🌿 Ubud · Gianyar Regency · Bali, Indonesia · Est. 2015
Ubud Center — Your Complete Guide to
Ubud, Bali
Everything you need to know before visiting Ubud — where to stay, how to get around, what to eat, what things cost, what to skip, and what not to miss. Written by locals who live here in Ubud.
Last Updated: June 2026
This article was reviewed and updated by the Ubud Center Local Travel Team using local knowledge, firsthand experience, and the latest available information to help travelers explore Ubud and Bali.
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🎭 This Evening in Ubud
Don’t miss your dance performance tonight
Every evening · 7:30 PM · IDR 100,000–150,000/person · Tickets at the door
Quick Navigation
- Ubud Transfer Prices
- Ubud Center Car & Scooter Rental Services
- Ubud Activities
- Ubud Volcano Experiences
- Destination Guides
- Ubud Fast Boat Transfer
- Rice Terraces
- Ubud Temples & Sacred Sites
- Ubud Waterfalls
- Ubud Dance Performances
- Dining in Ubud
- Where to Stay
- Evenings in Ubud
- Yoga & Wellness
- Spiritual Ubud
- Learn & Create
- Walking & Trekking
- Museums & Galleries
- Plan Your Trip
- Food & Markets
- Traveler Information
- Ubud Essentials
- Ubud Food Guide
- Top 10 Lists
- Before You Go
- FAQ
ABOUT UBUD CENTER
The most complete local guide to Ubud, Bali
Ubud Center is the ultimate Ubud town and tourist information center, providing everything travelers need to know about Ubud activities, transportation, car rental, scooter rental, must-visit places, and the best things to do in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Was founded in 2015 by a team of Balinese locals with one purpose: to create the most honest, accurate, and comprehensive source of information about Ubud, Bali.
Everything on this site — from entrance fees and temple opening hours to restaurant recommendations and ceremony schedules — is verified by our local team. We update our guides regularly and answer questions from travelers every day via WhatsApp at +62 859 4342 1992.
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Born & raised in Ubud
Our entire team was born and raised in the Ubud area. The knowledge we share comes from a lifetime here — not from travel blogs or Wikipedia.
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Verified & regularly updated
Entrance fees, opening hours, prices, and travel conditions change. We verify our information regularly and update guides when things change on the ground.
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Ask us anything
Planning your trip and have a question? Message us on WhatsApp. We answer questions about Ubud every day — no booking required, no sales pitch.
Ubud, Bali
What is Ubud? An introduction to Bali’s cultural heart
Ubud is a town and administrative district in Gianyar Regency, in the central highlands of Bali, Indonesia. It sits at an elevation of approximately 200–600 metres above sea level, about 25 kilometres north of Denpasar (Bali’s provincial capital) and 36 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The name “Ubud” derives from the Balinese word ubad, meaning medicine — a reference to the medicinal plants that once grew abundantly along the banks of the Wos River.
For centuries, Ubud was a royal seat. The Ubud royal family (Puri Saren Agung) still resides in the Palace at the center of town and continues to play an active role in Balinese Hindu ceremonies. The town’s international reputation as an arts and culture destination began in the 1930s when Western artists — including the German painter Walter Spies and Canadian musician Colin McPhee — settled here and introduced Ubud’s extraordinary traditional arts to a global audience.
Today, Ubud and the surrounding villages form one of the most culturally and naturally dense destinations on earth. Within a 20-kilometre radius you will find UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces, 10th-century rock-cut temples, sacred purification springs, dozens of working art villages, ancient Balinese dance traditions performed nightly, organic restaurants, world-class spas, and some of Asia’s most dramatic highland landscapes.
📍 Location & geography
- Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- 8.5069°S, 115.2625°E
- 25 km north of Denpasar
- 36 km from Ngurah Rai Airport
- Elevation: 200–600m above sea level
- Population: ~30,000 (Ubud District)
🌦️ Climate
- Tropical highland climate
- Year-round temperature: 20–30°C
- Dry season: April–October
- Rainy season: November–March
- Best months: May, June, September
- Cooler than coastal Bali year-round
🛕 Religion & culture
- Predominantly Balinese Hindu
- Hundreds of active temples
- Daily offerings (canang sari)
- Regular odalan (temple festivals)
- Nyepi (Day of Silence) annually
- Royal family still in residence
🎭 Known for
- Traditional dance & gamelan music
- Painting, carving & silver craft
- Rice terrace landscapes (UNESCO)
- Sacred temples & ceremonies
- Yoga, wellness & healing
- Organic food & café culture
Ubud Transfer Prices
Private car transfer prices from Ubud — 2026
The prices below are standard fixed rates for private car transfers between Ubud and other areas of Bali. All prices are per car (not per person) for up to 7 passengers in a standard vehicle. No meters, no surge pricing, no surprises. Prices are in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) with approximate USD equivalents at June 2026 rates.
✈ Denpasar Airport
Rp 400,000 · ~$25
🏖 Kuta / Seminyak
Rp 400,000 · ~$25
🏄 Canggu
Rp 400,000 · ~$25
⛵ Sanur
Rp 300,000 · ~$19
🏨 Nusa Dua / Jimbaran
Rp 500,000 · ~$31
🛕 Uluwatu / Munduk
Rp 650,000 · ~$40
⛴ Padang Bai / Sidemen
Rp 350,000 · ~$22
🌊 Lovina
Rp 750,000 · ~$47
For groups of 7–15 passengers, Toyota Hiace minibus is available at higher rates. Prices may vary slightly for late-night or early-morning departures. To confirm current rates or book, contact Ubud Center on WhatsApp at +62 859 4342 1992.
Ubud Center Car & Scooter Rental Services
Ubud car rental — self drive or with driver
The Ubud Center offers two ways to get around Bali — rent a car and drive yourself at your own pace, or hire one of our professional drivers and sit back while they handle everything. Both options are available from our Ubud base with delivery to your hotel or villa.
Self Drive Car Rental Ubud
Explore Bali entirely at your own pace. Choose from automatic or manual transmission. Car delivered to your hotel in Ubud. Fuel not included — paid separately at the petrol station.
- Toyota Avanza (7 seats, auto/manual) — Most popular family car in Bali
- Toyota Innova (6 seats, auto) — Comfortable, great for longer distances
- Suzuki APV (7 seats, manual) — Budget-friendly, spacious
- Honda Brio / Toyota Agya (4 seats, auto) — Compact, easy to park
- Toyota Hiace Minibus (12–15 seats) — Groups and families
⚠️ An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign nationals to drive in Bali. Indonesia follows left-hand traffic. Roads in rural Ubud can be narrow and steep.
Car with Driver (Recommended)
For most visitors, a car with a driver is significantly better value than self drive. You get local knowledge, no navigation stress, no parking headaches, and someone who knows every shortcut in Bali.
- ✓ Full day (8 hrs) from $32/car — fuel & parking included
- ✓ Half day (5 hrs) from $25/car
- ✓ No IDP or driving experience required
- ✓ English-speaking, locally born driver
- ✓ No deposit, free cancellation
- ✓ Hotel pickup anywhere in Ubud
Scooter Rental Ubud
The most flexible and affordable way to explore central Ubud and nearby villages independently. Well-maintained automatic scooters delivered to your accommodation.
- ✓ Automatic scooter (Honda Beat/Vario)
- ✓ Daily, weekly, and monthly rental
- ✓ Helmet included
- ✓ Delivered to your hotel
- ✓ From IDR 70,000–100,000/day
⚠️ A valid motorcycle license is recommended. Ubud traffic can be congested and some roads are steep or unpaved.
💬 Not sure whether to self drive or hire a driver? Message us on WhatsApp at +62 859 4342 1992 and we’ll help you choose the best option for your trip, group size, and itinerary.
