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

Should you visit Ubud or Sado?

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 Sado. 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. Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ubud travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a off-the-beaten-path, traditional, and cultural island. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking. See Sado travel costs.

Ubud and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Sado?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ubud than Sado, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ubud is more touristy than Sado and is known for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Also, Ubud is famous for Tegallalang rice terrace. Sado is well known for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Ubud different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Sado offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

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

Ubud is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Sado has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Ubud or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Ubud is a popular place for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ubud. 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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Ubud or Sado Better for Resorts?

Ubud is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Sado Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Ubud and Sado, and they are superb.

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 Sado for the hiking trails. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Sado?

Ubud is notable for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

Ubud is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Ubud or Sado More Beautiful?

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

Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ubud or Sado Better for Families?

Both Ubud and Sado 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.

Sado offers lots of family activities. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Ubud or Sado Better for Couples?

Ubud is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Ubud or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud is notable for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Ubud is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Ubud or Sado a more walkable city?

Ubud is notable for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island 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.

Sado is not a very walkable town. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Sado?

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

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

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 museums and food when visiting the destination of Sado. 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 Sado?

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.

Sado is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Sado?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the breathtaking 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.

You'll find museums and food around the cultural destination of Sado. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ubud or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural 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.

The traditional island of Sado offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

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