Ubud is the green and cultural heart of Bali and is situated in central Bali, away from the oceans.

Ubud is your go-to place if you like:

waterfalls, endless rice fields and breathtaking jungle views
Yoga & slowing down
Temples
Culture and art markets
If you are a digital nomad or an expat

I've created an amazing 40-page Ubud E-book full of the best tips - 2023 update!! Click here for more info!

HOW TO GET AROUND

Ubud town centre: The town centre can get really busy, so I suggest exploring this by foot as this allows you to get around easier and faster. or use the gojcek or Grab app!

Outside of the town centre: rent a scooter or get a private driver to show you around.

WHERE TO STAY

€ Kuna Bali and Arya wellness retreat (insane boutique hostels) – Inn Between - Gypsylust hostel

€€ LIFT Bali (crazy cool, only AIR BNB) - The Artini Dijiwa Ubud resort – Swarapadi Villa – Puri Garden Hotel - Skai Joglo (insane treehouse with pool) - Eco Six Bali (omg guys fabulous, 20 min scooter ride from Ubud centre)

€€€ Bambu Indah (INSANE) – The Royal Pita Maha Resort – Jannata resort – Viceroy – Hanging Gardens – Kamandalu - Como Shambhala Estate + Capella Ubud

€€€€ Hoshinoya Bali: if you are looking for an exeptional hotel, this is it!The esthetics are insane with a mix of Balinese and Japanese influences

**Copper House - Photo credit: Bambu Indah**

WHERE TO EAT

· Akasha restaurant

· Lazy Cats Cafe

· Watercress cafe Ubud

· Zest Ubud ( vegan)

· Milk & Madu Ubud

· Karsa café

· The Alchemy

· Revive Ubud: best coffee in Ubud + veggie food options

· Muse cafe & Art: healthy comfort food 5 min walk from Ubud Palace

· Full Circle: coffee, breakfast + co-working spot. Very unique vibe

· Mudra cafe: soul food (mainly breakfast and lunch)

· Suka Espresso: top breakfast and lunch

· Se’Hari Warung

· Hippie fish Ubud

· Hujan Locale

. Mango Cafe (also co-working )

. If you are looking for a high end culinary adventure, go to: Aperitif Bali

WHAT TO DO

Monkey forest: It’s a popular tourist spot where you can walk around and explore the sanctuary, in the company of 700 monkeys. The park itself is big and beautiful to have a stroll but it’s full of tourists and…monkeys. I’m not a big fan of them as they can get aggressive sometimes. If you decide to visit the park, just keep an eye on your phone, sunglasses, caps etc…the monkeys are not afraid to steal your belongings.

Rice fields: Tegalalang (most known) and Jatiluwih Rices Terraces (less touristy) or Alas Harum

Gunung Kawi: is a stunning temple complex centered around royal tombs carved into stone cliffs in the 11th century. The walk down (valley) is breathtaking and there is so much to see! I strongly recommend this! It is located about 30 minutes from Ubud. NOTE: There are more than 300 steps to climb

Tirta Empul – Tampak Siring Temple: Is a beautiful Balinese water temple. The temple consists of a bathing structure, famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese Hindus (and tourists) go to for ritual purification.

Waterfalls: There are so many waterfalls, it’s hard to pick just one. I’ve listed a few for you: NungNung waterfall, Tibumana waterfall (hidden waterfall), Tukad Cepung waterfall (1 hour from Ubud), Banyumala Twin waterfalls, Kanto Lampo Waterfall (30 min from Ubud): The walk runs through the rice terraces and down into the rocks. It’s one of the easiest waterfalls in Bali, recommended for families and small children.

The Yoga Barn: most famous yoga studio of Bali

Jungle Fish: One of my favorite hang outs in Ubud. Jungle Fish is a pool hangout in the middle of the jungle. For a small entrance fee you can enjoy the pool all day. Come early to make sure you have a sun bed. What I love about it: amazing food, crazy beautiful scenery and not too crowed ( as it doens’t fit that many people).

Folk Pool & Gardens: Pool hangout in the city centre of Ubud. What to expect: young, cool crowd, teepees, sun beds, pool, good food (also veggie). From time to time they organise movie nights where you can enjoy a movie from the pool with free popcorn!

Wanna Jungle Pool & Bar: luxurious pool hangout, which is a part of The Kayon Jungle Resort. Entrance is a bit pricy.

Jungle swing: swing through the Ubud jungle. You can find all different swings HERE.