Best Ways to Get from Denpasar to Ubud in Bali

Oleh Sakura

26 Mei 2026

Located in the heart of Bali, Ubud is one of the most popular destinations among Malaysian travellers looking for a relaxing and cultural getaway. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, Ubud offers beautiful rice terraces, charming cafes, ancient temples, wellness retreats, and stunning nature experiences. From enjoying scenic jungle views and traditional Balinese culture to exploring local markets and spa resorts, Ubud provides a different side of Bali beyond the island’s famous beaches.

Hotels in Bali

Flights to Bali

Private Airport Transfer

A private airport transfer is one of the most comfortable and convenient ways to travel from Ngurah Rai International Airport to Ubud. This option is especially suitable for families, groups, or first-time visitors who want a smooth and stress-free journey after arriving in Bali.

Information	Details
Estimated Cost	Around RM70 – RM140 depending on vehicle type and season
Travel Time	Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic
Best For	Families, groups, travellers with large luggage
Main Advantages	Comfortable, direct transfer, air-conditioned vehicle, convenient hotel drop-off
Main Disadvantages	More expensive compared to buses or ride-hailing apps
Booking Options	Online travel platforms, hotels, local transport providers
Recommended For First-Time Visitors	Yes

Drivers usually provide direct hotel drop-off in Ubud, and travellers can easily pre-book the service online before departure.

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Taxi, Grab & Gojek

Taking a taxi, Grab, or Gojek is one of the most popular transport options for Malaysian travellers heading from Ngurah Rai International Airport to Ubud. These services are suitable for budget-conscious travellers and small groups looking for a flexible and convenient journey. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek are easy to use and offer cashless payment options, making them convenient for tourists.

Information	Details
Estimated Cost	Around RM50 – RM120 depending on traffic and demand
Travel Time	Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Best For	Solo travellers, couples, and small groups
Main Advantages	Affordable, flexible booking, easy app usage, cashless payment
Main Disadvantages	Traffic surcharges during peak hours, possible waiting time at airport pickup area
Payment Methods	Cash, credit/debit card, e-wallet
Important Tip	Download Grab or Gojek before arriving in Bali
Recommended For First-Time Visitors	Yes, especially for travellers familiar with ride-hailing apps

Compared to airport taxis, ride-hailing services are usually cheaper, although pickup areas may be slightly further from the arrival terminal. Late-night arrivals are generally not a problem as transport services are widely available throughout the day and night.

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Public Bus (Kura-Kura Bus)

The Kura-Kura Bus is one of the cheapest ways to travel from Denpasar to Ubud. This tourist-friendly shuttle bus is suitable for budget travellers who do not mind a longer journey. The buses usually depart from the DFS Galleria area in Bali and travel to several popular tourist destinations, including Ubud.

Information	Details
Estimated Cost	Around RM10 – RM30 depending on route and ticket type
Departure Point	DFS Galleria, Bali
Travel Time	Approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and stops
Best For	Budget travellers, backpackers, solo travellers
Main Advantages	Cheapest transport option, tourist-friendly, easy route connections
Main Disadvantages	Longer travel time, fixed schedule, limited luggage space
Luggage Information	Suitable for small to medium luggage only
Recommended For First-Time Visitors	Yes, for travellers comfortable with public transport

Although the journey is slower compared to private transfers or ride-hailing services, it remains an affordable option for backpackers and solo travellers.

Recommended Hotels in Ubud

5 star

Hotel Nikko Bali Benoa Beach

8.9/10Very Good199 Ulasan

Nusa Dua Bali|12.86km dari pusat bandar

Hotel Nikko Bali delivered a great holiday for us. Everything from the grounds to the hospitality was top-notch, and we really enjoyed every moment. The only small area for improvement would be expanding the breakfast buffet spread, as it felt a little limited compared to other 5-star resorts. That said, it was still a lovely stay and we’d happily return.

DariDKK 481

Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort

9.2/10Great464 Ulasan

Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km dari pusat bandar

This hotel is a true value king under the Marriott brand, offering consistent quality at a highly competitive price compared to other hotels. While it's not directly beachfront, the hotel provides a shuttle service to its private beach, complete with dedicated beach service. It's conveniently located within walking distance of Nusa Dua's largest shopping mall, and just outside the hotel, you'll find a street filled with dining options, making meals incredibly easy.

