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Sitting at the very heart of the island, Ubud is Bali's spiritual and cultural hub and a fantastic place to base yourself. Staying in Ubud puts you in a great position to explore the area's countless amazing attractions, from grand palaces and ancient temples to luxurious jungle clubs and many adrenalin-packed adventures.
Other than Canggu, Ubud is the place we've spent the most time in Bali. We've had the opportunity to try numerous hotels in and around Ubud, from budget-friendly guest houses to luxurious jungle resorts.
In a rush? Some of the top resorts in Ubud include Kaamala Luxury Resort and COMO Uma. For an affordable homestay in the town centre, we love Satya House, while Stone House is our favourite boutique eco-resort.
In this post, we'll help you understand the layout of Ubud and figure out the best area to base yourself. We've also included some of our favourite places to stay in Ubud, with a range of styles and budgets to suit everyone.
Summary: Best Areas To Stay in Ubud
Staying in central Ubud puts you right in the heart of everything, with a wealth of attractions, shops, and restaurants right on your doorstep.
The outskirts of Ubud are where you'll find many of the area's luxury hotels and resorts, nestled among the lush jungles with beautiful rice paddy views. However, these resorts are fairly secluded, so you'll need to use shuttles, taxis, or a scooter to get into town.
This map shows the different areas (with explanations below):
Staying in Central Ubud:
Ubud Town (orange) - Home to Ubud Palace and the famous art markets, as well as plenty of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. By staying here, you'll be walkable to most of the town's main attractions and amenities, which is ideal if you don't have your own transport. Central Ubud is also where you'll find the more affordable accommodation options.
We Recommend: Kaamala Luxury Resort, Tejaprana Bisma, Satya House
Staying on the Outskirts of Ubud:
For Boutique Stays: Suweta & Tirta Tawar (pink) - Two long roads that lead up through the jungles just north of Ubud, these areas have an authentic and peaceful vibe while hiding away many secluded boutique resorts. Handful of local cafes, warungs, and spas along the roads.
We Recommend: Wapa di Ume, Casa Pohon Ubud, Stone House, The Udaya
For 5* Resorts: Kedewatan & Sayan (blue) - Winding through the quiet rice paddies to the west of Ubud, this is where you'll find most luxury 5* hotels and resorts. There's not much else going on in the area, but most upscale hotels have their own facilities, such as restaurants and spas. Many include a free shuttle service in town.
We Recommend: COMO Uma Ubud, The Royal Pita Maha, Uddhara Ubud Villa
For Affordable Luxury: Bedulu (yellow) - Rural agricultural region east of Ubud. Some of the cheaper places to stay on the outskirts. More limited accommodation options, but the few hotels you will find offer fantastic value for money. Best to have your own transport.
We Recommend: TheWakanda Resort, Ubud Dedari Villas
For Rice Terrace Views: Tegallalang (green) - Around 20 minutes north of Ubud, Tegallalang is home to the famous rice terraces and many of the region's top jungle clubs. There's no shortage of great accommodation options, beautiful cafes, and exciting activities, but you will be quite far from main Ubud Town.
We Recommend: The Kayon Jungle Resort, Anandari Ubud Villas, Bubble Hotel Ubud
Staying in Ubud long term?
Located in the west of central Ubud, Penestanan is another area with a more authentic village vibe, while still being accessible to the town center. Known as the artist's village, Penestanan is known for its many art studios and galleries. Today it's also a popular area among the many digital nomads and expats that call Ubud home. But maybe not the best area if you're on holiday.
Area & Accommodation Guide
1. Ubud Town
Best for: Budget-friendly stays walkable to the town highlights
Pros
- More affordable accommodation options
- Walkable to main attractions
- Great for shopping
- Plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars right on your doorstep
Cons
- Heavy traffic and one way road systems to navigate
- Large tourist crowds
- More built up and not as pretty
Staying in Ubud Town itself puts you right in the heart of everything, with a wealth of attractions, shops, and restaurants right on your doorstep. By staying in the center, you'll be walkable to many of the town's main sights and amenities, without needing to deal with the busy roads and traffic.
The main area of Ubud Town is centered around "Jl. Raya Ubud." Here, you'll find popular attractions like Ubud Palace, Puri Lukisan Museum, and the arts market.
This area is so compact that you'll mostly find local homestays and small hotels, rather than large luxury resorts. Staying in the center is surprisingly affordable.
In the south of central Ubud, you also have the area of Padangtegal, a quieter neighbourhood that's home to the famous Sacred Monkey Forest, as well as a handful of cafes and restaurants.
