Ubud is known as the cultural heart of Bali. Although it has become more touristy and busy over the years, it always finds a way to be soothingly peaceful. A traffic jam turns into a Balinese ceremony walking through. Turn down a lane off the main road and all of a sudden you’re in a beautiful rice field. When I think of Ubud village, the first things that come to mind are monkeys, spas, yoga studios and incredible food. And although the days can get quite busy, the mornings and evenings can be much calmer, which is why we always recommend staying in Ubud rather than doing a day trip. So where to stay in Ubud? Here’s our Ubud accommodation guide to help you choose…
Contents
- What Is The Best Area To Stay In Ubud?
- How Many Days Do You Need?
- Booking Accommodation
- Accommodation Guide: The Best Places To Stay In Ubud
- Absolute Splurge: Luxury Accommodation In Ubud
- Luxury For Less
- Hotels Under $200/night
- Hotels Under $100/night
Best Areas To Stay In Ubud
Wondering what area to stay in Ubud? The two main options are staying in the village itself or staying on the outskirts. In the map above, you can see Ubud Village, with the main streets being Monkey Forest Road, Jalan Hanoman and Jalan Raya Ubud.
Option 1: Staying In Ubud Village
There are lots of pros to staying in Ubud village, the main one being that most things will be within walking distance.
If it’s your first time visiting Ubud, it will make it easier to explore the streets, eat at the restaurants, attend yoga classes, go shopping and visit different spas. You will also have easy access to Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Market and other Ubud attractions.
However, staying in the village will be more touristy and much busier than if you stay outside of Ubud town. Having said that, we have been pleasantly surprised by how quiet and peaceful some of the places we have stayed in Ubud village have been, from small family-run hotels to luxury resorts. We have included our favourite places to stay in Ubud Village in our accommodation guide below.
If you choose to stay in the centre of Ubud you may miss out on some of its natural beauty. You can overcome this by going on rice field walks (some of which you can walk to from Ubud village), visiting waterfalls like Tegenungan and getting a private driver to do day trips to surrounding areas.
The main streets of Ubud village are Monkey Forest Road, Jalan Hanoman, Jalan Raya Ubud, Jalan Dewisita and Jalan Gootama. Jalan Raya Pengosekan is also central, but the further south you go, the further away from the centre you get. Jalan Suweta and Jalan Sri Wedari are also very central, but long roads, so the further north you go, you get further away from the town centre. Jalan Bisma is very central but also a little quieter and more removed from the main streets, so a great area to stay. There are, of course, some smaller streets around these areas also.
Staying In Ubud village is a great pick for people without a scooter, first-time visitors, and people who prefer to be within walking distance of the main sights and food.
Two other areas worth mentioning are Penestanan village and Nyuh Kuning village.
Nyuh Kuning village is located behind Ubud Monkey Forest. It’s a beautiful area but the street connecting it to the main town is for walking and scooters only. Depending on what area you stay in, it will be about 10 – 20 minutes walk to reach Monkey Forest Road. If you need to take car transport, it will still take 10 – 20 minutes (maybe longer pending traffic) to reach the main area as you need to go the long way around. So although it can still be a great option if this suits you, it’s worth noting as it looks closer on a map than perhaps it is in practice.
Penestanan village is an area just outside the main area of Ubud village. It’s a popular place to stay for digital nomads and people looking for a more authentic village feel yet still close to the main area. Although you can still technically walk to Ubud centre from here, it’s probably a better choice to stay in this area if you have a scooter.
Option 2: Staying On The Outskirts Of Ubud And Surrounding Villages
A lot of Ubud accommodation is located on the outskirts, some not too far away from the village, others perhaps 30 minutes plus away. These hotels are often surrounded by beautiful jungle or rice paddies and offer experiences to explore the surrounding nature and community. A lot of Ubud’s stunning luxury resorts are located on the outskirts of Ubud.
So for us, the thing we love about staying on the outskirts of Ubud is definitely the natural beauty and tranquillity.
If you don’t ride a scooter, we would recommend staying at luxury resorts rather than budget hotels outside of Ubud. You will be quite isolated, so with a luxury hotel you will have plenty of facilities, including a shuttle service to take you into Ubud village. Despite this, as you are located further away, you may not have the same time to explore Ubud itself.
But suppose you’re staying in a beautiful hotel with restaurants, a pool, a spa and other experiences. In that case, you will obviously also spend your time relaxing and enjoying the local area surrounding the hotel. If you choose to stay in the outskirts, we would definitely recommend that you choose accommodation with a good restaurant, as you will most likely be having some meals there.
