UBUD
Ubud is the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali, a lush, tranquil inland escape nestled among emerald rice paddies and deep river gorges. It is a place dedicated to art, healing, and traditional Balinese Hindu philosophy.
This vibrant region is a global center for yoga, meditation, and well-being. It is a sanctuary where you can explore ancient temples, immerse yourself in traditional arts, and connect with nature’s profound beauty.
Most Popular Attractions
Spiritual & Temple Sites:
Tirta Empul Temple: A famous holy water temple where Balinese Hindus go for ritual purification (melukat).
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): A 9th-century cave sanctuary with intricate stone carvings and a bathing temple complex.
Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati): A beautiful water temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess of knowledge, surrounded by a lotus pond.
Gunung Kawi Temple: An 11th-century temple complex featuring impressive candi (shrines) carved into the face of a cliff.
Pura Samuan Tiga: An important historical temple where the great council of high priests met in the 10th century.
Campuhan Ridge Walk: A gentle paved path along a scenic ridge, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and a perfect spot for sunrise.
Nature & Scenic Views:
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: A UNESCO World Heritage site candidate, famous for its picturesque subak (traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system).
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: A dense, protected forest housing over 1000 long-tailed macaques and several ancient temples.
Tegenungan Waterfall: A powerful, scenic waterfall nestled in a lush green valley, popular for swimming and photos.
Ayung River: The longest river on Bali, renowned for whitewater rafting adventures and beautiful canyon views.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: A vast expanse of highly protected rice paddies, offering a more extensive and less commercialized viewing experience.
Manuaba Waterfall: A less-visited natural waterfall, offering a more tranquil and intimate experience.
Art, Culture & History:
Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung): The official residence of the royal family of Ubud, featuring traditional Balinese architecture and hosting nightly dance performances.
Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud): A sprawling market selling beautiful silk scarves, handmade bags, statues, and other Balinese crafts.
Neka Art Museum: A museum dedicated to preserving and exhibiting both classic and contemporary Balinese art.
ARMA (Agung Rai Museum of Art): A prominent institution with a wide collection of Balinese and international paintings, set in beautiful gardens.
Museum Puri Lukisan: Ubud’s oldest art museum, focused on the history and evolution of Balinese painting and wood carving.
Threads of Life: A non-profit organization gallery focused on traditional Indonesian textiles and natural dyes.
Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets: A collection of traditional masks and puppets from Indonesia and around the world.
Wellness & Culinary:
The Yoga Barn: A globally recognized center offering a wide range of yoga, meditation, and healing workshops.
Sari Organik Walk: A walk through rice paddies leading to organic cafes and restaurants, perfect for a healthy meal.
Cooking Classes: Numerous centers offer traditional Balinese cooking classes, where you learn to prepare local dishes like Nasi Goreng and Satay.
Activities & Experiences
Attend a Balinese Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic Indonesian and Balinese dishes like Nasi Goreng and Satay using traditional techniques and fresh local ingredients.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace Swing & Walk: Hike through the iconic, lush green rice paddies and stop for a thrilling photo on one of the famous jungle swings overlooking the terraces.
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Wander through the cool, dense jungle and observe over a thousand free-roaming long-tailed macaques in this natural and spiritual reserve.
Take a Silver-Making Workshop: Learn from a master artisan in the neighboring village of Celuk (the “Silver Village”) and design and create your own piece of Balinese jewelry.
Morning Trek up Mount Batur: Start before dawn to hike up the active volcano for a spectacular sunrise view over the clouds, often including a breakfast cooked by volcanic steam.
Experience a Traditional Balinese Dance Performance: Attend an evening show (e.g., Kecak or Legong) at one of the village temples or palaces for a captivating display of music, drama, and colorful costumes.
Explore the Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): Discover the ancient archaeological site featuring a stone-carved entrance, bathing pools, and meditation chambers dating back to the 9th century.
