Surrounded by rainforests and rice terraces, the dreamlike town of Ubud is nothing short of a cultural tapestry. Bali has always been famous for tourists but its town, Ubud has surpassed the earlier fame. After being recognized as a well-known digital nomad hotspot, Ubud has attracted digital nomads from all over the world.
This town has gained attention over the recent years by offering various benefits for digital nomads and remote workers. If you have been intrigued by it just as much as us, keep reading this article to learn all the essentials. Let’s discuss the digital nomad lifestyle in Ubud, Bali, and all the factors that concern it.
Where is Ubud located?
Ubud is a beautiful town located in the heart of Bali. This town is situated in the Ubud district of Bali, Indonesia, and lies in the central foothills of Gianyar Regency. Ubud can be categorized as a part of the Lesser Sunda Islands.
Fact: Did you know that Ubud houses one of the most fascinating tourist attractions of Bali i.e. the monkey forest?
Why Choose Ubud as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons
Packing your bags and moving to a new city is not an easy decision! You must evaluate the potential pros and cons of the place to see whether it fits your preferences or not. Take a look below to see some of Ubud’s deal-sealers and deal-breakers!
| Pros | Cons |
| Rich culture | Weak freedom of speech |
| Friendly people | Low education quality |
| Good value for money | Low healthcare quality |
| Vibrant community | Language barriers |
| Low cost of living | |
| Fast internet | |
| Very safe |
As apparent, Ubud has plenty to offer for those who are willing to take a chance and trust their instincts. While there are some flaws to focus on, the scope of development seems really promising!
In addition to all of these pros, you’ll also be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Ubud district is filled with rice paddies and hidden waterfalls. You are bound to be dazzled by this town’s beauty each day you spend here.
How to Get to Ubud?
Getting to Ubud is no difficult task but it’s certainly a little tricky. The first step would be to arrive in Indonesia, preferably Bali. You can get here by your desired form of travel but air travel is the most recommended option.
There are various airports in the city and you can land at any of the ones that cater to international flights. However, Ngurah Rai International Airport is the most recommended option for this certain destination. Since Ubud is located 37.4km away from this airport, it’ll take you around 1.5 hours to get here.
You can cover this distance via taxi, private transfer or bus.
Most times, hotels also arrange for transportation from the airport to the town.
Transportation and How to Get Around Ubud?
Once you have arrived in the city, here’s how you can get around.
On foot
Ubud is undoubtedly one of the most walkable towns in Bali. you can easily get around on foot. In fact, it’s so much more preferable. This form of traveling allows you to appreciate Ubud’s beauty but it’s not a logical option if you are residing far from the city center. Regardless of your accommodation, you are likely to find all the necessities within walking distance.
Motorbikes
Motorbikes are also a common form of transport in Ubud! Motorbike rentals are readily available and they tend to be way more affordable. You can also purchase a second-hand motorbike if you intend to stay long in the city. Ubud-based Facebook groups offer both rentals and second-hand options!
Taxis
You can also travel around via taxi but as mentioned above, they can cost more than monthly rentals. If motorbikes aren’t your cup of tea, you can easily find taxis in the town.
Best Accommodation Options in Ubud
Ubud is a great place that offers plenty of good accommodation options, well-suited for digital nomads, tourists, and foreigners. The best way to decide the most suitable accommodation is by considering a range of factors.
- Costs and affordability
- Distance from the city center
- Duration of your stay
- Hygiene
- Internet
- Utilities
- Facilities
When it comes to accommodation in Ubud, it is widely recommended to rent a house. It is the most affordable and logical option, especially for long-term visitors. However, you can also stay at guesthouses or cottages.
Take a look at some of the best ones.
- Corner guesthouse
- Desak putu putera cottages
- Gerhana Sari 2 guesthouse
Internet Connectivity in Ubud
While we wouldn’t necessarily say that Ubud has an extremely fast internet connection, it’s still pretty good for digital nomads. The internet speeds have improved over time but the authorities are still working on it. Some cafes, accommodations, and coworking spaces offer high-speed internet and free wifi while others aren’t reliable.
If you prioritise consistent internet then it’ll be a good idea to buy a sim card upon arriving in Bali. The mobile data in Ubud is cheap, reliable, and fast enough to keep you satisfied! There are several good providers in the city but Telekom is one of the best options. You can compare data packages and get a lot of data at affordable rates.
E sim
As a digital nomad, we understand your desire to digitalize everything. You can also get an E sim and avoid the hassle of a physical sim card. E-sims are affordable and way more reliable than local providers.
Here are some packages to compare.
