The Ultimate Ubud Itinerary | 3 Days in Bali’s Hidden Paradise

Are you looking for the ultimate list of what to do in Ubud for 3 days? You’ve landed in the right place. 

No trip to Bali is complete without spending a few days exploring the beautiful, relaxing, and spiritually transformational area of Ubud. And I’ll let you in on a little secret…. I know the best places to stay, things to do, and various insider travel tips you need for an epic Ubud itinerary. After all, Ubud is my second home! I spend portions of each year here, that’s how much I fell in love with it way back when I first discovered it. 

While I would argue that most people flock to Bali for its famously stunning beaches, unbeatable sunsets, and excellent surfing conditions — Ubud offers an entirely different experience. It’s the “Spiritual Capital” of Bali, and the entire Ubud area has a much more authentic and chilled out vibe than the rest the Indonesian island.

Ubud has something for every style of traveller. Lush rice terraces, luxury jungle resorts, zen-filled yoga studios, spiritual healing practitioners, relaxing meditation retreats and some of the best places to eat in Bali. If you’re looking for some serious R&R, Ubud is calling you. Heck, you can even enjoy Bali’s epic music festivals and then flee to Ubud for some quiet serendipity.

With this 3-day Ubud itinerary in hand, you’ll quickly fall in love with this iconic destination.

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Ubud 3 Day Itinerary Overview

Ubud has something for every style of traveller. Lush rice terraces, luxury jungle resorts, zen-filled yoga studios, spiritual healing practitioners, relaxing meditation retreats and some of the best places to eat in Bali. If you’re looking for some serious R&R, Ubud is calling. Heck, you can even enjoy Bali’s epic music festivals and then flee to Ubud for some quiet serendipity.

Ubud may be one of the cheaper areas for budget travelers and backpackers in Bali, but it’s also home to some of the most luxuriously expensive resorts with unbelievable infinity pools. 

If you’re in the market for a full island itinerary you absolutely must check out my ultimate Bali itinerary. It’s one of the most comprehensive guides and itineraries out there on the “Island of the Gods.”

So without further ado, here’s my detailed 3 day Ubud itinerary!

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Where To Stay In Ubud, Bali

Before we jump into the full itinerary, I wanted to answer a few burning questions you may have about visiting Ubud. And that starts with where to stay. Any great trip to Ubud starts with a great place to stay, and I’ve experienced a wide variety of accommodations in Ubud for myself that match all manner of budgets and stay styles. 

There are so many exceptional resorts and accommodation options in the Ubud area, but where you stay really just depends on what you’re looking for. Some of the best places to stay in Ubud are actually about 15 minutes away from Ubud, but they are well worth the extra travel time for.

It also depends if you’re loyal to a hotel brand like Marriott or Hyatt, as that has become a massive factor in my travels lately. I have hotel status on both Marriott & Hyatt, and love receiving free upgrades when traveling around Bali.

Sometimes I’ll book the cheapest room option and get upgraded to a suite just because I have elite status. So that’s something you should consider if you’re a regular traveller to Bali!

With all that being said, here are my own recommendations for where to stay in Ubud. 

• The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud: I had the pleasure of staying at the Westin in Ubud for 10 days a couple of years ago, and got a great deal because it was while the country was closed to most tourism during lockdowns and because of their connection with the Marriott brand. The rooms and beds are insanely comfortable — the Westin Heavenly Bed lives up to the name — and the infinity pool in the jungle setting is simply amazing. It’s also a real bonus that The Westin Ubud is not too far from Ubud itself, and just 15-minutes drive into the city. The staff is all incredibly helpful, and I used the on-site gym every morning. 

• The Alila Ubud: For travelers loyal to the Hyatt brand you’ll love The Alila Ubud. I have stayed here before, and it was exemplary. While it’s roughly a 15-20 minute drive north of Ubud, the food, pool, rooms, and staff were all second to none. You’ll likely encounter some monkeys around the property, and the seclusion of the property is incredible for unwinding in style. The hotel also offers complimentary walking tours through the Eastern Java-Bali rainforest. 