Ubud Activities
Outdoor activities near Ubud — rafting, trekking, cycling & more
The rivers, volcanic mountains, rice fields, and forests surrounding Ubud provide a natural setting for a wide range of outdoor activities. Most are available within a 30–60 minute drive from central Ubud and can be combined with sightseeing on the same day. For a full overview, see our complete things to do in Ubud guide →
White Water Rafting — Ayung River
The Ayung River is Bali’s longest river and runs through a dramatic gorge of carved stone walls, jungle vegetation, and small waterfalls south of Ubud. The standard 2-hour rafting route covers 9 km of Grade II–III rapids — suitable for ages 6 and above with no experience required. Lunch, safety equipment, and return transport are included. Cost: IDR 350,000/person. Rafting guide →
ATV Quad Bike
Off-road quad bike riding through rice paddies, tropical forest tracks, and Balinese villages north of Ubud. The standard route covers approximately 10 km over 1.5 hours. No experience required. All ages welcome. Cost: IDR 550,000/person, including hotel transfer and equipment. Can be combined with Ayung River rafting in one day (IDR 850,000 combo). ATV guide →
Downhill Cycling
A gentle downhill cycle from the Kintamani highlands through traditional Balinese villages, coffee plantations, rice terraces, and tropical forest to Ubud. Approximately 25 km, mostly downhill with minimal effort required. The scenery is consistently beautiful and it is one of the more relaxed ways to see the Ubud countryside. Suitable for all fitness levels. Includes breakfast and hotel transfer. Cycling tour guide →
Ubud Volcano Experiences
Mount Batur sunrise trekking & jeep tour — from Ubud
Mount Batur (Gunung Batur) is an active stratovolcano in Kintamani, Bangli Regency, located approximately 40 km north of Ubud at an altitude of 1,717 metres above sea level. It is one of Bali’s two UNESCO Global Geoparks and the most popular trekking destination on the island.
Jeep Sunrise Tour — Mount Batur
For those who prefer not to trek — experience the Mount Batur sunrise from a private 4WD jeep viewpoint above the caldera. A driver takes you to an exclusive elevated spot for the sunrise with panoramic views, then returns you to Ubud by 9:00 AM.
- ✓ Private 4WD jeep included
- ✓ Breakfast at viewpoint included
- ✓ Hotel pickup from Ubud at 3:00 AM
- ✓ Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
IDR 400,000/person · Book now →
Sunrise Trek — Mount Batur
Depart Ubud at 1:30–2:00 AM. Arrive at base camp by 3:30 AM. 2-hour guided hike to summit (1,717m). Watch sunrise over the caldera with views of Lake Batur, Mount Agung, and on clear days, Lombok. Descend by 9:00 AM and return to Ubud by midday.
- ✓ Certified local guide included
- ✓ Breakfast at summit (eggs cooked in volcanic steam)
- ✓ Hotel pickup from Ubud included
- ✓ Difficulty: moderate (steep trail, no technical climbing)
IDR 450,000/person · Book now →
Batur Hot Springs
Natural volcanic hot springs on the shore of Lake Batur, heated by geothermal activity from Mount Batur. Often combined with the sunrise trek or Kintamani day tour for a full highland experience.
- ✓ Multiple pools at different temperatures
- ✓ Lakeside setting with volcano views
- ✓ Entry IDR 150,000–250,000/person
- ✓ Easily combined with Kintamani–Besakih tour
Destination Guides
Complete destination guides — 60+ places across Bali
Ubud Center maintains detailed individual guides for over 60 destinations — covering entrance fees, opening hours, GPS coordinates, what to expect, best time to visit, and honest local assessments. Click any destination below to read the full guide.
🙏 Temples
- Tirta Empul Temple — sacred springs, 962 AD
- Goa Gajah — Elephant Cave, 9th century
- Gunung Kawi — rock-cut shrines, 11th century
- Saraswati Temple — lotus pond, central Ubud
- Batuan Temple — 11th century paintings
- Samuan Tiga Temple
- Yeh Pulu Temple — 14th century carvings
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Uluwatu Temple
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
- Taman Ayun Temple
💧 Waterfalls
- Tegenungan Waterfall — 15 min from Ubud
- Tukad Cepung — sunlight through cave
- Kanto Lampo — volcanic rock curtain
- Tibumana Waterfall
- Suwat Waterfall
- Taman Sari Waterfall
- Uma Anyar Waterfall
- Ulu Petanu Waterfall
- Banyumala Waterfall
- Gitgit Waterfall
- Griya Beji Waterfall
🌾 Nature & landscapes
Ubud Fast Boat Transfer
Fast boat from Ubud — Nusa Penida, Gili Islands & Lombok
Ubud Center offers door-to-door fast boat transfer packages with hotel pickup from Ubud — no need to arrange your own transport to the harbour. We coordinate the car transfer, boat ticket, and drop-off at your destination in one seamless booking.
🐠 Nusa Penida
Bali’s most dramatic island — home to Kelingking Beach (T-Rex cliff), Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay, and the famous Manta Point dive site. 45-minute fast boat from Sanur.
- Ubud → Sanur transfer included
- Fast boat: Sanur → Nusa Penida (~45 min)
- Day trips and overnight packages available
🏝️ Gili Islands
Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — three small islands off northwest Lombok known for white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, snorkelling, and a car-free environment.
- Ubud → Padang Bai harbour transfer
- Fast boat: Padang Bai → Gili (~1.5–2 hrs)
- Daily departures available
🌊 Nusa Lembongan
Relaxed island 30 minutes from Sanur by fast boat. Known for surf breaks (Shipwrecks, Playgrounds), snorkelling, mangrove tours, and the iconic Dream Beach cliff swing.
- Ubud → Sanur transfer included
- Fast boat: Sanur → Lembongan (~30 min)
- Day trips and multi-day packages
🏔️ Lombok
Indonesia’s next great island — Rinjani volcano, Senggigi Beach, the Gili Islands, and a quieter, less commercial version of Bali. 2–3 hour fast boat from Padang Bai.
- Ubud → Padang Bai transfer included
- Fast boat: Padang Bai → Lombok (~2–3 hrs)
- Multiple daily departure times
Ubud City Center
Ubud town center — map, streets & landmarks
Ubud’s town center — referred to variously as Ubud center, Ubud city center, central Ubud, Ubud town centre, or downtown Ubud — is a compact, walkable area of approximately 2 square kilometres. The core is defined by the intersection of Jalan Raya Ubud (the main east-west road) and Jalan Monkey Forest at Ubud Palace.
The central area is walkable. From Ubud Palace to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary along Jalan Monkey Forest is 1.5 kilometres — about 20 minutes on foot. Most restaurants, shops, temples, and attractions in central Ubud are within a 30-minute walk of each other.
🛣️ Main streets of central Ubud
- Jl. Raya Ubud — The main road. Galleries, Ubud Palace, Art Market, restaurants.
- Jl. Monkey Forest — Ubud’s busiest street. Shops, spas, warungs, bars, leading to the Monkey Forest.
- Jl. Hanoman — Parallel to Monkey Forest Road. Best for boutique clothing, organic cafés, yoga studios.
- Jl. Bisma — Quieter, residential feel. Deep jungle ravine views. 5 minutes walk to town center.
- Jl. Raya Campuhan — Northwest of center. Start of the famous Campuhan Ridge Walk and Neka Museum.
🏛️ Key landmarks in Ubud center
- Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) — Royal palace, Jl. Raya Ubud. Evening dance performances nightly from 7:30 PM.
- Ubud Art Market — Opposite the Palace. Open daily from 8 AM. Traditional crafts, textiles, souvenirs.
- Pura Taman Saraswati — Lotus pond temple at the heart of Ubud. Free to visit during daytime.
- Ubud Monkey Forest — 1,200+ long-tailed macaques. IDR 80,000 entrance. South end of Jl. Monkey Forest.
- Museum Puri Lukisan — The original Ubud art museum, established 1956. Traditional and classical Balinese painting.
Central Ubud · Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia · 8.5069°S, 115.2625°E · 25 km north of Denpasar
Rice Terraces
Ubud’s rice terraces — Tegalalang and the Subak system
Bali’s rice terraces are not simply agricultural land — they are the physical expression of the Subak system, a traditional water management cooperative that has governed Balinese agriculture for over 1,000 years. In 2012, the Subak system was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, specifically recognising the landscape around Ubud’s Tegalalang and Jatiluwih as outstanding examples of cultural landscape that integrates human farming with religious philosophy.
