Here is my complete guide to visiting Ubud on a budget while traveling in Bali, Indonesia!

Ubud is one of my favorite places that I visited in Bali, Indonesia.

The town center itself was a bit chaotic, but amidst the madness you can find incredible temples, amazing cafes and restaurants, and cool street markets.

Then if you walk a few minutes outside the main road, you’ll find yourself strolling down tranquil avenues with elaborate entryways adorned in colorful flowers and aromatic incense.

Some walks outside the Ubud town center will bring you through peaceful rice fields and lush forests. And just a short drive outside the town center lies majestic waterfalls and scenic rice terraces.

Ubud is beautiful and it combines the energy of a tourist hub with the serenity of nature and traditional culture.

Read my full list of Bali travel tips!

For travelers hoping to visit this beautiful part of Bali, here is how to visit Ubud on a budget!

I’m always conscious of money-saving while traveling, and Ubud was no exception. Here are all my tips for making the most of your time in Ubud while saving money.

I traveled to Ubud with my partner, Matt, and Ubud was our first stop in Bali. So we did treat ourselves a little bit and it was awesome. We had delicious meals, stayed in a beautiful hotel, and didn’t pass up on any attractions.

But it’s still possible to do all of that without spending a fortune. So here is my ultimate guide to enjoying Ubud on a budget.

How To Visit Ubud On A Budget, Bali, Indonesia

In my Ubud budget travel guide I’ll cover where to stay, how to get around, where to eat, and what to do.

You can also check out these general budget travel guides for more tips on budget travel around the world!

• 50 Budget Travel Tips
• How To Afford Traveling The World In Your 20s
• A Guide To Work Exchange: The Cheapest Way To Travel
• How To Save Money For Travel

Where to stay in Ubud, Bali

In my opinion, the best place to stay in Ubud is any cute hotel or hostel on one of the side streets off the main road!

Jl. Raya Ubud is the main street that runs east to west through the center of Ubud, Bali. This street is packed with shops, cafes, attractions, and amenities. It’s pretty hectic here as there is lots of traffic and tourist activity.

However, there are lots of side streets that run north and south off of this main road. These streets still have shops and cafes, but they are much more chill than the Ubud town center.

Plus, the side streets are still within walking distance of all the main Ubud attractions in downtown. So it’s a convenient place to stay and it’s easy to find somewhere quiet and peaceful just off the main road.

There are SO MANY great accommodations in Ubud so I recommend finding something that suits your budget.

Read next: Budget Traveler’s Guide To Travel Insurance

Budget accommodation for couples in Ubud, Bali

Because Matt and I were traveling Bali as a couple, we opted for cheap but decent budget hotel rooms around the island.

Though I usually choose hostels while traveling, some hotels in cheap countries work out to be the same price if you’re splitting the room between 2 people.

For example, if a hostel dorm room is $10 per bed but a cheap hotel room is $20 per night, it’s the same price to choose a private room.

When Matt and I were planning our trip to Ubud, we chose to stay at Divara Ubud which is a cozy little hotel we found on Booking.com.

It was only 47 AUD per night or 24 AUD each per night (15 USD each per night). There was even a delicious included breakfast and a nice pool.

So it was totally worth the money while visiting Ubud as a couple. We got a bit of luxury and it was still super affordable.

• Accommodation Cost: 47 AUD per night (24 AUD each) / 30 USD per night (15 USD each)

Hostels in Ubud, Bali

If you’re a solo budget traveler, there are lots of great hostels off the main road in Ubud, Bali for as cheap as 4-10 USD per night!

I usually opt for hostels if I’m traveling alone because it’s super easy to meet people. The vibes are great, they’re usually safe and clean, and most hostels are centrally located.

Browse Hostelworld to find some of the top-rated hostels in Ubud. I would still recommend staying on one of the side streets that is walking distance to the town center.

• Hostel cost: 6-15 AUD per night / 4-10 USD per night

How to get around Ubud, Bali

The best ways to get around Ubud are walking, driving a motorbike, getting a car or bike taxi, hiring a driver, or booking a tour.

I’ll explain each of these options in detail so you can choose the best way to get around Ubud on a budget for you!

Read next: 22 Solo Travel Tips: How To Travel The World Alone

Walking around Ubud

There are lots of attractions near the town center of Ubud that you can walk to.

Walking trails, temples, markets, and shops are plentiful near the main road of Ubud. So for any attractions within walking distance of downtown, try going on foot. It’s free and the best way to sightsee!

It is safe to walk around Ubud as it’s a pretty touristy area. Even when you venture out to the quieter areas, people are very nice.

Just use general street smarts and keep your belongings close while exploring Ubud on foot to be safe.

• Cost: Free!

Rent a motorbike

The best way to travel further distances in Ubud on a budget is renting your own motorbike. If you feel confident enough to drive one, you can get around so easily.

It costs around 100,000 IDR (10 AUD / 7 USD) to rent a motorbike for the whole day.

Most motorbikes come without fuel, so you have to buy your own. It’s 20,000 IDR for a 1.5L bottle of petrol (2 AUD / 1.30 USD). But that means you don’t have to refuel upon returning the bike.

