1 week in ubud
What are the first elements that come to mind when you hear the word Ubud? A place for Yoga? The Monkey forest maybe? A place with many temples and rice fields? Or maybe that it is an area located more in the center of Bali? Well, all of this is correct. Let me give you some advice on how to best enjoy your week in Ubud.
In my opinion Ubud’s center has become saturated with shops and Balinese people trying to sell you some piece of clothing without even looking at you in the eye. A lot is being done to attract people from all around the world leaving the true beauty of Ubud slowly disappear behind big chains and a tenser atmosphere.
This is why you need to adventure yourself in the little streets in and outside the city center, where you’ll find a much more traditional vibe with a true Ubud experience.
How to get around in Ubud:
NOT by car, if you want to make the most out of your day
Rent a scooter. I have rented mine for 70.000 IDR/day = 4,15 euros at Ubud Scooter rental
Order a scooter driver on Gojek. Rides are as low as 12,000 IDR = 0.70 cents for a decent ride.
Where to stay in Ubud:
Stay at Mancur Guesthouse: This place is an absolute gem. It is located 10 minutes away from Ubud’s city center by scooter, and further away from the street in the middle of rice fields. The sound of the water from the pool as well as the surrounding nature is very relaxing (and the pool area is very relaxing too!), your room is cleaned and your bed is made everyday, breakfast has nice options to choose from, the staff is adorable, helpful and light incense every night in front of your room (and it smells gorgeous). Also, it is located right in front of Goa Gajah temple, so you know what is the first place you may visit during your trip to Ubud!
Your private room starts at 20 euros/night breakfast included. The most expensive one is at 30 euros/night and is so worth it!
*N.B: You can rent scooters from there too for 90.000 IRD/day
1Kg of laundry is 20.000 IDR*
Looking for a hostel? 👉🏻 check out HostelWorld
Top food and coffee locations in Ubud:
Where to eat in Ubud:
Asian food: Sawah Indah (Typical Balinese restaurant with a view on the rice fields. They will always give you a little gift such as coconut water or one (6!) of their deserts for you to try), Antawali Kitchen (Great Indonesian flavors and cozy atmosphere), Kinta Ramen (Although not very popular on Google, the grilled tofu ramen was very good), Lemongrass (cute little setting, and their Vietnamese pho is delicious!), Warung Gauri (Beautiful setting inside and outside. Good food too), Warung Ubud Raya (This family run little restaurant is the cutest. The food is made with love and taste like heaven)
Other food: Watercress (I recommend the fried Cauliflower burger with its crunchy potatoes and garlic mayo), Copper Kitchen (The fanciest I’ve been too, but not the most expensive, food really good, nice personel and they give little amuse bouche)
Coffee spots in Ubud:
Suka Espresso
Ubud Coffee Roastery
Where to have a drink in Ubud:
Definitely go to Folks Garden and pool. It is a restaurant/bar featuring a beautiful garden and a pool, a great place to socialize or enjoy with your partner/friends
sports and activities:
Where to take yoga classes in Ubud:
There are so many places where you can take a yoga class in Ubud, but many are a bit overpriced (150.000 IDR per session) and I believe sometimes over advertised. This is why I recommend going to :
Honeymoon Guesthouse: Their 4pm restorative yoga class does a lot of good. It is located on the second floor of a temple like property surrounded by nature. They have all the equipment necessary the only downside would be that the teacher does not always correct the postures.
Price per session: 125.000 IDR
Bali Swasthya Yoga center: This is a small yoga business a lot more authentic than other bigger places you may find around Ubud. The teachers are sweet, and the studio is surrounded by nature indulging calm and relaxation. They have yoga mats there so no stress if you do not own one.
Price: 100.000 IDR per session
Best gym to workout in Ubud:
At Massa’s Fitness Center! Their gym is well equipped with a cardio area, free weights area, machines area (they have everything you need) and lockers. It is mostly air conditioned and only costs 40.000 IDR per session. You have weekly and monthly subscriptions available too.
Activities in Ubud:
I will write here all the things that “you should” do and see, but you decide what you want to prioritize.
The Monkey forest: The Monkey forest is a big nature reserve where people can contemplate monkeys in their natural habitat. It will take about 1h30 to 2h to visit the whole forest as it is as big as 30.8 acres!
Price: 80.000 IDR/adult and 60.000 IDR/child
*If you walk around Ubud’s city center and look upwards, you’ll most definitely see some monkeys walking on the metalic cables*.
Ceking rice terrace/ Tegalalang: These terraces, located in the Tegalalang village north of Ubud, showcase the traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system known as "subak." You can explore the area by walking along narrow paths between the rice fields.
Price: 85.000 IDR for all 3 entrances (Tegalalagan rice terrace, Pakudui Tegalalang and Uma Ceking)
Cretia is an alternative to the rice fields with several restaurants and big pools
Tirta Empul & water ceremony: Tirta Empul is an ancient Hindu Balinese water temple. It is renowned for its holy springs and the traditional water purification ceremony known as the "melukat" ritual.
Campuhan Ridge walk: Especially at sunset, when the temperatures cool down a bit. The trail starts near the Blanco Renaissance Museum and stretches over a couple of kilometers, offering a chance to immerse yourself in Ubud’s nature.
Ubud’s Art Market: Although very touristy, Ubud’s Art market is worth the detour. Wandering around the stalls is a great way to immerse yourself in Ubud’s vibrant life.
You'll discover an eclectic array of items, from clothing and footwear to distinctive wooden sculptures, jewelry, traditional headwear, and “handcrafted artisanal expertise” 😉
Goa Gajah Temple: Also known as the Elephant cave, this temple was constructed in the 9th century and was initially dedicated to the reverence of Buddhist practices before transitioning into a a Hindu shrine. There are local guides that will offer their services for you to have a deep understanding of the temple’s history.
What to know before you visit Goa Gajah:
👉🏼 Ensure to dress properly (legs must be covered. - they will give you a Sarong otherwise)
👉🏼 Girls, do not go if you are in your menstruation period
👉🏼 Take a lot of water with you as it takes approx. 1 hour to see everything and there is a fair amount of steps.
👉🏼 Opening hours: 8am - 5pm
Entry ticket : 50.000 IDR/person - 25.000 IDR/child
Get a massage - At Rina massage (Jalan Raya Pengosekan Kelod, Gianyar)
Take your scooter and get lost!
riding through a small path in the middle of the rice fields during sunset is a blessing