Ubud Mini Guide

✨3 Days in Ubud: Culture, Adventure, Relaxation, and Gluten-Free Bliss

Ubud was pure magic. Of all the places we visited in Bali, it was here that we felt truly immersed in the heart of Balinese culture.

Day 1: Arrival + ATV Adventure

We took a two-hour drive from Uluwatu to Ubud and checked in at Nick’s Pension—a charming, perfectly located stay tucked away on a lively street. We were greeted with warm smiles and a little free library by the front desk. 

What I loved most about this accomodation was the walkability. Within minutes, we had access to restaurants, shops, and massage spots—everything we needed at our fingertips.The room was also spacious with a nice bathroom!

Our day began with lunch at Kayu Café. I ordered the Pad Thai and an iced coffee—both were delicious! Afterward, we wandered the surrounding streets, and I was so excited to discover a Blink jewelry was around the corner!

Activity of the day: ATVing

Our afternoon was unforgettable. We booked an ATV tour through Bali ATV Alasan Adventure, and it was worth every penny ($40 per person, plus a small fee for professional photos). It was pure joy, non-stop laughs, and so muddy. It felt like a real life temple run course! They offered free pick up and drop off within Ubud.

Alasan Adventure WhatsApp: +62 813 3887 7982

After the ride, we grabbed dinner at Cretya Bali, where the tour began. It came with access to a stunning infinity pool—perfect for a post-adventure cooldown.

We ended the night the best way I know how for $4 USD/30 minutes: with a relaxing foot massage just around the corner from our hotel. Bliss.

Day 2: Touring Waterfalls & Rice Fields

If you are someone who loves creating content and capturing memories on vacation you must book Budi as your driver . Not only did he take us all over Bali, but he doubled as a personal photographer and even captured content with my drone!

Budi Instagram --> @budisbalitours

Budi WhatsApp --> +6281805317679

* tip: Keep some cash handy. Most waterfalls charge a small entry fee.

Stop 1: Leke Leke Waterfall

A short jungle hike led us to this serene, tucked-away waterfall. It’s not a swimming spot, but it's a must for breathtaking views and peaceful vibes.

We had lunch at a small café overlooking Lake Beratan. While the view was nice, the food was just okay—not a highlight.

Stop 2: Git Git Waterfall

What made this stop special was the people. Locals welcomed us warmly and walked us down to the roaring falls. The walk is lined with fun shops where you can grab snacks, trinkets, or handmade goods - just make sure to have cash!

Stop 3: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

You can’t visit Bali without visiting its lush rice fields. Jatiluwih was breathtaking—every corner was a photo op. I especially loved watching the wildlife and I paid a small fee to fly my drone here and the footage was amazing!

After a full day, we headed back to Ubud, absolutely exhausted.

We grabbed tacos from Taco Fiesta across the street from our hotel, then I made my way to the gluten-free haven that is Gluten Free on Bisma. I treated myself to a muffin and a slice of apple pie. Calories don’t count on vacation!

We finished the evening strolling through the buzzing streets, popping into cute boutiques and souvenir shops.

Day 3: Dolphins, Markets & Monkeys

We began the day with a very early wake up call to head almost 2 hours north for the Lovina Dolphin Tour. Watching the sunrise on the water was beautiful, but it was cold, rainy, and the excursion was a bit too touristy for my taste. Our private boat was one of just dozens of boats circling dolphins as each pod emerged out at sea. 

That said, seeing dolphins from underwater was a unique and surreal experience. Plus, our boat guide brewed us Balinese coffee and even took us snorkeling where I spotted a blue starfish, a creature I had never laid eyes on before.

We returned to the hotel around 1 PM, and naturally, I headed straight to Gluten Free on Bisma for some onion rings and potstickers. SOO good!

After lunch, I hopped on a wild Grab scooter ride to Blend Café where I enjoyed a beautiful smoothie bowl and relaxed reading my book. The drive took us through the thin paths of Monkey Forest and monkeys were surrounding us everywhere!!

**Keep your bags close—I watching them try to steal bags, clothing, and food off everyone! I lost my sunglasses to a monkey in Uluwatu (still not over it)

We wrapped up our day at the Ubud Market, selecting  handmade souvenirs. For our last dinner, we chose Café des Artistes near the hotel—a lovely way to end an amazing few days.