Uluwatu or Ubud? Where’s Best to Stay in Bali?

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Planning a trip to Bali and wondering whether you should stay in Uluwatu or Ubud? I’ve got you covered with this post!

Uluwatu and Ubud are two key tourist spots in Bali. Both have loads to fall in love with but they’re also completely different. I’ve visited both Uluwatu and Ubud (as well as many other areas around Bali) – so if you want details on where’s best for you to stay, you’re in the right place.

Here are my thoughts and recommendations to help you decide where’s best to spend your dream Bali vacation!

Ubud Vs Uluwatu, Bali

If you’ve never been to Bali, it can feel daunting trying to plan a trip. Even though it’s a relatively small island, there’s SO much to take in and various different places you can choose to stay.

Ubud and Uluwatu are two popular places to visit in Bali. Ubud is probably the most famous – it’s a lush green paradise that’s known for being Bali’s cultural hub. It’s where you’ll find a number of temples as well as rice fields, waterfalls and jungle scenery. 

Uluwatu on the other hand is a coastal region in the southernmost part of Bali. This area is more focused on beaches and surfing.

Map of Bali

What is Ubud like?

Ubud is a jungle paradise in the heart of Bali. This is a part of the island that’s highly concentrated with tourist attractions and so many beautiful things to see and do. 

As well as temples and cultural gems, you’ll also find breathtaking natural scenery around Ubud like rice paddies and waterfalls. Plus, Ubud is known for its spiritual community so it’s a fab place for a yoga retreat or a spa break.

This part of Bali is far removed from busy city life and is all about immersing yourself in nature, culture and a different way of life. You’ll also find incredible places to stay with bucket list hotels and villas that make the most of the setting. 

Best things to do in Ubud

There’s a reason why Ubud is so popular – there’s no shortage of amazing things to do. I recommend having at least 3 days in Ubud (if not longer) so you can make the most of everything and be able to travel at a leisurely pace. 

There’s lots to fill your time, but equally, Ubud is a great place for a more relaxed trip! If you want inspiration, here are some of the best things you can do in the area:

• Tegalalang Rice Terrace – This rice terrace is one of the most famous in Bali and is located just outside Ubud. It’s a beautiful place to explore and a great spot for getting some iconic Bali photos. Because the Tegalalang Rice Terrace gets busy, I recommend visiting early to avoid the worst of the crowds.

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – Another iconic Bali attraction is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary which is in the centre of Ubud. It’s a nature reserve and Hindu temple complex that’s home to hundreds of Balinese monkeys.

• Ubud Palace + Saraswati Temple – Right in the centre of town you’ll find Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) and Saraswati Temple (also known as the Ubud Water Palace). They’re beautiful cultural spots that are close to each other. Ubud Palace is the residence of the local royal family and Saraswati Temple is a sacred place that’s dedicated to the Hindu goddess, Saraswati. 

• Campuhan Ridge Walk – The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a leisurely walking trail that’s close to the centre of Ubud. The path is around 2km and winds through the countryside. 

• White water rafting – The Ayung River near Ubud is one of the best places in Bali for white water rafting. The route takes in beautiful scenery and is suitable for all levels.

• Bali Swing – There are several swings across Bali, but Ubud is home to the original Bali Swing in Bongkasa Pertiwi.

• Ubud Art Market – This is one of the most famous spots in Bali for shopping (it was the one in Eat, Pray, Love). You’ll find all kinds of handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs.

• Tirta Empul Temple – This temple is known for its holy springs and purification pools. As well as exploring the temple complex, it’s where you can take part in a traditional cleansing ritual. It’s about a 30-40 minute drive north of Ubud.

• Waterfalls – There are so many beautiful waterfalls around the Ubud area. Some popular options to check out are Tegenungan, Tukad Cepung, Tibumana and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.

• Floating Breakfast – The floating breakfast concept originated in Bali and Ubud is the best place to try it. Loads of resorts in Ubud do floating breakfasts, with some offering options for non-staying guests.

• Spa & Yoga – Ubud is big for wellness so you’ll find tons of spas and yoga studios where you can drop in for classes or treatments. It’s also a great place for spiritual retreats and wellness activities like meditation, sound healing and breathwork.

Best things to do near Ubud

Thanks to its location, Ubud is a great base for exploring rural parts of Bali. The following attractions are outside of Ubud but are possible to visit on day trips:

• Mount Batur – A bucket list experience in Bali is hiking Mount Batur volcano at sunrise. Mount Batur is in the north of Bali but guided trips often start in Ubud. 

