Ubud
Indonesia
Bali's green, spiritual heartland, where rice terraces, yoga, and a wellness-focused nomad scene meet very affordable living.
Overview
Ubud is Bali's cultural and wellness center, set among terraced rice fields, river valleys, and temple-dotted villages inland from the coast. It draws nomads, creatives, and wellness seekers with its yoga studios, healthy cafes, art traditions, and a slower, nature-close lifestyle. The town center can be busy, while surrounding villages like Penestanan and Nyuh Kuning offer calm, affordable living among the greenery. Reliable cafes and coworking spaces support remote work, with the coast and airport a drive away.
Why Expats Love It
Expats and nomads are drawn to Ubud for its lush natural setting, thriving wellness and yoga community, rich Balinese culture, and low cost of living. The healthy food scene, creative energy, and strong sense of community make it a favorite for longer, restorative stays.
Must Dos
The essential, top gem experiences for the full tourist experience.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Walk the famous cascading emerald terraces just north of town, most beautiful in the early morning light.
Sacred Monkey Forest
Wander the temple-filled forest sanctuary in the center of Ubud, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques.
Ubud Art Market and Palace
Browse the traditional craft market and visit the royal palace at the heart of town's cultural life.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Take the easy, scenic ridge trail through open green hills, a favorite for sunrise and sunset strolls.
Tirta Empul Temple
Experience the holy spring water purification ritual at this important Balinese Hindu temple nearby.
Balinese Dance Performance
Watch a traditional Legong or Kecak fire dance in the evening, a signature Ubud cultural experience.
Off the Beaten Path
Live like a local. Special, lesser known experiences for adventurers who want real local flavor.
Penestanan Village
Base yourself in this quieter artist village of villas and cafes up a set of steps from the center.
Sidemen Valley
Drive east to this tranquil rice-farming valley for the Bali of decades past, with few crowds and big views.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Visit the cave waterfall where light beams pour through the rocks, best mid-morning on a clear day.
Local Warungs of Nyuh Kuning
Eat authentic Balinese food at family warungs in this calm village beside the Monkey Forest.
Keliki Painting Villages
Explore small villages north of Ubud known for miniature painting and traditional art studios.
Sunrise at Mount Batur
Take a guided pre-dawn hike up the active volcano for sunrise above the clouds, a longer trip from Ubud.
Cost of Living
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$500/mo
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$1100/mo
Restaurant Meal
$5
Monthly Groceries
$220/mo
Monthly Transportation
$40/mo
Monthly Healthcare
$60/mo
Climate
Ubud has a tropical climate, warm and humid year-round, with a distinct dry season and a wetter monsoon period. Its inland, higher setting makes evenings a touch cooler than the coast.
Best Time to Visit
April to October
Visa & Residency
Written for US citizens
For Americans, Indonesia offers a visa on arrival that is extendable, plus tourist visas, and has introduced longer-stay options including a remote worker route for qualifying applicants. Rules and the nomad visa details change, so verify current requirements through official Indonesian immigration channels or a visa agent before relocating.
These notes assume a US passport. If you hold a different nationality, your visa options and timelines may vary. Always confirm current rules with the official embassy or consulate before you commit.
Safety
Ubud is generally very safe, with the main risks being scooter accidents, slippery paths, and occasional petty theft. Drive cautiously, wear a helmet, and secure valuables.
Healthcare
Ubud has clinics for routine care, while larger private hospitals for serious cases are in the Denpasar and coastal areas. Many expats travel to Singapore or Bangkok for complex treatment, so comprehensive insurance is essential.
Culture & Lifestyle
Culture
Balinese Hindu culture is central to daily life, with frequent ceremonies, offerings, and temple festivals. Respectful dress at temples and appreciation for local customs go a long way with the community.
Lifestyle
Daily life blends yoga and wellness routines, healthy cafes, and work from coworking spaces or villa terraces surrounded by greenery. Scooters are the main transport, and weekends bring waterfalls, temples, and coastal escapes.
Language
Indonesian and Balinese, with English widely spoken in tourism and nomad areas
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Timezone
WITA (UTC+8)