Why Hanging Gardens of Bali Belongs on Your Ubud Itinerary
Planning an Ubud itinerary? Discover why Hanging Gardens of Bali belongs on your trip, from private pool villas and jungle spa days to dining and romance.
There are certain places in Bali you add to the itinerary because you want to see them.
And then there are places you add because you want to experience them.
Hanging Gardens of Bali is very much the latter.
Hidden within the rainforest of the Ayung River Valley, this luxury Ubud resort is the kind of place that can very quickly turn “Where should we stay?” into “Maybe we should add another night.”
There is the famous infinity pool, of course.
But there are also private heated infinity pools in every villa, breakfast surrounded by jungle, spa treatments beside the river, beautiful dining, cocktails overlooking the valley and those wonderfully unplanned hours when the most pressing decision is whether to swim before or after lunch.
If you are planning an Ubud itinerary, the secret is not simply finding somewhere to sleep between temples and rice terraces.
Choose somewhere that becomes part of the reason you came.
And then there are places you add because you want to experience them.
Hanging Gardens of Bali is very much the latter.
Hidden within the rainforest of the Ayung River Valley, this luxury Ubud resort is the kind of place that can very quickly turn “Where should we stay?” into “Maybe we should add another night.”
There is the famous infinity pool, of course.
But there are also private heated infinity pools in every villa, breakfast surrounded by jungle, spa treatments beside the river, beautiful dining, cocktails overlooking the valley and those wonderfully unplanned hours when the most pressing decision is whether to swim before or after lunch.
If you are planning an Ubud itinerary, the secret is not simply finding somewhere to sleep between temples and rice terraces.
Choose somewhere that becomes part of the reason you came.
First Things First: Is Ubud Worth Adding to a Bali Itinerary?
Very much so.
Ubud offers a completely different expression of Bali.
The coastline gives way to jungle. Roads wind between rice fields. Ancient temples sit among tropical landscapes. Art, traditional craftsmanship and Balinese culture are woven throughout the region.
It is a place for early mornings and beautiful drives.
For galleries.
For temples.
For long lunches.
For wellness.
For finding something handmade that absolutely did not fit into the luggage plan.
And perhaps most importantly, Ubud gives a Bali itinerary contrast.
A few days here feel distinctly different from a few days beside the ocean.
The question is less whether Ubud belongs on the itinerary.
It is how much time you should give it.
Ubud offers a completely different expression of Bali.
The coastline gives way to jungle. Roads wind between rice fields. Ancient temples sit among tropical landscapes. Art, traditional craftsmanship and Balinese culture are woven throughout the region.
It is a place for early mornings and beautiful drives.
For galleries.
For temples.
For long lunches.
For wellness.
For finding something handmade that absolutely did not fit into the luggage plan.
And perhaps most importantly, Ubud gives a Bali itinerary contrast.
A few days here feel distinctly different from a few days beside the ocean.
The question is less whether Ubud belongs on the itinerary.
It is how much time you should give it.
How Many Days Do You Need in Ubud?
We vote for three.
Two nights gives you a taste.
Three nights gives Ubud room to breathe.
It allows you to have one day dedicated to exploring, another that combines sightseeing with some serious relaxation, and enough time to actually enjoy where you are staying.
Because this is the mistake with an overly ambitious Ubud itinerary: booking a beautiful jungle resort and then spending every waking hour somewhere else.
If your villa has its own heated infinity pool overlooking the rainforest, scheduling precisely zero activities for an afternoon is not wasted time.
It is excellent itinerary management.
Two nights gives you a taste.
Three nights gives Ubud room to breathe.
It allows you to have one day dedicated to exploring, another that combines sightseeing with some serious relaxation, and enough time to actually enjoy where you are staying.
Because this is the mistake with an overly ambitious Ubud itinerary: booking a beautiful jungle resort and then spending every waking hour somewhere else.
If your villa has its own heated infinity pool overlooking the rainforest, scheduling precisely zero activities for an afternoon is not wasted time.
It is excellent itinerary management.
Where You Stay in Ubud Changes the Entire Trip
Location matters in Ubud.
But atmosphere matters more.
Hanging Gardens of Bali is set within the Ayung River Valley, surrounded by layers of tropical rainforest.