The Subak system is based on the concept of Tri Hita Karana — the three causes of well-being: harmony with God, with other people, and with the environment. Each rice-farming cooperative is linked to a water temple (pura subak), where water distribution is ritually managed through ceremonies. This means that every terrace you see is not just a field — it is part of a living, spiritually governed ecosystem.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Located 9 km north of Ubud center along the road to Kintamani, Tegalalang is the most visited rice terrace in Bali and one of the most photographed landscapes in all of Indonesia. The terraces descend steeply into a river valley in a series of curved, layered steps — the visual effect is most dramatic in the early morning light. Best visited between 7:00 and 9:30 AM before tour buses arrive. Entrance fee: IDR 50,000. The area has multiple swing platforms and restaurants overlooking the terraces at various price points. A Bali Swing (from IDR 200,000) is one of the most popular activities here.
🌾 Jatiluwih Rice Terrace (UNESCO)
Located in Tabanan Regency, 50 km west of Ubud. A UNESCO World Heritage core zone — 600 hectares of traditional rice terraces stretching across mountain slopes at 700 metres. Far less crowded than Tegalalang. Entrance fee: IDR 50,000. Best experienced on a West Bali day tour combined with Tanah Lot or Beratan Temple. Read more →
🕐 Best time to visit Tegalalang
- 7:00–9:00 AM — best light, fewest people
- 10:00 AM–2:00 PM — peak crowds, harsh midday sun
- 3:00–5:00 PM — warm afternoon light, moderate crowds
- Dry season (April–October) for green terraces
- Rainy season (Nov–March) for emerald-green colour
Ubud Temples & Sacred Sites
Temples in and around Ubud — a guide to Bali’s sacred sites
Ubud and the surrounding Gianyar Regency contain a higher concentration of Balinese Hindu temples than almost anywhere else on the island. Every village has at least three temples: the pura puseh (temple of origin), the pura desa (village temple), and the pura dalem (temple of the dead). Many of Bali’s most historically significant and architecturally remarkable temples are within a 30-minute drive of Ubud’s center.
Tirta Empul Temple
Located in Tampaksiring, 20 km northeast of Ubud. One of Bali’s most sacred Hindu temples, built around a natural holy spring (tirtha). The spring water feeds 30 ritual bathing fountains where Balinese Hindus perform melukat (purification ceremonies). Dating from 962 AD, the temple is dedicated to Vishnu as the god of water. Entrance fee: IDR 50,000. Sarong required.
Goa Gajah — Elephant Cave
Dating from the 9th century, Goa Gajah is one of Bali’s most significant archaeological and religious sites. The entrance is a carved stone portal depicting a demonic face with enormous eyes — visitors enter through its open mouth into a cave containing a Shiva lingam. Ancient bathing pools flank the entrance, fed by water spouts carved as female figures. Located 4 km from central Ubud. Entrance fee: IDR 50,000.
Gunung Kawi Temple
A royal mortuary temple complex carved directly into solid volcanic rock in the 11th century. Located in Tampaksiring, 18 km northeast of Ubud. Ten 7-metre-high shrines (candi) are cut into the cliff faces of the Pakerisan River valley. Reached by descending 315 steps through terraced rice fields. One of the most atmospheric archaeological sites in Bali. Entrance fee: IDR 50,000.
Other significant temples near Ubud include Batuan Temple (11th century, Batuan village), Pura Taman Saraswati (lotus pond, central Ubud), Pura Samuan Tiga (Bedulu, 10th century), and Yeh Pulu (14th century rock carvings). For temples further afield, the Kintamani area has Pura Ulun Danu Batur and Pura Besakih — Bali’s Mother Temple — is on the slopes of Mount Agung, 50 km from Ubud. A private driver is the most practical way to visit these sites. See available day tours →
Ubud Waterfalls
Waterfalls near Ubud — the complete guide
The river valleys and jungle highlands around Ubud hide some of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls. Unlike the well-known waterfalls of North Bali (Gitgit, Sekumpul, Aling-Aling), Ubud’s waterfalls are generally smaller, more accessible, and easier to combine into a single day trip. Most are reachable within 15–40 minutes from central Ubud. The best time to visit is during or just after the rainy season (November–April), when water flow is at its strongest.
Tegenungan Waterfall
The most popular and accessible waterfall near Ubud, located in Kemenuh Village, Gianyar, about 15 km south of central Ubud. The waterfall drops approximately 15 metres into a natural pool and is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Unlike most Ubud area waterfalls, it flows year-round. Entrance: IDR 30,000. Best visited before 9 AM to avoid tour groups.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
One of the most photographically unique waterfalls in Bali. The waterfall drops from a cave opening into a narrow river gorge, with sunlight streaming through the rock opening in dramatic diagonal shafts — particularly striking between 9 and 11 AM. Located in Bangli Regency, about 25 km east of Ubud. Requires a 10-minute walk through the riverbed. Entrance: IDR 30,000.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Known for its distinctive curtain-like appearance as water flows over a series of layered volcanic rock formations. The hexagonal basalt columns are formed from ancient lava flows — geologically unusual and visually striking. Located in Gianyar, about 20 km from Ubud. Best visited in the morning. Entrance: IDR 20,000. Slippery rocks — bring footwear you can get wet.
Other waterfalls worth visiting include Tibumana Waterfall (lush rainforest setting, IDR 20,000), Suwat Waterfall (hidden, jungle approach, IDR 40,000), Taman Sari (natural pool, IDR 25,000), and Uma Anyar. A waterfall day tour visiting 4–6 sites can be arranged with a private driver — typically IDR 600,000–750,000 per car for the full day.
Ubud Dance Performances
Balinese dance, music & traditional arts in Ubud
Ubud is the acknowledged centre of Balinese performing arts. Traditional dance and gamelan music in Bali are inseparable from religious life — most performances originate as offerings to the gods and are still performed in temple courtyards as part of ceremonies. The forms available to visitors in Ubud represent some of the oldest continuous performing art traditions on earth.
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Traditional Dance Performances
Ubud is the best place in Bali to watch traditional Balinese dance. Performances take place every evening in temple courtyards and cultural venues throughout the town. Most tickets cost IDR 100,000–150,000 per person.
- Kecak Fire Dance — Performed at Uluwatu Temple at sunset (most dramatic) and at Ubud Palace and Pura Dalem
- Legong Dance — Classical Balinese court dance performed nightly at Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung)
- Barong Dance — Morning performance in Batubulan Village (~30 min from Ubud) depicting good vs evil
- Topeng Mask Dance — Storytelling through elaborate carved masks at various Ubud venues
- Kebyar Dance — Virtuosic seated dance performed to a full gamelan orchestra
Performances run nightly from approximately 7:00 PM at Ubud Palace, Pura Dalem, Pura Taman Saraswati, and Padang Tegal. Ask your driver or hotel for the current schedule.
🔥 Kecak Fire Dance
The most dramatic of all Balinese performing arts. A chorus of 70–150 bare-chested men chanting “cak-cak-cak” in interlocking rhythmic patterns forms both the accompaniment and the dramaturgy of the Ramayana story. No instruments — the human voice is the orchestra. The most celebrated performance is at Uluwatu Temple at sunset (IDR 150,000), but Kecak is also performed at Ubud Palace and Pura Dalem nightly (IDR 100,000). Created in the 1930s by Walter Spies and the dancer I Wayan Limbak.
👑 Legong Dance
The most refined and technically demanding of all Balinese classical dances, traditionally performed by prepubescent girls. The intricate eye movements, finger positions, and micro-expressions of the hands communicate a complete narrative language. Legong developed in the royal courts of Bali in the 19th century and remains the benchmark of Balinese classical dance training. Performed nightly at Ubud Palace (7:30 PM, IDR 100,000) — one of the most authentic performance settings in Bali.
🐉 Barong Dance
A sacred ritual drama representing the eternal battle between Barong — the protective lion spirit and embodiment of good — and Rangda, the witch-widow who represents chaos and destruction. Unlike Kecak and Legong, the Barong dance is not primarily performed for visitors but is a genuine ceremony performed for the village’s spiritual protection. The most accessible tourist performance is at Batubulan village (IDR 100,000), performed each morning. See also: Barong Dance guide →
Dining in Ubud
Best restaurants in Ubud, Bali — 2026
Ubud has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting dining destinations. From Michelin-worthy fine dining overlooking jungle valleys to traditional Balinese warungs at the market — here are the top restaurants in Ubud for 2026.
🍽️ FINE DINING
- Apéritif Restaurant — 1920s-inspired manor, degustation menu, valley views. Ubud’s finest.
