Are you dreaming of visiting Bali but struggling to decide where to stay? Bali, also recognised as the Island of the Gods, is a picturesque and tropical heaven, home to a plethora of travel experiences for anyone exploring the island.
One of the first questions to ask yourself when trying to plan this trip is: do you have a preference for how you envision spending your days in Bali? This is, would you prefer spending your time in the sun on the beach, or venturing out to explore natural surroundings?
Whether you are searching for a bustling beach town with vibrant and sometimes crazy nightlife or a serene cultural hub nestled in lush, verdant landscapes, Bali has something for you!
Amongst all the wonderful places to choose from on this tropical island, Ubud and Seminyak are placed at the top of Bali's favourite spots list. So, the question arises, is it better to stay in Ubud or Seminyak?
Ubud is better. It is a serene and culturally rich town, surrounded by rice paddies and lush forests, that offers the perfect atmosphere for relaxation, outdoor activities, enjoying the local cuisine and thriving on the authentic Balinese experience.
Each place is known for its unique charm, vibe and attractions. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, spending your days surfing and sunbathing or a full-on adventure-oriented holiday, deciding between Ubud and Seminyak can be very challenging.
Worry not! As experienced Bali travellers, we will aim this article to help you decide which area could better suit your style and preferences when travelling to Bali. This is based on our opinions and experiences when we travelled to Bali for a couple of months.
We will aim this article to go into the differences and qualities of both Ubud and Seminyak, to help you decide which area could better suit your style and preferences when travelling to Bali. When planning our trip to Bali, we did a bit of research and thought that based on what we were after, both Ubud and Seminyak could bring us a bit of both worlds.
Is it worth staying in Ubud? Top reasons why Ubud is better to stay than Seminyak
As visitors who have travelled throughout Bali for months, we can confidently say that Ubud is one of the most worthwhile and charming places to stay on the island.
Although Seminyak boasts a reputation for its vibrant beach town vibe and top-notch dining scene, the reality is that you didn't travel all the way to Bali just to stay in a location that resembles another bustling city instead of a viby tropical place.
While Seminyak certainly is a great place to check out for a couple of days, we found that Ubud offered a much more culturally authentic Balinese experience that we could not find in Seminyak.
Here are our top reasons why Ubud is totally worth it to stay at and is a better choice than Seminyak for your next Bali trip:
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It is nestled among the mountains, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a few degrees cooler, making the daily activities a delight.
Surrounded by lush green jungles and rice fields, Ubud is simply the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and experience the Balinese local lifestyle. -
Ubud is also known as the spiritual, wellness centre and the cultural heart of Bali, offering numerous yoga and meditation studios, as well as holistic spas, among many other authentic activities.
The town is home to countless art galleries, museums, art shops, and music/dance performances, allowing you to immerse yourself in Balinese authentic culture.
It is a place where creativity and freedom are celebrated being palpable in every inch of every street where everyone is in a “good vibes only” sort of state of mind. - Ubud is a destination that promotes sustainable tourism. This is evident in many hotels around town like yoga studios, organic cafes and other places that have implemented eco-friendly initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and support the local community. Essentially promoting your well-being and health when in Bali.
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The nightlife scene in Ubud. Although the nightlife in Ubud is not as wild as the party scene in Kuta, Seminyak, or other parts of the south of Bali, there are still plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.
The atmosphere is generally more low-key and relaxed but still has a vibrant nightlife scene that can satisfy party-goers.
We found this vibe extremely refreshing as Seminyak was very overwhelming with regard to the number of people and crazy disco club panorama around that area.
There are also tons of bars and pubs offering live music performances that can make for a fantastic night out without the madness of clubbing around Seminyak or Kuta. -
Lastly, like it couldn’t be any different as Indonesia is still Asia, there are more local and traditional experiences like Ubud Night Market!
The market is usually open from the early evening until late at night, and it is delightful to stroll around it, try all of the local foods, and check out authentic handmade crafts and souvenirs.
