Key Highlights: The four-day Ubud itinerary includes staying at Japa Suites & Villa (private pool villa) → Monkey Forest → Ubud Traditional Market & Indoor Market → Alas Harum (jungle swing + coffee plantation). A special reminder: monkeys at the Monkey Forest will snatch shiny jewelry like earrings—I’ve personally witnessed a monkey rip an earring from a tourist’s ear and escape. Keep your valuables well hidden.
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 introduces the hotel she stayed at—a secluded yet stylish villa with a private pool, spacious rooms, and bathroom facilities, along with attentive service. Next, she visits the Monkey Forest to see the adorable wild monkeys and shares some safety tips. Afterward, she explores the Ubud Traditional Market and the new indoor market. She also recommends the Alas Harum attraction, which offers a variety of fun activities like jungle swings and a coffee plantation tour.
Accommodation
The Japa Suites & Villa they stayed at is tucked away in a small alley, with a low-key, understated exterior that still exudes the unique elegance of a Southeast Asian villa. A guard is stationed at the entrance of the lane, and once inside the complex, a spacious courtyard garden greets you—lush greenery contrasts sharply with the white walls and yellow tiles. The staff warmly welcomes them and leads the way to their villa room. The villa isn’t huge, but every detail reflects thoughtful design and careful arrangement. The first floor has two single rooms in a minimalist modern style, with light wood flooring and white walls creating a fresh, comfortable vibe. The second floor features a king-bed room with warm-toned floor tiles and dark brown walls that add a touch of understated luxury.
What catches their eye most is the bathroom: the wet and dry areas are completely separated. The dry area has a double vanity with mirrors and two sinks, while the wet area includes an open shower and an oversized bathtub. White mosaic walls and black granite floors give it a very modern feel.
The villa has a small private outdoor pool, with outdoor furniture and a large umbrella by the poolside—a truly independent and private space. Even though other villas are nearby, tall walls and lush greenery create a secluded paradise. In the mornings, they love to relax by the pool, soaking up the summer sun and breeze—it’s pure bliss.
Monkey Forest
Located in the heart of Ubud, the Monkey Forest is a popular attraction that combines wild monkey troops with Hindu temple culture. After winding through a maze of narrow lanes, you’re greeted by a sprawling canopy of emerald green, where towering trees form a natural shaded corridor lined with tropical vegetation, creating a lush, secluded oasis. As you descend the entrance steps, you’ll immediately spot several wild monkeys swinging and playing in the trees.
These monkeys are medium-sized, with black or brown long fur, incredibly agile and quick, their movements unpredictable and fascinating to watch. The most delightful sight is seeing mother monkeys carrying their babies—some clinging to their backs, others peeking out from under their bellies, their lively antics utterly endearing. Occasionally, you’ll see a troop tumbling and wrestling in the branches, likely scrambling for food.
During their walk, they also witnessed the monkeys’ intelligence and cunning firsthand. A black monkey suddenly leaped from a tree, landed precisely on a tourist, snatched a pair of valuable earrings from her ear, and vanished in a flash. Clearly, these monkeys have a keen “interest” in shiny jewelry, reminding visitors to stay vigilant.
Beyond the charming monkeys, the forest also houses a Hindu temple called Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, featuring intricately hand-carved stone statues and sculptures. Following the path deeper in, you’ll find a small pond and fountain, with an ancient banyan tree standing by the water, creating a serene and natural atmosphere. Though compact, the Monkey Forest encapsulates Ubud’s unique blend of nature and religious culture, making it a stop worth savoring.
Sacred Monkey Forest Discount Ticket
Ubud Monkey Forest & Tegalalang Private Tour
Ubud Monkey Forest & Hidden Waterfall Tour (with Professional Photography)
Ubud Traditional & New Market
Leaving the tranquil Monkey Forest behind, they soon walked to the Ubud Traditional Market. This long-standing market primarily sells fresh local ingredients and everyday essentials. At the entrance, a long corridor lined with stalls offers clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Stepping inside, you’ll find food stalls and vegetable vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and meat. However, the market’s open and aging structure leaves it exposed to the scorching sun and wind, making it feel stuffy at times. To address this, a new market was built nearby, offering a more comfortable shopping experience. Fully enclosed, spacious, and well-ventilated, the new market organizes stalls by theme—clothing, home decor, handicrafts, and more. Browsing here feels bright and relaxed, adding a layer of comfort.
