Everything You Need to Know About Ubud on Your Solo Trip to Bali

Once upon a time, Ubud was a destination only for travellers who were interested in trying out yoga and meditation, eating healthy food, and getting some fresh air away from the hustle-bustle of the city. But now, Ubud has become one of the most popular places in Bali. I guess the credit for this popularity goes to the Hollywood movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’ It surely gave Ubud that push that took it to the top-visited places in Bali!

But even after all that popularity, Ubud still has plenty of scenic and serene tourist places such as the rice terraces, forests, waterfalls, among others. It also has a number of cafes and eateries that serve delicious food and rich, aromatic coffee for its visitors!

If you plan a solo trip to Bali, I would suggest you definitely spend a few days in Ubud. It is the perfect destination for a spiritual and pleasant experience. So, keep on reading everything there is to know about Ubud for your solo trip to Bali.

The best time to visit Ubud

Just like every destination in Bali, Ubud also experiences two seasons – wet and dry. The dry season is from April till October, and the wet season is from November till March. In my opinion, the wet season can hinder your experience in Ubud, so my suggestion would be to visit Ubud during the dry season. 

Generally, July and August are the two best months to visit Ubud, but these are also the peak months, so you may come across a thick crowd. Because of this, I would say you plan your trip to Ubud in either April – June or September – November to avoid crowds.

How to get to Ubud?

Although Ubud does not have its own airport, the nearest one is Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. You can easily get a flight (either direct or connected) to Denpasar. The airport is about 40 kilometres from Ubud, and it will take you around 1 hr – 1 hr 30 mins to reach Ubud. The easiest way for the drive is through a taxi. However, keep in mind to always look for genuine taxis. In my opinion, Blue Bird taxis are the most genuine ones. You can get one from the departure area at the airport.

Furthermore, if you are visiting Ubud for a day or two from nearby areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu, you can take a taxi for the drive too. Or, you can rent out a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorbike. 

Getting Around in Ubud

I would say that Ubud is a great place for riding a moped/scooter, that is, if you know to ride one. It is economical compared to all the private taxis whose only intention is to scam the tourists.
One thing that can be nerve-racking in Ubud is the traffic. It really gets hectic during the evenings when the tourists typically wind up the day. So don’t be shocked if you see jammed roads with long lines of motionless vehicles. But if you are an expert at riding a motorcycle, you can get rid of traffic and reach the destination quicker than a 4-wheeled vehicle.

Another advantage of riding a scooter is that you can easily explore non-touristy places. But the ultimate best part of it is you can enjoy the stunning views of Ubud. Trust me, it’s the best thing ever!
Don’t forget to tie your hair back and wear your helmet. Safety first, always!

Where should you rent a scooter?

A scooter rental for a day should typically cost you about 30000 – 50000 Indonesian Rupiah. You can always bargain for a better price, so don’t be shy or guilty to haggle! I’d say it is easy to get hold of a motorcycle without an IDL (International Driving License) in Bali, but I wouldn’t recommend it! You should carry your IDL if you do not like to get into legal problems in a foreign destination! And the traffic cops in Bali regularly check on tourists riding a motorcycle or driving a car!

You can ask your hotel/hostel for a good scooter rental service in that area. I feel they give you better options than the ones you find online. Also, make sure to inspect the vehicle thoroughly and click a picture of it. You don’t want to get scammed for any old damage that you didn’t cause (if any)!

Don’t worry about the fuel price because 1 litre of fuel would cost around just 7000 Indonesian Rupiah, and 4 litres would be ideal for covering about 150km or so!

And what if you can’t ride a scooter…

If you do not know to ride a scooter, no worries, you can still take a private taxi, a shuttle, or any public transport. As I said earlier, you can go ahead with Blue Bird taxis as they are the most reliable ones. You can also book a cab from local apps like Gojek/Gocar or Grab, but you might have to wait a bit longer after booking because they are not largely available in a few areas.

Where to stay in Ubud?

