Best Day Trips from Ubud: 7 Unmissable Excursions

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are the single most visited attraction near Ubud, and for good reason. Located just 20 minutes north of town, these cascading paddies fill a steep valley with sweeping curves of vivid green, maintained using the ancient subak irrigation system that UNESCO has recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The main viewing area is accessible from the road, but to really experience the terraces you need to walk down into the valley. Narrow paths wind between paddies, crossing bamboo bridges and passing small warungs selling coconuts and cold drinks. The first section near the road is the most commercial, with Instagram swing attractions (IDR 100,000 to 250,000 per photo) and souvenir shops, but push deeper and you will find quieter stretches where farmers still work the fields by hand. The terraces cycle through distinct visual phases: mirror-like when flooded during planting, brilliant emerald green as the rice grows, and golden yellow just before harvest. There is no single best time because each phase has its own beauty, and the rice is typically harvested every three to four months. Time needed: 60 to 90 minutes for a thorough walk through the terraces. Cost: No formal entrance fee, but you will encounter donation requests of IDR 10,000 to 20,000 from farmers along the paths. Getting there: 20 minutes by car or scooter north of Ubud center via Jalan Raya Tegallalang.

Tirta Empul is one of Bali's holiest water temples, founded in 926 AD around a natural spring that Balinese Hindus believe was created by the god Indra. The temple is located in the village of Tampaksiring, about 30 minutes northeast of Ubud, and is one of the few sacred sites where visitors can actively participate in religious rituals rather than simply observing. The centerpiece is the purification pool where a series of carved stone spouts pour sacred spring water into two long rectangular basins. Balinese worshippers and respectful visitors enter the waist-deep water wearing sarongs (provided at the entrance) and move from spout to spout in a specific order, bowing their heads under each stream while offering prayers. Each spout is believed to serve a different spiritual purpose, from cleansing negative energy to bringing prosperity. Temple staff will guide you through the correct sequence. Beyond the pools, the inner temple courtyard contains beautifully carved stone shrines and the actual spring source, visible as sand bubbling up through crystal-clear water in a walled pool. The gardens and courtyards are serene and worth exploring even if you do not enter the water. Time needed: 60 to 90 minutes, longer if you participate in the purification. Cost: IDR 50,000 admission. Sarong and sash provided free. Getting there: 30 minutes northeast of Ubud via Tampaksiring.

The drive from Ubud to Kintamani takes about 60 minutes and climbs steadily through increasingly dramatic landscapes before arriving at the crater rim with one of Bali's most spectacular views. From the ridge, you look down into the vast caldera of Mount Batur, an active volcano that last erupted in 2000, with the crescent-shaped Lake Batur glittering 500 meters below. On clear days, the 3,031-meter peak of Mount Agung rises to the east, completing a volcanic panorama that stretches across the entire horizon. Most visitors experience Kintamani from the cluster of restaurants along the crater rim, which serve buffet lunches with the volcano view. These are heavily geared toward tour groups and the food is average, but the view from the terrace tables is undeniably impressive. For a more independent experience, continue past the main tourist strip to the village of Penelokan for a quieter vantage point, or descend to the lakeshore village of Kedisan where hot springs fed by volcanic geothermal activity offer natural bathing pools. The Toya Devasya natural hot spring resort on the shores of Lake Batur is a worthwhile stop. The warm mineral-rich water fills several pools at different temperatures, and you can swim in the infinity pool that appears to merge with the lake. Entry costs IDR 150,000 on weekdays and IDR 250,000 on weekends. Time needed: 2 to 4 hours depending on whether you visit the hot springs. Cost: No entrance fee for the viewpoint. Restaurant meals IDR 80,000 to 150,000. Hot springs IDR 150,000 to 250,000. Getting there: 60 minutes north of Ubud via the Tampaksiring road.