• Lempuyang Temple – This beautiful temple complex is in east Bali and is home to the famous Gates of Heaven photo spot. It’s about 2 hours from Ubud.

• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – These rice terraces are less crowded and feel more authentic and serene than Tegalalang. They’re a 1.5-hour drive north from Ubud. 

• Coffee Plantations – There are several coffee plantations in Bali (and some close to Ubud), but there are ethics to keep in mind when choosing where to visit. For that reason, I recommended checking out Wanagiri Coffee Plantation, which is in a remote part of northern Bali (about 2 hours from Ubud). 

Where to stay in Ubud

There are so many incredible places you can stay in Ubud. It’s one of the best places in Bali for bucket list accommodation so it’s hard to narrow down favourites! However, here are a couple of options that are well worth checking out:

READ MORE: 21 Best Romantic Hotels in Bali for Couples

Is Ubud worth visiting?

Ubud is one of the most popular places for tourists and backpackers in Bali so admittedly it’s not as authentic as it could be. However, even though it’s a tourist spot, I still highly recommend visiting Ubud.

In my opinion, it’s a magical and vibrant place that’s well worth experiencing at least once in your life! I especially love the choice of hotels and resorts around Ubud – it’s where you’ll find some of Bali’s dreamiest options with perfect choices for a honeymoon or extra special escape.

READ MORE: Best 3 Day Ubud Itinerary, Bali

Ubud also has so many amazing attractions and things to see, do and experience. There’s so much nature as well as temples and culture around Ubud that it’s a gorgeous spot for a unique break. Plus, Ubud is a brilliant base for day trips and exploring remote areas nearby.

What to expect in Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a region in the southern tip of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. It’s a large, coastal and hilly area that’s relaxed and trendy. It’s also away from the busy area of Kuta so it feels a little more isolated and remote.

The ocean is the highlight of this part of Bali. Uluwatu is renowned for being a world-class surf spot. It’s also where you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. 

Like Ubud, Uluwatu is home to some gorgeous resorts. The vibe here is a little more upscale than some other parts of the island so you’ll find laid-back but boujee accommodation with gorgeous ocean views.

Top things to do in Uluwatu

• Uluwatu Temple – This temple is one of Bali’s most holy places and is still used as a sacred site of worship. What I loved was the temple’s location – perched on the cliff overlooking the ocean.

• Kecak Fire Dance – The Kecak Fire Dance is an iconic cultural performance in Bali. You can see it in several places across Bali, but Uluwatu Temple is one of the best.

• Beaches – The best and prettiest beaches in Bali are arguably in Uluwatu. There are so many gorgeous spots you could take in so beach hopping can make up a big part of an Uluwatu itinerary. 
  
  The beaches in Uluwatu feel more secluded with soft sands beneath the cliffs. Padang Padang, Nyang Nyang, Green Bowl Beach, Dreamland and Bingin Beach are all good ones to explore. Suluban Beach is also a popular choice in Uluwatu – it’s nestled in a cove between cliffs and you get to it via a cave in the rocks. 

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• Surfing – Uluwatu is famous for surfing. It’s not the best place for beginners (Canggu is better for that), but if you’ve got the experience, you’ll love it here!

• Beach Clubs – Uluwatu has a trendy, luxury vibe so you’ll find some of the best beach clubs in this area (like Sundays Beach Club). Uluwatu also has a lot of clifftop beach clubs like Single Fin and Ulu Cliffhouse – they’re great locations to relax by the sea. 

• Cafes – Like beach clubs, Uluwatu has an amazing cafe scene with cute spots for brunch, lunch and coffee (plus loads of veggie/vegan options!). Restaurants and cafes like Alchemy, Chela and Ours Bali are super aesthetic too. 

• Sunsets – Uluwatu is an amazing place in Bali for catching the sunset. You can make your way to the west coast beaches and bars for casual sunsets. Uluwatu Temple and the cliffs in this area are also amazing for sunsets across the ocean. 

Where to stay in Uluwatu

Is Uluwatu worth visiting?

In my opinion, yes, Uluwatu is worth visiting! It’s one of the most beautiful coastal parts of Bali and has amazing resorts, beach clubs and foodie spots. If you’re dreaming of beaches in Bali (and you can’t get to other nearby islands) – this would be my suggestion of where to go, too.

It’s also a mecca for surfers and has a laid-back, relaxed and romantic vibe, which I love! It also feels removed from the chaos of Kuta and it’s less busy than Canggu and Seminyak, so it’s a lovely choice if you want a more peaceful setting.