I personally didn’t feel comfortable driving a motorbike in Bali. I just know that I’m not a confident enough driver to navigate the chaotic streets. But Matt was a great driver so I was lucky to have him as my personal chauffeur!

There are lots of solo female travelers driving their own bikes in Bali, so it’s up to you!

But renting a motorbike is definitely the cheapest and most convenient option for exploring around Ubud on a budget.

• Standard motorbike cost: 100,000 IDR for the whole day (10 AUD / 7 USD)

Check out my guide, How To Find The Cheapest Flights Abroad for flying into Bali!

Motorbike taxis

If you don’t want to drive your own motorbike, you can get a motorbike taxi! Local guys drive their bikes all over Bali and you can hop on the back for a small fee.

Motorbike taxis are cheaper and faster than car taxis. But they only fit one person at a time.

The Gojek or Grab APPS are the safest and most secure places to book your taxi. The driver will have the green labeled vests, jackets, and helmets on.

• Cost: Varies, short rides should only be a few dollars

Car taxis

If you’re in a group of two or more people, you can get a standard car taxi to travel around Ubud. I also recommend booking a car taxi on the Gojek or Grab APP to ensure it’s safe.

For traveling longer distances around Bali, like when you leave Ubud for your next destination, you’ll probably want a car taxi. Cars are more comfortable for driving long distances and they can store luggage.

• Cost: Varies, car rides around 1 hour in Bali are typically about 30-50 AUD (20-30 USD)

Check Bookaway for cheap transport around Indonesia!

Private drivers

Though hiring a private driver may sound expensive, it can actually be a great option. If you’re a couple or a group of friends, you can pay a sum to hire a driver for the entire day. This is usually around 500,000 IDR or 50 AUD / 32 USD.

If you have lots of places you want to explore in a day, it may be cheaper to pay for one driver for the day rather than individual taxis every time.

And if you have a few people with you and everyone splits the cost, that also makes it affordable.

This is also an option for those who aren’t comfortable driving a motorbike. It is pricier than driving yourself, but it’s safe, secure, and convenient.

You can make the most of your day and get your money’s worth by visiting lots of places! I’ll cover what to do in Ubud on a budget later.

• Private Driver Cost: Varies but it’s usually 500,000 IDR (50 AUD / 32 USD) for the whole day

Guided tours

Another option for getting to the hotspots around Ubud is a guided tour. Though a tour is generally the most expensive option, it can still be affordable in Indonesia!

Guided tours can be around 30 AUD / 20 USD which is a great deal. Then all your transport, activities, and sometimes food are included.

Tours are great for solo travelers who don’t have anyone else to share transport with. And you’ll get a friendly local guide who will make sure you have an amazing time.

• Ubud guided tour cost: Varies but most tours are around 30-60 AUD / 20-40 USD

Where to eat in Ubud on a budget

One of the best things about Ubud, Bali is the food. There are lots of incredible eateries ranging from cheap, to mid-range, to expensive.

But even the fancier restaurants in Ubud are cheap if you compare the prices to countries like the USA or Australia.

Here is a quick summary of what the restaurants are like in Ubud.

Budget

The cheapest places to eat in Ubud will be the local cafes, also called warungs. Here you can find classic dishes like mi goreng, nasi goreng, satay chicken, fruit juices, and sometimes more western meals like burgers, sandwiches, and smoothies.

A main meal at a cheap local restaurant might cost between 40,000 – 60,000 IDR (4-6 AUD / 2-3 USD).

Our favorite cheap local eatery in Ubud was Meme’s Kitchen, located right next to our hotel. You can get a massive plate of noodles, veggies, and chicken for 5 AUD.

• Budget meal cost: 40,000 – 60,000 IDR (4-6 AUD / 2-3 USD).

Mid Range

We spent most of our time in Ubud eating at more modern, mid-range eateries. Because we had just come from Australia, we were pumped to get Australian-quality meals for amazing prices.

These types of places also have advertised Happy Hours where you can get discounted food and drinks usually between 4pm and 6pm.

You can find lots of 2 for 1 cocktails and cheap eats, so I recommend eating a late lunch/early dinner and looking for happy hours if you want to save money in Ubud!

We frequented a few trendy coffee shops, acai bowl cafes, and delicious restaurants.

At places like this, a main meal is probably around 70,000 – 90,000 IDR (7-9 AUD / 5-6 USD). A coffee costs around 30,000 IDR (3 AUD / 2 USD), and a fancy latte or coffee may be a bit more.

Seniman Coffee and Suka Espresso were our favorite coffee shops/cafes. We also loved Acai Queen for trendy acai bowls and Toro Sushi for fresh sushi.

• Mid-range meal cost: 70,000 – 90,000 (7-9 AUD / 5-6 USD)

Expensive

Since this is a budget travel guide, I won’t focus too much on the fancier, more expensive restaurants. But for those who do have a bit of money to spend in Ubud, there are some incredible high-end places to eat.

And even the nicer restaurants are cheaper than a meal out in Australia or the USA. So Bali is a great place to treat yourself.

