There is something about Ubud that feels completely different from the rest of Bali. The pace is slower, the mornings feel calmer, and instead of beach clubs and loud traffic, you find rice fields, jungle views, little cafés hidden down side streets, and people spending hours lingering over coffee or yoga classes.
Hi, I’m Phoebe Lee from Travel For Phoebe, and after visiting Bali multiple times, Ubud is still one of the places I keep returning to whenever I want a quieter and more meaningful side of the island. On this trip, I spent my days café hopping, wandering through rice fields, discovering local shops, and exploring some of my favourite hidden corners of Ubud.
So, if you are planning a trip and looking for genuine Ubud travel tips, these are the places, experiences, and little things I think are absolutely worth knowing before you go.
Best Cafes in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
One of the best things about Ubud is the café culture. Honestly, some cafés here are so beautiful and relaxing that you could spend half your trip just moving between coffee spots and still have an amazing time.
Neuf Day Café
Neuf Day Café quickly became one of my favourite morning spots in Ubud. It has this cosy, peaceful atmosphere that instantly makes you want to slow down and stay a little longer.
I originally kept ordering matcha lattes and flat whites there, but eventually the staff convinced me to try their sweet, salty cream cheese latte, which sounded slightly strange at first but turned out to be incredible. It was creamy, lightly salty, sweet without being overpowering, and honestly, one of the most memorable drinks I had in Bali.
I also tried their grandma’s bread pudding, which was soft, comforting, cinnamon-heavy, and somehow still not too sweet. It genuinely felt like the perfect slow breakfast.
One thing I loved most about this café was the atmosphere. People were chatting, creating content, working remotely, or simply relaxing, and it felt incredibly welcoming for solo travellers.
Zest Ubud
If I had to recommend just one café in Ubud, it would probably be Zest.
I absolutely love this place. The entire café is surrounded by greenery and has this calm, creative energy that makes it very easy to lose track of time there. They often have live music performances with handpans and acoustic music, which somehow makes the atmosphere feel even more relaxing.
It is also one of my favourite places in Ubud to work for a few hours or simply escape the chaos of the main streets.
The food is amazing too, especially if you enjoy vegetarian or plant-based meals. I became slightly obsessed with their veggie breakfast stack with crispy fritters, guacamole, and a jackfruit sausage that was genuinely so flavourful. Their crispy potatoes with chipotle mayo were also dangerously addictive.
Two Face Coffee & Brunch
Café Two Face officially became home to my favourite strawberry matcha in Bali.
I had walked past it multiple times before finally stopping in, mainly because I kept seeing photos of their strawberry matcha outside and could not stop thinking about it.
It came layered with fresh strawberries at the bottom, creamy oat milk matcha in the middle, and this ridiculously good strawberry foam on top. It was sweet, refreshing, and almost too pretty to drink.
What I also loved about this spot was the location. It sits right beside one of Ubud’s busiest streets, so while you sit there with your drink, you can watch the total chaos of Bali traffic unfolding outside. Scooters everywhere, people weaving through tiny gaps, constant beeping. Somehow, it becomes weirdly entertaining.
Pukako
I found Pukako while exploring the rice fields around the Sari Organic Walk, and honestly, the setting alone makes it worth visiting.
The café overlooks the rice paddies and feels much quieter than central Ubud. I stopped for a coconut coffee and ended up staying far longer than planned simply because everything around me felt so peaceful.
That is one thing I really love about Ubud. Some of the best places are the ones you accidentally discover while wandering around without much of a plan.
The Sari Organic Walk: A More Peaceful Side of Ubud
Most people visiting Ubud will eventually hear about the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and while they are definitely beautiful, they can also feel extremely crowded these days.
Personally, I much preferred the Sari Organic Walk.
The walk takes you through rice paddies, small cafés, local homes, yoga studios, workshops, and quieter parts of Ubud that still feel connected to everyday life rather than just tourism.
There are fewer cars, fewer crowds, and a much calmer atmosphere overall. You can actually hear birds, see farmers working in the rice fields, and enjoy the scenery without constantly feeling rushed.
I think the best way to experience it is slowly. Do not overplan it. Just walk, stop whenever something catches your attention, grab a coffee overlooking the rice terraces, and enjoy the slower pace. You can also explore the Ubud rice terraces on an e-bike; this is much more adventurous.
If you still want to visit Tegallalang, my advice would be to go very early in the morning before the tour groups arrive.
Other Places to Visit and Things to Do in Ubud, Bali
While the cafés and rice fields are a huge part of Ubud’s charm, there are also plenty of other attractions in Ubud that are worth adding to your itinerary.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
One of the most famous spots is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where hundreds of monkeys wander through ancient temple ruins and jungle pathways. It is very touristy, but honestly, still worth experiencing at least once. Just keep a close eye on your belongings because the monkeys are absolute professionals at stealing sunglasses and phones.
