The Ultimate Ubud Travel Guide

Island GuideBali
Written By Karolina Genova

Ubud isn’t just a stop on the Bali itinerary - for many of us who live here, it’s a place we return to whenever we want to slow down, reconnect, and breathe a little deeper. Nestled among emerald rice terraces and jungle valleys, Ubud has long been Bali’s cultural heart: home to traditional art, temples, ceremonies, and a strong sense of spirituality.

PLACES TO VISIT IN UBUD

🎨 Ubud’s Art Market


The Ubud Art Market is iconic - you will definitely spot it if you are walking within the center. It is a maze of stalls filled with handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. It’s a little chaotic, but that’s part of the charm. Go early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. Remember that the initial price you are given will be quite high and you are expected to be bargaining but please make it with respect and don’t try to get the best deal.


🛕 Temples & Water Purification


You don’t really have to be searching for a temple to see one but if you want to enter one, you can visit the Ubud Water Palace or the Saraswati Temple in Ubud’s center.

Within a short drive, you’ll find some of Bali’s most beautiful temples. Tirta Empul is especially famous for its water purification ritual but it get’s crowded. I recommend you visiting Pura Mengening across the road which is way more peaceful and you can get a local guide at the entry to explain you the water purification - Melukat process -it is a meaningful experience if you’d like to take part. Remember to dress modestly and rent a sarong if you don’t have one.


🐒 Monkey Forest


For me visiting the Monkey forest is a must as it is so much fun. You get to see wild monkeys in their natural environment yet it’s a place which is tourist friendly. The forest itself is big and quite mystical, you will see a lot of stone statues on the way and you will get a bit of exercise. My tip: where comfortable clothes but leave your hat, sunglasses or valuable accessories at home. The monkeys love them and are very clever.

p.s. you don’t need a guide for visiting and you can buy tickets directly at the Entrance.

🎟️ 100k for adults/ weekdays (5,20€) or 120k / weekends (6,20€) ; 80k for children or 100k/ weekends


🧘🏼‍♀️ Yoga and wellness in Ubud


Yoga and wellbeing are part of Ubud’s identity. The Yoga Barn is legendary and offers classes for all levels, but you’ll also find other very impressive studios such as Alchemy that has two unique bamboo yoga shalas and Radiantly Alive which is my personal favourite for regular practice and teachers. There are also other smaller studios scattered around town

If you’re here longer, try a sound healing session or breath work for something different. And please please make at least a few visits to a local spa and treat yourself to a relaxing or pressure-release massage. The prices vary depending on the aesthetics or location (if part of a resort) of the studio, so you can expect to pay between 100k up to 1mil IDR for a massage.

🎟️ 160k (8,30€) - average price of a group yoga class


🌾 Rice Field Walks

Ubud is literally surrounded by rice fields but if you want a place within walking distance, then take a walk to the Sari Organic Walk or the Kajeng Rice Field. At both paths you will find a few cafes and warungs where you can get a rest and just admire the nature. If you feel like getting a bit more excercise, do the Campujan ridge walk - it is steeper at the begining but it is just 1km long. And don’t stop once you reach the gate, keep going and you will find a whole new area with cafes, shops and views.

🕙 When to visit? - earlier in the day before 11am or around 5pm for catching the golden hour

🚗 Outside of Ubud? - You can visit the Tegallalang rice terraces which are very touristy or instead - visit Jatiluwih for a day trip - a Unesco world heritage - you will be fascinated.

 

The meaning of "Ubud" comes from the Balinese word ubad, which translates to "medicine"

What other experiences to do?

And while yoga, temples and culture feed the spirit, Ubud also invites you to feed your curiosity and try new things. You can learn more about local food and the mornings at a Balinese cooking class, either visiting the local market or picking up herbs in a garden before learning to grind spices by hand.

For me making things my hand feels so therapeutic, and in Ubud you can try a pottery at Setungku Ceramics or silver making class, where you shape clay or hammer metal the way artisans have done for generations. You will have your own custom-made souvenir or gift from Bali and definitely a great memory from the experience.

Some experiences, don’t have to be energy consuming but the opposite. Even something as simple as sipping a matcha latte or specialty coffee at a small café in the paddies can feel like part of the experience. Or join a Tea experience at Chontea - an Omakase-style journey in matcha, tea, and experimental coffee.

For nature lovers, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is an easy and easy reachable trail. Visit early in the morning or afternoon for the most peaceful experience and once you reach the end of it - keep going. There is a whole area with cafes, restaurants and views; follow the directions for Raditya Cafe. For something similar, follow the Sari Organic walk - narrow paths through the rice fields paddies, with loads of hidden cafés where farmers and travellers share the same view.

If your resort doesn’t have a pool and you want to relax by one - you can visit one of the Pool Day Clubs such as - Jungle Fish, the Jungle Club Ubud, or Tuju Tropic Club. Or visit Bambu Indah for a more relaxed experience by the nature - you get a day pass for a fee that includes F&B credit and you can swim in the natural pools by the Ayung River.

