Central Ubud

Central Ubud has the most attractions, restaurants and services within walking distance, which makes it the most convenient base for a first visit. In return you get crowds, traffic and constant sales offers.

Central Ubud, around the Ubud Palace, the art market and Jalan Raya Ubud, is the busiest part of town and the easiest base for a first visit. Market stalls, museums, galleries and temples are all within walking distance, and there are traditional dance performances most evenings at the palace and nearby venues. Streets stay busy until about 10 or 11 pm, then empty out quickly. Eating alone is normal, whether at a warung or a nicer restaurant. The main annoyances are constant offers of taxis, massages and tours, plus narrow broken pavements and heavy scooter traffic. Pickpocketing and bag snatching can happen around the market and in crowds, and market sellers sometimes quote inflated prices. After dark the main road is lit and busy, but side lanes get dark fast, so book a ride rather than walking long distances.