• Royal Villa Jepun: Looking for quality and comfort at an unbeatable price? Book your stay at the Royal Villa Jepun. It is well-located, has an amazing pool and is super luxurious yet affordable. The staff are very friendly, and will go above and beyond to ensure you have the best time in Ubud. 
• Wayan’s Family Hostel Ubud: This family-run hostel and guesthouse is widely reviewed as one of the best hostels in Ubud. It’s great value for money, with a fantastic swimming pool and comfortable rooms, making it perfect for backpackers in Ubud. They also have air conditioning in each room, so you can escape the scorching heat and tropical humidity of Bali when you need to. 

• Igloo Glamping Bali: If it’s a unique stay you’re looking for in Ubud, consider staying at Igloo Glamping Bali. Not only is it unique, but it’s also one of the best Bali glamping spots, with stunning mountain and lakeside views, and complimentary breakfast each morning. You do have to use the communal toilets, but that’s water under the bridge when you can admire the stars above with a fire burning bright each night after an unforgettable day of exploring.

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How To Get Around Ubud

Another common question that visitors to Ubud will wonder about is how to get around. The most common and easiest way to explore Ubud is on two wheels. Everyone in Bali gets around on scooters, which is super fun! However, if you’ve never rented or ridden a scooter before, I wouldn’t really recommend learning to drive one here in Ubud. The city center can get extremely busy at times with intense traffic, so it’s best only to drive a scooter if you’re skilled, comfortable, and confident!

If you’re an experienced and responsible driver, you shouldn’t have any issues at all on a scooter, and riding around Ubud is an adventure all on its own. The roads are pretty well-maintained, and there’s something so special about zipping by rice terraces, gorgeous temples and lush jungle! I love riding around Ubud on my scooter, and it’s one of the things I miss most about Bali when I’m not there. 

If you don’t want to rent a scooter, the next best thing is to use Go-Jek. Go-Jek is basically like the Indonesian version of Uber, and you can request rides (and even sit on the back of scooters) for dirt cheap. This is the best option for your more relaxing days, where you only visit a few places.

Finally, another great way to explore Ubud is by hiring a car or private driver. I found this private driver for 10 hours who offers a cost-effective and friendly experience. A local driver will take you all around Ubud, from the rice terraces to the temples and anywhere else you want, and usually know insider info others don’t. 

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Ubud Itinerary Day 1: Tegalalang Rice Terraces & Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

It’s time to kick off your epic 3 day trip to Ubud! On your first day in town, I’ve got a bunch of insider tips for you, and some unforgettable outings. Today, you’ll enjoy some of Ubud’s most beautiful rice terraces, visit a monkey sanctuary and wind up a big day with some of those relaxing treatments that Bali is renowned for. 

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Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Let’s start your Ubud itinerary bright and early and head down to the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Bonus points if you gather the strength to wake up for the sunrise! The way the morning light shines through the palm trees is so peaceful. 

Located 20 to 25 minutes north of the center of Ubud, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are truly magnificent. You can easily spend several hours walking around the sprawling valley, getting lost in the beautiful green scenery. 

Do a tasting of delicious Balinese Luwak coffee and enjoy a smoothie bowl at Santana Terrace and Swing Bali on top of the hill. Don’t forget to snap some Insta-worthy photos of you high in the sky on the restaurant’s swing before doing some souvenir shopping along the main road.

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Speaking of swings and fun things to do around the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, one of the most iconic activities is the “Bali Swings,” as there are literally dozens around the area. You can also do zip-lining across the rice fields.

If you’re looking for a place to relax for a couple of hours after walking around the rice terraces, I’d recommend checking out Tis Cafe. It has a small but beautiful infinity pool, and the food is delicious and affordable.

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Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest

Now it’s time to make your way over to the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest!