Holafly
| Data validity | Days | Price |
| unlimited | 7 days | 29$ (27.03€) |
| unlimited | 10 days | 37$ (34.49€) |
| unlimited | 15 days | 51$ (47.54€) |
| unlimited | 20 days | 62$ (57.79€) |
| unlimited | 30 days | 75$ (69.91€) |
Airalo
| Data validity | Days | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 days | 5.5$ (5.13€) |
| 2 GB | 15 days | 8$ (7.46€) |
| 3 GB | 30 days | 11$ (10.25€) |
| 5 GB | 30 days | 16.50$ (15.38€) |
| 10 GB | 30 days | 24.75$ (23.07€) |
3 Best Places to Work from in Ubud
One of the best parts about Ubud is that there are plenty of good coworking spaces!
Outpost
If you are looking for an affordable option, then consider going to the Outpost. Though it is relatively new, it offers comfortable seating, air conditioning, and a great working environment. This co-working space has two pools and a riverside cafe as well.
Hubud
Hubud is undoubtedly one of the best coworking spaces in Ubud. The beautiful wooden interior attracts remote workers from all over the town and promises a good experience. They also have an on-site cafe to keep you well-fed and energized during long workdays. Other than that, you can delve into your work while enjoying beautiful views of rice fields!
The onion collective
Another great option is the Onion Collective. This coworking space has everything from live music and a chill atmosphere to an on-site pool and restaurant. The onion collective promotes productivity and influences creativity.
Cost of Living in Ubud
When it comes to the cost of living in Ubud, we would say that it mostly depends on your lifestyle. Some people will be able to enjoy an affordable cost of living due to their spending patterns while others will find it high. Overall, it’s safe to say that average prices are pretty low. Ubud offers great value for money as you can acquire amenities at cheap rates. Other than that, you can also enjoy a high quality of life here! Here is a rough breakdown of day-to-day expenses in Ubud.
| Nomad’s cost of living | $1947/month (€1820) |
| Cost of living for a family | $4527/month (€4232) |
| hotel | $656/month (€613) |
| Studio in the city center (1br rent) | $1257/month (€1175) |
| Airbnb | $2652/month (€2479) |
| Dinner | $2.12 (€1.98) |
| Beer | $2.28 (€2.13) |
| Coca-cola | $0.84 (€0.79) |
| Coffee | $2.02 (€1.89) |
| Coworking desk | $219/month (€205) |
Culture, Nature, and Food in Ubud
Ubud is a tapestry that allows you to immerse in its rich culture via numerous activities. This town is the heart of Bali and houses plenty of ancient temples. You can also experience the culture through lively dance performances, traditions, local festivals, and Balinese art forms. English is commonly spoken in the area but if you want to blend in with the locals, it might be a good idea to learn the mother tongue. The local language, Bahasa Indonesia is an easy language spoken widely by the expat community.
Ubud’s natural beauty is one of the many things that make it a desirable digital nomad destination. The town is surrounded by rice fields, scenic waterfalls, and stunning landscapes. You can spend time among lush greenery and reconnect with nature! You can also admire wildlife at the popular monkey forest. All in all, Ubud has plenty to offer to nature lovers.
As for the food, Bali has a delicious, rich, and flavorful cuisine. You’ll see a lot of diversity in the local food and find it to be traditional. There are various cafes and restaurants located around town that serve amazing food. Additionally, street vendors also offer mouthwatering items!
Best Time to Visit Ubud
Bali has hot weather all year long which means that most days are warm and sunny. You can visit at any time and expect stable weather.
That being said, Ubud experiences a rainy season from November to April and a dry season for the rest of the year. The best time to visit Ubud is during June and September. However, the peak season lasts from July to August. This is the time when the city hosts huge crowds of tourists and foreigners. If you wish to avoid high prices and crowds then these won’t be the best months.
You can also come during the winter months but be prepared for high precipitation. While you can enjoy Christmas here, this is not a suitable time for outdoor activities and exploring.
12 Best Things to Do in Ubud
There is plenty to do in Ubud, Bali. Here are the 12 best things that every visitor must do!
1. Do yoga
It is no secret that Ubud is well-known as a yoga hub and a tapestry for yogis. You can spend your time here by doing yoga and enjoying a tranquil experience. Ubud is known as a “mecca” for yoga lovers because it houses plenty of good yoga classes, centers, and studios. Make sure to check out popular options like the Yoga Barn and Ubud Yoga Center.
2. Explore the waterfalls
Another famous thing about Ubud is its vast collection of breathtaking waterfalls. These scenic masterpieces are hidden all over town and they add a special mystique to the region. When in Ubud, try to explore as many waterfalls as you can. While some are more crowded than others, they all offer a good experience.
Here are some of the best ones.
- Sumampan Waterfall
- Tibumana Waterfall
- Tegenungan Waterfall
- Uma Anyar Waterfall
- Ulu Petanu Waterfall
3. Visit the Monkey forest
Your visit to Ubud will be incomplete without a trip to the famous monkey forest! This popular destination and tourist attraction is one of the most enjoyable places in the country. You get to walk through a dense forest and see numerous monkeys just hanging around. Even though the monkeys are known to be cheeky and often aggressive, they are not literal threats (as long as you don’t provoke them). Either way, it’s a fun experience!
