15 Best Day Trips From Ubud For Every Traveler

I still choose to stay in or near Ubud after returning to Bali for several years. It’s within walking distance or a short motorbike ride to many rice fields, temples, night markets, yoga studios, and even waterfalls.

However, I also need a break from this bustling town from time to time, and you might too. The good thing is, there are many day trips from Ubud due to its central location. Here are my favorite ones!

So, which of these Day Trips from Ubud is the best for you?

1. Munduk – Best for Nature Lovers

If I could only take one one-day trip from Ubud, I would choose Munduk.

Located in the mountainous northern region of Bali, Munduk offers an unparalleled nature escape. I felt it as soon as we got closer with our motorbike.

The area has a significantly cooler climate, the best of the best mountain views, and a sense of Balinese village life. 

It’s like seeing Bali before the mass tourism and without the intense heat. We drove to Lake Tamblingan, stopped at some warungs and viewpoints, and ended our day trip with a refreshing waterfall hike.

I highly recommend going to Munduk on a motorbike. If you can’t drive one, you can also join this trip. Just remember to pack thicker clothes and a raincoat.

FULL POST: The Ultimate Guide to Munduk Bali

2. Karang Boma Cliff – Best for Sunset Seekers

Karang Boma Cliff or Uluwatu Cliff is, hands down, the best spot in Bali for a breathtaking sunset view. My sister and I had an amazing time going to this stunning location.

We had the cliff all to ourselves. The main viewpoint showed me the vast ocean. From one edge you can also see the Uluwatu Temple.

I highly recommend Karang Boma Cliff over Uluwatu Temple. It’s more beautiful and way less crowded.

If you come during the sunset you’ll see a mix of orange and pink hues.

FULL BLOG POST: A Complete Guide to Karang Boma Cliff

3. Uluwatu Beach – Best Day Trip from Ubud for Surfers

I would recommend staying longer in Uluwatu, but a day trip would suffice if you’re short on time.

Do a hike at Karang Boma Cliff and visit one (or two) of its beautiful beaches. Uluwatu and Suluban Beach are my favorites.

These twin beaches have the perfect surfing waves, soft sand, and laid-back atmosphere truly make it a surfer’s dream. Best part? It’s still not touristy!

Although we didn’t surf, it’s amazing that just a bit of walking led us to unique limestone formations, secluded spots on the beach perfect for meditation, and even a secret viewpoint. 

I felt so much gratitude and awe during this visit and I’d definitely go back.

FULL BLOG POST: The Guide to Uluwatu and Suluban Beach

4. Sidemen – Best for Retreats 

I first learned about Sidemen when I attended a meditation retreat in the area. I was in awe of what I saw. Just take another look at my photo above.

Sidemen quaint and quiet spot away from the bustling towns of Bali. It’s known for its calming landscape, still relatively untouched by tourism.

A day trip to Sidemen allows you to experience the welcoming rural life of Bali. You’ll hear the flowing river, and birds chirping and feel the refreshing wind on your skin. It’s best enjoyed at a slower pace so take your time around the area on foot or by a motorbike!

If you’re staying longer, Mount Agung is also a trek away!

FULL BLOG POST: Spiritual Things To Do in Bali

5. Tanah Lot – Best for Spiritual Travel

Tanah Lot is located in a fishing village northwest of Bali. This scenic seaside spot is famous for Tanah Lot Temple, a Hindu place of worship on top of a rare rock formation off the coast.

During low tide, you can walk down to the temple and receive a spiritual cleansing ritual involving holy water and rice from a local priest. I was lucky to experience this ritual firsthand.

The priest sprinkled holy water on our faces and his assistant placed rice grains on our foreheads as a symbol of prosperity and protection.

The blessing aims to purify the soul, ward off evil spirits, and bring good fortune. This ritual signifies harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual world.

Tanah Lot can get crowded so I highly recommend bypassing the market where most tourists are, going down the temple or to the cliff edge. I found the cleansing and the views to be truly captivating!

6. Nusa Penida – For Photographers

Nusa Penida is a small island southeast of Bali. Anyone who has been here can tell you exactly why the island has become a famous destination for photographers. The one-of-a-kind rock formations and the clear blue water all come together to create the ideal picture of a vacation.

I’ve visited both Nusa Penida West and Nusa Penida East. You can’t go wrong with either of them.

Nusa Penida West offers dramatic cliffs and stunning ocean views, such as Keling King Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong.

Nusa Penida East provides more relaxed experiences with peaceful locations like Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach. Nusa Penida East has fewer crowds. That being said, I prefer the east a bit more.

7. Nusa Lembongan – Best for Couples

Nusa Lembongan is a neighboring island to Nusa Penida. It’s smaller and lies only 30 minutes away from the main island of Bali by boat. 

These two islands are often compared, but here’s my advice: choose Nusa Lembongan for a swimming day trip, and Nusa Penida for a sightseeing day trip from Ubud.

I highly recommend a romantic day trip on this island with its private villas and luxury resorts. Don’t miss the chance to share a romantic sunset at Devil’s Tears Beach.

8. Kuta – Best for Backpackers

Backpackers flock to Kuta for several reasons. It has affordable hostels, vibrant nightlife, surfing waves, and diverse food options.

