Unique Day Trips from Ubud - Explore Bali Beyond the Rice Fields
Most people know Ubud as the artistic and spiritual heart of Bali—home to yoga retreats, wellness sanctuaries, and of course, the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces. But here’s a little secret: if you venture just an hour or two outside the town center, a whole new side of Bali unfolds. Think ancient temples, jungle waterfalls, charming villages, hidden beaches, and panoramic mountain views—each waiting quietly beyond the beaten track.
This is your guide to unique day trips from Ubud. Not the overdone, overly touristy stuff. These are personal picks—some wild, some peaceful—but all designed to show you the magic that lives just outside Ubud’s lush borders.
1. Sidemen Valley – Where Time Moves Slowly
Imagine winding country roads, emerald-green rice terraces stretching into the horizon, and a valley so peaceful it feels like a dream. That’s Sidemen Valley, a hidden jewel in East Bali, just 1.5 hours from Ubud.
While tourists flock to Ubud’s yoga studios, Sidemen offers a rawer, more authentic Bali experience. Farmers tending their fields, distant gamelan sounds drifting through the morning mist, and Mount Agung standing like a silent guardian in the background.
You can walk through the rice paddies with a local guide, visit traditional weavers who still use centuries-old techniques, or simply sip tea on a bamboo veranda while watching the clouds roll by. It’s not a place for checking off lists—it’s a place for slowing down and connecting.
2. Tibumana & Tukad Cepung Waterfalls – Jungle Magic Awaits
Waterfalls near Ubud are not exactly a secret, but some still hold their mystery. Two of the best for a day trip from Ubud are Tibumana Waterfall and Tukad Cepung—both about an hour’s drive through lush countryside.
Tibumana is soft and inviting, tucked inside a cave-like cliff, perfect for a dip and a peaceful moment under cascading waters. Tukad Cepung, on the other hand, feels like a movie set. You’ll walk through a narrow canyon where sunlight pierces the rock above, creating surreal beams of light that make it one of the most photogenic spots in Bali.
Go early. Go quiet. And you might just feel like the jungle is sharing a secret with you.
3. Penglipuran Village – A Living Tradition
Roughly 45 minutes from Ubud lies Penglipuran Village, a perfectly preserved traditional Balinese village. What’s striking isn’t just how beautiful it is—it’s how alive it feels. Locals still live in the neat compound homes, the streets are swept clean every morning, and customs are proudly kept.
This isn’t a museum—it’s a vibrant, breathing piece of culture. Walking through Penglipuran, you get a sense of what Bali used to be, before the villas and the Instagrammable cafés. You’ll be welcomed with smiles, invited to observe sacred family shrines, and perhaps even join in a daily ritual.
Add this to your Ubud day trip list if you want culture with soul, not just surface.
4. Goa Gajah & Yeh Pulu – Ancient Carvings and Spiritual Energy
You might’ve heard of Goa Gajah, or “Elephant Cave,” but did you know there’s another incredible site just nearby called Yeh Pulu? Together, these two make a spiritual circuit unlike any other near Ubud.
Start with Goa Gajah, where moss-covered stones and carved demons guard a cave that dates back to the 11th century. Despite the crowds, there’s a stillness inside that’s deeply calming. Then, walk or drive a short distance to Yeh Pulu—a lesser-known rock carving site that stretches along a rice field path, depicting scenes of ancient Balinese life.
These places whisper stories from a thousand years ago. And in that quiet space between myth and history, you feel it—the sacred pulse of the island.
5. Kintamani – Caldera Views and Coffee with a Twist
Looking for that jaw-dropping view? Head north to Kintamani, a highland region that sits on the rim of the Batur Caldera, offering some of the most dramatic scenery in Bali.
From Ubud, the drive takes about 1.5 hours, winding through forests and sleepy villages. Once there, you’re rewarded with a panoramic sweep of Mount Batur, Lake Batur, and the black lava fields below. It’s hauntingly beautiful—especially early in the morning when the clouds are low and the landscape feels surreal.
Kintamani is also famous for its coffee—particularly Kopi Luwak, the “civet coffee” that’s both controversial and sought-after. Visit a local plantation to learn about the process, but be sure to choose ethical producers that prioritize animal welfare.
6. Bali Swing Forests – Not Just for Photos
Yes, the Bali Swing trend has been Instagrammed to death, but if you pick the right spot, it’s still a thrill. There are several swing parks in the jungle just outside Ubud that let you soar over deep river gorges, rice terraces, and palm forests.
But here’s the trick: avoid the massive touristic swing parks and opt for smaller, family-run spots where the vibe is calmer and the views more genuine. Swinging in the jungle might sound cheesy, but the rush of wind, the drop below, and the endless green around you—it’s pure fun, no filter needed.
This is your adventurous Ubud day trip option, especially if you want something lighthearted between temples and treks.
7. Sangeh Monkey Forest – Serenity and Mischief
You’ve probably heard of the monkey forest in central Ubud—but for something quieter, take a short drive to Sangeh Monkey Forest. Here, giant nutmeg trees tower overhead, casting dappled shadows on mossy stone paths. The atmosphere is more sacred, more intimate.
The monkeys? Still cheeky, of course, but less aggressive than their Ubud cousins. And the forest itself feels ancient—like it holds secrets in the roots of its trees. It’s a lovely spot for a mindful walk, a photography break, or just some monkey-watching fun.
8. Tegenungan Hidden Spots – Beyond the Main Falls
Everyone knows Tegenungan Waterfall, but few know about the smaller trails and secret viewing points around it. Yes, it can get crowded—but if you go early or explore off the main path, you’ll find peaceful nooks, quiet pools, and elevated lookouts.
Pair this with a nearby breakfast stop in Sukawati or one of the riverside cafés, and you’ve got yourself a refreshing Ubud day trip that mixes a bit of nature, a bit of indulgence, and a lot of beauty.
9. Secret Beaches in East Bali – Your Coastal Getaway
One of the best things about Ubud’s central location is that you're only two hours away from Bali’s eastern coastline. And there, a world of hidden beaches awaits. From Virgin Beach (Pasir Putih) near Candidasa to the remote Bias Tugel in Padangbai, these shores offer a break from the jungle heat and the perfect dose of saltwater therapy.
The journey is half the adventure—passing through villages, hills, and coconut plantations. Once there, you can swim, snorkel, or just nap under a palm tree. It’s a different side of Bali, one you won’t find in your average Ubud travel guide.
10. Mount Batukaru – For the Soulful Explorer
If you're craving altitude without the hype, set your sights on Mount Batukaru in central-west Bali. This dormant volcano is less visited than Mount Batur, but no less magical. The rainforest here is thick, mystical, and wrapped in fog most mornings.
The hike is challenging, sure, but it’s also deeply peaceful. No crowds. No commercialism. Just you, your breath, and the gentle crunch of forest underfoot. Along the way, you'll pass Pura Luhur Batukaru, a spiritual site often overlooked by tourists. It’s serene, moss-covered, and incredibly moving.
Perfect for a spiritual Ubud day trip that combines nature and meaning.
Day Trips That Stay With You
What makes these day trips from Ubud so unforgettable isn’t just the scenery—it’s the shift they bring. A chance to step out of your bubble, breathe deeper, listen closer. A chance to meet Bali where it’s still quiet, real, and full of story.
So whether you choose to trek through jungle, soak in a spring, explore a mountain temple, or swing through the trees, do it with heart. Don’t just visit. Connect. Let the island show you its quiet brilliance, one day at a time.
