Ubud hotel guide
Best hotels in Ubud, Bali
Ubud is Bali's inland cultural town in the Gianyar hills, about 35 to 40 km north of the airport, a 75 to 120 minute drive. It sits around 600 m above sea level, so it is cooler and greener than the coast. It suits travelers who want temples, rice terraces, yoga and wellness, art, and food. It is not a beach destination.
What Ubud is actually like
Ubud is really a cluster of villages on ridges between river gorges, not one single town. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary sits at the south end of town (adult entry IDR 130,000 from April 2026). The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are about 20 minutes north. Tirta Empul Temple is the holy spring temple where visitors take part in the melukat purification ritual. Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) has free entry, and the Ubud Art Market sits across from it. The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a 2 km ridge trail, and Tegenungan Waterfall and Mount Batur sunrise treks (2 AM pickup) are easy day trips.
Getting around and when to visit
The centre is walkable. There is no public transport worth relying on. Use Grab or Gojek ride-hailing, rent a scooter (about IDR 100,000 to 150,000 per day), or hire a private driver for day trips.
The dry season runs April to October, and June to September is the driest stretch. July and August are the busiest months. The rainy season runs November to March, with heavy afternoon downpours.
Honest downside: central traffic is bad, with the main lanes clogged by scooters by mid-morning. A one-way system introduced on Jalan Raya Ubud in September 2026 caused more than four hours of gridlock on its first day. Monkey Forest macaques steal sunglasses, phones, and water bottles.
Where to stay in Ubud
The resort in the jungle above the Ayung valley. Photo: SvG, via Wikimedia Commons.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Arrival is across a suspension bridge over the Ayung River gorge to a rooftop lotus pond. The elliptical infinity pool appears to float above the jungle canopy, and the Sacred River Spa sits down by the water. The 60 suites and villas terrace down the valley, many with private plunge pools. Opened February 1998, it is about 6 km (10 to 15 minutes) west of central Ubud.
Best for: couples, honeymooners, luxury travelers, and wellness seekers.
Read reviews on Google →Hanging Gardens of Bali
Home to the iconic two-tiered cascading infinity pool above the Ayung valley, named World's Best Swimming Pool by Conde Nast Traveler. All 44 private villas have their own heated private infinity pool, and a funicular connects reception to the villas on the steep hillside. Views run across the gorge to the Dalem Segara temple.
Best for: couples and honeymooners wanting a dramatic jungle setting.
Read reviews on Google →
The infinity pool at Alila Ubud. Photo: Sean McGrath, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Alila Ubud
The original Alila property, opened in 1996 and designed by architect Kerry Hill. Its infinity pool over the Ayung valley was named among the world's most beautiful hotel pools by Travel and Leisure. The 56 rooms and 18 villas are laid out like a traditional Balinese village, and Spa Alila has open-air Bale Bengong treatment pavilions at the valley edge. A free shuttle runs to town. Villas run higher, up to about $980.
Best for: couples, honeymooners, and wellness travelers.
Read reviews on Google →Tegal Sari Accommodation
A central, quiet base about a 3 minute walk (0.2 km) from the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with a second entrance on Jalan Monkey Forest. Two swimming pools: a garden pool edging the rice field and a rooftop pool with a yoga pavilion. Free scheduled yoga sessions, rooms ranging from walk-in tower rooms to private pool villas with rice field views (up to about $180), plus an on-site spa, outdoor gym, and Warung Semesta cafe.
Best for: budget travelers, solo travelers, couples, and families wanting a central, quiet base.
Read reviews on Google →Planning a specific kind of trip? See the best honeymoon hotels, the best yoga retreat hotels, the best private pool villas, and the best budget stays in Bali.
Prices are approximate nightly rates found on booking sites and guides, and vary by season, room type, and availability. Many Bali rates add about 21 percent tax and service. The Bali tourist levy (IDR 150,000, about $10 per person, once per trip) applies to all visitors. Always confirm the current rate before you book.