How far is Uluwatu from Ubud?

Ubud and Uluwatu are around 55km apart. It should take about 2 hours to drive between the two (depending on the time of day and the traffic).

Is Uluwatu or Ubud better?

Uluwatu and Ubud are so different that it’s hard to directly compare them. Ubud definitely has more to see and do and is a must-visit if you’ve never been to Bali. 

Ubud is also a little easier to get around – the town centre is walkable and some resorts offer shuttle services. However, you’ll need a scooter or a driver to get to places outside the centre. Uluwatu is a little more isolated than Ubud and is difficult to get around on foot. You’ll need to travel by rental scooter, taxi or private driver.

If you’ve never been to Bali and can only visit one, I’d pick Ubud hands down. It offers iconic Balinese experiences and has some of the island’s best scenery and cultural attractions. 

However, if you can, try to visit both to experience the different sides of Bali. Uluwatu is incredibly beautiful with its beaches and coastal scenery. It’s also a little more peaceful, laid back and relaxing!

Ubud or Uluwatu FAQs

Other must-visit places in Bali

If you’ve travelled a long way to get to Bali, I recommend visiting a few different spots to make the most of your stay. 

It might seem like it makes your trip complicated if you’re moving around a lot, but the island isn’t huge and transport is easy and affordable. Bali is so varied so in my opinion, it’s worth it to experience more of what’s on offer!

I’ve listed below some of the most popular places that people include in their Bali itinerary. Obviously, you’ll need a good amount of time if you’re taking in several areas – ideally 2 weeks (or more!).

Seminyak

Best for: Upscale resorts, shopping + nightlife

Seminyak is an upscale resort town on Bali’s southwest coast. It’s a popular place for tourists and offers a bunch of luxury resorts and villas. 

This is a part of Bali that’s good if you want a chilled-out vacation by the beach. It’s also perfect if you want great dining and nightlife that’s a little more refined! It’s also a family-friendly area in Bali.

Where to stay: The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa

Canggu

Best for: Surfing + hipster cafes 

Canggu is a coastal village and area that’s become an ‘it’ place in Bali. It’s a destination that’s lively and laid-back and it attracts a younger, more hipster crowd.

There’s a relaxed atmosphere around Canggu so you’ll find trendy cafes, cool beach clubs and great nightlife. It’s also one of the best places to learn to surf in Bali with lots of surf schools.

Where to stay: Beyond Bungalows

Munduk

Best for: Authentic rural Bali

Munduk is a small mountain village in northern Bali. It’s a picturesque spot with a big focus on nature. The area is covered in jungle, rice terraces and waterfalls. 

Until recently, not many people had heard of, or had been to Munduk but it seems to be getting more well-known. However, it’s still a part of Bali that feels a little off the beaten path and offers peace and tranquillity!

Where to stay: Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort 

Nusa Islands 

Best for: Dramatic coastal scenery 

The three Nusa Islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida) are just off the coast of Bali and are easy to get to by fast boat. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are connected by a footbridge and Nusa Penida is just a short boat ride away. 

Of the three, Nusa Penida is the most famous and has breathtaking, rugged scenery. It’s where you’ll find bucket list spots like Kelingking Beach and Thousand Islands Viewpoint. 

Where to stay: MAUA Nusa Penida Bali 

Gili Islands

Best for: Tropical island life

The Gili Islands are a little further from Bali but they’re still often added onto a trip. The Gilis are made up of three little paradise islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. 

Each island is a little different. Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is the most lively and is known for its nightlife and younger party scene. Gili Meno on the other hand is a quiet and romantic island (perfect for honeymooners) where the focus is more on doing nothing!

Across the Gili Islands, you’ll find beautiful white-sand beaches as well as great snorkelling and scuba diving.

Where to stay: Villa Tokay

Uluwatu or Ubud – Conclusion

Even though Bali is a small destination, there’s lots to take in across the island. So unless you’re limited on time, you’ll want to visit several spots to make the most of your experience!

READ MORE: Bali Bucket List: 33 Best Things to Do in Bali

Ubud and Uluwatu are just two of Bali’s amazing places and I recommend visiting them both if you’ve never been before. However, if I had to pick just one, I’d go with Ubud. This part of Bali is magical and filled with nature, culture and so many bucket-list attractions. 

That said, if you’re only dreaming of beaches and surfing – Uluwatu is the place in Bali for you. BUT.. combining them really is the best way to go 😉

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