The resort cascades through the landscape rather than sitting separately from it. Traditional Balinese architecture, gardens, water and jungle seem to flow into one another, creating a sense that you are staying within Ubud rather than simply using it as your address.
More than 4,000 Balinese craftspeople were involved in the property's original construction, with locally sourced materials and traditional techniques helping shape its distinctive character.
It feels deeply connected to Bali.
And when you have travelled all this way, that matters.
You can stay in a beautiful hotel almost anywhere in the world.
A beautiful hotel that could only really belong here is much more interesting.
But atmosphere matters more.
Hanging Gardens of Bali is set within the Ayung River Valley, surrounded by layers of tropical rainforest.
The resort cascades through the landscape rather than sitting separately from it. Traditional Balinese architecture, gardens, water and jungle seem to flow into one another, creating a sense that you are staying within Ubud rather than simply using it as your address.
More than 4,000 Balinese craftspeople were involved in the property's original construction, with locally sourced materials and traditional techniques helping shape its distinctive character.
It feels deeply connected to Bali.
And when you have travelled all this way, that matters.
You can stay in a beautiful hotel almost anywhere in the world.
A beautiful hotel that could only really belong here is much more interesting.
Day One: Arrive and Do Less
Your first afternoon at Hanging Gardens of Bali should contain very few ambitions.
Check in.
Walk into your villa.
Open the doors.
Look at your private infinity pool.
Cancel whatever unnecessary plan you made for 4pm.
Every villa at Hanging Gardens of Bali has its own heated infinity pool, surrounded by a different perspective of the Ayung River Valley.
Depending on your villa, you might be looking across layers of rainforest, tropical gardens or towards the river below.
This is your introduction to Ubud.
Not rushing immediately towards a list of attractions.
Just being in it.
Have a swim.
Order something delicious.
Sit outside.
Watch the light move across the jungle.
Your sightseeing can begin tomorrow.
Check in.
Walk into your villa.
Open the doors.
Look at your private infinity pool.
Cancel whatever unnecessary plan you made for 4pm.
Every villa at Hanging Gardens of Bali has its own heated infinity pool, surrounded by a different perspective of the Ayung River Valley.
Depending on your villa, you might be looking across layers of rainforest, tropical gardens or towards the river below.
This is your introduction to Ubud.
Not rushing immediately towards a list of attractions.
Just being in it.
Have a swim.
Order something delicious.
Sit outside.
Watch the light move across the jungle.
Your sightseeing can begin tomorrow.
And Yes, You Need to See the Infinity Pool
Even if your villa has a private pool, make your way to the resort's famous twin-tiered infinity pool.
You know the one.
Its two curved levels appear to float above the rainforest, inspired by the cascading form of Bali's rice terraces.
It has become one of the most recognisable infinity pools in Bali for very good reason.
From the water, the Ayung River Valley seems to stretch forever.
The jungle rises around you in layers.
The architecture almost disappears into the landscape.
And suddenly you understand why this particular swimming pool has spent so much time travelling around the internet.
Give it a proper swim rather than a photograph-and-leave.
The photo is excellent.
The feeling of actually floating above the jungle is considerably better.
You know the one.
Its two curved levels appear to float above the rainforest, inspired by the cascading form of Bali's rice terraces.
It has become one of the most recognisable infinity pools in Bali for very good reason.
From the water, the Ayung River Valley seems to stretch forever.
The jungle rises around you in layers.
The architecture almost disappears into the landscape.
And suddenly you understand why this particular swimming pool has spent so much time travelling around the internet.
Give it a proper swim rather than a photograph-and-leave.
The photo is excellent.
The feeling of actually floating above the jungle is considerably better.
Day Two: Go and Meet Ubud
Now you may explore.
A good Ubud itinerary does not need twelve stops before sunset.
Choose a few things you genuinely want to experience and give them time.
Visit a Balinese temple.
Walk through the rice terraces.
Discover the region's art and traditional craftsmanship.
Explore villages surrounding Ubud.
Stop somewhere beautiful because you noticed it from the car.
Allow lunch to take longer than expected.
Ubud rewards curiosity.
Part of its appeal lies in what happens between the places you originally saved.
A shrine decorated for ceremony.
A glimpse across a rice field.
An artisan at work.
An unexpectedly beautiful doorway.
