Ubud, Bali on a Budget

Can You Budget Travel Ubud?

Incredible culture, stunning rice fields, and endless adventures– Ubud, Bali is a place that immediately captures your heart. At first glance, it might not seem like the most budget-friendly destination, but trust us, it’s totally doable! As two backpackers living on a $137/day budget, we set out to find all the best affordable options in Ubud. Spoiler alert: it ended up being one of our favorite spots so far on our year-long journey!

Keep reading for our top tips on experiencing Ubud without breaking the bank.

What To Do

Sacred Monkey Forest $$

As one of the top tourist attractions in Ubud, it’s definitely worth a visit! The entrance fee is IDR 80.000 ($5.09 USD) per person on the weekdays and IDR 100.000 ($6.37 USD) on the weekends. We considered this a little bit pricey! Expect to spend about two hours exploring the lush jungle, watching playful monkeys, and snapping pics of ancient temples and towering trees. Pro tip: go early in the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded!

Campuhan Ridge Walk – Free

This 2.3-mile nature walk offers stunning views of Bali’s rolling green hills, and the best part? It’s completely free! Just a short walk from central Ubud, this paved trail is perfect for a peaceful stroll. We recommend going early to beat the heat, though we’ve heard the sunset views are just as beautiful!

Kanto Lampo Waterfall $

A quick 30-minute drive from Ubud, this waterfall is a photographer’s dream, with its picturesque tiered falls. The entrance fee is just IDR 25,000 ($1.59 USD), but be warned – it’s a popular spot, so it can get crowded. If you’re after a serene escape, this might not be your best bet, but if you’re up for some Instagram-worthy shots, it’s totally worth it!

Ceking Rice Terrace $

Just 20 minutes from Ubud, Ceking is one of Bali’s most photographed spots, and for good reason! The iconic rice terraces are absolutely breathtaking. The entrance fee is IDR 25,000 ($1.59 USD), and we found ourselves wandering for hours and photographing the layered fields. Don’t forget your camera!

Mt. Batur Trek $$$

For a splurge-worthy adventure, consider camping on Mt. Batur, an active volcano about an hour north of Ubud. We treated ourselves to an overnight camping trek to watch both sunset and sunrise from the summit. The trek cost us IDR 2,500,000 ($150 USD) for two people, which included transportation, a guide, meals, and camping gear. It was an unforgettable experience! If you’d prefer a more budget-friendly option, a sunrise-only hike starts at around IDR 600,000 per person. We booked our tour with Bagus Bali Sunrise Trekking.

Tibumana Waterfall $

The 45-minute drive to this attraction might be better than the waterfall itself. You really get immersed in local life as you wind through quaint neighborhoods and endless rice fields. Once you arrive and pay the entrance fee of IDR 30.000 ($1.91 USD) per person, you start walking past a temple, through the jungle, and down countless stairs. When we saw the waterfall, our jaws dropped. It was so powerful, the water was so pretty, and the best part was that there were only a few other people there. This place is a MUST!

Where To Eat

We are total foodies, and while it can be tricky to stay on budget, we hunted down some hidden gems in Ubud! Most of the restaurants on the main roads were out of our budget, but we searched hard and found these amazing hidden gems. When you’re craving authentic local dishes without the tourist prices, look for a “warung” instead of a restaurant. These are local, family-owned cafes with authentic food and typically lower prices!

Sun Sun Warung $

This charming little spot serves up some of the best traditional Balinese dishes we tried in Ubud. The Nasi Campur and spring rolls were absolute standouts, and for just IDR 45,000 ($2.87 USD) per person, it was a total steal!

Warung Gauri $

Located in a peaceful courtyard, Warung Gauri is a cozy little place with some of the cheapest and tastiest food in town. Don’t miss the chicken satay – it’s hands down some of the best we’ve had! Meals here are about IDR 35,000 ($2.24 USD) per person.

Surgiwa’s Warung $$

This restaurant has an upscale vibe with pretty affordable prices. The atmosphere and delicious food make it a great mid-range option. Meals here average around IDR 65,000 ($4.14 USD) per person.

Warung Garasi $

This bike/garage-themed local spot is quirky, fun, and delicious. We ate here a few times for lunch, and every meal was great. Expect to pay around IDR 35,000 ($2.24 USD) per person.

Pissari Bali Cafe $

Another great option for affordable traditional dishes, Pissari’s is perfect for a casual lunch. If you’re like us, you’ll be cycling between Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Mie Goreng (fried noodles) while you’re in Bali. These entrées here cost around IDR 45,000 ($2.87 USD) per person.

Where to Stay

For budget-conscious travelers, homestays (similar to B&Bs) are the way to go. Not only are they affordable, but many also include breakfast, which makes a huge impact on your budget over time!

We stayed at Gerhana Sari Bungalows 2 and it was so perfect that we extended our stay. If you’re looking for a cozy, family-run place, this is an excellent choice.

Getting Around

The best way to get around is with a motorbike. Ubud is very populated, and the roads can get pretty backed up during peak times, especially if you’re in a car. We rented a bike for IDR 150.000/day which was the best deal that we could find.

If you’re not comfortable with a bike, don’t worry! Grab (similar to Uber) is widely available, and a quick ride around town will only cost around IDR 15,000 ($0.96 USD).

So…Can You Travel Ubud on a Budget?

Absolutely! With a little planning and some insider knowledge, Ubud can be an affordable destination without compromising on the experience. Whether you’re exploring lush rice fields, enjoying local eats, or staying in cozy homestays, this vibrant town offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure – all while staying under your budget.

Happy travels!