Best things to do in Ubud Alone: 2 Day Ubud Itinerary for Solo Travellers

Ubud is a laidback traditional Balinese town full of culture, rice fields, and palm trees in central Bali, Indonesia. With a focus on arts and crafts, you will find many handmade products like wood carvings, antiques and textiles that are great to bring home as souvenirs.

The quaint town of Ubud is zen, peaceful and tranquil. It has some of the best spas and yoga retreats in Bali. Because Ubud is so different from other parts of Bali like Seminyak, Canggu or Uluwatu, it is definitely worth exploring.

Besides exploring the town of Ubud, there are majestic waterfalls and sacred temples just outside of town that you should not miss. And if you only have 2 days, you can still see all the best things to do in Ubud! And in this post, I’ll show you exactly how you can do that.

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What you need to know before visiting all the best Ubud attractions

Before visiting Ubud, look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Bali. I included a lot of information, including how to get around Bali, how to get a prepaid SIM card and other essential Bali travel tips.

Here are a few additional tips for exploring some of the best Ubud activities:

• The best way to see Ubud is by riding a scooter. Make sure you have your international driver’s license before flying to Bali.
• If riding a scooter is not an option, you can get around with GoJek or hire a driver for the day.
• The temperature in Ubud is cooler than the rest of the island. Make sure to pack something warm for nighttime

Bali is the perfect destination to be a minimalist traveller. Learn how to pack a 7kg carry-on luggage by following my minimalist travel packing list

How to get to Ubud in Bali

Ubud is about 37km north of Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to get to Ubud via private car.

You can arrange with your hotel for transportation from the airport. It might be the easiest option. Pre-Arranged transportation costs about 300K IDR.

Or you can hire transportation at the airport. It might feel chaotic because there will be many people approaching you to offer you a ride to Ubud. And you must negotiate with the drivers to get the best price. To avoid chaos, I always pre-arrange a pick-up with my hotel.

How to get around Ubud

While you are in the town of Ubud, you can easily walk around on the main streets. And it might be a good idea to do that because there are many shops, restaurants and things to see along the way like the Sacred Monkey Forest and Saraswati Temple.

However, beyond the town, it is best to travel around Ubud with a scooter. There are many scooter rentals in Ubud Town, which costs about 60K IDR per day (not including petrol).

Otherwise, you can hire a taxi to sightsee around Ubud. Look for blue cabs with the sign “Blue Bird Group.” They are a reliable group of taxis, and they use the meter so the fare is clear and you do not need to haggle the price.

Alternatively, download GoJek on your smartphone and order a car or a scooter. GoJek is similar to Grab or Uber in other parts of the world. It is a popular car and bike service in Bali.

RELATED POST – Learn how to cycle through Bali

Solo travel in Ubud: best things to do in Ubud in 2 days

Wondering what to do in Ubud on your own? I put together a list of the best things to do in Ubud for a solo traveller who wants to explore all the best places in Ubud in 2 days.

I pinned all the Ubud attractions on the interactive map and included a description for each of the attractions below. All you have to do is to follow the numbered pins each day.

Day 1 Ubud itinerary: things to do in Ubud town

The first day in Ubud is about exploring the town. Most of these destinations can be explored on foot but it would definitely be more enjoyable with a scooter. Follow the red pins on the interactive map for your full day of exploring the quaint town.

1. Campuhan Ridge Walk

Close to the town and just off the main road, Jalan Raya Ubud, Campuhan Ridge Walk is a pleasant walk where you will see rice paddies and palm trees on both sides of the path. The entire route is about 9km, and it is entirely free of charge.

When you approach the entrance just off the main road, park your scooter in the small parking lot before walking down the hill. Then follow the path, which will take you to Campuhan Ridge Walk.

The best time to go is early in the morning which is why it is the first attraction on your 2-day Ubud itinerary. Alternatively, late in the evening is pleasant as well as it gets quite hot during the day.