If you are visiting Ubud for more than a day, you will need a hotel or hostel to spend the night. Here are my top recommendations for places to stay in Ubud, Indonesia.

1. Bambu Indah

If you plan on staying in eco-friendly accommodation, then Bambu Indah will not disappoint you. Bambu Indah translates to ‘beautiful bamboo’ in Indonesian, which perfectly describes what the accommodation is all about. It is located in Bali’s leafy centre and has ensured to restore and conserve its natural surroundings. 

Every room in Bambu Indah offers gorgeous views of the surroundings. And here is the fun fact, there are no TVs in any of the rooms. Because why would you need a TV when the views from your windows are nothing short of beauty, right?

The amenities include free breakfast, laundry service, air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, outdoor pool.

Approximate price for one night at Bambu Indah – 1970005 Indonesian Rupiah

2. Bisma Cottages

If you want to learn the true Balinese culture, then Bisma Cottages will be the best pick. The cottage has got Balinese joglo-style rooms with basic amenities to ensure you have a great time. It is located at a distance of a 10 minutes walk from Ubud downtown, too, so you can take a stroll on the cultural streets of Ubud to witness the true Balinese culture. 

The fun fact about Bisma Cottages is that it has a shared swimming pool where you can enjoy a floating breakfast too!

Approximate price for one night at Bisma Cottages – 591001 Indonesian Rupiah

3. Bisma Eight

Beautifully combined modernism with the Balinese culture, Bisma Eight redefines a luxurious hotel stay in Ubud. The rooms are spacious with all basic amenities like free WiFi, free breakfast, an air-conditioner, and an outdoor pool. Although the price for one night at the resort might get a little heavy in your pocket, the experience is totally worth it.

If you are on a tight budget, you can stay at Bisma Eight just for one night to enjoy everything that it has to offer. 

Approximate price for one night at Bisma Eight – 3940010 Indonesian Rupiah

What are the best places to explore in Ubud?

Your visit to Ubud will be incomplete if you don’t explore some of its most famous places. There is so much Ubud has to offer that one visit may not be enough to cover everything. But here are some of the top tourist attractions in Ubud that you can check out.

1. Ubud Monkey Forest

This is one of the most popular and unique places to visit in Ubud. Although most people may not be fascinated by the idea of visiting a monkey forest on their solo trip, I think Ubud Monkey Forest is definitely one of its kind. It houses more than 700 different Balinese monkeys. Apart from the monkeys, the monkey forest offers clear pathways where you can take a stroll and breathe in the fresh air while admiring the beauty. 

Entrance fee: 80000 Indonesian Rupiah

2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali is rice terraces. And fortunately, Tegallalang Rice Terraces is the most famous rice attraction, and it is located in Ubud. The beautiful green rice field patterns are elegantly designed, which makes it a perfect place for photography. The rice terrace uses an old irrigation system that gives you a sneak peek into the Balinese culture. If you want to have a quiet time away from city life, then definitely plan a visit to Tegallalang Rice Terraces. 

Entrance fee: 10000 Indonesian Rupiah

3. Tegenungan Waterfalls

Waterfalls are another of Bali’s tourist attractions. There are so many waterfalls on the island that will leave you spoiled for choices. One of the most popular waterfalls is Tegenungan Waterfalls. It has a pool underneath where you can relax after checking out the waterfall. Also, the waterfalls make the perfect background for your next aesthetic Instagram post!

Entrance fee: 50 Indonesian Rupiah

4. Ubud Water Palace

Another of Ubud’s most beautiful places to visit, Ubud Water Palace, is nothing but magical. It is famous for photoshoots and its beautiful lotuses in the morning and white lilies in the evening. The stone walkway literally floats on a pool loaded with gorgeous white lilies. The walkway is surrounded by stunning stone statues that represent the Balinese culture. 