The little moments tend to become some of the best photographs anyway.
A good Ubud itinerary does not need twelve stops before sunset.
Choose a few things you genuinely want to experience and give them time.
Visit a Balinese temple.
Walk through the rice terraces.
Discover the region's art and traditional craftsmanship.
Explore villages surrounding Ubud.
Stop somewhere beautiful because you noticed it from the car.
Allow lunch to take longer than expected.
Ubud rewards curiosity.
Part of its appeal lies in what happens between the places you originally saved.
A shrine decorated for ceremony.
A glimpse across a rice field.
An artisan at work.
An unexpectedly beautiful doorway.
The little moments tend to become some of the best photographs anyway.
Come Back to the Jungle
After exploring Ubud, returning to Hanging Gardens feels like another part of the day's experience.
The energy changes.
The rainforest closes around you again.
Perhaps you head directly for your private pool.
Perhaps you order a drink first.
Perhaps you make the excellent decision to book a spa treatment.
There is something especially satisfying about having a full day in Ubud and knowing the evening does not require another itinerary.
You have already arrived exactly where you want to be.
The energy changes.
The rainforest closes around you again.
Perhaps you head directly for your private pool.
Perhaps you order a drink first.
Perhaps you make the excellent decision to book a spa treatment.
There is something especially satisfying about having a full day in Ubud and knowing the evening does not require another itinerary.
You have already arrived exactly where you want to be.
Take the Afternoon Down to the River
Spa by the River sits beneath the jungle canopy beside the Ayung River.
Which is exactly where an Ubud spa should be.
Treatments draw inspiration from Balinese wellness traditions and the surrounding natural environment, while the sound of the river becomes part of the experience.
It is one of those settings where the location does half the work before the treatment has even begun.
Afterwards, linger.
The nearby Spa Café offers a beautiful setting beside the river for a light lunch or high tea surrounded by tropical greenery.
A spa treatment followed by high tea beside the Ayung River?
There are worse ways to spend an afternoon.
Which is exactly where an Ubud spa should be.
Treatments draw inspiration from Balinese wellness traditions and the surrounding natural environment, while the sound of the river becomes part of the experience.
It is one of those settings where the location does half the work before the treatment has even begun.
Afterwards, linger.
The nearby Spa Café offers a beautiful setting beside the river for a light lunch or high tea surrounded by tropical greenery.
A spa treatment followed by high tea beside the Ayung River?
There are worse ways to spend an afternoon.
Give Yourself One Resort Day
This is important.
Do not leave Hanging Gardens every day simply because there are things to see in Ubud.
One of your Ubud days should have almost nothing on it.
This is the day for the holiday version of you who apparently has time for breakfast to last an hour.
Start slowly.
Swim in your villa.
Walk through the gardens.
Read.
Move to the main infinity pool.
Have lunch.
Book a treatment.
Return to your villa.
Swim again, because there is no rule limiting the number of unnecessary swims one can take in a private infinity pool.
This is not a gap in your Ubud itinerary.
This is the Ubud itinerary.
The jungle, the water, the food, the quiet rhythm of the day — these are as much a part of experiencing the destination as any attraction you could pin on a map.
Do not leave Hanging Gardens every day simply because there are things to see in Ubud.
One of your Ubud days should have almost nothing on it.
This is the day for the holiday version of you who apparently has time for breakfast to last an hour.
Start slowly.
Swim in your villa.
Walk through the gardens.
Read.
Move to the main infinity pool.
Have lunch.
Book a treatment.
Return to your villa.
Swim again, because there is no rule limiting the number of unnecessary swims one can take in a private infinity pool.
This is not a gap in your Ubud itinerary.
This is the Ubud itinerary.
The jungle, the water, the food, the quiet rhythm of the day — these are as much a part of experiencing the destination as any attraction you could pin on a map.
Cocktails First
As afternoon begins turning towards evening, make your way to Three Elements Bar & Lounge.
The semi-al fresco lounge overlooks the iconic infinity pool and surrounding rainforest, making it an especially lovely place to watch the light soften across the valley.
The bar serves imaginative cocktails, including creations incorporating Balinese Arak, alongside wines and spirits.
This is golden hour with considerably better accessories.
Order something interesting.
Find a table overlooking the jungle.
Take the photograph.