Tegenungan is the most accessible waterfall from Ubud, located just 20 minutes south of town near the village of Kemenuh. Unlike Bali's more remote waterfalls that require long jungle treks, Tegenungan is reached by a well-maintained staircase of about 100 steps descending into a lush river gorge. This makes it suitable for visitors of all fitness levels, though the climb back up on the return will get your heart rate going. The waterfall itself is a broad, powerful cascade dropping roughly 15 meters into a large natural pool. During the dry season the flow is moderate and swimming in the pool is safe, with the mist from the falls providing natural air conditioning in the tropical heat. During the wet season from November to March, the volume increases dramatically and swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. The surrounding gorge is thick with tropical vegetation and the acoustics of the water crashing into the pool create a thunderous roar that drowns out all other sound. Several viewing platforms and photo spots have been built around the falls, including a rope swing over the gorge (IDR 50,000 to 100,000) and infinity-edge pools at the cafes above. The most atmospheric time to visit is early morning when sunlight breaks through the canopy and illuminates the mist in golden shafts. Time needed: 45 to 75 minutes. Cost: IDR 20,000 admission. Getting there: 20 minutes south of Ubud center via Jalan Ir. H. Juanda. The entrance is well signposted from the main road.

Gunung Kawi is one of Bali's most atmospheric and ancient temple sites, dating to the 11th century. Located in a deep river valley near Tampaksiring, the complex features 10 rock-carved shrines (candi) hewn directly into the cliff face, each standing roughly 7 meters tall. These are believed to be memorials to King Anak Wungsu of the Udayana dynasty and his queens, making this one of the oldest and most significant archaeological sites on the island. Reaching the temple requires descending approximately 300 steps through a narrow valley lined with rice paddies and coconut palms. The descent takes about 15 minutes and is scenic enough to be an attraction in its own right. At the bottom, a river crossing leads to the main temple complex where the carved facades emerge from the rock, partially covered in moss and surrounded by pools of spring water. The scale and craftsmanship are remarkable considering these were carved over a thousand years ago using only hand tools. The complex is divided into two groups of candi on either side of the river, with a monastery cave system accessible via a narrow passage. The eastern group of five shrines is the most impressive and best preserved. Despite being one of Bali's most important historical sites, Gunung Kawi receives a fraction of the visitors that nearby Tirta Empul attracts, making it a peaceful and contemplative experience. Time needed: 90 minutes including the descent, exploration, and climb back up. Cost: IDR 50,000 admission. Sarong provided at entrance. Getting there: 35 minutes northeast of Ubud, 10 minutes from Tirta Empul.

The Bali Swing phenomenon started near Ubud and has become one of the island's most popular tourist attractions. The original Bali Swing in Bongkasa, about 20 minutes southwest of Ubud, features multiple giant swings suspended over a steep river valley, offering a thrilling ride with a dramatic jungle backdrop. The swings range from single-person seats to tandem swings and mega swings reaching heights of 78 meters above the valley floor. The experience is as much about photography as it is about adrenaline. Professional photographers are stationed at each swing and viewpoint, capturing photos and videos as you soar over the gorge. The all-inclusive package (IDR 350,000 to 500,000) typically includes unlimited swings, bird-nest photo spots, infinity pool access, and lunch. The single swing option starts at IDR 150,000 for one ride. The site also includes ziplines, ATV rides, and riverside walking paths for those who want more than just the swings. Several competing swing parks have opened nearby, each with slightly different features. Uma Pakel Swing offers a more affordable experience at IDR 100,000 to 200,000 with smaller crowds. Zen Hideaway combines swings with a cafe and yoga platforms. If you are traveling with children, check age and height restrictions before booking as some swings have minimum requirements. Alternatively, the Bali Elephant Safari Park in Taro village, 30 minutes north of Ubud, offers ethical elephant encounters in a purpose-built habitat. The park houses Sumatran elephants and focuses on education and conservation. Rides have been phased out in favor of feeding experiences and guided walks. Admission starts at IDR 500,000 for adults and IDR 350,000 for children. Time needed: 2 to 3 hours for the swing parks, 3 to 4 hours for the Elephant Safari Park. Getting there: Bali Swing is 20 minutes southwest of Ubud, Elephant Safari Park is 30 minutes north.