Located in the heart of Bali, this jungle of a place has some amazing restaurants, boutiques, as well as nature treks. Many people who visit Ubud on a quick day tour seem to find it underwhelming. We are guessing that it's due to those people being dropped off on the main street, which is a serious tourist hub (to give you an idea, that street is the home of the only Starbucks we saw in Bali). The real magic of Ubud is hiding in the side-streets and the outskirts. We seriously believe that Ubud and its environs are places not to be missed.
Where to stay
To get the most out of this place you should definitely check out the many Airbnb's and homestay villas available in and around Ubud. We stayed in Tegalalang which is a 15 minute scooter drive from central Ubud.
Christina's villa in Tegalalang
Check prices and availability
A private loft-style villa with a pool, Approx. $70 per night, suitable for a couple.
Taman Thai Villa
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A cool, newly built villa with with traditional Balinese design and wonderful rice field views. The villa features a large living room and kitchen, plus 3 bedrooms with en-suite private bathrooms. Rooms can be rented separately, approx. $40 per night. Great Thai restaurant on property.
Where to eat
Try the coconut pancakes with caramelized banana for breakfast and the chickpea-beetroot falafel for lunch!
Quaint outdoor seating. Perfect for having a meal while people watching on Hanoman street.
Vegan hotspot, Mediterranean and East-Asian menu items. Awesome views of Ubud's rooftops.
Be sure to dine at the one on Subak Sok Wayah Street, located in a rural area surrounded by rice fields. Wonderful organic dining experience for lunch and dinner.
Great Indian food with a very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Sit on the second floor, cross-legged on pillows.
The many steps that lead to this hidden gem will well be worth it. Beautiful place with breathtaking views, delicious vegetarian-only cuisine.
If you're missing some Mexican flair, this is a cool, vegan place with great cocktails. Expect higher prices compared to other spots.
Indonesian tapas? Yes please. Authentic cuisine and beautiful homestyle experience.
Our go-to grocery store!
What to do
This volcano is located in northern Bali so it is suggested that you book the tour while staying in Ubud. Highly recommended to hike it over-night so you can watch the sunset at the top. Be sure to bring warm clothing! Do it with a private guide. There are many options on Trip Advisor or get in touch with us and we can share our guide's information.
Ever watched the movie "The Bucket List"? Go try Jack Nicholson's favorite coffee - world-famous Kopi Luwak. Great experience where you will get to taste many types of unique coffees and teas in a beautiful setting. Only costs a few dollars!
Chez Monique silver jewelry class
A silver welding and jewelry making class where you'll leave with your own finished creation, ready-to-wear. Chez Monique is an ever-unique experience inside a family's home and business that will tap you into the craftsmanship culture of Ubud. Cost: approx. 33 USD. Time: 2-3 hours.
Five Art Studio wood carving or painting class
Come to learn the ancient ways of Balinese woodwork or tapestry painting, and leave with your own art piece + memories of Ubud's cutest family; all of which will surely last a lifetime. Wayan's passion for life, art and education is contagious. We can't wait to come back to volunteer in his English-speaking classes for his community, coming soon! Cost: approx. 30 USD. Time: 3-4 hours.
A hidden gem and true bargain. It's difficult to choose the best thing about this place: their on-site fruit and herb garden is the source of your tea, massage oil, and fruit plate; their staff is another special extension of Balinese warmth and hospitality. If you're looking for a traditional spa experience in Bali, the name says it all. $14 for 60 minutes.
Open-air yoga studio in the middle of Ubud's rice fields? Yes, please! $10 per class, or less, if you opt to buy the 3/5/10/20 class cards.
A beautiful place to visit and walk around. Friendly monkeys all over the place, guaranteed. Be sure to pass the entrance quickly in order to venture to the less touristy areas and have some 1 on 1 (or 5 on 1) time with the monkeys. There are ladies who sell banana bunches so you can feed them, approx. $2 for a small bunch and $4 for a large. Pro tips: Don't wear any jewelry or sunglasses as the monkeys snatch them for their own. Go earlier in the day, as the monkeys can get over-indulged by the hoards of tourists—to the point they won't interact. If you want to snatch a photo with a monkey hold a banana above your shoulder or your head, and they will climb you like a tree. Nothing to fear! These guys are cool. Entrance cost is $3 per person.