Ubud

The cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, famous for its rice terraces, temples, art and a zen atmosphere surrounded by nature.

IndonesiaBali
3 days

About Ubud

About Ubud - Culture, History & Character

City Description

Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, nestled among rice terraces, lush forests and sacred rivers. Famous for its Hindu temples, the spectacular Tegallalang rice terraces and its artistic atmosphere, Ubud has for decades been the favorite refuge of artists, yogis and travelers seeking authenticity. Its market, galleries, the Monkey Forest and sanctuaries like Tirta Empul Temple make it an immersive experience of Balinese culture, very different from the island's southern beaches.
Country
Indonesia
Region
Bali
Highlights
7+ Attractions

Population

About 75,000 inhabitants (Ubud district area).

Languages

IndonesianBalinese

Indonesian is the official language and Balinese is spoken in daily life. English is very common in Ubud due to its intense international tourism.

History of Ubud

Explore the fascinating past of Ubud and discover how it has developed over the centuries.

Historical Journey

Ancient Period

Ubud grew around a temple and a royal palace (Puri Saren) of the Sukawati dynasty, which ruled the region from the 19th century. The area was historically a center of traditional medicine and Balinese spirituality, with the Campuhan river valley considered sacred.

Development Period

In the 1930s, the arrival of Western artists such as Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet put Ubud on the world art map, boosting local painting, dance and crafts. Its fame grew in the following decades with Bali's cultural tourism boom, while keeping its artisanal and spiritual identity.

Modern Period

In the 21st century, Ubud has become a world reference for wellness tourism, yoga and healthy food, without losing its cultural essence. Elizabeth Gilbert's 'Eat, Pray, Love' and the rise of digital tourism have made Ubud one of Asia's most desired destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Historical Timeline

The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Ubud through the centuries.

City Scores

City Scores

Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system

Safety

Excellent
85100

A safe and quiet destination, with the usual risks of traffic and minor tourist scams.

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A safe and quiet destination, with the usual risks of traffic and minor tourist scams.

Advantages:
  • Low crime rates.
  • Relaxed and safe atmosphere even at night.
Challenges:
  • Be careful with scooter traffic.
  • Taxi and overpriced tour scams.

Walkability

Good
75100

Ubud's center is walkable, but streets are narrow with traffic; many attractions are spread out.

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Ubud's center is walkable, but streets are narrow with traffic; many attractions are spread out.

Advantages:
  • The center, market and palace are largely pedestrian-friendly.
  • The Campuhan Ridge Walk is perfect for strolling.
Challenges:
  • For the rice terraces and outlying temples you need a scooter or car.

Public Transport

Fair
45100

Public transport is almost nonexistent; renting a scooter, hiring a driver or using ride apps is the norm.

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Public transport is almost nonexistent; renting a scooter, hiring a driver or using ride apps is the norm.

Advantages:
  • Affordable scooters and private drivers.
  • Ride apps available.
Challenges:
  • Traffic and narrow roads make getting around harder.

Affordability

Excellent
88100

Very affordable: accommodation, food and wellness activities have excellent prices by Western standards.

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Very affordable: accommodation, food and wellness activities have excellent prices by Western standards.

Advantages:
  • Hotels, villas and homestays for every budget.
  • Very cheap local food (warungs).
  • Yoga classes and massages at unbeatable prices.
Challenges:
  • Prices in the most touristic spots have risen in recent years.

Nightlife

Fair
55100

Quiet, bohemian nightlife: cocktail bars, live music and wellness events, far from the bustle of Seminyak or Kuta.

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Quiet, bohemian nightlife: cocktail bars, live music and wellness events, far from the bustle of Seminyak or Kuta.

Advantages:
  • Bars with rice terrace views.
  • Evening Balinese dance performances.
  • Relaxed and safe atmosphere.
Challenges:
  • No nightclubs or intense party scene.