2. Saraswati Temple

Situated in the centre of Ubud, you will find one of the most beautiful temples called Saraswati Temple. It doesn’t cost anything to visit the water temple. Make sure you cover your shoulders and knees when entering the sacred property (as with most holy temples in Ubud). It is a good idea to bring a sarong with you when you are in Ubud.

Check out the serene atmosphere, and admire the architectural details and features that honour Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and arts. And if you are up for it, have a drink or meal at the Café Lotus just in front of the temple.

3. Ubud Town

Exploring Ubud town is definitely a must-do in Bali. There are many sacred temples, galleries, souvenir shops, arts and crafts stores, spa facilities, coffee shops, cafes and restaurants.

After you visit Saraswati Temple, walk along the main avenue, Jalan Raya Ubud. Then turn right on Jalan Hanoman. You can walk down Jalan Hanoman to see all the shops or turn right at Monkey Forest Street, which will eventually lead you to the Sacred Monkey Forest (the next attraction) and back to Jalan Raya Ubud.

4. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of the top things to see in Ubud. As the name suggests, it is a place full of monkeys. There are about 700 monkeys in the park, many sacred temples and 186 species of trees.

You can buy small bananas at the park entrance to feed the monkeys, and it might be a good way to get up close and personal with the sacred animals.

However, be careful when you are in the Sacred Monkey Forest! The monkeys are quite smart and will steal your bags and sunglasses when you are not looking.

One of the monkeys smelled food in my purse and decided to jump on me and grab my bag. I had to let go of my purse, but eventually, I got it back with the help of people at the park. It was a bit of a traumatizing experience for me (and a super funny story now. Ha!).

The entrance fee for the Monkey Forest is 80K IDR. A lifetime of fearful thoughts of a monkey stealing your purse is priceless! Ha!

5 & 6. Enjoy a Spa treatment

A visit to Bali is not the same if you haven’t had a spa treatment. There are many different ones, from the budget to Ubud’s most luxurious spa treatments.

Here are two spas I really like and at different price points:

• Spa Alila Ubud ($$$) – The massage therapist at Spa Alila Ubud knows how to get out all the knots on your back. Plus, the atmosphere is one of a kind! You get your own semi-outdoor private room with a massage bed, shower, and bathtub surrounded by a garden. Don’t worry – it is a private space! The atmosphere plus the delightful scents of lemongrass will make a memorable experience. Call ahead to secure a time slot to guarantee a spot with Spa Alila Ubud.
• Saka Energy Healing Ubud ($) – On the other end of the budget spectrum, you can get an excellent Balinese massage at Saka Energy Healing Ubud for next to nothing. A budget price doesn’t mean you will get a lousy massage treatment. It is just as good as any other massage treatments you will get but in a basic but comfortable room. The massage room is upstairs, and a privacy curtain separates each massage. You don’t have to make an appointment; you can walk-in any time up to 9:00 pm.

And that is the end of day 1 in Ubud. Finish the day with a traditional Balinese meal in Ubud town. Food suggestions are at the end of the itinerary.

Day 2 Ubud itinerary: rice terraces, sacred temples and waterfalls

Day 2 on your Ubud itinerary is about rice terraces, sacred temples and waterfalls. There are many natural scenery and attractions in the vicinity so I chose the best ones you can see all on the same day. All you have to do is to follow the purple pins on the interactive map.

1. Tegalalang Rice Terrace

One of the most iconic rice paddies in the Ubud area is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. Despite massive tourism, the rice fields are an awesome Instagram photo spot. It is wonderful in the morning as Tegalalang Rice Terrace has one of the best spots for sunrise in Bali.

As soon as you approach the rice terrace, you can see the cascading rice fields with palm trees. Walk down the slope and over to the other side to get another perspective of the rice terrace.

And you can view the giant rice fields from another perspective: from a Bali swing! There are several giant swings around the rice fields. One of the giant swings is on the other side of the rice terrace, giving the best aerial view while you are strapped onto the secured swing.

And when you are done taking photos and seeing all the nooks and crannies of the rice terraces, have a drink (maybe a coconut) at one of the cafes overlooking the rice fields.