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Ubud fantastic food scene. The town is filled with cozy cafes and restaurants offering a fantastic blend of Indonesian and international cuisines. The food scene in Ubud is vibrant and diverse with super-fresh ingredients.
We were obsessed with the banana pancakes served for breakfast pretty much everywhere in Ubud and also Bebek Betutu, which is smoked duck cooked in banana leaves and served with steamed rice and vegetables. We just thrived on fresh smoothies and food.
But, what is the best part? Well… Ubud’s food scene is not limited to restaurants and cafes. This cute tropical little town also provides an excellent street food culture.
Local Balinese street snacks include Pisang Goreng, or Bubur Ayam, made of banana fritters and rice with chicken and spices.
We would absolutely encourage you to explore Ubud’s food scene as well as the coffee culture
Ubud is home to numerous trendy and delicious cafes serving specialty coffee, with stunning views of picturesque rice paddies and jungles. The day simply starts on the right foot!
- Outdoor Activities. Ubud offers tons of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and simply strolling around the jungles.
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Hiking Mount Batur: One of the best things we did when in Ubud was a sunrise hike to Mount Batur. You will need to book a tour and have a guide with you to ensure you do this hike safely.
We can recommend The best Mount Batur Hiking tour in Bali! It is not very pricey and definitely worth it, you will not get lost, as they count with knowledgeable guides and trekkers and the panoramic views up the mount are just breathtaking.
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Monkey Forest: The Ubud Monkey Forest is one of Bali's most popular attractions, where you can interact with the playful macaque monkeys and explore the lush forest grounds.
This is another highlight of our Ubud stay. We kept coming back as it is not only beautiful to stroll around with a nice cool forest temperature but also the monkeys!
A word of advice though! The macaques in The Ubud Monkey Forest are naughty, they will steal your belongings if they are loose in your pockets or backpacks.
Ensure everything is locked and make sure you are not wearing caps, sunglasses, phones and so on.
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Waterfalls: Ubud is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including the Tegenungan Waterfall and the Nungnung Waterfall.
We hiked through the lush forests and swam in the cool waters of the Tegenungan Waterfall.
We totally recommend doing it as the scenery is beautiful and the refreshing waters just feel amazing.
Just be careful as the rocks are very slippery as they are constantly wet. For these sorts of activities, we always recommend booking a guided tour, particularly guided by locals, as they know the terrain. We always join either a private tour or a small group tour to ensure we are safe and get the most out of the experience! We joined Tegenungan Waterfall's full-day tour, as they are the best-rated and most recommended in Bali. We can totally subscribe to it, we had an amazing time.
As if it wasn’t enough fun already, you can also book a white water rafting and tons of trekking and hiking paths!
Is it worth staying in Seminyak? Why is Seminyak popular?
Seminyak is the total opposite of Ubud. Seminyak, on the other hand, is a bustling beach town located on the southwest coast of Bali.
Although it comprises a stylish and chic area on the tropical island of Bali, Seminyak is undoubtedly more famous for its lively and intense nightlife, club culture and beach vibes.
However, it may not offer the same level of cultural authenticity as Ubud.
That said, Seminyak also has an incredible surfing vibe that attracts many visitors throughout the year. The beaches are not some of the most beautiful we have seen but they are pretty and the sunsets are stunning.
Whilst we enjoyed our couple of days in Seminyak, we will honestly describe the reasons why we think that if you are limited in the time you should stay only in Ubud and why we felt that Seminyak wasn’t worth it.
If you are too curious about it and would like to check it out, maybe drive to Seminyak via taxi for a meal or a beach day.
How much is a taxi from Ubud to Seminyak?
Well, the price of a taxi from Ubud to Seminyak can vary depending on the time of day, the taxi company, and the type of vehicle you choose. Also, some drivers will try to scam you the minute they see you as a tourist, so watch out for this!
