Why stay in Ubud while on holiday in Bali? Located in the heart of the island, Ubud offers an exceptional combination of Balinese culture, nature, wellness, adventure, shopping and food.
For first time visitors to Bali, Ubud is a must visit destination. Staying here allows you to experience a very different side of the island from Bali’s beach areas. Ancient temples, traditional ceremonies, rice terraces, waterfalls and authentic village life are all within easy reach.
Ubud Town is a Convenient Base.
Staying in Ubud town is particularly convenient for Travelers who enjoy shopping, dining, spa treatments and having plenty of choices close by.
Foodies can choose from traditional Indonesian warungs, casual cafés, family friendly restaurants and internationally recognized dining experiences. Staying in town is also helpful for adults and children who are fussy eaters because there is a much wider variety of cuisines and menu choices.
Many of Ubud’s most important historical and cultural attractions are located in town. These include Ubud Palace, Ubud Market, Saraswati Water Palace and many beautiful temples. Ubud Monkey Forest and Campuhan Ridge Walk are also within the town, making them easy to visit without spending a long time traveling.
Online transport through apps such as Gojek and Grab is readily available in Ubud town. Visitors can book a motorbike or car for shorter journeys, which is particularly useful for older Travelers and anyone with mobility issues.
Ubud town is centrally positioned between many of the region’s most popular activities and attractions. Bali Zoo and Bali Safari and Marine Park are south of Ubud, while the Elephant Park at Taro is to the north. Many of Ubud’s recommended rafting and ATV companies are also approximately 20 minutes north of town.
With attractions and activities located in different directions, staying centrally in Ubud town reduces unnecessary traveling and provides a convenient base for exploring the wider region.
Ubud is the Cultural Heart of Bali
Bali’s Hindu culture can be seen throughout the island, but staying in Ubud gives visitors more opportunities to experience it as part of everyday life.
Religious processions, temple ceremonies and beautifully prepared offerings are frequently seen around town. Traditional Balinese dance and gamelan performances are also held in Ubud every evening, often within historic temples and royal palaces.
Ubud is one of the best places in Bali to watch performances such as the Kecak Fire Dance, Legong Dance and Ladies Gamelan. Staying in town makes attending an evening performance particularly convenient because many venues are within walking distance.
See the Ubud Traveler Traditional Balinese Dance Schedule for performance locations, days and helpful booking information.
Ubud Traveler Tip: If you did not have time for beauty appointments before leaving home, Ubud town has an excellent selection of nail salons, hair salons, spas and sugaring studios.
Nature Attractions In and Around Ubud
You do not need to travel from Ubud town to experience Ubud’s rice fields and jungle.
Several scenic walking routes can be accessed directly from the town centre, including the popular Campuhan Ridge Walk. These walks make it easy to enjoy the nature of Bali without needing to arrange transport. Visitors can find more about Ubud Walking routes in the Ubud Good Walks Guide.
Ubud Monkey Forest is located in Ubud town and is within walking distance of many central hotels, restaurants and shops.
For more picturesque landscapes, travel north of Ubud to areas such as Tampaksiring and Payangan. This is where you will find expansive rice fields, jungle scenery, temples in nature, traditional villages and some of the region’s most beautiful natural surroundings.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces is approximately 30 minutes by car from Ubud town. Mount Batur is just over one hour away when traveling early in the morning, making Ubud a convenient base for a private Mt Batur sunrise trek or tour.
Recommended Ubud Traveler tours and packages for nature lovers.
- Wonderful Waterfalls Tou
- Private Mount Batur Sunrise Tre
- Campuhan Ridge Walk Guid
- Ubud Monkey Forest Visitor Guid
- Bisma Cottages Back to Nature Package
Ubud’s Adventure Activities
Ubud is one of the best places in Bali for Travelers who enjoy adventure and outdoor activities.
White water rafting on the Ayung River is one of the area’s most popular experiences. Travelers can also explore jungle tracks, rivers, tunnels and rice fields by ATV or buggy. Other activities available around Ubud include river tubing, canyoning, cycling, jungle swings and ziplines.
There are options for different ages and levels of confidence, from gentle river tubing suitable for younger children to more adventurous rafting, canyoning and ATV experiences.
Ubud Traveler personally tests the activities we recommend. We can help Travelers choose the most suitable experience based on their interests, age, fitness level and who they are traveling with. Contact Us Now and start planning your Ubud itinerary.