Cycle through the Villages and Rice Fields: Rent a bike or join a guided cycling tour that takes you away from the town center and into the quiet, local life of the surrounding villages.
Participate in a Yoga or Meditation Retreat: Ubud is a global hub for wellness. Spend a morning or a full day at one of the many studios for deep relaxation and spiritual practice.
Raft the Ayung River: Experience the thrilling rapids of the Ayung River on a white-water rafting adventure, passing through stunning jungle gorges and rice field scenery.
Visit Tirta Empul Temple: Take part in a purification ritual (Melukat) at this major water temple, where Balinese Hindus go to cleanse themselves in the holy spring water.
Local Tips & Transport
Scooters are King: For short distances and exploring the immediate surrounding areas (like the rice terraces), renting a scooter (approx. $5–$7 USD per day) is the most popular and flexible option. Ensure you have an International Driving Permit.
Private Drivers & Taxis: For longer trips (e.g., airport transfers, day tours), hiring a private local driver for a full or half-day is cost-effective and comfortable (approx. $40–$60 USD for a full day). Taxis and ride-sharing apps are available, but rates in the core Ubud area can sometimes be higher due to local transport agreements.
Walking & Trails: The center of Ubud is walkable, but the best way to see the scenery is on foot. Explore the Campuhan Ridge Walk for an iconic paved trail with stunning views, or wander through the narrow paths in the rice fields.
Shuttle Services: Many hotels and guesthouses on the outskirts of town offer free or low-cost shuttle services to the central Ubud Palace area, which is very useful for avoiding congestion.
Temple Etiquette: Dress respectfully when visiting temples. Both men and women must wear a sarong and a sash, which are often provided for a small fee or free at the entrance. Never stand higher than the priest (pemangku).
The Canang Sari Offerings: You will see small woven palm-leaf baskets with flowers, rice, and incense everywhere—on sidewalks, doorsteps, and shrines. These are daily offerings (Canang Sari) to the gods. Be mindful not to step on them, especially in doorways, as it is considered disrespectful.
Currency and Negotiation: While the official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), prices are typically quoted in USD for ease. Always have small denominations of Rupiah for street vendors. Negotiation is common in markets, but be polite and start at around half the asking price.
The Quiet Day (Nyepi): If you visit during the Balinese New Year (Nyepi, usually in March or April), be aware that this is a “Day of Silence.” For 24 hours, the island shuts down—no lights, no work, no travel, and the airport closes. Tourists must also stay inside their accommodation.
Hidden Gems & Local Food:
- Warungs: Seek out a local Warung (small, family-run restaurant) for the most authentic and affordable food. Try Babi Guling (suckling pig) or Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck).
- Pura Gunung Lebah: Located at the start of the Campuhan Ridge Walk, this stunning, less-visited temple is a place of deep spiritual significance and quiet reflection.
- The Night Market: The Gianyar Night Market, a short drive away, is a true local food experience, bustling with vendors and offering delicious street food at extremely low prices.
Top Restaurants
Warung is a small, family-run local eatery. These are the best spots for authentic, non-touristy, and budget-friendly food.
Nasi Ayam Kedewatan [$3-$7] – A famous local spot specializing only in Nasi Ayam (rice with shredded chicken, eggs, peanuts, and rich Balinese spices), often packed with locals, indicating its quality.
Mama’s Warung [$3-$7] – A beloved, low-key spot known for authentic, homemade Balinese and Indonesian dishes like excellent Nasi Campur and friendly, local service.
Warung Makan Bu Rus [$4-$8] – A beautiful and cozy Balinese warung with traditional music and a garden setting, offering a good variety of traditional Indonesian home-cooked dishes.
Sugriwa’s Warung [$3-$7] – A small, no-frills local favorite, located slightly away from the main road, renowned for its flavorful Nasi Campur and Ayam Betutu.
