Comparison · Bali vs Ubud · Indonesia
Bali vs Ubud
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Paskuu, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Bali for Hindu temples, Rice terraces, beaches and nightlife; choose Ubud for Rice terraces, Balinese dance, free sights and a short break. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 14 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 14 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Bali
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Ubud
- April–June and September
Side by side
| Bali | Ubud | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia | Indonesia |
| Known for | Hindu temples, Rice terraces and Surfing | Rice terraces, Balinese dance and Sacred Monkey Forest |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | April–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 10 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $80–$180 | $80–$170 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 32°C (90°F) | April, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | June, 30°C (86°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 1 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Seminyak and Double Six Beach | — |
| Airports | DPS | DPS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Bali for…
Hindu temples, Rice terraces, beaches and nightlife. Bali is a Hindu island in mostly Muslim Indonesia, about 140 km across, where daily offerings sit on doorsteps and temple ceremonies close roads. The south — Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua — has the beaches, surf breaks and beach clubs, while…
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Choose Ubud for…
Rice terraces, Balinese dance, free sights and a short break. Ubud is a cluster of villages in the hills of Gianyar regency, about 35 km north of Bali's airport, that grew into the island's centre for painting, dance, yoga and food. The town itself runs along Jalan Raya Ubud, Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Hanoman, with…
Top sights compared
| # | Bali | Ubud |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance | Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary |
| 2 | Tanah Lot | Tegallalang Rice Terraces |
| 3 | Tegallalang Rice Terraces | Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) |
| 4 | Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary | Pura Taman Saraswati |
| 5 | Tirta Empul | Campuhan Ridge Walk |
Food compared
| Bali | Ubud |
|---|---|
| Babi guling | Babi guling |
| Bebek betutu | Crispy duck |
| Nasi campur Bali | Bebek betutu |
| Sate lilit | Nasi campur Bali |
Which is cheaper?
Bali and Ubud cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $80–$180 in Bali and $80–$170 in Ubud (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Ubud on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Bali and Ubud are about 14 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 10 days in Bali and 4 in Ubud.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bali or Ubud cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $80–$180 in Bali and $80–$170 in Ubud (estimates).
+Is Bali or Ubud better for a first trip?
Pick Bali for Hindu temples, Rice terraces, beaches and nightlife, or Ubud for Rice terraces, Balinese dance, free sights and a short break.
+How far is Bali from Ubud?
About 14 km in a straight line.