- DESTINATIONS
- AUSTRALIA
- WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- ALBANY
- BROOME
- BUSSELTON
- CARNAC ISLAND
- CORAL BAY
- DUNSBOROUGH
- EXMOUTH
- FISHING WA
- FREMANTLE
- HORIZONTAL FALLS
- JURIEN BAY
- KIMBERLEY CRUISES
- KIMBERLEY & TOP END TOURS
- MANDURAH
- MARGARET RIVER
- NINGALOO REEF
- PERTH
- PINNACLE TOURS
- ROTTNEST ISLAND
- SAL SALIS
- SUNSET CRUISES – WA
- WALKING TOURS
- WHALE SHARK TOURS
- WHALE WATCHING
- WILD FLOWER TOURS
- WINERY TOURS
- NEW SOUTH WALES
- NORTHERN TERRITORY
- QUEENSLAND
- SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- TASMANIA
- VICTORIA
- WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- INDONESIA
- COOK ISLANDS
- CROATIA
- FIJI
- HONG KONG
- JAPAN
- LOMBOK
- MALAYSIA
- MALDIVES
- MAURITIUS
- NEW ZEALAND
- PHILIPPINES
- SINGAPORE
- SKI HOLIDAYS
- SRI LANKA HOLIDAYS
- THAILAND
- VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
- AUSTRALIA
- DEALS
- CRUISES
- RAIL
- TRAVEL INSURANCE
- ABOUT US
Ubud offers something completely different from Bali's beach resorts.
Surrounded by rice fields, river valleys and tropical countryside, Ubud has become Bali's best-known centre for culture, art, wellness, dining and inland exploration.
There is no beach.
That's rather the point.
Spend your days exploring temples and galleries, walking through rice fields, visiting villages, enjoying long lunches, booking a spa treatment or simply looking across a jungle valley from your resort.
Ubud can be busy — particularly around the town centre — but choose your location carefully and you'll discover why it remains one of Bali's most rewarding places to stay.
For many travellers, we'd recommend experiencing Ubud rather than simply visiting it on a day tour.
Book Your Ubud Holiday with BlueSun Travel
View Ubud Holiday Deals →
Read reviews travel expert The Walking Critic →
Call 1300 799 758
We are available 7 days a week!
THE VIBE // Hippie, laid-back, free spirit, yoga loving, tree-hugging.
PERFECT FOR // Couples, Solo Travellers, Nature
TYPE OF HOLIDAY // Family, Couples, Balinese culture, Remote wilderness
GETTING THERE // Head north from Ngurah Rai International Airport, it'll take about 1.5 hours driving, depending upon the time of day. Use a local driver if you know one, or call us for a contact: 1300 799 758.
HOTELS & RESORTS // Mid-range to Luxury Hotels, though there are many cheaper accommdations you can book too.
BEST SELLING POINTS // The open air, wilderness, tropical forests, lush greenery, bohemian life
READ MORE // Kick back and enjoy the most candid and up-to-date reviews from top travel writer, The Walking Critic.
| Planning Detail | At a Glance |
|---|---|
| Best For | Couples, culture, food, wellness, nature and first-time Bali visitors |
| Atmosphere | Cultural, creative and energetic in town; peaceful in the surrounding countryside |
| Landscape | Rice fields, jungle, rivers, valleys and tropical countryside |
| Popular Areas | Central Ubud, Campuhan, Penestanan, Sayan and the surrounding countryside |
| Accommodation | Luxury resorts, boutique hotels, villas, wellness retreats and smaller properties |
| Dining | Excellent restaurants, cafés, local food and health-focused dining |
| Shopping | Art, handicrafts, jewellery, textiles, markets and boutiques |
| Nightlife | Restaurants, bars and cultural performances rather than major clubs |
| Getting Around | Walking works in central areas; transport is usually required for countryside resorts and sightseeing |
| Ideal Stay | Around 3–5 nights, combined with a Bali beach destination |
Ubud allows you to experience a completely different side of Bali.
Instead of spending the day moving between beach, swimming pool and sunset drinks, you can explore temples, rice terraces, galleries, villages, markets and tropical countryside.
Ubud is also one of Bali's major centres for wellness. Yoga studios, spas, retreats and health-focused restaurants sit alongside traditional Balinese culture and an increasingly sophisticated dining scene.
Ubud May Suit You If You Want:
❖ Culture and temples
❖ Rice fields and tropical scenery
❖ Excellent restaurants and cafés
❖ Art, handicrafts and galleries
❖ Spa and wellness experiences
❖ Walking and nature
❖ Luxury resorts surrounded by countryside
❖ A contrast to Bali's beach destinations
Central Ubud or the Countryside?
This is probably the most important decision you'll make when choosing an Ubud hotel.
Properties described as being in "Ubud" can offer dramatically different experiences.
Stay centrally and you may be able to walk to restaurants, shops, markets and cultural attractions.
Stay outside town and you could find yourself overlooking rice fields, jungle or a river valley — but you'll probably depend more heavily on hotel shuttles, drivers or taxis.
Neither is better.
They're simply different holidays.
