One day in exotic Bali is not enough, but as a cruise port, that was all we had. There are two basic choices for a one-day Bali itinerary. We could head inland to Ubud and see the rice terraces, monkey forest, and markets. Or we could simplify our Bali itinerary to a day at the beach.
Our day was overcast and rainy, so the decision as to which things to do in Bali was easy. However, even in the rain, the island of Bali is intriguing.
We docked in Benoa at the Bali cruise port. From there, we hired a private Bali driver to show us the sites. We were lucky that our driver spoke English, and loved talking about his island nation. Typically, we hire a private guide in advance when we have one day in a port.
⇒ Reserve a top-rated customized Bali private tour here
Below are our highlights of the best things to do in Ubud Bali.
First, be inspired …
Bali itinerary – must see Ubud: rice terraces
The famous Tegalalang rice terrace is one of the top two destinations on my things to do in Ubud list. Located just north of Ubud in the Tegalalang village, they are a scene out of the movie Eat, Pray, Love (actually filmed here). Even in the rain, the dramatic views are timeless, stretching endlessly.
If Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love changed your life, you’ll want to check out this top-rated ⇒ Bali Eat Pray Love tour.
Bali itinerary – visit Ubud monkey forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is a highlight of our day. The cost of entry was nominal and worth it. Wild monkeys are seemingly everywhere. Many visitors let them climb on their shoulders for photos. We are a bit more cautious around wild animals, especially knowing that these monkeys do sometimes bite visitors.
Even unprovoked monkey bites happen. In fact, we had one monkey jump up and try to bite something attached to our backpack. It could have just as easily been an arm or leg.
Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
TIP: Don’t bring food, water bottles, or have anything hanging from your backpack when you go into the monkey forest, as monkeys stealing food from visitors is one of the top ways in which people get bit.
Bali itinerary: shop at the market
Crafts, food, clothes, and great coffee are the key things we found in the Ubud Central market. We also bought some fresh papaya and delicious ice cream.
When a scooter whizzed past us in the crowded market, we had a deja vu moment back to our time in Marrakesh.
Must-see Ubud: traditional Balinese house
We also visited a traditional Balinese house complex. They have at least four pavilions: for cooking, ceremony, sleeping and a family temple. This one had more, and there were several people currently living there. It is government sponsored, and from what I understood, part of their agreement is to allow visitors. Per our guide’s recommendation, we made a small donation when we left.
Bali itinerary: Ubud palace
Once the official residence of the royal family, today, the historic Puri Saren Agung is a place to enjoy in the daytime or listen to music in the evening. It’s free to enter and located near the market.
Notice the artwork and sculpture
Of course, this giant sculpture in the middle of a major street would be difficult to miss. It tells the Hindu story. While most of Indonesia is Muslim, the island of Bali is predominantly Hindu.
Visit a Balinese Hindu temple
As we left Ubud, heading back towards the Bali cruise port, we stopped at Bali Batuan Temple. At nearly 1,000 years old, it is a stunning example of Balinese ornamental design. The temple is looked after by the artists and craftsmen of the village of Batuan.
Before entering Batuan Temple, we each had to don a sarong, supplied with our entry fee.
Enjoy an Ubud Bali tour
This tour will have you exploring the major points of interest in Bali. You will get to see a traditional Balinese house, stop at the Tegallalang rice fields, see artists and craftsmen working in their traditional villages, visit the Ubud Royal Palace and the Sacred Monkey Forest, and finish the day at the Tanah Lot Temple to see the sunset. Check availability and pricing for this highly rated Ubud monkey forest, rice terrace & temple private tour.
Step outside your itinerary and notice everyday life in Bali
Step off the main roads, or just look out the windows as you drive. Everyday life is different from what we see at the tourist destinations.
Alternate Bali itinerary: head to the beach and try snorkeling
If what’s underwater is why you came to Bali, discover this paradise off the south coast of Bali and snorkel at 3 different spots around the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida in the Indian Ocean. Lunch is also included in this all-day trip, as well as a tour of the mangroves by kayak. Check the availability and pricing of this popular snorkelling day trip to Nusa Lembongan.
More about the island and Indonesia
- There are more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, Bali is only one of them.
- Bali has a population of 4.3 million, and our driver estimates that there are 2 million scooters.
- Tourism is the largest industry. Bali is also known for stone and wood carvings, Batik, and silver jewellery.
Bali cruise port
We sailed from Sydney to Perth around the top side of Australia on the Radiance of the Seas, a mid-sized ship in Royal Caribbean family. Bali was our fourth port, the only one outside of Australia, and one of the most picturesque places we have cruised to, even with the rain.
From here, we headed back to Australia, this time to Port Hedlands. If you are cruising, be sure to have a look at these cruising tips.
Save on your trip with these resources
We use these aggregator companies to save time and money. They do the work for us by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews for anywhere we are travelling worldwide. Plus, we have personally had positive customer service experiences with all of them:
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Hotels: we use Booking.com as they consistently return the best rates and their reviews are from actual guests. However, for self-contained lodging, use VRBO
- Cars: we use RentalCars to find the best deals and dealer ratings.
