A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Ubud vs. Bali for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Ubud or Bali?

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 Bali. 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 cultural, breathtaking, and popular town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bali

Bali is a stunning, tropical, and lush island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Ubud and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Bali?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bali. Although Ubud and Bali are both popular with visitors, Bali has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bali is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Ubud is known for its museums and small town charm. Ubud is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Bali is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also home to Pura Lempuyang.

How is Ubud different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bali 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 Bali?

Ubud is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Ubud specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Ubud and Bali both to be first-rate destinations.

Eat your way through Ubud, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

For foodies, Bali is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Is Ubud or Bali Better for Nightlife?

Bali 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 Bali just to party. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Ubud or Bali Better for Resorts?

There are first-rate resorts to choose from in both Ubud and Bali.

Vacationers flock to Ubud for its luxury resorts. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Bali is a great choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Is Ubud or Bali Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ubud is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Ubud is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ubud or Bali Better for Beaches?

Bali is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ubud is not a beach destination.

Bali offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Ubud is not a beach destination.

Is Ubud or Bali Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Ubud and Bali, and they are high quality.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Many visitors go to Bali for the hiking trails. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Bali?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bali and Ubud.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Ubud or Bali Better for Families?

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

Bali is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

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 Ubud or Bali Better for Couples?

Ubud and Bali both first-rate destinations for a couple.

Ubud is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Bali makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Is Ubud or Bali Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bali is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Ubud is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

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

Bali 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 Bali, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

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 Bali a more walkable city?

Ubud is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island 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.

Bali is generally not a very walkable town. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bali or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Bali?

Ubud and Bali both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Ubud 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 7-14 days is enough time in Bali.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali 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 Bali.

One day in Ubud or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ubud. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Bali. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Ubud or Bali?

Ubud is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Bali 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.

Five days in Ubud or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Ubud. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Bali. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than five days exploring.

A week in Ubud or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the famous town of Ubud. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the frequented island of Bali. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ubud and Bali, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Bali?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Bali, 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.