TWO-DAY ITINERARY IN UBUD, BALI
The last time I was in Bali was a lifetime ago–2009 to be exact–and I was with family. And you already know the difference when you travel with family versus traveling by yourself or with friends: the experience is just not the same. And I suppose certain memories don’t stick as well?
From what I can recollect, every point of interest on the island was only a hop and skip away. So imagine my surprise when I landed in Bali and was told that Ubud, one of Bali’s most visited areas, was an hour-and-a-half taxi ride away. This is just probably further proof that 2009 was almost a decade ago, and that I’m almost a decade older–and that my memory is starting to play tricks on me. I’m no spring chicken anymore!
ARRIVING IN UBUD
I arrived in Ubud, Bali after almost 37 hours of travel.
How did that happen? Look:
Departure: Tuesday, February 7 (6:40 p.m.)
Chicago – Doha: 13 hours via Qatar Airways
Layover in Doha: 2 hours
Doha – Kuala Lumpur: 7.25 hours
Layover in Kuala Lumpur: 10 hours (I would have missed this flight to Bali had it not been delayed!)
Kuala Lumpur to Bali: 3 hours via AirAsia.
Arrival: Thursday, February 9 (10:00 p.m.)
Airport to Ubud: (1.5 hour taxi ride)
Given the length of the journey, I was lucky I picked to fly with Qatar Airways for the long-haul flights from Chicago to Doha, and Doha to Kuala Lumpur.
Although the journey felt neverending, the flight with Qatar Airways was relaxing, comfortable, and smooth. I felt surprisingly fresh by the time I arrived in Kuala Lumpur.
Qatar Airways tend to have deals and the best rates inbound to Bali.
Check the lowest fares on their website.
UBUD ITINERARY: DAY 1
My to-do list in Ubud on my first day were the following:
1. Massage
2. Relax
3. Eat
4. Repeat
Considering the length of the journey and the time difference between Bali and Chicago, I was expecting a rough first day with jet lag.
But to my surprise, I WAS JET LAG FREE!
MASSAGE
Hotels in Ubud is well known for its gorgeous spas and wellness centers. Considering the quality of the massage and cheap price tag that came along with it, I made sure I visited a spa at least twice during my visit!
RELAX
There is no better place to relax and absolutely not do anything than in Ubud. It’s essentially just you and nature.
Even though I didn’t struggle much with jetlag, being able to relax in Ubud definitely gave me the rest my body needed after a hefty travel time from Chicago all the way to Bali.
I felt renewed after my first day in Bali!
EAT
After taking a moment to enjoy my first views of Ubud from my patio, it was time for my tastebuds to finally be reunited with Balinese food! It had been eight long years since I’d experienced what Bali excels at: the vibrant and healthy cuisine, full of intense flavor.
During my two-day stay in Ubud, my go-to breakfast was Bakmi Goreng: stir-fried egg noodles with chicken, garnished with egg, pickled vegetables, & Balinese spice–sambal olek–and Bubur Ayam (rice porridge with shredded chicken, spring onion, and boiled egg–almost exactly like the traditional Filipino dish Arroz Caldo).
Not to mention the delicious, mouthwatering and highly addicting banana fritters and seasonal fruits waiting on the sideline.
UBUD ITINERARY: DAY 2
My day 2 Ubud itinerary revolved around visiting the main sites and attractions.
However, I think I was a little bit too ambitious with my second day agenda.
I had originally planned on seeing the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, eat at Sari Organic, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a bike tour, the Bali Swing, and Waterfalls tour.
However, I was only able to do two of the six activities that I had originally planned.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Arguably Ubud’s most famous tourist attraction, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces is a must-see and visit when in Ubud.
Try to catch it during the rainy season when the rice terraces are at its greenest!
Sari Organic
Even before researching on things to do in Ubud, I already had a few friends who have recommended to eat at Sari Organic restaurant.
And after this visit, I totally understand what the hype was all about!
The food is some of the freshest and yummiest (not to mention super healthy – they have gluten-free menu!) you’ll ever taste, but the view that comes along while eating your delicious meal will leave you with quite a memorable experience!
WHERE I STAYED IN UBUD
Though there are many amazing private pool villas in Ubud, I don’t think I could have picked a better place to stay than at Bliss Bungalow.
The hotels comes with modern bungalows with mouth-watering free breakfast with yoga classes, spa, and outdoor pool.
My room had a private balcony that opens up to a rice paddy field – amazing thing to wake up to in the morning!
Sarah
-United Kingdom
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Shezen
-United Arab Emirates
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Tan
-Malaysia
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Great article, thanks for the tips! As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia is a fascinating place to visit. However, there are also quite a number of crooks who target tourists in the country.
Do be wary of the unlicensed tour guides/temple touts, Kuta beach touts, blessing scam, Jalan Malioboro batik/art scam, sarong touts, market (Ubud/Kuta art market) scam, pickpockets, Ubud monkey forest scam, fake bus ticket, modern bus bait and many more!
thanks for the tips, david!
Ubud is like a paradise! Love the vibe here. Relax and unwind. It’s one of the ultimate places with no nightlife needed!
it’s definitely a nice change up from Seminyak, where all the nightlife is centered in the island!
It looks like you had a fun time in Ubud! I’ve been to Bali 2 times, and so to Ubud twice too. It’s a love city even though it’s becoming more saturated with tourists.
I totally agree with Ubud becoming saturated with tourists – though still not in the same level as Seminyak, for example. Still good to go!
I have not done Bali yet but it is on my top list to visit. Most of the family have been excluding me so most likely mine will be a solo visit like you. Would have a long flight as I will fly from the UK. The pls es looks amazing and waking up to greenery must be amazing. Love banana fritters so would enjoy the breakfast. Great post thanks for sharing Eat relax massage and swim. Repeat.
I think waking up in that hotel was one of my favorite parts – the lush scenery was so peaceful. i hope you make it there soon!
I have been to Ubud / Bali two months ago and your post brings back so many nice memories. I can fully agree, just the amount of amazing hotels and restaurants is simply overwhelming and then for such prices. Ubud is really a paradise and a great place for starting the exploration of Bali. Good to see, that you had such a great time there.
Thanks Hendrik!
wow thats a long journey from Chicago to Bali. I feel like even if I would sleep that night I would still be a zombie next day 🙂 I went to Bali last year and Ive spend 3 days in Ubud! It is indeed such a beautiful place with stunning hotels! I remember mine with a private swimming pool with a view to rice terrace! I wish I could stay there forever. And I am surprise you couldn’t find any nightlife over there! Ive been to some cool bars with life music and it was lovely! Great post
OMG that is a looonnngg trip! Glad you enjoyed Ubud so much and pampered you more. Where is your next destination?
We love Ubud. We have been there a couple times and it is a great place to be with Nature. Can’t wait to back this December.
I fell in love with Ubud when I saw my friend’s honeymoon pictures from there.
I really hope to visit there myself.
Yeah, when I googled for places to stay in Ubud, I did find all those places almost paradise-like! You’re right, exactly those expressions came out of my mouth too.
Thanks for the itinerary. Hope I’ll get to go soon too.
Wow, I’m totally sold on the gorgeous view from your room. I haven’t been to Bali, would love to explore all the gorgeous locales. The rice paddy fields are really something, walk through these would be an amazing experience. Thanks for the share.