Asia · Indonesia
Ubud
Artsy jungle town of Bali known for rice terraces, temples, galleries and holistic wellness retreats.
2–4 days
Indonesian rupiah 300000–800000
Best visited in Bali’s dry season when trails, temples and outdoor dining are most pleasant and terraces are easiest to explore.
DPS
Why visit Ubud?
Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart, set among emerald rice terraces and jungle. It attracts artists, yogis and food lovers with temples, craft markets, galleries and wellness spas, making a compact, walkable base for short hikes and ceremonies.
Ubud blends lush landscapes with deep-rooted Balinese culture and a vibrant creative scene. Travelers come for the terraced rice fields, Hindu temples, traditional dance performances and bustling art markets, plus yoga studios and spa retreats that made Ubud a wellness hub. The town is compact and walkable, surrounded by countryside ideal for short treks and cycling. Ubud suits those seeking a slower, culturally rich break—perfect for couples, solo travelers and small groups interested in food, crafts and nature experiences rather than beach parties.
Quick overview
35000
Indonesian rupiah
Indonesian
April,May,June,July,August,September
Medium
Is Ubud right for you?
Choose Ubud if you want
- You enjoy art, craft markets, and temple visits in a compact, culturally rich setting.
- You want a wellness-focused break with easy access to yoga, spas and countryside walks.
Consider another city if you want
- You prefer lively beach nightlife and large seaside resorts rather than a quiet cultural town.
- You dislike small tourist crowds and may find some central areas crowded during peak season.
City ratings
Top things to do in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A shaded sanctuary with temples and cheeky macaques; visit for close wildlife encounters, traditional carvings and a sense of Balinese spiritual atmosphere in the town center.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Iconic tiered rice paddies offering dramatic views, short walking trails and photo opportunities that show Bali’s traditional irrigation and village landscapes.
Ubud Palace & Ubud Art Market
Royal palace performances and an adjacent craft market showcase Balinese dance, local artisans and a lively spot to buy woodcarving, textiles and souvenirs.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
An easy, scenic ridge trail above Ubud with river views and lush hills; great for sunrise or late-afternoon walks away from the busiest streets.
Where to stay
Central Ubud
Clustered around the palace and markets, central Ubud suits first-time visitors who want walking access to shops, restaurants, galleries and nearby attractions.
Penestanan and Sayan
Quiet villages west of town offering boutique guesthouses and rice-field views, ideal for couples and wellness travelers seeking peaceful surroundings close to cafes and yoga studios.
What to eat in Ubud
Babi guling
Balinese spit-roast suckling pig seasoned with aromatic spice paste; a ceremonial dish served at warungs and a must-try for adventurous food lovers.
Bebek betutu
Slow-roasted duck marinated in rich spices and wrapped in banana leaf, resulting in deeply flavored, tender meat often served on special-occasion menus.
Lawar
A traditional Balinese salad mixing shredded meat or vegetables with grated coconut, spices and sometimes blood; vibrant, savory and typically paired with rice.
Getting there and around
Getting to Ubud
Most visitors fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, roughly 45–90 minutes’ drive to Ubud depending on traffic. Regular airport taxis, private transfers and shuttle services connect to Ubud; many travelers arrange pickup through hotels or use private drivers for fixed-price transfers.
Getting around Ubud
Central Ubud is compact and walkable for short outings. For wider exploration rent a scooter, hire a private driver for day trips, or use ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab for short hops. Roads can be narrow and busy; a car or driver is useful for visiting distant temples and natural sites.
A two-day itinerary
Day 1: Morning visit to Tegallalang rice terraces, then a stop at a local café for lunch; afternoon at Ubud Palace and Art Market, evening traditional dance performance and dinner in central Ubud.
Day 2: Early Campuhan Ridge Walk, breakfast, visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, then a spa or yoga class; finish with a village cycling or short guided trek in nearby countryside.
Best day trip
Mount Batur sunrise trek
A pre-dawn hike to Mount Batur rewards early risers with a volcanic sunrise and lake views; allow about 1–1.5 hours each way by car and a 2–3 hour guided trek.
Similar cities
Chiang Mai
Hoi An
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