DariDKK 745

Hard Rock Hotel Bali

9.2/10Great852 Ulasan

Kuta Bali|9.2km dari pusat bandar

Excellent hotel, super location. Malls are nearby, plenty of places to walk around and eat. The ocean is just a 5-minute walk for a dip in the waves. It's also the best location for excursions. The pools are fantastic, and there are slides for the kids. The hotel food is very tasty and not expensive. The staff is simply amazing!

DariDKK 1,093

Hilton Bali Resort

9/10Great829 Ulasan

Nusa Dua Bali|18.83km dari pusat bandar

I have a very pleasant stay here. At 2014 back then when it is still Nikko, my brother had his wedding here and I appreciate the hotel still have their name hang in the wall near Wiwaha Chapel. The room is spacious and clean. The AC works really well. View from our room is so beautiful. Make sure to book the ocean view to enoy the beauty of Bali. We had Mexican dinner at Grain Restaurant, delicious food with Latin live band boost up the mood. Thank you Mrs. Sumerti for the hospitality during dinner. Definitely stay here if I visit Bali!

DariDKK 777

Bali Tropic Resort & Spa

9.2/10Great131 Ulasan

Nusa Dua Bali|14.42km dari pusat bandar

I had a wonderful 5-day stay at Bali Tropical Resort & Spa. The resort is beautifully maintained, with lush gardens, a relaxing beachfront, and a calm, authentic Balinese atmosphere. The staff were consistently warm, attentive, and eager to help, which made the stay feel truly welcoming. Rooms were comfortable and clean, and the food offered good variety with plenty of local flavors. Overall, it’s a great choice for a peaceful, well-rounded Bali getaway.

DariDKK 619

Business travel

Sense Sunset Hotel Seminyak

7.9/10Good408 Ulasan

Seminyak Bali|6.6km dari pusat bandar

The hotel is located in a quiet area with convenience stores nearby, which was very convenient. Room size was comfortable and cleanliness was acceptable. The only downside was the weak water pressure in the bathroom. Staff service was great and friendly throughout the stay. The swimming pool was definitely one of the highlights.

DariDKK 81

Prama Sanur Beach Bali

8.9/10Very Good421 Ulasan

Sanur Bali|7.01km dari pusat bandar

We made a last-minute decision to visit during the summer holidays and chose this hotel because of its proximity to the beach. I was prepared for an older hotel in an older area, and that's exactly what it was; there were quite a few middle-aged and elderly guests. However, the hotel's pool and garden views were quite nice, and the rooms had been renovated. The showerhead wasn't discolored, and the water quality was fine. Breakfast was acceptable, I'd give it an 80%. Besides the locally grown papaya, nothing else really stood out. We received drink vouchers for the restaurant bar, which was a pleasant place to relax. Bicycles were available for rent, and cycling along the beach was very enjoyable. There's a good restaurant by the hotel beach, with a 4.9-star rating on Google Maps. We ordered three set meals for over RMB 600 (including a significant service charge). However, there were some downsides: 1. The hairdryer was broken. I specifically went to the front desk to ask for a replacement, but nothing was done. Luckily, it was summer. 2. Service discrimination favoring Caucasians. When queuing for eggs🍳, a Caucasian lady behind me asked for soft-boiled eggs. The chef, with an ingratiating smile, went out of his way to cater to her request, spending considerable time and completely ignoring my🍳, which was ahead of hers. Only after he finished serving the Caucasian lady with a bow did he turn to my eggs, which were already overcooked. He just made an awkward sound and offered no apology. 3. For an Indonesian hotel costing over RMB 1000 a night, I discovered upon leaving that there were green crayon marks on the quilt (near the foot end) (see picture). Are they so stingy with linen that they won't discard it?

DariDKK 444

Eden Hotel Kuta Bali

8.1/10Very Good351 Ulasan

Kuta Bali|10.42km dari pusat bandar

Front desk very friendly and helpful, the green color tone in the room and toilet is very nice (personally). This is the 4th hotel in this trip, and this hotel providede the best quality of sleep, very comfortable. The floor is a bit oily after in contact with water, not sure if its something i did, slightly uncomfortable to walk in.

DariDKK 97

Kuta Beach Club Hotel

8.9/10Very Good761 Ulasan

Kuta Bali|9.39km dari pusat bandar

This hotel boasts a spacious property, and from the moment you step in, you're enveloped in a holiday atmosphere. It features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and is surrounded by lush, vibrant greenery. The room facilities are simple but complete, and the hygiene is excellent. Our room thoughtfully included an extra bed for the child, which was surprisingly comfortable. The hotel is relatively close to the airport, taking about 28 minutes during busy times. Overall, it offers great value for money in the Kuta area.

