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Where to Stay in Ubud: The 7 Best Areas for Every Type of Traveller

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One of the hardest things about booking accommodation in Ubud is figuring out where in Ubud you actually want to stay. When you search for hotels in Ubud, you'll find everything from tiny homestays to enormous luxury resorts surrounded by jungle. And while they might all have "Ubud" in the address, the experience can be completely different and the distances can be huge.

To figure out where to stay in Ubud you need to ask yourself a couple of questions. Do you want to stay central and be able to walk everywhere or spend your days at a jungle resort? Do you want to be surrounded by restaurants and cafés or wake up to rice-field views? Everything is possible in Ubud.

After spending time exploring Ubud and checking out various areas and hotels, one thing I've learned is that there is a huge difference even just between streets in Ubud. While one street can be the busiest in the city, the next one is filled with charming restaurants and another is quiet and feels more local

In this guide, I'll break down the best areas to stay in Ubud, including where to stay if you want to be surrounded by nature and rice fields, if you're celebrating something special and want luxury, or if you want to stay at a local homestay in one the smaller streets that are easy to overlook when booking accommodation.

The Best Areas to Stay in Ubud

For most travellers, I'd consider these main areas:

The first few areas are all relatively close together, but don't assume they're interchangeable. The atmosphere can change dramatically from one street to the next. Even though Jalan Bisma and Jalan Sugriwa are walking distance from each other they have a completely different vibe.

Map of the Best Hotels in Ubud

Here you'll find all the hotels I recommend in the various areas of Ubud. They are all marked in blue so it's easy to find in the myriad of choices.

Ubud City Centre – Best for Being in the Middle of Everything

If you want to step outside your hotel and immediately be surrounded by restaurants, shops, cafés and attractions, stay in the very centre of Ubud. This is the area around Ubud Palace, Ubud Market and the busiest parts of Jalan Raya Ubud.

It's incredibly convenient and you don't need a scooter or driver for most of your evenings, and you can easily pop back to your hotel during the day.

However, this is the most busy part of Ubud, and when I say busy I mean really busy. It can be quit noisy, congested and hectic, particularly during the day. You'll have traffic, tour groups, scooters, taxis and people walking along the streets. Personally, I wouldn't choose this area if you're looking for a quiet or romantic escape. But if you want to be right in the middle of everything, it's unbeatable.

If you only have one night in Ubud and want to see as much as possible without spending to much time getting from place to place, then yes this is a great spot. If you have more time in Ubud and still want to be centrally located I would have a look at some of the streets I'll tell you about below.

Best Hotels in Ubud City Centre

If you want to say centrally located I highly recommend getting a hotel that feels a bit more secluded so you don't wake up to the chaos in the streets. The hotels below are all great options in my opinion.

KajaNe Mua at Ubud Bali
KajaNe Mua at Ubud Bali

This is a stylish boutique property in the middle of the city centre. It has a more intimate atmosphere than many of the larger hotels in the area, with beautifully designed accommodation, a pool, restaurant and spa. Perfect if you want to stay close to the action, but still have your own oasis.

Check prices and availability

Adiwana Monkey Forest
Adiwana Monkey Forest

This is one of the strongest choices in the city centre. It's close to the Monkey Forest itself and combines a boutique atmosphere with a swimming pool, restaurant and spa. It's particularly good if you want a comfortable hotel without giving up a central location.

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Komaneka at Rasa Sayang Ubud
Komaneka at Rasa Sayang Ubud

This is a polished boutique hotel on Monkey Forest Road. Its location is particularly convenient for exploring the centre, while the hotel itself feels much more peaceful than the busy street outside. Rooms are spacious and the property has a pool, restaurant and spa.

Check prices and availability

Jalan Bisma – Best for Being Close to Everything Without the Chaos

Jalan Bisma is one of my favourite areas to stay in Ubud. I guess it’s technically not an area, it’s just a street, but a very nice street.

It's close enough to the centre that you can easily walk into town, but it feels noticeably calmer and less chaotic. There’s definitely tourists and traffic here as well, but it feels like nothing compared to the Main Road.

This street is also packed with some really good restaurants, and you'll find everything from your casual Mexican spots to fine dining overlooking the rice fields. This makes it easy to simply walk to dinner every evening instead of spending time in traffic.

At the same time, you're also only a short walk from Ubud Palace and the main tourist area when you want to go sightseeing. You get the convenience of central Ubud without having to sleep right in the middle of the noise.

Best Hotels along Jalan Bisma

There are plenty of options to choose from along Jalan Bisma and you'll find something for every kind of budget. Below are the ones I think are the best, that offer most value for your money and some really nice views.

Bisma Eight
Bisma Eight

This is one of the standout hotels on the street and has even been awarded a Michelin Key. It's a beautifully designed boutique hotel with spacious suites, a jungle-view swimming pool, restaurants, wellness facilities and a strong focus on contemporary design. It's a roughly ten-minute walk to central Ubud.

