4-Day Ubud Travel Itinerary: Monkey Forest, Ubud Market, Pottery Class, Alas Harum

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4-Day Ubud Travel Itinerary: Monkey Forest, Ubud Market, Pottery Class, Alas Harum

This Indonesian-Chinese YouTube influencer [TwoSis赤道女孩] shares her travel experiences and recommended spots in Ubud, Bali, through her online videos.

She first introduced the hotel she stayed at, a secluded yet stylish villa featuring a private pool, spacious rooms, and well-appointed bathroom facilities, with attentive service. She then visited the Monkey Forest to observe the amusing antics of the wild monkeys and shared some precautions. Afterwards, she explored the Ubud Traditional Market and the brand-new indoor market. She also recommended visiting the Alas Harum scenic area, which offers a variety of fun activities including jungle swings and a coffee factory tour.

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Accommodation

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The Japa Suites & Villa they stayed in was tucked away in a small alley, with a modest exterior that exuded the unique elegance of Southeast Asian villas. At the entrance of the pathway, there was a dedicated guard. Upon entering the compound, a spacious central garden greeted them, where lush greenery contrasted vividly with white walls and yellow-tiled roofs. After a warm welcome from the staff, they were guided to their villa room. The villa, though not overly large, showcased meticulous design and thoughtful decor throughout. The ground floor featured two single rooms in a minimalist modern style, with light wooden floors paired with white walls, creating a fresh and comfortable atmosphere. Upstairs, there was a master bedroom with warm-toned floor tiles and deep brown walls, adding a touch of understated luxury.

What caught their attention most was the bathroom space, with completely separate dry and wet areas. The dry area features a double-sided mirror cabinet and two sinks, while the wet area boasts an open shower and an oversized bathtub. The white mosaic walls paired with black granite flooring exude a modern aesthetic.

The villa features a small private outdoor pool, complete with patio furniture and a large sun umbrella, creating an independent and intimate space. Despite being close to other villas, high walls and lush greenery provide a secluded paradise-like atmosphere. In the mornings, they particularly enjoy relaxing by the poolside, basking in the summer sun and gentle breeze, truly a delightful experience.

> Book Japa Suites & Villa

Monkey Forest

Located in the heart of Ubud’s ancient town, the Monkey Forest is a popular attraction that combines wild monkey colonies with Hindu temple culture. After navigating through a maze of intricate alleyways, visitors are greeted by a stretch of lush greenery, formed by towering ancient trees that create a natural shaded corridor, flanked by various tropical plants, constructing an independent oasis of verdant beauty. Walking down the entrance steps, one can immediately spot several wild monkey groups frolicking and swinging through the trees.

These monkeys aren’t particularly large, with long black or brown fur, and are extremely agile and flexible in their movements, making them unpredictable and fascinating to watch. The most amusing sight is seeing several mother monkeys with their babies, the little ones either clinging to their mothers’ backs or peeking out from underneath their bellies, their playful and adorable antics bringing smiles to our faces. Occasionally, we’d witness the monkeys suddenly tumbling and wrestling among the branches, engaging in what seemed like a scramble for food.

As they walked, they witnessed firsthand the intelligence and cunning of the monkey troop. Suddenly, a black monkey leaped down from a tree, landing precisely on a tourist. In a flash, it snatched a pair of valuable earrings from her ears and swiftly disappeared into the foliage. It’s clear that these monkeys have quite an ‘interest’ in shiny jewelry, serving as a reminder for visitors to remain vigilant at all times.

Beyond the adorable monkey troops, the forest also houses a Hindu Sakralan temple, featuring various hand-carved stone statues and sculptures that are quite distinctive. Following the path deeper in, you’ll come across a small pond and fountain, beside which stands an old banyan tree, creating a naturally serene atmosphere. Though small in size, the Monkey Forest encapsulates Ubud’s unique blend of natural and religious cultural essence, making it a stop well worth savoring in detail.

Monkey Forest Discount Tickets

Ubud Monkey Forest & Tegalalang Private Tour

Ubud Monkey Forest & Hidden Waterfall Tour (Including Professional Photography Service)

Ubud Traditional Market & New Market

After escaping the hustle and bustle of the Monkey Forest, they soon arrived at Ubud Traditional Market on foot. This is a time-honored traditional market primarily selling local fresh produce and various daily necessities. Upon entering the market, the first thing you see is a long corridor lined with stalls selling clothing, handicrafts, and other souvenir items. Venturing deeper into the market, you’ll find numerous food stalls and vegetable vendors offering fresh ingredients like fruits, seafood, and meats. However, due to the market’s expansive and aging structure, the scorching sun and wind can make the experience somewhat stifling. To address this, a new market was later built nearby to provide visitors with a more comfortable shopping environment. This new market is fully enclosed, offering bright and well-ventilated spaces, with vendors organized into themed sections such as clothing, home decor, and handicrafts. Shopping here is a bright and pleasant experience, adding an extra layer of comfort.

