Ultimate Ubud Day Trip by Car
A perfect one-day itinerary exploring Ubud's rice terraces, temples, and cultural landmarks.
Ubud is Bali's cultural and spiritual capital — a place where rice terraces cascade down hillsides, ancient temples hum with morning prayers, and artisan villages produce some of the finest crafts in Indonesia. Located just 90 minutes from Seminyak or 45 minutes from Sanur, Ubud is the perfect destination for a full-day road trip by car. This itinerary has been refined by the Baliqu team after guiding thousands of guests through the region.
Trip Overview
Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
Start your day with a refreshing visit to Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the most accessible and photogenic waterfalls near Ubud. The 15-meter cascade plunges into a natural swimming pool surrounded by lush jungle.
- Entrance fee: IDR 20,000 per person.
- Swimming: Allowed and safe during dry season (April - October). Avoid during heavy rain due to strong currents.
- Photo tip: Walk down to the base of the waterfall for the best shots. A bamboo raft is sometimes available for unique photos.
- Cafe: Several cliffside cafes offer coffee with waterfall views.
Drive from Seminyak: ~45 minutes via Jalan Raya Goa Gajah.
Stop 2: Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM)
Dating back to the 9th century, Goa Gajah is a UNESCO World Heritage candidate and one of Bali's most significant archaeological sites. The cave entrance is carved into the face of a demonic creature, and the complex includes ancient bathing pools, stone sculptures, and meditation chambers.
- Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 per adult.
- Dress code: Sarong required (rental included in ticket price).
- Tip: Arrive before 10:00 AM to explore the site in relative peace before tour buses arrive.
- History: Originally built as a spiritual retreat for Hindu priests, later used by Buddhist monks.
Drive from Tegenungan: ~15 minutes.
Stop 3: Tegallalang Rice Terraces (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are Bali's most iconic landscape. These centuries-old subak irrigation terraces create a stunning pattern of green steps that follow the natural contours of the hills.
- Entrance fee: IDR 25,000 per person (donation-based at some gates).
- Activities: Bali Swing (IDR 200,000 - 350,000), bird's-nest photos, zip-lining, and guided rice field walks.
- Lunch: Dozens of cliffside restaurants serve Indonesian and Western food with panoramic terrace views. Budget IDR 100,000 - 200,000 per person.
- Best photos: Walk down into the terraces (be prepared for mud) rather than shooting from the road.
Drive from Goa Gajah: ~20 minutes via Jalan Raya Tegallalang.
Stop 4: Tirta Empul Holy Spring Water Temple (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
Pura Tirta Empul is a 10th-century temple built around a sacred spring where Balinese Hindus perform ritual purification. The temple's stone pools and spouts create a profoundly spiritual atmosphere that visitors of any faith can respectfully experience.
- Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 per adult.
- Purification ritual: Visitors are welcome to bathe in the holy springs. Follow the sequence of spouts from left to right. A sarong is mandatory and provided free.
- Guided tour: English-speaking temple guides available at the entrance (IDR 50,000 - 100,000 tip-based).
- Respect: Women who are menstruating are asked not to enter the inner temple courtyard per Balinese Hindu tradition.
Drive from Tegallalang: ~15 minutes.
Stop 5: Ubud Monkey Forest (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
End your cultural afternoon with a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques and three ancient Hindu temples hidden within dense jungle.
- Entrance fee: IDR 80,000 per adult, IDR 60,000 per child.
- Safety: Do not make eye contact, hide food and sunglasses, and avoid touching the monkeys.
- Best time: Late afternoon (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM) when the monkeys are active but the morning crowds have left.
- Walking paths: Paved and well-maintained. The full loop takes 45-60 minutes.
Drive from Tirta Empul: ~25 minutes via Jalan Raya Ubud.
Stop 6: Campuhan Ridge Walk Sunset (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Before heading back to South Bali, take a leisurely walk along the Campuhan Ridge, a scenic 2-kilometer trail through open grassland and hills just west of central Ubud. It is one of the most peaceful experiences in Bali and offers beautiful sunset views over the jungle valleys.
- Entrance: Free.
- Starting point: Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa, near the Blanco Renaissance Museum.
- Duration: 30-45 minutes one way, 1.5 hours round trip.
- Tip: Bring water and insect repellent. The trail is exposed with little shade.
- Nearby dinner: The Sayan House or Locavore Restaurant offer world-class dining before your drive back.
Drive back to Seminyak: ~75-90 minutes depending on traffic. Leave Ubud by 6:30 PM to avoid the worst evening congestion around Denpasar.
Practical Tips for Your Ubud Day Trip
- Start early: Leave South Bali by 7:00 AM to beat traffic and enjoy Tegenungan before crowds arrive.
- Cash is king: Most temples and warungs do not accept cards. Carry IDR 500,000 - 1,000,000 in small bills.
- Dress respectfully: Temples require shoulders and knees to be covered. Bring a light sarong or long pants.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will walk on uneven stone, muddy paths, and rice field embankments.
- Bring a change of clothes: If you participate in the Tirta Empul purification ritual, you will get wet.
- Download offline maps: Mobile signal can be weak in the rice terrace areas.
- Book your car in advance: Ubud day trips are our most popular rental. Reserve at least 48 hours ahead during high season.
Book Your Ubud Day Trip Vehicle
A comfortable, air-conditioned car with a full fuel tank makes all the difference on a long Ubud day trip. Choose from our fleet of well-maintained vehicles, all equipped with GPS navigation and 24/7 roadside support.
BALIQU CAR RENTAL