RELATED POST – 10 beautiful Instagram-worthy spots in Bali

2. Pura Tirta Empul

Pura Tirta Empul is a large temple complex with many sacred temples, a purification bath and a large pond with many koi fish. As a national cultural heritage site, the holy temple brings in many tourists and Balinese and Hindu worshippers.

The Holy Water Temple has a purification pool in the central courtyard with 13 sculpted spouts. The cleansing process starts at the first spout where you clasp your hands and let the water wash you. Then you move on to the next spout until you reach the 11th spout. The last two water spouts are for cleansing the dead, so do not use the last two.

And before you enter the temple, borrow one of the sarongs at the front to cover your legs (see the main photo of this post), as it is important to dress modestly when entering sacred grounds. And return it when you leave the temple.

3. Tibumana Waterfall

One of the top things to do in Ubud is to see waterfalls in the area. Air Terjun Tibumana, called The Tibumana Waterfall, is a 20-meter-high waterfall that directly pours into a pool of water. The pool is an excellent spot for swimming; however, the pool water might seem a bit muddy during the rainy season. It is a magnificent waterfall to visit as it is not too busy.

It costs 10K IDR to see both Tibumana Waterfall and Pengibul Waterfall (the next attraction). After you pay, drive to the end of the road and park your bike. Then trek down to the stream and turn left. Following the stream, it will eventually lead you to the Tibumana Waterfall.

After spending some time with the glorious waterfall, walk past the staircase you came down, continue walking for a bit, and see the water at the end of the stream. And there is a small pagoda there too.

4. Pengibul Waterfall

After seeing Tibumana Waterfall, drive your scooter, stop just before the entrance, and descend a few flights of stairs to see Pengibul Waterfall.

The cascading waterfall is not as well known as other waterfalls in the Ubud area, but it is an excellent attraction, especially if you are already in the area.

And it is nice to experience two different types of waterfalls in the same area. Tibumana Waterfall is more dramatic when the water plunges down vertically. In contrast, the water at Pengibul Waterfall softly rolls or drops off from a series of large rocks.

The best part about Pengibul Waterfall is the natural rock formation at the waterfall’s base. You can comfortably sit there while the water trickles over you. And in my opinion, the best way to cool off on a hot summer day!

5. Tegenungan Waterfall

One of the biggest Ubud attractions is the Tegenungan Waterfall. Also known as Air Terjun Tegenungan, the waterfall is in the village of Tegenungan Kemenuh in Gianyar Regency.

And because the waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, many photo opportunities, a cafe with a view, and the famous Bali giant swing, Tegenungan Waterfall is quite a popular attraction.

When you arrive, pay a 15K IDR entrance fee at the gate, and follow the path and stairway to the waterfall. Along the way, you will find many photo opportunities. There are heart-shaped frames made with branches and a bird’s nest where you can sit in to take photos.

Keep descending to the bottom of the waterfall. Here is an opportunity to get up close to the base of the waterfall and the surrounding water. This is where you can see the big Tegenungan Waterfall and the surrounding lush greenery around the top.

But you can also see Tegenungan Waterfall from another angle. Climb up the flight of stairs on the right side. And when you reach the top, there is a relaxing cafe overlooking the waterfall. This is the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring Ubud.

If you look closely, several giant swings are at the cafe’s edge. It isn’t cheap to try the giant swing. It costs about 300K IDR for a few minutes on the swing. But it is quite popular with tourists, and some people bring their fancy flowy maxi-dress for the perfect Instagram photo.

And that’s the end of day 2 in Ubud. Return back to the parking lot to retrieve your bike and head back to Ubud town for dinner.