There’s no right or wrong option, just different. We’ve stayed in both the village and different areas around Ubud and have absolutely loved all experiences. You could also combine the two, and spend a couple of nights in Ubud Village, and a couple of nights in the outskirts to relax, enjoy nature and see another side of Bali.
How Many Days Do You Need In Ubud?
Wondering how many days in Ubud is enough? We would recommend at least 3 – 4 nights, but you could also definitely stay longer.
3 to 4 nights would allow you enough time to explore Ubud Village and experience a few things to do in Ubud and the surroundings.
Walk through the beautiful rice fields or the beautiful Campuhan Ridge, visit Monkey Forest, go swimming in a waterfall, so many options. But there is also a lot more you can do in this area and it can also be a great base for some interesting day trips. So if you plan to do more, we would add more nights. On the other hand, if you want a more relaxed holiday, it’s also a beautiful place to spend some more time and enjoy nature.
Booking Accommodation In Ubud
Booking.com
We love using Booking.com, it’s one of our favourite ways to book accommodation and they have a great range of options.
Airbnb
Airbnb tends to have a lot of villa options for Bali, so another good option if looking to stay in a villa. Often have discounts for stays of a week or more.
Ubud Accommodation Guide
We have had the opportunity to stay in some incredible hotels in Ubud, and have visited many times from a few nights to month-long stays.
We believe where you stay can have a huge impact on your holiday, whether you stay in 5-star hotels with incredible views, boutique hotels with unforgettable designs or more affordable places to stay that are clean and friendly.
Our picks for the best places to stay are based on our favourite hotels we have stayed in, other Ubud hotels we know of and love, and hotels in the best areas to stay in Ubud. We love doing lots of research and staying up-to-date with the best hotels, we only ever include well-reviewed accommodation, and we also hear from you guys and put this all together with our own experience. So here are our favourite picks for where to stay in Ubud…
Please note: Prices were accurate at the time of this post, per night, in AUD.
Absolute Splurge: Luxury Hotels In Ubud
Mandapa, A Ritz Carlton Reserve | from $1228 AUD | Check Prices
Mandapa, Ritz-Carlton is a stunning luxury hotel, located along the Ayung River and surrounded by nature. Such an incredible place and definitely one of the best places to stay in Ubud for a honeymoon or just an extraordinary experience. They also have some delicious restaurants here.
Como Shambala Estate | from $895 AUD | Check Prices
A renowned wellness resort, surrounded by nature. Come here to unwind and rebuild, with wellness programmes tailored to each guest.
Capella Ubud Bali | from $1284 AUD | Check Prices
These luxury tented retreats, designed by Bill Bensley, are definitely one of the most unique places to stay in Ubud. Each tent is snugly in nature with its own saltwater pool and beautiful views.
Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan | from $1060 AUD | Check Prices
Set amongst tranquil greenery, the Four Seasons Ubud is a beautiful luxury resort. It’s located only about a 10-minute drive to the village.
Kayumanis Ubud Private Villas and Spa | from $457 AUD | Check Prices
Kayumanis Ubud is a beautiful resort with private pool villas, surrounded by tropical forest. It’s located in nature yet still close to the village (about a 15-minute drive), the best of both worlds.
Luxury Hotels For Less
Padma Resort Ubud | from $293 AUD | Check Prices
We have such beautiful memories from our stay at Padma Resort Ubud, from the amazing infinity pool to the delicious food, and beautiful rooms. Above all else, it was actually the incredibly friendly and kind staff that made our time here so special. Padma Ubud has stunning grounds including a walking path through the surrounding jungle. Read more about our stay here. It would also be one of the best hotels in Ubud for families if you’re looking for a 5-star experience.
Alila Ubud | from $228 AUD | Check Prices
Our stay at Alila Ubud was fantastic. We had great food, beautiful surroundings and views, an amazing infinity pool and friendly staff. We loved doing one of their Alila Experiences, where we walked through the local community and rice fields. Read more about our stay here.
COMO Uma Ubud | from $370 AUD | Check Prices
Como Uma Ubud is a beautiful hotel located only just on the outskirts of Ubud. Although a free 5-minute shuttle is provided to Ubud centre, it is still possible to walk into the village if you’re happy too.
Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites | from $223 AUD | Check Prices
We loved our stay at Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites. Although it’s located in the centre along Monkey Forest Road, it still feels like your private, quiet sanctuary being set back from the road. Royal Kamuela has a choice between suites and private pool villas.
Komaneka at Bisma | from $214 AUD | Check Prices
Located on Jalan Bisma, Komaneka at Bisma is in a great location, still within the village but on a quieter road.
Komaneka at Monkey Forest | from $214 AUD | Check Prices
You will find Komaneka at Monkey Forest right in the centre of the village. Perfect if you want to spend your days exploring Ubud’s streets.