Warung Gauri [$3-$8] – Tucked away on a quiet lane, this spot offers authentic Indonesian cuisine and dumplings with a peaceful, rice-field ambiance.
Puspa’s Warung [$4-$8] – A small, cozy eatery serving authentic Balinese food based on the owner’s mother’s recipes, with a focus on dishes like Ayam Betutu and Nasi Campur Ayam.
Sweet Orange Warung [$3-$9] – A hidden gem accessed via a walk through the rice fields, offering tasty, simple Indonesian and Western food with picturesque views.
Warung Nessa [$4-$8] – A cozy, homey local warung where you can dine in a traditional bamboo hut, known for serving cheap, tasty food and fresh juices.
Warung Tradisi Ubud [$3-$7] – Known for its delicious Indonesian food, often mentioned for authentic flavors and a pleasant atmosphere.
Dewa Warung [$3-$6] – A very well-rated, cheap, and friendly family-run spot offering excellent Balinese and Chinese cuisine, famous for its Soto Ayam (chicken soup).
Warung Babi Guling Payangan Bu [$3-$6] – A great alternative to the more touristy places for Babi Guling (suckling pig), offering a delicious and authentic portion for a lower price in a simple environment.
Warung Janggar Ulam [$4-$9] – Located a bit outside the center, adding to its authenticity, this warung is recommended for its seafood Mie Goreng and delicious pork ribs.
Warung Pondok Madu [$4-$9] – A specialty warung highly recommended for its excellent pork ribs.
Warung Krisna [$3-$7] – Known for serving up authentic local and international fare, with generous portions and low prices.
Warung Bog Sari [$4-$8] – Serves nicely decorated and delicious traditional meals, like an ample Nasi Campur, in a pleasant ambiance at acceptable prices.
Warung In Da Compound [$4-$8] – Tucked away in an alley off a side street, this hidden spot serves a wide range of delicious local dishes.
Cinta Grill & Nasi Campur [$5-$12] – Slightly more upscale than a typical warung but still focusing on local dishes, known for its grilled food and excellent Nasi Campur.
Siboghana Warung (vegan) [$3-$7] – One of the best local warungs for home-cooked, authentic, and affordable vegan food.
Warung Sopa (vegetarian) [$3-$6] – A popular, meat-free spot known for its delicious Nasi Campur and a relaxed, cafe-like atmosphere.
9 Angels (vegan) [$3-$7] – A vegan buffet-style warung where you pay a flat rate for an all-you-can-eat selection of tasty, healthy dishes.
Sawobali Cake & Coffee Shop (vegan) [$4-$8] – Everything here is delicious, healthy, gluten-free, and plant-based, offering excellent baked goods and savory meals.
Yellow Flower Cafe [$5-$12] – A beautiful cafe nestled in the quiet pathways of Penestanan, known for its healthy, local, and international dishes with great views.
Abe-Do Organic Warung [$4-$8] – A local warung offering organic, healthy, and authentic Indonesian dishes.
Sage (vegan) [$8-$15] – A lovely vegan restaurant with a creative menu that goes beyond simple salads, known for dishes like Tempeh Tacos and big portions.
Herbivore by Locavore (vegan) [$10-$20] – A modern, luxe, and eco-friendly setting offering innovative, plant-based dining with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients.
The Seeds of Life [$7-$15] – Specializes in raw, vegan food, famous for its raw lasagna, raw pizzas, and superfood smoothies and elixirs.
Moksa Plant-based Cuisine [$8-$18] – A sustainable permaculture restaurant with its own garden, serving gourmet, creative, and refined plant-based cuisine.
Hujan Locale [$15-$30] – Offers upscale Indonesian street food-style dishes with sophisticated preparation, known for its creative curries, soups, and noodles in a finely appointed setting.
The Sayan House [$20-$40] – Located in a stunning cliff-side setting, this restaurant offers a fusion of Japanese and South American flavors with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and beautiful presentation.
