For many people, Ubud is Bali. This is where you’ll find rice fields, temples, yoga studios, beautiful cafes, and that creative, spiritual atmosphere that has attracted travelers from around the world for decades.
I’ve visited Ubud several times over the years, and it’s always one of the places I look forward to returning to. Even though Ubud has become one of Bali’s most popular destinations, it still feels surprisingly peaceful once you get away from the busiest streets. A short walk or scooter ride is often all it takes before you’re surrounded by rice fields, tropical greenery, and a completely different pace of life.
This is my quick guide to Ubud, covering all the essentials: where to stay, where to eat, and the things I think are worth making time for while you’re here.
Where to Stay in Ubud
Traffic in Ubud can be surprisingly hectic, and getting from one side of town to the other often takes much longer than you’d expect. Sidewalks are narrow and not always in great condition, so if you’re only spending a week or two in Bali, I would recommend staying somewhere central.
You’ll have restaurants, cafes, shops, massage places, and yoga studios within easy reach, and you’ll spend less time sitting in traffic and more time enjoying your vacation.
Plataran Ubud: If your budget allows, Plataran Ubud is one of the best places I’ve stayed in Bali. The location is right in the middle of Ubud, yet once you’re inside the property, it feels like you’re miles away from the crowds. Rice fields, tropical gardens, and complete tranquility make it hard to believe that the town center is just around the corner. Read my blog post about Plataran Ubud
Praety Home Stay: If you’re looking for something more affordable, Praety Home Stay is my favorite budget option in Ubud. I’ve stayed there several times, and it’s the best guesthouse I’ve found in the area. The garden is beautiful, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the breakfast is much better than what you’d normally expect at this price point. Read my blog post about Praety Home Stay
Biukukung: Biukukung is a good midrange choice. The location is central, the rooms are comfortable, and the rice field views offer exactly the kind of Ubud scenery many people travel here to experience.
If you prefer a quieter area, take a look at Sayan or Penestanan, west of central Ubud. The surroundings are greener, the pace is slower, and you’re still close enough to town that restaurants and attractions remain within easy reach.
Where to Eat in Ubud
Ubud has one of the best food scenes in Bali. You’ll find everything from tiny family run warungs to some of the most exciting restaurants in Indonesia.
Nusantara: If you’re curious about modern Indonesian cuisine, start with Nusantara. It’s the sister restaurant to Locavore, but in a more relaxed setting. The food is excellent and gives you a great introduction to how diverse and exciting Indonesian food can be.
Warung Bu Ade: If you ask me, Warung Bu Ade serves the best nasi campur in town. Mamma Bu Ade starts cooking early every morning, preparing everything fresh for the day’s service, and it shows in every bite.
Bebek Bengil: Bebek Bengil is famous for its crispy duck, but I actually prefer their smoked duck. It’s served with a spicy sauce, and the meat is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Babi Guling Ibu Gendut: If you’re in the mood for babi guling, Bali’s famous roast suckling pig, head to Babi Guling Ibu Gendut. Order the Special, which comes with different cuts of pork, crispy crackling, and a fantastic soup called kuah balung. Their pork ribs are more expensive, but they’re among the best I’ve had anywhere on the island.
Monkey Legend: This place has been a favorite of mine for years. The menu focuses on classic Indonesian dishes, and there are also plenty of good plant based options.
Sayuri Healing Food: For plant based food, Sayuri Healing Food is hard to beat. The place is almost always busy, and the menu features a huge selection of creative vegan dishes. In the evenings, there’s often live music or other events, which adds to the atmosphere.
What to Do in Ubud
Yoga Barn: The main reason I come to Ubud is yoga and wellness, and Yoga Barn is usually one of my first stops when I’m in town. It’s by far the most famous yoga center in Ubud and has played a huge role in establishing the town’s reputation as a yoga destination. The schedule includes everything from traditional yoga classes and meditation sessions to workshops and newer wellness practices. There are classes throughout the day, and most are suitable for all levels.
Monkey Forest: Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s best known attractions. Hundreds of monkeys roam freely through a large forest filled with temples, giant trees, and ancient pathways. If you’d like to avoid the biggest crowds, visit early in the morning.
Rice Terraces: The rice terraces around Ubud are another classic experience. Tegallalang is the most famous, but there are smaller terraces nearby that offer equally beautiful scenery with fewer visitors.
Mount Batur: Many people also make the trip to Mount Batur, the active volcano north of Ubud. The sunrise hike to the summit is particularly popular, though even if you don’t hike, the views around Kintamani are worth the trip.
Gianyar Night Market: If you’d like a glimpse of everyday life beyond the tourist areas, visit Gianyar Night Market (Pasar Senggol Gianyar). This is where local families come to eat dinner, and it’s one of my favorite places to try Balinese dishes and snacks at local prices.
Balinese Massage: A Balinese massage should also be on your list. The treatment combines long, flowing movements with firm pressure that helps release tension and leaves you feeling completely relaxed. You’ll find everything from simple neighborhood massage places to some of Bali’s most luxurious spas.
Cooking Class: Taking a cooking class is another experience I can highly recommend. Balinese food is much more varied than many visitors realize, and learning about the ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques gives you a much deeper understanding of the cuisine.
If you have extra time, visit some of the water temples around Ubud, walk the Campuhan Ridge Walk, watch a traditional Balinese dance performance, or simply spend an afternoon exploring the small streets lined with cafés, galleries, and independent shops.
Ubud isn’t the Bali of empty roads and untouched rice fields anymore, but that’s not really why I come here. I come for the food, the yoga, the wellness culture, and the feeling that life slows down a little. And every time I leave, I already find myself looking forward to coming back.