In Ubud, not doing much and simply being and enjoying your peace feels like quite the magic.

WHERE TO STAY IN UBUD?

Quick Summary:

You have a few options to choose from - Central, Peripheral or the Outskirts. If you are visiting Ubud for first time - I advise you to stay closer to the city center or within 10 minutes scooter ride. You don’t want to be too isolated unless you want to book a very luxurious resorts where you’d spend majority of your time.

📍 Central Areas - Jalan Bisma or Ubud Center

To stay in the very heart of Ubud means you basically get a front-row seat to the action. It is the most convenient base if it’s your first time - you can walk almost everywhere, from yoga classes to the art market, and reach upon numerous cafes, restaurants and mini markets along the way. In the center, you will mainly find home stays or smaller resorts in a traditional Balinese style and some more modern accommodations.

The trade-off? Ubud’s central streets can be crowded and noisy, especially in the evenings.

Best for: solo travellers, digital nomads, or anyone who wants to be close to everything

Getting around: Scooters or private drivers are best; some walking possible in Penestanan’s laneways.
Stay suggestion:
Getting around: mostly on foot; Gojek/Grab scooters for short hops

My recommendations:

📍Peripheral Areas - Penestanan, Nyuh Kuning, Suweta street

Just a short ride from the center, Penestanan and Suweta feel like little towns of their own. Penestanan is known for its creative energy - home to artists, expats, and yoga studios hidden between narrow paths and rice fields. Suweta, on the other hand, leans into jungle stays and boutique villas hidden just beyond Ubud’s busy streets.

Here, you’re close enough to get to the center but there will be also plenty to do in your neighbourhood. It’s a sweet balance between accessibility and tranquility. Outpost, a stylish co-working and co-living hub in Penestanan, also makes this area a favorite among remote workers.

Best for: Couples, families, and longer-term travellers who want a calmer stay without losing easy access to town.
Getting around: Scooters are best - if you need a private driver, it’s also doable; walking is also possible in Penestanan and Nyuh Kuning
Stay suggestion:

📍 The Outskirts - jungle and river stays

Stay amongst lush jungles, river valleys, and endless rice paddies. This is where you’ll find Ubud’s most unique and luxurious properties — from bamboo eco-resorts to high-end private estates. The atmosphere is serene, with nature all around.

Best for: couples, honeymooners, families wanting privacy, or anyone seeking tranquillity, romance, and unique accommodation.

Pros: Stunning views, tranquillity, luxury options, close to the nature, easier for day trips (depends on the location though)
Cons: Farther from Ubud town and more isolated. Dining out or shopping requires transport and if you use only a car - prepare for long journeys
Transportation: Private driver or scooter; many resorts also offer shuttle services to town

Some of the best luxury hotels in Ubud are located on the outskirts:

WHAT - AND - WHERE TO EAT IN UBUD?

Ubud’s food scene is a journey in itself and paradise if you a foodie like me. There is a great balance of tasty vegan creations, high-end dining, and cozy specialty coffee culture. Whether you’re here for a smoothie bowl in a rice-field café or a long dinner with sunset views, there’s something for traveller and budget.

For plant-based lovers, Sayuri, Sage, Yellow Flower Café, and Dapur Usada are Ubud institutions. Expect beautiful nourishing plates, from raw desserts to Ayurvedic-inspired dishes. Each place carries its own energy - Sayuri is almost always busy as it is community-driven, while Yellow Flower Café has a peaceful, tucked-away vibe and on a sunny day you might be able to spot Mt. Agung - the highest mountain and volcano in Bali from their front-row seats.

When it comes to dining with a touch of sophistication, Donna, Arcadia, and Nari bring a more upscale experience to Ubud. At Donna, the focus is on modern international dishes in a stylish setting, while Nari elevates Balinese and Indonesian flavours with fine-dining finesse. Arcadia is the kind of place you linger - elegant, refined, and perfect for a slow dinner. It’s the place I would recommend you if you told me you had a special occasion.

For atmosphere, the endless jungle views from The Sayan House are almost unbeatable. Located above the Ayung River, it’s one of the best spots in Ubud for cocktails at sunset, with a panoramic view that makes dinner feel like a celebration.

Brunch in Ubud deserves its own mention - there are numerous amazing places, and so are the recommendations you will find on Instagram. Melali and Casa Curandera are two favourites - both with open and inviting spaces that make you want to stay longer so you can try more of their menu - avocado toast, warm hearty drinks, smoothie bowls, or homemade sourdough and pizza. It’s where Ubud’s laid-back mornings or afternoons are best enjoyed.

and then a big passion for many of us … coffee ☕

For coffee lovers, Ubud takes its brews seriously. Old Friends Coffee in Nyah Kuning feels like home, serving expertly crafted cups with a warm smile - established by a Balinese man who worked in his family’s farm in Kintamani - a popular area for coffee plantation, he wanted to bring the joy the joy of cultivating and farming the land where he grew up - he is proud to share the fruits of the earth.