Ubud Is for Foodies
Ubud is a must stay destination for foodies, with one of the most diverse and exciting dining scenes in Bali.
Visitors can choose from an abundance of traditional Indonesian dishes, local Balinese specialties, healthy cafés, vegan and vegetarian food, and international fine dining. Ubud also has excellent bakeries, coffee shops, dessert venues and restaurants serving cuisines from around the world.
The wide variety of restaurants makes Ubud particularly suitable for families and groups with different tastes. Adults and children who are fussy eaters will find plenty of familiar choices, while more adventurous diners can experience traditional dishes such as Babi Guling and Bebek Goreng.
See the Ubud Good Food Guide for more restaurant recommendations throughout Ubud.
Shopping in Ubud
Love to shop? Ubud is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from markets to stylish boutiques, local designer stores and specialist shops.
Ubud Market is a convenient place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, sarongs and Balinese handicrafts. Visitors can also explore the smaller stalls and side streets, where bargaining is generally expected.
Monkey Forest Road, Jalan Hanoman feature boutiques selling fashion, beautiful hand crafted jewelry, natural beauty products, homewares and locally designed gifts.
Jalan Andong is well known for its quality furniture and homewares.
Ubud Is Bali’s Healing and Wellness Hub
The name Ubud comes from the Balinese word ubad, meaning medicine, and was inspired by the medicinal plants, herbs and traditional healers historically found throughout the area.
Today, Ubud remains the ideal place to reset, renew and revitalize. Travelers can choose from traditional Balinese healing, water purification ceremonies, meditation, yoga, sound healing, massage and spa treatments.
Ayurvedic retreats, wellness workshops, holistic health seminars and personalized healing programs are available for periods ranging from one day to one week or longer.
Ubud Traveler works with local practitioners and trusted activity providers to help Travelers find meaningful wellness and healing experiences. We have also worked with Bisma Cottages to create accommodation packages combining a stay in Ubud with selected wellness activities and experiences.
Ubud is Bali’s Artisan Centre.
Art and craft lovers are spoilt for choice in and around Ubud and it’s no surprise why. The first foreigners to visit the area were artists; mostly painters, and by the 1930s Ubud’s cluster of quiet villages became known as a cultural centre.
Festivals and Events in Ubud
Ubud hosts Bali’s most popular festivals and events, attracting visitors interested in wellness, food, music, literature, art and Balinese culture.
BaliSpirit Festival brings together yoga, meditation, healing, music and wellness.
Food lovers can experience the Ubud Food Festival, while the Ubud Village Jazz Festival welcomes local and international musicians.
The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival attracts authors, speakers, thinkers and literature lovers from around the world.
Other creative events include Ubud Open Studios, which provides access to the studios of local artists and designers, and the Ubud Folk Festival, celebrating music, art and culture.
Festival dates and programs can change each year, so Travelers planning their Bali holiday around a particular event should check the latest information before booking accommodation and flights. See the Ubud Festivals Guide for current dates, event descriptions and official festival links.
Ubud Is a Family Friendly Destination
Ubud is an excellent base for families who want to experience Bali’s culture, nature and adventure activities.
Families can visit waterfalls, rice terraces, wildlife parks and temples, or enjoy activities such as river tubing, rafting, cycling, buggy rides, cooking classes and traditional Balinese dance performances. There are suitable options for young children, teenagers and families traveling with several generations.
Ubud town has a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, making it easier to find food for children and adults with different tastes. Families can also enjoy evening entertainment and cultural performances without the noisy nightclubs and busy beach clubs found in some of Bali’s coastal areas.
Family accommodation in Ubud ranges from affordable guesthouses and hotels with connecting rooms to private villas and boutique properties.
Ubud Traveler recommends Bisma Cottages for families who want authentic Balinese style accommodation in a peaceful setting close to Ubud town. The Deluxe Cottage offers additional living space, a kitchenette and rice field views and is recommended for families with children under 10 years. The Two Bedroom Cottage provides more space and privacy for families with older children and teenagers.
Bisma Cottages also offers two family packages combining accommodation with age appropriate tours and activities:
Family Fun Package for Families with Children Under 10 Years
Family Adventure Package for Families with Children Over 10 Years
Ubud is highly rated for Solo Travelers.
Ubud is one of Bali’s most popular destinations for Solo Travelers and has received international recognition as a leading solo travel destination.
