World famous Ubud Bali serves as the cultural heart of the island. It also attracts more than three million foreign tourists every year with its enchanting landscapes. This vibrant town of 74,800 residents naturally combines ancient traditions with modern wellness culture. The community covers its 42.38 square kilometers, earning its reputation as Bali’s cultural capital.
The iconic Sacred Monkey Forest houses 1,200 long-tailed macaques. The attraction stands as just one of many things to do in Ubud, including the UNESCO-listed Tegalalang Rice Terraces. This complete guide to Ubud covers everything visitors need to know about this destination. Traditional temples share space with yoga studios, meditation centers, and health-focused cafes. On top of that, the town provides an ideal base to discover Bali’s temples, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. The peak season runs from July to September when visitors can enjoy the most favorable weather.
Getting to Know Ubud Bali
You need to think about several things when planning your trip to Ubud. This piece covers everything you need to know to plan a great visit to Bali’s cultural hub.
Best time to visit Ubud
The dry season runs from April to October and gives you the best weather to learn about Ubud. The weather stays dry with cooler temperatures from July through September, making it the best time to visit. These months work perfectly for outdoor activities and temple visits.
Rain shows up occasionally from November to March, but temperatures remain pleasant. January brings the most rain with about 325mm of rainfall. Hotel prices drop substantially during these months, which makes it a great choice if you’re watching your budget.
Getting to and around Ubud
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport sits 38 kilometers south of Ubud. Private transfers and taxis are your best options to reach the town. Airport taxis charge a fixed fare of IDR 341,000 (€20). You can save money with pre-booked private transfers that start at IDR 307,000 (€18).
You’ll find several ways to move around Ubud. Scooter rentals cost about IDR 50,000 per day and give you the most freedom to explore. Many visitors choose private drivers because the traffic can be challenging and the roads wind a lot.
Accommodation options and areas
First-time visitors should stay in Central Ubud as it puts you within walking distance of major attractions. The heart of the area centers on Jalan Raya Ubud, where you’ll find Ubud Palace and the arts market.
Most luxury five-star hotels and resorts call the outskirts of Ubud home, especially in areas like Kedewatan. These properties come with high-end restaurants, luxury spas, and yoga studios. Bedulu lies southeast of Ubud and offers cheaper places to stay while keeping you close to historical sites.
The Padangtegal area in south central Ubud gives you a peaceful setting that’s still walkable to main attractions. This neighborhood strikes a perfect balance between easy access and peace, which makes it great for longer stays.
Things to do in Ubud Bali
Exploring Ubud’s attractions shows a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Each experience helps you learn about Balinese life through ancient sanctuaries and modern adventures.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is both a nature reserve and temple complex with over 1,260 long-tailed macaques. Three 14th-century temples stand in this spiritual sanctuary, and the main temple Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is the centerpiece. The forest covers 27 acres of protected grounds where you can watch these sacred creatures in their natural habitat.
Safety is the top priority at the sanctuary. These macaques may be used to humans but they’re still wild animals. You will have a safe and memorable experience by following the sanctuary’s guidelines. Ancient Balinese traditions come alive through the forest’s dragon bridge, Holy Sprint Temple, and wooden paths.
Bali Swing Ubud locations
The Bali Swing has become one of the region’s most captivating attractions. The main swing park features:
- 12 single swings ranging from 10m to 78m in height
- 9 themed nests offering unique photo opportunities
- Helicopter and heart rock installations overlooking the canyon
Your entry package comes with refreshments and lunch buffet service. The Tegalalang area has several swing locations, with prices starting from 150,000 IDR. Terrace River Pool Swings gives both adults and children a chance to enjoy the experience.
Must-visit temples and cultural sites
Ubud’s temples showcase centuries of spiritual devotion. The Saraswati Temple shows evidence of Hindu architectural brilliance with its lotus ponds. The goddess of wisdom and arts is honored here through regular traditional dance performances.
The Puri Langon temple from the 19th century features intricate sculptures and gilding in its lush garden. These temples are central to Balinese culture and host various dance performances. You can watch traditional Legong and Barong shows from 7:30 to 9:00 PM for 100,000 rupiahs.