View Ubud Hotels & Resorts →
| Area | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Central Ubud | First-time visitors and convenience | Restaurants, shops, markets and attractions nearby, but considerably busier |
| Campuhan | Scenery and access to town | Green surroundings and convenient access to the Campuhan area and central Ubud |
| Penestanan | Quieter stays and villas | A more residential atmosphere with cafés, villas and rice-field surroundings |
| Sayan | Luxury and relaxation | Luxury resorts, river valleys and dramatic tropical scenery |
| Ubud Countryside | Resort escapes and wellness | Rice fields, jungle and peaceful resorts, with greater reliance on transport |
❖ BlueSun Insight: Don't Book "Ubud" Without Checking the Map
Some of Ubud's most spectacular hotels aren't really in central Ubud at all.
That's not a criticism. Being surrounded by rice fields, jungle or a river valley can be exactly why you should book them.
But understand the trade-off.
If you picture yourself walking out every evening and choosing from dozens of restaurants, staying well outside town may become frustrating. If you want peace, spectacular scenery, a beautiful swimming pool and somewhere you can happily spend half the day doing very little, the countryside may be exactly right.
Don't choose between central Ubud and the countryside according to which hotel has the most impressive photographs.
Choose according to how you actually want to spend your days.
Explore Central Ubud
Ubud's town centre is filled with restaurants, cafés, shops, galleries, temples and markets.
It can also become busy.
Rather than trying to see everything at once, explore smaller sections and leave time to stop somewhere interesting along the way.
Visit Ubud Palace
Ubud Palace — Puri Saren Agung — sits in the heart of town and remains an important cultural landmark associated with Ubud's royal family.
Its central location makes it easy to combine with Ubud's market, temples, shops and restaurants.
Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of Ubud's best-known attractions, combining forest, temples and hundreds of long-tailed macaques.
Follow the sanctuary's rules carefully.
The monkeys live there.
You're visiting.
Walk Through the Rice Fields
You don't have to travel far beyond Ubud to find a very different landscape.
Rice-field walks provide an opportunity to slow down and see the countryside that has helped make Ubud famous.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of Ubud's best-known walks and provides a welcome change from the busy town centre.
Go early.
Walking exposed ridges in the middle of a tropical afternoon isn't necessarily the cleverest holiday decision you'll make.
Visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The famous rice terraces north of Ubud have become one of Bali's most photographed landscapes.
They are also extremely popular.
Visit earlier in the day if possible and consider combining Tegallalang with other attractions rather than making it your only reason for leaving Ubud.
Experience Balinese Dance
Traditional dance performances are held at venues around Ubud and provide an accessible introduction to Bali's performing arts.
Book a Spa or Wellness Experience
Ubud is one of Bali's leading wellness destinations, with everything from inexpensive massages to sophisticated resort spas, yoga programmes and dedicated retreats.
Explore Beyond Ubud
Ubud makes an excellent base for exploring central Bali.
Culture isn't something that has been added to Ubud for tourists.
Temples, ceremonies, religious practices, traditional arts and village life remain part of everyday Bali.
Important sites around the wider Ubud region include Goa Gajah, Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi, while smaller temples and shrines can be found throughout the area.
Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites and follow local requirements regarding temple clothing and access.
Most importantly, remember that these are places of worship rather than simply photographic attractions.
One of Bali's Best Dining Destinations
Ubud's dining scene is another reason to stay rather than visit for the day.
You'll find traditional Indonesian and Balinese cooking alongside international restaurants, vegetarian and vegan dining, cafés, bakeries and sophisticated contemporary restaurants.
Food and wellness also overlap heavily here.
You certainly don't need to spend the entire holiday drinking green juice and discussing yoga.
But if that's your thing, Ubud won't disappoint.
Seminyak is also one of Bali's better areas for travellers who enjoy browsing rather than spending the entire holiday inside a shopping centre.
Expect a mixture of:
❖ Fashion boutiques
❖ Resort wear
❖ Jewellery and accessories
❖ Homewares and interiors
❖ Art and handicrafts
❖ Surf and lifestyle brands
❖ Beauty and wellness products
Combine shopping with cafés, lunch and a spa treatment rather than trying to cover everything in one marathon expedition.
You're on holiday.
Where Should You Stay in Ubud?
Ubud has some of Bali's most spectacular accommodation.
You can stay in a boutique hotel within walking distance of restaurants or disappear into a luxury resort overlooking a river valley.
The right choice depends on what you want from Ubud.
What Type of Ubud Accommodation Suits You?
Central Ubud Hotels
Best if restaurants, shopping, markets and being able to walk around town are priorities.
Luxury Resorts
Ideal for travellers who want spectacular surroundings, resort facilities, pools, spas and somewhere worth spending time.
Wellness Retreats
Ubud is one of Bali's strongest destinations for dedicated wellness, spa and yoga-focused stays.
Private Villas
Useful for couples, families and groups wanting additional privacy and space.
Countryside Resorts
Best when rice-field or jungle surroundings are more important than being able to walk into town.