“The Ubud Monkey Forest lies within the village of Padangtegal, which owns it. The village’s residents view the Monkey Forest as an important spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center for the village. There are many points of interest that you can see here. Other than around 700 monkeys, you also can see 186 species of trees in 12.5 hectares of forest, which will allow you to get abundant fresh air.” — Ubud Monkey Forest.

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I’ve experienced some pretty awful monkeys in South-East Asia before, but the monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest were all exceptionally well-behaved. I loved how they interacted with the guests, would let you get close to take pictures and don’t harass you. You can also purchase some bananas to feed them and get some fun photos of them on or by your shoulder, as you can see above! Photobombed!

Fair warning! Monkeys are infamous for being quite mean at times! Do your best not to bother them in any way, avoid eye contact and don’t smile at them. I’d also be very cautious with any valuables you have on you. Monkeys have a tendency to grab items and run away. I’ve seen people have their wallets taken by a monkey!

If you want to skip the hassle of planning the entire day out, you can always join this cool Ubud private tour. It’ll take you to the Tegalalang Rice Paddies, where you’ll sip on Luwak coffee and swing to your heart’s content before venturing into the Ubud Monkey Forest. You’ll end your tour with a sunset walk at Tanah Lot Temple. What more could you ask for?

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R&R – Bali Style!

Finish your evening with a sweaty yoga session or a relaxing massage. Bali is renowned for its endless self care and relaxation offerings! Or, knock back a few Bintang beers while enjoying Ubud’s top notch nightlife. My main advice would be to not tire yourself out too much though, because the next item on the itinerary has an extremely early wake-up time – but it’s 100% worth it. 

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Ubud Itinerary Day 2: Sunrise Hikes & Ubud Cooking Class

Rise and shine! I hope that you slept well, because today has a suuuuper early wake up call. But it’s totally worth it! Today, you’ll hike to one of Ubud’s most stunning lookout points, and later on, you’ll learn how to make authentic Balinese food in a fabulous local cooking class. It’s going to be a great day – let’s go!

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Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

I fully understand that no one likes waking up between 02:00 am and 03:00 am, especially if it’s for an intense hike. But there’s a reason why this unforgettable trip has become one of Bali’s most famous tourist experiences!

Of all the ways to embark on this sunrise hike of Mount Batur while you’re in Bali, I’d recommend booking an Ubud tour while you’re in the area. It just nullifies organizing travel and makes for a slightly easier morning.  

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There are lots of different options for Mount Batur tours, but below are three solid options with top reviews to check out.

Each tour starts with a hike to the top of the ancient Mount Batur volcano. You’ll then get the chance to admire the sun coming up over the sea and feel your heart thumping in your chest as you look down on the expansive volcanic valley below.

• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek with Breakfast
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek with Hidden Waterfall
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek & Hot Springs 

I’d recommend doing the mid-tier option, so you can actually walk around the crater. It’s less crowded for sunrise, and you’ll get much better photos. You’ll be able to see Mt. Rinjani in the distance on the neighboring island of Lombok, as well as my favorite island in the world, Gili Trawangan.

Note: These Mount Batur guided tours take up most of the day. You will most likely get back to Ubud just after midday, so don’t be surprised if you spend some of the afternoon recuperating from the intense hike.

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Check out this YouTube video for a look at what this hike includes and for a little dose of inspiration, which you’ll definitely need with such an early 02:00 am wake-up time!

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Balinese Cooking Class

When you arrive back in Ubud, take an hour or two to shower, relax and perhaps get a foot massage to get you energized for your next activity, a Balinese Cooking Class.

While this activity might not excite everyone, trust me. It really is such a great experience, and the local food in Bali is unbelievably fresh and delicious. It’s a fantastic learning experience, you’ll learn some culinary skills to take home and you’re guaranteed to get a tasty meal at the end of the class.

