A complete, honest guide to Ubud, Indonesia — where to go, what to eat, how to get around and the day trips worth your time. Bali's spiritual heart — rice terraces, yoga retreats & artist....
Ubud is a highlight of Southeast Asia, and Ubud is Bali's cultural and spiritual heart — rice terraces, temples, craft villages and a global wellness scene. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, this guide helps you plan a trip that balances the must-sees with the moments that make a place stick.
Top things to do in Ubud
These are the sights most first-time visitors build their trip around. Tap each one to add it to your shortlist — it saves as you browse.
Perfect 2–3 days in Ubud
A simple, unhurried plan you can shape around your own pace.
The essentials
Hit the headline sights first — Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Sacred Monkey Forest. Break for lunch and try babi guling, then spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of Central Ubud.
Go deeper
Go beyond the highlights: see Ubud Palace and Campuhan Ridge Walk, then explore Penestanan at a slower pace. Leave time to sit in a café, browse a market and eat where the locals do.
Beyond the city
With a third day, head out of town — Mount Batur (a sunrise volcano trek) is the easy favourite, or swap in Tegenungan Waterfall (an easy jungle waterfall).
Ready to book? Turn your Ubud shortlist into reality
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and day trips for the sights you've saved — booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company). We may earn a commission.
Book Ubud experiences →Ubud on a budget — costs & money tips
Ubud is very affordable by global standards. Here’s roughly what to budget, per person per day, by travel style — these are indicative estimates to plan around, not fixed prices, and they exclude international flights. Use the currency selector near the top of the page to convert.
dorms/hostels, street food, public transport, mostly free sights
private room or 3★ hotel, a mix of cafes and restaurants, a few paid attractions
4★ hotel, restaurants, taxis when handy, tours and tickets
What things cost in Ubud
- Accommodation£8–£45 / night
- Food£6–£20 / day
- Local transport£2–£8 / day
- Typical attraction£3–£12 / entry
See how Ubud compares with 126 other cities →
Saving money in Ubud
- Street food and local markets are both the cheapest and often the best meals — eat where locals queue.
- Trains and shared local transport cost a fraction of taxis; agree fares before you ride where meters aren’t used.
- Many of the best experiences here are low-cost — temples, markets, walking the old quarters.
Estimates assume mid-2020s prices and a typical exchange rate; high season, festivals and last-minute booking push costs toward the upper end.
Local intelligence — Ubud at a glance
A quick orientation for Ubud. Sunrise and sunset are live for today; connectivity and nomad-friendliness are Wander360 estimates to set expectations, not precise scores.
Staying safe in Ubud
Most visits are trouble-free. Use the same street sense you would in any busy city: keep an eye on belongings in crowds and on transport, use licensed taxis or a rideshare app, agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used, and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs or stations. For up-to-date, authoritative guidance always check your own government’s travel advisory (UK FCDO · US State Dept) before you travel.
For getting around Ubud specifically, see the Getting around section on this page.
Where to stay & neighbourhoods in Ubud
Ubud is really a collection of distinct districts, and where you base yourself shapes the whole trip. Here’s each main neighbourhood — what it’s like and who it suits:
Central Ubud
The palace, market and dining.
Penestanan
Yoga, villas and cafés.
Tegallalang
Rice-terrace country.
Once you’ve picked an area, you can book tours & tickets in Ubud further down the page.
Food & drink in Ubud
Balinese and healthy global food — babi guling, nasi campur and smoothie bowls.
Build your Ubud food list — tap the dishes you want to try:
Getting around Ubud
Central Ubud is walkable; hire a driver or scooter for temples and terraces.
🚇 Public transport
Usually the fastest and cheapest way around Ubud. Grab a rechargeable travel card or use contactless where supported, and download the local transit app for live times.
🚶 On foot
The centre of Ubud is best explored on foot — it’s how you stumble on the small things. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a map app handy.
🚕 Taxis & rideshare
For late nights, luggage runs or awkward cross-town hops, ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper and clearer than flagging a cab. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
✈️ From the airport
Check the official airport transfer options before you land — there’s almost always a train or express bus into Ubud that beats a taxi on price.
Best time to visit Ubud
The dry season (April–October) is best. Prices and crowds tend to follow the weather, so the shoulder seasons often give the best value.
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for visiting Ubud.
Day trips from Ubud
When you’re ready to venture beyond the city, these make for rewarding day trips:
- Mount Batur — a sunrise volcano trek
- Tegenungan Waterfall — an easy jungle waterfall
Practical tips for Ubud
🧭 Where to base yourself
For a first visit, Central Ubud is a smart base — the palace, market and dining. If that’s not your style, Penestanan works well too (yoga, villas and cafés).
🍽️ Eat like a local
Don’t leave Ubud without trying babi guling, nasi campur, smoothie bowls or Balinese coffee. Skip the obvious tourist spots and eat where you see locals queueing.
✨ Don’t miss
Make time for Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Sacred Monkey Forest. With a spare day, Mount Batur (a sunrise volcano trek) is well worth the trip.
💰 Money & payments
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in Ubud, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Tell your bank you’re travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.
📶 Staying connected
A local eSIM or SIM is cheap and makes maps, transport and translation effortless across Ubud — set it up before you arrive or at the airport.
🛡️ Stay aware
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and on transport in Ubud, as you would in any busy city, and keep a digital copy of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Ubud?
Three to four days is enough for Ubud’s highlights — the main sights plus time to wander Central Ubud — with an extra day for a trip to Mount Batur if you can spare it.
What is the best time of year to visit Ubud?
The dry season (April–October) is best.
What food is Ubud known for?
Balinese and healthy global food — babi guling, nasi campur and smoothie bowls.
Where should I stay in Ubud?
Central Ubud is a great first-time base (the palace, market and dining). Penestanan is another good option for yoga, villas and cafés.
What are the best day trips from Ubud?
Two rewarding day trips are Mount Batur (a sunrise volcano trek) and Tegenungan Waterfall (an easy jungle waterfall).
How do you get around Ubud?
Central Ubud is walkable; hire a driver or scooter for temples and terraces.