Check prices and availability

Adiwana Bisma
Adiwana Bisma

This hotel combines Balinese details with contemporary design and has a particularly peaceful atmosphere considering how close it is to central Ubud. There's a swimming pool, restaurant, spa and breakfast, and the hotel is only a short walk from Ubud Palace.

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Honeymoon Guesthouse
Honeymoon Guesthouse

This is a long-established, Balinese-style property on Jalan Bisma street that offers a more traditional atmosphere than the larger modern hotels. It's a good choice if you want character and a central location without paying luxury-resort prices.

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Jalan Sugriwa – Best for a Quiet Stay Close to Ubud Centre

If Jalan Bisma is the compromise between convenience and peace, Jalan Sugriwa takes things even further towards the quiet side. This is where I'd look if you like the idea of staying in a cosy Balinese homestay rather than a large hotel.

You'll find mostly cosy homestays, guesthouses and small locally run accommodations rather than large resorts. And that's exactly what makes it appealing. Don't expect a huge selection of fancy restaurants or nightlife directly outside your door, but know that they're not far away when you need it.

It's also particularly good if you're travelling on a budget and plan to stay for a while.

Best Hotels along Jalan Sugriwa

You wont find any luxurious hotels here, but if you're looking for a more local feel and want to stay at a homestay this is the spot for you. Below are the ones I would book in this area of Ubud.

Ariartha homestay
Ariartha homestay

This is a small, family-style property right on Jalan Sugriwa. It has a swimming pool and traditional Balinese touches, and its location makes it particularly appealing for travellers who want somewhere quiet while remaining close to central Ubud.

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Adi House Homestay
Adi House Homestay

This is a charming and budget friendly option on Jalan Sugriwa. It's a simple, locally run homestay rather than a luxury hotel, but you'll get everything you need and it has received excellent guest reviews, particularly for its location, cleanliness and comfort.

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The Peacock Inn
The Peacock Inn

The Peacock Inn is small accommodation option directly on Jalan Sugriwa. It's particularly suited to travellers who prefer the atmosphere and price of a guesthouse while still being within easy walking distance of the centre. It has comfortable rooms and a nice pool.

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Nyuh Kuning – Best for a Quieter Village Atmosphere

Just south of the Monkey Forest you'll find an area called Nyuh Kuning, and this is where things start to feel much more peaceful. The area has a village atmosphere with traditional homes and small guesthouses. However, compared to Jalan Sugriwa mentioned above you'll have no problen finding cozy cafés and good restaurants close by.

This is a particularly nice option for families or anyone who wants a quieter base. It's close enough to walk to the Monkey Forest and parts of central Ubud, but you won't feel like you're staying in the middle of the tourist zone.

Best Hotels in Nyuh Kuning

Nyuh Kuning is one of my favourite areas for travellers who want peace and a village atmosphere without being far from Ubud. Below are some of my favourite picks in this area.

Alam Shanti Ubud
Alam Shanti Ubud

This hotel is a small, peaceful property surrounded by tropical gardens and rice fields. It's the kind of place to choose if you want something intimate and atmospheric rather than a large resort.

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Ubud Wana Resort
Ubud Wana Resort

This hotel is a peaceful property in Nyuh Kuning with 73 rooms, including family suites and a honeymoon suite. It has three swimming pools and plenty of space, making it one of the better options for families who want a quieter environment.

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The Ubud Village Resort & Spa
The Ubud Village Resort & Spa

This hotel is surrounded by rice fields and tropical greenery and is designed to feel like a peaceful Balinese village. The resort has private pool villas, a spa, restaurants and plenty of space, making it particularly good for couples.

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Penestanan – Best for Wellness, Cafés and Rice Fields

West of central Ubud, you'll find an area called Penestanan that again has a very different atmosphere. It's especially popular with long-term travellers, digital nomads, yoga lovers and people coming to Ubud looking for a slower pace.

You'll find lots of healthy cafés, wellness centres, yoga studios and small accommodation options surrounded by greenery and rice fields. It's a lovely place to stay if you're planning to spend a week or more in Ubud.

The downside is that getting into central Ubud isn't always as convenient as staying on Bisma or Sugriwa. But if getting into central Ubud on a daily basis isn't important to you, then this is a great area to base yourself in for a while.

Best Hotels in Penestanan

Below you'll find my favourite stays in Penestanan that will give you a more peaceful feeling.

Sri Ratih Cottages
Sri Ratih Cottages

This is a classic Ubud stay that is surrounded by tropical greenery and offers traditional Balinese-style accommodation with resort facilities. It's a particularly good choice if you want somewhere peaceful but still reasonably close to central Ubud.

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Outpost Ubud Penestanan
Outpost Ubud Penestanan

This is a good option for travellers who are staying long and want a more social and modern accommodation experience. The property has a swimming pool, garden areas and co-working spaces, and its location in Penestanan puts you close to the area's cafés and wellness scene.

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Ubud Heaven Penestanan
Ubud Heaven Penestanan

Ubud Heaven is a villa-style property surrounded by greenery. It's a good choice if you want more space and privacy than a standard hotel room, particularly if you're travelling as a couple or family.

