Ubud is often described as the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, surrounded by lush rice terraces, jungle landscapes, and centuries-old temples. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking to experience authentic Balinese culture, relax in nature, and enjoy some of the island’s best cafés and restaurants. In this post, I’ll share my tips on where to stay, how to get there, and my favorite spots in Ubud.

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Where to Stay in Ubud

I stayed just 15 minutes outside Ubud’s center at a homestay called JJ Arkana Ubud House. In the backyard of Dewi’s family home, you’ll find two beautiful little villas, each with its own private terrace and balcony. It’s honestly one of the most charming places I’ve stayed in Bali. Dewi and her family are wonderful hosts—they’ll help you arrange tours and are always ready to assist with anything you need. They have two small children and two adorable dogs (one of them, named Honey, loves to play with guests and gets super excited every time you greet him).

 

How to Get to Ubud

Ubud is located in central Bali, making it easily accessible from anywhere on the island. The simplest way to get there is by using a Grab taxi or a private driver. I had two fantastic drivers during my trip:

• Putu: +62 819 1674 7591

• [Add second driver contact here]

The drive is scenic, especially if you’re coming from the south, passing rice terraces and traditional villages along the way.

 

How Long to Stay in Ubud

You could easily spend over a week in Ubud without running out of things to do. However, if you’re also planning to visit places like Sidemen or Canggu, I recommend staying at least 4 days to get a good taste of Ubud’s unique vibe.

 

Best Restaurants and Cafés in Ubud

Ubud is known for its abundance of health-conscious and Western-influenced cafés, alongside great local spots. Here are some of my top picks:

• Clear Café
  A beautiful open-air café with a relaxed, earthy vibe. You’ll need to take off your shoes before entering. It’s popular with digital nomads, but note there are only a few outlets for charging your laptop.

• Merlin
  This one is on the pricier side for Bali but offers a unique experience—your food and cocktails are chosen based on a tarot card reading! Don’t worry, if you’re not happy with your tarot pick, you can change it. Make sure to book at least a week in advance.

• Melani
  A cozy spot offering a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes. Their cocktails and service are excellent. It’s located a bit outside the center of Ubud, so you may need to grab a taxi.

• Prison Ubud
  Possibly one of the most beautiful restaurants in Ubud, set right in the middle of the rice fields. The view is breathtaking, and they serve breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. It’s also a great place to work from if you need a change of scenery.

 

Extra Tip: Ubud Night Market

While your original note mentioned Lovina’s night market, keep in mind Ubud also has a small night market where you can try local snacks and desserts—definitely worth checking out if you’re a foodie!

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