Unforgettable 3 day itinerary in Ubud

If you’re planning a trip to Bali and wondering how many days to spend in Ubud, three days is a great amount of time to experience the best of the town. Ubud is known as the cultural heart of Bali, filled with temples, waterfalls, rice terraces and buzzing markets, but it’s also the place to find adventure - think white water rafting, jungle ATV rides and giant swings over the rice paddies.

We recently spent 3 days in Ubud and managed to squeeze in river rafting, ATV riding, the Sacred Monkey Forest, the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, Ubud Market, the Sari Organic Walk, and even a traditional fire dance show. We stayed at Pramana Villas, a beautiful private villa surrounded by rice fields, and it gave us the perfect mix of luxury and tranquillity between busy days of exploring.

If you’re looking for a complete 3 day Ubud itinerary with adventure, culture, temples, markets and some off-the-beaten-track walks, here’s exactly how we spent our time. If you prefer to take life a bit slower, adding a few rest days in between gives you a chance to really soak up the atmosphere and remote jungle scenes. 

Day 1 - Markets, Dragonfly Café and a Fire Show

We started our first morning in Ubud wandering through the lively Ubud Market. It was a colourful maze of sarongs, spices, jewellery and hand-carved art, and while our bargaining wasn’t flawless, we still left with a few treasures.

In the afternoon we headed out on the Sari Organic Walk, a peaceful trail through rice paddies and farmland. About halfway along we stopped at Dragonfly Café, sitting out with cool drinks and looking over the fields - the perfect introduction to Bali’s slower side.

That evening, after a quick dinner in town, we went to see a traditional fire dance. The performance told the story of Rama and Sita through chanting, singing, dancing and fire that lit up the night sky. It was dramatic, beautiful, and a highlight of our whole trip. We bought our tickets from a street vendor and although we arrived early the entire show was full when we arrived, I would recommend buying tickets online so that you can arrive before 7pm to get the best seats. You can get tickets here including a private tour of the markets which may help you haggle better than we did!

Day 2 - Temples, Rice Terraces and a Monkey or Two

On our second day we booked a private tour to see Ubud’s cultural highlights. We started at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where hundreds of macaques darted around moss-covered temples. They were hilarious to watch, though we quickly learned to keep our bags zipped tight.

From there we made our way to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, one of Bali’s most photographed landscapes. The views were stunning, and after a walk along the trails we braved one of the giant swings that sends you soaring out over the paddies. Equal parts thrilling and terrifying.

Next came Tegenungan Waterfall, where we cooled off before taking a break for lunch, the water here was not the cleanest so we didn’t get fully in!

In the afternoon we visited a woodworking market and saw some locals carving enormous statues and figures. Next, our guide took us to Tirta Empul Temple; watching locals and tourists alike step into the sacred pools for water purification rituals was a moving experience and gave us a glimpse into Bali’s deep spiritual traditions - I only wish we had taken the opportunity to cleanse ourselves in the waters too.

Our final stop was a local coffee plantation - the owners showed us all of the plants they grew (including coffee, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, and a whole range of berries I’ve never heard of before). Then they gave us what felt like 100 types of coffee and tea to try - including the famous Luwak coffee (known for being made from coffee beans harvested from animal poo!)

Throughout the tour our guide gave us a huge amount of amazing information about Balinese history, culture and really made the whole trip - you couldn’t pack this much into one day without a guide.  

Day 3 - Rafting the Ayung River and ATV Adventures

We saved the high-adrenaline fun for our final day. In the morning we climbed onto ATVs and spent a few hours splashing through muddy jungle tracks and bouncing over dirt trails. It was messy, chaotic, and ridiculously fun.

Later we swapped engines for paddles and went white water rafting on the Ayung River. Between bursts of rapids, we drifted past jungle cliffs, waterfalls and hidden carvings in the rocks. By the time we finished we were soaked, tired and completely exhilarated. This is the tour we went on, we chose to ride a tandem ATV and opted for hotel pickup to make our lives easier

Back at our villa we swam one last time in our private pool and had dinner under the stars, ending our Ubud adventure on a high.

Staying at Pramana Villas

Pramana Villas (sacred canyon) was the perfect base for our trip. With a private pool, spacious villa and lush surroundings, it felt like our own slice of paradise. After long days out exploring, coming back here was the ultimate retreat. Pictured is our floating breakfast in our private pool for a romantic start to the day.

FAQ About a 3 Day Ubud Itinerary

Is 3 days enough for Ubud?

Yes. Three days gives you enough time to see the highlights - temples, rice terraces, waterfalls, markets and cultural shows - while still having space for an adventure like rafting or ATV riding.

What is the best time to visit Ubud?

The dry season from April to October is the best time, with sunny weather and lower humidity. The wet season (November to March) can still be enjoyable, but expect afternoon downpours.

How do you get around Ubud?

The easiest way is by hiring a driver for day trips. Scooters are also popular, but the roads can be hectic if you’re not experienced. Walking is fine in the town centre, but you’ll need transport for temples, waterfalls and rice terraces.

What should I wear in Ubud?

Light, breathable clothing is best for the heat. If visiting temples, bring a sarong or scarf to cover your legs and shoulders. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are essential for rice field walks and exploring.

Where can you see a traditional dance in Ubud?

There are nightly performances at several venues, but we recommend the fire dance that tells the story of Rama and Sita - the atmosphere is unforgettable.

Where should you stay in Ubud?

We stayed at Pramana Villas, which had a private pool, tranquil surroundings and easy access to Ubud town. It was the perfect mix of comfort and authenticity