There are several great cooking classes, and here are a few of my top picks:

• Balinese Cooking Class for Dinner in Ubud: “Discover the unique spices and exotic flavors of Balinese cuisine with a 5-hour cooking class in a traditional home kitchen. Get hands-on as you shop for ingredients at the local market, immerse yourself in Balinese culture in Kelabang Moding Village, and whip up a delicious lunch or dinner under the guidance of an expert chef.”
• Flavours of Bali Local Cooking Class: “If you have a keen interest in Balinese cuisine, then this cooking class in Ubud is for you! Learn to prepare authentic dishes from a certified cook in a traditional open kitchen. You’ll get hands-on practice in a 6-hour session, starting in the morning (with a market tour) or afternoon. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 for a small-group learning experience with personalized attention. Includes round-trip transport from Ubud hotels.”
• Ubud Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: “Discover the culinary secrets of Bali at an exclusive cooking class at an organic farm in the lush tropics surrounding Ubud. Visit a local market and experience everyday life, before preparing a regular or vegetarian meal with the help of a chef.”

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When your cooking class wraps up, why not head out into town to one of the many bars and nightlife venues for a couple of drinks? I’d recommend the Melting Pot for some billiards and darts, or the Laughing Buddha Bar for live music.

If you manage to do all of these activities in one day, I’m sure you’ll be extremely tired. So it might be a good idea to do these on different days. It really just depends on your travel style, energy level and personal interest. 

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Ubud Itinerary Day 3: Temples & Ridge Walks

It’s your last day in Ubud, and while I’m sure you’re sad to leave this heavenly destination behind, but don’t worry! I have a fantastic final day in store for you, which will leave you with even more memories of Bali that will last a lifetime. Today, you’ll explore some of the beautiful temples of the region, and cap off your trip with a scenic ridge walk with views to die for. 

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Mount Kawi Temple

Your first stop today is one of the most popular attractions in Ubud, Mount Kawi Temple. You’ll want to get there early as possible, as there are 300 steps to climb, and you really won’t want to do that in Bali’s sweat-inducing humidity. Once you reach the top, you can easily spend an hour or two wandering around the beautiful green area, photographing the sights up here.

The rock-cut candi shrines are a staggering 23 feet (7 meters) tall. Getting them all in one shot is virtually impossible, but snapping unique photos in front of each is an absolute must-do.

But the fun doesn’t end there because there are more temples and nature walks to be enjoyed.

Top tip: Bring a sarong or wear respectable clothing before venturing to any of these temples. Many of the local temples have ‘dress codes,’ and the last thing you want to do is endure the half mile hike down and back up Mount Kawi because you forgot to cover up.

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Tirta Empul Temple

Your next stop isn’t too far away, and that’s to the spiritual Tirta Empul Temple. This site is said to have a holy spring, and it’s common for many Balinese to make a pilgrimage here to bathe and worship underneath one of its 12 fountains. 

“A very active temple built around a bubbling spring, Pura Tirta Empul is an interesting place to observe Hindu devotees purifying themselves by means of ritual bathing. It is especially recommended to visit on a full moon day, which has special significance in the local religion.” — TripAdvisor.

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Tegenungan Waterfall

After exploring two of Ubud’s most beautiful temples, hop on a moto and make the 15-20 minute drive down to the Tegenungan Waterfall, a majestic waterfall in a lush jungle. There’s a nice shallow bathing area, and the site is complete with a fun bar and pool. 

There is a small entrance fee and you’ll need to embark on a 15-minute walk down a relatively steep trail, but it’s a fantastic place to spend an afternoon and escape the heat and worth every step!

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Campuhan Ridge Walk

Your last activity for the day is a popular activity amongst both locals and expats in Ubud – the Campuhan Ridge Walk. For a detailed guide to the walk, check out this useful guide from LiveLoveRaw about the Campuhan Ridge Walk. It covers everything, like how to find the walk (with pictures), insider tips, rest stops and lots more! 

This walk is free, easy to complete and makes for the perfect ending to your time in Ubud.

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Extra Activities To Add To Your Ubud Itinerary

If you’re not interested in any excursion I covered in my above itinerary, you can always substitute it for one of the following epic activities in Ubud. Although I highly recommend the things I already covered, maybe you’re not much of a hiker or prefer a different kind of outing. That’s what makes Ubud such a fantastic getaway, as you can easily interchange activities without missing out and there truly is something here for everyone. 

