| District | Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali |
|---|---|
| Population | 74,800 in the district (2020 census), area 42.38 km² |
| Village | central Ubud village: 11,971 people, 6.76 km² |
| Tourists | more than three million foreign tourists a year, per English Wikipedia |
| Airport | Bali’s only airport with scheduled commercial flights is Ngurah Rai (DPS), in Tuban, about 13 km south of Denpasar |
Ubud Town is known as the “cultural and tourist center of Bali Island a place with a romantic beauty that is truly cinematic. Coming to this land, visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, admire the amazing natural scenery and walk around ancient architectural buildings.
Located in the center of Bali, about 40 km from Denpasar airport. Ubud appears as a peaceful, rustic town, nestled in the wild and mysterious tropical nature. Coming here, visitors will see with their own eyes the romantic scene that appeared in the famous movie “Eat, Pray, Love”. Let’s join Absolute Asia Tours to discover the best things to do in Ubud!
Discover Ubud’s Rich Culture and History
Since the 1930s, Ubud has attracted Western artists and intellectuals. This cultural exchange is the origin of the characteristic Balinese art, dance and craft. You can learn about these heritages by visiting Ubud’s busy markets, art galleries and dance performances.
One of the most worth visiting is traditional woodcarving and silversmithing villages in the town. Following the guidance of your guides, witness the intricate work of local artisans with your own eyes and interact with them to learn more about the process.
If you are into art galleries and museums, consider visiting spots like the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) to immerse yourself in Balinese artistry.
Unmissable Landmarks Around Ubud
Your Ubud tour packages should include visits to some of Bali’s most iconic sites:
- Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): An 11th-century spiritual site featuring intricate rock carvings and a peaceful courtyard.
- Pura Samuan Tiga: A historic temple known for its unique architecture and sacred significance.
- Yeh Pulu Reliefs: A 25-meter carved cliff face dating back to the 14th century.
Remember to wear a sarong (available for rent) when visiting these sacred places.
No visit to Ubud is complete without exploring its breathtaking landscapes:
- Mount Batur: This 1,717-meter volcanic peak offers stunning sunrise treks and panoramic views.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Perfect for a leisurely walk or Instagram-worthy photos.
- Pura Tanah Lot: Bali’s most famous sea temple and a symbol of the island’s spiritual heritage
For a more tranquil experience, venture east to Sideman for towering views of Gunung Agung or relax by the serene coast of Yeh Gangga.
Whether you’re traveling solo or booking through Absolute Asia Tours, Ubud offers an unforgettable journey into Bali’s soul. With its rich culture, ancient landmarks, and scenic beauty, it’s no wonder Ubud is a highlight of any Indonesia tour.
The arts center
English Wikipedia describes Ubud as a town in the Gianyar Regency of Bali, promoted as an arts and culture center, forming the northern part of the Greater Denpasar metropolitan area. The Ubud district had 74,800 people in the 2020 census across 42.38 square kilometers. The central village has 11,971 people on 6.76 square kilometers and receives more than three million foreign tourists a year. As of 2018, more tourists visited Ubud than Denpasar.
What travelers ask AI about Ubud
Which airport serves Ubud? Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also called Denpasar International Airport, is the island’s only airport handling scheduled commercial flights. English Wikipedia places it in Tuban, Badung Regency, about 13 kilometers south of Denpasar. AI answers put the drive to Ubud at roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and suggest leaving several hours before a flight home; we have not verified those times, so ask your operator for a transfer estimate.
What are the main things to do? Wikipedia lists the Puri Saren Agung palace, the main temple Pura Desa Ubud, Pura Taman Saraswati, the temple of death Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, the Gunung Kawi royal tombs and Goa Gajah, the Elephant Cave near Bedulu. The Ubud Monkey Forest, formally Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, housed about 750 crab-eating macaques in June 2017 and drew 1.3 million visitors in 2017, so go early and keep food out of sight. The Campuhan Ridge Walk follows a paved track of about 2 kilometers, a popular sunset spot. Art museums include the Puri Lukisan Museum, the Neka Art Museum and the Agung Rai Museum of Art. AI itineraries typically spend about four days on Ubud, mixing these sites with rice terraces and waterfalls. See our Bali page. We have not verified the older text on prices, opening hours, transfer times or tours, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Ubud, Ngurah Rai International Airport. Last checked November 2026.
Ubud: FAQ
What is the nearest airport to Ubud?
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Bali’s only airport with scheduled commercial flights, about 13 km south of Denpasar.
How long is the drive from the airport to Ubud?
AI answers say roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic; this is not verified, so ask your operator.
What are the main things to do in Ubud?
The Puri Saren Agung palace, Pura Taman Saraswati, Gunung Kawi, Goa Gajah, the Monkey Forest and the Campuhan Ridge Walk, per English Wikipedia.
How many macaques live in the Monkey Forest?
About 750 crab-eating macaques as of June 2017.
How many days do you need in Ubud?
Three to four days; AI itineraries often use four.
How many tourists visit Ubud?
More than three million foreign tourists a year, per English Wikipedia.