An Ubud one day itinerary works best when you start early and keep to a few nearby stops. A relaxed plan is: Tegalalang rice terraces in the morning, a water temple or coffee plantation before lunch, lunch in Ubud, then the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace and the art market in the afternoon. With Yoi Bali, the private Ubud Highlights tour costs from IDR 650,000 per car for a full day.
Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart, known for rice terraces, temples, craft villages and green river valleys. This guide gives you a realistic, unhurried day, with timings, options and tips for travelling with a private driver.
A relaxed Ubud itinerary at a glance
The times below are a suggested flow from a hotel in South Bali, such as Jimbaran, Nusa Dua or Kuta. From South Bali, the drive to Ubud usually takes about 1.5 hours.
| Approximate time | Stop | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30 | Hotel pick-up | An early start means cooler air and lighter traffic |
| 09:00 | Tegalalang rice terraces | Classic green terraces, best before the midday heat |
| 10:30 | Tirta Empul water temple or a coffee plantation | Balinese temple culture, or a relaxed tasting stop |
| 12:30 | Lunch in Ubud | Warung, cafe or rice-field restaurant |
| 14:00 | Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary | Shady forest paths, old temples and resident monkeys |
| 15:30 | Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market | Royal architecture and handmade souvenirs |
| 16:30 | Drive back to your hotel | Arrive around early evening, depending on traffic |
This flow fits inside a full day of up to 10 hours. The exact stops on the Ubud Highlights tour can be adjusted to your interests. The standard stops are Tegalalang rice terraces, a waterfall (Tegenungan or Tibumana), Tirta Empul water temple, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Ubud Palace with the art market.
Morning: rice terraces and temples
Tegalalang rice terraces
Tegalalang, north of central Ubud, is famous for its layered rice terraces on the slopes of a valley. Morning is the nicest time to visit, with softer light and fewer people. You can walk down into the terraces on narrow paths; good shoes help, as the steps can be uneven and slippery after rain.
Tirta Empul water temple
Tirta Empul is a Hindu temple known for its holy spring water and purification pools, where Balinese people come to pray. Visitors may watch respectfully, and some choose to join the ritual with proper guidance. A sarong is required, and your driver can help you with the entrance and etiquette.
Or a coffee plantation stop
If you prefer something lighter, many coffee and spice gardens around Tegalalang offer a short walk and a tasting of local coffee and teas. It is an easy, family-friendly break.
Midday: lunch in Ubud
Ubud has a wide choice of places to eat, from simple local warungs serving nasi campur to restaurants overlooking rice fields or river valleys. Your driver can suggest places that suit your taste and budget. Meals are not included in the tour price, so you are free to eat wherever you like.
Lunch is also a good moment to rest. Ubud can be warm and humid in the middle of the day, and a slow lunch keeps the afternoon enjoyable.
Afternoon: Monkey Forest, palace and market
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
This shady forest in the centre of Ubud is home to long-tailed macaques and several old temples. Keep sunglasses, hats, food and loose items packed away, do not touch or feed the monkeys, and stay calm if one comes close.
Ubud Palace
Puri Saren Agung, the Ubud Palace, sits on the main crossroads in town. Its carved gates and courtyards show traditional Balinese royal architecture, and it takes only a short time to visit.
Ubud Art Market
Across the road from the palace, the art market sells sarongs, baskets, wood carvings, paintings and other crafts. Polite bargaining is normal here.
Other ways to spend a day in Ubud
Because the tour is private, you can swap stops to match your interests. Popular alternatives include:
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: an easy walk along a grassy ridge, best early in the morning or late afternoon.
- Goa Gajah: the Elephant Cave, an old temple site with a carved cave entrance.
- Craft villages: stops on the way to Ubud for silver, wood carving or batik.
- River rafting: a half-day adventure on the Ayung River; see our activities and spa options.
- Kintamani volcano views: combine Ubud with the Kintamani Volcano and Tegalalang tour, full day from IDR 750,000.
Trying to fit too much into one day is the most common mistake. Four or five stops are plenty for a relaxed pace.
Tips for a smooth day in Ubud
- Dress for temples: cover your shoulders and knees, and wear or borrow a sarong at temple visits.
- Bring cash: small rupiah notes for entrance tickets, donations and parking at some small sites.
- Wear comfortable shoes: paths at rice terraces and in the forest can be uneven.
- Pack a light rain layer: afternoon showers are common, especially in the wet season.
- Leave room for traffic: central Ubud gets busy in the afternoon; your driver will plan around it.
Book your private Ubud day
The Ubud Highlights tour with Yoi Bali is a private full day from IDR 650,000 per car (Avanza, up to 4 guests), including driver, fuel and parking. Entrance tickets, meals and tolls are paid separately. Your driver acts as your tour assistant, helping with tickets, photos and lunch suggestions, and the route stays flexible on the day.
To plan your day, send your hotel, date and interests through the contact page or on WhatsApp at +62 881-0375-10789. You will receive the route, the car and one fixed price, with no payment needed to ask. You can also browse all private tours or book open hours with car hire with driver.
Frequently asked questions
Is one day enough for Ubud?
One day is enough to see the highlights, such as Tegalalang, a temple, the Monkey Forest and the palace, at a relaxed pace. To explore craft villages, walks or rafting as well, plan a second day.
How long is the drive from Jimbaran to Ubud?
Usually about 1.5 hours, sometimes longer in heavy traffic. An early start helps you avoid the busiest roads.
How much is a private Ubud tour?
The Yoi Bali Ubud Highlights tour costs from IDR 650,000 per car for a full day in an Avanza, including driver, fuel and parking. Entrance tickets, meals and tolls are not included.
What should I wear for an Ubud day trip?
Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples, comfortable shoes for uneven paths, and a hat. Bring a light rain layer in the wet season.
Can I add rafting or Kintamani to my Ubud day?
Yes, the tour is private and flexible, though adding stops makes for a fuller day. Rafting on the Ayung River or the Kintamani volcano viewpoint can be combined; ask on WhatsApp for one fixed price for your route.
