Ubud Weekend Getaway: How to Plan a 2–3 Day Escape from Your Busy Life

When work leaves you only a long weekend, Ubud is one of the easiest places in Bali to properly switch off. It sits about an hour and a half from the airport, surrounded by rice fields, jungle valleys and quiet temples. In two or three days you can walk, eat well, do a yoga class and sleep in a private villa without spending half your trip in traffic.

This guide shows you how to plan a short Ubud escape that feels restful, not rushed.

Photo source: Juan Rumimpunu

Why Ubud Works for a Short Getaway?

Ubud packs a lot into a small area. The town centre, the Sacred Monkey Forest, the art market and the best cafés are all within walking distance of each other. Rice terraces, waterfalls and temples are a short drive away.

The pace is also slower than in the beach areas. There are fewer clubs and more yoga studios, spas and garden cafés. If your goal is to rest your mind, that matters.

Photo source: Alice Donovan

Pack Based on Your Needs

Do not overpack! Many people tend to bring many kinds of stuff to travel, even if they don’t need it. It can make you stressed and exhausted to bring thousands of kilograms during your quick escape. Just pack everything you need. The less you bring, the more joy you get.

Photo source: Vlack Hammer

Check Local Events Out

Another essential thing you need to do is check local events out. Doing a quick escape doesn’t mean you can’t see local events that, of course, you can’t see in another place. You aren’t one to miss something unique and entertaining, don’t you? Just check it out! If you can see it, you must be lucky on public holiday Indonesia!

In those local events, you might find several things that characterize the place where you’re going. You can find local food, local drink, local music, local dance, or even local clothes. Being entertained and exploring the local things at once. It is efficient for your quick escape!

Photo source: Yanny Mishchuk

Getting Around Ubud

Plan your transport before you arrive so you do not lose time negotiating on the street.

• Private driver: the most convenient choice for day trips to rice terraces and temples. Book through your villa for a fixed day rate.
• Ride-hailing apps: Gojek and Grab work in Ubud, although pickups are restricted in some central areas.
• Walking: central Ubud is walkable, but pavements are narrow and uneven, so wear proper shoes.
• Scooter: only if you are an experienced rider with a valid international licence.

A Simple 2-Day Ubud Itinerary

Keep the plan light. Choose two or three things per day and leave room for an unplanned afternoon.

Day 1: Arrive and slow down

• Check in to your villa early and have lunch by the pool.
• Walk through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in the late afternoon, when it is cooler. Keep sunglasses and snacks out of sight.
• Watch a traditional Legong or Kecak dance performance in the evening at one of the stages in central Ubud.

Day 2: Nature and movement

• Start at sunrise on the Campuhan Ridge Walk, an easy ridge path with views over two river valleys.
• Join a morning yoga class, then have a long breakfast.
• Drive north to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces before midday crowds arrive.
• End the day with a Balinese massage at your villa or a local spa.

Day 3 (optional): Culture before you leave

• Visit Tirta Empul water temple for the purification ritual. Sarongs are provided at the entrance.
• Browse the Ubud Art Market for handmade souvenirs, then head to the airport.

Photo source: Andrea Piacquadio

Stay Close to Everything in a Private Ubud Villa

On a short trip, where you stay decides how much time you actually get to rest. A villa near central Ubud keeps you a few minutes from cafés, yoga studios and the Monkey Forest, while a villa on the edge of the rice fields gives you more quiet.

Here are three Red Lotus villas that suit a short stay:

• Serenity Villa: 2 bedrooms, up to 4 guests, in Tegallalang. Rice fields surround the villa on three sides, and the 8-metre infinity pool looks out towards Mount Agung. A quiet base for couples, and close to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
• Paletu Villa: 3 bedrooms, up to 6 guests, in Singakerta among the rice fields. It has a 13-metre private pool, a rooftop terrace, a private massage pavilion and floating breakfast, made for a truly restful weekend.
• The Ubari Bali Villa: 3 bedrooms, a riverside villa on 740 m² of landscaped land, only 2.7 km from Ubud centre. Its semi-outdoor living area and private pool make it easy to stay close to town without the noise.

Book a staycation near the destination For The Quick Escape in Bali

Book a place to stay at night! Searching for a staycation after you arrive at the place is a waste of time. It takes time to find the best one. There are many things to consider such as what kind of staycation you need, which one is comfortable for you, and where the location of the staycation is. 

To save your time, booking a staycation around the place you’re going is recommended. It is near the destinations you want to visit, so you wont spend your time on the road for hours. Remember that you do a quick escape, not a long trip which you have more time.

If you’re in Ubud, Ubud Villas Rental by Red Lotus Property can be your choice to spend your days during the quick escape. Ubud Villas Rental has so many villas from the most comfortable one to the most luxury one. So, Ready for your Ubud escape? Check villa availability or message our team on WhatsApp for a quick recommendation.