A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Ubud vs. Jakarta for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ubud or Jakarta?

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 Jakarta. 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 famous, cultural, and breathtaking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Ubud travel costs.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a genuine, sprawling, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jakarta travel costs.

Ubud and Jakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Jakarta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jakarta than Ubud, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jakarta is better known for its big city activities, while Ubud is more popular for its food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ubud is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Jakarta is well known for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. Also, Jakarta is famous for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Ubud different from Jakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

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

Ubud is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jakarta. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Is Ubud or Jakarta Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ubud or Jakarta 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 Jakarta has a few options to choose from. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is Ubud or Jakarta Better for Resorts?

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

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

Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Jakarta Better for Hiking?

Ubud is a great town for hiking. However, Jakarta 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.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Jakarta?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Jakarta 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 Jakarta. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Is Ubud or Jakarta More Beautiful?

Ubud is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. 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.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ubud or Jakarta Better for Families?

Both Ubud and Jakarta are notable 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.

Jakarta offers lots of family activities. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Ubud or Jakarta Better for Couples?

Ubud is terrific for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Ubud or Jakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ubud and Jakarta.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Ubud or Jakarta a more walkable city?

Ubud is a great town for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

Ubud is very walkable. 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.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Jakarta or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Jakarta?

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

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

In Ubud, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Jakarta is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Ubud or Jakarta?

In Ubud, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Jakarta 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 Jakarta?

Ubud is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ubud has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the sprawling big city of Jakarta. 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 Jakarta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ubud. In Ubud, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The diverse city of Jakarta 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, and The Best Cultural Tours in Indonesia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Jakarta?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Jakarta, 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.