A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Ubud for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Dubai or Ubud?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Ubud can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Ubud

Ubud is a famous, cultural, and breathtaking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dubai and Ubud: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Ubud?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai. Although Dubai and Ubud are popular destinations, Dubai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dubai is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ubud attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Ubud is more touristy than Dubai and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Dubai is famous for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also well known for Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Ubud?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ubud and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Ubud is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Dubai for snow skiing. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Ubud is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Ubud?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Ubud and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ubud can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Ubud? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ubud is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ubud has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

If you're looking for night time activities Ubud has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Music?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ubud is not a live music destination.

In Dubai you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Ubud is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Dubai and Ubud.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Ubud offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ubud is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Ubud is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a good destination for the beach. However, Ubud is not a beach destination.

Dubai offers a nice beach destination. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Ubud is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Hiking?

Ubud is a great town for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Ubud for the hiking trails. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Ubud?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Dubai is a world class destination for shoppers. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Families?

Dubai is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dubai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Couples?

Ubud is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Ubud has plenty to offer. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ubud. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Students?

Dubai is a world-class destination for students. However, Ubud is not popular with students.

Dubai is a very popular place to visit for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Ubud is not popular with students.

Is Dubai or Ubud Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubai is a good destination for its public transit. However, Ubud is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Dubai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Dubai or Ubud a more walkable city?

Ubud is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Ubud Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ubud or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Ubud?

Both Dubai and Ubud have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Dubai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dubai than Ubud. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 4-7 days is enough time in Ubud.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Ubud. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubai than Ubud if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dubai.

One day in Dubai or Ubud?

Dubai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Ubud, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this breathtaking destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Ubud?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ubud. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Ubud?

Dubai is a opulent big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Ubud is a fun place to experience. In Ubud, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Ubud?

Dubai is a glamorous city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Ubud, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this famous destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Cultural Tours in Indonesia, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Ubud, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Ubud much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Ubud is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ubud would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ubud and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Ubud.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Ubud Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Ubud?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Ubud, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.