The Ultimate Ubud Day Out

Ubud holds a special place in my heart as one of the most captivating destinations in Bali. Its lush green landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, and serene temples make it a haven for exploration and discovery. With limited time in Ubud, we decided to maximize our experience by hiring a local driver for the day so we could visit as many places as possible! What ensued was an unforgettable journey through the essence of Ubud. In this post, I will share my itinerary for the day which I would 100% recommend if you’re prepared for a day jam-packed day with activities!

Hiring a Driver

We were recommended a driver from a friend and messaged him directly but there are plenty of places where you can hire a driver. On Get Your Guide, you can book a driver for 10 hours for just £34 for a group of up to 5! The driver will take you anywhere you want to go in Ubud and will wait whilst you go off and enjoy whatever activities you like, giving you the flexibility and convenience of exploring the island at your own pace and seeing what interests you most. They can also give recommendations on places to visit if you aren’t sure where to go (although, I’m now going to tell you my top picks!).

Batuan Temple

We started the day at Batuan Temple. This ancient Hindu temple dates back over a thousand years and stands as a testament to Bali’s rich cultural heritage. As you enter its ornate gates, you’re greeted by intricately carved stone structures and elaborately adorned shrines. Its inner sanctum, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva, serves as a place of worship and contemplation for locals and visitors. From the tranquil courtyards to the atmospheric prayer halls, Batuan Temple was a peaceful and impressive place to visit that offered great insight into the Balinese Culture. Be mindful that when visiting any of Bali’s temples, you will need your legs covered for modesty. We were able to hire wraps that tied at the waist at the entrance to the temple for a small fee.

Kemenuh Butterfly Park

Our next stop on this day of exploration was the Kemenuh Butterfly Park. The park is a sanctuary for countless species of butterflies. The Bali Kemenuh Butterfly Park features an outdoor enclosure with walking paths and hundreds or even thousands of fluttering butterflies! The park also serves as an educational hub, offering insights into the fascinating world of these winged wonders.

From guided tours to informative exhibits, you get the opportunity to learn about the importance of butterfly conservation and the delicate balance of ecosystems. You are also offered the chance to get hands-on and hold some of the creatures! Tickets to the park are around £5.50.

Tegunungan Waterfall

Next, we moved on to Tegunungan Waterfall which was the highlight of my day! This is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in Bali. There is a small fee to enter the waterfall however this is only around £1. The stunning waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscape. You are free to swim in the pool below the waterfall and we did just that! Remember to bring a change of clothes if you plan to swim! Also, the walk down to the waterfall can be slippery so I wouldn’t recommend doing it in flip-flops (my sister broke hers on the way down!).

Also at the waterfall is a swing that you can use for a small fee. The operator is more than happy to take photos whilst you use it! This was such a unique experience to do in this setting so I’d definitely recommend having a go!

If you’re planning to swim I’d recommend spending at least a couple of hours here as it’s the perfect place to relax and cool off!

Uma Pakel Bali Swing

Next we visited Uma Pakel Bali Swings. Nestled in the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Uma Pakel swings hosts a number of incredible jungle swings, from solo swings to tandem swings as well as huge nests that make for an incredible adrenaline experience (and photo opportunity!).

There is also a coffee plantation here, where you will be given a free guided tour of the plantation. During the tour, you will witness firsthand the various stages of coffee production, from seedling to cup. You will also be able to participate in a coffee-tasting session where you can sample a diverse range of coffee blends, including the famous Luwak coffee. This is an interesting and enjoyable experience however when I visited I did feel a bit obliged to purchase some of the coffee at the end and this was quite pricey!

The real highlight of Uma Pakel is definitely the jungle swings. The swings are suspended high in the air offering incredible views of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. This is truly an unforgettable experience! Be prepared that this is a highly popular tourist spot so expect crowds and there will be some queuing.

Expect to spend a few hours here if you plan to tour the coffee plantation, sample the coffee, and use the swing.

Tegallangan Rice Terrace

Our next stop was the Tegallangan Rice Terrace. This is a breathtaking masterpiece of nature and ingenuity, well known for its stunning terraced landscapes that cascade down the hillsides like staircases. This iconic destination in the heart of Ubud offers you a glimpse into Bali’s rich agricultural heritage and showcases the beauty of traditional Balinese rice farming techniques. Stopping here to admire the incredible landscape was the perfect end to our day!

Tips

• If you’re happy with the service remember to tip your driver. Tips are very gratefully received in Bali!
• Bring a change of clothes if you plan on swimming
• Bring Sensible Footwear
• Take a waterproof lanyard or bumbag so you can take some great photos of the waterfall

So there you have my ultimate Ubud day out. Of course, there are plenty more activities to do in Ubud, from Mount Batur to the Sacred Monkey Forest, but I’ll leave those for another day!

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