One day in Ubud, Bali for two: where to go, where to eat, what to do
If we were asked to describe the Ubud area in one word, we wouldn't be able to. It's all about rice terraces, waterfalls, delicious cappuccino with coconut milk, and a monkey who stole my husband's glasses.
Ubud is the heart of Bali. A place where it's easy to be together: not "husband and wife," not "a couple on a trip," but simply two people walking through the jungle and enjoying it.
This is what the perfect day in Ubud for two looks like, tested by ourselves.
☀️ Morning: Wake up to a view of greenery
If you haven't yet chosen a hotel or villa, choose one with a view of the rice fields or jungle. Ubud has many secluded villas with pools.
What to do first:
Have breakfast on the balcony or terrace. We had a bali ball (smoothie ball), avocado toast, and fresh pineapple juice for breakfast. Not because it was Instagram-worthy, but because it was delicious and juicy.
💦 8:00 AM — Relaxation and pools at Cretya Ubud (photos 2 and 3)
We start our day with a well-deserved rest. We're heading to Cretya Ubud, where you'll want to stay for a long time. This isn't just a restaurant: it's a veritable aquatic paradise with cascading infinity pools, views of rice terraces, and a "like I'm an influencer, even if I'm not" vibe.
We grabbed lounge chairs by the upper pool, ordered cocktails, and simply lost ourselves in the scenery.
We swam, stared, took photos, and strolled through the rice terraces. Relaxing music, the air pleasant from the greenery all around. To say it was a blast is an understatement.
Why leave so early? There aren't many people, so you can fully enjoy the atmosphere and take photos without a crowd in the background.
🏞 11:00 AM — Saraswati Temple (photo 4)
After relaxing in Cretya Ubud, take a short walk to Saraswati Temple, one of Ubud's most beautiful temples. It's surrounded by a lotus pond, and its carved gates look like a scene from an ancient fairy tale.
It's also best to arrive here early: it's fresh, quiet, and photogenic.
🍜 12:00 PM — Lunch with a View
Ubud has excellent food, from vegan Buddha balls to roasted duck with Balinese spices. Here are our favorite spots:
· Melali — an atmospheric cafe with crispy chicken and papaya salad.
· Suka Espresso Ubud — if you're craving delicious and juicy burgers (Wagyu is available).
· Compound Warung — authentic, inexpensive, delicious, especially if you're looking for a local vibe.
Tip: try everything between two people. The dishes are small, but you want a big experience.
🧚 1:30 PM — Walk to Taman Dedari (photo 5)
This place hasn't yet been overtaken by mass tourism. Taman Dedari is an art park with giant sculptures of Balinese spirits. In some places it looks like a fantasy scene, in others it's simply beautiful.
You can stroll around, take a few spectacular photos, grab a coconut, and just breathe.
Tip: It's best not to eat there (the food isn't very tasty), and just order a cocktail.
🐒 3:00 PM — Monkey Forest
Touristy, but worth it. Important:
· Don't wear jewelry.
· Protect your phones and glasses.
· Be mentally prepared for someone to climb on you (and not ask).
💆 5:00 PM — Massage for Two
After the walks and heat, this was just what the doctor ordered. Ubud is the spa capital. We loved Taksu Spa: quiet, beautiful, and they offer couples' packages.
You can choose one with essential oils, or a traditional Balinese massage. The main thing is to leave feeling like a warm, fuzzy mess and not have anything stressful planned afterward.
🍷 7:00 PM — Romantic Dinner
For dinner, we chose Cantina Rooftop Bali — cozy, romantic, a little European, but with a Balinese soul. They offer vegetarian and regular options, the prices are average, and the view is stunning!
🌙 10:00 PM — Return and an evening without phones
We try to spend at least one evening on vacation without screens. In Ubud, it's easy: the sounds of the forest at night, a cocktail or a glass of wine, and casual, heartfelt conversations. Especially after such a fulfilling vacation.
Conclusion: Ubud isn't just beautiful. It's like a relationship reboot.
Here you don't go "where you have to go," you just go. You don't take photos "as a souvenir," but live in the moment. And suddenly you notice how pleasant it is to be silent together. Or laugh while the rain chases you. Or sit on the floor and choose which tea to brew.
Ubud doesn't create a "wow" on the outside—it creates a "wow" on the inside!
#bali #ubud