Deciding where to stay in Ubud shapes your trip more than almost any other choice. Two travellers can book the same week, in the same price range, and come home with completely different memories: one of cafés, galleries and evening strolls, the other of birdsong, river sounds and the rice fields at dawn.
Neither is the wrong answer. This guide compares Ubud’s town centre with the quieter countryside to the east, around Pejeng and Tampaksiring, so you can choose the one that suits the way you like to travel.
Staying in Ubud Town Centre
The centre is the Ubud most people picture: the Royal Palace, the art market, the Monkey Forest and streets lined with cafés, yoga studios and boutiques. Staying here means you can step out of your door and be somewhere within minutes.
The upside: everything is walkable, from breakfast spots and spas to evening dance performances. It’s ideal for a first, short visit, for solo travellers who enjoy a social scene, and for anyone who wants to eat somewhere new every night.
The trade-off: Ubud has grown busy. The main roads are often congested with scooters and tour traffic, pavements can be narrow, and land is tight, so villas in town tend to be smaller and closer to their neighbours. Views and silence are harder to come by.
Staying in the Countryside Near Pejeng and Tampaksiring
Drive east for a quarter of an hour and the landscape changes. Pejeng and Tampaksiring are farming villages set among rice fields, forested valleys and the Pakerisan River, one of the most sacred waterways in Bali. This is the older heart of Balinese culture, home to Gunung Kawi’s rock-cut shrines and the holy springs of Tirta Empul.
The upside: space, privacy and genuine quiet. Villas here sit on larger plots with wide views and private pools, and the pace of village life sets the rhythm of your days. You’re also closer to East and North Bali, which makes early starts for a Mount Batur sunrise or a day at Penglipuran Village far easier.
The honest trade-off: you can’t walk to cafés. There are no streets of restaurants outside the gate, so you’ll need a car to reach central Ubud. For travellers who want to explore a different café every afternoon on foot, that matters. For those who’d rather spend the afternoon by their own pool, it’s exactly the point.
Town or Countryside: Which Is the Best Area to Stay in Ubud for You?
| Ubud Town Centre | Pejeng & Tampaksiring | |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Lively, social, busy | Quiet, green, village life |
| Walkability | Cafés and shops on foot | Car needed for town |
| Villa space | Usually compact | Larger plots, wider views |
| Privacy | Often close neighbours | High |
| Best for | Short first visits, nightlife, dining variety | Couples, families, wellness, longer stays |
A simple rule of thumb: if your plans revolve around what’s outside your villa, stay in town. If they revolve around the villa itself, and the people you’re sharing it with, a quiet villa in Ubud’s countryside will give you more of what you came for.
What a Pejeng Tampaksiring Stay Is Like at The Pala Ubud
The Pala Ubud is in Pejeng Kelod, Tampaksiring, about 15 minutes from Ubud’s cultural heart. Six private villas sit above the Pakerisan River, surrounded by rice fields, a fruit and spice garden and a small meditation forest. You can read more about the estate on The Resort page.
Because the town isn’t on the doorstep, the estate is set up so you rarely need to leave. Every villa has its own pool and butler service, with private dining, massage and spa treatments arranged in-villa. Hura Restaurant serves simple, seasonal food, much of it grown nearby, and mornings can start with riverside yoga or tea by the water. Cultural experiences such as Balinese cooking classes and offering-making happen right on the estate.
When you do want the town, your host can arrange a car with a driver at preferential rates. Not sure which villa suits your group? Our guide to choosing a private pool villa near Ubud walks through each option.
What Guests Ask Most on Arrival
How do I get to Ubud town?
It’s about a 15-minute drive. Ask your butler to arrange a car and driver for a few hours or the whole day, which is easier than navigating Ubud’s parking.
Can I walk to cafés or shops?
Not really. The surroundings are rice fields and village roads. For meals, Hura Restaurant and in-villa dining are a few steps away, and all dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
How far is the airport?
Around 1.5 hours from Ngurah Rai International Airport, depending on traffic. Private transfers can be arranged in advance.
Is the Wi-Fi good enough to work?
Yes. Complimentary Starlink satellite Wi-Fi covers the whole estate.
What’s worth seeing nearby?
Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul are close by and best visited early, before the tour groups arrive. Further afield, Mount Batur, Penglipuran Village and Tirta Gangga make excellent day trips. See our Experiences page for ideas.
Choosing Where to Stay in Ubud
If you want energy, variety and everything on foot, Ubud’s centre delivers. If you want space, silence and a deeper sense of Bali, with the town still close enough for an afternoon visit, the countryside near Pejeng is worth the short drive.
Explore our six villas or message our team on WhatsApp to check availability for your dates.