At the new market, they discovered several practical and charming handicrafts, such as woven fruit baskets crafted into intricate patterns, and a wide array of beautiful surf-themed wood carvings, coconut carvings, and batik wall hangings, all exuding an exotic flair. While prices are slightly higher than the old market, they felt the quality of craftsmanship justified the splurge.
Further reading: Not sure how to explore Ubud? Check out our Ubud town guide map
Serayu Pottery Ceramic Workshop
After leaving the bustling market behind, they headed to another famous Ubud attraction, Serayu Pottery, which specializes in DIY activities like pottery making and ceramic painting in a serene and pleasant environment.
Upon entering the grounds, they were greeted by lush, intertwined trees and an array of ceramic pots, creating a natural, idyllic atmosphere. Next to the classroom, there’s a gallery displaying beautifully hand-painted ceramic pieces created by students, serving as inspiration. Before the class began, the staff gave them a detailed introduction to the properties of clay and important tips for crafting, emphasizing the care needed from kneading to shaping. Then it was time to get hands-on. They first chose a plain clay pot as their canvas, while the instructor demonstrated various decorative techniques, such as glaze dripping, color blending, and pattern sketching—all quite fascinating. During the painting process, the host also shared the rich history and artistic essence of pottery, enriching their experience. After the class, the finished pieces needed to be fired at high temperatures to become permanent works.
The staff will mail the finished pieces back in a few weeks, allowing them to relive this pottery experience time and again.
Join the Pottery Making Class
Alas Harum Attraction
The highlight of this trip was visiting the Alas Harum theme park. This unique attraction brings together various traditional Balinese architectural styles, tropical recreational facilities, and coffee-making experiences, making it a rare find. At the entrance, they were greeted by a grand Balinese-style carved wooden gate, adorned with intricately carved shrines and imposing figures, as if entering a royal palace. Passing through the gate, they were met with a courtyard landscape composed of Balinese architecture, exuding a relaxed and leisurely vibe. The park is divided into several themed areas:
-
Experience Zone: This area features various family-friendly interactive facilities, with the most eye-catching being the world’s largest outdoor swing, standing nearly 9 meters high. In addition, there are thrilling rides like zip lines and rope courses.
-
Pool Area: A large semi-open swimming pool with lounge chairs by the side, perfect for cooling off. Next to the pool, there’s a large swim-up bar serving a variety of drinks and tropical fruits.
-
Exhibition Halls and Workshops: One area showcases local coffee craftsmanship and origins, where visitors can sample authentic civet coffee. Staff explain the entire process from picking and roasting to hand-brewing, making it lively and educational. Another area is a workshop offering hands-on experiences in bamboo weaving, wood carving, and painting.
-
Performance Area: The park features different themed performance zones, including traditional dance and percussion music, with daily showtimes for visitors to enjoy.
Alas Harum seamlessly blends traditional culture with modern entertainment, offering a diverse range of experiences that make it hard to leave.
Leisurely Moments
After four days of sightseeing, they often set aside some leisurely time to truly unwind. The villa itself is a highlight—lounging by the pool or swaying in an outdoor hammock, soaking up the sun and gentle breeze, is pure bliss. Sometimes they stroll to nearby streets, embracing Ubud’s slow-paced lifestyle, and occasionally dine at a boutique restaurant, savoring understated luxury.
They also recommend staying in Ubud for at least four days, visiting just one attraction per day without rushing, to fully immerse in the tranquil, charming town and enjoy its relaxed rhythm of life.
Watch the Video Introduction
Join a Day Tour in Ubud
If you want to get to know Ubud in the shortest time, the best way is to join a curated day tour offered by local operators for a deeper cultural experience.
🛕🐒🌿 Ubud day tour: explore Instagram-worthy spots, marvel at breathtaking natural landscapes, savor local cuisine and civet coffee ☕📸—a perfect blend of culture and nature ▶ Klook 50+ tours to choose from
More to Eat, Play, and Explore in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're exploring local customs, soaking in natural beauty, or diving into exciting outdoor activities paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a unique experience that will move you. Want to learn more about Ubud? Click here
Accommodation Themes in Ubud
- 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: A Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreat Accommodation: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Spiritual Relaxation
- 18 Bali Resorts with Kids Clubs for Families: Best Choices in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud for a Family Vacation
- Bali Group Travel: Ubud Private Villa Rentals with 3, 4, 5, 6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
![[Photos + Text + Short Video] Bali Adventure: A Free Travel Experience from Kuta, Jimbaran, to Uluwatu and Ubud](https://images.gobaligo.id/vocus/vocus_3ab35a264fd828315cb7d2e460674afd.jpg)