Entrance fee: free of cost

5. Ubud Art Market

If you are looking to indulge in some street shopping, then definitely check out the Ubud Art Market. Locally, it is also referred to as Pasar Seni Ubud. You can purchase high-quality woven packs, silk scarves, statues, handmade crafts, among many other things. Most of the goods sold at the Ubud Art Market are focused on handmade crafts, so you can be assured about getting good quality handmade products. 

Entrance fee: free of cost

What are the famous restaurants in Ubud?

The restaurants available in Ubud will spoil you for choices. And on top of that, there are so many different cuisines available that you can try something different each day while you are in Ubud. Although visiting every restaurant in Ubud may not be entirely possible, but you can still try out as many restaurants as convenient. Here are some of the famous restaurants that I would suggest you definitely try out.

1. Locavore

One of the famous restaurants in Ubud, Locavore, has to be on your list of restaurants to visit here. Locavore also represented Indonesia in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards!

The delicious dishes at the restaurant are prepared from locally sourced goods. Some of their most famous dishes include pan-fried gnocchis, pork dishes, barramundi, and bitter chocolate ganache in sweets. But if you are a vegetarian, you can try out their famous seven-course feast that consists of a majority of vegetarian dishes. An average meal here would cost you about 200000 Indonesian Rupiah.

2. The Sayan House

The Sayan House is one of the most stunning restaurants you will come across in Ubud. The thing that’s the most fascinating about this restaurant is its location – just outside of the hustle-bustle of the city and into the arms of nature. The highlight of this restaurant is its mouthwatering Latin-Japanese fusion cuisine! 

Some of their famous dishes include wasabi mash, guacamole sushi roll, wasabi potato, fish taco, tuna croquettes, and ceviche. If you are a vegan, you will find a variety of vegan dishes at The Sayan House too! An average meal at the restaurant will cost you about 175000 Indonesian Rupiah.

You should definitely check out this restaurant if you love Japanese food but with a twist to it.

3. Hujan Locale

In my opinion, Hujan Locale is the most classy restaurant I have ever come across. The restaurant has two floors that follow a vintage theme. You will find classy wooden furniture, doors, and windows in the restaurant.

You can try dishes like lamb shank curry, sea bass curry, pizzas with homestyle bocconcini, and parmesan. In drinks, I would totally recommend coconut mojito and classic cocktails. An average meal at Hujan Locale will cost you about 200000 Indonesian Rupiah.

4. The Elephant

If you are someone who loves having their meal with a beautiful view, then The Elephant is just the right pick for you. This restaurant is the perfect combination of stunning decor and mouthwatering dishes. And the beautiful views of Campuhan ridge make the experience wholesome.

The Elephant is the go-to place for vegetarian and vegan dishes. Their famous dishes include Vietnamese pancakes, pad Thai, panini sandwiches, pesto gnocchi, and chocolate mousse. The price of one meal at the restaurant is somewhere around 100000 Indonesian Rupiah, which is a steal deal considering everything you get here!

5. Copper Kitchen & Bar

Copper Kitchen & Bar is the perfect restaurant for you to have a lovely dinner with some amazing views from the rooftop. The food served at the restaurant is to die for! Their signature dishes include the wok-fried tempeh Goreng and tuna sashimi served with nahm jim and chilli jam and crispy salmon. 

Along with the delicious food, the restaurant also offers cooking classes and wine pairing and tasting. If you want to take your travel experience to Ubud, Bali, to the next level, then you can definitely try out the cooking classes. 

An average meal at Copper Kitchen & Bar will cost you approximately 100000 Indonesian Rupiah.

You can read my blog on Things to do alone in Bali.

So, are you ready to explore Ubud?

Ubud is the most beautiful place in Bali, hands down! There is so much to explore and see that a few days may not be enough. But hey, there is always a second time. Since Bali is also a budget-friendly travel destination, you can visit the island a couple of times to make sure you explore everything Bali has to offer.

So, get your bags packing, book your tickets and embark on an amazing journey! Do let me know in the comments section below about your experience in Bali. Cheers!