Ubud first appeared to me in a dream in September 2024. I had never seen any picture or considered it before (I didn’t even know it was in Bali), but I dreamt of its rice terraces and lush green landscapes. After that dream, I knew I had to book that trip to Bali, as Ubud was clearly calling my name! And it keeps doing so, as I will be moving there in a few months!
As I had read everywhere, Ubud is truly Bali’s spiritual and artistic heart. Despite Ubud being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bali, the surrounding nature and the abundance of beautiful, traditional Balinese architecture make it a special place, a must-see for any first-time trip to Bali.
In this Ubud travel guide, I’ll share everything I learned during my recent trip in 2025, including general travel tips, activity suggestions, and much more. If you’re planning a stay in Ubud, keep reading!
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Quick Recommendations
Is Ubud Worth Visiting?
Ubud completely stole my heart (so much so that I’m moving there in a few months!), so the answer is yes—Ubud is absolutely worth visiting!
What struck me first about Ubud was that despite the chaotic traffic on Jl Raya, the main road, you can find stillness and silence just a few steps away, in the surrounding rice fields. And I’m not talking about trekking miles outside the city center; literally, five minutes, and you’re immersed in a completely different world, free from traffic noise.
Another aspect I loved, especially for someone like me planning to live there, is the cozy atmosphere. Ubud feels small and intimate, yet it has everything you need: charming cafes perfect for working remotely, yoga studios, tons of vegan options, cute shops selling local crafts, and even upscale restaurants.
Strolling along the main road, surrounded by beautiful red sandstone gates, I could easily picture myself living there and exploring the craft markets.
Third, but no less important for an adventure seeker like me, Ubud is an ideal base for day trips to explore central Bali. The surrounding area is dotted with waterfalls, temples, and hiking trails that will make your stay so exciting!
Finally, Ubud might not be the best fit if you’re looking for a party-island vibe. If that’s your expectation, other areas of Bali or Gili Trawangan might be more suitable.
Ubud General Travel Tips
Below are some general helpful tips to plan your stay in Ubud:
Book Airport Transfer: The easiest way to get to Ubud from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is by pre-booking a private car transfer. Your driver will wait for you to clear passport control and baggage claim, ready to take you to your hotel. I used Klook for the first time during my trip to Bali, and I do think it’s the best way to handle your arrival in Bali!
Purchase an eSIM: Now that eSIMs are readily available, I won’t travel without one. It’s so convenient! You can purchase an eSIM online and install it before your flight. Once you arrive in Bali, activate it, and you’re good to go.
Don’t Forget Mosquito Repellent: Ubud is surrounded by the jungle and rivers, making it a paradise for insects (especially mosquitoes!). Pack a strong mosquito repellent and apply it whenever you leave your hotel, even if you stay indoors.
Download Gojek/Grab: If you prefer not to drive yourself, Gojek and Grab are the best ways to get around Ubud. These apps allow you to book taxis and scooter rides. Ride-hailing services are one of my favorite things about traveling in Asia, and they work particularly well in Ubud. Make sure to ask your driver for a helmet (they usually carry one for passengers).
Watch Your Step: The roads in Ubud aren’t always as well-maintained as you might be used to. So, pay attention to where you’re walking. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of people tripping on uneven pavement or stepping into holes and getting injured, so keep your eyes peeled!
Don’t Be Afraid to Bargain: Bargaining is common at Ubud’s markets, like the Ubud Art Market, and is often even expected (vendors usually inflate prices to anticipate some negotiation). Be respectful, smile, and be friendly while asking for a discount, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can save.
Map of all the sights, restaurants & hotels mentioned in this blog post
How to Get to Ubud?
Ubud is located in Gianyar Regency, about 40 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Depending on your arrival time, the journey to Ubud can take up to two hours, especially during the afternoon rush hour.
While other options like taxis and ride-hailing services are available, a pre-booked private car is the most convenient and comfortable option, especially after a long flight. Many drivers and agencies will try to get your attention upon arrival, but they often charge significantly more than pre-booked transfers (based on my experience).
For example, my ride from the airport to Seminyak (a 40-minute journey) cost around $9, which I considered a fair price, especially since drivers typically wait up to two hours after your flight lands. For a journey from the airport to Ubud, you can expect to pay around $18.
How to Get Around in Ubud?
Ubud’s city center is very walkable. Everything revolves around the main road, Jalan Raya, where you’ll find cultural sights like the Royal Palace and Saraswati Temple and starting points for rice paddy walks like the Campuhan Ridge Walk and the Kajeng Rice Fields.