There are countless amazing things to do in Kuta, but for a day trip, I recommend going on an e-bike tour to check out some temples, a turtle sanctuary, and even a mangrove conservation forest.

Or you can spend a day learning how to surf! Either, end your day at Kuta Beach and experience Kuta’s nightlife before returning to Ubud.

FULL POST: Best Things To Do in Kuta Bali

9. Goa Gajah – For Meditation

Most famous for its distinct passageway, a demon’s mouth carved out of stone, Goa Gajah is a quiet temple less than half an hour from Ubud.

If you have a few hours to spare and looking for a spiritual thing to do in Bali, consider going to this quiet spot where monks used to meditate. 

The Goa Gajah, or Elephant Temple, is a memorable place for me. I’ll always remember sitting on the rocks in its meditation garden with my partner and just letting the sounds of the nearby river recharge me. 

10. Gunung Kawi Sebatu –  Best for a Quiet Melukat

Melukat is a Balinese water purification ceremony done in temples or waterfalls. During this ceremony, prayers and gifts are offered to the gods before water is used to cleanse our bodies and spirits of impurities.

Tirta Empul is a well-known temple for melukat, but it’s usually crowded.

You’ll find way less crowd in Gunung Kawi Sebatu. This is where my sister and I chose to do our sacred melukat experience.

We were guided by a local priest who explained the ritual to us. I also enjoyed exploring this beautiful and quiet temple.

11. Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Best Tours from Ubud for Families

If you’ve seen photos of Bali’s rice terraces, there’s a big chance one of them is of the Tegalalang Rice Fields.

It’s not surprising; it’s one of the most breathtaking rice terraces in the world. I’ve visited Tegallalang several times.

One of the things I enjoyed was learning about the purpose of these terraces and how the ancient irrigation system (subak) has sustained it for centuries.

It’s definitely an educational experience for families. Families can also experience various activities like Bali swings, zip lines, skybikes, and even terraced-inspired pools!

Read more on Tegalalang’s famous swing spots, walking tours, and more here. I also recommend the Mupu Rice Terrace, owned by a local couple for the most authentic experience.

12. Waterfalls – Best Ubud Day Trips for Explorers

Bali is the home of a thousand temples, but it is also home to countless majestic waterfalls.

You can hike to Bali’s highest waterfall, Sekumpul Waterfall, visit the stunning Tukad Cepung Waterfall often referred to as the “waterfall from heaven,” or bathe in the symmetrical water flow of Tibumana Waterfall.

The best part is that you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of rice fields and local villages as you visit these waterfalls.

Remember to hire a guide to ensure your safety, especially if you plan on jumping or engaging in any adventurous activities at the waterfalls.

FULL POST: Best Waterfalls near Ubud

13. Lempuyang Temple – Best for Instagrammers

The Lempuyang Temple is the famous Bali’s ‘gate to heaven’ on Instagram. Its tall and intricate candi bentar (split gate) offers a stunning view of Mount Agung, a sacred mountain for the Balinese.

Expect long waiting lines if you want the popular mirror shot in front of the gate. We began queuing at 7 a.m. It was quite hilarious when we realized there was no lake before the gate, only a mirror illusion!

If you want a peaceful temple to visit, I would recommend skipping this temple and instead going to less crowded temples like Goa Gajah.

But you’re visiting the place to appreciate its architectural beauty, it’s breathtaking and worth a day trip even without the gate.

14. Mount Batur – Best for Hikers 

If you don’t mind waking up at 2 AM for a hike, a day trip to Mount Batur to watch the sunrise could be the highlight of your Bali trip.

Mount Batur is an active volcano held sacred by the Balinese. The hike is of low to moderate difficulty and you will be accompanied by a guide throughout.

At the peak, savor a Balinese breakfast while enjoying the sunrise view. On the descent, treat yourself to a relaxing hot spring before heading back to Ubud.

15. Whitewater Rafting – For Adrenaline Junkies

The Ayung River whitewater rafting experience is a popular day trip from Ubud. Families and groups of friends get to experience a different side of Bali together with the local guides.

Whitewater rafting is when a group rides an inflatable raft over the rough and fast parts of a river. To some, that may sound scary, but not to adrenaline junkies. 

The raft ride is filled with laughter, splashes, and screams throughout!

Some packages include a scrumptious lunch near the river. You can even go home after making new friends from your raft team.

Wrap Up: Ubud Day Trips

No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, these day trips from Ubud can give you a break from this bustling town. When you’re ready, see more of Bali with a scooter or joiner trip away.

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Discover More Bali Guides:

• My Ultimate Guides to Bali
• Non-touristy Things to do in Ubud
• Best Things to Do in Ubud at Night
• 23 Best Waterfalls near Ubud
• Tegalalang Rice Terraces
• Spiritual Things To Do in Bali
• The Ultimate Guide to Munduk Bali
• Karang Boma Cliff: A Complete Guide to Bali’s Most Beautiful Cliff
• The Best Beaches in Uluwatu: Uluwatu and Suluban
• Lempuyang Temple: A Complete Bali’s Most Beautiful Temple
• 20 Amazing Things To Do In Kuta, Bali
• The Best Sanur Beaches to Visit
• Nyepi in Bali: How to Honor the Day of Silence as a Tourist
• Best Wellness Retreats in Bali