Ubud is a beautiful, lively region in the heart of the island of Bali. It's my favourite place on Bali and in my opinion, the perfect base for having both the bustling town as well as close proximity to loads of waterfalls, temples, rice fields and hikes that are so beloved on the island.
Indonesia has the most islands of any country in the world with literally thousands of them stretching almost two million square kilometres between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The most famous and most visited is Bali but don't forget about the countless others when planning your trip here.
I first visited Indonesia in 2019 and spent a month island-hopping across six islands.
Fast forward to mid-2026 and I'm currently driving a van (Susy) around "the lap" of Australia with my partner and so traveled from Cairns to Bali for a week of rest, relaxation and a bit of a holiday from van life. He's also been to Bali before so it was special to rediscover this island together.
The earliest recordings of Ubud go back to the 8th century when Hindus arrived in the area led by Rsi Markandaya, a nomadic Indian priest who had traveled from Java with his followers to Bali. Legend goes that he performed a purification ritual before clearing the forests of Ubud for settlement following a 35-day meditation on Mount Raung. This ritual continues to this day, burying the five cosmic elements (water, fire, air, earth, space). He built many temples and an irrigation system on the island as well as discovered many medicinal herbs and plants which paved the way for the naming of the region as the Balinese word for medicine is ubad. Hundreds of temples have been built since. The Javanese priest Dang Hyang Nirtartha arrived on Bali in 1537, considered to have shaped Balinese Hinduism into what it is today.
→ Learn the complete history of Ubud.
I first visited Ubud in July 2019 as part of a month-long backpacking trip around Indonesia and returned with my partner in May 2026 and updated the original post with all the new things we did. This post was first published on 31 July 2019; last updated 13 May 2026.
Below is some useful information for preparing for your trip to Ubud. In all cases, please be sure to check with the relevant local authorities for the latest and accurate information.
Language: Indonesia has one official language, Bahasa Indonesia, which is used for all official purposes such as government and education as well as for communicating between islands. Many Balinese people also speak Balinese or Bahasa Bali, the local native language of Bali, as well as English.
Currency: The currency used in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah, denoted as Rp and abbreviated as IDR; you may see both used interchangeably. I use a Wise account when I travel which allows me to have a single, free account with multiple currencies. I only have to pay once to convert my money in the app and then I can pay in Rp!
→ Check the latest currency conversion between Rp and your local currency.
Data/WiFi: Before you arrive, I recommend purchasing an eSim on your phone so that you can access data the moment you land. eSims are much more convenient as it means you don't have to put a separate physical Sim into your phone. Singapore has three main telecommunications providers: 3SinyalKuatHemat(Hutchinson), Indosat and Telkomsel. AirAlo offers great deals for eSims of various data sizes and time lengths across Indonesia.
→ Load an international eSim on your phone with AirAlo.
There is often WiFi at public places such as restaurants, gyms, cafés and hotels.
Visa: As of 2026, passport holders of 87 countries can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival when entering Indonesia. Other passport holders will need to apply for a visitor visa in advance.
→ Check what visa you need for Indonesia.
Regardless of visa, every single person entering Indonesia (including citizens) must fill out an Indonesian Arrival Card in the 72 hours before arriving.
Time of year to visit: Indonesia's rainy season typically runs from November to March with high humidity and chances of heavy rain. For your best chance at clear skies, plan to visit from April to October, although personally I'd avoid July and August as they are the busiest months. May and June are usually the nicest months on Bali.
Length of stay: In both 2019 and 2026, I spent a week in Ubud. This was the perfect amount of time to hang out, rest, explore the town as well as get out on your scooter and explore the countless waterfalls, temples, rice fields and hikes of the region.
By flight: The only airport on Bali is in Denpasar, the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is the second-largest airport only after Jakarta, with direct flights to over 60 international destinations.
From I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, the easiest way to get to Ubud with all your luggage is to order a Grab or Go Jek (similar to Uber). It's about an hour's drive from the airport north to Ubud.
By Grab or Go Jek: If you're coming from elsewhere on the island, Grab or Go Jek are the best way to get around with comfortable vehicles and usually with an English-speaking driver. I would strongly avoid renting a car on Bali as a foreigner.
On foot: The main town area of Ubud is easily walkable with loads of little side streets to explore full of shops, restaurants, wellness areas, boutiques, cultural sites and cafés. Just keep an eye out as sometimes the sidewalks aren't in great shape and tripping is common.
By scooter: The most popular, easiest, cheapest and most convenient way of getting around is by scooter. You must have an international license in order to drive a scooter - you will get fined if you're caught driving without one. The roads in Ubud are quite well-paved and relatively easy to drive, however you should drive cautiously at all times. It is also the law to wear a helmet and police will stop you and fine you if you ride without one. Scooter rentals are available from most accommodations or on nearly every street corner for a low daily rate.
