A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Yogyakarta vs. Ubud for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Ubud?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Ubud? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a colorful, youthful, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ubud

Ubud is a breathtaking, popular, and famous town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Yogyakarta and Ubud: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Ubud?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yogyakarta. Although Yogyakarta and Ubud are both popular with visitors, Yogyakarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yogyakarta is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Ubud is known for its food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ubud is more touristy than Yogyakarta and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Yogyakarta is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also home to Borobudur Temple.

How is Yogyakarta different from Ubud?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ubud and Yogyakarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Ubud?

Yogyakarta is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Yogyakarta on the map. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Ubud offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Ubud is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta is an experience not to be missed. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Is Yogyakarta or Ubud Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Yogyakarta know how to have a good time. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

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 Yogyakarta or Ubud Better for Resorts?

Ubud is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Ubud Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ubud does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Ubud does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Ubud Better for Hiking?

Ubud is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

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.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Ubud?

Yogyakarta is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Yogyakarta is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Ubud Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Ubud.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

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.

Is Yogyakarta or Ubud Better for Couples?

Ubud is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Ubud Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta and Ubud are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Ubud is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Yogyakarta or Ubud Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a good destination for students. However, Ubud is not popular with students.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Ubud is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Yogyakarta and Ubud.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

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.

Is Yogyakarta or Ubud a more walkable city?

Ubud is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ubud or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Ubud?

Both Yogyakarta and Ubud have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ubud than in Yogyakarta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 4-7 days is enough time in Ubud.

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

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

One day in Yogyakarta or Ubud?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural town of Ubud, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Ubud?

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ubud, there's plenty to do. 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. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Ubud?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Yogyakarta. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ubud, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Ubud?

The youthful city of Yogyakarta offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Ubud is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Cultural Tours in Indonesia, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Indonesia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Ubud?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Ubud, 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.