It is a good idea to only use licensed taxi companies or apps like Go-Jek or Grab to ensure a safe and reliable ride. However, as a rough estimate, a one-way trip from Ubud to Seminyak should cost around 300,000 - 400,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) or approximately $20 - $28 USD.
Here are our reasons below why Seminyak is so popular:
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Seminyak can be too crowded and touristy, which may not be ideal for travellers who prefer a quieter and more relaxed environment.
Bustling streets, loud clubs, and busy beaches. In our opinion certainly not the most romantic place. -
The cost of staying in Seminyak can be expensive compared to other areas of Bali. Seminyak is known for its high-end accommodations, luxury restaurants, trendy boutiques and overpriced cafes.
Don’t get us wrong! We thoroughly enjoyed some of those places too but definitely they are far from the authentic Balinese touch. It is definitely catered to Westerners and therefore does not charge local rates.
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While Seminyak has a coastline, the quality and the beauty of the beach can be inconsistent due to erosion, pollution and mistreatment.
If your idea of Seminyak and similar is pristine white sand beaches, sorry you won’t find them in Bali. Additionally, Seminyak's beaches may not always be the safest or cleanest for swimming. Definitely not in Seminyak.
- Traffic is insane in Seminyak!
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Although it is possible to find pockets of local culture and tradition, the growth of Seminyak is catered to the tourist industry.
Therefore, it lacks the touch of Balinese culture, it feels commercialised and in our experience, it takes away from the authenticity and actual charm of Bali.
Is it cheaper to go to Ubud or Seminyak?
When it comes to comparing the cost of living in Ubud versus Seminyak, it's worth considering a few key factors. Accommodation costs, food and drink expenses, transportation, and activities are some of the most significant expenses for travellers.
Accommodation
Accommodation costs are generally cheaper in Ubud than in Seminyak. For example, a standard double room in Ubud can cost anywhere between IDR 200,000 to IDR 500,000 per night, while a similar room in Seminyak could cost up to IDR 1,500,000 per night.
However, if you are looking for luxury villas or resorts, the price difference may not be as significant between the two destinations. Fall in Love with Rose Moon is the hotel we stayed at when we spent our months in Ubud and comparatively with Seminyak the price was considerably higher in Seminyak for a similar place. We can honestly recommend this place, the staff are super friendly and helpful and the place is gorgeous at a very affordable price.
Food and drink
Food and drink expenses are also generally cheaper in Ubud than in Seminyak. Ubud is well-known for its traditional Indonesian dishes, such as nasi goreng and gado-gado, which are both affordable and delicious.
You can easily find a tasty meal for under IDR 50,000 in Ubud, while in Seminyak, a meal at a fancy restaurant can easily set you back IDR 200,000 or more.
Transportation
Transportation costs are similar in both destinations, although it's worth noting that Seminyak is more spread out than Ubud, and you may need to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services to get around.
Activities such as spa treatments and outdoor adventures like white-water rafting are also generally more affordable in Ubud.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, the decision of whether to stay in Ubud or Seminyak obviously comes down to your personal preference.
If you were looking for a peaceful and cultural experience surrounded by green jungles, then, Ubud is the perfect place. This is one that we would recommend when visiting Bali as you can still get some nightlife action and some f the perks of a social town. Here is the map of the best areas of Ubud to stay in, have a look to get a great overview of the place to help you detail your plans better:
On the contrary, if your idea of spending your days in Bali is a crazy party, catching some waves in not-so-nice looking beaches but enjoying the sun and the sea, then Seminyak would suit you better.
Finally, we think one of the things that makes Ubud so special is its sense of community. This gorgeous town has managed to retain a friendly and welcoming local vibe that is hard to find somewhere else in Bali.
Also, it makes it a great “home base” for exploring the rest of Bali on day trips or for a couple of days without having to carry all your things with you all the time.
While there is certainly enough to keep you busy in and around Ubud itself, it is also cool to explore everything that the island has to offer like Seminyak!