There are some nicer hotels and resorts in this southern area. Plus you'll still be walkable to the main sites of the town center. But you will need to be cautious of wild monkeys when sitting outside by the pool or on your terrace.
The busy town center is far more touristy and not as scenic as the surrounding areas. Even if you're staying in central Ubud, we'd still recommend getting out and exploring the beautiful surroundings too.
Hotels in Ubud Town
Luxury Pick: Kaamala Luxury Resort - Luxury boutique resort close to the Monkey Forest in south Ubud with a collection of stylish villas and suites, stunning jungle and rice terrace views, and many great on-site facilities.
Our Review: Our Review: Kaamala Luxury Resort
- Stunning private villas with rice terrace and jungle views
- Walkable location to central Ubud
- Variety of fantastic on-site dining options
- Absolutely nothing!
Kaamala is not only our favourite hotel in Ubud, but it's probably one of our favourite places we've staye in Bali. We never wanted to leave!
The small luxury resort is a little slice of paradise hidden just on the outskirts of central Ubud and offers fantastic value for money.
Private Villas: Tejaprana Bisma - Spacious, stylish villas in southern Ubud that perfectly combine traditional Balinese style with modern luxuries and amenities. Each villa has a private pool and jungle views. Just a 10 minute walk to the Sacred Monkey Forest.
Budget Pick: Satya House - Local homestay with clean and cosy rooms, a small communal pool, and free breakfast each morning. Located right on a main road in Ubud Town. You can't get better value for money than this. See full review below.
Our Review: Our Review: Satya House
- Fantastic location on one of Ubud's main streets
- Clean and spacious bedrooms
- Unbeatable value for money
- Can be a little noisy at night
- Pool is small and not very private
Satya House has become our home away from home whenever we're in Ubud for a quick visit and need somewhere cheap and central to stay. I've lost track of how many times we've stayed here!
This charming little family-run guesthouse sits just off the main street of Jalan Hanoman, which is packed with fantastic boutique shops and many great cafes and restaurants. The popular KAFE is just a couple of doors down, which is one of our favourite places to eat in Ubud.
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2. Suweta & Tirta Tawar
Best for: Jungle retreats and stunning bamboo villas
Pros
- Peaceful stay in nature
- Many luxury eco-resorts and unique jungle villas
- Well positioned between Ubud Town and Tegallalang rice terraces
Cons
- Villas can be expensive
- The further along the roads you stay, the further you'll be from the amenities of central Ubud
Centered around two long roads that lead up through the jungles just north of Ubud, these areas have an authentic and peaceful vibe while hiding away many beautiful and secluded boutique resorts.
While not as busy as central Ubud, there are a handful of charming cafes, local warungs, and small spas along the roads too.
Hotels in Suweta & Tirta Tawar:
Affordable Luxury: The Udaya Resort and Spa - One of Ubud's most popular and established tropical retreats, with homely suites and stunning villas. The deluxe rooms with private pools and netted terraces are worth upgrading to! The entire resort is surprisingly affordable for its high quality.
Mid-Range Pick: Wapa di Ume - Beautiful boutique 4* hotel nestled within the jungles of northern Ubud. Affordable rooms and private villas available. Stunning infinity pool and luxury on-site spa. Cooking class available for guests. Shuttle into town center.
Eco-Luxury Villas: Stone House - Six unique eco villas nestled within a large private garden. One of our favourite stays in Ubud. Read full review below.
Our Review: Our Review: Stone House
- Six unique villas to choose from
- Intimate and homely feel with fantastic hospitality
- Strong focus on sustainability
- Expensive (but worth it!)
- Some villas are quite exposed to the elements so are not guaranteed to be bug-free
Set within a large foliage-filled tropical garden, the Stone House is home to six beautiful eco-friendly villas, each of which has its own unique style and character, as well as a large infinity pool and cosy communal living space.
Best For Groups: Casa Pohon Ubud - Three large stylish villas, with private infinity pools and netted terraces overlooking the jungle. One villa can sleep up to 7 people so great for groups and families.
3. Kedewatan & Sayan
Best for: Luxury resorts and elegant 5* hotels
Pros
- Many luxury high-end resorts
- Jungle and rice paddy views
- Most resorts have fantastic on-site facilities
Cons
- Expensive
- Further from the main attractions and amenities of central Ubud
Winding through the quiet rice paddies to the west of Ubud, Kedewatan and Sayan are where you'll find the majority of Ubud's luxury 5* hotels and resorts.
