Ubud Travel Guide
City Cultural center in Bali, Indonesia
In Bali’s central hills, Ubud is about rice terraces, the Sacred Monkey Forest and craft workshops; yoga studios, gallery cafés and cooking classes sit beside Balinese dance performances and market stalls for batik and woodcarving.
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Why Visit Ubud? #
An island arts hub famous for wellness, crafts and rice-terrace views, it attracts travelers seeking creativity and calm. The Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang rice terraces and cultural performances at the Ubud Palace showcase both nature and traditional Balinese dance, while artisan markets and yoga studios cater to slower-paced exploration. Food stalls and nearby small temples provide flavorful, intimate encounters with Balinese daily life beyond the resort scene.
Who's Ubud For?
Ubud is classic for couples seeking wellness and culture - rice-terrace walks, sunset at Campuhan Ridge and intimate spa resorts in Sayan. Boutique villas and riverside cafes create a tranquil romantic vibe.
High-end resorts and villas (Sayan, Ubud ridge properties) offer private pools, top-tier spa programs and personalized service. Fine-dining restaurants like Locavore provide a refined culinary experience.
Ubud has a strong remote-work community with coworking spaces (Hubud), reliable cafes and plentiful long-stay accommodation. The slower pace and wellness offerings suit longer work-and-relax stays.
Ubud mixes traditional Balinese warungs with innovative restaurants; farm-to-table dining and markets showcase local produce. Don’t miss babi guling spots and the thriving vegetarian scene.
Surrounding rice terraces, Monkey Forest and nearby waterfalls offer accessible nature walks and wildlife encounters. Day hikes and cycling routes through terraced countryside are easy to arrange locally.
Adventure options include white-water rafting on the Ayung River, cycling tours through villages and guided treks to nearby hills. Activities are well organized for tourists looking for active days out.
Best Things to Do in Ubud
All Attractions ›
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Ubud Bucket List
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - Ancient forest sanctuary with playful macaques, centuries-old temples, and shaded pathways.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces - Iconic terraced rice paddies offering panoramic views and traditional irrigation channels.
- Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) - 10th-century archaeological site with carved grotto, bathing pool, and Hindu-Buddhist relics.
- Puri Saren Royal Palace (Ubud Palace) - Former royal family residence hosting nightly dance performances and historic Balinese architecture.
- Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) - Bustling market full of handicrafts, textiles, and bargaining opportunities beside the palace.
- Blanco Renaissance Museum - Private museum showcasing Antonio Blanco's flamboyant paintings and cliffside garden studio.
- Museum Puri Lukisan - Small museum with modern Balinese paintings and intimate, well-curated collections.
- Sari Organik - Riverside organic farm-to-table café reached via scenic walk through rice fields.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk - Easy hilltop trail offering morning light, grassy slopes, and peaceful panorama.
- Nyuh Kuning Village - Quiet traditional village known for wood carving workshops and authentic local atmosphere.
- Mount Batur (Kintamani) - Active volcano sunrise trek with dramatic caldera views and Lake Batur panorama.
- Tirta Empul Temple (Tampak Siring) - Holy spring temple where locals and visitors participate in purification water rituals.
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces - Extensive UNESCO-listed terraced rice landscapes showcasing traditional subak irrigation systems.
- Tanah Lot Temple - Sea temple perched on a rocky outcrop, reachable at low tide for better views.
- Sidemen Valley - Lush valley with rice terraces, weaving villages, and tranquil hiking routes away crowds.
Regions of Ubud #
Ubud Centre
Ubud Centre is compact and walkable, with markets, galleries and the palace at its core. It’s where most visitors stay for easy access to restaurants, shops and evening cultural performances - expect a lively daytime scene that calms after midnight.
Top Spots
- Ubud Palace (Puri Saren) - the royal palace at the town’s heart with evening dance.
- Ubud Market - central market for crafts, textiles and souvenirs.
- Monkey Forest Road - café-lined street leading to the Sacred Monkey Forest.
Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest area centers on the sacred reserve: lush paths, monkeys and several small temples. It’s an obvious stop for first-time visitors to Ubud and a convenient base if you want quick access to nature, short walks and nearby cafés.
Top Spots
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - famous forest and temple complex with macaques.
- Forest-side Cafés - small restaurants that look onto the sanctuary grounds.
- Yoga Studios Nearby - several studios tucked close to the green space.
Penestanan
Penestanan is an artist’s neighbourhood a short walk from the centre, known for guesthouses, galleries and a chilled café scene. It’s a favourite for people looking to stay somewhere quieter with a local creative community and easy access to the rice fields and river paths.
Top Spots
- Artist Workshops - studios and galleries featuring local painters.
- Riverside Paths - quiet walking routes and small terraces.
- Boutique Guesthouses - cosy stays favored by creative visitors.
Campuhan Ridge
Campuhan is best-known for the ridge walk - a short, scenic trail popular at sunrise and sunset. The area is peaceful, with a few cafés and wellness spots, and suits travellers who want a quick nature escape without leaving Ubud’s centre.