- Mozaic Restaurant — French-influenced, award-winning, intimate garden setting on Jl. Raya Sanggingan.
- Locavore — Celebrated modern Indonesian. Locally sourced, seasonal, frequently ranked best in Bali.
- Sawah Terrace at Mandapa — Sacred river views, Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Indonesian cuisine reimagined.
🌿 HEALTHY & PLANT-BASED
- Alchemy Bali — Raw vegan, smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices. Ubud’s best health café.
- Moksa Ubud — Farm-to-table plant-based cuisine set in a beautiful garden.
- Tembaga at Bambu Indah — Eco-conscious dining, bamboo architecture, live-fire Indonesian and international dishes.
- Kafe Bali — Long-running healthy café on Jl. Hanoman. Great smoothies and salads.
🪔 LOCAL & BALINESE
- Casa Luna — Ubud institution for 25+ years. Balinese-style paella, lime tart, Jazz Club Fri & Sun.
- Murni’s Warung — Classic Ubud warung overlooking the Campuhan River. Open since 1974.
- Bebek Tebasari — Duck specialists. Crispy smoked Balinese duck (bebek betutu) done perfectly.
- Hujan Locale — Modern Indonesian cuisine with creative presentations. Highly rated on TripAdvisor.
🌅 VIEW RESTAURANTS
- Copper Ubud — Best rooftop in Ubud. Gulai udang, farm-to-table menu, stunning valley panorama.
- Shrida Ubud — Open-air design, jungle greenery views, modern international menu on Jl. Bisma.
- Il Giardino — Italian classics in a beautiful garden. Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, great wine.
- Lynked Restaurant — Island-by-island Indonesian journey. Bold regional flavours, signature cocktails.
💡 Most fine dining restaurants in Ubud require advance reservation, especially on weekends and during July–August peak season. Dress code at Apéritif and Mozaic is smart casual.
Where to Stay
Best resorts & hotels in Ubud, Bali — 2026
Ubud’s most celebrated resorts are perched above river valleys, set within rice fields, or hidden inside bamboo forests — each offering a completely different relationship with the Balinese landscape. These are the best places to stay in Ubud in 2026.
👑 ULTRA LUXURY
- Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Riverside villas above the Ayung River. Among the best resorts in Indonesia.
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan — Iconic oval roof above the Ayung River valley. Legendary service.
- Capella Ubud — Luxury glamping tents by architect Bill Bensley. 22 tents with private plunge pools in the forest.
- Amandari — Balinese village-inspired resort above the Ayung. The original Ubud luxury experience.
⭐ 5-STAR LUXURY
- Padma Resort Ubud — 149 rooms on a mountainside in Payangan. Breathtaking river valley views.
- The Viceroy Bali — Hilltop infinity pool, Valle dei Re, family-run luxury with extraordinary views.
- COMO Uma Ubud — Holistic wellness resort in central Ubud. COMO Shambhala spa, yoga, meditation.
- Tanah Gajah by Hadiprana — Rice paddy villas designed by renowned architect Hendra Hadiprana.
🏡 BOUTIQUE & DESIGN
- Bisma Eight — Boutique industrial-chic, rooftop pool, jungle ravine views, walkable to Ubud center.
- Komaneka at Bisma — Gallery-hotel hybrid. Contemporary art, rice terrace views, personalized service.
- Bambu Indah — Eco-luxury with antique Javanese joglo houses and natural swimming pools.
- The Kayon Resort — Adults-only, 16 rooms, intimate jungle setting in Bresela village. Romantic escape.
🌾 RICE FIELD & WELLNESS
- Desa Visesa Ubud — Village-resort concept among rice fields, deeply Balinese atmosphere.
- Alila Ubud — Perched above the Ayung River. Instagram-worthy infinity pool and exceptional spa.
- Hanging Gardens of Bali — World-famous infinity pool above the Ayung. Dramatic and secluded.
- Kaamala Resort Ubud — Couples and families, jungle setting, great wellness programming.
💡 Many Ubud resorts are located outside the town center — a private driver is the most convenient way to get between your hotel and Ubud’s attractions. Ubud Center offers hotel pickup from all locations. Book your driver →
Evenings in Ubud
Bars & nightlife in Ubud
Ubud’s evenings are defined by a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene, featuring live music venues, craft cocktail bars, and a diverse international creative community.
🍹 LIVE MUSIC BARS
- No Más Bar — Latin nights, live bands nightly, above Folk Pool on Jl. Monkey Forest. Open until 3 AM.
- Laughing Buddha Bar — High-energy live music, cold Bintangs, always packed. Jl. Monkey Forest.
- CP Lounge — Long-standing Ubud favourite. Pool tables, live music, outdoor seating. Daily 1 PM–3 AM.
- Casa Luna Jazz Club — Live jazz every Friday and Sunday evening. Intimate and atmospheric.
🍸 COCKTAIL & ROOFTOP BARS
- The Blue Door — Pub upfront, speakeasy nightclub behind. DJs until 3–4 AM. Jl. Monkey Forest.
- Night Rooster — Craft cocktails with local Balinese ingredients. One of Ubud’s best cocktail bars.
- L.O.L Bar — Live band at entrance, bass-heavy club section. Daily 1 PM–3 AM, Jl. Monkey Forest.
- Boliche Bar at Cantina Rooftop — Sunset views over Ubud Palace, DJ sets, dance floor after dark.
💡 Ubud nightlife is centred on Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanoman. Most bars are within walking distance of each other. For late-night returns to outlying hotels and villas, message Ubud Center on WhatsApp +62 859 4342 1992 for a reliable driver.
Yoga & Wellness
Yoga, wellness & retreats in Ubud, Bali
Ubud is one of the world’s most celebrated destinations for yoga and wellness tourism. The combination of a deeply spiritual culture, cool highland air, organic food scene, and hundreds of experienced teachers makes it a natural setting for retreat and recovery.
🧘 Top Yoga Studios in Ubud
- Alchemy Yoga Center — Jl. Penestanan. Daily classes in Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative. Attached to the famous Alchemy café.
- Ubud Yoga Center — Jl. Raya Singakerta No.108. All levels, multiple styles, drop-in classes available daily.
- Yoga Barn — One of Ubud’s most established yoga centres. 10+ classes daily, sound healing, workshops, and retreat packages.
- Ubud Bodyworks Centre — Jl. Hanoman No.25. Yoga, massage therapy, and healing treatments in central Ubud.
- Radiantly Alive — Dynamic Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin classes. Popular with intermediate and advanced practitioners.
🌿 Wellness Experiences
- Traditional Balinese Massage — Available throughout Ubud from IDR 100,000–200,000/hour. In-villa massage available via Ubud Center from IDR 200,000/hr.
- Sound Healing — Tibetan bowls and gamelan-based healing sessions available at Yoga Barn and various retreat centres.
- Jamu Herbal Treatments — Traditional Indonesian herbal medicine. Many spas offer jamu body scrubs, herbal baths, and flower baths.
- Meditation Retreats — 1-day to 7-day silent meditation retreats available at Shanti Toya Ashram, Om Ham Retreat, and others.
- Ubud Center Private Yoga — Book a private yoga session → with an experienced Ubud-based teacher, tailored to your level.
🏡 Wellness Retreats
- COMO Shambhala Estate — World-renowned wellness retreat. Ayurvedic treatments, nutrition programmes, yoga, and meditation above the Ayung River.
- Om Ham Retreat & Resort — Kundalini Tantra Yoga with Balinese Master Guru Ketut Asana. Rice field views, temple ceremonies included.
- Fivelements Retreat — Eco-luxury wellness on the Ayung River. Sakti healing, plant-based cuisine, sacred ceremonies.
- Goddess Retreats Bali — Women-focused retreat packages including daily yoga, spa, water ceremonies, and cooking class.
Spiritual Ubud
Spiritual experiences in Ubud — ceremonies, healers & purification
Ubud is the spiritual heart of Bali — a place where Balinese Hinduism is actively lived, not merely performed for tourists. Daily offerings, temple ceremonies, traditional healers (balian), and sacred water rituals are all authentic parts of daily life here and accessible to respectful visitors.
💧 Melukat — Water Purification Ceremony
Melukat is a sacred Balinese Hindu water purification ritual performed at holy spring temples to cleanse negative energy, restore balance, and invite blessings. It is one of the most meaningful spiritual experiences available to visitors in Bali.