Folk Pool & Gardens [$10-$20] – A trendy spot with a relaxed, poolside setting that serves elevated Indonesian and international comfort food.
Locavore To Go [$10-$20] – The more casual spot from the Locavore team, offering excellent gourmet burgers, loaded fries, and a butchery next door for custom steaks.
Manisan Restaurant [$15-$30] – Offers traditional Indonesian cuisine in a refined setting overlooking rice fields, specializing in high-quality, flavorful dishes.
Nusantara by Locavore [$20-$45] – Offers a sophisticated and authentic exploration of Indonesian cuisine from across the archipelago, focusing on lesser-known, traditional dishes.
Syrco BASÈ [$25-$50] – A fine dining-level experience that mixes Balinese, Indonesian, and broader Asian cooking traditions, often using produce from its own garden.
Rüsters [$15-$35] – A modern restaurant known for its focus on meats, especially its rotisserie chicken and grilled dishes, blending international techniques with local ingredients.
Bebek Tepi Sawah [$10-$20] – A well-known spot, but worth it for its beautiful rice field setting and famous Bebek Goreng (crispy duck).
Warung Citta Ovest Pizza & Pasta [$5-$10] – A cozy warung that excels at Italian comfort food, serving rich pasta and cheesy pizza at incredibly low prices.
Warung Garasi [$4-$9] – A cool, scooter-themed cafe that offers Balinese staples alongside international favorites, known for its tasty and affordable menu.
Cherry Pepper Ubud [$5-$12] – Offers an international-inspired menu with a local twist, featuring global flavors, generous portions, and a cozy, affordable setting.
The Pica South American Kitchen [$15-$30] – Serves authentic South American cuisine, like ceviche and grilled meats, in a rustic, modern setting.
Room4Dessert [$15-$25] – Famous for its incredible, multi-course dessert tasting menu and innovative cocktails, a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Nostimo [$8-$15] – A great option for international cuisine, known for serving excellent Greek dishes like chicken souvlaki.
Taco Fiesta [$6-$12] – Offers all the Mexican staples, including tacos, burritos, and fajitas, with generous portions at very reasonable prices.
Wayan’s Warung Ubud [$5-$12] – A hidden gem offering a menu that blends Western plates with traditional Balinese food, including famous tender grilled ribs.
Murni’s Warung [$8-$18] – A long-standing, multi-level restaurant with stunning views over the river gorge, offering a variety of Indonesian and international dishes.
Apéritif Restaurant [$60-$120] – An opulent, Gatsby-esque dining experience with a multi-course degustation menu that offers a unique fusion of international and Indonesian flavors.
Mozaic [$80-$150] – One of Bali’s pioneering fine-dining restaurants, blending French technique with the freshest local Indonesian ingredients for a high-end gastronomic experience.
Kubu at Mandapa [$50-$100] – Offers an intimate fine-dining experience focused on Mediterranean-European cuisine, with romantic bamboo birdcage seating overlooking the Ayung River.
Swept Away at The Samaya [$40-$80] – Offers a blend of international and Indonesian cuisine in a stunning, romantic setting by the Ayung River.
Locavore NXT [$80-$150] – The new flagship fine-dining experience from the acclaimed Locavore team, focusing on hyper-local and sustainable ingredients in an avant-garde menu.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Sayan House: Located with a spectacular view of the Ayung River valley in Sayan, this upscale venue offers a Japanese-Latin fusion restaurant and a bar with creative cocktails, perfect for a sunset drink.
Copper Kitchen & Bar: Situated within the Bisma Eight hotel near the center of Ubud, this stylish bar is known for its inventive use of local ingredients and a great list of cocktails, offering stunning jungle views.
No Más Bar: A lively, popular spot right in the heart of Ubud center, known for its friendly atmosphere, excellent cocktails, and often features live music. It’s a great place to start your evening.