Ubud Art Market: Nestled in the center of Ubud along Ji. Reya Ubud Road, this market boasts an eclectic mix of Indonesia’s cultural delights. You’ll find everything here, from clothes, sarongs and jewelry to handicrafts, souvenirs, and homeware.

Ubud Palace: Along the very same road, Ubud Palace is the city’s beating heart. Also known as Puri Saren Agung, this is a small yet elaborate space, and the royal family still lives within its walls. You spend hours walking through the gardens appreciating the stone carvings. This cool Ubud Palace tour includes a traditional dance show. 

Saraswati Temple: Not far from the city center, the Saraswati Temple is a magical place where architectural ingenuity and a world of water await. Amongst the intricately carved relief sculptures on the temple, you’ll find a pink lotus pond that comes to life in summer and fall.

Goa Gajah: Keeping with the theme of temples, the Goa Gajah is another Hindu temple that will leave you awestruck. It’s only 1.2 miles (two km) southeast of Ubud, and is unlike any other temple you’ll come across. The ornate shrine is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, and you’ll enter through his mouth into a cave filled with lingam and, ahem, phallic symbols.

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The Best Places To Eat In Ubud

After a solid day of Ubud exploration, treat yourself to a meal at one of Ubud’s trendy cafes. Ubud is a fantastic destination for food fanatics, and you could spend days here solely checking out all the places to eat and still barely scratch the surface!

A few of my favorite cafes and restaurants you must try while in Ubud are:

• Zest Ubud: “Zen-like, bohemian outfit serving plant-based global fare made from locally sourced ingredients.”
• Sayuri Healing Food: “Easygoing destination with a bohemian vibe offering cooked & raw plant-based mains & desserts.”
• Alchemy: “Informal vegan restaurant serving pizzas, salads & poke bowls, plus medicinal soups.”
• KAFE Ubud: “Tropical cafe with vegetarian & non-vegetarian menus using organic & health-conscious ingredients.”
• Clear Cafe: “We are passionate about healthy food and living and offer a wide range of vegetarian, vegan, raw and pescatarian options with a focus on both international and local flavors.”
• Taco Casa: “Branch of a Texas-based chain serving casual Mexican fare such as tacos, burritos & nachos.”

Be sure to browse through this article titled “The 54 Best Restaurants in Ubud” for more inspiration. 

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The Best Places To Drink In Ubud

I cannot overestimate just how many places there are in Ubud to enjoy a quiet drink or, if you’re in the mood, a wild night out. Bars are always popping up in this gorgeous part of the world, and I already mentioned a couple of my favourite haunts in town.

Whether you’re into cool shisha hotspots, jungle-inspired rooftop bars or late-night local favourites, these are some more of the best places to party and drink in Ubud:

• Ubud Shisha: “We provide the best shisha experience in Ubud. Also we have delicious tea and soft drinks, very fast wi-fi and everything to feel the real smoke flavors.”
• Folk Pool & Gardens: “Light bites & cocktails in a leafy, tranquil venue featuring loungers & a pool with a swim-up bar.”
• Cantina Rooftop: “Settle in for an afternoon or evening at CANTINA ROOFTOP perched above the Campuhan Ridge overlooking the majestic Pura Gunung Lebah temple. Lounge on the rooftop terrace ensconced by jungle and balmy tropical breezes.”
• Kawi Ubud: “A Zen space set around a sleek terrazzo island bar, Kawi Ubud showcases island produce, including spirits, with low-key style and creativity.”
• IBU SUSU: “Inventive Pan-Asian share plates & craft cocktails offered in airy, rustic-chic quarters.”
• Night Rooster Bar: “Local ingredients craft cocktail bar steeped in the mysteries of local folklore.”
• No Más Bar: “Ubud’s best bar for late-night eats, beer, wine and cocktails. Open from 5 pm til late with live entertainment every night.”
• Donna Ubud: “Donna is a refreshing oasis in the heart of Bali, offering an exceptional atmosphere that blends European traditions with Latin American accents.”
• Sky Lounge by Ely’s Kitchen: “Our Sky Lounge offers the perfect escape to enjoy drinks amidst a lush forest backdrop.”

