Ever since the movie Eat, Pray, Love popularized the novel of the same name, people from all over the world have wanted to visit Ubud to embrace Balinese culture and to see some of the most famous spots on the island.
But is Ubud worth visiting in 2025 or has it been overrun by mass market tourism? Are the sacred monkey forest sanctuary, Ubud market, Ubud Royal Palace, and the rice terraces still as breathtaking as they were in the movie?
Well, we put Ubud to the test to see if it was still worth visiting in 2025 and our results are below. We’ve tried to tackle the good, the bad and the ugly to give a fair insight into the city which is often considered to be the spiritual heart of the island. Here’s what we came up with.
The Truth About Ubud In 2025
If you’d come to the island just 10 years ago, you’d have found that Ubud, Bali was a sleep backwater but times have changed and while Ubud is still surrounded by rice paddies and lush greenery, it’s become a much more central feature of island life.
And that means it’s easy to answer the question, “Is Ubud worth visiting?” because it’s so popular that it has to be worth visiting.
In fact, Ubud is even starting to challenge some of the beach towns for visitor numbers, so strong is it’s appeal.
You’ll find that Ubud, Bali is a short drive from the airport and that you won’t need to spend too long in a taxi to get there on arrival.
Ubud offers a little bit of something for everyone and there’s no doubt that its appeal is pretty much universal if you’re prepared to trade cooler temperatures for your access to the beach.
TL:DR Answer: Is Ubud Worth Visiting?
We’ve got a lot of information about Ubud, Bali below that should help you decide whether or not Ubud’s your kind of place but if you just don’t want to read on… we’ll say, “Ubud is very much worth visiting and we think it’s a great destination to put on your Bali itinerary.”
It’s a vibrant, exciting town with lush landscapes, traditional dance performances, rice fields and many a hidden gem tucked away down the side streets.
There are outdoor activities galore and the local art scene is the best on the island.
You will find there’s plenty of accommodation to suit every need and budget from high-end luxury eco-villas made of bamboo to backpacker hostels and guesthouses.
Ubud also has one of the richest dining scenes in Bali and you can eat roast suckling pig in a warung or eat food worthy of an A-list celebrity in the town’s fine dining establishments.
There are also yoga studios, gyms, and much more to cater to both your physical and mental wellbeing. Ubud has it all.
The Original Ubud Appeal
Ubud, Bali came to popularity when it was featured in the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and then when the movie, starring Julia Roberts, of the same book came out – it catapulted Ubud into the big leagues.
Much of the town’s original charm was centred around the art scene and its quiet but proud spiritual traditions with many ancient temple sites within a stone’s throw of the centre.
The world-famous monkey forest and sanctuary also helped to push Ubud’s name in front of potential visitors.
How Ubud Has Changed And Why It Matters
Ubud still has a tantalizing array of attractions but its new found fame has seen many people hire private drivers and head to this town in the centre of the island.
Its central location makes it pretty easy to get to from everywhere in Bali and its natural beauty is a big draw for visitors.
However, this has come at the price of rapid development and this is no longer a small village but rather a decent-sized town with plenty of facilities to cater to the ever-increasing number of visitors.
The Attractions Of Ubud
Ubud has a lot of attractions for visitors and some of the most popular include:
Temples
Some of the finest temples in the land are in Ubud and you can enjoy temples in the Sacred Monkey Forest, the elephant cave and many other destinations.
This is one of the many reasons that Ubud is considered to be the spiritual heart of the island. However, the “Mother Temple” Besakih is not in Ubud, it’s in the North of the island.
The Arts
Ubud is also home to much of Bali’s indigenous art scene and you will find if you visit the local markets, you can buy local art as unique souvenirs for the folks back home.
And even if you’re not buying, it’s great to see all four major styles of local painting.
Countryside
The countryside in this part of Bali is gorgeous and there’s no doubt that you enjoy amazing jungle walks, see waterfalls and explore temples (including the amazing Valley of the Kings) within a stone’s throw of the city.
You will also find the two best rice terraces on the island, Jatiluwih and Tegallalang are not far from Ubud.
Restaurant Scene
Ubud has an amazing reputation for local food and you can explore all that Bali has to offer in terms of cuisine here.
The warungs are cheap and accessible which makes it a great spot for foodies on a budget.
You’ll also find some of the best fine dining on the island if budget is no barrier to your love of food.
Yoga And Fitness
You can barely walk down the street in Ubud without bumping into a yoga studio and there are plenty of gyms around too.
Ubud is a great place to take care of your physical, mental and spiritual health.
The Downsides Of Ubud
There are some downsides to Ubdu in 2025 too and the main concerns people have are:
Over Developed?
In common with many popular parts of Bali, Ubud has seen a huge level of investment in tourist infrastructure.
And while all the infinity pools, etc. are nice to have – the town is no longer as easy to get around as it once was and in the middle of peak season, it can get very busy indeed.
If you want to walk around, it’s best to stay in a central location as getting in and out of the town can take some time due to the level of development.
Traffic?
Traffic is a problem all over Bali not just in Ubud, but there’s no doubt that it can take a long time to get in or out of the town during peak hours.
