestly… this was one of the most emotional experiences of our trip.
We:
- fed the elephants
- got hugs from them
- watched them interact
They’re massive but incredibly gentle. It was hard to leave.
This experience through GetYourGuide includes entrance into the park, and you get to bathe an elephant! How cool is that. “What’d you do in Bali?” “Oh, just gave an elephant a bath.”
Try Luwak Coffee (Yes… Really)
At this point, I needed caffeine.
Our driver suggested trying Kopi Luwak.
Also known as… poop coffee. Yeah you read that right.
A civet (a cat like animal) eats the beans, digests them, and… well… you know the rest.
I volunteered to try it, and surprisingly:
It was smooth, slightly sweet, and not bitter at all.
Would I drink it again?
100% yes.
Best Time to Visit Ubud Bali
The best time to follow this Ubud Bali 1 day itinerary depends on the season:
- Dry season (May–October): Best for exploring and outdoor activities
- Rainy season (November–April): Fewer crowds but more humidity
Ubud stays lush and beautiful year-round.
Ubud Bali Travel Tips (What to Know Before You Go)
If you’re planning your own Ubud Bali 1 day itinerary, here are a few tips:
- Hire a driver: It makes everything easier
- Start early: Popular spots get crowded quickly
- Bring cash: Many places don’t accept cards
- Choose ethical animal experiences: Do your research
- Stay longer if you can: One day is not enough
Is Ubud Bali Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Even with just one day, Ubud completely surprised us.
It offers something totally different from Bali’s beach towns. More culture, more nature, and more unique experiences.
If (when*) we come back, we’ll be staying longer.
If you’re heading to the coast after exploring Ubud, check out my Kuta Bali travel guide for beaches, resorts, and shopping tips.
Final Thoughts on This Ubud Bali 1 Day Itinerary
We came to Ubud thinking it would just be a quick stop.
Instead, it became one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
From monkeys and rice terraces to elephants and coffee adventures, this place has a way of surprising you.
If you’re planning your trip to Bali, don’t make the same mistake we did.
Give Ubud more than just one day.
If you’re planning your trip and wondering how much to budget, I put together a full breakdown of Is Bali Expensive, including what you will actually spend on your trip.
