Top 5 Must-Take Day Trips from Ubud, Bali

When visiting Bali, it’s tempting to try and see everything the island has to offer, but with its size, developing roads, and frequent traffic, that can quickly become overwhelming. Instead of packing your itinerary to the brim, consider using Ubud as your base. Nestled in the heart of the island and surrounded by lush jungle, Ubud is perfectly situated for day trips to explore Bali’s diverse regions. This way, you can experience the island’s charm without the hassle of constantly moving hotels and lugging your bags around. By planning a few strategic day trips, you’ll get a taste of Bali’s beauty while still enjoying the laid-back vibe that makes this destination so special.

Kintamani

Kintamani is an easy trip from Ubud, just a straight one-hour drive from the city center and only 30 minutes from Tegalalang. Tucked between three majestic volcanoes—Mount Abang, Mount Batur, and Mount Agung—this hidden gem offers stunning views, cozy cafes floating in the clouds, and unique boutique glamping spots. While most tourists head here in the morning to hike Mount Batur, it’s still worth a visit in the afternoon, even if hiking isn’t your thing. The drive itself is beautiful, with sweeping views of the volcanoes and some truly breathtaking cafes waiting for you at the top.

Sidemen

If Ubud feels a bit overwhelming, escape 75 minutes east to Sidemen. This hidden gem offers a glimpse of Old Bali, the way I had imagined it after reading Eat, Pray, Love. Spend a few nights here if you can, or take a day trip for rice trekking or silver making.

Tucked away in a secluded part of East Bali, Sidemen is off the beaten path. Hire a local driver to guide you through lush jungles, traditional villages, and scenic rice terraces. With stunning waterfalls, eco-friendly bamboo homes, and warm Balinese hospitality, Sidemen is a serene retreat that showcases the island's raw untouched beauty.

Munduk

Munduk is one of Bali's most stunning regions, offering thundering waterfalls and lush jungles with barely another soul in sight. It's my go-to spot for peace and quiet, rivaled only by Nusa Lembongan as my favorite place in Bali. The two-hour journey from Ubud keeps this gem secluded and blissfully untouched by heavy tourism.

The drive to Munduk is an adventure in itself, with winding roads, endless greenery, and cooler temperatures. As you ascend, you'll pass wild hydrangea fields and discover a waterfall around nearly every corner.

If you can only manage a day trip, I recommend waking up early to visit Sekumpul, Bali's largest waterfall, and Ulun Danu Beratan, the island's most iconic temple. These highlights make the journey well worth it, leaving you with memories of Bali's serene and untouched beauty.

Jatiluwih

Looking for stunning rice terraces in Bali? Skip the underwhelming Tegallalang and head to Jatiluwih! Just an hour away from Ubud, this UNESCO-protected heritage site will leave you in awe- with very few crowds.

Canggu

Once a sleepy surf town, Canggu has undergone a remarkable evolution in the past five years. Today, it showcases chic Aussie-owned boutiques, lavish day spas, and lively beach clubs adorning its shores, where Bali's mesmerizing pink sunsets dance upon its black sand beaches. As the culinary epicenter of Bali, Canggu abounds with vegan cafes, artisanal cocktail bars, and extravagant chef-driven restaurants. Only a 1.5 hour drive from Ubud, some people may find Canggu to be too overwhelming to stay in, but perfect for a quick daytrip. Spend the day eating, shopping, and enjoying spa treatments, or party the night away at one of the many beach clubs.