Is 2 Days in Ubud Enough? Here’s How to Make It Magical

Are you looking for ways to spend 2 days in Ubud, Bali? You’ve come to the right place!

After celebrating my son’s wedding along Bali’s dazzling coastline and a quick jaunt to the Komodo Islands, it was time for me to treat myself to some solo adventures. My son and his new wife flew back to Jakarta, while I made my way inland to spend two days in Ubud, Bali’s lush, cultural hub.

I had three nights and two full days to explore and, yes, to enjoy the sweet freedom of solo travel.

I’ll admit, my first time in Ubud didn’t disappoint.

For anyone craving a mix of serenity, scenery, and spiritual vibes, two days here is actually perfect. I spent my time visiting temples, wandering rice fields, and eating meals I didn’t have to share with anyone.

Here’s how I spent my 2 days in Ubud:

Ubud Itinerary: Day 1

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

After breakfast, I walked to the Monkey Forest from Samas Cottages, where I was staying. It only took about 20 minutes, and it was an easy walk with sidewalks the whole way.

I was honestly surprised by how many monkeys there were. They’re everywhere. Sitting on benches, climbing on walls, hanging out in the trees, even casually following people around. You can’t look in any direction without seeing one.

That said, I still felt totally safe around them. You’ll see park workers stationed throughout the forest, mostly to keep the monkeys (and the tourists) in line. 

I had read up on the precautions ahead of time, so I came prepared. I didn’t wear any jewelry, sunglasses, or a hat, and I kept my phone on a wrist strap just in case. That seemed to do the trick. None of the monkeys paid much attention to me. As long as you follow the rules and don’t bring food, you’ll be fine.

The forest itself is lush and tropical. There are huge trees with vines hanging down, mossy statues, and what they call the Dragon Steps, where ancient carved stone Komodo dragons guard the base of the stairs. I thought that part was especially cool.

It’s worth wandering through the whole area. There are some really interesting temples off the main path and even a local cemetery that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

I loved the feel of the whole place. It was wild, peaceful, and a little bit magical.

Shopping Along Monkey Forest Road

By the time you leave the Sacred Monkey Forest, you’ll probably be ready for some lunch, and some browsing. Head down Jalan Monkey Forest (jalan means “road” in Bahasa Indonesia), one of Ubud’s two main streets packed with shops, cafés, and restaurants.

There are sidewalks, but just a heads-up: they can get pretty narrow, especially if people are stopped at storefronts or browsing outside displays. It’s all part of the charm, though.

You’ll find a mix of everything here. There are plenty of typical trinket souvenir shops, but there are also some really beautiful places selling handmade Balinese crafts. Be sure to pop into those when you see them.

I loved wandering from shop to shop, even if I wasn’t planning to buy anything…although I totally did.

Lunch at Cafe Wayan

About halfway down Monkey Forest Rd, you come to Café Wayan. Let me just say, OMG. This place is a destination all on its own.

It’s open-air but still covered, and absolutely beautiful. The Balinese design is stunning. Think intricate woven ceilings, wooden carvings, and lush greenery everywhere.

The whole restaurant stretches out along a winding path, with little tucked-away seating areas. Some spots have standard tables and chairs, while others are those cozy low tables with pillows on the floor. 

You kind of feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret garden.

Once you’re inside, the noise and bustle of Ubud just disappears. I grabbed a seat near the front so I could still people-watch a little, and it was perfect.

And the food? So good. I ordered chicken satay and if you’ve never had authentic satay, you don’t know what you’ve been missing. I took my time enjoying every bite.

While you’re spending 2 days in Ubud Bali, definitely make time for a meal here. Even if you’re not hungry, it’s worth visiting just for the atmosphere.

Pura Taman Saraswati (Ubud Water Palace)

I was actually on my way back to my room to hang out by the pool (and maybe take a quick nap) when I passed Pura Taman Saraswati, Ubud’s water palace. I hadn’t planned to stop, but I figured, why not?

At the entrance, they give you a traditional sarong and headband to wear, which is required for entry.

Just a reminder: this is still a functioning temple, not just a photo op. Please be respectful. It really gets under my skin when tourists treat active places of worship like a checklist stop with zero awareness of where they actually are.

Honestly, it wasn’t calm or peaceful during my visit. Kids were running around and everyone was trying to get the same photo of the lotus pond and water spouts.

The temple itself is beautiful, with fountains running alongside the paths and framing the central walkway, but I didn’t stay long. I imagine it may have been a better experience if I was there in the morning, before it got busy.

Between the crowds and the heat, that pool back at Samas Cottages was sounding better by the minute.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

After a short rest back at my room, I headed out to the Campuhan Ridge Walk. I thought it was a great way to wind down the first of my 2 days in Ubud. It was only about a 10-minute walk to get there but the entrance is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

You’ll find it just next to the Ibah Hotel. Look for a small wooden sign that says “Bukit Campuhan” a few feet down the walkway, and that’s your starting point.