The town offers many opportunities to meet other Travelers through yoga classes, wellness activities, creative workshops, coworking spaces, group activities and welcoming cafés. Solo Travelers can enjoy time independently while still finding it easy to connect with people who share similar interests.
Staying in Ubud town makes exploring independently more convenient. Many restaurants, spas, shops and attractions are within walking distance, while transport apps such as Gojek and Grab are readily available for shorter journeys.
Ubud Traveler also offers private tours and Balinese experiences for Solo Travelers who prefer the comfort and company of a trusted local driver or guide.
Ubud Traveler recommends Bisma Cottages for Solo Travelers seeking a smaller boutique property in a convenient location. The property has an all female Balinese staff, special room rates for Solo Travelers and a Solo Girls Package combining accommodation with selected activities and experiences.
As with any destination, Solo Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and take the same sensible safety precautions they would use when traveling elsewhere.
Read more about Ubud’s recognition for solo travel in our Bali and Ubud Travel Awards Guide.
View the Bisma Cottages Solo Girls Package
Ubud for Older Travelers
Ubud is an appealing destination for older Travelers interested in Balinese culture, temples, history, wellness, nature and exceptional food. It offers a more relaxed alternative to the busy beach clubs and nightlife found in some of Bali’s southern areas.
Staying in Ubud town provides convenient access to restaurants, spas, shops, markets and cultural performances. Transport apps such as Gojek and Grab are readily available for shorter journeys, while a private car and driver can make day tours more comfortable and flexible.
It is important to choose accommodation carefully because some Ubud properties have steep stairs, uneven paths or rooms spread across hillsides. Travelers with mobility concerns should ask about steps and access before booking.
Ubud Traveler recommends Bisma Cottages for older Travelers seeking a smaller boutique property with personal service and helpful local staff. There are no stairs throughout the property grounds, and the Deluxe Cottage has no internal steps. The staff speak good English and can assist with transport, tours and planning an Ubud itinerary according to each guest’s interests and preferred pace.
Bisma Cottages also offers accommodation packages that combine a stay in Ubud with selected tours, activities and Balinese experiences.
How Does Ubud Compare with Other Areas of Bali?
Choosing where to stay in Bali depends on the type of holiday you want. For first time Bali Travelers, combining Ubud with one of Bali’s beach destinations provides an opportunity to experience two very different sides of the island.
Ubud is ideal for Travelers interested in Balinese culture, nature, temples, wellness, food, shopping and adventure activities. It has a more relaxed evening atmosphere than many southern beach areas, making it a pleasant place to begin a Bali holiday, recover from a long flight and adjust to the climate and time difference.
Canggu is a busy and popular coastal area known for surfing, cafés, restaurants, nightlife and beach clubs. Traffic congestion can make traveling around the area time consuming. Its beaches are popular for surfing and walking, but swimming conditions may not suit everyone.
Seminyak is known for luxury beachfront resorts, stylish boutiques, beach clubs and an excellent selection of restaurants. It is a good choice for Travelers who want shopping, dining and the beach within the same holiday area.
Uluwatu is famous for surf breaks, clifftop views, beach clubs and beautiful beaches. Many beaches are accessed by steep stairs, so reasonable mobility may be required. Swimming conditions can also depend on the tides and ocean conditions.
Sanur is one of Bali’s most relaxed beach destinations and is conveniently located close to the airport. The beach is protected by an offshore reef, creating generally calm water that is suitable for swimming. Sanur continues to grow in popularity while retaining a quieter atmosphere than many of Bali’s busier coastal areas. Sanur Harbour also provides convenient access to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida for day trips or longer stays.
Why Travelers Love Ubud
Ubud has a different energy from other areas of Bali, but do not just take our word for it. Here is what Travelers have shared about their Ubud experiences.
“The reasons I love Ubud are abundant! The Balinese people are the friendliest and most welcoming I have ever met. The wellness scene is the best in the world, in my experience. From massages and sound healing to traditional Balinese healing, Ubud truly has it all. Then there is the food, with everything from vegan cafés and tasting menus to Babi Guling and incredible tacos.”
“Before I visited Ubud, I had already spent a month island hopping around Indonesia and never made it to Ubud. Big mistake! On my second visit, Ubud was number one on my list. I ended up staying for five months.”
“Leaving Ubud is like leaving my home. I adore every single thing about this magical pocket on our precious planet. I find myself looking through photos of water temples, crazy monkeys and happy memories with friends who feel like family, and longing to return.”
Updated September 2026.