- Private guides: we often hire private guides from Tours by Locals
- Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.
Before you book the rest of your trip: Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
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KB
Cute monkeys
Anda
I was just talking to a friend today about going to Bali. He went there last year and is in awe of it. Now I can see why. They have so exquisite temples, such beautiful scenery and a very exotic culture. Hiring a private driver to take you around was very wise. I would have done the same.
Kamree
I would have never thought that the Monkeys would get close enough to the people to steal things from their bags! That’s too funny! also these pictures are gorgeous and make me want to book a flight ASAP!
xo – Kam
Luci
Bali is SO beautiful. I never have been but have seen so much about it. Really wouldn’t mind at all if I got semi-lost.
Kylie Abreu
I wish I had visited Bali when I lived in Perth. It was so close.
Marya
Ironically, I’m Indonesian who has never been to Bali. I know, I know, so many people, even my countrymen, judge me for it but it’s not like I’ve never tried to go before. I have, and for some reason I had to cancel in the last minute for 3 times now. But I’m planning to go there this year. This time with my boyfriend, hopefully I have some luck to actually visit the island. I’m also planning to go to Ubud for a couple of days since we have 10 days to explore later this year. Thank you so much for the tips, it’s rather embarrassing to read the tips from non-Indonesian, but this is exactly why I like blogwalking. Love to see the perspective from others, thanks a lot! 🙂
Mary-the boondocks blog
That was pretty amazing photography there Rhonda. And what a spectacular place to visit.
indah nuria
So happy to see you enjoy Bali, although only for a short time :). I hope you will go back there son and enjoy more of our beautiful home, Indonesia 🙂
jill
It certainly looks exotic and incredible! I love the rice terrace photo – stunning!
Rob+Ann
Love this! Shows many of the reasons Bali is near the top of our Travel Bucket List. This is the one place where I would be tempted to test the Captain’s threat to set sail without you if you’re not back in time. Whoops! 😉
Rhonda Albom
LOL – The only problem would be that all your belongings would still be onboard.
Michele
The only time that I’ve been to Bali, it was at the end of a whirlwind trip around SE Asia almost 20 years ago. We were so exhausted from our travels, that all we saw of Bali was the beach in front of our hotel. I’d love to return, but hubby (who also visited as a child) says twice was enough for him. You were very wise to hire a private driver instead of joining the group tour that I’m sure the cruise offered as a port excursion. Those rice terraces and that photo of the bridge in the monkey forest make me want to return some day and explore Bali further.
Vicky and Buddy
I spent 10 days traveling around Bali and absolutely loved it! It’s so beautiful and everyone is so nice. Yes, some places can be touristy, but I never found it to really be an issue. I’d love to go back one day and explore some of the other islands in Indonesia.
Paula McInerney
I like Ubud a lot, but then I do like all of Bali. Great shots.
Anne
Ubud is also my favourite place in Bali. If you like yoga then you must visit the yogabarn. It’s one of the best studios I’ve been to
Rhonda Albom
I have not tried yoga, but I think it’s about time I did.
Rob
Great photos, love the shot of the dragon bridge at the monkey sanctuary and that baby monkey is super cute. We have never been to Bali it looks like an awesome place for a photographer. We look forward to visiting such a beautiful place.
Kreete
These photos are awesome! I am loving these rice terraces. I am going to Bali myself in March and can’t wait to experience it all. It just looks spectacular!
budget jan
I love Bali in the rain! that stone carving is fantastic and the photo you’ve taken of the bridge is the Monkey Forest is wonderful. I’d love to return to Bali some day.
eileen g
We’ve been to Bali twice and really love it. I think you chose well. The beaches are lovely, but they’re still beaches. The monkeys and rice paddies and temples and the town of Ubud are really unique and worth spending time on.
Heather
Bail looks like an incredible place to visit, even in the rain! The rice terraces are so picturesque. Hiring a driver for the day seems like to perfect way to see the island in a short period of time, and you don’t have to share with all the other hoards of cruise ship passengers 🙂
I hope to visit Indonesia someday in the future.
Rhonda Albom
I think the rain enhanced the green of the rice terraces making them even more spectacular.
Katja
You certainly managed to see and do a lot in your day! I agree that hiring a car and driver is such a great way to get around, especially if you are pressed for time. And how cute are those monkeys?! Hope you’re enjoying your cruise!
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute
It looks like you really made the most out of your day Rhonda. Hiring a private driver was a great idea, and very affordable in Bali. Bali is one of my favorite Asian destinations especially when you can get away from the crowds. #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
We didn’t get as far away from the crowds as we would have liked.
Megan Jerrard
Such beautiful photos Rhonda – I’ve been back and forth about whether or not I think I would enjoy Bali – on one hand there’s so much beauty and rich history and culture, though on the other we try to avoid the mass touristy destinations. That said it seems like there are places in Bali where it’s possible to escape the crowds and still achieve an authentic experience so I think we’ll give it a go – maybe 2017 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Actually, just about everywhere we went was quite touristy, I just manage to take photos to look a bit empty.