- Tirta Empul Temple, Tampaksiring — The most famous melukat site. 30 water spouts, each representing a Hindu deity. IDR 50,000 entrance. Sarong required.
- Pura Mengening, Tampaksiring — A quieter, more intimate purification temple near Tirta Empul. Fewer tourists, more atmospheric.
- Sebatu Temple (Gunung Kawi Sebatu) — Natural spring setting, serene forest surroundings, and an ancient temple complex.
A sarong and sash (selendang) are required at all temples. These can be rented or borrowed at the entrance for a small fee. Menstruating women are asked not to enter. Book a guided melukat ceremony →
🙏 Traditional Healers (Balian)
A balian is a traditional Balinese healer — part spiritual advisor, part herbal medicine practitioner, and part ceremonial priest. Ubud and the surrounding villages are home to many of Bali’s most revered balian. Visiting one became internationally known after Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Eat, Pray, Love”.
- Sessions typically involve a consultation, blessing ceremony, traditional massage, and herbal medicine
- Always visit with a local guide or hotel recommendation — reputable balian do not advertise online
- Dress respectfully (covered shoulders and knees), bring a small offering (canang sari)
- Sessions usually cost IDR 300,000–600,000 depending on treatment
🕯️ Balinese Ceremonies & Temple Etiquette
- Odalan (Temple Anniversaries) — Celebrated every 210 days at each temple. If you encounter one, observe quietly from a respectful distance.
- Galungan & Kuningan — Bali’s most important Hindu festival, celebrating the victory of dharma over adharma. Celebrated twice yearly.
- Canang Sari (Daily Offerings) — Small palm-leaf offerings placed daily at temples, shrines, and doorways. Do not step on them.
- Temple Dress Code — Sarong and sash required at all temples. Always available to borrow at entrance gates.
- Nyepi (Bali’s Day of Silence) — The entire island shuts down for 24 hours. No lights, no travel, no noise. Typically in March.
Learn & Create
Cooking classes & craft workshops in Ubud
Ubud is the best place in Bali to learn traditional Balinese crafts and cuisine directly from local artisans and cooks. Most classes are small-group, hands-on, and held in authentic settings.
🍳 Balinese Cooking Classes
A Balinese cooking class typically begins with a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking session where participants prepare 5–8 traditional dishes. Classes run approximately 4–6 hours and include lunch.
- Casa Luna Cooking School — One of Ubud’s longest-running cooking schools. Morning market tour, traditional recipes, garden setting.
- Paon Bali Cooking Class — Highly rated, small groups, traditional family home setting, market visit included.
- Ubud Center Cooking Class — Book a private or group class with hotel pickup. Enquire here →
Typical dishes taught: Nasi goreng, sate lilit, lawar, jukut urap, bebek betutu, and jaje Bali (traditional sweets). Price range: IDR 350,000–600,000 per person.
🥈 Silver Jewellery Making Class
Celuk Village, just 8 km south of Ubud, is Bali’s traditional gold and silver jewellery centre. Classes are held by master craftsmen and teach traditional Balinese techniques including wire twisting, granulation, and stone setting.
- Duration: 2–3 hours. You keep what you make.
- Cost: IDR 250,000–500,000 depending on materials
- Location: Celuk Village, Gianyar (included in Art Village Tour)
- Book via Ubud Art Village Tour →
🎨 Batik & Woodcarving Classes
- Batik Making — Learn the wax-resist dyeing technique at Tohpati Village, Gianyar. Half-day class, IDR 200,000–350,000. You keep your batik cloth.
- Balinese Woodcarving — Mas Village is Bali’s woodcarving centre. Workshops with master carvers. Duration 2–4 hrs.
- Balinese Painting Class — Learn traditional Batuan-style painting. Studios in Ubud town offer short workshops for all levels.
- Offering Making (Canang Sari) — Learn to fold and arrange daily Hindu offerings with a local host. 1–2 hours, culturally immersive.
Walking & Trekking
Walking, trekking & outdoor trails in Ubud
Ubud’s central area is surprisingly walkable, and the surrounding countryside offers some of Bali’s most rewarding walks through rice fields, river valleys, and traditional villages.
🌾 Campuhan Ridge Walk
Ubud’s most famous walk. A paved path along a narrow ridge between two river valleys — Wos Barat and Wos Timur — with sweeping views of green jungle and rice fields. Starts near Pura Gunung Lebah temple on Jl. Raya Campuhan. Best walked early morning (6–8 AM) to avoid heat and crowds. Free entry. Approximately 3 km round trip, easy grade.
🌿 Ubud Village Walks
Ubud’s central streets — Jl. Monkey Forest, Jl. Hanoman, Jl. Raya Ubud — are walkable and contain most of the town’s temples, galleries, cafés, and markets. The Monkey Forest Road to Ubud Palace walk (approx 1.5 km) passes Pura Taman Saraswati, the Art Market, and the Royal Palace. Allow 2–3 hours to explore at a leisurely pace with café stops.
🔥 Firefly Tour — Taro Village
One of Ubud’s most magical experiences — an evening walk through the rice fields of Taro Village, 15 km north of Ubud, to witness thousands of fireflies lighting up the darkness. One of the few remaining firefly habitats in Bali. Tours depart at dusk, approximately 6:30–7:00 PM. Best during dry season (May–October). A guide is essential. Book via your hotel or through Ubud Center on WhatsApp at +62 859 4342 1992.
Museums & Galleries
Museums & art galleries in Ubud
Ubud has more museums and art galleries per square kilometre than any other town in Indonesia. The following are the most significant and most visited.
🖼️ Major Museums
- Neka Art Museum — Jl. Raya Sanggingan. The finest collection of Balinese and Indonesian painting. 6 pavilions covering 5 centuries of art. Open daily. IDR 75,000.
- Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) — Jl. Raya Pengosekan. Major museum and cultural centre. Traditional and contemporary Balinese art, regular dance performances and workshops.
- Museum Puri Lukisan — Jl. Raya Ubud, central location. The original Ubud art museum, established 1956. Classic Pita Maha movement paintings.
- Blanco Renaissance Museum — Home and gallery of Spanish artist Antonio Blanco. Flamboyant style, beautiful gardens above the Campuhan River.
🎭 Cultural Venues
- Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) — The royal palace of Ubud’s royal family, still in residence. Traditional Balinese architecture. Evening dance performances held in the inner courtyard.
- Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets — Extraordinary private collection of over 1,400 traditional masks and shadow puppets from across Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
- Threads of Life Gallery — Jl. Kajeng. Ethical textile gallery specialising in traditional Indonesian ikat, batik, and songket. Educational exhibitions on Indonesian weaving traditions.
- Seniwati Gallery — The only gallery in Bali exclusively exhibiting work by Balinese women artists. Important cultural and feminist institution.
🛍️ Shopping in Ubud
- Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) — Open daily from 8 AM. Textiles, wood carvings, silver jewellery, paintings, and souvenirs. Bargaining expected. Opposite Ubud Palace.
- Sukawati Art Market — 8 km south of Ubud. Largest traditional art market in Bali. Best prices for wholesale batik, paintings, and craft items.
- Jl. Hanoman — Ubud’s best street for boutique clothing, ethical fashion, organic skincare, and independent homeware stores.
- Kemenuh & Mas Villages — Roadside studios selling directly from woodcarving artisans. Prices lower than Ubud town centre.
Plan Your Trip
Practical guide to visiting Ubud, Bali
Everything you need to know before your trip to Ubud — transport, budget, timing, and itinerary planning.
✈️ Getting to Ubud
- From the airport: Private car transfer is the most convenient option. Journey takes 1–1.5 hours. Ubud Center transfers from IDR 450,000. Book transfer →
- From Kuta/Seminyak: Private car approx IDR 400,000 (1 hour). No reliable public bus service.
- From Canggu: Private car approx IDR 400,000 (1–1.5 hours).
- From Sanur: Private car approx IDR 300,000 (45 minutes).
- From Nusa Penida/Lembongan: Fast boat to Sanur, then private car to Ubud. Book fast boat + transfer →
💰 Budget Guide — Daily Costs in Ubud
- Budget traveler: IDR 400,000–600,000/day (~$25–38). Guesthouse, warung meals, walking, 1 temple entry.