Then put the phone away before the ice melts.
The semi-al fresco lounge overlooks the iconic infinity pool and surrounding rainforest, making it an especially lovely place to watch the light soften across the valley.
The bar serves imaginative cocktails, including creations incorporating Balinese Arak, alongside wines and spirits.
This is golden hour with considerably better accessories.
Order something interesting.
Find a table overlooking the jungle.
Take the photograph.
Then put the phone away before the ice melts.
Stay for Dinner
Dinner at Three Elements Restaurant continues the evening with panoramic views across the tropical landscape.
The restaurant draws inspiration from Indonesia's culinary heritage, combining locally sourced ingredients and Indonesian flavours with contemporary international influences.
For wine lovers, Hanging Gardens of Bali also has a Wine Cellar with more than 100 carefully selected wines from around the world.
The pleasure of dining here is partly the food and partly the fact that the surroundings never disappear from the experience.
You arrived in Ubud for the landscape.
It seems only right to have dinner looking at it.
The restaurant draws inspiration from Indonesia's culinary heritage, combining locally sourced ingredients and Indonesian flavours with contemporary international influences.
For wine lovers, Hanging Gardens of Bali also has a Wine Cellar with more than 100 carefully selected wines from around the world.
The pleasure of dining here is partly the food and partly the fact that the surroundings never disappear from the experience.
You arrived in Ubud for the landscape.
It seems only right to have dinner looking at it.
Add a Little Romance
If your Ubud itinerary happens to involve two people and a romantic agenda, Hanging Gardens can make things considerably more interesting.
There is Romance Under the Stars, where hundreds of candles transform the area around the infinity pool and dinner is served privately over the water.
There is the Secret Romantic Dinner at Dalem Segara Temple, beginning with a traditional Balinese blessing before an intimate candlelit dinner.
And Romance in Bloom transforms the private infinity pool at your villa with tropical flowers.
Are any of these strictly necessary?
Of course not.
Neither is champagne.
We remain very fond of both.
There is Romance Under the Stars, where hundreds of candles transform the area around the infinity pool and dinner is served privately over the water.
There is the Secret Romantic Dinner at Dalem Segara Temple, beginning with a traditional Balinese blessing before an intimate candlelit dinner.
And Romance in Bloom transforms the private infinity pool at your villa with tropical flowers.
Are any of these strictly necessary?
Of course not.
Neither is champagne.
We remain very fond of both.
Make Hanging Gardens Part of the Destination
There is a difference between staying somewhere in Ubud and staying somewhere that becomes part of your memory of Ubud.
That distinction matters when planning a luxury Bali itinerary.
The best trips are not simply a collection of attractions.
They have rhythm.
A morning of discovery followed by an afternoon of absolutely nothing.
A temple followed by a spa treatment.
Rice terraces followed by cocktails.
A day out followed by the pleasure of returning somewhere extraordinary.
At Hanging Gardens of Bali, you do not have to choose between experiencing Ubud and enjoying the resort.
They complement each other.
The surrounding jungle, Balinese architecture, river, food, wellness and sense of place are all part of experiencing this corner of Bali.
That distinction matters when planning a luxury Bali itinerary.
The best trips are not simply a collection of attractions.
They have rhythm.
A morning of discovery followed by an afternoon of absolutely nothing.
A temple followed by a spa treatment.
Rice terraces followed by cocktails.
A day out followed by the pleasure of returning somewhere extraordinary.
At Hanging Gardens of Bali, you do not have to choose between experiencing Ubud and enjoying the resort.
They complement each other.
The surrounding jungle, Balinese architecture, river, food, wellness and sense of place are all part of experiencing this corner of Bali.
So, Does Hanging Gardens of Bali Belong on Your Ubud Itinerary?
Absolutely.
Come to Ubud for its temples.
Its art.
Its rice terraces.
Its traditions.
Its landscapes.
Its food.
Its extraordinary relationship with nature.
And choose somewhere to stay that allows all of that to continue even after you return to your villa.
At Hanging Gardens of Bali, mornings begin above the rainforest.
Afternoons can disappear beside the river.
Cocktails arrive overlooking the jungle.
And every villa comes with an infinity pool of its own.
Three nights suddenly sounds rather sensible.
Four?
We certainly wouldn't talk you out of it.