Waterfalls in Ubud
For waterfall lovers, Tibumana Waterfall and Kanto Lampo Waterfall are both beautiful options within driving distance of Ubud. Tibumana feels more peaceful and surrounded by the jungle, while Kanto Lampo is known for its dramatic rock formations and cascading water.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
If you want one of the best sunset spots near Ubud, head to Campuhan Ridge Walk in the late afternoon. The walk itself is easy and scenic, with rolling greenery and palm trees stretching out around you. It feels especially beautiful early in the morning or close to sunset when temperatures are cooler.
Tirta Empul Temple
If you enjoy temples, Tirta Empul Temple is one of the most interesting places to visit near Ubud. It is famous for its holy spring water purification ritual, where locals and visitors take part in a traditional cleansing ceremony. Even if you do not participate yourself, it is a fascinating cultural experience to witness respectfully.
Yoga and Wellness
Ubud is also known for wellness experiences, and you will find everything from yoga classes and sound healing sessions to Reiki treatments and traditional Balinese purification ceremonies throughout the area. Even if you are not usually into wellness travel, Ubud has a way of encouraging you to slow down and reconnect with yourself a little more.
Got inspired to visit Ubud for yourself? Be sure to check out my article on the 15 of the BEST Things to Do in Ubud for more hidden gems to add to your Bali itinerary.
Getting Around Ubud and Staying Connected
One of the most important Ubud travel tips I can give you is this: do not underestimate the traffic. Distances in Bali often look short on Google Maps, but traffic around Ubud can get incredibly busy, especially in the middle of the day.
The easiest way to get around is by using Grab or Gojek. I personally use Grab constantly when travelling around Bali because it makes booking transport quick and easy without needing to negotiate prices.
Scooter taxis are usually much faster than cars for short distances because they can weave through traffic more easily. If you plan on riding scooters in Bali, please wear a helmet properly. The roads can be chaotic, especially around Ubud.
I also highly recommend setting up a 5G Indonesia eSIM before arriving in Bali. Having reliable mobile data makes a huge difference when using maps, transport apps, translating menus, or messaging drivers.
Shopping in Ubud, Indonesia
If you love shopping while travelling, Ubud is one of the best places in Bali to find locally made products and unique souvenirs.
You will find beautiful independent stores selling handmade jewellery, ceramics, woven bags, artwork, clothing, silver jewellery, and homewares throughout the town.
One little store I really loved was Kamaya, which sold gorgeous handcrafted jewellery made by local artists. Yes, some pieces cost more than typical tourist market souvenirs, but they also feel much more meaningful and special.
I always think the best souvenirs are the ones connected to a memory or experience rather than something mass-produced.
The Ubud Art Market is also worth visiting if you enjoy browsing handmade crafts, woven bags, clothing, and local artwork. Just remember that bargaining is common there, so negotiate politely and respectfully.
Important Ubud Travel Tips
Ubud is an incredibly easy place to travel, but there are still a few things worth knowing before you arrive. These small travel tips can really help you settle in faster and enjoy the slower rhythm of Ubud a little more.
Respect Local Culture
Bali is deeply spiritual, and you will regularly see offerings, ceremonies, and temple rituals taking place around Ubud. Dress respectfully when visiting temples in Bali and avoid stepping on the small offerings placed on the ground outside shops and homes.
Carry Some Cash
Many cafés and restaurants accept cards now, but smaller businesses, local markets, and some drivers still prefer cash. It is always useful to carry some Indonesian rupiah with you.
Stay Hydrated
Ubud can feel incredibly hot and humid, especially if you are walking a lot during the middle of the day. Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water make a huge difference.
Tipping Is Appreciated
Tipping is not mandatory in Bali, but I personally like to tip drivers, café staff, and guides whenever I can. Even a small tip can genuinely help, especially for drivers earning very little from short rides.
Slow Down
Honestly, this might be the biggest tip of all. Do not try to rush through Ubud, ticking off attractions one after another. Some of the best moments happen when you leave space for random cafés, conversations, quiet walks, or changing plans halfway through the day.
Why Ubud Keeps Pulling Me Back
What I love most about Ubud is that it feels like a reminder to slow down a little. It is not just about famous attractions or getting the perfect Instagram photo. For me, the best parts of Ubud are the small moments. Drinking coffee overlooking rice fields, wandering through little local shops, sitting in traffic watching the chaos of Bali unfold around you, or spending hours in a café with absolutely nowhere else to be.
Hopefully, these Ubud travel tips help you plan an amazing trip and experience a quieter, more meaningful side of Bali for yourself.
And if you want more Bali guides, hidden gems, and real travel experiences, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and check out my blog, Travel For Phoebe, for more travel inspiration and tips.
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