One Day in Ubud: The Perfect 2025 Itinerary

As I mentioned earlier, I wouldn’t dare to consider spending one day in Ubud, but I’ve got your back. The key takeaway is how to make the most of your limited time in Ubud. I don’t recommend visiting a place for just 15 minutes and then moving on to another attraction, because that’s not how you should experience Ubud. Take your time walking at Campuhan Ridge, take a slow sip of your afternoon drink, and let the therapist work out the knots in your muscles. That’s how you should enjoy Ubud!

So, let me be clear: you won’t be able to see and experience everything. That’s the most obvious thing and the expectation you need to remember before your trip. Another thing to consider is the distance between attractions, the traveling time, and the traffic. I’ve factored all these things into a one day itinerary, which will give you an unforgettable Ubud experience.

Swap your morning caffeine from coffee to tea, and you may switch for good. The Daily Tea Ceremony at Dragon Tea Temple makes a superb start for your 1-Day in Ubud tour. The name brings you anything about tea. From brewing techniques to knowing the tea variants, you’ll see the difference between oolong and white tea, and how long you should steep your tea leaves.

With floor-to-ceiling windows and tatami, you’ll be transported to Japan with tropical flavors. Just a heads up: please arrive ten minutes before the ceremony begins, as they don’t allow latecomers. Additionally, skip the perfume, as it may interfere with the tea ceremony. I can’t see any other way to start your Ubud trip than having a meditative morning surrounded by the smell of tea leaves.

You don’t know Ubud has a royal family, do you? That’s why you need to visit Puri Agung, also known as Puri Saren Agung Ubud. It’s the official residence of the Ubud royal family, though you can only explore the courtyard area. The palace was built in the 19^th century by the King of Ubud, who commissioned the renowned artist I Gusti Nyoman Lempad to decorate the building with complex stone carvings, telling the story of Balinese mythology and symbolism.

Get your phone or camera ready, as each corner is worth a post on your Insta feeds. From nature like the lotus flower to mythological creatures like Rangda and Barong, representing good and evil, you’ll never run out of spots to take photos. Every evening, they host different dance performances in front of the gate.

Next on your Ubud itinerary is shopping! You can’t miss shopping in Ubud. Situated opposite the Royal Palace, the Ubud Art Market makes an excellent starting point. Wear your most comfy shoes, and clutch your wallet close (unless you want to go on a shopping spree!). Browse the local handcrafted statues or masks, or get your friends back home some small trinkets, such as keychains or bottle openers.

The key to enjoying shopping at Ubud Art Market is haggling. Yep, it’s the perfect place to practice your bargaining skills. When you find something that you like, always ask for 50% off the price, and add 10% gradually. Leave if the sellers insist, and I kid you not, they will call you back with your asking price. Sounds cruel? Believe me, that’s the way to shop at art markets in Bali.

You’ve done a lot of walking, now it’s time to pamper your body at Inka Spa. The humidity in Bali can do damage to your hair, but don’t worry, the Davines Luxury Beauty Treatment will take care of it in an hour. Or, you can relax in the private room for 60 minutes of a Relaxation massage with the Balinese technique to release your tired muscles.

The terracotta aesthetic looks just as good in the photo as it does in real life. You get a foot massage before the treatment, and afterwards, enjoy a cup of herbal tea. As one of the best spas in Ubud, Inka feels like a personalized head-to-toe body treatment rather than your regular spa. Book in advance, though, whether by WhatsApp or website, as the place can get quite booked up!

What about lunch now that your body is refreshed and rejuvenated? You don’t need to go far, as Donna Restaurant is next door to Inka Spa. Pick the comfy sofa seat by the pool, and order yourself a Donna Margarita, first and foremost. Feel free to refuel your energy with the zest Prawn Mango Salad before digging into the Chicken Parmigiana or Pork Skewer.

Though you will find Donna is more lively during dinner — moreover on Friday evening as they have a Latin night on the rooftop bar upstairs — going for lunch, you’ll appreciate the relaxed vibe and the warmth from the earthy tone and the staff’s service. Treat yourself to a Melting Donna for dessert as the glorious chocolate mousse will wonderfully close your meal.

Now, after delicious treats at Donna, burn the calories at Campuhan Ridge Walk. The 2-kilometer track makes for the perfect post-meal walk, as you can stroll while enjoying the lush trees and the valleys. Spray the bug repellent, wear your trekking shoes, pack a bottle of water, and you’re good to go.

You’ll pass a small river before the trek changes into a pavement walk. The best thing about Campuhan Ridge Walk is that you can almost hear nothing but the chirping birds. Don’t forget to snap some of the superb golden hour. It can take around 45 minutes one way, so plan your return accordingly before it gets dark.

Close your one-day Ubud itinerary by having a sumptuous seafood dinner at Nautilus. Let the Wild Oysters with the Raspberry Vinaigrette get your appetite ready before you dig into one of Chef Oleksii’s special dishes, the Hot Pot. Order the Captain Salt, and you find yourself with the best seafood dinner in Ubud.

Whichever corner you choose to sit in, the Nautilus lighted shell sign at the entrance, with its earthy colors and decorative fishermen’s rope on the ceiling, screams 'comfy.' Be sure to book in advance, because Nautilus is slowly becoming one of the best restaurants in Ubud, and that means you’ll rarely find an empty table!

I can’t list enough things to do in Ubud in one day. So, I’ve gathered a few alternatives if you still have plenty of time to explore Ubud. Don’t skip these activities on your itinerary.

• Day Club

Since you can’t spend time lounging at the beach clubs in Ubud, swap the beachy vibe with the jungle and rice terrace view at the day clubs. You get a similar experience, with the live DJ and the infinity pool, minus the white sandy beach.

• Afternoon Drinks

No sunset by the beach, no problem! Some of the best bars in Ubud will make you head over heels with the lush view of the Ubud hills as the sun slowly sets. It creates the perfect backdrop for your sundowner or pre-dinner drinks.

• Adrenaline-Driven Activities

The Ubud terrain makes a perfect tour if an adrenaline rush is what you’re after. Rafting brings you a new perspective of the Ubud landscape from the Ayung River, while ATV tours in Ubud give you a chance to get all muddy and dirty. Afterward, you can have a spa & massage to relax.