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

Should you visit Ubud or Ise?

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 Ise. 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 popular, famous, and cultural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Ubud is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Ubud travel costs.

Ise

Ise is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and overlooked city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Ise travel costs.

Ubud and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Ise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ubud. Although Ubud and Ise are both popular with visitors, Ubud has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ubud is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ise is known for its beaches. Ubud is more touristy than Ise and is known for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. It is also home to Tegallalang rice terrace. Ise is popular for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Ubud different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ubud is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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 Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

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

Ubud is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Ise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Ubud or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Ubud is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party 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.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Ubud or Ise Better for Resorts?

Ubud is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Ise Better for Beaches?

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

Ise offers a nice beach destination. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Ubud is not a beach destination.

Is Ubud or Ise Better for Hiking?

Ubud is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Ise is not a hiking destination.

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.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Ise?

Ubud is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Ubud is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Ubud or Ise More Beautiful?

Ubud is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ubud or Ise Better for Families?

Both Ubud and Ise 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.

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Ubud or Ise Better for Couples?

Ubud is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ise is a good town for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Ubud or Ise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud is well known for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ubud is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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 Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

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

Ise 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 Ise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

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 Ise a more walkable city?

Ubud is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ise is a somewhat walkable town. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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

Should I spend more time in Ise or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Ise?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ubud and Ise. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ubud than in Ise. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Ubud, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ise.

Families should spend more time in Ubud than Ise. 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 Ise. 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 Ise 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 Ise?

With nightlife and food around the breathtaking destination of Ubud, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A weekend in Ubud or Ise?

Many people visit Ubud for a weekend. With food and shopping around the popular town of Ubud, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Ise 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 Ise?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Ubud, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Ise. 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 Ise?

Ubud, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The overlooked city of Ise offers museums 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Ise?

Ise has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Ise, 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.