Top Spots
- Campuhan Ridge Walk - a scenic early-morning or late-afternoon ridge walk.
- Small Wellness Cafés - juice bars and light cafés near the trailheads.
- Yoga and Retreat Spots - nearby centres offering day classes.
Plan Your Visit to Ubud #
Best Time to Visit Ubud #
The best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season (April-September) when warm, sunny days suit rice-terrace walks, jungle hikes and temple visits. The wet monsoon (November-March) brings heavy rains and high humidity but intensely green scenery, while inter-monsoon months are variable with fewer crowds.
Best Time to Visit Ubud #
Ubud's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2030 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (318 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (255 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (221 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm).
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November
November is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (190 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (257 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Ubud
Ubud is reached mostly via Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in southern Bali, followed by a road transfer of around an hour to 90 minutes. There are no trains on the island, so most arrivals continue onward by shuttle, taxi, private car or bus.
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS): The main international gateway to Bali, located near Denpasar. From the airport to central Ubud you can take an official airport taxi from the counter (Blue Bird and local airport taxis) - expect around 300,000-450,000 IDR and roughly 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. Shared and private transfers are widely available from the arrivals hall; a private car/driver typically costs about 350,000-600,000 IDR and takes about 60-90 minutes. Regular shuttle services such as Kura-Kura Bus and Perama run scheduled routes between the airport/Denpasar/Sanur and Ubud - fares are lower (about 60,000-150,000 IDR) but total travel time is usually 75-120 minutes depending on stops and traffic.
Train: Bali has no intercity or island-wide train network; the nearest national rail services are on Java. Travellers arriving by rail on Java must transfer to ferry and road transport to reach Bali.
Bus: Buses and shuttles serve Ubud from Denpasar, Sanur, and other Bali towns. Regular shuttle operators (Perama, Kura-Kura Bus) connect major arrival points and tourist hubs to Ubud with fares typically 60,000-150,000 IDR; travel times vary from about 30-90 minutes depending on origin and traffic. For local short hops you can also find minibuses and shuttle vans (shared) - negotiate or check the published shuttle price before boarding.
How to Get Around Ubud
Ubud is best explored by a mix of walking for the centre and a rented scooter or private driver for wider sightseeing. Shuttles and taxis are convenient for transfers, but a driver or scooter gives the most flexibility for day trips and temple runs.
- Motorbike (scooter) rental (50k-100k IDR/day) - Renting a scooter is the most flexible way to get around Ubud and the surrounding rice terraces; it's ideal for short runs to cafes, temples and nearby villages. Daily rental rates are commonly 50,000-100,000 IDR including basic insurance options; always check helmet condition and fuel level. Roads can be narrow and busy, so only ride if you're confident on a scooter and hold an appropriate license; wear a helmet and drive cautiously in wet conditions.
- Private driver / Car hire (500k-800k IDR/day) - Hiring a car with a driver is the easiest way to see wider Bali from Ubud - drivers provide local knowledge and are convenient for full-day trips (temples, rice terraces, Kintamani). Typical half- or full-day rates range roughly 500,000-800,000 IDR for a private car plus fuel, depending on itinerary. This option removes parking and navigation stress and is recommended for multi-stop day trips or when travelling in a small group.
- Taxis & Ride-hailing (Blue Bird / Grab) (30k-150k IDR) - Blue Bird taxis operate in Ubud and are metered; they are a reliable choice for short trips but can be scarce at peak times. Grab and Gojek operate across much of Bali, useful for short rides or motorcycle taxis (ojek) if available - fares for typical short trips in Ubud are often 30,000-150,000 IDR. Note airport pick-up rules: at Ngurah Rai you may need to meet drivers outside the terminal or use the airport taxi counter for official transfers.
- Shuttle & Public bus (Perama, Kura-Kura) (60k-150k IDR) - Scheduled shuttles run between Ubud and Denpasar, Sanur, the airport and other tourist hubs; Perama and Kura-Kura Bus are the common operators and are wallet-friendly for inter-town trips. Expect fares in the 60,000-150,000 IDR range and allow extra time for stops and traffic - shuttles are slower than private cars but cheaper. For flexible regional travel consider booking seats in advance during high season to avoid sold-out departures.
- Bicycle (30k-60k IDR/day) - Bicycles are a pleasant, low-cost way to explore Ubud's centre and nearby rice paths at a relaxed pace. Daily rental is typically inexpensive (around 30,000-60,000 IDR) and many guesthouses can arrange rentals. Use a bike for short scenic rides early in the morning to avoid traffic and heat.
- Walking - Central Ubud is compact and very walkable - most cafés, markets and a number of temples are within easy walking distance. Paths can be narrow and sometimes uneven, so wear comfortable shoes and watch for scooters on small streets. Walking is the best way to discover side streets, local shops and rice-field views at a relaxed pace.
Where to Stay in Ubud #
- Budget guesthouses (Ubud centre) - Cheap homestays and dorms nearby.
- Ubud Backpackers Hostel - Social dorms, central location.
- Alaya Resort Ubud - Stylish mid-range resort near palace.
