3 Days in Ubud Itinerary

Bali is a dream, but there’s much more to this unique island than its beautiful beaches, exquisite temples, and digital nomad hotspots. In the very center of the island lies Ubud, a jungle-lined center of traditional Balinese arts and culture. This Ubud itinerary is just a taste of what the town has to offer. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Ubud, Bali!

How to Get to Ubud

Since Bali is an island, you’ll have to fly in to Denpasar Airport (DPS). I recommend splurging on a private shuttle, especially if your accommodations offer one. Public transportation is extremely limited around the island. The safest major taxi company in Bali, Bluebird Taxi, is great for destinations closer to the airport, but Ubud is about an hour away.

If you’re comfortable renting and driving a motorbike or scooter, go for it! It’s a very popular thing to do in Bali. Personally, I don’t like driving, so a private transfer to Ubud is worth the $20-25 to me.

Where to Stay for 3 Days in Ubud

I personally stayed for a month in Ubud and used Airbnb to book a room close to the central main street where you’ll find Ubud Palace. I was working as a digital nomad so I liked being able to walk to restaurants and cafes. You may prefer staying somewhere with more amenities or amazing views.

Some of the best-rated places for solo female travelers to stay in Ubud are Indraprastha Home Stay, Arya Wellness, and Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel.

Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Bali

Bali is one of the safest places for solo female travel I’ve ever been. I had very little concern about being out by myself at night. The only major safety issue I encountered was an aggressive dog in the street.

It’s pretty easy to get around Ubud. Some drivers may try to convince you that Grab (a rideshare app like Uber) is illegal in Bali, but this isn’t true. You can use that in the event you want to go somewhere you can’t walk.

As in all places you visit, keep an eye on your belongings and count your money if you’re doing a currency exchange, but a normal level of caution and common sense is sufficient for anything you’re likely to encounter as a solo female traveler in Bali.

Bali is also a very affordable destination for solo female travelers. My budget for an entire month in Bali averaged less than $40 a day!

What to Wear for 3 Days in Ubud

A lightweight cardigan and maxi skirt are must haves for visits to temples or other sacred sites. This itinerary includes some yoga time, so make sure you have athletic clothes in your bag. For the rest of your 3 days in Ubud, you can dress comfortably and casually.

3 Days in Ubud Itinerary

Day 1: Arts & Culture

Ubud is about a one-hour drive from Seminyak and the Denpasar airport. Take your time on arrival and settle into your accommodations.

When you’re ready to fuel up for an afternoon exploring the town’s legendary arts and culture, head to a warung instead of other restaurants. Warungs are small, family-owned shops and restaurants where you’ll find more authentic food for a much more affordable price! Nasi goreng is the national dish of Indonesia and a good place to start if you’re new to local food. (It’s basically just fried rice with an egg on top.)

Browsing Ubud Art Market is one of the best free things to do in Ubud. It’s open daily from 10am to 5pm just across from the Ubud Palace, which is very centrally located in town and impossible to miss. The local name is Pasar Seni Bud. The earlier you arrive, the less crowded it will be. There are loads of handcrafted goods displayed for sale, from woven baskets and bags to carved wooden utensils and beautiful printed silk scarves. Batik and ikat are both unique Indonesian dying techniques. A batik scarf or sarong makes an excellent Balinese souvenir.

Part of what makes Bali so special is that the island is majority Hindu, whereas the rest of Indonesia is a Muslim nation. Spiritual practices infuse so much of life in Bali, influencing how locals go about their day, how family homes are constructed, and so much more.

A lovely glimpse into Balinese history, religion, and artistic culture is the Ramayana Ballet at Ubud Palace. The performance includes a Gamelan orchestra, an ornate metal percussion instrument unique to Bali, and Legong dance, a flexible and loose style of traditional Balinese dance that follows the Gamelan music. Watching this in the courtyard of the 17th century palace is one of the best things to do in Ubud.

Day 2: Mind & Body

Get your Eat, Pray, Love on for your second day in Ubud. With only 3 days in Ubud, it’s easy to want to squeeze a lot of activity into your itinerary, but it’s important to pace yourself. 

If you’re a very early riser, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Campuhan Ridge Walk. The entrance to the trail is centrally located in Ubud near IBAH Luxury Villas. You’ll pass palm trees and rice fields along the 2km path, and if you’re on a tight schedule, you can even fit the walk into about one hour. With no gates or entry fee, this is one of the best free things to do in Ubud.

A different way to get moving in the morning is dropping in on a class at The Yoga Barn. Classes kick off at 7am every morning and a single drop-in class is about $10. Plenty are beginner-friendly.

After working up an appetite with all that activity in the morning, join a cooking class in the afternoon. The Jambangan cooking class welcomes you into a family home to make about five or six traditional Balinese dishes. Pickup starts at 2:30pm and you’ll likely leave with leftovers!

Learn more about what to expect in my full Balinese cooking class guide.

Day 3: Rest & Relaxation

Your 3 days in Ubud come to a close with a luxe spa day. Nobody does R&R like Bali! One of the best day spas in Ubud is Bali Botanica Day Spa, where you can book a full day package for less than $100. Starting at 9am, you’ll enjoy a long Ayurvedic massage, a full body scrub, and a flower bath. After a break for lunch, you have a facial and a really amazing hair mask.

(This was hands down the best solo Valentine’s Day I ever treated myself to. That hair mask was like I just went and bought new hair!)

What to Do with More Than 3 Days in Ubud

3 days is nowhere near enough time in Ubud. This is the cultural heart of Bali and full of lush scenery you’re unlikely to experience in popular beach towns like Canggu and Seminyak. If you can spend more time on your Ubud itinerary, consider one of these activities:

• Sunrise hike day trip to Mount Batur
• Saraswati Temple
• Batik dye class
• Tegalalang Rice Terraces
• Elephant Cave
• Tour nearby waterfalls
• Explore the Gunung Kawi Ruins
• Bathe and pray at Tirta Empul spring

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