While Ubud itself has plenty to keep you busy for days, using it as a base for day trips opens up the entire central and eastern regions of Bali. The advantage of starting from Ubud is proximity to the mountains, waterfalls, and ancient temples that are further from the beach areas.
Kintamani and Mount Batur make an excellent half-day trip from Ubud. The drive takes about 90 minutes through scenic mountain roads, and the volcano viewpoint at Penelokan offers one of Bali's most dramatic panoramas. For the adventurous, your driver can drop you at the Mount Batur trailhead for a sunrise trek (starting at 2 AM) and pick you up afterward.
The waterfall circuit from Ubud is one of the best day trips you can do. Start with Tegenungan Waterfall (20 minutes from Ubud), continue to Tibumana (hidden behind a small cave), then Kanto Lampo with its unique tiered rock face. If you have a full day, add Tukad Cepung, a canyon waterfall where light beams shine through the gap above.
Besakih Temple, the Mother Temple of Bali, is about 90 minutes from Ubud. Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, it is the most important temple in Balinese Hinduism. Combine it with Tirta Gangga Water Palace and Taman Ujung for a full East Bali day trip.
Other recommended day trips include the Sidemen Valley for untouched rice terraces, the Penglipuran Traditional Village, and a full loop through the north coast via Kintamani, Lovina, and back through Bedugul.