DariDKK 251

D'Primahotel Petitenget Seminyak 2

8.9/10Very Good450 Ulasan

Seminyak Bali|6.77km dari pusat bandar

The staff were very friendly, helpful, and genuinely service-minded. They were also happy to recommend places and things to do around the area, which we really appreciated. Unfortunately, there were several issues that significantly affected our stay. During the daytime, there was some burning happening around the nearby rice field, and the smell came directly into our room. It became uncomfortable enough that we had to leave the hotel for a few hours and only came back in the evening. The biggest problem, however, was the air conditioning. In the middle of the night, the room became extremely cold even though we had not intended to make it that cold. We were surprised to find the air conditioner running at 17°C with the fan at maximum speed. We had to wake up several times to adjust the temperature, and because of this we could not sleep properly until early morning. The Wi-Fi was also very poor. Once our phones connected to the hotel Wi-Fi, the internet was practically unusable, so we eventually had to disconnect and use our own roaming mobile data instead. Overall, the staff and service were good, but the air conditioning and internet problems seriously affected the comfort of our stay. If these two issues were fixed, the experience would be much better.

DariDKK 131

Breakfast

Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa

9.4/10Amazing578 Ulasan

Uluwatu Bali|19.37km dari pusat bandar

This beautiful hotel has a vantage point of the entire Uluwatu region as far as seeing the aircraft landing into the airport. Everything is spectacular, especially the upper and lower infinity pools. Breakfast is bountiful. The best thing is you get free shuttle and access to the RoosterFish Beach club, which is great if you want a change of scenery at Pandawa beach. A lot of guests stay here because of this perk. Top notch service as everyone greets you with a smile. Seeing that I was travelling alone and staying only for one night, Aldi at the front desk made sure I had a great stay and gave me an amazing upgrade to their seaview terrace room, which really elevated my whole stay as I used the sundeck to sunbathe. I am genuinely grateful and will always remember my wonderful time at the Renaissance Uluwatu!

DariDKK 1,118

Kenran Resort Ubud by Soscomma

8.8/10Very Good405 Ulasan

Ubud Bali|21.48km dari pusat bandar

My stay at Kenran Resort Ubud was mixed. I had specifically booked a room with a terrace on the 2nd or 3rd floor, but when I arrived, I was given a room on the 1st floor instead. Unfortunately, the room had a very strong mold smell, which made the first night quite unpleasant. I raised the issue with the staff, and only after a fairly long discussion did they agree to move me to another room the following day. Once I was moved to the 3rd floor, the experience changed completely. The room was much better, and the views from the resort were genuinely beautiful. My main advice to future guests would be to check the room carefully when you arrive, especially if you are placed on the 1st floor. Based on my experience, I would personally avoid the first-floor rooms. The breakfast was another weak point for me. The menu felt limited and could definitely be improved. Overall, the resort has amazing views and a lot of potential, and my stay became very enjoyable after moving to the 3rd floor. However, the first-day room issue and the breakfast quality stopped it from being a great experience from the beginning.

DariDKK 524

Fox Hotel Jimbaran Beach Bali

8.9/10Very Good601 Ulasan

Jimbaran Bali|14.1km dari pusat bandar

The hotel is very close to Jimbaran Beach, only a 6-7 minute walk away. Plus, there's a really good Indonesian restaurant right outside the hotel that's not too expensive. The hotel facilities themselves are a bit old, but they're well-maintained. The infinity pool on the top floor is very comfortable and offers great views :) At night, there's a night market on the road outside the hotel. It's crowded, but there's also a lot of traffic, so walking can be dangerous. I didn't try the food, so I don't know if it's good, haha. This hotel is part of ASR Ascott, but I enquired beforehand and they don't offer any special member benefits. So it's cheaper to just book through a third-party platform :)

DariDKK 210

The Apurva Kempinski Bali

9.5/10Amazing1196 Ulasan

Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km dari pusat bandar

I finally got to stay at the Kempinski, which I'd been looking forward to! It's an absolutely wonderful hotel, from the magnificent lobby to the spectacular view of the Indian Ocean from the lobby. There was one time after check-in when the elevator stopped on the way to our room, but it was promptly reported to a supervisor and maintenance was performed, which put us at ease. We also received apologies via WhatsApp and at check-out, leaving us with the impression that this is a very trustworthy hotel. Besides the excellent facilities like the restaurants and room cleanliness, the staff's hospitality was also outstanding. This is definitely the hotel I want to stay at again next time I visit Bali.