There's not much else going on in these areas. However, most of the upscale hotels here offer fantastic on-site facilities, such as high-end restaurants, luxury spas, yoga studios, and organised activities for guests.
Many hotels also have a free shuttle service into town, so you won't be totally stranded if you don't drive.
Hotels in Kedewatan & Sayan:
Top Pick: COMO Uma Ubud - Gorgeous jungle resort with spacious suites and private villas. All rooms have balconies overlooking a lush valley. On-site restaurant, spa, yoga, and regular guest activities. Only a 5 minute drive from central Ubud and offers a free shuttle. For a more remote and even more luxurious stay, check out sister resort COMO Shambhala Estate.
Luxury Pick: The Royal Pita Maha - Large, luxury 5* resort in the hills overlooking a lush jungle valley close to Ubud. Elegant villas with private infinity pools offering stunning views over the surrounding valley.
Private Villa: Uddhara Ubud Villa - Small complex of newly built two-bedroom villas with living space, kitchens, and pools. Stunning traditional design and ornate wooden furnishings with plenty of modern amenities. Great for those who like having a little extra privacy and space.
4. Bedulu
Best for: Affordable luxury
Pros
- Peaceful stay away from the crowds
- Some affordable hotels and resorts
- Closer to the famous Elephant Cave
Cons
- Very few amenities in the area
- Further from the main attractions of central and northern Ubud
Bedulu is a rural agricultural region to the southeast of Ubud. Being further away from the town centre, it's one of the cheaper places to stay on the outskirts of Ubud.
The area is known for its temples and historical sites, including Bedulu's Goa Gajah Elephant Cave and the Moon of Pejeng just further north (the largest bronze kettle drum in the world).
The neighbourhood is more limited in accommodation options than elsewhere. But the few hotels and resorts you will find here offer fantastic value for money. Your budget will stretch much further here than in northern Ubud.
Infrastructure in the area is fairly lacking, with hardly any restaurants or shops. You'll need to drive around 10-15 minutes to reach the many amenities of central Ubud. Make sure your resort offers a shuttle or that you have your own transport.
Hotels in Bedulu:
Affordable Luxury: TheWakanda Resort - Spacious suites with contemporary wooden furnishings and stylish decor. All rooms feature a stone bathtub, while a large infinity pool overlooking the jungle is available for all guests. Free yoga, gym, morning walks, and a shuttle into central Ubud. Fantastic value for money!
Affordable Luxury: Ubud Dedari Villas - Secluded resort with spacious rooms and villas overlooking a lush valley. Read our full review below.
Our Review: Our Review: Ubud Dedari Villas
- Infinity pool with amazing jungle views
- Spacious rooms and villas with separate living space
- Bathtub in every bathroom
- Secluded location with few amenities nearby
- Room service is available but expensive
Ubud Dedari Villas is a hidden gem in the peaceful Bedulu district, 15 minutes southeast of central Ubud. The property sits close to the famous Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah), one of Ubud's most famous temples.
5. Tegallalang
Best for: Rice terrace views
Pros
- Famous Tegallalang rice terraces right on your doorstep
- Jungle and rice paddy views
- Closer to attractions of northern Ubud
Cons
- 20-30 minute drive from the attractions and amenities of central Ubud
- Traffic in area around terraces can get very busy
Around a 20-30 minute drive north of Ubud, Tegallalang is home to some of Bali's most famous rice terraces and many of the region’s luxury jungle clubs.
The area has some fantastic accommodation options, as well as several beautiful cafes and restaurants overlooking the rice fields. Staying here will also put you closer to the iconic Pura Tirta Empul temple and its famous water purification ceremony.
However, you will be quite far from Ubud Town and its many attractions and restaurants. Plus the main road that connects the two can get quite congested with traffic during busy times.
Hotels in Tegallalang:
Luxury Pick: The Kayon Jungle Resort - Elegant jungle retreat inspired by Balinese traditional architecture. Home to the famous Wanna Jungle Pool Club, with three tiers of infinity pools and jacuzzis overlooking the rice terraces. Variety of yoga classes, village walks, and Balinese activities for guests. The luxury pool villas are worth the upgrade!
Rustic Pick: Anandari Ubud Villas - Charming bamboo bungalows with large bathtubs and private infinity pools overlooking the rice terraces and jungles.
Unique Pick: Bubble Hotel Ubud - Unusual bubble glamping pods with private pools, terraces, and swings overlooking the rice terraces. We stayed at their sister Bubble Hotel on the beach in Uluwatu and had the best time! Best for a night or two, but not to use as your base for a longer stay.