4. Visit the rice fields
Ubud is quite literally filled with beautiful rice fields. A simple motorbike ride will allow you to see several of them. However, it is recommended to visit them properly and see the hype. Some require hiking while others are located locally. Here are some of the most touristy rice fields to visit.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
- The Sari Organik Walk
- The Campuhan Ridge Walk.
- The Penestanan Rice Field
- The Tegalalang Rice Terrace
5. Kecak dance performance
Since Ubud is very famous for traditional dance performances, make sure to see the Kecak dance performance. It takes place every Monday at 7 pm in the Jalan Tirta tower.
As the dancers put on a show, they portray a recreation of the Ramayana story. Complete with a goosebump-inducing soundtrack and haunting chants, this performance truly compels you from start to end.
6. Join a downhill bike tour
If you want to explore some of the best parts of the city and learn about the vibrant culture then make sure to join a downhill bike tour. You can cycle around town with fellow like-minded individuals and have a great time.
7. White water rafting
For those of you who wish to have a fun-filled day and a rush of adrenaline, consider going white water rafting. You’ll get to see exotic scenery, waterfalls, and forests as well. While the ride is more thrilling in the rainy season, it’s pretty entertaining at other times too.
8. Visit Kintamani
Kintamani is a beautiful and homely district, located only an hour away from Ubud. When in Bali, make sure to visit this place and see spectacular views from the top. There are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants located around the area that serve amazing food!
9. Visit an art gallery
Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, make sure to visit some of the best art galleries in Ubud. Art museums like the Neka Art Museum and the Antonio Blanco Museum are must-visit places if you want to admire remarkable work.
This artsy town is home to numerous artists and creative individuals. You can also visit art studios and buy art to support local artists!
10. Visit the Balinese temples
Another good way of experiencing the local culture is by visiting the Balinese temples. Since Hinduism is the dominant religion here, most temples are dedicated to Hindu gods. Whether or not you are a religious person, you can go to these temples to admire their value and marvel at their beauty. Some of the popular ones include.
- Goa Gajah
- Ubud Palace
- Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal,
11. Join a cooking class
Bali is also home to some of the best food in all of Indonesia. If you want to take the delicious memories with you, perhaps as a souvenir, then consider joining a cooking class. Not only are they extremely fun, they also give you the opportunity to learn an invaluable skill.
Some classes even take you to the local markets first!
12. Visit a pool club
Ubud experiences stable weather all year long but it can get warm sometimes. Hence, one of the best things to do on a sunny day is visiting pool clubs and having a relaxed time. There are plenty of options to choose from this cafe and Bambu Indah is our favorite. Both options require a small sum for entry and allow you to access the pool, food, and drinks in return.
Is Ubud safe?
Yes, Ubud is considered a very safe place in Bali! Speaking in a general sense, this town is a good place for solo travelers and digital nomads. You can walk alone at night because the streets are usually filled at all times. In simple words, Ubud is a lively place where friendly locals and tourists are always around.
However, petty crimes are not unheard of. It is always recommended to remain cautious in a foreign country.
Make sure to follow these general precautions.
- Look out for tourist scams
- Trust reputable companies
- Stay away from isolated areas
- Stay on your guard
- Stay away from shady neighborhoods
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash on hand
- Don’t carry flashy items
Visa Requirements in Ubud
The visa requirements of Bali mostly depend on the kind of passport you hold. Most passports allow you to enter Indonesia visa-free for a predetermined amount of time. After the initial 30-day visa period is over, you are required to apply for an extension for longer stays. You can also acquire a tourist visa that allows stays for up to 60 days.
Another good option is getting a “visa on arrival”. You can simply enter Indonesia and get a visa before immigration. The average cost is estimated to be 35$ (32.62€). Both visas will remain valid for the first 30 days and require an extension after that.
While Indonesia doesn’t have a digital nomad visa per se, its B211 visa closely resembles a standard DNV and offers various benefits to digital nomads.
It is best to consult with an embassy or consulate to understand your home country’s visa situation with Indonesia. They can also guide you about the tourist visa and the application process.
Conclusion
In addition to being a dream come true for yoga enthusiasts, the town of Ubud is a perfect place for digital nomads as well! To sum it up, Ubud is a mesmerizing concoction of serene waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes, historically significant temples, refreshing rice paddies, and so much more.
Digital nomads can call this place their home, settle for the long term, and feel a strong sense of community. The low cost of living and friendly locals certainly make this place desirable but it is Ubud’s beauty that makes it stand out. While it may not be as cheap as other towns in Indonesia and major cities in the digital nomad world, it offers great value for money!
We hope this digital nomad guide helped you understand what it’s like to live in Ubud as a digital nomad. If you have any further questions or doubts, feel free to contact us.
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