The Pura Besakih, known as “The Mother Temple,” sits 1,000 meters up Mount Agung’s slopes. This vast complex has 86 temples, making it Balinese Hinduism’s largest and most sacred site. Your 90,000 IDR entrance fee includes sarong rental and local guide services.
Where to Eat and Drink in Ubud
Ubud’s culinary scene combines traditional flavors with modern gastronomy that gives visitors an amazing dining experience. The town’s restaurants serve everything from age-old recipes to innovative plant-based cuisine, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Traditional Balinese restaurants
THIS IS BALI has become a culinary landmark that serves authentic Balinese dishes with hand-picked ingredients without MSG or preservatives. The restaurant goes beyond just serving food and creates a complete cultural experience with handcrafted details throughout its dining space.
Casa Luna has grown into an Ubud institution over the last 25 years. We enjoyed authentic Balinese cuisine and modern dishes here. Hujan Locale celebrates the archipelago’s special ingredients through street food recipes and contemporary interpretations. The restaurant’s family-style share plates showcase authentic flavors perfectly.
Healthy cafes and vegan options
Ubud’s wellness scene thrives with plant-based establishments. Wild Vegan stands out as a culinary sanctuary that incorporates local medicinal plants in its menu. The restaurant serves:
- Raw vegan and gluten-free options
- Oil-free dishes
- High-quality organic ingredients
- Traditional plant-based healing wisdom
Moksa‘s permaculture garden setting creates a genuine farm-to-table experience. Their menu features raw and cooked vegan options, including tempeh dishes and raw cakes.
Sayuri Healing Food crafts quality vegan dishes with special daily creations next to their standard menu. They host weekly Kirtan sessions with cacao ceremonies that add spiritual elements to your dining experience.
Best coffee shops and bars
Seniman Coffee leads Ubud’s coffee culture as one of Bali’s specialty coffee pioneers. Their impressive retail shop and roastery serves perfectly brewed coffee flights with artistic presentation.
Night Rooster provides a sophisticated 40-seat cocktail bar experience near the famous Locavore restaurant. Ambar Ubud Bar at the Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers forest views and expertly crafted cocktails.
No Más Bar creates a unique atmosphere with eclectic music and a carefully designed drinks menu. The venue hosts rotating bands and DJ performances that bring life to Ubud’s otherwise peaceful environment.
Ubud Bali Real Estate Overview
The real estate market in Ubud has remained remarkably stable. Property values have grown by 7.2% each year from 2018 to 2022. This cultural paradise draws both local and international investors who want profitable opportunities in Bali’s property market.
Property types and prices
Ubud’s property market has various options that include:
- Luxury villas with private pools
- Traditional homes with cultural elements
- Eco-friendly properties
- Commercial spaces for hospitality
- Boutique hotels and wellness retreats
New developments start at AUD 581,016 for a one-bedroom unit, while three-bedroom apartments cost AUD 1,100,872. A 250-square-meter two-bedroom villa costs around AUD 403,653. Spacious 536-square-meter four-bedroom homes sell for AUD 1,100,872.
Best areas for investment
Penestanan has become a hotspot for creative investors and shows high demand for holiday rentals. Sayan’s luxury properties continue to attract wealthy buyers looking for premium investments. Nyuh Kuning’s location near the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary makes it perfect for family-friendly accommodations.
Investors can expect excellent returns, with rental yields reaching 15% for environmentally responsible villa developments. Ubud’s properties maintain stable occupancy rates year-round, which ensures consistent returns. The area has become even more attractive to digital nomads since Starlink’s launch in May 2024, which has pushed up property demand.
Legal considerations for foreigners
Foreign investors can buy property through several ownership structures. The Hak Pakai (Right to Use) title gives foreigners property rights for 30 years. This can be extended for 20 more years, with another possible 30-year extension. Another option is setting up a PT PMA (Foreign Investment Company) that allows property ownership under the Right to Build title.