Ride-hailing apps are a great option for exploring areas just outside Ubud. There are usually many drivers available (unless it’s raining, you might have a longer wait).
If you’re comfortable driving in traffic (and Ubud traffic is wild!) and prefer to explore independently, renting a scooter is another possibility. Scooter rentals are widely available in Ubud and popular with both expats and locals. This gives you maximum flexibility and is very affordable, with daily rentals starting around IDR 70,000 ($4), depending on the model.
To rent a scooter, you’ll need an international driving permit. And, of course, you should have travel insurance.
Scooter Parking
Finding parking in Ubud, especially for scooters, can be tricky due to the traffic and the number of scooters around. Most major attractions, like the Ubud Monkey Forest, have big parking areas nearby, usually charging a small fee of IDR 1,000-2,000 (to be paid in cash, so carry some small bills).
If you park on the street, be mindful of traffic and any potential parking fees. And very important: pay close attention to parking restrictions! I actually saw a police officer deliberately deflate a scooter tire because it was parked illegally. So, park responsibly.
How Many Days Should I Stay in Ubud?
Three days in Ubud wasn’t quite enough for me. I would have loved more time to explore the surrounding villages, take a yoga or pottery class, and truly immerse myself in the daily life unfolding.
While three days might be sufficient if you’re only planning to stay within Ubud itself, I recommend at least five days to fully appreciate the town, its restaurants, and nearby sights and to allow time for a couple of day trips to other parts of central Bali. This will give you more time to explore and the opportunity to discover some of Ubud’s hidden corners.
Best Time to Visit Ubud
In Ubud (and Bali in general), there are three main tourist seasons:
- High Season (July-August): The weather is typically the best (there is less chance of rain), but prices are at their peak. Keep in mind that, these days, the chance of rain in Bali is never zero, and Ubud can get crowded during this period.
- Shoulder Season (April- June & September-October): The weather is generally good (though there’s still a chance of rain), and prices are more reasonable.
- Low Season (November-March): This is the rainy season, which means more frequent showers (not necessarily all-day rain). During this time, you’ll find the best deals on accommodation and flights.
Specifically in Ubud, inland and close to the jungle, the weather is usually more humid than on the coast and can be cooler at night (though you won’t need long-sleeved pajamas, don’t worry!).
And then there’s the worst time to visit Bali (of course, when I went, because of a dream-induced travel obsession): the Christmas/New Year holidays. The weather is often terrible, and prices are sky-high, just like peak season. (But if you plan a Bali trip in December, don’t let me discourage you. I still had a good time—read all about it here!
For the best combination of less tragic weather and reasonable prices, the shoulder seasons (April- June and September- October) are ideal for visiting Ubud.
Ubud Festivals to Keep in Mind
Where to Stay in Ubud
As one of Bali’s most popular destinations, Ubud offers many accommodation options, from budget-friendly homestays to luxurious five-star resorts. You can easily spend three to five days here even on a tight budget.
Before booking, consider whether you’d prefer to stay close to the city center (the main road) or tucked away, surrounded by rice paddies. Either way, your stay in Ubud will likely be peaceful. It’s not a party town, and most restaurants and bars close by 11 pm.
If you choose accommodation further from the center (generally anything more than a 15-minute walk from Jalan Raya), you’ll likely need to use ride-hailing apps to reach restaurants, bars, and attractions.
Here are a couple of places I stayed and loved, plus a few other highly-rated options:
Candy Villa (medium-high budget): This is where my friend and I stayed in Ubud. Candy Villa is a stunning complex of independent villas surrounded by rice fields and cultivations. It’s ideal for couples or groups of friends (one villa can accommodate up to four people). The highlight for us was definitely arriving and discovering our beautiful bamboo villa with its private swimming pool! And the outdoor bathroom is a fun touch.
Angga Homestay (low budget): This homestay includes breakfast and is perfect for solo travelers or budget-conscious couples. It’s in the heart of Ubud, surrounded by a traditional Balinese garden. The family who runs it is incredibly welcoming and helpful.
Pertiwi Bisma Ubud (medium-high budget): An excellent option for those seeking a hotel experience without sacrificing those lush Ubud views. Located just ten minutes from the Monkey Forest but away from the city center’s hustle, it has two swimming pools and a spa for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Purana Suite Ubud (high budget): For a luxurious stay in Ubud, consider Purana Suite. Located about one kilometer from the city center, it offers everything you’d expect from a high-end hotel: yoga classes, a delicious and fresh breakfast, a swimming pool, and a wellness spa.