Other things to do in Ubud if you have more than two days

There are so many more things to do in Ubud and surrounding areas. If you are spending more than 2 days in Ubud, here are a few more suggestions to add to your itinerary:

• See sunset from Mount Batur – climb up to the summit to watch sunrise and dip in a hot spring at Lake Batur
• Lempuyang Temple – visit Basakih Temple, Tirta Gangga and take an Instagram photo at the ancient gateway to Heaven at Lempuyang Temple
• Visit Serayu Pottery – buy or make your own pottery
• Balinese cooking class – learn how to cook Balinese food at a traditional village
• Jewellery making class – take a 3-hour class and make your own silver jewellery
• Visit other waterfalls – like Suwat Waterfall, Air Terjun Bandung, Manuaba Waterfall, Nungnung Waterfall and Pelisan waterfall

Where to stay in Ubud as a solo traveller

Even though plenty of budget accommodations like hostels and homestays cost a few dollars a night, I suggest splurging and paying a little bit more for luxurious accommodations in Ubud. After all, you are only spending 2 days in Ubud, which has some of the best accommodations in Bali.

Here are some high-end hotels and Balinese private villas I’ve stayed in the past:

Ulun Ubud Resort ($$) – The resort has spacious guest rooms and a private balcony leading directly to the swimming pool. The daily complimentary buffet has a good selection of Balinese and western cuisine.

Kamandalu Ubud Resort ($$$) – The resort only has private villas: the chalet or the valley pool villa. Each villa has a bedroom area, an extra-large bathroom, and a balcony or terrace. Check out the pool overlooking the palm trees and the fantastic spa facilities.

Alila Ubud ($$$) – Alila Hotel is one of the most luxurious resorts you will find in Indonesia and Asia. The 5-star hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms with a balcony where you can see the surrounding lush greenery. And if you upgrade to the valley villa suite, you will get your own villa with windows all around, and it feels like you are in a treehouse with palm trees all around. And make sure to check out the beautiful swimming pool or get a spa treatment at Spa Alila Ubud.

Where to eat in Ubud

There is a wide variety of food options in Ubud. The cafes and restaurants serve either international cuisine or traditional Balinese food.

While there are many excellent Ubud cafes, I highly recommend eating at a warung in Ubud. A warung is a small family-owned restaurant that serves local food. You’ll experience all the best local flavours, and it will not cost a lot.

Here are several excellent options that I love:

• Balinese Home Cooking – One of the best meals I had in Ubud and it was in a traditional village. It is like visiting a local Balinese family and entering their residential compound. I tried the classic Balinese nasi campur (variety of dishes with rice) and sate ayam (chicken satay). If you’re going for dinner, don’t forget the bring mosquito repellent.
• Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka 3 – They are famous for their babi guling (Balinese suckling pig). They have several locations, but I like the one I pinned on the map, where you can eat while overlooking the forest. I tried the “special” with pork roll, fried meat, sausage, pork skin, vegetables and rice.
• Warung Biah Biah – One of the best local restaurants in Ubud! The atmosphere of the restaurant is casual and relaxed. Try the tumis sambal tempe kemangi (stir-fried tempeh, lemon basil leaf with pelecing sauce), kangkung goreng ebi (fried spinach with small dried shrimp), and lawar sayur (vegetable with grated coconuts and Balinese spices).

RELATED POST – other places to eat in Ubud away from tourists

Don’t have a lot of time in Bali? Check out the 5 day itinerary for Bali

Are you following my solo 2-day Ubud itinerary?

Are you ready to spend 2 days in Ubud? The attractions I highlighted in this itinerary are the best things you can do in Ubud especially if you are limited by time.

But if you have more time in Bali, spend a few more days in Ubud because there are so many things to do in Ubud. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Hope my Ubud itinerary helps with your trip planning to Bali! Let me know in the comments!

Thank you for reading my solo Ubud itinerary post

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Bali:

• Things I wish I knew before going to Bali Indonesia
• 10 Day Bali Solo Travel Itinerary
• Where to stay in Bali for solo travellers
• Hotel Review: Lloyd’s Inn Bali in Seminyak
• Best things to do in Seminyak for solo travellers
• 6 Best Spas in Seminyak Bali
• 8 Best Cafes in Seminyak
• Best things to do in Canggu for solo travellers
• 10 Best Canggu Day Spas
• 10 Best Cafes in Canggu
• Top 4 Airbnbs in Canggu
• Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan from Bali: 1-day Itinerary
• How to spend one day in Nusa Penida

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