We had one fancy dinner in Ubud at Hujan Locale, which makes unique and high-quality Indonesian dishes. We got 2 main meals and 2 desserts and our total bill was around 70 AUD or 45 USD. It was a great meal, but we were back to eating on a budget after that!

• Expensive meal cost: Around 150,000 – 200,000 IDR (15-20 AUD / 10-15 USD)

What to do in Ubud on a budget

Here are some of the best things to do in Ubud on a budget, from waterfalls and rice terraces to temples, walks, and other attractions. These attractions are the main draw for visiting Ubud, so don’t miss any of these beautiful spots!

Temples and Palaces

There are some stunning temples in Ubud that are worth checking out.

A must-see for all visitors in Ubud is the Ubud Palace, mainly because it’s right in the center of town and it’s free. You also don’t need to wear certain clothes. So it’s a cool place to check out while you’re walking through downtown Ubud.

Ubud Water Palace is another popular attraction. It’s an impressive former palace with tranquil ponds and nightly dance performances.

It costs 25,000 IDR (2.50 AUD / 1.60 USD) to enter the Ubud Water Palace. They provide you with conservative, traditional clothes to wear inside.

Pura Gunung Lebah is a fascinating Hindu temple located at the start of the Campuhan Ridge Walk. It’s surrounded by forest and requires a small donation to enter of around 10,000 – 20,000 IDR (1-2 AUD).

You’ll see lots more temples as you walk around Ubud. Most of the doorways in the streets of Ubud are so intricate and impressive that they look like temple entrances as well!

• Ubud temple cost: Either free or up to 25,000 IDR (2.50 AUD / 1.60 USD)

Balinese Cooking Class

A cooking class is one of the best things to do in any Southeast Asian country. The food is delicious and flavorful and most countries have their own traditional cooking methods and local ingredients.

Anyone who loves food will have a blast learning about the culture and tasting the food that they make with their guide.

A Balinese cooking class in Ubud with a local market tour only costs around 35 AUD / 23 USD. You can learn to cook traditional food with a local family and learn all about their cuisine!

• Cooking class cost: 35 AUD / 23 USD

Waterfalls

Ubud is surrounded by gorgeous, mystical forests where you can find a seemingly never-ending amount of waterfalls.

Whether you rent a bike or driver, or join a waterfall day tour, it’s definitely worth visiting some of the beautiful waterfalls around Ubud.

You can swim in refreshing water, get some epic photos, and have a fun day out in the jungle. There are no waterfalls within walking distance of the Ubud town center. But some of the closest falls within a 15-20 minute drive include:

• Kanto Lampo Waterfall
• Tibumana Waterfall
• Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
• Taman Sari Waterfall
• Suwat Waterfall
• Sumampan Waterfall
• Tegenungan Waterfall
• Uma Anyar Waterfall

Check out my self drive Ubud waterfall itinerary for ideas on how to visit these amazing places!

• Ubud waterfall cost: Most waterfalls have an entry fee of around 20,000 IDR (2 AUD / 1.30 USD)

Walking Trails

There are some beautiful walks around Ubud that are an easy way to sightsee and explore for free.

The two best walks near the city center are the Campuhan Ridge Walk and the Kajeng Rice Fields Walk.

Both are short, easy, accessible for everyone, and full of tranquil rice fields and village views.

• Cost: Free

Check out my guide to the most Beautiful Ubud Walks In Bali, Indonesia!

Rice Terraces

Ubud is also known for its photogenic rice terraces. The rice terraces in Ubud are definitely worth visiting because even though they are a bit touristy, they are gorgeous!

And the rice terrace paths wind all over the area, making it easy to escape the crowds and find peaceful spots with lovely views.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace is the most well-known rice terrace near Ubud. Just north of Tegallalang Rice Terrace is Ceking Rice Terrace, and the maze of rice terraces all connects so you can enter anywhere.

There will be a fee of around 25,000 IDR (2.5 AUD / 1.60 USD), but it gives you access to the entire area of rice terraces.

Stroll around, have a drink at one of the little warungs out in a field, and take some classic touristy photos. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Ubud!

• Rice terraces cost: 25,000 IDR (2.5 AUD / 1.60 USD)

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

You can also stroll through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ubud.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to hundreds of monkeys and lush forests. It’s a beautiful place to walk around and observe the adorable monkeys up close. Just make sure all your belongings are tucked away safely or the monkeys will steal them!

Another option is combining waterfalls, rice terraces, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary into one all-inclusive private day tour for only 38 AUD / 25 USD.

• Cost: 80,000 IDR on weekdays and 100,000 IDR on weekends (8-10 AUD / 5-7 USD).

Check out this super cheap private day tour of Ubud’s highlights

Thanks for reading my Ubud budget travel guide!

Check out some of my other articles about my travels in Southeast Asia:

The Perfect Ubud Waterfall Itinerary: Self Drive Tour

5 Beautiful Ubud Walks In Bali, Indonesia

Thailand On A Budget: The Ultimate Travel Guide

The 18 Best Things To Do In Siem Reap, Cambodia

3 Days in Bangkok Travel Itinerary