- Bisma Eight Ubud - Contemporary rooms with good amenities.
- Como Uma Ubud - Luxury wellness resort with spa.
- Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Top-tier luxury on Ayung River.
- Alaya Resort Ubud - Central, walkable to main sights.
- Bisma Eight Ubud - Good orientation and location.
- Alaya Resort Ubud - Family-friendly rooms and pool.
- Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Spacious villas, child-friendly activities.
- Alaya Resort Ubud - Good Wi‑Fi and work-friendly cafés.
- Bisma Eight Ubud - Quiet rooms and reliable internet.
Where to Eat in Ubud #
Ubud is Bali’s culinary heart for both traditional Balinese food and modern, ingredient-driven dining. The town is famous for babi guling (roast pig) at spots like Ibu Oka, while the market and dozens of warungs serve spicy, coconut-rich rice plates and satay.
At the same time Ubud is a global hub for healthy and creative cooking: Locavore puts Indonesian produce on a tasting-menu stage, and vegetarian/vegan cafés like Alchemy and Sari Organik make it easy to eat plant-based with flair.
- Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka - Iconic Balinese roast pork in central Ubud.
- Local warungs around Ubud Market - Balinese rice plates and daily specials.
- Babi guling spots on Jalan Tegal Sari - Balinese roasted pork, rice and sambal.
- Locavore - Contemporary tasting menu showcasing Indonesian ingredients.
- Clear Cafe - Healthy international café with vegetarian selection.
- Hujan Locale - Modern Indonesian cuisine with regional produce.
- Alchemy Ubud - Raw and vegan menu with salad bar.
- Sari Organik - Organic farm-to-table meals and rice-field views.
- Clear Cafe - Extensive vegetarian and vegan options available.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Ubud's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Ubud #
Ubud’s evenings are intimate and cultural: expect traditional dance at Ubud Palace, small live-music venues, and restaurants spilling onto Monkey Forest Road. Nightlife skews artsy-jazz nights, acoustic sets and refined dining rather than clubs. It’s safe and walkable; choose reputable shuttles for later trips and book popular performances in advance.
Best Bets
- Ubud Palace (Puri Saren) - Evening traditional dance performances in the palace courtyard.
- Casa Luna - Longstanding restaurant with cultural shows and evening dining.
- Jazz Café Ubud - Live-jazz venue with intimate evenings and international musicians.
- Monkey Forest Road dining strip - Cluster of restaurants, bars and late cafés near the centre.
- Evening cultural events and venues - Frequent live-music nights, performances and small cultural shows.
- Ubud Art Market area - Evening browsing, cafés and artisan stalls near the market.
Shopping in Ubud #
Ubud is Bali’s craft capital: the central Ubud Art Market and surrounding streets are packed with woodcarvings, paintings, batik and handmade jewellery. Sukawati Market nearby offers good-value souvenirs; for higher-quality textiles and handwoven pieces, visit specialist galleries or established ateliers. Always check workmanship and compare prices across stalls before buying.
Best Bets
- Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) - Main market for carvings, textiles, jewellery and tourist crafts.
- Sukawati Art Market (Gianyar) - Larger weekday market with affordable handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Threads of Life (textiles gallery) - Specialist in handwoven textiles and ethical artisan products.
- Tegallalang craft strip - Workshops and shops selling woodcarvings and rice-terrace souvenirs.
- Monkey Forest Road boutiques and galleries - Independent boutiques with art, jewellery and designer homewares.
- Local weekly markets and pop-ups - Seasonal craft fairs featuring local makers and organic produce.
Digital Nomads in Ubud #
Ubud remains a top Bali spot for remote workers who want a slower, wellness‑oriented base. Indonesia offers visa‑free stays of 30 days for many nationalities, and a Visa on Arrival option (~US$35, extendable once to 60 days). There is no formal long‑term Indonesian digital nomad visa in widespread use currently, though many nomads stay on extensions or switch visa types for longer stays. Monthly costs in Ubud vary: budget travelers can manage on US$700-1,200 while those in coliving/coworking setups or private villas often spend US$1,200-2,000. Coworking spaces such as Hubud and Outpost provide stable shared fibre connections and regular community events; cafés and guesthouses typically offer 20-80 Mbps. A mobile data backup (Telkomsel or XL) is recommended for video calls in quieter areas.
- Hubud - established community, workshops and events
- Outpost Ubud - coworking and coliving, community programs
- Seniman Coffee Studio - creative café, steady Wi‑Fi, café workspot
- Karsa Kafe - garden café, popular with remote workers
- Indihome (Telkom) - fibre in many guesthouses, stable in centre
- Telkomsel - best mobile coverage across Bali
- Wi‑Fi at guesthouses and cafés - 20-80 Mbps typical in good spots
- Backup mobile hotspots - recommended for video calls, inexpensive data packs
- Yoga & wellness meetups - strong overlap with wellness community
- Coliving houses (Outpost and local) - structured socials, networking built in
- Facebook groups (Bali nomads) - active, good for quick Q&A and rentals
- Workshops & yoga studios - regular events, great for casual networking
Demographics
