Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali — and the place most Norwegian travelers highlight as the peak of their trip. But Ubud is far more than the rice fields and Monkey Forest you see on Instagram. After four years in Bali, we've come to know Ubud from the inside — the secret waterfalls, the restaurants locals actually eat at, and the spots that don't appear in any tourist guide.
We tailor your Ubud experience — a bike tour through rice fields, a cooking class with a local chef, and everything in between.
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What is Ubud?
Ubud is located in the central highlands of Bali, surrounded by rice fields, jungle, and sacred temples. While southern Bali is known for beaches and nightlife, Ubud is the island's soul — a place where Balinese culture, art, and spirituality thrive. Artists, healers, and local families who have lived in the same villages for generations reside here. For Norwegian travelers, Ubud is often the place that changes their perception of what a Bali trip can be. It's not just beautiful pictures — it's a feeling of having been somewhere real.
Where to stay in Ubud?
Accommodation is one of the best things about Ubud — you get far more for your money here than in southern Bali, and the selection is wide.
Villa Cella Bella is one of the best choices on the island for those who want luxury. Private pool, lush natural surroundings, and a service level that matches the best villas in the world.
Dewi Sri Private Villa is our personal favorite for those who want an authentic Ubud experience. The villa is owned by an incredibly friendly and welcoming owner who makes the stay more than just accommodation. The view over the rice fields is fantastic, the surroundings authentically Balinese — you feel like a guest in a home rather than a hotel guest.
Where to eat in Ubud?
Merlins is the place when you want something truly surprising. The menu is creative and unique, the atmosphere is something out of the ordinary — you'll leave with a dining experience you won't forget.
Batubara Woodfire is a revelation for meat lovers. The steak is cooked over a wood fire and is the best you'll eat on the island — high-level international cuisine.
L'osteria is for evenings when you want good pasta, good wine, and a relaxed atmosphere. Classic Italian food in pleasant surroundings — and a free limoncello shot on your way out the door.
Taco Casa is for a casual and social evening. Good tacos, strong margaritas, and an atmosphere that makes it impossible not to have a good time.
Start your day at the local market and make authentic Balinese food from scratch with a local chef — one of the most memorable experiences in Ubud.
See cooking classes →
What to do in Ubud?
Kajeng Rice Fields is our alternative to Tegallalang. Tegallalang is beautiful, but from 10:00 AM it's full of tourists and vendors. Kajeng is quieter and more authentic — walk the paths in peace, watch local farmers work, and enjoy Ubud as it actually is. Go early and bring coffee.
Sangeh Monkey Forest is our recommendation instead of the touristy version in the center. Far less known, far less crowded, and gives you a much more authentic experience with the macaques. The forest is sacred and beautiful — without the crowds.
Gianyar is the neighboring district to Ubud and one of Bali's best-kept secrets. Local markets, traditional crafts, and a village atmosphere that has disappeared from central Ubud. Made — our local guide from Gianyar — will take you to places you'd never find on your own.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall is one of Ubud's most beautiful waterfalls — but the secret is out. If you arrive after 9:00 AM, there's a queue for photos. If you arrive at 7:00–7:30 AM, you'll have the waterfall almost to yourself and the light is fantastic. Set your alarm.
Bike through rice fields, villages, and along the river with a local guide — one of Bali's most popular morning experiences.
See Ubud bike tour →
Mt. Batur sunrise
No Ubud guide is complete without mentioning Mt. Batur. You wake up at 2:00 AM, a guide picks you up, and you begin the trek up the active volcano in the dark. Around 5:30–6:00 AM you reach the summit — and then something happens that is hard to describe in words. The sun rises above the clouds, the crater lake glistens below you, and you look out over a Bali that most people never see. It's our most booked Ubud activity. See Mt. Batur sunrise →
More action — ATV and rafting
Ubud is not just culture and rice fields. ATV in the jungle takes you through dense forest, across rivers, and along rice terraces for about 2 hours. Rafting on the Ayung River gives you about 2 hours on the water through jungle landscapes with rapids and calm stretches.
Vegard's best tips
Start your days early — Ubud is a completely different place at 7:00 AM than at 10:00 AM. Rent a scooter for one day; it's the best way to explore the surrounding villages. Eat where the locals eat — the best warungs have plastic chairs and no English menu. Do Gianyar on a weekday for the best atmosphere. Book Mt. Batur well in advance, especially during high season. Take the Campuhan Ridge Walk early in the morning — a 30-minute walk along the ridge with views of the jungle, free and unbeatable. And take your time — Ubud is not a place you "do." It's a place you experience.
Practical information about Ubud
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Denpasar | Approx. 1.5 hours by car |
| Recommended length of stay | 3–4 nights minimum |
| Best time | April–October (dry season) |
| Climate | Slightly cooler than the coast — 24–29°C |
| Transportation | Private driver recommended — no metered taxis |
| Currency | IDR — withdraw at ATM upon arrival |
We plan your Ubud stay from A to Z — hotel, activities, transportation, and restaurant recommendations. Tailored just for you.
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