Lindsay
Wow! You really made the most of your time in Bali – glad you skipped the beach and hired a car for the day. Those rice terraces look simply gorgeous 🙂 I’ve been dying to go to Indonesia, but haven’t quite made it yet! I definitely have to see the rice terraces and monkey sanctuary. Very helpful post – thanks! Have a great cruise 🙂
Karla | Karlaroundtheworld
I’ve been to Ubud but I wouldn’t mind going back. I loved Bali.
Elizabeth
Wow! The Monkey Temple looks amazing!
Vicki Louise
Beautiful photos Rhonda – and it looks like you had a good day exploring. The monkeys are always a highlight and I think everyone that visits Bali remembers the Hindu sculpture in the middle of the road too!
anna
Love Bali although the rest of Indonesia fares better on my list. It’s such a diverse country!!
Anda
Bali looks exotic for sure. I’d love to visit it more in depth, but I believe a day gave you a pretty good idea about this part of the world. I am not particularly fond of monkeys, although I find them very interesting creatures. It’s a good idea not to touch them, or any other wild animal by this token. As cute as they may look, they may bite and transmit a lot of diseases.
Rhonda Albom
Exactly how I felt about them. One jumped up and bit the rolled up towel Jeff was carrying, so you really never know what they will do.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
Not touching the monkeys sounds like a good idea. Do they have rabies in Bali? David and I have never been to Bali but we’re thinking about it. I like the idea of hiring a driver to show you around.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, they have rabies in Bali. We saw a billboard about it while we were driving. Our driver assured us the monkeys are fine, but why risk it?
Phoebe | Lou Messugo
I’ve been to Bali twice but not for about 30 years! Wow that makes me feel old! It was the first place I travelled solo and also my first experience of south east Asia. For both those reasons and that it is so beautiful I will always remember it and it really doesn’t feel like 30 years. I dare say it’s changed a lot but your photos show it is still stunning. #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I know that old feeling, it happens to me frequently, especially when I am scrolling down a list to find my the year of my birth. I have no idea what it was like then, but now it is a paradise.
Nano
I have not yet been to Bali, but the more photos I see of those verdant rolling hills of rice terraces, more inspired I am to finally book that ticket and explore it! Your photos are gorgeous and very fascinating, and looks like you still managed to get a good taste of Ubud in a day and inspired to get back for more! xoxo, nano
Rhonda Albom
I sure am inspired to go back. Oddly, Indonesia was never on my radar before, but now it has moved quite high on the list.
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe
You did well to see what you saw in the time a cruise ship is in port Rhonda, well done. Loved your photos as always.
Rhonda Albom
That’s because we hired a private driver to take us where we wanted to go.
Amy
oh those rice terraces look quite spectacular with all the different layers and textures 🙂
beatravelling
I’m thinking Bali is a tourist trap, but it looks nice!
Rhonda Albom
Parts of it definitely are, especially the markets just outside the port where the ship docks.
Comedy Plus
I would love to visit there. Wow, such wonderful adventures to be experienced.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
David
I must be one of the few Australians that haven’t been to Bali. It usually brings to mind beaches full of drunk Australians, so it was nice to see a different side. The terraces always look so magical, plus that bridge photo is wonderful. Would definitely like to see this side of Bali when I do eventually go.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – Yes it did seem that most tourists we encountered were from Australia. We avoided the beaches only because of the limited time and the rain.
CT
Beautiful! I’ve been to Indonesia, but only around Jakarta on shorter stops, which didn’t inspire me to stay longer. Someday I need to get out of there, and over to Bali!
Suze - Luxury Columnist
We loved Monkey Sanctuary too although I almost got jumped on by a monkey ;-). They’re quite daring there! Looks like we visited the same temple as you too
Rhonda Albom
Hubby had a microfiber towel hanging off the camera bag and a monkey bit it.
Erin Gustafson
Those monkeys! And I love the colorful Balinese sarongs – so fun! I have not been to this part of the world, but would love to go. Cheers from Copenhagen!
Lolo
What interesting pictures of Bali you shared! I’ve been dying to go to Bali ever since I saw/read Eat, Pray, Love. #Wkendtravelinspiration
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – I’ve never been … but those rice terraces look amazing … and Ubud – obviously more traditional than elsewhere … fascinating and great you found a driver to take you around … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
Even walking through them, the rice terraces barely seemed real.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
Bali looks amazing! It has been on my travel wish list for a very long time and really hope to get there soon. That money sanctuary would make me feel a bit uneasy but they look adorable. Love the photos.
Rhonda Albom
There are plenty of staff working at the monkey sanctuary, so it didn’t make me nervous at all. If you didn’t have food, the monkey’s didn’t bother you.
Linda Jenkinson
I enjoyed the tour of this fabulously exotic place that somehow didn’t disappoint. Wonderful!
Ruth
Wow! It must be hard to chose what to do if you have one day in Bali. I think Ubud was a great decision. To me, that is one of the most interesting places on the entire islands. And, I cannot pass up seeing monkeys! #wkendtravelinspiration #TPThursday
Alex J. Cavanaugh
That place just seeped with nature!
Kathy Marris
I was here recently. Ubud is fabulous and is definitely my favourite part of Bali. Exquisite photos.