Bali's cultural capital tucked inland, Ubud blends terraced rice fields, sacred temples, the Monkey Forest, yoga retreats and craft workshops. Here's how to enjoy it in 2 or 3 days.
Ubud (Bali) at a glance
Altitude
~200 m
Airport
DPS ยท 1h15
Ideal stay
2 to 3 days
Budget / day
โฌ25-120
Flight Paris
~16h (1 stop)
Time diff
+6h / +7h
Current climate
Best season
In brief
The cultural and spiritual heart of Bali
Far from the beaches, Ubud lives to the rhythm of temples, traditional dance and crafts. Count at least 2 days, 3 to slow down.
Stay in the center or on the edge of the rice fields
The center is handy for doing everything on foot. Nearby villages (Penestanan, Sayan) offer quiet and jungle views.
Scooter or private driver
Grab is restricted in Ubud. A scooter gives you freedom, a day driver (~โฌ40) simplifies the trips around.
Proper dress required in temples
Shoulders and knees covered. A sarong is usually lent or rented at the entrance of sacred sites.
Dry season ideal from April to October
Clear skies, glowing rice fields. The rainy season (Nov-March) stays mild but with daily showers.
Must-see
Forest sanctuary of 700 macaques with three temples and a mossy ravine.
Bali's most photographed terraces, drained by the ancient subak system.
Sacred spring where Balinese perform the melukat purification ritual.
Free ridge trail between two rivers, magical early in the morning.
Woven baskets, batiks, wood carvings. Bargaining expected.
Former residence of Ubud's kings, free by day, dance stage by night.
Wide, powerful falls reached in 15 min, swimming possible in the morning.
The Yoga Barn and The Practice lead the global yoga scene from Ubud.
From market to plate: tour, spice grinding, shared meal.
Giant swings over the valley. Touristy but photogenic.
Choose your district
Around Jalan Raya and the market. Everything on foot: restos, shops, palace. From โฌ20/night.
โ Recommended
Artists' village on the western heights, rice fields and quiet villas. From โฌ30/night.
Quiet
Resorts perched above the Ayung gorge (Four Seasons, COMO). From โฌ150/night.
Luxury
Closest to the rice fields, rural feel, scooter advised. From โฌ35/night.
Nature
Getting around
Scooter rental
Total freedom for the surrounding rice fields and temples. Helmet mandatory, international license requested.
Private day driver
The handiest option to chain Tirta Empul, Tegalalang and Mount Batur. Negotiate the route.
Grab / Gojek
Handy apps but restricted in central Ubud (pressure from local drivers). Fine for long distances.
On foot
The center is walkable. Ideal for the market, palace, warungs and the Monkey Forest.
Climate & crowds
01
Jan
02
Feb
03
Mar
04
Apr
05
May
06
Jun
07
Jul
08
Aug
09
Sep
10
Oct
11
Nov
12
Dec
Dry season
Apr to Oct ยท 27-30ยฐC, clear skies ยท Ideal โ glowing rice fields, cool evenings
Shoulder season
Apr & Oct-Nov ยท Occasional showers ยท Fair โ fewer crowds, gentle rates
Rainy season
Nov to March ยท Daily showers ยท Possible โ lush greenery, cheaper hotels
How much
Backpacker
โฌ25
per day
Comfort
โฌ70
per day
Premium
โฌ200
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
1h30 away ยท Sunrise hike
20 min away ยท Terraced rice fields
๐ 1h15 away ยท Beaches, beach clubs and surf
1h30 away ยท Royal water palace of the east
FAQ
Marie Laurent โ
ยทSoutheast Asia specialist
Last updated: June 6, 2026.