A One-Day Itinerary for Exploring the Unique Island and Ubud City

Ubud is the soul of Bali. Unlike the lively beach vibes of other islands, it boasts a rich artistic atmosphere and serene rural landscapes. Strolling through the streets and alleys of Ubud, every step feels imbued with centuries of Balinese culture. How can you cover all the major city attractions in a single day? ☁️ Morning: ✅ Campuhan Ridge Walk Start early while it's still cool with this easy 3km hike recommended by *Lonely Planet*. The trail offers stunning ridge and rice field views, ending at a café where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. ✅ Pura Dalem Ubud After the hike, take a taxi to this hidden gem of a temple. With few visitors, you’ll have the dramatic "Gates of Heaven" all to yourself for photos. ✅ Museum Puri Lukisan This museum showcases traditional Balinese architecture and a vast collection of Indonesian art, offering an immersive cultural experience. ✅ Sweet Orange Walk Trail Right next to the museum, this scenic trail winds through more rural beauty. Stop at a cozy café for lunch when you need a break. 🌞 Afternoon: ✅ Ubud Palace Just a short walk from the Sweet Orange Trail, this 16th-century palace dazzles with intricate carvings and gold leaf decorations. Don’t miss the traditional dance performances in the evening. ✅ Ubud Market Honestly, no need to spend much time here—there’s little worth buying. But don’t skip the coconut ice cream nearby! ✅ Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Home to over 1,260 Balinese long-tailed macaques, considered sacred as descendants of the monkey god Hanuman. Compared to Uluwatu, these monkeys are downright polite. The park is lush with 40m-tall nutmeg trees and dense foliage, offering a cool retreat from the heat as you wander the forest paths.