Ubud
Southeast Asia · Indonesia
Did you know?
- Tegallalang’s rice terraces are among the nearby sights.
- Artists’ workshops and galleries fill the town and nearby villages.
- Dance and shadow puppet performances are held daily.
See also
Overview
Ubud is an arts-and-crafts town surrounded by temples and rice terraces. Browse workshops and museums, then leave time for dance performances or a cooking class.
Languages: Indonesian
Why Go?
Ubud is far removed from the nightlife bikini scene in Kuta, and is regarded as the cultural centre of Bali. It is famous as an arts and crafts hub, and much of the town and nearby villages seems to consist of artists' workshops and galleries. There are some remarkable architectural and other sights to be found, and a general feeling of well being to be enjoyed, all thanks to the spirit, surroundings, and climate of the place.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Most visitors arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, about 90 minutes south by car. Pre-booked taxis cost around Rp 300,000-400,000. Alternatively, shuttle buses from popular tourist areas like Kuta and Sanur are available for around Rp 100,000-150,000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get Around
Central Ubud can be covered on foot, but you will need some form of transport to explore the extended vicinity. Central Ubud is overrun with tourists and traffic is terrible—cars are frequently stuck, pedestrians have to dodge motorcycles, and everyone has to deal with the noise and smell. The nearby villages are much quieter. Sidewalks are often blocked by motorbikes or collapsed sections.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Climate
Due to its elevation at about 200 m, Ubud enjoys cooler temperatures than the coast. The midday sun can be scorching and humidity relentless. If there is a time to avoid, it would be the depths of the wet season in January and February—when it rains, it really rains.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Ubud has a vast selection of lodging for all budgets. Many visitors prefer to avoid the noisy town centre and stay in nearby rural areas, ideally with views of rice terraces. Budget options include homestays from Rp100,000 and hostels. Mid-range cottages and bungalows are plentiful, and luxury villas and resorts are also available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat and Drink
Ubud is renowned for its wide range of restaurants, second only to Seminyak. Budget travelers have many options from simple warungs serving standard Indonesian staples. Local specialties include babi guling (spit-roasted pig) at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka, and a variety of vegetarian and vegan cafes. Ubud is emphatically not party town; live music must end by 22:30. There are a few places for a quiet drink.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See and Do
Ubud is crammed with attractions: ancient temples like Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi, Pura Kehen, Tirta Empul, and Yeh Pulu; museums such as ARMA, Blanco Renaissance, Puri Lukisan, Neka, and Rudana; the Sacred Monkey Forest; and the rice terraces of Tegallalang. Daily dance and shadow puppet performances are held. Spas, yoga classes, and cooking classes are abundant. Outdoor activities include white-water rafting, cycling tours, and canyoning.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay Safe
Ubud is a safe town to visit, but be wary around monkeys at Monkey Forest—they steal possessions and may carry rabies. Dengue fever outbreaks are not uncommon, so use mosquito repellant. Traffic is chaotic, especially in the centre.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Ubud is well located for moving on: east to Candidasa via Klungkung (1 hr), north to Bedugul for the Ulun Danu Bratan temple and botanical garden (1 hr), Tabanan region for Mount Batukaru and Jati Luwih rice fields (1 hr), and Lovina's black-sand beach (2 hr).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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Adventure & Spirit
Canyoning is an outdoor adventure and sport using a variety of techniques that may include walking, abseiling, jumping, sliding down natural slopes and swimming in white water for aquatic canyons. And of course discover beautiful and hidden places at the heart of Balinese nature.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center
One of the several major yoga centers in Ubud, offering quite a unique classes which are usually called like "Fire / Ether / Earth Class" with different goals and practices in a beautiful setting. Has a restaurant with the same name nearby.
Recorded price: One time attendance costs 165'000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Anand Ashram@Ubud
Non-profit institution offering yoga, meditation, satsang, kirtan, bed and breakfast. Visiting teachers and students are welcome to use the space for their programs and stay on donation basis.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bali Adventure Tours
Established in 1989, one of the first whitewater rafting adventures in Bali. They offer packages that include their elephant safari park & lodge, cycling, rafting and an elephant safari. Free pickup from hotel. US$100,000 insurance is provided.
Recorded price: About US$60
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bali Bike Adventures
Includes return hotel transfer, mountain bike with safety helmet, breakfast, towel and mineral water, all entrance fees, professional guide, buffet lunch, insurance covered for each participant.
Recorded price: Rp350,000/person all inclusive
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bali Bintang Tour
Hotel transfer, light breakfast overlooking Mt. Batur, well maintained bikes, water en route, lunch, insurance covered.
Recorded price: Rp500,000/person all inclusive
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bali Budaya Eco Tours
Free pickup from hotel, breakfast with a view of Mount Batur, visit to coffee plantation, downhill cycling through rice paddies and villages, visit to a Balinese family compound, optional flat/uphill cycling and a generous buffet lunch. Two guides per group, bikes in good condition, helmets, water also included. Also do volcano climbs, jungle treks, etc.
Recorded price: US$40/person all inclusive
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bali Center for Artistic Creativity (BCAC)
Art studio nestled in beautiful grounds and galleries offering art classes from beginners to teachers, and internationally accredited courses run by Bruce Sherratt.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
WiFi is common in cafes and accommodations; buy a local SIM card at the airport or stores.
Culture
Dance performances nightly at Puri Saren. Temple dress code required.
Food
Try babi guling at Ibu Oka. Many vegan/vegetarian options.
Health
Dengue outbreaks possible; use mosquito repellent. Clinics available (Toya Medika, Ubud Clinic).
Local transport
Walking is best for central Ubud; rent a motorbike or bicycle for surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available.
Money
Budget accommodation under Rp250,000; warung meals from Rp25,000.
Safety
Beware of monkeys at Monkey Forest; they may carry rabies.
Transport
Central Ubud walkable; need transport for outskirts. Traffic is heavy.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.
Weather
Cooler than coast; wet season Jan-Feb with heavy rain.