Four-Day Ubud Travel Plan: Monkey Forest / Ubud Market / Pottery Class / Alas Harum

Key Highlights: The four-day Ubud itinerary includes staying at Japa Suites & Villa (private pool villa) → Monkey Forest → Ubud Traditional Market and Indoor Market → Alas Harum (jungle swing + coffee plantation). A special reminder: monkeys at the Monkey Forest may snatch shiny accessories like earrings—I’ve personally witnessed a monkey yank an earring from a tourist’s ear and flee, so keep valuables secure.

This Indonesian-Chinese YouTube influencer [TwoSis Equator Girls] 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 Ubud’s traditional market and the new indoor market. She also recommends the Alas Harum attraction, which offers a mix of 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 modest exterior that exudes the unique elegance of a Southeast Asian villa. A guard is stationed at the alley entrance, and once inside, you’re greeted by a spacious courtyard garden, where lush greenery contrasts sharply with white walls and yellow tiles. After a warm welcome from the staff, they’re led to their villa room. The villa isn’t overly large, 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, adding a touch of understated luxury.

What catches their eye most is the bathroom: a fully separated wet and dry area. The dry zone has a double vanity mirror cabinet and two sinks, while the wet zone includes an open shower and a massive bathtub, with white mosaic walls and black granite floors for a highly modern feel.

The villa has a small private outdoor pool, with poolside furniture and a large umbrella, offering a very private and secluded space. Even though it’s close to other villas, tall walls and greenery create a hidden paradise. In the mornings, they love lounging by the pool, soaking up the summer sun and breeze—utterly delightful.

Book Japa Suites & Villa Trip Booking

Monkey Forest

Nestled in the heart of Ubud, the Monkey Forest is a popular attraction that blends wild macaques with Hindu temple culture. After winding through a maze of narrow lanes, you’re greeted by a sprawling canopy of lush greenery—towering trees form a natural shaded corridor, flanked by tropical vegetation that creates a verdant 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 sleek black or brown fur, incredibly agile and unpredictable in their movements, making them a constant source of fascination. The most delightful sight is watching mothers with their babies—tiny monkeys clinging to their backs or peeking out from under their bellies, their playful antics utterly endearing. Occasionally, you’ll see a group tumbling and wrestling among the branches, likely scrambling for food.

During your walk, you’ll also witness their intelligence and cunning. One black monkey suddenly leaped from a tree, landing precisely on a tourist, snatching a pair of valuable earrings from her ear before vanishing in a flash. Clearly, these monkeys have a keen “interest” in shiny jewelry—a reminder for visitors to stay vigilant.

Beyond the charming monkeys, the forest also houses the Hindu Sakaran Temple, adorned with intricately hand-carved stone statues and sculptures that are quite distinctive. Following the path deeper in, you’ll find a small pond and fountain, with an ancient banyan tree standing by the water’s edge, exuding a serene and natural ambiance. Though compact, the Monkey Forest encapsulates Ubud’s unique blend of nature and religious culture—a stop worth savoring.

Monkey Forest Discount Tickets

Ubud Monkey Forest & Tegalalang Private Tour

Ubud Monkey Forest & Hidden Waterfall Tour (with Professional Photography)

💰 Want to know more about ticket prices for attractions? Check out the Bali Ticket Price Guide which compiles real-time reference prices for 49 popular spots, along with comparison links to Klook and Trip.com.

Ubud Traditional Market & New Market

After escaping the hustle and bustle of the Monkey Forest, they quickly walked to the Ubud Traditional Market. This long-established market mainly 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 rows of food stalls and vegetable vendors selling fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat. However, the market’s open and aging layout leaves it exposed to the scorching sun and wind, making it feel a bit stuffy. To address this, a new market was built nearby, offering a better shopping environment for tourists. Fully enclosed, spacious, and well-ventilated, the new market organizes stalls by theme, such as clothing, home decor, and handicrafts. Browsing here feels bright and relaxing, 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—quite unique. They also spotted many beautiful wooden carvings with surf motifs, coconut carvings, and dyed fabric hangings, offering an endless variety with an exotic flair. Though prices are slightly higher than at the old market, they felt the exquisite craftsmanship made them well worth the purchase.

Further reading: Not sure how to explore Ubud? Check out our Ubud city guide map

Serayu Pottery Art Class

Leaving the bustling market behind, they headed to another famous Ubud attraction, Serayu Pottery, which offers various DIY experiences like pottery making and ceramic painting in a serene and pleasant setting.

Upon entering the complex, they were greeted by lush, intertwined trees and an array of pottery jars, creating a natural, idyllic atmosphere. Next to the classroom, an exhibition hall displays beautifully painted ceramic works by students, serving as inspiration. Before the class, staff provided a detailed introduction to the properties of clay and key precautions, emphasizing the care needed from kneading to shaping. Then came the hands-on part: they 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 undergo high-temperature firing to become permanent works.

The staff will mail the completed 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 Alas Harum, a themed attraction that brings together various traditional Balinese architectural styles, tropical recreational facilities, and coffee-making experiences—a rare amusement park. At the entrance, a grand wooden gate carved with intricate shrines and majestic figures exudes a regal aura, as if stepping into a palace. Passing through the gate, you’re greeted by a garden landscape composed of Balinese architecture, radiating a serene and leisurely atmosphere. The park is divided into several themed areas:

1. Experience Zone: This area features various family-friendly interactive facilities, with the standout being the world’s largest outdoor swing, towering nearly 9 meters high. In addition, there are thrilling rides like zip lines and rope courses, offering plenty of excitement.

2. Pool Area: Comprising a large semi-open swimming pool with loungers by the edge, it’s perfect for cooling off and having fun. Next to the pool is a large water bar serving a variety of drinks and tropical fruits.

3. Exhibition Halls and Workshops: One section showcases local coffee craftsmanship and origins, where visitors can sample authentic civet coffee. Staff explain the entire process from harvesting and roasting to hand-brewing, making it lively and educational. Another area is a hands-on workshop offering experiences like bamboo weaving, wood carving, and painting with local artisans.

4. Performance Area: The park features performance zones with different themes, such as traditional dance and percussion music, with daily showtimes for visitors to enjoy.

Alas Harum perfectly blends traditional culture with modern entertainment, offering a diverse and enriching experience that leaves you reluctant to leave.

Alas Harum Activity Selection

Leisurely Moments

After four days of sightseeing, they often set aside some leisurely time to unwind. The villa itself is a highlight—lounging by the pool or lying on an outdoor rocking chair, savoring the sun and gentle breeze, is pure bliss. Sometimes they stroll to nearby streets, soaking in Ubud’s slow-paced lifestyle, and occasionally pick a boutique restaurant for a meal, enjoying a touch of luxury in simplicity.

Finally, they recommend staying in Ubud for at least four days, experiencing just one attraction per day without rushing, fully immersing yourself in the tranquil and charming town atmosphere, and savoring the relaxed 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 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. ▶ Choose from 50+ tours on Klook

More to Explore in Ubud

Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Whether you're diving into local customs, soaking up natural beauty, or seeking thrilling outdoor adventures paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a truly unique experience. Want more Ubud tips? Click here

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