Another favourite place of mine is RÜSTERS - it blends coffee culture with a modern, industrial design, perfect for working or catching up with friends. Meanwhile, Seniman Coffee Studio is where creativity meets caffeine — a pioneering spot that helped put Ubud on the specialty coffee map.

In Ubud, the food and coffee culture isn’t just about filling up or getting caffeinated - it’s about slowing down, savouring the details - crafting a whole separate experiences and enjoying the spaces as much as the flavours.

GETTING AROUND UBUD

For the most part, Ubud Town is very walkable. Most central spots — restaurants, cafés, temples, and the market - can easily be reached on foot. But anything outside the immediate center will require some form of transportation.

The most common way to move around is by scooter, which gives you the most flexibility, especially for exploring rice fields or visiting nearby villages. For longer distances (20+ minutes outside of Ubud), a car is the most comfortable option.

Your options:

  • Option 1: Use Gojek or Grab for short scooter rides within town, and book a car when you need to go a bit further or on a day trip

  • Option 2: Rent your own scooter if you’re experienced and really know what you’re doing. It’s handy for both short and long trips and it’s very low-cost option

  • Option 3: If you’re traveling with family, don’t feel comfortable on a scooter, or already have a driver, simply use them for all your trips.

💡 Personal Tip: If you book a Gojek car and like the driver, ask for their WhatsApp number. Next time you need a ride, message them directly - they’ll usually charge you the same as the app - it’s easy to arrange and you support the driver directly.

👉 Parking info: parking in Ubud center can be tricky, so if you’re staying central, walking or using scooter taxis often saves you time. Otherwise there are a few big parking spots and the prices are cheap - 5/10k for a scooter, sometimes charger per hour.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN UBUD?

If you’re planning to come to Ubud just for the day, it’s possible to have a nice experience - but to really immerse yourself in the culture, vibe, and calming sense of being here, I recommend staying at least four days, especially if you plan to take day trips.

Stay three or four nights, and you’ll see the highlights - a temple, the art market, maybe a yoga class or two. But give yourself five days or more, and Ubud begins to shift from a destination into a rhythm. You’ll wake up to roosters or bird songs instead of alarms, have a peaceful breakfast with rice field views, and find yourself taking detours just to see where the narrow paths lead and often, that’s where the best experiences are.

You kind of need to forget about ticking off a must-visit list. The longer you stay, the more you’ll understand why so many travellers come for a visit and end up extending their trip to a month, or never leaving at all.

 

MY FAVOURITE BALI TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:

If you decide to book anything through my links, you are supporting my blog - at no extra cost for you. Thank you!

Accomodation: 90% of the time I book hotels via Booking.com or AirBnb

E-SIM: I always purchase mine from Airalo, using my code KAROLI5252, you will get $3.00 off your first purchase.

Tours & Activities: I always use GetyourGuide to book experiences if I haven’t organised them directly with the locals

Wise Card: Spend like a local and save on fees in Bali and internationally, receive and send money abroad - the Bank card I use daily in Bali

Health Insurance: for short term I use Allianz Travel insurance and as a digital nomad staying more than 1 month in a country, I always get Genki Health Insurance

The perfect 5-day itinerary for Ubud first-timers:

If you’re spending a few days in Ubud, you’ll want a balance of culture, nature, wellness, and relaxation. Here’s a simple 5-day itinerary suggestion to help you make the most of your stay without feeling rushed.

📷 Day 1 – Explore the Center:

  • Ubud Art Market & boutique shops

  • Cafés and local food

  • and even visiting the Monkey Forest

🛕 Day 2 – Wellness & Temples:

  • Morning yoga class - try Alchemy or the Yoga Barn

  • Breakfast at cute café

  • Temple visit or water purification (Melukat) in the Tampaksiring area

  • Balinese or Deep-tissue massage to wind down + dinner

🎨 Day 3 – Culture & Traditions:

  • Rice field walk - (in center or the outskirts)

  • Lunch with a view

  • Shopping or spa time

  • Traditional Balinese dance show at Pura Dalem + dinner

🌴 Day 4 – Day Trip Tour

  • Early start for a waterfall trip (Leke Leke - 1 hr from Ubud)

  • Late lunch back in town

  • Souvenir shopping and take it easy in the evening

🧘🏻‍♀️ Day 5 – Slow Down or extra activity day

  • Yoga class or cooking/pottery/jewellery-making workshop

  • Relax at your villa & pack

  • Quiet evening before departure

Ubud is a place where you can do as much or as little as you like. My advice is don’t over do it. You better do one experience but enjoy it at 100%.

These 5 days will give you a taste of Bali’s culture, spirituality, and natural beauty with plenty of options for activities and relaxation!

Karolina Genova
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