Comparison · Ubud vs Yogyakarta · Indonesia
Ubud vs Yogyakarta
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Ubud for Rice terraces and Balinese dance; choose Yogyakarta for Borobudur, Prambanan, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Yogyakarta is generally less expensive, and the two are about 544 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 544 km
- Less expensive
- Yogyakarta
- Best time for Ubud
- April–June and September
- Best time for Yogyakarta
- May–September
Side by side
| Ubud | Yogyakarta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia | Indonesia |
| Known for | Rice terraces, Balinese dance and Sacred Monkey Forest | Borobudur, Prambanan and Kraton |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $80–$170 | $50–$110 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Very affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 31°C (88°F) | September, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 5 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | DPS | YIA, JOG |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Ubud for…
Rice terraces and Balinese dance. 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…
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Choose Yogyakarta for…
Borobudur, Prambanan, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Yogyakarta, known as Jogja, is the cultural capital of Java and still has a reigning sultan, whose 18th-century palace sits at the centre of the old city. It is the base for two UNESCO World Heritage temple compounds: Buddhist Borobudur about 40 km northwest…
Top sights compared
| # | Ubud | Yogyakarta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary | Borobudur |
| 2 | Tegallalang Rice Terraces | Prambanan |
| 3 | Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) | Kraton (Sultan's Palace) |
| 4 | Pura Taman Saraswati | Taman Sari Water Castle |
| 5 | Campuhan Ridge Walk | Malioboro Street |
Food compared
| Ubud | Yogyakarta |
|---|---|
| Babi guling | Gudeg |
| Crispy duck | Bakpia |
| Bebek betutu | Kopi joss |
| Nasi campur Bali | Nasi kucing |
Which is cheaper?
Yogyakarta is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $50–$110 per person there, against $80–$170 in Ubud (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Yogyakarta on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Ubud and Yogyakarta are about 544 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Ubud and 4 in Yogyakarta.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Ubud or Yogyakarta cheaper?
Yogyakarta is usually less expensive: about $50–$110 a day mid-range against $80–$170 (estimates).
+Is Ubud or Yogyakarta better for a first trip?
Pick Ubud for Rice terraces and Balinese dance, or Yogyakarta for Borobudur, Prambanan, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife.
+How far is Ubud from Yogyakarta?
About 544 km in a straight line.