Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, located in the island’s highlands, about 40 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Known as a center for arts and spirituality, Ubud offers breathtaking rice terrace views, serene rivers, and ancient temples rich in history. Unlike popular beach destinations such as Kuta or Seminyak, Ubud provides a tranquil atmosphere with untouched natural beauty.
Apart from being an artistic hub, Ubud is home to numerous yoga communities, spas, and holistic therapy centers, offering the perfect relaxation experience. Museums such as Blanco Renaissance Museum, Puri Lukisan Museum, and Neka Museum showcase Bali’s artistic heritage, while the Ubud Art Market is a great place to shop for authentic Balinese souvenirs like batik fabrics, wooden carvings, and silver jewelry.
Things to Do in Ubud
Ubud offers a wide variety of activities for travelers of all types. One of its main attractions is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a lush jungle where hundreds of long-tailed macaques roam freely among ancient temples. Visitors can also explore the stunning Tegalalang Rice Terraces, famous for their breathtaking landscapes and extreme swing experiences.
For adventure seekers, white-water rafting on the Ayung River is an unforgettable experience, offering exciting rapids and scenic views of natural rock carvings along the riverbanks. Those looking for a more relaxed experience can join a Balinese cooking class or take a yoga session at renowned studios like The Yoga Barn or Radiantly Alive.
Ubud also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many restaurants and cafés offering healthy food options and traditional Balinese dance performances, such as the Kecak Dance and Legong Dance at Pura Saraswati Temple. With so many options, Ubud is the perfect destination for those seeking a balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Transportation from the Airport to Ubud
The journey from Ngurah Rai International Airport to Ubud takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Here are some transportation options:
- Airport Taxi – The easiest option is taking an official airport taxi with fixed rates, costing around IDR 400,000 – 450,000.
- Online Ride Services – Apps like Grab or Gojek are available but may have limited pick-up zones at the airport.
- Shuttle Bus – Services like Kura-Kura Bus provide a budget-friendly alternative, although the journey may take longer.
- Private Car Transfer – Many hotels and travel agencies offer private transfers, ensuring a comfortable and flexible ride.
Transportation from Ubud to Gili Trawangan
For travelers planning to continue their journey to Gili Trawangan, several transport options are available from Ubud:
- Shuttle Bus + Fast Boat – Shuttle services from Ubud to Padang Bai Harbor take about 1.5 hours, followed by a fast boat ride of 1.5 – 2 hours to Gili Trawangan. Popular operators include Wijaya Perkasa, BlueWater Express, and Eka Jaya.
- Private Car + Fast Boat – A more comfortable alternative is renting a private car for the trip to the harbor, then taking a fast boat to Gili Trawangan.
- Tour Package – Many travel agencies offer all-in-one packages from Ubud to Gili, including land and sea transportation, with prices starting from IDR 650,000 – 700,000 per person.
With convenient access and multiple transport options, Ubud serves as the perfect starting point for travelers looking to explore Gili Trawangan after experiencing Bali’s rich cultural and natural wonders.