Art & Culture

Excellent
95100

Bali's artistic epicenter: Balinese dance, painting, sculpture, art market and Hindu ceremonies.

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Bali's artistic epicenter: Balinese dance, painting, sculpture, art market and Hindu ceremonies.

Advantages:
  • The Blanco Museum and the Agung Rai Museum of Balinese Art.
  • Daily dance performances (Legong, Barong, Kecak).
  • The Ubud Art Market and local galleries.
Challenges:
  • Some experiences may feel very tourist-oriented.

Food Scene

Excellent
92100

An excellent food scene: Balinese warungs, fusion restaurants and one of the world's best vegan and healthy food offerings.

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An excellent food scene: Balinese warungs, fusion restaurants and one of the world's best vegan and healthy food offerings.

Advantages:
  • Local babi guling, nasi campur and satay.
  • Top-tier healthy and vegan restaurants.
  • Specialty coffees and local teas.
Challenges:
  • The most traditional cuisine requires leaving the tourist areas.

Shopping

Excellent
80100

The Ubud Art Market and its streets offer Balinese crafts, clothing, jewelry and decor at good prices.

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The Ubud Art Market and its streets offer Balinese crafts, clothing, jewelry and decor at good prices.

Advantages:
  • The Ubud Art Market (bargaining is essential).
  • Local crafts: baskets, batik, silver, carved wood.
  • Wellness and ethical fashion shops.
Challenges:
  • Bargaining is necessary; initial prices are high.

Weather

Excellent
82100

Tropical climate, warm all year, with an ideal dry season (April-October) and winter rains.

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Tropical climate, warm all year, with an ideal dry season (April-October) and winter rains.

Advantages:
  • Constantly warm temperatures.
  • Rain freshens the air and greens the landscape.
Challenges:
  • In the rainy season, afternoon storms are frequent.

Tourist Friendly

Excellent
92100

A mature, welcoming tourist destination with something for everyone: culture, nature, wellness and food.

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A mature, welcoming tourist destination with something for everyone: culture, nature, wellness and food.

Advantages:
  • Excellent tourist infrastructure.
  • Activities for every budget.
  • Huge expat and tourist community.
Challenges:
  • Overcrowding at the most iconic spots.

Family Friendly

Excellent
80100

A good family destination: nature, monkeys, rice terraces and activities for kids, though traffic and heat require patience.

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A good family destination: nature, monkeys, rice terraces and activities for kids, though traffic and heat require patience.

Advantages:
  • The Monkey Forest delights children.
  • Rice terrace and waterfall walks.
  • Very family-friendly hotels with pools.
Challenges:
  • Scooter traffic can be stressful.
  • Spicy food is not always liked by children.

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Good
65100

Bali is Indonesia's most tolerant area, and Ubud hosts an open international community, though Indonesian law remains restrictive.

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Bali is Indonesia's most tolerant area, and Ubud hosts an open international community, though Indonesian law remains restrictive.

Advantages:
  • Very open expat and tourist community.
  • Inclusive hotels and spaces in Ubud.
Challenges:
  • Indonesian legislation is conservative; discretion is advised.

Local Friendly

Excellent
90100

Balinese people are famous for their kindness, smile and genuine hospitality.

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Balinese people are famous for their kindness, smile and genuine hospitality.

Advantages:
  • Unmatched Balinese hospitality and smile.
  • They appreciate respect for their traditions and temples.
  • English is widely spoken.
Challenges:
  • In very touristic areas some vendors are pushy.

Natural Beauty

Excellent
93100

Emerald rice terrace landscapes, tropical jungle, rivers and volcanoes: lush, highly photogenic natural beauty.

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Emerald rice terrace landscapes, tropical jungle, rivers and volcanoes: lush, highly photogenic natural beauty.

Advantages:
  • The rice terraces and their reflections.
  • The jungle and rivers crossing Ubud.
  • Mount Batur and Mount Agung visible on clear days.

