Where to stay in Ubud

The centre runs around the royal palace, Ubud Market and Jalan Monkey Forest, and it holds the densest mix of restaurants, cafes, shops and studios in town. Staying here means most sights and evening options are reachable on foot, which matters given how slow local traffic can be. Rooms range from simple guesthouses tucked down family compounds to boutique hotels. The trade-off is noise, scooter traffic on the main streets and higher prices near the palace.

Penestanan sits on a rise just west of the centre, reached by a set of steps off the Campuhan road or a short scooter ride round. It has long drawn artists and yoga visitors, and the lanes are lined with villas, cafes and studios among the rice fields. It is calm and green while still close enough to walk into town in around fifteen to twenty minutes. Many stays here are self-catering villas rather than full-service hotels.

Nyuh Kuning is a traditional village on the south side of the Monkey Forest, a short walk from the centre once you cross through or around the forest. It keeps a genuine residential character, with temples, a village green and family compounds alongside a growing set of guesthouses and small hotels. It is quieter than the core but still within easy reach of Monkey Forest restaurants and studios. The setting suits travellers who want local surroundings without going far out.

The Sanggingan road runs north-west from the centre above the Campuhan and Ayung river valleys, and it gathers many of Ubud's larger resorts and infinity-pool hotels. Rooms here look over forested gorges and rice terraces, and the Campuhan Ridge Walk starts nearby. It is a five to ten minute ride into the centre, a little far to walk with the hills and traffic. The area suits travellers who want a scenic base and are happy to ride in for dinner and shopping.