What Sort Of People Think Ubud Is Worth Visiting In 2025?
We think anyone can have a great time in Ubud but we think these four groups would especially enjoy the town:
Spiritual Seekers
The spiritual heart of the island is a place to come and learn yoga, to meditate and to explore the temples, waterfalls, water palaces, and much more.
Backpackers
Given the wealth of cheap accommodation and warungs serving tasty local food, there’s no doubt that backpackers should love Ubud.
Digital Nomads
Ubud has lots of coworking and coliving spaces and it’s a bit cheaper than Canggu. There are also a lot of digital nomad meetups in this town.
Culture Tourists
Canggu has become a major centre for digital nomads. In fact, after Chiang Mai, Canggu may be the second-most popular place in Southeast Asia for digital nomads.Ubud remains Bali’s prime cultural haven and you will find that there are art galleries, museums, markets and craftspeople galore in this part of the island.
You can buy excellent high quality souvenirs in this area that have been handmade by local people or just enjoy the silversmiths, woodcrafters, painters, sculptors, etc. as they work.
Is Ubud Worth Visiting As A Family?
Yes, we think Ubud is a great destination for a family. There’s a lot to do in the area that kids will enjoy from jungle trekking to seeing monkeys in the wild, to ATV rides and white water rafting.
Many of the resorts are set up to cater to children and it won’t be hard to find a kid’s club when you want to sneak off to the spa for some pampering for an hour or two.
Is Ubud Worth Visiting As A Couple?
Ubud is also a great place to visit as a couple and you will find spas, hikes, and things to do galore.
It’s also home to some of the most romantic resorts on the island and if you have the money, you can make dreams come true in Ubud.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Ubud Bali?
There’s no bad time to visit Bali and in fact, Ubud is a major beneficiary of this fact.
In the rainy season, it doesn’t rain all day, it’s cooler in Ubud than at the beach and that means, it’s quite pleasant to walk around the sights like Tegenungan waterfall and admire their natural beauty as long as you take an umbrella.
And because it’s the wet season, hotels, flights, etc. are cheaper.
In the dry season, there’s less rain, it’s a bit more expensive and queues at tourist destinations are a bit longer but those seeking adventure can find a truly immersive experience in the countryside in this part of Bali.
And there’s always a fresh coconut on hand to drink, to cool down if you’re stuck in a queue for too long.
FAQs
Is It Worth It To Go To Ubud?
Is Ubud worth visiting? Yes, very much so. There’s so much to see and do in Ubud from amazing rice terraces to the Ubud water palace, the Agung Rai Museum, the Saraswati temple, the lush landscapes, and so much more.
It’s also a brilliant place to get lost in Balinese cuisine and Balinese culture. You will find authentic Balinese flavours within walking distance of every hotel and resort in the area.
Ubud town has definitely seen a lot of development in the last couple of years and it’s no longer a sanctuary away from the tourism that floods the beach towns, but it’s still a “must-see” part of Bali for most people.
If you want to capture the lush greenery, ancient temples, traditional dance performances, rice paddies, etc. without the crowds, you might want to consider a visit to Sidemen, instead of Ubud.
There’s not as much to do or anywhere near as many restaurants but many people feel that Sidemen has the vibe that Ubud once had of an unspoiled spiritual sanctuary in the jungles of Bali.
Which Is So Special About Ubud?
Ubud has no beaches and that makes it unusual for a tourist town centre in Bali. However, visiting Ubud means getting access to some of the best cultural attractions on the island such as Ubud Palace and Jatiluwih rice terraces.
You will also find it’s one of the best places to explore traditional Balinese cuisine and once you’re done with the local culture, it’s a great place for yoga classes, meditation and other spiritual activities.
Many of Bali’s spiritual healers are based in and around the Ubud area too. For a long time, people came to Ubud just to “find themselves” and the quiet and peace of the area was a big attraction.
While you can certainly still find peace and quiet in Ubud, it’s important to note that it’s a lot busier than it once was (particularly in peak season) and some of the “spiritual side” of town life has been commercialized both for good and for ill.
One plus side of the development is the availability of spa treatments and infinity pools in addition to the more traditional outdoor activities in the town.
We still feel that there’s a lot that makes Ubud worth visiting but you will need to balance your expectations if you are expecting the oasis of calm that is portrayed in Eat, Pray, Love.
Which Is Better Canggu or Ubud?
Both areas are great, but we feel that we’d prefer to stay in Canggu and enjoy the beaches as well as plenty of beautiful scenery, rice fields, etc. and then make a day trip (or trips) to Ubud.
Ubud has become pretty busy in recent years and we feel it’s easier to find a bit of space and peace in Canggu than it is in Ubud.
However, we wouldn’t discourage anyone from staying in Ubud, the ancient temples, sacred monkey forest, Campuhan ridge walk, Goa Gajah, etc. are very much natural attractions of this amazing island.
Food lovers are also going to love the chance to enjoy delicious meals at the town’s many warungs and restaurants (and there’s something for every budget in Ubud, you don’t need to spend a fortune for tasty roast suckling pig).
