How to Plan a Week of Cultural Finds, Scenic Trails and Wellness in Ubud

Ubud is one of the best places to explore in all of Bali and is quite crucial to the spiritual and artistic side of Bali as well. With quite a few jungle sceneries, rice terraces, temple, as well as artisan villages, Ubud is definitely worth exploring. A whole week here is the ideal amount of time to enjoy its many layers without feeling rushed. This guide provides an itinerary that blends culture, nature, creativity and mindfulness into an easy-to-follow, week-long holiday. 

Culture And First Impressions

One of the most important things about any week-long trip is to establish a base for your stay. Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, among others, provides a welcoming place to call home where peace meets thoughtful design. Choosing one of the luxury resorts in Ubud Bali provides you with an environment that helps you ease into the cultural heart of the island with a lot of comfort and relaxation. This area of Bali is known far and wide for its ancient temples, traditional markets, as well as strong artistic roots. The culture of the region begins to become apparent as you wander through town. A meaningful first outing is a visit to Pura Taman Saraswati, which is a water temple admired for its lotus pond and detailed stonework. Its architecture is an excellent example of the grace and detail that define Balinese craftsmanship. From here, you can walk to Ubud Market, where stalls brim with woven baskets, textiles, jewellery and locally made souvenirs. Since you are staying within reach of many artisans, you can step beyond the tourist markets and explore small workshops that the same families have run for generations.

Nature Trails And Scenic Landscapes

Ubud’s landscapes have been a point of interest and have inspired travellers for decades. One of the most highly recommended activities is the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is a beautiful path that curves between grass-covered hills with gorgeous views of the valley. Early mornings are lovely, with golden light spreading across the landscape as the air remains calm and peaceful. Not far from town, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace invites you to explore one of Bali’s most iconic locations. The paddies are grown as sculpted layers that show off the planning behind traditional Balinese irrigation systems. Mornings and late afternoons provide the most atmospheric lighting and quieter times, making it easier to appreciate the scenery at a slower pace.

Wellness Days and Mindful Practices

Ubud is known for its strong culture that is all to do with wellness, and many travellers build restorative practices into their itineraries. Yoga studios like The Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive and Ubud Yoga House provide quite a diverse variety of classes that attract both beginner and experienced practitioners. The open-air pavilions, garden settings and soft background sounds make these sessions feel relaxing. A wellness day can begin with yoga, followed by a nourishing breakfast and a spa treatment. Many resorts use Balinese healing traditions as a standard to provide treatments for guests, including massages and other therapy sessions.

Waterfalls and Wider Exploration

With a week in Ubud, you have the opportunity to explore further afield. Travellers visit a trio of waterfalls beyond Ubud that include Tibumana, Kanto Lampo and Tegenungan. Tibumana is admired for its clean vertical flow, while Kanto Lampo has more dramatic rock formations that photographers enjoy. Tegenungan, on the other hand, has a much more accessible path, making it ideal for travellers who want beauty without long hikes.

Artisan Villages and Creativity

In the morning, Ubud Market comes alive as vendors arrange baskets, spices, textiles and fresh produce, creating a colourful scene that is lovely to explore. Watching artisans at work in villages like Mas, Celuk and Penestanan also gives you a new appreciation for the skill behind Balinese wood carving, silverwork and painting. Many of these makers open their workshops to visitors, allowing you to see their craft up close. This creative energy continues to shape Ubud’s identity and remains one of its most defining qualities.