Ubud: A Beginner's Travel Guide (2023)

Mar 06, 2023 By Sean William

We all have our favourite places to visit. Every metropolis has its quirks and attractions, but we can all agree that a select few stand out even more. Among these is Ubud for us. In 2009, we made our first trip to this Balinese village. Ubud was our first stop in southern Bali because Ren and I aren't beach bums. It was after midnight as we finally drove into town, and I'll never forget the emotion I felt.

When we rounded the bend past the sacred monkey forest, we were greeted by a kaleidoscope of lanterns strung from trees and small shops on each side of the road. Together, we let out a startled "wow" of surprise. The scenery was stunning, and we had no idea such a place existed in this unfamiliar town.

Restrictions on Ubud travel

With the present state of affairs worldwide, travel advice for Bali and Ubud is always evolving. Websites like Booking.com and air heart, our friends, provide extensive resources on travel limitations in different countries. Check Booking.com or air heart for up-to-date information on travel restrictions to Indonesia before booking a vacation to Ubud. If you plan to visit Ubud, getting COVID coverage on your travel insurance is a must.

Visa For Entry Into Indonesia

Visas and other documentation may be required to enter Ubud and Bali. For visa information and applications, visit iVisa.com.

At a Glance: UBUD

Ubud, an Indonesian town, is located in the island's central foothills. It is an hour and a half north of the airport in the island's interior. Its reputation as a more peaceful and cultural destination sets it apart from the lively but frequently rowdy ambience of southern Bali's Seminyak and Kuta.

Due to its interior location, Ubud lacks any beaches. Instead, lush rice fields and tropical rainforests will surround you. Many Hindu temples may be found here, along with galleries, museums, and unique shops offering artisanal wares like jewellery and wooden sculptures.

Ubud's proximity to nature and the inherent spirituality of the culture has made it a popular retreat for yoga practitioners during the past two decades.

The Ideal Time To Visit UBUD

Ubud, like many other Southeast Asian cities, has both rainy and dry seasons. The dry season normally lasts from April to October, while the wet season lasts from November to March. The dry season is the ideal time to visit because there is not much of a temperature range. The greatest weather is usually in July and August, the busiest months in Bali. Due to this, I propose the months of April–June and September–November. We initially visited Ubud in April, then returned in July for our second visit.

Visiting Ubud

Ngurah Rai International Airport is the primary arrival point for most tourists visiting Bali from domestic and international locations. From Yogyakarta, we flew to Bali; the journey took around two hours and thirty minutes. There are several options for getting from the airport to your accommodation in Ubud.

Via Private Transfer

In terms of ease and effectiveness, this is your best bet. You can use Get Your Guide or the hotel's own transportation service to get to your accommodation in Ubud from the airport. When I called the hotel, I was told their rates were greater than Get Your Guide's, so that's where I ended up making my reservation.

Take A Cab

The other option is to take a cab to your hotel, but from what I've read online, it will cost you more. You must use the airport's designated taxi counter to reserve a ride. Once you tell them where you're going, they'll give you a fee.

By Bus

While this may be the most cost-effective choice, it is likely the least practical. Travelling from Kuta to Ubud is easy with the Kura Bus. You'll need to take a cab to the bus station approximately 4 kilometres north of the airport. You may use Klook to reserve your seats on the Kura Bus. There is a limited number of bags per person and a restricted number of departure times.

Where to Do Currency Exchanges

One Rupiah (IDR) equals one hundred thousand US cents (IDR) in Indonesia. While we didn't need to do so, I've heard that Ubud is home to several excellent money exchanges where you won't have trouble getting your money.

The larger offices along Monkey Forest Road would be nice places to work. You should still check the prices offered and any associated fees. If you want to transfer to Ubud from the airport, I recommend changing a small amount of money there.

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