How Long Should I Spend In Ubud?
A lot depends on why you’re visiting the island in the first place but if you just want to tick off the main highlights of the town then 1-3 days is probably enough.
If, on the other hand, you want to get deep into exploring the area and visit everything from the intricate carvings in the Valley of the Kings, to the elephant cave, to the Tegallalang rice terrace, and explore the stunning scenery to find the best views of majestic Mount Agung high above the rice terraces and rice fields, then you could easily spend a week or two (or even more in Ubud).
Many digital nomads choose to settle in Ubud which is a little cheaper than Canggu and can feel like a hidden gem for coworking spaces and coliving opportunities. That it’s a cultural haven also doesn’t hurt.
Why Is Ubud So Popular?
Ubud is popular because it provides a nice contrast to the beach towns. It’s a bit cooler (weather-wise) and there’s more to see and do.
It didn’t hurt that Ubud featured prominently in Elizabeth Gilbert’s popular novel Eat, Pray, Love or in the hit movie (starring Julia Roberts) that was made of the book.
But with places like the Tegalalang rice terraces, Tegenungan waterfall, Saraswati temple, etc. this is a great spot for adventure lovers to get out and explore the natural beauty of the island.
Spiritual seekers may find it’s the perfect place to practice yoga and there’s an absolute treasure trove of local artisans and so many cultural performances and local restaurants that it’s impossible to be bored in Ubud even if the crowds can be a bit frustrating at times.
Is It Easy To Get Around Ubud?
One thing that makes Ubud worth visiting is how easy it is to get around. While the pavements and sidewalks can get crowded, they are there and they do function well enough.
You can easily get Grab or Gojek riders in Ubud to take you around the town or out into the surrounding countryside.
It’s also easy enough to find scooter parking near most of the attractions that Ubud offers.
However, traffic can be bad in any part of Bali and Ubud is no exception. Getting to Ubud from other parts of the island, particularly in peak hours, can take much longer than a map suggests that it will.
Is Ubud Safe?
Yes, Ubud offers a very safe experience to visitors and you’re not likely to be the victim of any violent crime in this town. Sure, the occasional fight may break out between tourists in bars and pool clubs in this area, but overall, there’s little risk of seeing any trouble.
Petty crime is a problem in Ubud and pickpockets and bag snatchers are around. Make sure to keep your valuables close to your body and don’t leave things unattended and you should be fine.
There is some risk of disease, mainly Bali belly but dengue from mosquito bites and rabies from animal bites is possible. Taking precautions against these is essential and if you are bitten by a dog, bat, monkey, etc. please make sure to visit a doctor for rabies vaccinations.
However, most tourists manage to visit Ubud without any incidents at all.
Ubud is closer to the main volcanoes than the beach towns but it’s not close enough for you to be at any serious risk of harm in the event of an eruption, though your flights off the island might be interrupted but this is true of any flight to or from the international airport at times of volcanic activity.
Overall, however, Ubud is as safe or safer than most towns in the West and the vast majority of tourists will come and go from Ubud without ever feeling unsafe.
Do You Need Cash In Ubud?
Yes, you will need cash in Ubud. Places like Ubud Royal Palace will expect you to pay your entrance fee in cash. If you want to buy unique souvenirs at Ubud Market then you will want to cross the palms of the salespeople with notes not cards.
If you visit the wood carving vendors or local art community or other nearby attractions, you’re very likely to be asked to pay in cash.
There are ATMs in the town itself but if you’re out in the rice terraces, you may struggle to find anywhere to get some cash from.
We’d recommend that you keep 1-2 million IDR (about $60-$120 USD or $100-$200 AUD) on you in cash and that, at least, some of it is in small denomination bills. This will ensure that you’re able to get all your bills paid without being told that there’s no change available.
Is Ubud A Cheap Destination In Bali?
Ubud can be a cheap destination if you want it to be. There are plenty of guest houses and hostels with cheap rooms and so many warungs offering delicious local dishes that you can easily eat cheaply too.
However, the town is also home to some of the most luxurious properties in Bali with infinity pools, onsite spas and so much more, including Mandapa by Ritz Carlton, which is one of the most prestigious developments on the island.
There are also plenty of fine dining spots in Ubud and there are restaurants that would easily earn Michelin stars if the guide ever decides to operate in Indonesia.
That means that visiting Ubud can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be and a lot depends on what you want from your holiday as to what you spend.
Final Thoughts On Whether To Visit Ubud In 2025
Is Ubud worth visiting in 2025? Yes, it very much is. Ubud offers a unique blend of cultural and spiritual attractions and this cultural haven is still often considered to be the spiritual heart of the island.
The town is becoming more developed and it’s not quite as laid back as it once was, but this is simply a reflection of how nice it is. The scenic beauty of this area will stay with you long after your airport transfers take you away from Southeast Asia and back home.
Read more:
The Best Ubud Restaurants: The Ultimate Guide To Dining In Bali’s Spiritual Heart
Is Bali Worth Visiting? The Honest Truth Before You Visit Bali