At the new market, they discovered several practical and interesting handicrafts, such as intricately woven fruit baskets featuring various patterns, which were quite unique. They also came across numerous beautiful surf-themed wood carvings, coconut carvings, and dyed fabric wall hangings, each showcasing a wide array of styles with a distinct exotic flair. Although the prices were slightly higher than those at the older market outside, they felt that the superior craftsmanship made these items well worth purchasing.

For more reading: Don’t know how to explore Ubud? Check out our Ubud city guide map

Serayu Pottery Ceramics Studio

Leaving the bustling market behind, they headed to another renowned attraction in Ubud - Serayu Pottery. This place specializes in pottery making, ceramic painting, and various DIY experiences, offering a serene and delightful environment.

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Upon entering the compound, visitors are greeted by a serene natural atmosphere created by lush, intertwined trees and vibrant pottery jars scattered throughout. Next to the classroom stands an exhibition hall showcasing exquisite ceramic pieces painted by skilled students, serving as inspiring examples. Before the class begins, staff members provide a detailed introduction to the properties of clay and essential considerations in the crafting process, emphasizing the care needed from kneading to shaping. Then comes the hands-on session: participants select a simple pottery jar as their canvas, while the instructor demonstrates various decorative techniques such as glaze dripping, color blending, and pattern outlining, making the experience truly engaging. During the painting process, the host shares the rich history and artistic essence of pottery, offering valuable insights. After the session, the completed works are fired at high temperatures, transforming them into lasting masterpieces.

The staff will mail the finished piece to you a few weeks later, allowing you to relive the pottery experience again and again.

Take a Pottery Making Class

Alas Harum Attraction

The highlight of this trip was undoubtedly visiting the Alas Harum theme park. This unique attraction combines various traditional Balinese architectural styles, tropical recreational facilities, and coffee-making experiences, making it a rare gem among amusement parks. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an intricately carved Balinese-style wooden gate, adorned with exquisite shrines and imposing statues that evoke the grandeur of a royal palace. Beyond the gate lies a serene garden landscape composed of Balinese architectural elements, exuding a tranquil and leisurely atmosphere. The park is divided into several themed areas:

  1. Experience Zone: This area features various interactive facilities for families, with the most eye-catching being the world’s largest giant outdoor swing, standing nearly 9 meters tall. In addition, there are thrilling amusement equipment such as high-altitude zip lines and rope courses, making it an exciting and fun place to visit.

  2. Pool Area: Comprising a large semi-open recreational pool with lounge chairs along the edge, perfect for cooling off and having fun. Adjacent to the pool is a sizable water bar serving a variety of beverages and tropical fruits.

  3. Exhibition Halls and Workshops: One area is dedicated to showcasing local coffee craftsmanship and origins, where visitors can sample authentic civet coffee. Staff provide engaging explanations of the entire production process from harvesting to roasting and hand-brewing. Another section features artisan workshops offering hands-on experiences in bamboo weaving, wood carving, and painting.

  4. Performance Areas: The park features various themed performance zones, showcasing traditional art dances and percussion music, with different showtimes available daily for visitors to enjoy.

Alas Harum seamlessly blends traditional culture with modern entertainment, offering a diverse and enriching experience that will leave you wanting more.

Alas Harum Activities Selection

Leisure Moments

After four days of sightseeing, they often schedule some leisurely time to relax. The villa itself is a major highlight, whether lounging by the pool or lying on an outdoor rocking chair, savoring the gentle touch of sunlight and breeze is an unparalleled pleasure. They occasionally stroll through nearby neighborhoods, experiencing the slow-paced rhythm of Ubud life, and sometimes choose a boutique restaurant for a meal, enjoying the luxury within simplicity.

They also recommended staying in Ubud for at least 4 days, suggesting to experience just one attraction per day without rushing, allowing oneself to fully immerse in the tranquil and charming atmosphere of this small town, and to enjoy the leisurely pace of Ubud life.

Watch the Video Introduction

Join a Day Tour in Ubud

If you want to get to know Ubud in the shortest time possible, the best way is to join a curated day tour offered by local operators for a more immersive cultural experience.

🛕🐒🌿 Ubud Day Tour: Explore Instagram-worthy spots, marvel at breathtaking natural landscapes, savor local delicacies and civet coffee ☕📸 — a perfect blend of culture and nature ▶ Klook 50+ Tours to Choose From

More Ubud Food and Fun

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Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, attracts countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and rich traditional culture. It's the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you're exploring local traditions, enjoying natural beauty, or engaging in exciting outdoor activities, Ubud offers unique experiences that combine delicious food with stunning scenery! Want to learn more about Ubud? Click here

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