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Travel Insurance For Your Ubud Trip

It’s unfortunately all too common that people come to Bali, get into a scooter accident or similar, and end up needing a lot of medical attention! This, as you can imagine, is not cheap, and while the Bintangs and good vibes are, don’t expect medical treatment as a foreigner to also be a great value!

These bills will really add up, and sometimes they won’t even operate before they know you’re covered. I’ve had at least four friends now get in serious accidents, but only half of them had added insurance to their travel resources to cover their needs! Trust me — especially if you plan on driving or getting on the back of a moto (which you most likely will), you’ll want peace of mind to make sure you’re covered! You also need to consider other issues that could arise, such as theft, a boat sinking or water damage, or catching dengue.

I highly recommend HeyMondo for your Bali travel insurance due to their extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, with fair pricing and a handy app. The app allows you to not only manage any claims but also access assistance online. So you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while in Indonesia, where the charges are steep.

So, whether you need a single trip cover for two weeks in Bali or an affordable annual cover for multiple trips worldwide, be sure to buy your travel insurance before you hit the road. That way, you can rest easy during your trip, knowing that HeyMondo has your back.

I would never travel without insurance, especially after hearing so many of those (expensive and dangerous) horror stories from other travelers I’ve met! Still, planning your trip? You can always get a no-commitment travel insurance quote with HeyMondo, so you have an idea of how much extra to budget for your vacation. 

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Insider Travel Tips for Your 3-Day Itinerary in Ubud

Rent a Moto: Riding around the roads in Ubud and the surrounding areas is extremely fun. You can rent motos for dirt cheap, and it’s by far the best and easiest way to explore all the sights.

Bargain: You’re in Southeast Asia, and all the souvenirs you have your eye on, and activities you want to book, can be bargained down. Don’t be a bum about it, but don’t get ripped off either. 

Hubud events: Hubud is the local digital nomad/expat community in Ubud. Check their events calendar to see if anything interesting is coming up! 

Bring a good camera: Ubud is absolutely beautiful. You’ll want to get some breathtaking photographs of everything you see, so a high-quality camera is a must. 

Insect repellant: Bali has tons of mosquitos, especially in Ubud. Protect yourself from those tiny buggers and pack powerful insect repellant!

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Am I Missing Anything From My 3-Day Ubud Itinerary?

While I know that only spending 3 days in Ubud isn’t that long, I tried to fill this itinerary with lots of fun insider information. If you think I need to add anything else to this post, feel free to reach out to me and I’ll be sure to get it updated!

I’m always back in Ubud, so if you see me around, say hey!

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More Bali and Ubud Travel Guides

Looking for more Ubud and Bali travel information? My blog is positively packed with Bali content – after all, it’s my second home! So be sure to check out the following blogs and guides for endless ideas on what to do when you’re on the island. 

• 15 Best Beach Resorts In Bali
• 15 Incredible Places To Go Glamping In Bali
• The Ultimate Bali Itinerary 
• The 40 Best Honeymoon Hotels in Bali, Indonesia
• 25 Amazing Things to Do in Uluwatu, Bali
• Top 14 Music Festivals in Bali
• Bestival Bali: A Two Day Festival in Paradise
• One Week in Bali: The Best Travel itinerary
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bali: Instagram Checklist
• How to Get From Bali to the Gili Islands
• Top 10 Electronic Dance Music Festivals (EDM): Southeast Asia
• Weed & Drugs in Southeast Asia
• The Ultimate Guide to Gili Air
• Top 14 Things to Do in Thulusdhoo Island Maldives

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Thanks so much for reading by 3 day Ubud itinerary!

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