DAY 4-6 : UBUD
It ’ s time to swap those beach walks for green hues and tropical jungle vistas . Just follow the sounds of gamelan music and the scent of incense to Ubud ( under an hour ’ s drive from Sanur ), home to lush landscapes , secluded day spas , and an extensive array of luxury villas , some perched over the sacred Ayung River . No Bali honeymoon is complete without Ubud on the itinerary – it is truly magical and unlike anywhere else in the world ! While it ’ s tempting to laze your days away in the privacy of your luxury villa ( seriously , there are so many breathtaking accommodation options in Ubud !), the township and region beyond have an incredible array of activities . Ubud is well-known for its beautiful arts and crafts , with many of the island ’ s most creative artisans calling this home . Browse the many galleries and boutiques in the bustling town , or book an art tour to discover the best spots to view and buy local masterpieces . The streets of Ubud are dotted with restaurants and cafes , inviting you to enjoy local food and take a breather from sightseeing . Bali is also renowned for its traditional Balinese dance performances , and we highly recommend catching one of these in your travels . When you ’ re ready to escape the buzz of the town centre , a wealth of gems awaits nearby . Take in the iconic Ubud views from the Campuhan Ridge Walk : a nine-kilometre track best enjoyed in the relative cool of the early morning or timed to catch the sunset . And we know you ' ll want to wander those iconic rice fields and terraces . Our tip ? Book a bike tour to learn more about these areas from a local guide — and be sure to factor in a photo op at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces UNESCO site . Stunning .
[ Above ] Take time for a stroll along the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud . [ Below ] Learn how to make your favourite Indo dishes with a cooking class ; Insta-worthy fun at Ubud ' s famous jungle swings .
Don ’ t Miss :
• Goa Gajah ( or ' elephant cave ') is a must-see historical site dating back to the 11th century , with entry via the carved mouth of a demon !
• Pampering for two at any of the amazing spas in Ubud . You ’ ll even find some surrounded by rainforest or overlooking a river valley below .
• Ubud ’ s Insta-famous Bali jungle swings are a photo op you don ’ t want to miss . Our tip ? Make a day of it and book one of the swings with a combined tour of attractions , including Goa Gajah and the Tegenungan Waterfall .
• Try white-water rafting if you ’ re looking for a high-energy honeymoon adventure . Ubud is known for it !
• A traditional cooking class is a Bali must-do , and Ubud has countless excellent options to teach you a few new moves you can practise at home .
PHOTOS : NATALIE BANNISTER ; CHRISTOPHER ALVARENGA ; UNSPLASH
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