Ubud is peaceful, grounding, lively, mysterious and welcoming. Living in Ubud means connecting with nature and living intentionally. Here, culture is not a thing of the past but part of everyday life.
To help you get a sense of this experience, this guide provides an overview of the different facets that define Ubud. By the end, you’ll be able to plan your itinerary and cherish your time here.
Spirituality
Ubud is the spiritual heart of Bali. Here, spirituality goes beyond temple visits; it’s deeply ingrained in daily life and devotion to God. Locals in Ubud are friendly, welcoming and believe in Karma.
You’ll witness Ubud’s spirituality:
- In locals’ daily rituals — offerings of flowers, incense, and rice at shrines, temples, businesses, and homes.
- By visiting sacred temples and participating in purification rituals.
- During festivals like Galungan and Kuningan, when the whole town transforms with spiritual energy.
- In the slower, more intentional way of life.
Wellness
Ubud is a wellness hub. The town itself feels like a retreat. The sounds of nature, the warm tropical air, and the gentle pace of life all help you unwind.
You can reconnect with yourself:
- Through yoga.
- With a day at the spa for a therapeutic, traditional Balinese massage.
- With a visit to a detox centre to rid yourself of physical and mental toxins.
- By unwinding with a spiritual session of sound healing or silent meditation
- By undertaking a water blessing purification.
- By eating organic, vegan or healthy food.
- By sitting in a quiet spot surrounded by nature.
Arts and Culture
Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali. Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious, you’ll be drawn to:
- Galleries showing paintings, sculptures, and wood carvings.
- Peliatan Village for its wood carving and painting traditions.
- The Ubud Palace for Balinese dance performances every evening.
- Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) and Neka Art Museum for remarkable traditional and contemporary art collections.
- The Ubud Art Market for handmade crafts and local treasures.
- The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival for meeting creative people worldwide.
Accommodation Options
1] Luxury Resorts
Luxurious resorts in Ubud offer private pool villas or suites with jungle views. Rooms are spacious with fancy amenities. Personalised services such as private butlers or private chefs are highlights. The experience is exclusive, peaceful and rejuvenating. Luxury resorts are perfect for couples, families, or groups.
2] Boutique Hotels and Eco-Lodges
Boutique hotels in Ubud are smaller. They offer a more intimate and personal experience. Many blend into the natural surroundings with eco-friendly designs. These lodges provide comfort, privacy, and a closer connection to Ubud’s environment.
3] Guesthouses and Homestays
For budget-conscious travellers, guesthouses and homestays offer quiet, cosy stays. Local families run many of them. These options provide an affordable and welcoming environment. They’re ideal for those looking for a peaceful, no-frills experience that still connects with Ubud’s culture.
Cuisine Variety
Ubud’s culinary scene celebrates fresh, vibrant ingredients in a way that reflects the area’s connection to nature and wellness. Ubud is known for being home to some of the best restaurants on the island. The town is a food lover’s paradise.
You can experience:
- Local Balinese cuisine with vibrant spices and bold flavours.
- Organic cuisine.
- World-class international cuisine, including Italian, Japanese, Latin American, and Mediterranean.
- Fusion cuisine — This is an eclectic fusion of Indonesian spices with international flavours. For example, serving raw fish Japanese-style with fresh Balinese herbs, sambal, and citrus.
- Vegetarian and vegan cafes and restaurants.
Dining Options
1] Local Markets and Food Stalls
The local stalls serve Bali’s genuine street food in a relaxed setting.
2] Warungs
Warungs are tiny family-run restaurants serving traditional food. The setting is simple, and the vibe is warm and welcoming.
3] Casual Restaurants and Cafés
Casual restaurants and cafés serve local and international meals at affordable prices. Their dining experience is laid-back. Many of them offer breathtaking views.
4] Vegan and Vegetarian Cafés and Restaurants
These spots offer plant-based dishes with fresh, organic ingredients. They combine great taste with wellness.
5] Fine Dining RestaurantsA fine dining restaurant typically offers degustation or tasting menus of the highest culinary standard. In Ubud, many of these restaurants are set against stunning views. Every aspect of their service is world-class, right from menu planning to wine selection. Some of them also have sommeliers to help diners pair the right wine with their food.
Natural Beauty
Ubud’s natural beauty is distinct for its lush rice terraces, dense jungles, and flowing rivers. The landscape offers something for everyone:
- Artists: Helps find inspiration.
- Honeymoon couples: Offers romantic settings for quiet, shared moments.
- Families: Safe and peaceful for outdoor activities.
Family-Friendly Experiences
Ubud offers cultural activities and nature-based experiences that children of all ages would love. These experiences are educational, fun, and immersive and take place in a serene and safe environment.
Popular family-friendly experiences in Ubud
Families can stroll along the picturesque landscape of vibrant green fields that cascade down hillsides. Tegallalang is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This gentle hike offers stunning views of Ubud’s valleys and hills.
Kids will love watching monkeys in their natural habitat.
4] Balinese Dance Performances
Families can enjoy traditional Balinese art and storytelling.
5] Shopping
Families can explore a range of items, including local clothing, jewellery, organic products, and handmade toys. They can purchase unique souvenirs at the Ubud Art Market, Tegallalang Handicraft Centre, and Sukawati Market.
Adventure Activities
Ubud’s dense jungles, rivers, and terraced landscapes are perfect for outdoor adventures.
Distinctively, Ubud’s adventure activities are thrilling and scenic.
Popular adventure activities in Ubud
1] White water rafting on the Ayung River
2] Mount Batur sunrise trek, offering panoramic views after an early morning hike
3] Helicopter rides for aerial views of Ubud’s jungle and terraced fields
4] Jungle trekking through Ubud’s rainforests
5] Cycling tours around the Tegalalang Rice Terraces
6] Zip-lining over valleys and forests7] ATV tours through Ubud’s rural landscapes
Romantic Activities
Ubud’s lush landscapes, peaceful surroundings, and deep cultural roots create a distinctive romantic atmosphere. It offers a serene and intimate experience that stands apart from the rest of Bali.
Romantic Experiences in Ubud
1] An intimate candlelight dinner indoors or al fresco beneath a starlit sky
2] A luxurious couple-focused traditional Balinese spa session
3] A private hot air balloon ride over jungles and rice fields
4] A daytime private picnic amidst serene waterfalls
5] An intimate stroll through picturesque rice terraces
6] A playful and mindful acro yoga session together
7] Exploration of astrological charts with a Vedic reading to gain insights into the relationship.
8] A hands-on couple Batik workshop to create a meaningful piece of traditional Batik art together
9] A sunset temple tour
10] Horseback riding through Ubud’s countryside
Nightlife in Ubud
Ubud’s nightlife is laid-back. It’s more about culture and relaxation than partying. It’s perfect for a quiet evening or something low-key.
Nightlife Experiences in Ubud
1] Watching traditional Balinese dance and music at Ubud Palace or ARMA Museum
2] Grabbing street food and experiencing local vibes at Ubud Night Market
3] Hopping on the Tikibus and touring Ubud
4] Dancing at relaxed venues with open floors and laid-back crowds
5] Catching a film at Paradiso Ubud, a cinema that combines movies and dining
6] Sipping artful cocktails and drinks and listening to LIVE jazz at a speakeasy bar
