The Ultimate Ubud, Bali Travel Guide for Digital Nomads, Solo Travelers & Couples

Traveling to Ubud feels like slipping into a slower, softer world—where time stretches with the morning mist and offerings line the streets like blessings under your feet. Whether you’re a digital nomad craving jungle views from your workspace, a solo explorer chasing healing, or a couple looking for a quiet slice of magic, Ubud hits different. This guide is everything I wish I knew before my first visit, plus the gems I’ve collected from returning (and staying longer each time).

Let’s get into it: visas, money, where to stay (from cute hostels to private villas), the real cost of living, food spots that are worth it, how to get around, and the moments you don’t want to miss. You’re going to love it here

 Visas for Bali (Keep It Simple)

If you’re staying under 30 days and your passport’s on the approved list, you might be eligible for visa-free entry—but it’s non-extendable. Most travelers opt for the Visa on Arrival (VoA) which gets you 30 days and can be extended once. You’ll pay around $35 at the airport, then another $35-ish to extend later.

Thinking of staying longer than 60 days? You’ll want to apply for a B211A Social/Cultural Visa before arrival. That one gets you 60 days upfront and can be extended up to 180 days total. You’ll need a local sponsor, which visa agents in Bali can provide for a fee. The extension process involves some paperwork and trips to Immigration (or you can hire an agent to handle it).

Just don’t overstay. The fine is steep—$70 USD per day—and can create problems with future travel. Also make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has free pages for stamps.

Indonesia has talked about launching a “digital nomad visa,” but as of now, most nomads use tourist or social visas. If you plan to work locally for an Indonesian entity, that’s a whole different ballgame requiring a work permit or KITAS.

Ubud Cost of Living: What You Actually Need

You can live in Ubud on a shoestring, mid-range, or luxe budget. Here’s a snapshot:

Lifestyle	Daily Cost	Monthly Estimate	What’s Included
Backpacker	$30–$50	$800–$1,200	Homestay, local meals, scooter rental
Mid-Range	$60–$100	$1,500–$2,000	Private room/villa, cafe eats, yoga, tours
Luxury	$150+	$3,000+	Villas, fine dining, massages, drivers

Accommodation: Dorm beds can go for $7–$15/night. Private rooms with AC start around $10–$20. Mid-range hotels are $30–$60, while luxe resorts can be $150+ per night. Monthly villa rentals start at $300–$1,000+.

Food: Local warung meals are under $2. Mid-range cafes are $5–$10 per meal. Upscale restaurants can be $20–$30+. A food budget of $10/day is doable on the low end; $20–$30/day gives you variety.

Transport: Scooters rent for $5/day or $50/month. Fuel is cheap. Ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek cost $1–$2 for in-town trips. Drivers for day trips run $40–$60.

Activities: Yoga ($8–$10/class), massages ($7–$15), hikes and waterfalls (often free or $1–$3), cooking classes ($30–$50), temple entrance fees ($2–$5).

Ubud offers value for what you get. You can live well on a budget—or live your best life with a bit more to spend.

Where to Stay: Options for Every Vibe

For solo travelers and social butterflies:

• Puri Garden Hostel – Social, boutique vibe, free yoga and breakfast.
• Kuna Bali – Next to Outpost coworking, great design, dorm-style.
• Mad Monkey Ubud – Party hostel with a pool and daily events.

Budget guesthouses and homestays:

• Private rooms start around $10/night, usually include breakfast.
• Cultural experience—stay with Balinese families in compounds.

Mid-range hotels and villas:

• Sri Bungalows – Bungalows in rice fields but still central.
• Alaya Ubud – A step up with spa, two pools, and a gorgeous design.
• Ubud Aura Retreat – Close to Yoga Barn, peaceful, and affordable.

Private Villas:

• One-bedroom villas with private pools start around $60–$100/night.
• For longer stays, monthly rentals from $500–$1,000+ are available.

Co-living for digital nomads:

• Outpost Ubud (Penestanan + Midtown) – Private rooms, coworking access, and a solid community.
• The Onion Collective – Cozy, artsy, friendly, includes coworking.
• Check Facebook groups for villa shares if you’re staying long-term.

🍽️ Where to Eat: From Warung to Wow

Local eats worth knowing:

• Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka – Famous pork dish.
• Warung Bu Rus – Home-style food in a cozy garden.
• Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Bu Mangku – Locals love it.
• Sweet Orange Warung – A rice field gem after a scenic walk.

Cafés with good Wi-Fi & coffee:

• Alchemy – Raw vegan haven and remote work hotspot.
• Clear Café – Dreamy setting, great menu variety.
• Seniman Coffee Studio – For the coffee snobs (in a good way).
• Zest – All-day vibes, jungle views, and live music.

Nice night-out spots:

• Locavore NXT – Elevated, locally inspired tasting menus.
• Hujan Locale – Modern Indonesian dishes.
• Bridges Bali – Elegant and romantic, by the river.

🌿 Must-Do Activities in Ubud

1. Sacred Monkey Forest – Ancient temples + cheeky monkeys.
2. Campuhan Ridge Walk – Lush greenery and sunrise views.
3. Tegallalang Rice Terraces – Swing, zipline, or just wander.
4. Tirta Empul Temple – Cleanse under sacred spring water.
5. Yoga at Yoga Barn – From Vinyasa to sound healing.
6. Waterfall day trips – Tegenungan, Tibumana, Kanto Lampo.
7. Cooking class – Learn, eat, repeat.
8. Balinese massage – Go basic or book a luxe spa day.
9. Traditional dance at Ubud Palace – Kecak, Legong, Barong.
10. Art market strolls – Handicrafts, rattan bags, batik everything.

🛵 How to Get Around

• Walking: The center is walkable, though sidewalks can be rough.
• Scooter rental: ~$5/day or ~$50/month. Helmet is a must.
• Gojek & Grab: Cheap and easy, though restricted in some areas.
• Taxis & Drivers: Negotiate prices. Great for day trips.
• Bikes or E-bikes: Possible, but Ubud is hilly—prepare your legs.

🌦️ Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (Apr–Oct): Clear skies, sunshine, and ideal for hikes.
• Rainy Season (Nov–Mar): Lush landscapes, cozy vibes, cheaper stays.
• Shoulder Months: May, June, and September are sweet spots.

Expect warm days year-round. Nights in Ubud are cooler thanks to the elevation, which is a welcome relief.

Final Thoughts

Ubud has a way of reshaping your rhythm. It slows you down. Reminds you to breathe. To wander. To be still. Whether you’re soaking in a flower bath, sipping matcha on a misty morning, journaling in a corner cafe, or dancing barefoot at a sound bath—you’ll find parts of yourself here you didn’t know you needed.

It’s not just a destination. It’s an energy.

If this guide helped, save it, share it with a friend, or message me if you need help planning.

See you in the jungle 🌿

Selamat Jalan,
Kymmiee 🌺