Architecture

Excellent
85100

Traditional Balinese architecture: ornate temples, 'candi bentar' gates, royal palaces and tropical-style villas.

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Traditional Balinese architecture: ornate temples, 'candi bentar' gates, royal palaces and tropical-style villas.

Advantages:
  • The Ubud Palace (Puri Saren) and its traditional dances.
  • Temples and shrines with thatched roofs.
  • Villas and resorts with Balinese aesthetics.
Challenges:
  • Tourist development has introduced less traditional architecture in some areas.

Historical Significance

Excellent
80100

Center of Balinese art, religion and royalty, with ancient temples and Hindu traditions unique in the world.

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Center of Balinese art, religion and royalty, with ancient temples and Hindu traditions unique in the world.

Advantages:
  • Tirta Empul Temple and its sacred waters.
  • The tradition of daily offerings (canang sari) and ceremonies.
  • The historical role of the Ubud Palace.
Challenges:
  • Much of local history is oral and requires a guide to understand.

Green Spaces

Excellent
92100

Surrounded by rice terraces, tropical forests and rivers: lush nature around the corner.

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Surrounded by rice terraces, tropical forests and rivers: lush nature around the corner.

Advantages:
  • The Tegallalang and Jatiluwih rice terraces.
  • The Campuhan Ridge Walk and rice-field trails.
  • Nearby waterfalls like Tegenungan.
Challenges:
  • Some rice terrace viewpoints are crowded.

Cleanliness

Good
70100

The center is clean and well kept, although waste management and traffic are a growing challenge in Bali.

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The center is clean and well kept, although waste management and traffic are a growing challenge in Bali.

Advantages:
  • Well-maintained tourist areas and temples.
  • Growing efforts to reduce plastic.
Challenges:
  • Waste in less touristy areas and rivers.

Startup Scene

Good
70100

An ecosystem of nomads, wellness startups and creative technology, though more limited than Canggu or South Bali.

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An ecosystem of nomads, wellness startups and creative technology, though more limited than Canggu or South Bali.

Advantages:
  • Coworking spaces and entrepreneurial community.
  • Many wellness and digital-lifestyle businesses.
Challenges:
  • Little high-level tech investment.

Digital Nomad Friendly

Excellent
95100

One of the world's digital nomad capitals: fast wifi, work-friendly cafes, coworking spaces and a huge community.

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One of the world's digital nomad capitals: fast wifi, work-friendly cafes, coworking spaces and a huge community.

Advantages:
  • Coworking spaces and cafes with excellent internet.
  • Huge international community and networking events.
  • Digital nomad visas and affordable long stays.
Challenges:
  • Occasional power cuts in rural areas.

Overall City Score

Comprehensive assessment of this destination

92/ 100

Weather & Climate

Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Ubud y qué esperar durante todo el año.

Monthly Temperatures

January

Max31°
Min23°

February

Max31°
Min23°

March

Max32°
Min23°

April

Max32°
Min24°

May

Max32°
Min24°

June

Max31°
Min23°

July

Max31°
Min23°

August

Max31°
Min23°

September

Max32°
Min23°

October

Max32°
Min23°

November

Max32°
Min23°

December

Max31°
Min23°

Legend

Best Months
Hot Months
Cold Months
Rainy Periods

Weather Summary

Tropical climate, warm all year, with an ideal dry season (April-October) and winter rains.

Weather Tips

Constantly warm temperatures.

Rain freshens the air and greens the landscape.

In the rainy season, afternoon storms are frequent.

The dry season (April-October) is the best time; in the wet season it often rains in the afternoon.

Temperatures are warm all year; it cools down in the early morning.

Overview

Spring

Transition with occasional rain; the vegetation is lush.

More Information

Summer

Dry season and the best time for hiking and green rice terraces.

More Information

Autumn

Pleasant climate and emerald landscapes; a good time to visit.