Book here.
Come to Ubud for its temples.
Its art.
Its rice terraces.
Its traditions.
Its landscapes.
Its food.
Its extraordinary relationship with nature.
And choose somewhere to stay that allows all of that to continue even after you return to your villa.
At Hanging Gardens of Bali, mornings begin above the rainforest.
Afternoons can disappear beside the river.
Cocktails arrive overlooking the jungle.
And every villa comes with an infinity pool of its own.
Three nights suddenly sounds rather sensible.
Four?
We certainly wouldn't talk you out of it.
Book here.
F.A.Q.
Is Ubud worth visiting on a Bali itinerary?
Yes. Ubud is one of the most rewarding destinations to include in a Bali itinerary, particularly for travellers interested in Balinese culture, art, temples, rice terraces, wellness, gastronomy and tropical landscapes. It offers a distinctive contrast to Bali's coastal destinations.
How many days should I spend in Ubud?
Three days is an excellent starting point for an Ubud itinerary. It gives you time to explore temples, rice terraces, traditional villages and local culture while still leaving time to enjoy your luxury resort, spa and private pool villa.
Where should I stay in Ubud for a luxury trip?
Hanging Gardens of Bali is a luxury resort set within the rainforest of the Ayung River Valley. Every villa has a heated private infinity pool, and guests have access to the resort's iconic twin-tiered infinity pool, Spa by the River, dining and private experiences.
What should I include in a 3-day Ubud itinerary?
A three-day Ubud itinerary can combine a day exploring temples, rice terraces, traditional villages, art and local culture with wellness, dining and time surrounded by nature. Leaving one slower day to enjoy your resort can create a beautifully balanced luxury Ubud itinerary.
Is Hanging Gardens of Bali close to things to do in Ubud?
Hanging Gardens of Bali is located within the greater Ubud region and makes an exceptional base for discovering the area's temples, traditional villages, rice terraces, art and culture while staying surrounded by the rainforest of the Ayung River Valley.
What is Hanging Gardens of Bali famous for?
Hanging Gardens of Bali is internationally recognised for its spectacular twin-tiered infinity pool overlooking the Ayung River Valley. The luxury Ubud resort is also known for its private infinity pool villas, Balinese architecture, jungle setting, Spa by the River and romantic experiences.
Does every villa at Hanging Gardens of Bali have a private pool?
Yes. Every villa at Hanging Gardens of Bali has its own heated infinity pool, with different villa categories offering views across the rainforest, tropical gardens and Ayung River Valley.
Is Hanging Gardens of Bali good for couples?
Yes. Hanging Gardens of Bali is particularly suited to couples, honeymoons and romantic Ubud holidays. Private infinity pool villas, Spa by the River and experiences including Romance Under the Stars, Secret Romantic Dinner and Romance in Bloom make it easy to incorporate romance into an Ubud itinerary.
Should I spend a full day at my resort in Ubud?
If you are staying at a destination resort such as Hanging Gardens of Bali, reserving a full or partial day to enjoy the property can be worthwhile. Guests can enjoy their private infinity pool, the iconic main pool, Spa by the River, dining and the surrounding tropical landscape.
What are the best things to do in Ubud for luxury travellers?
A luxury Ubud itinerary can include private cultural experiences, temples, rice terraces, Balinese art and craftsmanship, spa treatments, fine dining, private pool villa time and romantic experiences. Combining exploration with slower resort days creates a more immersive way to experience Ubud.
Is Ubud good for a honeymoon?
Yes. Ubud is one of Bali's most popular destinations for luxury honeymoons, offering rainforest scenery, private pool villas, spas, romantic dining and rich Balinese culture. It can also be paired beautifully with one of Bali's coastal destinations for a varied honeymoon itinerary.
Is three nights at Hanging Gardens of Bali enough?
Three nights allows guests to balance exploring Ubud with time enjoying Hanging Gardens of Bali itself. Travellers who want a slower itinerary with additional time for spa, dining, private pool villa days and resort experiences may prefer four nights or longer.
When is the best time to visit Ubud?
Ubud can be enjoyed throughout the year, with each season bringing a different atmosphere to its tropical landscape. When planning an Ubud itinerary, the best time depends on your preferred travel style, experiences and wider Bali plans.