Night Rooster: The cocktail bar concept from the renowned Locavore team, found centrally in Ubud. This sophisticated spot focuses on ‘locavore’ mixology, using unique local spirits and ingredients in its artisanal drinks.
The Secret Garden at K Club Ubud: Located slightly north of central Ubud, this tranquil spot offers signature cocktails amidst lush jungle greenery and features an impressive, secluded pool area.
Jungle Fish Pool Bar: Part of the Chapung Sebali resort, this bar is situated on a stunning infinity pool overlooking the jungle in Sebali. It’s perfect for a day-to-night experience with great cocktails.
Dharma: A plant-based and zero-waste bar and eatery located near the main Monkey Forest Road area, offering beautifully crafted cocktails with a focus on sustainability and local ingredients.
Bar Luna: A long-standing literary-themed bar in the center of Ubud, famous for hosting readings, performances, and its chilled, artistic vibe, serving classic cocktails and local spirits.
Pistachio Restaurant & Bar: Set near the Campuhan Ridge Walk, this cozy, open-air bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of classic cocktails, making it an ideal spot after a sunset stroll.
Folk Pool & Gardens: A central oasis near Monkey Forest, this day club and bar offers a variety of fruity cocktails and is a great spot to relax by the pool or enjoy a breezy evening.
Room4Dessert: While primarily a world-famous dessert restaurant located just outside central Ubud, their extensive drinks menu includes innovative cocktails and unique pairings that are an experience in themselves.
Pura Vida Tapas & Cocktail Bar: Located just off the main road in Penestanan, this bar offers a Spanish flair with tapas and expertly mixed cocktails in a cozy, intimate setting.
Spice by Chris Salans Bar: Found in the bustling center of Ubud, the bar attached to this modern Indonesian restaurant is known for creative, flavorful cocktails using unique local spices and ingredients.
White Rabbit: A themed bar located slightly outside the immediate central area, offering a whimsical atmosphere and signature cocktails inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Laba-Laba Bar: Located centrally on the main road, this is a popular late-night spot with a friendly vibe, great music, and often features a more high-energy atmosphere than other Ubud bars, staying open later.
Laughing Buddha Bar: A well-known central Ubud venue, it frequently hosts live bands (often rock, blues, or reggae) and has a lively, club-like atmosphere in the evenings, offering great drinks and a dance floor.
Bali Bohemia Bar & Restaurant: Situated near the Monkey Forest, this venue is known for its quirky, artistic decor and often hosts live music and DJ sets, becoming one of the later-night spots in the area.
Divine Earth: Located in the center of Ubud, this spot is a raw, vegan restaurant that transforms into a popular lounge and dance floor on certain nights, often with international DJs and a conscious crowd.
CP Lounge: One of the most long-standing and well-known late-night spots in central Ubud, offering a vast garden setting, pool tables, shisha, and often live music or DJ sets that keep the party going late.
The Melting Pot: Located on a quieter side street, this venue is popular for its friendly, casual vibe, live sports, and late-night drinks, often fostering a lively, communal atmosphere among travelers.
CasCades Restaurant Bar: Set within the Viceroy Bali resort, slightly north of the center, this luxurious bar/lounge offers a refined, high-end late-night experience with breathtaking views and premium spirits.
Titi Batu Ubud Club: While primarily a sports and family club, their restaurant/bar area occasionally hosts late-night events, pool parties, or DJ sets, particularly on weekends.
Moksa Plant-Based Cuisine & Permaculture Garden: Located a bit further out in Sayan, while not a club, their events calendar sometimes includes unique, conscious-themed late-night gatherings with music and drinks in their beautiful setting.
Salsa Ubud: Located in the center, this intimate venue sometimes hosts Latin music and salsa dance nights, providing a unique, high-energy, and participatory ‘club’ experience.
Black Beach: A newer spot on the outskirts of central Ubud, occasionally hosting themed parties and DJ nights that cater to a late-night crowd looking for a dance floor atmosphere.