- Mid-range: IDR 800,000–1,500,000/day (~$50–95). Boutique hotel, restaurants, private driver, 2–3 attractions.
- Luxury: IDR 3,000,000+/day ($190+). 5-star resort, fine dining, spa, private driver, all entrance fees.
- Private driver: $32/car/day (1–7 people) — usually the most cost-effective way to see multiple sites.
- Meals: Warung IDR 25,000–50,000. Mid restaurant IDR 80,000–200,000. Fine dining IDR 300,000–500,000+.
📅 Suggested Ubud Itineraries
- 1 day in Ubud: Campuhan Ridge Walk (morning) → Ubud Market → Ubud Palace → Saraswati Temple → Kecak Dance (evening)
- 2 days in Ubud: Day 1: Central Ubud walk + Monkey Forest + Tirta Empul. Day 2: Private driver — Tegalalang + waterfall + coffee plantation
- 3 days in Ubud: Add Kintamani volcano + Besakih Temple on day 3
- 4–5 days: Add Lempuyang (East Bali) + yoga + cooking class + Campuhan evening walk + Neka Museum
- 1 week: Cover all of the above + West Bali tour (Tanah Lot + Beratan) + day trip to Nusa Penida
💡 All itineraries above can be arranged by Ubud Center. Message us on WhatsApp at +62 859 4342 1992 and we will help you plan the perfect schedule based on your dates, group size, and interests.
Food & Markets
Markets, local food & what to eat in Ubud
Ubud’s food scene is one of the most diverse and vibrant in Southeast Asia. From pre-dawn traditional markets and roadside warungs to world-class fine dining and organic farm-to-table restaurants — eating in Ubud is a genuine experience.
🛒 Ubud Markets
- Ubud Traditional Market (Pasar Ubud) — Opens 4 AM. Produce market until 9 AM, then souvenir and craft market. On Jl. Raya Ubud opposite the Royal Palace.
- Gianyar Night Market — 25 min from Ubud. One of Bali’s best night food markets. Babi guling (suckling pig), satay, nasi campur, and fresh seafood. Opens from 6 PM.
- Sukawati Art Market — Best prices for crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Opens 8 AM daily.
- Organic Market at Biodynamic Farm — Sunday morning organic market with local produce, jamu, herbal products, and artisan food vendors.
🍛 Must-Try Balinese Food
- Babi Guling — Balinese spit-roasted suckling pig seasoned with turmeric, garlic, ginger, and spices. Try at Gianyar Night Market or Ibu Oka Ubud.
- Nasi Campur — Mixed rice plate with small portions of meat, vegetables, peanuts, egg, and sambal. Ubud’s everyday staple.
- Bebek Betutu — Slow-cooked duck wrapped in banana leaves with Balinese spice paste. Best at Bebek Tebasari.
- Sate Lilit — Minced fish or chicken wrapped around lemongrass skewers. Distinctly Balinese style.
- Lawar — Chopped vegetables with grated coconut, minced meat, and spices. A traditional ceremonial dish.
- Kopi Luwak — Civet coffee processed through Asian palm civets. Available at most coffee plantations near Ubud. IDR 50,000–100,000/cup.
☕ Best Cafés in Ubud
- Seniman Coffee Studio — Jl. Sriwedari. Ubud’s most celebrated specialty coffee roastery and café.
- Coffee Studio Seniman — Single-origin Balinese beans, pour-over and espresso bar, outdoor garden seating.
- Alchemy Café — Raw vegan, smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and the best açaí bowl in Ubud.
- Kafe Bali — Jl. Hanoman. Long-running café serving healthy Western and Indonesian dishes. Good WiFi.
- Clear Café — Jl. Hanoman. Plant-based and gluten-free menu. Organic ingredients. Digital nomad favourite.
- Anomali Coffee — Indonesian specialty coffee chain. Good for filter coffee and a quick breakfast.
Traveler Information
Essential traveler information — Ubud & Bali
Key practical information every visitor to Ubud and Bali should know before they arrive.
🌦️ Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Dry season: April–October. Best weather, low humidity, occasional light rain. July–August peak crowds.
- Wet season: November–March. Daily afternoon rainfall, lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices. Waterfalls at peak flow.
- Best months overall: May, June, September — excellent weather, manageable crowds.
- Temperature: 20–30°C year-round. Evenings in Ubud are noticeably cooler than coastal Bali.
- Nyepi (Day of Silence): Typically March. The entire island shuts down for 24 hours — check dates before booking.
💵 Currency & Payments
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). June 2026 rate: approximately IDR 15,500–16,000 per USD.
- ATMs: Available throughout central Ubud on Jl. Raya Ubud, Jl. Monkey Forest, and Jl. Hanoman. Daily withdrawal limits typically IDR 2,000,000–3,000,000.
- Cash vs card: Most warungs, markets, and small shops are cash only. Restaurants, hotels, and larger shops accept Visa and Mastercard.
- Money changers: PT Central Kuta and Authorized Money Changers on Jl. Raya Ubud offer the best rates. Avoid unofficial street changers.
- QRIS (QR payment): Increasingly common at Ubud cafés and shops for Indonesian bank apps.
📱 SIM Card & Internet
- Local SIM cards: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo available at the airport and throughout Ubud. Tourist SIM with 20–30 GB data from IDR 75,000–150,000.
- Best carrier in Ubud: Telkomsel (Simpati) has the strongest coverage in rural Ubud and highland areas.
- WiFi: Available at almost all cafés, restaurants, and hotels in central Ubud. Speeds vary but generally adequate.
- eSIM: Airalo and similar services offer Bali eSIMs for compatible devices. Convenient if you want coverage from arrival.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Available for citizens of most countries at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Valid 30 days, extendable once for 30 more days. Cost: USD 35.
- Visa Free: Citizens of ASEAN countries and several others enter visa-free for 30 days. Check current exemptions before travel.
- Bali Tourism Fund (BTF): IDR 150,000 (approximately USD 10) levied on all foreign tourists as of 2024. Paid online at lovebali.baliprov.go.id or at the airport.
- Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Ubud Essentials
What is Ubud best known for? What must you see?
Ubud occupies a unique position in Southeast Asian travel — a place that is fundamentally different from the island’s beach resorts. It sits in the cool central highlands of Gianyar Regency and draws visitors who want to experience the real Bali: living temples, traditional ceremonies, ancient rice terraces, sacred waterfalls, and an extraordinary food and arts scene. These are the absolute must-sees.
✅ Absolute Must-Sees in Ubud
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace — UNESCO-listed Subak irrigation. The most iconic landscape in Bali. 15 min north of Ubud.
- Tirta Empul Temple — Sacred Hindu purification springs. One of Bali’s most spiritually significant sites. Tampaksiring, 20 min from Ubud.
- Ubud Monkey Forest — 1,200+ long-tailed macaques in a lush sacred forest. Central Ubud. IDR 80,000.
- Ubud Palace & Evening Dance — The royal palace of Ubud’s kings. Legong and Kecak performances nightly from 7:30 PM. Free to walk through in daytime.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk — Ubud’s most beautiful free walk. 3 km ridge between two river valleys, best at 6 AM.
- Tegenungan Waterfall — The closest waterfall to Ubud (20 min). Wide, powerful, and surrounded by jungle. IDR 30,000.
- Goa Gajah — The 9th-century Elephant Cave. Ancient carved portal, bathing pools, and jungle terraces.
- Kintamani Volcano View — Mount Batur and Lake Batur panorama. One of Bali’s most dramatic landscapes.
📍 Best Areas to Stay in Ubud
- Central Ubud (Jl. Monkey Forest / Jl. Hanoman) — Most walkable. Best for restaurants, cafés, nightlife, and shops. Busiest and noisiest. Best for first-time visitors.
- Jl. Bisma — Parallel to Monkey Forest Road but quieter. Deep jungle ravine views. Home to Bisma Eight resort. 5 min walk to central Ubud.
- Campuhan / Sanggingan — Peaceful, artistic neighbourhood north-west of center. Neka Museum, Mozaic Restaurant, and the Ridge Walk are here.
- Sayan / Kedewatan — Luxury retreat zone above the Ayung River. Four Seasons, Mandapa, Alila Ubud. Beautiful but requires transport into town.
