The Nomad Files

Where to Stay

A variety of travelers will cross the path of Ubud, from solo travelers, backpackers and Yogis, to friends or honeymooners. Ubud has the perfect accommodation for whatever you may be looking for.

Hotel: Alaya Resort Ubud – This high-end hotel is in the heart of Ubud, surrounded by serene gardens accompanied by 2 peaceful full-service pools. It has an on-site full day restaurant with live music on the weekends, in addition to a pool bar and in-room dining options. It also has an award-winning spa with a thoughtfully crafted experience no matter what service you get done, along with a boutique. 

Hostel: Bamboo Ubud Hostel – A perfectly located hostel offering air-conditioned rooms with balconies or terraces. It has an on-site restaurant, free wifi, a paid shuttle service, in addition to a lounge, picnic area, and terrace. 

Airbnb: Legendary house “Eat Pray Love” w/rice fields view – This is the house that Julia Roberts stayed in and filmed the movie Eat Pray Love. It has one bedroom with a queen-size bed, a sofa, and bathroom with a shower inside the house, and an outdoor bathtub in the garden. 

Villa: Alaya Suites – Just south of the Alaya Resort, this is a perfect place in Ubud for people looking for a high-level of service with privacy. The property has 6 one-bedroom villas, all with a private plunge pool, a walk-in closet, and a separate bathtub and shower. 

Transportation

Getting to Ubud: It is relatively easy to get to Ubud, with most travelers arriving through Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar Airport). 

From the airport, Ubud is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on traffic. The most convenient way to reach Ubud is by pre-arranged private transfer, taxi, or ride-hailing services such as Grab or Gojek.

While there is no train or direct public transportation to Ubud, many hotels and villas will offer airport pickup/dropoff services. 

Getting around Ubud: You have the option of renting a scooter (only recommended if you have experience with driving one) or you can use apps such as Grab or Gojek (their version of uber). Through the apps Grab or Gojek, you have the option to request either a car or scooter, of which you ride on the back of an experienced driver. Scooter transportation is very common, and convenient in Ubud. 

Where to Eat and Drink

Ubud has amazing food options for every cuisine, and about everywhere you go you will find healthy plant-based options.

Donna – One of the best restaurants in Ubud (if not the best). Donna has a diverse menu of Mediterranean and Latin Cuisine accompanied by an extensive wine and cocktail list. RIght when you walk in, you are immediately greeted by a calm but elegant atmosphere, with the option of indoor, outdoor and bar seating. Perfect for individuals, couples, and larger groups. Reservations highly recommended.

Belle Wine Bar & Grazing Boards – A lovely wine bar located in the heart of Ubud. Amazing wine and unique cheeses, including vegan cheese.

Folk Pool & Gardens – This is a pool club and restaurant, with classic brunch offerings and casual dinner vibes. This is a popular spot for travelers looking for a pool lounge where they can hang out all day. You can also just grab a drink or bite to eat poolside at a table if you are not looking to stay for a while. 

IBU SUSU Bar & Kitchen – Asian fusion cuisine with an open air concept located near Monkey Forest. Hand crafted cocktails, vegan options and a great happy hour. Highly recommend the Thai Vegetarian Green Curry.

L’Osteria Pizza E Cucina Ubud – A highly rated classic Italian spot with unique vegan options and great wine. Also a nice spot to just grab a glass of wine before your next spot. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Activities

Tegalalang Rice Terrace – As seen in the classic Julia Roberts movie, Eat Pray Love… This is a scenic, terraced hillside filled with rice paddies buried within lush greenery, also offering zip lines & a famous jungle swing overlooking the fields.

Ubud Art Market – This is a must-visit market while you are in Ubud. A loud, slight chaotic market with narrow paths aligned with countless open-aired shops selling unique souvenirs, handmade goods, and handbags. 

Alchemy Yoga & Meditation Center – An amazing spot tucked away in Ubud, perfect for people looking for sound baths, unique yoga classes, and meditation. A variety of yoga and meditation teacher training sessions are also offered here. It also has a restaurant on sight with some of the best vegan food options you will have ever had. 

The Yoga Barn – My favorite place to go every day of my trip! This place is the best for anyone looking for unique yoga and meditation focused wellness classes. The Yoga Barn offers classes, retreats, workshops and YTT with a restaurant and accommodation onsite.

Kecak Fire & Trance Dance (Pura Dalem Taman Kaja) – This is a deep cultural and authentic Kecak Dance performance. It is performed in the courtyard of a traditional Balinese temple, with the show combining rhythmic chanting, dramatic storytelling, fire, and spiritual elements rooted in ancient Balinese traditions. The show is only hosted one or two nights a week and you will need to purchase tickets to enter. 

Pyramids of Chi – A World-class sound healing and wellness center nestled in Northern Ubud. All the classes are crafted for spiritual growth, inner exploration, and personal awakening through the profound power of sound and frequency. You will have no issue finding the right class for you on their extensive class schedule, changing daily. This is a perfect place to come for a class and grab a bite to eat at their plant-based cafe. A free shuttle service is also offered multiple times a day to/from the Ubud Palace.