More Information

Winter

Rainy season (November to March): intense but brief showers and a fresh atmosphere.

More Information

Presupuesto y Compras

Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas

Budget Planning

Daily spending per person

Ubud offers an excellent value for money: very affordable accommodation, cheap local food and reasonable prices for luxury and wellness options.

Budget Travel

250-450K IDR

per day

Mid-Range Travel

600K-1.2M IDR

per day

Luxury Travel

2M+ IDR

per day

Points of Interest

Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer

Sacred Monkey Forest

A natural sanctuary in the heart of Ubud where hundreds of long-tailed macaques live among temples and jungle. An unmissable and highly photogenic visit (with food safety rules).

Nature

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The famous amphitheater-shaped rice terraces about 20 minutes from Ubud, with viewpoints, swings and trails through the fields. An icon of the Balinese landscape.

Nature

Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung)

The royal palace of Ubud, residence of the Sukawati royal family, with traditional Balinese architecture and evening dance performances.

History

Tirta Empul Temple

A sacred water temple about 30 minutes from Ubud, famous for its ritual purification pools (melukat) where locals and visitors bathe.

Religion

Campuhan Ridge Walk

A scenic 2 km walk along a green ridge between rivers and palm trees, perfect at sunrise or sunset, with views over the rice fields and jungle.

Nature

Tegenungan Waterfall

An impressive waterfall in the jungle about 20 minutes from Ubud, with natural pools for swimming and observation platforms.

Nature

Ubud Art Market

Ubud's traditional market, full of Balinese crafts: baskets, batik, jewelry, sculptures and souvenirs. Bargaining is essential.

Shopping

Discover every corner of Ubud!

Sponsored links by GetYourGuide for your convenience

Day Trips

Discover fascinating destinations near Ubud perfect for day getaways

Besakih Temple (Mother Temple)

Bali's largest and most important Hindu temple, on the slopes of Mount Agung, about 2 hours from Ubud. Spectacular scenery and deep spirituality.

Gitgit Waterfalls and North Bali

An excursion to the north of the island to see the Gitgit waterfalls, the Jatiluwih rice terraces (UNESCO) and the atmosphere of Singaraja.

Mount Batur at sunrise

A sunrise climb of Mount Batur (1,717 m) to watch the sun rise over the lake, followed by a soak in the Toya Devasya hot springs.

Explore Neighborhoods

Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.

Ubud Center

Around the palace and market: shops, restaurants, cafes and the highest concentration of tourist life.

Campuhan and Sayan

Area west of the river, with the Campuhan Ridge Walk, luxury boutique hotels and villas with jungle views.

Penestanan and Kedewatan

Quieter, greener neighborhoods ideal for yoga and disconnection, with rice terraces and rivers.

Seasonal Experiences

Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year

Emerald rice terraces and hiking

Dry Season

From April to October, the best time to explore the rice terraces, the Campuhan Ridge and the waterfalls under clear skies.

Ceremonies and intense greens

Rainy Season

From November to March, afternoon rains green the landscape and temples fill with ceremonies; prices drop and there are fewer crowds.

Festivals & Local Celebrations

Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of this city through its unique festivals

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

One of Southeast Asia's most important literary festivals, with international writers, debates and culture.

Nyepi (Day of Silence)

The Balinese New Year, a day of total silence across the island with no activity, light or traffic. A unique experience.

Before you go

Quick answers to plan your trip with confidence

About 3 days covers the essentials. Add 1–2 days for neighborhoods or day trips.
Mid-range is around 600K-1.2M IDR per person per day (stay, food, local transport). See the budget section for ranges.
A solid starting area is Ubud Center. Compare neighborhoods and hotels on this page.
Most visitors mix public transport, walking and occasional taxis/ride-hailing. See transport tips here.
Family-friendliness rated 80/100. It usually works well for family trips.
Safety rated 85/100. Use normal urban precautions at night.

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