Gunung Kawi Temple
Eleventh-century shrines carved directly into a river-gorge cliff near Tampaksiring. The stair descent through rice paddies is one of the best temple approaches on the island.
Tampaksiring · ~30 min northThings to Do in Ubud: Hidden Gems and Day Trips (2026)
Monkey Forest, the Tegallalang terraces and the classic temples are worth seeing. This list is for what comes next: places within one or two hours of Ubud that reward the trip just as much, often with a fraction of the crowds.
Every place here was chosen because it offers something you can't get in central Ubud — a cliff-carved shrine, a working holy spring, a preserved village, a highland lake. Each page explains how to get there, how long you need, what to wear and what to combine it with, so you can build a realistic day. Drive times are approximate from central Ubud; a private driver is the easiest way to do most of them (see getting around Ubud).
Temples and holy springs
Ancient shrines, a quiet water temple and the lake temple at Bedugul. Bring a sarong, or borrow one at the entrance.
Pura Mengening
A quiet spring-water temple that is essentially the local, low-key version of Pura Tirta Empul — same holy-spring bathing tradition, far fewer tourists.
Tampaksiring · ~30 min northUlun Danu Beratan Temple
The iconic lakeside temple that appears to float on Lake Beratan, backed by mountains and often morning mist. Cool highland air and a completely different atmosphere from the temples closer to Ubud.
Bedugul · ~2 hr north-westVillages and day trips
Traditional villages, rural valleys and mountain country. Each works as a day trip; some are better with a night.
Penglipuran Village
One of Bali's most photogenic traditional villages, with a single stone-paved lane lined by identical family compound gates. About one hour is plenty; slot it into the same day tour as Besakih.
Bangli · ~1 hr north-eastSidemen Valley
A slower, rural version of Bali: green terraces, family compounds, and cooking classes at local warungs. Easy to combine with a stop at Pura Besakih.
Karangasem · ~1 hr eastMunduk
Mountain villages, coffee and clove plantations, and the twin Melanting and Munduk waterfalls. Cooler air and a completely different landscape from south Bali.
Buleleng · ~2 hr northPlanning questions
What are the best hidden gems near Ubud?
Gunung Kawi’s rock-cut shrines and the quiet spring temple Pura Mengening are both about 30 minutes north. For full days out, Sidemen Valley and Munduk show a very different, rural side of Bali.
What can I combine in one day from Ubud?
Gunung Kawi, Pura Mengening and Tirta Empul make an easy half day. Penglipuran pairs with Besakih or Sidemen, and Ulun Danu Beratan with Munduk.
Do I need a driver for day trips from Ubud?
For most of them, yes. A private driver costs around 700,000–900,000 IDR per day and lets you combine several stops.