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Sayan – Best for Luxury and Romance

If you're coming to Ubud looking for a bit more luxury, then I recommend taking a look at an area called Sayan.

This area is surrounded by stunning jungle and the Ayung River valley. It's also home to some of Bali's most famous luxury resorts. You're not booking a hotel here if you want to wake up and go sightseeing every day, you're booking it because you want to wake up surrounded by jungle, spend the afternoon by an infinity pool and watch the sunset over the valley.

It's the perfect area if you're looking for a nice area to stay in if you're celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or another special occasion. Or if you simply prefer a more luxurios and peaceful stay.

The only downside here is that you'll be further away from various restaurants and cafés. However, the hotels here usually have exeptional restaurants, but with a bit higher price tag.

Best Hotels in Sayan

Below are some of the spots I would pick if I was celebrating something special. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these.

Four Seasons Resort Sayan
Four Seasons Resort Sayan

This is one of the area's most famous luxury hotels. The resort sits in the lush Ayung River valley and offers villas, pools, spa facilities and exceptional service. It's a destination in itself and one of the best choices for a special occasion.

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Bambu Indah Resort
Bambu Indah Resort

This is unlike a conventional luxury hotel. The property is a collection of beautifully restored antique houses and unusual bamboo structures surrounded by gardens and nature. It's a wonderful choice if you care about character, design and sustainability.

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Adiwana Svarga Loka
Adiwana Svarga Loka

This is a great option for travellers interested in wellness and nature. Its riverside setting, gardens, spa treatments and yoga-focused atmosphere make it particularly appealing if your idea of Ubud involves slowing down rather than sightseeing from morning to night.

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Kedewatan – Best for a Jungle Resort

Kedewatan is another excellent choice if you're looking for a luxury escape.

This area is located north-west of Ubud and has some spectacular resorts overlooking the Ayung River. The hotels here are honestly often destinations in themselves.

Again this is not an area you book if you're looking for Ubuds café scene or want easy access to the shopping streets. Instead you might spend the morning at the spa, have lunch overlooking the jungle and spend the afternoon by your private pool or relax at the spa.

The only downside is that you'll need transport whenever you want to explore central Ubud and since the traffic can be intense at times I wouldn't base myself here if you think you want to head into town often.

Best Hotels in Kedewatan

This area has some of the most exclusive hotels in Ubud so don't come here looking for budget hotels. Below are some of the best hotels in Ubud that I honestly think would make anyone happy.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

This is one of Ubud's most impressive resorts, set beside the Ayung River and surrounded by lush jungle. The property is designed to resemble a Balinese village and offers villas, private pools, wellness facilities and exceptional dining. Its spa has also been recognised internationally.

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The Royal Pita Maha
The Royal Pita Maha

This hotel is built into the hillside above the Ayung River valley, giving many of its villas dramatic jungle views. Private pools, traditional Balinese architecture and an extensive spa make it a strong choice for couples looking for a romantic and relaxing escape.

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Ulun Ubud Resort
Ulun Ubud Resort

This hotel sits above the Tjampuhan River and terraced rice paddies. It offers beautiful valley views and a peaceful resort setting while generally being more accessible than the area's ultra-luxury properties. It's a great pick if you want luxury without the highest price tag.

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My Favourite Areas & Personal Picks

If I were booking a trip to Ubud again, which I hopefully will soon, these would be my personal choices depending on the type of trip.

If you have extra time in Ubud I would try to book hotels in two different areas. First a couple of nights in the city to see the sights and afterwards relax at one of the stunning resorts outside the city.

For a first & short trip: Jalan Bisma

In Jalan Bisma you get the best of both worlds. You're close enough to walk into central Ubud, but you don't have to stay in the chaos. There's plenty of great food options close by so you're not reliant on transport.

For a romantic trip: Sayan or Kedewatan

If you're coming to Ubud for a special occasion or a romantic trip I would look at hotels in Sayan and Kedewatan. Both these areas will make the hotel part of the experience with amazing jungle views, pools and stunning rooms. Kedewatan is generally a bit more expensive than Sayan so it all comes down to how much you are willing to spend.

One Final Tip: Check the Exact Location

Don't just search for "hotels in Ubud." Once you know which area suits you, search specifically for accommodation in that area. And always look at the map.

A hotel can technically be listed as being in Ubud while being several kilometres from the centre. That's not necessarily a problem, but it can completely change your trip. If you want to walk to dinner every evening, Central Ubud or Jalan Bisma makes much more sense than a jungle resort in Kedewatan. If you want to spend your holiday floating in an infinity pool surrounded by jungle, the opposite is true.

The best hotel in Ubud isn't necessarily the most luxurious one. It's the one that's in the right location for the kind of trip you want to have. Ubud is huge and you can really get whatever you want here, so just make sure you get what you actually want.

Plan Your Trip to Ubud

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan where to stay in Ubud. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

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Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

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If you have any questions about travel in Indonesia, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

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-Ingrid

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