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

Should you visit Ubud or Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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 hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ubud travel costs.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Canberra travel costs.

Ubud and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Canberra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Canberra. Although Ubud and Canberra are both popular with visitors, Canberra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Canberra is more popular for its big city activities, while Ubud is known for its food, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ubud is more touristy than Canberra and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also home to the Australian War Memorial.

How is Ubud different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Ubud or Canberra.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

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

For foodies, Ubud is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Ubud or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ubud or Canberra 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 Canberra has a few options to choose from. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Ubud or Canberra Better for Resorts?

Ubud is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Canberra is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Ubud is a great choice. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Canberra is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Ubud is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Canberra?

Ubud is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra 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 Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Ubud or Canberra More Beautiful?

Ubud is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Canberra 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.

Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ubud or Canberra Better for Families?

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

Canberra is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra Better for Couples?

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

Ubud makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Canberra is a good town for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Ubud or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Ubud or Canberra Better for Students?

Canberra is a great destination for students. However, Ubud is not popular with students.

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Ubud is not popular with students.

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

Canberra 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 Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra a more walkable city?

Ubud is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra 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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable town. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ubud and Canberra. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ubud than in Canberra. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Ubud, and 2-3 days is enough time in Canberra.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ubud than Canberra. 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 Canberra 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 Canberra?

The town of Ubud offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Canberra. 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 Canberra?

Ubud is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Canberra 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 Canberra?

Ubud is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ubud, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Ubud or Canberra?

Ubud is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ubud has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

The under-rated city of Canberra 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ubud and Canberra, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ubud is in Asia and Canberra is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Canberra?

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