Scooters in 2019
Rented our scooter from The Bike Rental Bali
Scooting around Ubud
By Grab or Go Jek: If you're not comfortable driving a scooter, hiring a Grab or Go Jek for day trips out of Ubud is a great option. Traffic within Ubud can get really dense and traffic jams are common, so I would avoid this within Ubud, but totally go for it if you want to explore further afield.
By guided tour: There are thousands of guided tours available from Ubud exploring absolutely every single possible thing there is to do on Bali including waterfalls, rice terraces, temples, caves, coffee plantations, ziplining, tubing and so much more.
In 2019, I visited Ubud as part of a month-long backpacking trip with a friend around Indonesia. We visited Ubud a few times during our trip and stayed at three different hostels in Ubud, a popular and affordable option:
Kayuni Hostel is a lovely little place right in the centre of Ubud with comfy beds, big lockers, free WiFi and free breakfast, coffee and tea with a balcony view over the streets of Ubud. 2026 update: Kayuni Hostel seems to have closed down.
WW Backpackers was my favourite hostel in Ubud. It's a bit further out of the centre of town meaning it's quiet with a big open common space looking onto the jungle, an outdoor shower, free breakfast and WiFi plus you can use the gorgeous pool at Ani's Villas Resort across the road!
At the end of our trip, we spent a night at Uma Kutuh Bungalow, just outside Ubud with large, comfy beds, WiFi, lovely decor, free breakfast and access to a pool.
Kayuni Hostel
WW Backpackers
When we returned in 2026, we chose to get a villa with a private pool, definitely an upgrade from my backpacking days of seven years ago! There are literally countless accommodation options all across Ubud so you'll find something no matter your style or budget.
We spent a week at Purana Boutique Resort and it was truly perfect. The street is quiet, just a short scooter ride away from Ubud, and the villa was absolutely outstanding with our very own private pool. The service was incredible - we felt like we were coming home every time and nothing was too much for the staff. The restaurant is fantastic too; be sure to have at least one meal there, either in the restaurant or delivered to your room. The whole thing was flawless from start to finish.
→ Book your stay at Purana Boutique Resort.
→ Check out other places to stay to suit your budget and accommodation type.
The food in Ubud is absolutely delightful. The streets are full of little restaurants (warungs) all serving up delicious Balinese meals and from around the world. I also love how many vegetarian options there are here; every restaurant has something to offer!
Breakfast & Brunch
As a gluten-free girlie, finding even one dish on the menu is a delight so you can imagine how wonderful it was to stumble across Flourish with its entirely gluten-free menu, sacrificing absolutely none of the taste. Beautiful, tasty dishes and I could order anything I wanted! I'd recommend this spot for brunch even if you're not gluten-free, it's just that good.
We adored the food at Samyama Eatery, a fully vegetarian restaurant also with loads of vegan options. The brunch menu is just mouthwatering with both Balinese food as well as from around the world.
Flourish
Samyama Eatery
Samyama Eatery
SUKA is right in the heart of Ubud and does a delicious brunch menu in a super vibey two-storey spot overlooking the busy streets below. I especially recommend the tofu scramble!
SUKA
SUKA
We also loved Waybu, a cute café near our villa with a huge brunch menu including amazing smoothie bowls.
Waybu
Coffee
The coffee at Coarse & Fine is seriously perfect with an outdoor terrace upstairs overlooking Ubud. We also loved their coffee cups so much we bought two to take home and every time we have coffee out of them we think of Bali!
Lunch & Dinner
We went to a number of amazing restaurants in 2019 when I was on my Indonesia backpacking trip. We never cooked during this trip at our hostels; food is so delicious and affordable that we went out to eat every single night.
I recommend the vegetable curry as well as the gado gado at Sweet Orange Warung. I can also highly recommend the tofu tempeh curry and the gado gado at Warung Makan Bu Rus, a delightful, authentic Balinese spot on the northern end of Ubud in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Sweet Orange Warung
Warung Makan Bu Rus
We landed super late when we came back in 2019 and were so hungry after our flight from Australia so were so grateful to find Omiiku, a delicious 24-hour noodle spot near our villa. The service was lovely and we inhaled delicious bowls of noodles at 3am!
My favourite restaurant in Ubud is Sun Sun Warung and I've had dinner there multiple times. Their nasi campur, gado gado and kare tahu tempe are all amazing. The dadar gulung (green crêpes with coconut) are the best dessert ever and you must try passion kult, a drink of Yakult with passion syrup. I'm salivating just thinking about it all!