As you begin the trail, you’ll pass the beautiful Pura Gunung Lebah temple complex, with an impressive tiered pagoda rising up through the trees. From there, the path opens up to sweeping views of the valley and the jungle beyond.

The whole walk is about 2.5 miles each way, mostly flat and best of all, no motorbikes allowed. That alone makes it one of the more peaceful walks in Ubud. 

There were a few people out, but it never felt crowded, and walking it around sunset gave everything that soft, golden glow. It’s a nice, low-key way to end the day.

Ubud Itinerary: Day 2

For my second day in Ubud, I hired a private driver. I usually prefer to walk when I can, but a couple of the places I wanted to visit, like the rice terraces and the water temple, were too far to reach on foot.

Grouping them together into one day and hiring a driver just made sense. And honestly, drivers in Bali are incredibly affordable compared to what I’m used to in the U.S.

I paid about $40 USD for the entire day, and it was totally worth it for the convenience and flexibility.

Sari Organik Walk

After breakfast, I messaged my driver and asked him to take me to the Sari Organik trail. I could’ve walked, it’s not far, but since I had a driver for the day, I figured I might as well use him.

Sari runs parallel to the Campuhan Ridge Walk but has a completely different feel.

Between the two, this one was definitely my favorite. Even though Campuhan doesn’t allow motorbikes, Sari Organik felt quieter and more peaceful overall and much less traveled.

The path winds through rice fields, with little cafés, yoga studios, and art shops scattered along the way. Occasionally a motorbike passes, but they’re moving so slowly it’s not an issue at all. I think I passed maybe five people total the whole time I was out there.

One thing that really caught my attention was the irrigation system. You’ll see these small channels and pipes weaving through the fields, carrying water to where it’s needed. It’s such a clever and efficient setup. And, if you know me, you know how much I love efficiency!

It’s roughly 2 miles each way and it felt so remote yet so personal. Just take your time walking and enjoy the feeling of being somewhere so totally different.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Next, we headed over to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. You’d think after walking through rice fields earlier that morning, I’d had my fill, but these are the famed terraced rice fields. The ones you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. And yes, they’re just as spectacular in person as you’d hope.

It’s important to remember, though, that this isn’t an official tourist attraction. These are actual, working rice fields that local farmers generously allow visitors to walk through. So don’t expect a big entrance sign or a ticket booth like I did.

When my driver pulled up to a man sitting on a stool next to a random opening in a fence on the side of the road, I honestly thought he was kidding. But nope. That was it. I handed the man my money, and in I went.

The terraces are no joke. You’ll be climbing up, down, and all around, and it definitely feels like a mini workout. I went early in the day, which I highly recommend. It was cooler, quiet, and I had the entire place to myself, which made it even better.

You might also come across one or two of those big Bali swings set up for photos. They’re not really my thing, but if you’re tempted, just make sure you’ve paid first. Don’t hop on without asking. Most of them charge a small fee.

Pura Tirta Empul Water Temple

After the rice terraces, we made our way to Pura Tirta Empul, one of Bali’s most sacred water temples. It dates back to the 10th century and is known for its holy spring water, where locals and visitors come to take part in purification rituals.

I didn’t go into the water myself, but I stayed for a while just watching the ceremony unfold. It was mesmerizing. People stepping under each of the temple’s spouts in quiet reflection, moving slowly from one to the next.

That said, it’s important to remember this isn’t just a tourist stop. Like the Water Palace, this is an active place of worship. And not everyone treated it that way.

At one point, a Hindu worshipper came forward to collect holy water for a ceremony, something that’s deeply respected in Balinese culture. Visitors are expected to give right of way in situations like this. But the person next in line refused to move. Even as the guides and nearby visitors gently tried to indicate that this man had priority, he just stood his ground and acted like nothing was happening. It was uncomfortable to witness. Please don’t be that person.

Each spout actually has meaning too, and you’re not supposed to go through all of them. For example, spouts 11 and 12 are reserved for cleansing the dead, so yeah, skip those.

You’ll be given a sarong at the entrance, and if you’re going to take part in the water ritual, they’ll provide a separate sarong just for that.

After about an hour, I made my way toward the parking lot to meet my driver. But first, I had to get through what felt like an endless maze of souvenir stalls. There’s no clear exit; you just weave through rows of vendors hoping to catch your attention. Some of them can be pretty persistent, but a firm and polite “no thank you” usually does the trick.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

On the way back to town, I asked my driver if we could stop at a waterfall. I didn’t have a specific one in mind, just something scenic to break up the drive. He brought me to Tukad Cepung Waterfall.

It ended up being one of those gorgeous waterfalls in a cave-like setting, with sunlight streaming in from above. Absolutely stunning.

What he didn’t mention? The number of steps it takes to get down there and, of course, back up. Let’s just say I got my cardio in for the day. On top of that, there’s a rocky stream crossing near the bottom, and I didn’t exactly have the best footwear for it. I know, I know, poor planning on my part.

