Choosing the Best Area to Stay in Ubud
Choosing the best area to stay in Ubud usually means picking between two different experiences. You can stay in the town centre, close to restaurants, galleries, and landmarks you can walk to. Or you can stay on the surrounding ridges, where river valleys and lush greenery replace the busy streets.
There isn’t one choice that’s best for everyone. What matters is knowing what each area offers and how it matches the kind of holiday you want.
Staying in the Town Centre
Central Ubud is small, easy to walk around, and lively from morning to night. If you stay here, you’ll be near Ubud Palace, the art market, cafés, galleries, and restaurants. You can have breakfast, visit a temple, enjoy lunch at a warung, and see a dance performance all in one day.
If you want to step outside and start exploring right away, the centre is a great choice. It’s especially good for short trips, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants easy access to Ubud’s shops, restaurants, and sights.
The downside is that it’s busier. Jalan Raya Ubud and nearby streets have regular traffic, especially during the day. Places to stay in the centre might offer less privacy and fewer open views, since many are built in gardens or close to other buildings.
Central Ubud is a good choice if you plan to spend most of your day exploring and want the convenience of walking everywhere.
Staying on the Valley Ridge
Just a few kilometres from the centre, Ubud feels different. Streets turn into rice fields, river valleys, and thick tropical greenery. The ridges above the Petanu and Ayung rivers offer a new kind of stay, where the landscape is a big part of your experience.
The main downside is the distance. Central Ubud isn’t a short walk anymore, so you’ll need a car or motorbike to get into town. For example, from Viceroy Bali, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the centre, depending on traffic.
Whether that distance is a problem really depends on how you want to spend your holiday.
Being farther from town gives you a clear break between busy days exploring Ubud and quiet time back at your retreat. You can visit the town, see temples, and browse galleries, then come back to a private villa above the valley.
The ridge is especially good for honeymooners, couples, or anyone who wants their accommodation to be a big part of the holiday, not just a place to sleep.
The Appeal of a Valley View Retreat in Ubud
A valley view retreat in Ubud gives you more than just a pretty picture. The setting changes how you spend your day.
Ridge-side properties are often built to fit the landscape, with villas, private pools, and terraces facing the valley. The open views give you a real sense of space, especially compared to the more closed-in feel of central Ubud.
The landscape also creates a different mood. You might start your morning with mist in the gorge and enjoy the green valley from your villa. In the evening, you can come back to a peaceful spot away from the busy town centre.
Privacy is another big draw. A villa facing the river valley lets you look out over open land instead of another building. If you choose a private pool villa, you get even more privacy, while a shared infinity pool gives you another way to enjoy the views. All of this makes your stay feel more like a true retreat.
The Best Area to Stay in Ubud Depends on How You Want to Spend Your Mornings
Here’s a simple way to decide: What does your perfect holiday morning look like?
If you like to step outside, grab a coffee, and walk to a gallery, market, or temple, central Ubud is probably right for you. Being close to town might matter more than having a private valley view.
If your perfect morning is a quiet swim, a slow breakfast, and time to enjoy the view before deciding what to do, the valley ridge could be a better fit.
Staying outside the centre doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on Ubud. It just gives you a different way to experience the town. You can explore all day, then come back to a peaceful place to relax.
Neither option is better. They just offer different ways to enjoy Ubud.
A Boutique Retreat Above the Valley of the Kings
Since 2005, Viceroy Bali has been a quieter alternative. This family-owned boutique retreat sits on a ridge above the Valley of the Kings, with the Petanu River gorge below.
The property has 40 private pool villas, all facing the valley, and each one has a heated private pool. The land in front is privately leased, which helps keep the valley views open and uninterrupted.
You can drive to central Ubud in just a few minutes, then come back to the quiet surroundings after exploring. Viceroy Bali shows what the valley ridge offers: access to Ubud without being in the middle of the busiest streets.
Viceroy Bali holds One MICHELIN Key and achieved GSTC Certification in June 2026 following independent verification by Control Union.
If you want privacy, open views, and a bit of distance from the centre, the valley ridge is a great alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Area to Stay in Ubud?
The best area depends on how you want to experience Ubud. Central Ubud is better if you want to walk to restaurants, shops and attractions. The surrounding ridges may suit you better if you prefer privacy, valley views and a quieter place to return to after exploring.
Is It Better to Stay in Central Ubud or Outside the Town Centre?
Central Ubud offers convenience and walkability, while accommodation outside the centre generally offers more space and a quieter natural setting. If you are planning a longer or more relaxed stay, the surrounding valleys and ridges may be a better fit.
How Far Is Viceroy Bali from Central Ubud?
Viceroy Bali is approximately 5 to 10 minutes by car from central Ubud, depending on traffic.
Are Valley View Retreats in Ubud Suitable for Couples?
Yes. Valley view retreats can be particularly suitable if you value privacy, scenic surroundings and time to enjoy your accommodation. A private pool villa lets you enjoy the valley views from your own space, while shared facilities such as an infinity pool offer another way to appreciate the landscape.
Is Viceroy Bali a Boutique Retreat in Ubud?
Yes. Viceroy Bali is a family-owned boutique retreat in Ubud with 40 private pool villas above the Valley of the Kings.