- Nyuh Kuning — Quiet traditional village south of the Monkey Forest. Local feel, lower prices, 15 min walk to town center.
- Tegallalang — North of Ubud. Close to the rice terraces. More rural, scenic, and peaceful than central Ubud.
🛍️ Best Streets for Shopping in Ubud
- Jalan Raya Ubud — Ubud’s main street. 2 km of galleries, souvenir shops, restaurants, and temples. Best for traditional Balinese crafts and paintings.
- Jalan Hanoman — The best street for boutique fashion, yoga clothing, organic skincare, ethical homewares, and independent designers. Less touristy than Jl. Raya.
- Jalan Monkey Forest — Shops, spas, warungs, and bars from Ubud Palace down to the Monkey Forest. Good for souvenirs, silver, and casual fashion.
- Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni) — Opposite Ubud Palace. Open from 8 AM. Textiles, woodcarvings, silver, sarongs, and paintings. Bargaining expected.
- Sukawati Art Market (8 km south) — Largest art market in Bali. Best wholesale prices for crafts, batik, and traditional items.
- Celuk Village (10 km south) — Gold and silver jewellery direct from artisans. Lower prices than Ubud town.
Ubud Food Guide
Ubud food guide — street food, local food & restaurants with a view
Ubud’s food scene spans everything from IDR 25,000 nasi campur at a roadside warung to multi-course tasting menus at Michelin-calibre restaurants overlooking jungle valleys. Here is a complete guide to eating in Ubud.
🌮 Street Food & Warungs
- Gianyar Night Market — 25 min from Ubud. Bali’s best street food night market. Babi guling, sate, nasi campur, grilled corn, and fresh pisang goreng from IDR 10,000–30,000.
- Warung Ibu Oka — Jl. Suweta. Famous for babi guling (suckling pig). Budget IDR 50,000–80,000. Often full by noon.
- Pasar Ubud (Morning Market) — Opens 4 AM. Local market before 8 AM, souvenir market after. Steamed rice cakes, fresh fruit, jamu, and Balinese snacks.
- Warung Teges — Penestanan. Roadside local warung with the best nasi campur in the area. From IDR 25,000.
- Sate Stalls on Jl. Monkey Forest — Open evenings. Freshly grilled sate ayam (chicken) and sate lilit with lontong rice cake.
🌅 Restaurants with a View
- Copper Ubud — Best rooftop restaurant in Ubud. Valley and jungle panorama. Farm-to-table menu. Gulai udang and rendang sapi.
- Sawah Terrace at Mandapa — Sacred Ayung River view. Ritz-Carlton fine dining. Best for a special occasion.
- Shrida Ubud — Jl. Bisma. Open-air restaurant looking straight into jungle canopy. International and Indonesian menu.
- Swept Away at COMO — Above the Ayung River. COMO Shambhala’s stunning restaurant with health-focused cuisine.
- Cretya Ubud — Pool club and restaurant set above rice terraces and jungle. Good for a long lunch with views.
- Apéritif — Old-world 1920s manor with valley views. Bali’s finest tasting menu. Book weeks in advance.
🇮🇩 Best Indonesian & Local Food
- Hujan Locale — Modern Indonesian. Creative presentations of regional dishes from across the archipelago. Highly rated.
- Locavore — Award-winning contemporary Indonesian. Locally sourced, seasonal, and inventive. Book ahead.
- Bebek Tebasari — Ubud’s best bebek betutu (slow-cooked Balinese duck). Authentic and affordable.
- Murni’s Warung — Classic since 1974. Traditional Indonesian and Balinese menu in a riverside garden setting.
- Lynked Restaurant — Island-by-island Indonesian culinary journey. From Sumatran rendang to Balinese ribs.
- Casa Luna — 25+ year Ubud institution. Balinese recipes, organic garden produce, jazz on weekends.
🎪 Ubud Food Festival
The Ubud Food Festival (UFF) is Bali’s premier culinary event, typically held in June each year in the heart of Ubud. Established in 2015, it brings together Indonesia’s top chefs, international culinary figures, food producers, and street food vendors for a 3-day celebration of Indonesian cuisine and food culture.
- Cooking demos, talks, and workshops by renowned Indonesian chefs
- Street food stalls showcasing regional Indonesian cuisines
- Held at various venues across central Ubud
- Check ubudfoodfestival.com for 2026 dates and programme
- Tickets from IDR 150,000 per session
A typical Ubud warung menu includes: Nasi Campur (mixed rice plate with 4–5 small dishes, IDR 25,000–45,000), Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice, IDR 30,000–50,000), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), Soto Ayam (chicken soup), Gado-gado (peanut sauce salad), Sate (grilled skewers), Tempe Goreng (fried fermented soybean), Pisang Goreng (fried banana), and fresh fruit juices (IDR 20,000–35,000). Most warungs also serve simple Western dishes like pasta, sandwiches, and pancakes to accommodate international visitors.
The best local Balinese food to try in Ubud: Babi Guling (spit-roasted suckling pig), Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked spiced duck), Nasi Campur Bali (mixed rice with Balinese side dishes), Sate Lilit (minced fish on lemongrass skewers), Lawar (spiced minced meat and vegetable mix), Tipat Cantok (rice cakes with peanut sauce), Jukut Urap (vegetable salad with spiced grated coconut), and for drinks: Es Kelapa Muda (fresh young coconut), Jamu (traditional herbal tonic), and Kopi Bali (strong Balinese black coffee).
Top 10 Lists
Top 10 lists — restaurants, resorts & bars in Ubud 2026
Based on TripAdvisor ratings, local knowledge, and 2026 reviews — the definitive top 10 lists for Ubud.
🍽️ TOP 10 RESTAURANTS IN UBUD 2026
- 1. Apéritif Restaurant — Best fine dining, degustation, valley views
- 2. Locavore — Contemporary Indonesian, locally sourced
- 3. Mozaic Restaurant — French-influenced, award-winning garden dining
- 4. Copper Ubud — Best rooftop, farm-to-table, stunning panorama
- 5. Sawah Terrace (Mandapa) — Riverside luxury, Indonesian cuisine
- 6. Casa Luna — Ubud institution, jazz club, Balinese recipes
- 7. Hujan Locale — Modern Indonesian, creative and popular
- 8. Bebek Tebasari — Best bebek betutu in Ubud
- 9. Murni’s Warung — Classic since 1974, riverside garden
- 10. Alchemy Café — Best plant-based, smoothie bowls, organic
🏡 TOP 10 RESORTS IN UBUD 2026
- 1. Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Best overall, riverside, ultra-luxury
- 2. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan — Iconic, legendary service
- 3. Capella Ubud — Luxury tented glamping, Bill Bensley design
- 4. Amandari — Original Ubud luxury, village-inspired, timeless
- 5. COMO Uma Ubud — Best wellness resort, COMO Shambhala spa
- 6. Padma Resort Ubud — Best 5-star value, 149 rooms, mountain views
- 7. The Viceroy Bali — Best hilltop views, family-run luxury
- 8. Bisma Eight — Best boutique, rooftop pool, walkable location
- 9. Komaneka at Bisma — Art-hotel hybrid, rice terrace views
- 10. Bambu Indah — Best eco-luxury, natural pools, Balinese joglo
🍸 TOP 10 BARS & CLUBS IN UBUD 2026
- 1. Night Rooster — Best craft cocktails with local Balinese ingredients
- 2. The Blue Door — Best nightclub, DJ sets until 4 AM, Jl. Monkey Forest
- 3. No Más Bar — Best live music, Latin nights, crowd favourite
- 4. Laughing Buddha — Best energy, live bands, always packed
- 5. CP Lounge — Most reliable, long-standing, pool tables, live music
- 6. Boliche at Cantina Rooftop — Best sunset view, DJ sets, dance floor
- 7. L.O.L Bar — Late nights, bass-heavy, Jl. Monkey Forest
- 8. Casa Luna Jazz Club — Best for live jazz (Friday & Sunday)
- 9. The Lair (under Campuhan Bridge) — Most atmospheric, cave-like, craft cocktails
- 10. Ibu Susu Bar & Kitchen — Stylish, creative cocktails, vibrant crowd
💡 Most fine dining restaurants and popular bars require advance booking, especially July–August. For reliable transport to and from any venue in Ubud, message Ubud Center on WhatsApp at +62 859 4342 1992.