Some of Our Ubud Favourites
BlueSun Travel offers accommodation across central Ubud and the surrounding countryside.
We don't believe there's one "best hotel in Ubud".
A fantastic hotel in the wrong location is still the wrong hotel for you.
Our dedicated Ubud Hotels & Resorts guide will compare different locations, accommodation styles and some of our preferred properties.
👉 View Ubud Hotels & Resorts →
Ubud should be considered for what it adds to your Bali holiday rather than what it lacks. It is particularly rewarding if you value culture, scenery, food, wellness and experiences beyond the beach.
| Choose Ubud If... | Consider Somewhere Else If... |
|---|---|
| Culture and traditional Bali are important to you | You primarily want a beach holiday |
| You enjoy rice fields, jungle and tropical scenery | Ocean views and beachfront access are essential |
| You enjoy restaurants, cafés, art and galleries | Beach clubs and late-night nightlife are priorities |
| Spa, yoga or wellness appeal to you | You want a traditional coastal resort holiday |
| You want to explore central Bali | You plan to spend every day beside a swimming pool and beach |
| You want a contrast to Bali's beach destinations | You only have a short Bali stay and the beach is your priority |
** Our view: Even travellers who consider themselves "beach people" should think about spending a few nights in Ubud. It provides enough contrast that a Ubud + beach holiday can feel like two completely different Bali experiences.
Bali offers a truly stunning choice of holiday destinations and at BlueSun Travel, we actually visit most of these holiday hot-spots. It is well-known that our travel advisors spend on average 15 weeks a year in Bali reviewing hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafés and attractions
This section below offers a quick way to compare Seminyak with other top locations in Bali:
UBUD OR SANUR?
These destinations complement one another extremely well.
Choose Ubud for culture, countryside, temples, restaurants, wellness and inland exploration.
Choose Sanur for beach relaxation, easy walking, calmer coastal conditions and a slower seaside routine.
Better still, on a longer holiday, consider doing both.
Ubud + Sanur is one of the easiest ways to create two distinctly different Bali experiences without constantly changing hotels.
👉 Explore Sanur →
UBUD OR SEMINYAK?
Choose Ubud when culture, scenery, wellness, restaurants and exploring inland Bali are priorities.
Choose Seminyak when beach life, shopping, restaurants, bars, beach clubs and sunset are more important.
Again, these aren't necessarily competing choices.
For a longer Bali holiday, Ubud + Seminyak can work extremely well.
👉 Explore Seminyak →
UBUD OR NUSA DUA?
These are almost opposite approaches to a Bali holiday.
Choose Ubud when you want to explore, dine out, experience culture and surround yourself with inland scenery.
Choose Nusa Dua when you want a polished beachfront resort environment where much of your holiday can happen within the property.
👉 Explore Nusa Dua →
Seminyak is on Bali's southwest coast, north of Legian and Kuta.
Travel time from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport varies considerably according to traffic and your exact hotel location.
For that reason, we would avoid promising a specific "20-minute" or "30-minute" transfer on the page.
When arranging your Bali holiday, BlueSun Travel can package your accommodation with airport transfers, flights, tours and travel insurance, giving you one itinerary rather than a collection of unrelated bookings.
Yes. We generally recommend staying in Ubud rather than only visiting on a day trip because mornings and evenings allow you to experience the destination differently and reduce the amount of travelling in a single day.
Around three to five nights works particularly well for many travellers, especially when Ubud is combined with a beach destination.
No. Ubud is inland. Choose it for culture, countryside, restaurants, wellness, temples and tropical scenery rather than beach access.
Many restaurants, shops and attractions in central Ubud can be reached on foot, although heat, traffic and footpath conditions should be considered. Resorts outside central Ubud generally require transport.
It can be excellent, but hotel selection is important. Some resorts involve hills, stairs and extensive grounds, while sightseeing can also involve uneven surfaces and steps. Tell us about any mobility concerns before choosing your accommodation.
Yes. Luxury resorts, private villas, spas, restaurants and dramatic tropical scenery make Ubud particularly attractive for couples and honeymooners.
Yes, particularly for families interested in culture, nature and activities. Hotel choice and children's ages should guide the decision.
The countryside can be considerably quieter, but central Ubud itself can become very busy. Don't choose Ubud purely because you assume the entire destination is peaceful.
Stay centrally if walking to restaurants, shops and attractions matters. Stay outside town if scenery, resort facilities and tranquillity are higher priorities.
Choosing an Ubud hotel isn't simply about deciding how many stars you want.
Decide what you want outside your bedroom window — and outside your hotel.
Would you rather walk to dinner every evening?
Wake up overlooking rice fields?
Stay above a river valley?
Spend half the day enjoying a luxury resort?
Explore temples and villages?
Or combine several of those experiences?
Tell us how you want your Ubud stay to feel and we'll help you choose the location, hotel and Bali itinerary that fits.
👉 View Ubud Hotels & Resorts →
👉 View Bali Holiday Deals →
👉 Explore Bali →
For the latest information on Ubud and our Holiday Packages call
1300 799 758
For the latest Bali Holiday Package deals
1300 799 758