DariDKK 2,294

Holiday Inn Resort BALI NUSA DUA by IHG

8.8/10Very Good173 Ulasan

Nusa Dua Bali|14km dari pusat bandar

This hotel is a very good choice 👍🏼 I am a little picky, but here’s my review: Pros: ✅ No damp smell, well ventilated ( I was worried about this) ✅ No insects in the room. There might be some geckos 🦎 (which is normal and expected) but I didn’t see any. ✅ Very clean in general ✅ Comfortable bed ✅ The service is amazing ✅ The staff is very friendly and helpful ✅ The breakfast is very good, there are plenty of choices. ✅ Their restaurant is also very good, in case you don’t want to go out of the resort. ✅ The vibe at the beach is nice and if you like water sports it is also good. ✅ The pool is huge and very nice ✅ Reasonable price (but it will depend on the season and demand) Cons: 😑 Sound proof can be better, one can hear everyone from the pool (the sound enters from the main door) 😑 The beach is not the best for swimming, and is a bit dirty in general (not the hotel’s fault) 😑 The gym can be better as there are only 3 machines (spinning, treadmill and elliptical) the dumbbells are fine ✅😄 Overall, recommended! I was happy with my stay at this hotel! It is good to give it a try!

DariDKK 666

Scooter / Motorbike Ride

Riding a scooter or motorbike is a popular way to travel around Bali and is often the fastest option when travelling from Denpasar to Ubud during heavy traffic. Many travellers choose this option because it is affordable, flexible, and convenient for exploring Bali’s smaller roads and scenic areas.

Information	Details
Estimated Cost	Around RM20 – RM50 per day for scooter rental
Travel Time	Approximately 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic
Best For	Solo travellers and experienced riders
Main Advantages	Fast during traffic jams, affordable, flexible travel
Main Disadvantages	Less comfortable for long rides, not suitable for heavy luggage
Safety Requirement	International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended
Important Safety Tips	Always wear a helmet and follow local traffic rules
Weather Consideration	Not ideal during heavy rain
Recommended For Beginners	No, Bali roads can be busy and challenging for new riders

However, scooters are only suitable for travellers with light luggage and some riding experience.

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Best Time to Travel to Ubud

Travelling from Denpasar to Ubud is usually more comfortable in the morning when traffic is lighter and the weather is cooler. Visitors are encouraged to avoid evening rush hours as roads in Bali can become very busy.

Information	Details
Best Travel Time	Morning
Reason	Less traffic and cooler weather
Rush Hour to Avoid	Late afternoon to evening
Best Season to Visit	Dry season (April – October)
Dry Season Advantages	Better weather, easier sightseeing, suitable for outdoor activities
Rainy Season Period	November – March
Rainy Season Disadvantages	Heavy rain, slippery roads, slower travel time
Recommended For Scooter Riders	Dry season for safer road conditions

The dry season is generally the best time to visit Ubud because outdoor activities and sightseeing are easier to enjoy, while the rainy season may bring slower journeys and wet road conditions.

Sehala
Pergi Balik

Attractions in Ubud

Ubud is well known for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can explore scenic rice terraces, traditional temples, art markets, nature spots, and wellness retreats throughout the area.

Attraction	Description
Tegallalang Rice Terrace	Famous rice terraces with scenic green landscapes and photo spots
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary	Popular forest sanctuary with free-roaming monkeys and ancient temples
Ubud Palace	Traditional Balinese palace located in the centre of Ubud
Ubud Art Market	Local market selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and artwork
Campuhan Ridge Walk	Scenic walking trail with peaceful hill and jungle views
Tirta Empul Temple	Historic Hindu temple famous for its holy water purification ritual
Goa Gajah	Ancient temple site also known as the Elephant Cave
Tegenungan Waterfall	Popular waterfall surrounded by tropical greenery
Wellness Retreats and Spas	Relaxing spa treatments, yoga studios, and wellness centres throughout Ubud
Cafes and Restaurants	Popular dining spots offering local Balinese food and international cuisine

Ubud is also popular for its cafes, jungle views, and traditional Balinese experiences, making it one of the most visited destinations in Bali.

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FAQs

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Produk berkaitan

Denpasar to Ubud

Sakura

Travel Writer

Lihat profil

She is a passionate writer who enjoys creating simple, helpful, and easy-to-understand content. With a strong interest in travel and practical guides, she aims to share useful information that helps readers plan better and travel with confidence. Through clear and straightforward writing, she hopes to make every journey feel less complicated and more enjoyable.

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