Where to Eat in Ubud
One of my few regrets from my time in Ubud is not having had more time to explore its diverse restaurants and cafes. Since we were often out exploring the surrounding areas, we didn’t have many opportunities to enjoy lunch or dinner in the city center. However, here are a few places I did try and highly recommend:
Cantina Rooftop: If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience in a cozy and elegant setting, Cantina Rooftop is a fantastic choice. Located on the second floor of a building overlooking the Campuhan Ridge Walk, it offers beautiful jungle views, especially at sunset. Their 11-course tapas-style menu is a must-try for larger groups – it was honestly some of the best food I had in Bali. And the cocktails are top-notch! You really can’t go wrong here.
Tebasari Bar & Lounge: Located near Pura Tirta Empul and the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tebasari is a very popular spot for tourists who have just visited nearby sights. Despite the sometimes chaotic atmosphere, the food is excellent. I had the best nasi goreng of my entire trip here! While prices are a bit higher than at a typical family-run warung (since it caters more to Western tourists), they’re still within the normal range for Bali.
Zest Ubud: Zest is a plant-based paradise in downtown Ubud, incredibly popular and for good reason (their dishes are so delicious, you won’t even miss the meat!). Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it attracts digital nomads and solo travelers, creating a young and dynamic atmosphere. If you’re craving an out-of-this-world vegetarian pizza, Zest is the place to go.
5 Top Things to Do in Ubud
There are so many fun activities to try while in Ubud (this is why I mentioned that 3 days are not enough). Here are five of my favorite things I’ve done in Ubud. And if you’re looking for more things to do to fill your stay, don’t miss these 24 unique things to do in Ubud.
1. Stroll through the Juwuk Manis Walk & Kajeng Rice Fields: I discovered this hidden rice field paradise completely by chance, and it’s one of the main reasons I fell head over heels for Ubud. It’s incredibly close to the noisy main street, past a busy souvenir market, but so peaceful and beautiful that it feels like a different world.
2. Get to Know the Monkeys of the Sacred Monkey Forest: Yes, it’s touristy, but the Monkey Forest is still worth a visit, especially if you venture beyond the crowded entrance. Here, you can observe monkey families in their natural habitat, explore hidden trails in the jungle, and discover ancient temples in the river valley: Pura Dalem Agung, Pura Beji, Pura Prajapati. Just be sure to keep an eye on your belongings!
3. Go White-Water Rafting on the Ayung River: This was such a fun experience! Two hours of paddling down the river, navigating rapids, and enjoying the beautiful Ubud nature. The guides are fantastic and make the adventure even better!
4. Take a Balinese Cooking Class: A cooking class is ideal for getting to know the local culture better! You’ll learn how to prepare delicious Balinese dishes, discover the secrets of their spice blends (lots of garlic!), and enjoy a meal you’ve created yourself.
5. Explore the Grounds of Pura Tirta Empul: This water temple is known for its purification ritual, but don’t miss the chance to explore the temple grounds and experience the spiritual energy of this special place.
5 Best Day Trips from Ubud
Ubud is a great base for exploring other sights in central Bali. Here are five fantastic day trip options.
1. Mysterious Site of Goa Gajah: Also known as the elephant cave, Goa Gajah is an ancient Hindu (and maybe Buddhist) sanctuary wrapped in mystery. While snapping a photo in front of the demon’s mouth is a must, be sure to explore the surrounding gardens and venture deeper into the forest to discover the site’s true natural beauty.
2. Mount Batur Hike (At Sunrise): This is an adventure to the top of an active volcano (if you love early mornings). From the top, the sunrise view is one of the unforgettable Bali views.
3. Leke Leke Waterfall: This waterfall is one of the most secluded in Bali, but it’s also one of the most breathtaking (and less frequented by tourists due to the 30-minute trekking downstream). If you need to decide on a day trip from Ubud, let it be it; you won’t regret it.
4. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: This UNESCO-protected site, an integral part of the essential Subak irrigation system, will amaze you. Kilometers of infinite rice terraces stretch until the land meets the sea. Jatiluwih explodes with the most vibrant greens and reds imaginable, all without the usual Bali tourist crowds, making it a must-see if you are exploring Central Bali.
5. Pura Ulun Danu Temple: This water temple, a vital part of the Balinese Subak system, is one of the most beautiful sights in Bali. While it’s become a bit of a tourist trap, which sadly detracts from its spiritual significance, it’s still absolutely worth visiting.
So, there you have it—my guide to experiencing the incredible magic of Ubud! I’m so excited to be moving there soon, and I can’t wait to discover even more hidden corners and share them with you.
In the meantime, I hope this Ubud travel guide helps you plan your trip to Bali’s artistic soul. What are you most excited to discover in Ubud? Let me know in the comments!
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