Try the tempe manis, the bregedel kentang and the gado gado at Warung Biah Biah, a sweet little spot with a street-facing table on the busy Jl. Goutama.
We spent a week at Purana Boutique Resort and it was truly perfect. Even if you're not a guest here though, the restaurant is fantastic with delicious options from around the world.
Ubud is my favourite part of Bali, located in the centre of the island, the perfect base for having both the bustling town as well as close proximity to loads of waterfalls, temples, rice fields and hikes that are so beloved.
Here is everything I have done in Ubud both when I visited in 2019 and in 2026:
Explore the streets
The first day I stepped foot in Ubud in 2019, we just wandered the busy streets passing by countless market stalls and beautiful boutiques to browse. It's a bustling place but somehow I never felt overwhelmed rather just enjoying the beautiful architecture, bright colours and delicious smells. It was such a treat to rediscover it again in the same way when we returned in 2026.
Ubud in 2019
Ubud in 2026
Visit Ubud Palace
The official residence of the royal family of Ubud is the Ubud Palace or Puri Saren Agung, a beautiful open-spaced structure with gardens and intricate architecture.
Walk through the Saraswati Temple
The Saraswati Temple is now home to a Starbucks of all things, but behind that lies an stunning temple with a lily pond.
Do the Campuhan Ridge Walk
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is an easy, peaceful 2km route that winds along the ridge of a lovely tree-filled valley.
Get a massage
There are so many wonderful wellness spots all over Ubud - the traditional name of Ubud comes from ubad, the Balinese word for medicine - so this is really the place for it. We adored our treatments at Jaens Spa Shanti with facials, massages and hair care; so much so that we went back three times!
Ubud is the perfect base to be close to loads of waterfalls, temples, rice fields and hikes to explore. Here is everything I have done surrounding Ubud both when I visited in 2019 and in 2026:
Wander through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The rice terraces of Bali are a huge draw for tourists eager to snap photos of the stunning multi-level fields. There are actually rice terraces all over Bali, but the most famous rice terraces are the ones in Tegallalang, just 10km north of Ubud.
Entrance to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces themselves is actually free however there are often people standing at entrances asking for an entrance fee as well as a number of donation boxes set up throughout the rice terraces alongside the stone pathways. There are also some paid attractions in the area such as the swing or ziplining over the rice fields.
We followed the stone pathways through the terraces; they can get very muddy and slippery after rain. Please be respectful of the workers as you explore.
Visit the Tirta Empul Temple
The temples of Bali are numerous, well-known and stunning. One of the things I love about this island is the architectural beauty everywhere from temples, houses to public buildings and restaurants. One of the most well-known temples in Bali is Tirta Empul, home to the holy mountain springs, about 15km north of Ubud.
Tirta Empul was created out of the belief of a legendary battle between King Mayadenawa and God Indra. The king used his magical powers for black and dark magic, so Priest Sang Kulputih summoned God Indra to end the king. During the battle one night, the king entered the camp of Indra's troops and created a poisonous pond that the men would drink from. Indra, upon discovering that his men were sick and dying, created a holy spring with healing water which came to be known as Tirta Empul. Indra then succeeded in killing Mayadenawa. The death of the king is commemorated every 210 days in the Balinese calendar as the day when Virtue triumphs over Evil in a ceremony called Galungan.
These days, Tirta Empul's natural springs are believed to still be those created by Indra said to be cleansing and purifying. Tirta Empul is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of water, with shrines to Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Indra as well as one of Mount Batur, making this temple one of the holiest in Bali.
You must cover your shoulders and knees before entering the temple; sarongs are available to rent at the entrance. Long hair must be tied back. If you wish to bathe in the holy water, separate bathing sarongs can also be rented.
Explore Tirtha Areng
We scootered past this place in 2026 without meaning to and stumbled into a beautiful garden and temple with not a single other person around. It's small but so lush and peaceful. I couldn't find any information about it online so it's still a bit of a mystery!
Visit Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah is a temple 5km southeast of Ubud with grounds home to a famous elephant cave and beautiful gardens. My favourite part of Goa Gajah was the gardens where you can wander at leisure along stone pathways and up beautiful steps.
You must cover your knees and shoulders to enter Goa Gajah; if needed you can rent a sarong at the entrance.
Hike Mount Batur for sunrise
One of the most popular things to do in Bali is to make the trek up the famous volcano, Mount Batur. Particularly endearing is to complete this hike at the crack of dawn so you can watch the sunrise from the peak, lighting up the skies over Lombok and Mount Agung.
More places to visit
Tekad Cepung Waterfall
Pura Desa Batuan
Tegangang Waterfall
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