Setting up a PT PMA requires a minimum investment of IDR 10 billion (around USD 700,000), with at least 25% as paid-up capital. The company must have two shareholders, a CEO, and a commissioner. This setup allows complete foreign ownership while following Indonesian regulations.
Leasehold properties usually have terms between 25 to 30 years. Investors just need a valid passport with a current stay permit to begin their property journey in Ubud. The villa and luxury home market segment remains strong, with steady demand from both local and international buyers.
Day Trips and Tours from Ubud
Ubud opens the door to Bali’s most fascinating destinations. Beautiful waterfalls and ancient temples make perfect day trips from the city.
Popular rice terrace tours
The Ubud Rice Terrace Tour takes 9-10 hours and blends culture with nature. Tourists start with traditional Barong and Keris Dance shows before visiting the art villages of Celuk and Batuan. The tour moves to Goa Gajah temple and ends at the stunning Tegalalang Rice Fields.
A typical rice terrace tour has:
- Traditional art village visits
- Ancient temple explorations
- Guided walks through terraced landscapes
- Coffee plantation visits at Bali Pulina
Waterfall and temple excursions
Ubud Waterfall Tours runs 4-hour adventures to three different waterfalls. Local guides share stories while driving open-air buggies through villages and finish with lunch by a waterfall.
Tibumana Waterfall sits just 30 minutes from central Ubud and draws early morning visitors looking for peace. Kanto Lampo Waterfall, a quick 15-minute drive from Tibumana, shows off unique rock formations where water flows down cliff walls to create several mini waterfalls.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall catches eyes with its cave-like environment. Sunlight creates magical effects across canyon-like formations. Nungnung Waterfall amazes visitors with its 50-meter drop. Reaching it requires a 500-step walk through dense forests.
Temple tours often stop at Tirta Empul Water Temple, which honors Vishnu, the Hindu God of water. The 9th-century Goa Gajah temple features detailed rock wall carvings and sacred bathing pools.
Mount Batur sunrise treks
Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking starts early. Hotels pick up guests at 2:00 AM from Ubud. Hikers begin their climb at 4:00 AM from the base and reach the 1,717-meter summit between 5:30-6:00 AM.
The experience has:
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Essential equipment (torches, walking sticks)
- Breakfast at the summit
- Mineral water and refreshments
Mount Batur Sunset Trekking works well for late risers. The Mount Batur Jeep Adventure lets visitors watch the sunrise without hiking.
May through September brings the best weather for trekking. The hike needs no special climbing skills, though some parts have steep and rocky terrain. Safety rules require guides who share cultural stories during the trip.
Practical Tips for Visitors
A good grasp of Ubud’s practical aspects will give a smooth and enjoyable stay in this cultural paradise. Money management and local customs are everything in making your Ubud experience work well.
Money and ATMs in Ubud
You need to handle your finances carefully in Ubud. We used ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments. BNI banks have many locations with new installations that are easy to access.
Authorized money changers must display these items:
- Official QR code in their window
- Valid license number
- Bank Indonesia authorization
BMC brand money changers ended up building a solid reputation for reliable service. Bank-based exchanges give slightly lower rates but guarantee secure transactions.
Safety and scam awareness
Unsuspecting tourists often face common scams that are easy to avoid with proper awareness. Crime rates stay low at 0.6%, or 60 crimes per 100,000 people. Tourists might encounter these common schemes:
Card skimming happens at standalone ATMs, so bank-attached machines are your safest bet. Experts suggest keeping a low balance on cards you use often.
Some taxi drivers try to overcharge, asking 100,000 IDR for rides worth 15,000 IDR. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are the most reliable options. These apps show upfront pricing and let you track your ride.
Money changer scams involve quick hand movements during counting. Of course, legitimate exchangers count money openly on the counter so you can check the amounts yourself.
Cultural etiquette guide
Your respect for Balinese customs will enhance your visit while honoring local traditions. Dress codes matter substantially – you must cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
Balinese administration’s guidelines for international visitors include:
- Use right hand to give or receive items
- Avoid touching anyone’s head
- Maintain modest dress in public places
- Respect ongoing ceremonial processions
Temple visits need special attention to protocol. You should avoid sacred areas during menstruation and respect temple boundaries. Licensed tour guides are a great way to get knowledge about local customs and traditions.
