Day 1 in Bali
8 stops · 08:00 to 19:30 · about 26 km between stops, in a straight line
Highlights: Goa Gajah — Elephant Cave, Tirta Empul Holy Springs and Ubud Palace.
08:00about 60 min
Arrive & Settle in Ubud
Check into your accommodation in or around central Ubud. The town is compact enough to walk most of the day's highlights, so drop your bags and orient yourself before heading out.
09:00about 75 minSight
Goa Gajah — Elephant Cave
Begin the day at this 9th-century rock-hewn sanctuary just southeast of Ubud. The carved demon face guarding the cave entrance is startling up close, and the bathing pools flanking the courtyard — adorned with stone water-spouting figures — carry a genuine ritual atmosphere. Sarongs are provided at the entrance.
About 12 km to the next stop
10:30about 90 minSight
Tirta Empul Holy Springs
A short drive north brings you to one of Bali's most revered water temples. Tirta Empul's natural springs have fed its purification pools since the 10th century, and you'll find Balinese Hindu devotees moving methodically through the ritual bathing fountains alongside respectful visitors. Arrive before midday to catch the morning light filtering through the temple pavilions.
About 12 km to the next stop
12:30about 60 minLunch
Lunch at Sari Organik
Make your way to this terrace restaurant perched above a working rice field in Penestanan. The kitchen leans hard on hyper-local organic produce — tofu dishes, fresh vegetables, and simple preparations that let the ingredients speak clearly. Eat with a view of the valley dropping away beneath you.
14:00about 75 min
Campuhan Ridge Walk
From Ubud's western edge, a well-worn path follows the spine of the ridge between two river valleys. The walk takes roughly an hour at an easy pace through open grassy slopes and patches of jungle, with panoramic views in both directions. Best done in the afternoon before the heat peaks — wear something light and bring water.
15:30about 45 minSight
Ubud Palace
Return to central Ubud for a walk through the royal palace compound. Traditional Balinese architecture — tiered pagodas, split gates, and ornately carved stone — frames a still-active ceremonial space. If your timing aligns, evening dance performances are held in the main pavilion.
About 200 m to the next stop
17:30about 75 minDrinks
Sunset Drinks at THE ROOF at Sala
Climb to this rooftop bar for cocktails as the light goes amber over the surrounding rice terraces and jungle canopy. The views are unobstructed and the setting genuinely earns its golden-hour reputation — arrive a little early to claim a terrace seat before the sun drops.
About 1.6 km to the next stop
19:30about 75 minDinner
Dinner at Naughty Nuri's
End the evening at this Ubud institution where the grilled pork ribs — glazed in a chili-garlic sauce with a proper char — have been drawing crowds for years. The open-sided warung setting keeps things informal, and cold beers make the meal easy. Expect it to be lively.
Photos: DerGenaue Allrounder (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Chainwit (CC BY 4.0) · Michael Gunther (CC BY-SA 4.0)