If you go, definitely bring water shoes or something with solid grip. The rocks are slippery and uneven, and it would’ve made a huge difference to have better footing.

Kecak Fire Dance

After my driver dropped me off back at Samas Cottages, I took a quick dip in the pool, grabbed dinner at the little café next door, and then walked over to Pura Dalem Ubud for the Kecak Fire Dance.

The performance is sometimes called the Monkey Fire Dance, and the temple itself, Pura Dalem, is also known as a death temple. Add in the fact that the show takes place at night, with dozens of men chanting in hypnotic unison around an open flame, and… well, it makes for a pretty unforgettable evening.

You can buy the $6 tickets at the booth near the street entrance, but I recommend getting them ahead of time since they do sell out. Also, arrive early if you want a seat. Latecomers ended up sitting on the ground or standing along the sides.

The whole thing lasted about an hour, and it felt otherworldly. Especially set against the backdrop of the temple at night.

You can see a similar performance at Uluwatu Temple, which is one of Bali’s most famous spots for the Kecak Fire Dance. I didn’t catch it there, but the setting on the cliff overlooking the ocean makes it another memorable option.

A couple of practical tips: bring a fan and some water. It’s hot and humid, even after dark, and there’s no breeze inside the temple courtyard.

Where to Stay: Samas Cottages and Villas

If I could marry a hotel, Samas Cottages and Villas would be a strong contender! Coming here solo, I couldn’t have picked a better place to spoil myself.

Tucked just off Ubud’s bustling main streets, this little oasis was the perfect balance between quiet retreat and easy access to everything.

I could walk to the Monkey Forest, shop up and down the main streets, and even stroll to temples without breaking the proverbial sweat. (It’s hot in Bali, I was always sweating.)

Now, let’s talk about this one-room cottage. It was private, tranquil, and decked out with everything a solo woman could want.

But the best part? Each morning, a handsome young staff member would appear at my porch with a tray of freshly prepared breakfast, just for me. I couldn’t help but think, This is better than breakfast in bed!

The staff were exceptional. Always warm, attentive, and ready to share tips or call me a Grab (like Uber) to wherever I wanted to go.

If you’re looking for a place to recharge and revel in some peace during your two days in Ubud, Samas Cottages is the place.

How to Get to Ubud

Ubud is on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Getting to Ubud is straightforward, especially if you’re flying into Bali’s main airport, Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar.

Here are some options for making the journey to from the airport to Ubud:

By Taxi or Private Driver

A taxi or private driver is the most convenient and direct way to reach Ubud from the airport. The drive takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

While airport taxis are readily available, arranging a private driver in advance can be a bit more comfortable and often comes at a similar cost.

Expect to pay around 300,000-400,000 IDR ($20–$27) for a one-way trip, though rates can vary. If you take a taxi, make sure it’s Bluebird Taxi. They are the most reputable.

By Rideshare (Grab or Gojek)

Uber is not available in Bali but there are other ridesharing options. Using Grab and Gojek are the two widely used services in Bali as well as many other parts of southeast Asia.

This option is often more affordable than a taxi or private driver, with fares ranging between 200,000-300,000 IDR ($13-$20).

By Rental Car or Motorbike

Renting a car or motorbike is another option. However, traffic in Bali can be a nightmare. I wouldn’t advise renting a car at all while you’re in Bali. The traffic really is that bad.

If you want to know more about the not-so-great sides of Bali, I wrote a separate post here – Yes, There Are Bad Things About Bali

And if you plan to rent a motorbike, you should be an experienced rider. Bali isn’t the place to figure it out.

FAQ for First-Time Travelers to Ubud

Is Ubud safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Ubud is generally very safe, even for solo travelers. I felt comfortable walking around by myself, even in the evenings. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there’s a calm, community-oriented feel throughout the town. You should still take general safety precautions but overall, it’s a very secure place to explore alone.

Do I need cash, or can I use credit cards?

While some places in Ubud accept credit cards, cash is essential, especially in local markets, smaller cafes, or for entry fees at temples and attractions. ATMs are widely available, and having Indonesian rupiah on hand makes transactions much easier.

What’s the weather like in Ubud?

Ubud has a tropical climate, meaning it’s warm and humid year-round, with temperatures ranging from 75-88°F (24-31°C). There are two main seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the rainy season (November to March). Even in the rainy season, mornings are usually clear, with rain showers in the afternoon.

Is there Uber?

Uber is not available in Bali but Grab and Gojek are widely used. Alternatively, you can easily arrange a private driver for longer distances or day trips, which is common and affordable in Bali.

Do people in Ubud speak English?

Yes, most people working in tourism such as hotel staff, tour guides, and drivers, speak English well. You may come across some locals with limited English, especially in smaller shops or more rural areas, but communication is generally easy, and people are very willing to help.

Final Thoughts on Spending Two Days in Ubud