A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ubud vs. Atami for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ubud or Atami?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ubud and Atami. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ubud

Ubud is a breathtaking, popular, and famous town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Ubud is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Ubud travel costs.

Atami

Atami is a authentic, overlooked, and nostalgic town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Atami travel costs.

Ubud and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Atami?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ubud. Although Ubud and Atami are both popular with visitors, Ubud has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ubud is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Atami is known for its beaches. Ubud is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. It is also home to Tegallalang rice terrace. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Ubud different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ubud is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ubud. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

Ubud is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Ubud have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Ubud or Atami Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ubud or Atami has a better nightlife scene.

Ubud has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Atami has a few options to choose from. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Ubud or Atami Better for Resorts?

Ubud is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Atami is not a resort destination.

Ubud is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Atami is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Atami Better for Beaches?

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

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Ubud is not a beach destination.

Is Ubud or Atami Better for Hiking?

Ubud is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Ubud. 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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Atami?

Ubud is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Ubud is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Ubud or Atami More Beautiful?

Ubud is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ubud is a beautiful place to visit, too. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ubud or Atami Better for Families?

Both Ubud and Atami are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ubud. 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.

Atami offers lots of family activities. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Ubud or Atami Better for Couples?

Ubud is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Ubud is a great town for couples, as it 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.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Ubud or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Atami 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 Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

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 Ubud or Atami a more walkable city?

Ubud is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Ubud is a very walkable town. 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.

Atami is a somewhat walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Atami or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ubud or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ubud than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Ubud, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ubud than Atami. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ubud that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ubud than Atami 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 Ubud.

One day in Ubud or Atami?

In Ubud, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this popular 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Atami. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Ubud or Atami?

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.

Atami is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Ubud or Atami?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Atami. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ubud or Atami?

In Ubud, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this breathtaking 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.

The nostalgic town of Atami offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ubud and Atami, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Atami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atami 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud than you might in Atami.

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

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Atami?

Atami has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Atami, 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.