Bisma Eight | from $373 AUD | Check Prices
A boutique hotel located on Jalan Bisma, which means you will still be within Ubud village, but far enough away to get some tranquillity. A beautiful hotel with great reviews.
Kamandalu Ubud | from $338 AUD | Check Prices
Kamandalu is located on the outskirts of Ubud, surrounded by beautiful tropical greenery. It consists of rooms and villas with beautiful grounds. Read more about our stay here.
Warwick Ibah | from $267 AUD | Check Prices
Warwick Ibah has a beautiful design with a traditional Balinese feel. It’s located only a 5-minute walk from Ubud town, so it’s a convenient location to explore Ubud. It’s also right next to the Campuhan Ridge Walk, making it easy to do this beautiful walk.
The Ubud Village Resort and Spa | from $263 AUD | Check Prices
The Ubud Village Resort is located just on the edge of the village, either a bit of a walk or a free shuttle into the centre. Here they have beautiful private pool villas, a spa, an onsite restaurant, and the main pool overlooks rice fields. The perfect option if you’re wondering if it’s better to stay in a villa or resort, here you get the benefits of both.
Five Elements Retreat Bali | from $321 AUD | Check Prices
An eco-conscious wellness retreat located alongside the Ayung River. Enjoy the raw luxury feel, yoga, traditional Balinese treatments, and their plant-based restaurant.
Best Hotels In Ubud For Under $200/night
Alaya Resort Ubud | from $160 AUD | Check Prices
A great location in the centre of Ubud Village, whilst still managing to capture some rice field views.
Ubud Village Hotel | from $109 | Check Prices
Sister property to The Ubud Village Resort & Spa, this hotel has a great design and a super central location on Monkey Forest Road.
The Garcia Ubud Hotel & Resort | from $130 | Check Prices
Here you can choose from a range of nicely designed rooms and one and two-bedroom pool villas. It’s located a little further out of Ubud, so you will need to use their shuttle service to pop into the village (or your own transport).
Purana Suite Ubud | from $116 AUD | Check Prices
Located on the edge of Ubud village, so a good option if you don’t have your own transport and are happy to walk 10 – 40 minutes to reach some areas. There is a pool, yoga, restaurant and spa onsite.
Puri Sebali Resort | from $163 | Check Prices
Located on the outskirts, Puri Sebali Resort is a nicely designed hotel with a 20-minute shuttle to Ubud.
Sankara Resort Ubud | from $141 | Check Prices
Sankara Resort is located on the outskirts of Ubud but also provides a free shuttle into the centre.
Hotels Under $100/night
Titik Dua | from $90 AUD | Check Prices
A beautifully designed hotel 4-Star hotel just outside of Ubud. Best to stay here if you have your own transport as it’s a little too far to walk everywhere. The outdoor pool area looks incredibly relaxing, and all the rooms have air conditioning.
Tebesaya Cottage | from $36 | Check Prices
Tebesaya Cottage offers great value for money, with a great location in Ubud village but on a quieter street. Here you will find private rooms with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. There is also an outdoor swimming pool.
Artotel Haniman Ubud | from $71 AUD | Check Prices
Central location in Ubud village with a clean, modern design. This hotel has an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant and air conditioning.
We will be continually updating this post with any new places we stay and love, to make sure we are recommending the best Ubud Accommodation.
Read More:
The Best Places To Stay In Bali: Our Favourite Areas, Hotels & Tips
The Best Places To Stay In Jimbaran
The Best Places To Stay In Uluwatu
Where To Get Great Indonesian Food In Ubud
Walks In Ubud: Experience The Natural Side Of Bali
Things To Do In Ubud: So Many Incredible Bali Experiences In One Place
Where is your pick for the best places to stay in Ubud? Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below…
This article was first published on September 30th, 2016, and last updated in 2023.
Great review and it does make sense “There’s no right or wrong option, just different”. I am so trouble now for the first time going with my family (boy age 14 and a girl age 4), with knowing kids sometimes they love the ambience of being in a hotel, resort or like a villa with good surrounding. Any recommendation if I should just stay at around Kuta or just split my stay between Ubud and Kuta? At this point just could not decide if I should stay like in a private home / villa or just purely in a hotel.
Hope the rest share their experiences and places for newbies places to visit in Bali and of course some shopping area for materials like paintings and bedding materials.
Hi William, both options offer a different experience but both options are great. If you stay in the outskirts/surrounds some of the resorts/hotels have stunning grounds and nature but it might take longer to get into the main streets of Ubud. Perhaps look at some hotels/resorts with nice grounds/nature closer to the main streets of Ubud (refer to the map in this article) I would still say to split your time and stay in Ubud it is a great destination to stay. How long is your trip?
