Planning three days in Ubud is like trying to squeeze a beach ball into a suitcase. You think you’ve got it all figured out, but then there’s that last bit of air that just won’t let it close. This itinerary is your magic wand, helping you to dive into Ubud’s culture and scenery while keeping your suitcase from bursting at the seams. Let’s get started!
Day 1: A taste of Ubud’s heart
Your journey begins in the lively Ubud Art Market, a bustling hub of crafts, textiles, and souvenirs that might just send your wallet into a small panic attack. Arrive by 9 AM to beat the crowds and grab some breakfast at Café Wayan. Try their banana pancakes – they’re so good you’ll forget you even had a banana in your bag.
After breakfast, wander through the market for about two hours. Don’t forget to haggle; it’s practically a rite of passage here. You’ll find:
- Handwoven baskets
- Colorful sarongs
- Wooden carvings
- Traditional Balinese paintings
By 11 AM, it’s time to head to the stunning Tegenungan Waterfall. Grab a taxi or scooter – it’s about a 30-minute ride. Pack a swimsuit, as the waterfall is perfect for a refreshing dip. Spend an hour or so taking photos and pretending to be a model for Instagram.
At around 1 PM, get your lunch fix at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka. Their Babi Guling (suckling pig) is a local favorite, and you might just find yourself in a food coma afterward.
Post-lunch, take a stroll through the Ubud Monkey Forest. The monkeys are cute, but don’t be that person who tries to take a selfie with them. Aim to spend about two hours here, and watch your belongings. These little guys are skilled thieves. You’ll leave with a better appreciation for nature and a few funny monkey stories.
Day 2: Temples and tranquility
Start your day early with a visit to the Tirta Empul Temple. Leave your hotel by 8 AM for the 30-minute drive. Arriving early means fewer tourists and more serenity. You can participate in a purification ritual in the holy springs, which might just wash away your 2020 blues.
After your temple visit, make your way to Gunung Kawi Temple, about 20 minutes away. This ancient site, carved into the cliffs, is a sight to behold. Spend an hour exploring and soaking in the atmosphere.
By noon, you’ll be hungry again. Head to Warung Sopa for some healthy vegetarian food. Their smoothies are a must-try, especially if you want to feel virtuous while eating.
In the afternoon, take a cooking class at Paon Bali Cooking Class. You’ll learn how to make traditional Balinese dishes like Nasi Goreng, and the best part? You get to eat your creations. Spend about three hours here, and don’t worry if you set the kitchen on fire – they’ve seen it all.
Day 3: Art and relaxation
On your final day, treat yourself to a morning yoga session. Join a class at Yoga Barn, starting around 9 AM. Nothing says “I’m zen” like contorting your body into a pretzel while chanting.
After yoga, indulge in a hearty brunch at Clear Café. Their smoothie bowls are Instagram-ready and delicious. Spend some time relaxing and planning your next move.
In the early afternoon, visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art. Spend a couple of hours exploring art that will make you ponder life’s mysteries. Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side of the gallery, obviously.
As the day winds down, treat yourself to a spa session at Karsa Spa. A traditional Balinese massage is the perfect way to unwind. Aim for a 90-minute session to release all that tension you’ve been holding onto like it’s the last cookie in the jar.
Wrap up your Ubud experience with a sunset dinner at Locavore. Reservations are a must, so book ahead. Their farm-to-table philosophy will make your taste buds sing, and the ambiance will have you feeling like the king or queen of Ubud.
Three days in Ubud may seem short, but you’ll leave with a heart full of memories and a camera roll bursting at the seams. Now, go forth and conquer Ubud like the travel warrior you are!
