In a nutshell
- Ubud is located in the center of Bali. There are many cool highlights in and around Ubud. Plan to spend 4 to 6 days to take it all in.
- You will find many cheap accommodations in Ubud. But there are also really cool villas with a pool. They do cost more, but they’re still very affordable.
- It’s best to stay a little outside in Peliatan or at Monkey Forest. That way you’ll have relaxed traffic on your day trips around Ubud.
- Our favorite hotel is The Studios Ubud in Peliatan – a stylish hotel with huge apartments. Each one has a private infinity pool with a view of the jungle.
Where to Stay in Ubud?
For us, there are three good places to stay in Ubud. Depending on how you plan your time in Ubud, a different area may suit you better.
These are the three best places to stay in Ubud:
- Ubud Center: right in the heart of Ubud, close to all the main sights
- Peliatan: great if you want to explore around Ubud a bit more
- Area around the Monkey Forest: a chill spot for anyone who loves nature
Near the Sights in Ubud: Where to stay in Ubud Center
Staying in Ubud Center is a good choice if you want to focus mainly on the sights within the town.
Ubud Central is the center of Ubud. This is where most of the town’s main attractions, such as the Ubud Market, are located. You can easily reach them all on foot.
However, you should be aware that the center is very busy. The streets in particular are always full. It’s hard to get through the traffic on a scooter. But you have to in order to get to the many beautiful destinations around Ubud.
We therefore recommend that you stay a little further out in our other two areas.
If you decide to stay in central Ubud anyway, stay in one of the side streets. It’s a little quieter there than on the larger streets. And get a private driver or cab for your trips. Then you won’t have to worry about the traffic.
Pros of accommodation in central Ubud:
- Right in the middle of the action
- Sights in Ubud are within walking distance
- Many hotels and restaurants
Cons of accomodation in central Ubud:
- Very busy
- Chaotic traffic
The best places to stay in Ubud Center
It doesn’t get more central than Chakra Living Ubud. You really are in the middle of the action. But you won’t notice any of it in the peaceful garden with a pool.
At Lasamana Villas Ubud, you have your own little house with a private pool in the middle of one of Bali’s most beautiful rice fields. Doesn’t sound like the center of Ubud, but it is. You stay in a super relaxed yet central location.
Great for Day Trips: Where to Stay in Peliatan
Peliatan is perfect for you if you want to take lots of trips into the surrounding area.
Peliatan is the eastern part of Ubud. It is much quieter than in the center. You even have a real village feel in the side streets.
We recommend Peliatan as a place to stay in Ubud because you can avoid the center of Ubud on your day trips. That’s great if you don’t have much experience riding a scooter yet.
For the sights in the center, it’s best to take a cab. You can easily book it in the Grab and Gojek apps. It takes about 10-20 minutes to get to the city center. Some hotels in Peliatan even have a shuttle there.
Pros of accommodation in Peliatan:
- Much quieter than in central Ubud
- Traffic is more relaxed
- Cheap accommodation and luxury hotels in Ubud at an affordable price
Cons of accommodation in Peliatan:
- Smaller hotel selection
- Sights in Ubud are not within walking distance
The best places to stay in Peliatan
The Studios Ubud is one of the coolest hotels in Ubud, in our opinion. It is a stylish hotel in the jungle and yet is centrally located. The apartments are cool and each has a private infinity pool with jungle views.
The Sawah Villas are located in the middle of rice fields. You can have your own villa with pool for just over 100 dollars. Where else can you afford something so extraordinary? Exactly, which is why it is one of our best hotel tips for Bali.
For Nature Lovers: Where to Stay at Monkey Forest
Stay at the Monkey Forest if you want to be as close as possible to the Monkey Forest and yet not far from the other sights.
The Monkey Forest is located a little away from the center of Ubud. That’s why it’s a little quieter and more relaxed here than in the center. You also have the small forest right next to you.
Nevertheless, it is only a 20-30 minute walk from the Monkey Forest to the other sights in Ubud. A hotel near the Monkey Forest is a great location for all your plans.
Pros of accommodation at the Monkey Forest:
- Quieter than Ubud Center
- Close to the Monkey Forest
- Traffic is a little more relaxed
Cons of accommodation at Monkey Forest:
- Still quite touristy
The best places to stay in the area around the Monkey Forest
The ARTOTEL Haniman Ubud is a small boutique hotel and totally stylish. You can jump into the infinity pool or be at the Monkey Forest in just a few minutes.
These were our best Ubud hotels in Bali
What are your tips for staying in Ubud? Which places in Ubud do you think is the best to stay in? Tell us in the comments!