Greetings, looks like Ubud remains the favorite place or a better destination rather than Kuta. I don’t really prefer noisy and with a lot of bistro’s around due to its ambience kinda a noisy. Length of stay between 5D/4N or 6D/5N. Indeed planning to split my stay if 6/5 between Ubud and Kuta. Since my son aged 15 is more likely prefer some lively place, so called clubs and more of expatriates around for surfing, he will likely enjoy modern ambiance compare to village, padi field or outskirts. Maybe 5/4 would be just nice for a first time visit – my gut feeling unless I have really places to visit to kill my time.
Hi William, Kuta is definitely a lively place, and it can be a bit full on and busy with tourists. There are still pros to staying here but if you haven’t already, read this:
https://almostlanding-bali.com/kuta/
5D/4N or 6D/5N are both great, and you can enjoy both places, but that extra night might be nice if you decide on splitting your time in two places :)
Great blog you have here, really helpful. Weve never been anywhere this exotic so looking forward to coming. Ill be coming with my wife and 3 children, my mind is boggled by all the different accommodations on offer!! Are they all pretty safe?
Thanks so much Simon, you will love your time in Bali I’m sure :) Picking accommodation can be so hard in Bali, but that’s a good thing as there are so many good options! We have always had good experiences with accommodation of all types in Bali. Wishing you and your family an amazing trip and please reach out if you have any other questions or can’t decide where to stay!
Hello
I’ve just booked a stay at the Padma Resort in Ubud in May after reading your post. I’ve decided to stay in Ubud for 2 nights. I am trying to find a beautiful beach to relax at for after (I’ve set aside 3 nights for this) then was going to spend the final night staying somewhere fairly close to the airport for peace of mind (was thinking nusa Dua). Can you recommend a beautiful beach that is quiet and relaxing with white sand and clear waters that would be easy to navigate to from Ubud and then to Nusa Dua? I really wanted to do the pink beach near Komodo Island but it’s a 6hr flight back to Singapore where we’ll be returning to and I don’t want to be travelling more then 3hrs anywhere if I can help it as we’ll be having a lovely long journey back to the UK after!
Many thanks
Charlotte x
Hi Charlotte,
You will love Padma Resort Ubud it’s a beautiful resort :) Some of our favourite beautiful beaches in Bali are in the Bukit Peninsula/Uluwatu area. The accomodation in this area though can be quite expensive, and many do not have beach access. If you want to go exploring yourself we love Bingin Beach, and if you want to stay close-by and spend the day at the beach then you can spend the day at Sunday’s Beach club, which has a beautiful little beach. Take a look at our Uluwatu accommodation guide for the best hotels in this area.
https://almostlanding-bali.com/where-to-stay-in-uluwatu/
Jimbaran is perhaps a good place to consider as you can stay at some equally amazing hotels for much less. Take a look at our Jimbaran accomodation guide and check your dates as some of the dates I checked are currently lower. Intercontinental is worth a look. Ayana also has its own ‘mini’ beach which is really nice but is quite secluded as a hotel.
https://almostlanding-bali.com/where-to-stay-in-jimbaran/
Yes Pink beach would be amazing but is a long journey! Nusa Dua has some beautiful beach areas too (eg Geger beach) and also close to some others like Pandawa, Thats a great place to end a trip nice and close to the airport :) If you did decide on Jimbaran, it is also close to the airport so probably not worth moving for just one night. Also, depending where in Uluwatu you stay and what time you are heading to the airport (sometimes there is heavy traffic in the evening from Uluwatu Temple), Uluwatu isn’t too far from the Airport too. have a great trip :)
Hey Mandy and Chris,
What an awesome blog you have going on here, keep up the good work. Very informative and fun to follow. Me and my wife to be are planning to go to Bali for our honeymoon this March. Our plan is to spend 3 days in Seminyak, 5 days in Ubud, 3 days in Gili Islands and 3 days at Nusa Dua. I was wondering, should we be spending 2 days at Ubud Centre and 3 days at the outskirts? Do you think that’s a good idea, or too much travelling? And which two villas/hotels would you recommend?
Mark
Hi Mark thank you so much for your comment, not long now until your honeymoon :)
Spending your time in Ubud between Ubud centre and outskirts sounds great, that way you can explore the village while you staying central and enjoy the serenity and nature if you stay in the outskirts. This Ubud Accomodation guide article is all our favourites and all great options, some more villa style some stunning hotels and some in both locations. If you can’t decide between a couple of places, let us know what is most important to you and we can try and help you decide :) Your itinerary sounds great though and wish you and your wife an incredible honeymoon! Chris and Mandy