Before You Go
Honest answers to the questions every Ubud traveler actually asks
These are the questions our team gets asked most often — by first-time visitors, solo travelers, families, and digital nomads. Straight answers, no fluff.
Yes, but with important caveats. Grab and Gojek work in central Ubud for pickups on most streets — you can order and be picked up on Jalan Hanoman, Jalan Bisma, and side streets. However, both apps are not permitted to operate from Ngurah Rai Airport — you must use a metered taxi or pre-booked transfer from the airport. In more rural areas and villages outside Ubud’s center, driver availability drops significantly. For a full day of sightseeing covering multiple destinations, Grab is impractical — a private driver for $32/car is almost always cheaper and far more convenient for groups.
Bali Belly (traveler’s diarrhea) is real but very avoidable with a few habits. Never drink tap water — stick to sealed bottled water or water from a reputable dispenser. Ice in established cafés and restaurants is generally safe — most use tube ice made from purified water (you can tell by the hollow cylindrical shape). Crushed ice at roadside stalls carries higher risk. Eat at busy warungs — high turnover means fresh food. Avoid pre-cooked food that has been sitting out. Wash hands before eating. Carry oral rehydration sachets. If you do get sick, BIMC Hospital Ubud on Jalan Raya Uluwatu handles most cases quickly with IV drip treatment (around IDR 500,000–800,000).
Do not drink tap water in Ubud. Bali’s tap water is not treated to drinking standard. Even locals use either refill water dispensers (galon) or bottled water for drinking and cooking. For brushing your teeth, tap water is generally considered fine by most long-term residents — the amount you ingest is minimal. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are newly arrived, use bottled water for brushing too, especially in the first few days while your gut adjusts to the local environment.
The Bali Tourism Fund (Pungutan Wisatawan Mancanegara) is a mandatory levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately USD 10) for all foreign tourists visiting Bali, introduced in February 2024. You can pay online before arrival at lovebali.baliprov.go.id — strongly recommended as it saves time at the airport. Payment is also accepted on arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport at dedicated counters. You receive a QR code as proof of payment. Citizens of ASEAN countries are currently exempt. The levy is per visit, not per day, and is separate from your visa cost.
Legally yes. Foreign nationals are required to hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle category to legally ride a scooter in Bali. In practice, police checkpoints in tourist areas do occur, and riding without an IDP risks a fine (typically IDR 50,000–500,000) or having your scooter confiscated. Many tourists ride without one — but the legal and insurance risk is real. If you have an accident without an IDP, your travel insurance will likely be invalidated. Obtain an IDP in your home country before travelling — it typically costs USD 20–40 and takes 1–2 days. For self-drive car rental, an IDP with a car category is also required.
Bring a mix. Cash is still essential in Ubud — most traditional warungs, markets, and small shops are cash-only. ATMs are available throughout central Ubud (Jalan Raya Ubud, Jalan Monkey Forest, Jalan Hanoman). Daily withdrawal limits are typically IDR 2,000,000–3,000,000 per transaction. Use authorized money changers (PT Central Kuta has branches in Ubud) for the best exchange rates — avoid street changers. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. Wise, Revolut, or similar travel cards work well at ATMs with low fees. Avoid airport money changers — rates are significantly worse.
The long-tailed macaques in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary are wild animals and should be treated with respect, not as photo props. They will grab bags, sunglasses, phones, and food if given the opportunity. Do not bring food or plastic bags into the sanctuary. Do not look them directly in the eyes or show teeth — this is perceived as aggression. And not wear jewelry that dangles. If a monkey grabs you or your belongings, stay calm, do not pull back suddenly — rangers are present and can assist. Bites do occur occasionally but are rare when visitors follow the rules. Children should be closely supervised and not carry food.
For non-emergency medical care in Ubud, the most recommended clinic is Ubud Husada Clinic on Jalan Raya Ubud — they handle general illness, Bali Belly, minor injuries, and can prescribe medication. For more serious cases, BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua (about 1.5 hours from Ubud) is the most internationally accredited hospital in Bali and preferred by travel insurance companies. Kasih Ibu Hospital in Denpasar (about 45 minutes from Ubud) is a good mid-level option. For dental emergencies, Bali International Dental Center (BIDC) in Kuta handles tourists regularly. Always carry your travel insurance documents and emergency contact number.
Yes — with adjusted expectations. The rainy season in Ubud typically brings 1–3 hours of heavy rain per day, usually in the afternoon or early evening. Mornings are often clear and beautiful. The landscape turns intensely green, waterfalls reach their most dramatic flow, and tourist crowds are significantly smaller. Prices for accommodation drop 20–40%. The main downsides: outdoor activities like Mount Batur trekking are less reliable (clouds obscure the sunrise), some unpaved paths to waterfalls become slippery, and afternoon plans need flexibility. If you plan activities in the morning and allow flexibility in afternoons, the rainy season is actually a wonderful time to visit Ubud.
Canang sari are small palm-leaf offerings containing flowers, rice, and incense, placed daily by Balinese Hindus at doorways, shrines, and on the ground at spiritually significant spots. Never step on them, kick them, or disturb them. This is considered deeply disrespectful. When walking on Ubud’s footpaths, look down and step around them — especially in front of homes, shops, and temples. They are placed early each morning and are considered sacred once completed and placed. If you accidentally disturb one, a quiet apology is appropriate. This is one of the most important pieces of cultural etiquette in Bali.
Have a question not answered here? Message Ubud Center on WhatsApp at +62 859 4342 1992 — our local team answers questions about Ubud every day, free of charge.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Ubud, Bali
Common questions from travelers planning a trip to Ubud.
Ubud is located in Gianyar Regency in the central uplands of Bali, approximately 25 kilometres north of Denpasar and 36 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport, at 8.5069°S, 115.2625°E. The name Ubud comes from the Balinese word “ubad” meaning medicine — a reference to the healing plants that once grew along the Wos River.
Ubud is widely regarded as the cultural and spiritual center of Bali, Indonesia. It is famous for traditional Balinese dance (Kecak, Legong, Barong), painting, woodcarving, silver jewellery, the UNESCO-listed Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple, Ubud Monkey Forest, Campuhan Ridge Walk, yoga and wellness retreats, organic food culture, and the Ubud Food Festival held annually in June.
The most practical option is a private car transfer from Ngurah Rai International Airport, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Fixed-price transfers cost IDR 450,000 per car for 1–7 passengers. There is no public bus service connecting the airport to Ubud, and Grab is not permitted to operate from the airport.
The dry season from April to October offers the most reliable weather. May, June, and September are ideal — good weather, fewer tourists than July–August. The rainy season (November–March) brings afternoon showers but lush green landscapes and lower prices. Ubud is visitable year-round. Check dates for Nyepi (Day of Silence, usually March) when the entire island closes for 24 hours.
Yes — Ubud consistently ranks among the top travel destinations in Asia in surveys by Condé Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure, and TripAdvisor. The combination of cultural depth, natural beauty, diverse cuisine, and wellness facilities is genuinely exceptional. It rewards travelers who invest at least 3 days and engage with the culture beyond the main tourist highlights.
A minimum of 3 days is recommended. Two days covers central Ubud (Monkey Forest, temples, Campuhan Ridge Walk, evening dance) plus one day trip (Tegalalang + Tirta Empul). Three to four days allows an additional trip to Kintamani/Besakih or a waterfall tour. Five days or more allows East Bali (Lempuyang), a cooking class, yoga, and a Nusa Penida day trip.
These terms all refer to the same area — the walkable core around Jalan Raya Ubud, Jalan Monkey Forest, and Jalan Hanoman. There is no official distinction. The broader Ubud area includes outlying villages like Campuhan, Penestanan, Nyuh Kuning, and Tegallalang, which are part of the Ubud administrative district but sit further from the town core.
Yes. Ubud Center has been operating as a comprehensive local information and services resource since 2015. We answer questions about attractions, transport, dining, ceremonies, and anything else related to Ubud — free of charge and without any booking pressure. Contact us on WhatsApp at +62 859 4342 1992 or email info@ubudcenter.com.
Planning a trip to Ubud?
Our local team has been answering questions about Ubud since 2015. Message us on WhatsApp — itinerary planning, attraction advice, transport, dining recommendations — no booking required to ask.
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