Small gifts like cookies show cultural awareness when visiting Balinese homes. Local community values politeness and modesty. Public displays of affection are inappropriate except for hand-holding.
Balinese dining customs usually involve using a single piece of cutlery in the right hand. Good manners suggest waiting for your host’s invitation before eating when served refreshments at someone’s home.
Ubud Bali Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ubud, Bali worth visiting?
Yes, Ubud Bali is definitely worth visiting. It is renowned for its lush landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore beautiful rice terraces, traditional markets, and numerous temples, making it a must-see destination in Bali.
What is Ubud Bali famous for?
Ubud Bali is famous for its stunning rice terraces, such as the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and its thriving arts and crafts community. The town is also well-known for its wellness retreats, yoga centers, and a variety of cultural performances that showcase Balinese traditions.
Why is Ubud so special?
Ubud is special because it serves as the cultural heart of Bali, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic expression. The area is surrounded by dense jungles and scenic landscapes, providing a peaceful retreat from the more tourist-heavy parts of the island. Additionally, Ubud Palace is a central hub for traditional Balinese dance and music.
Is Ubud full of mosquitoes?
While Ubud is nestled in a tropical environment, mosquitoes can be present, especially during the rainy season. However, taking standard precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves in the evenings can effectively minimize the risk of mosquito bites.
Is Ubud expensive to visit?
Ubud offers a range of options to suit different budgets, making it accessible for both budget travelers and those seeking luxury experiences. While some high-end resorts and restaurants can be pricey, there are also affordable accommodations and eateries available, allowing visitors to enjoy Ubud without breaking the bank.
How to avoid Bali belly?
To avoid Bali belly, it’s important to practice good hygiene and be cautious with food and water consumption. Stick to bottled water, eat freshly cooked meals from reputable establishments, and avoid raw or street food that may not have been prepared under sanitary conditions. Additionally, washing hands regularly can help prevent illness.
Does Ubud have nightlife?
Ubud’s nightlife is more subdued compared to areas like Seminyak or Kuta. While it doesn’t offer a bustling club scene, there are plenty of cozy bars, live music venues, and cultural performances where visitors can enjoy a relaxed evening. The tranquil atmosphere of Ubud makes it ideal for those seeking a quieter night out.
Is Ubud cooler than Seminyak?
Yes, Ubud is generally cooler than Seminyak due to its higher elevation and lush greenery. The climate in Ubud is more temperate, providing a comfortable escape from the warmer, coastal areas like Seminyak. This cooler climate makes Ubud a pleasant destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Why do people come to Ubud?
People come to Ubud to experience its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and serene atmosphere. It is a popular destination for those interested in yoga, wellness retreats, and exploring traditional Balinese arts and crafts. Additionally, the beautiful landscapes and peaceful environment attract nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil getaway.
Is Canggu or Ubud better?
Choosing between Canggu and Ubud depends on your preferences. Canggu is known for its vibrant beach scene, trendy cafes, and lively nightlife, making it ideal for young travelers and surfers. On the other hand, Ubud offers a more cultural and serene experience with its art galleries, temples, and lush landscapes. Both destinations have their unique charms, so your choice should align with the type of experience you seek.
What is the most luxury area in Bali?
Nusa Dua is considered the most luxury area in Bali, featuring upscale resorts, pristine beaches, and world-class amenities. This area is designed for high-end tourism, offering exclusive villas, fine dining restaurants, and premium shopping experiences. It is ideal for travelers seeking a lavish and comfortable stay.
How much is a taxi from Ubud to Seminyak?
The cost of a taxi from Ubud to Seminyak typically ranges between IDR 300,000 to IDR 500,000, depending on the type of service and traffic conditions. It’s advisable to agree on the fare with the driver beforehand or use a reputable ride-sharing app to ensure a fair price for the journey.