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

Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort

9.2/10Great450 Ulasan

Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km dari pusat bandar

An excellent hotel with a wonderful atmosphere! My impressions of the service, rooms, and grounds were all very positive. The grounds are large, well-maintained, and secure. The highlight was definitely the abundance of squirrels running everywhere, even jumping onto our balcony! You can also feed them at the restaurant during breakfast. The hotel also has great, spacious pools. The staff are very friendly and responsive. Upon check-in, the reception immediately provided a schedule of activities (unfortunately, we couldn't participate this time, but the idea itself is great). The rooms are clean, housekeeping is thorough, and all necessities are restocked promptly. There's a wonderful, pleasant aroma in the lobby area. I was also pleased to find a billiards table for entertainment. Breakfasts were varied, with a great selection of dishes from different cuisines worldwide. A huge plus is having a private beach. A shuttle bus runs every hour to and from the beach, and there are always free spots available. A minor drawback: for the shopping transfer, one bus picks up guests from three hotels at once, which sometimes means there simply aren't enough seats inside. Overall, the vacation was a success, and I definitely recommend this hotel!

DariTHB 3,011

Ayung Resort Ubud

9.3/10Great111 Ulasan

Ubud Bali|22.98km dari pusat bandar

This is a premium hotel far outside of Ubud center. Be aware you are about 30 minutes from Ubud if you stay here and there really isn't much to do in the immediate area besides stare at the jungle. Staff was outstanding here with frequent greetings by name and remembering you like a Ritz Carlton. Because I enjoy regular outings I actually found the location quite inconvenient as an hour a day would have to be devoted just to getting to and from Ubud. The room I got was enormous and included a dining room, sitting room, bedroom, large bathroom. The in room amenities were great including a free restocking mini bar with snacks (no alcohol) and a large smart TV. The bed was huge, soft, and comfortable. The bathtub was a downside as it was quite small by western standards (not as small as a japanese tub though). I'm not a very big individual at 173cm and I felt it was too narrow and not long enough. Perhaps suitable for petite individuals only. Be aware of that if like me and many Americans you prefer baths over showers. The property is very large and you will likely want to regularly use the phone to request the on site golf cart shuttles to get around it as otherwise you will spend much of your time walking uphill from the rooms to the amenities near the entrance like the restaurant and pool.

DariTHB 2,907

InterContinental BALI RESORT by IHG

9.2/10Great552 Ulasan

Jimbaran Bali|14.95km dari pusat bandar

We chose this hotel for the last two nights of our Bali trip because it offered excellent value compared to many other resorts in Bali and even other InterContinental properties. The resort itself is huge, with a wide variety of facilities including separate adult and family pools, an indoor gym, a calisthenics gym, beautiful ponds, direct beach access, and very friendly staff. On paper, it seemed like a fantastic choice. Unfortunately, our stay turned out to be extremely disappointing. We stayed in room number 4127. On our first night, both of us woke up covered in insect bites despite sleeping tucked under the blankets. Around midnight, we had to spray both the bed and ourselves with insect repellent just to get through the night. The following morning, we reported the issue and requested a room change because we were concerned there might be insects in the mattress. Instead, we were only offered fresh bed sheets and a general cleaning of the room. Sadly, the exact same thing happened again on the second night. We woke up with even more bites and no longer felt safe sleeping in the bed. We strongly suspected there were bugs hiding in the mattress. We ended up leaving the room in the middle of the night and spent the rest of the night in the hotel lobby because we were too afraid to return to bed. What disappointed us the most was how the situation was handled. We showed the staff numerous photos documenting the bites over both nights, yet the only compensation offered was to waive a small bill (about RMB 55) for an ice cream and a coffee. Considering we lost two nights of sleep, experienced significant discomfort, and had to spend an entire night in the lobby, this response felt inadequate and did not reflect the level of service we expected. In addition, the hotel itself feels quite dated. Although it has its charm, many areas appear to have aged significantly. The towels were noticeably worn, wooden fixtures were chipped, and the overall condition suggested the property is overdue for a major renovation. We genuinely wanted to enjoy our stay because the resort has so much potential. The grounds are beautiful, the facilities are plentiful, and the staff we interacted with were polite and friendly. However, the insect issue and the hotel’s response overshadowed everything else. We hope management takes this feedback seriously and thoroughly investigates the mattresses and rooms so future guests do not have the same experience.

DariTHB 5,820

Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa

9.3/10Great555 Ulasan

Uluwatu Bali|19.37km dari pusat bandar

The hotel is located on a hill, quite high up, so you definitely need a car to get around. There's one road that's in terrible condition – avoid it at all costs. The hotel is a bit older, so the rooms aren't brand new, but they are comfortable enough. The bathroom is as spacious as the bedroom, which is great. Breakfast was plentiful but not particularly tasty (a common issue in Bali). I bought a voucher for 800 RMB including breakfast for two during a promotion, and using it in June made it a really good deal. However, if it were 1000 RMB per night, I think there would be better options available.

DariTHB 6,294

Alaya Resort Ubud

9.4/10Amazing567 Ulasan

Ubud Bali|16km dari pusat bandar

I recently stayed at Alaya Resort Ubud during my trip to Bali, and I was extremely satisfied with the overall experience. The hotel perfectly embodies the Balinese style, with a very comfortable environment that immediately puts you in a relaxed, holiday mood as soon as you step in. The room was spacious and very clean, with a simple yet locally-inspired design that made for a very comfortable stay. What I loved most was being surrounded by lush greenery; waking up to that view really brightened my mood. The pool area is beautiful and meticulously maintained, perfect for unwinding. The breakfast selection was extensive and tasty, allowing for a leisurely start to each day. What truly stood out was the staff. Every single person was incredibly friendly and enthusiastic, providing thoughtful service from check-in to check-out, which significantly enhanced my entire trip. The location is also very convenient, with many restaurants nearby. The in-house massage spa is excellent, and guests get a 20% discount on treatments. Overall, this was one of my favorite hotels from my Bali trip. I would definitely choose to stay here again if I return to Ubud. Highly recommended!

DariTHB 5,207

Business travel

Sense Sunset Hotel Seminyak

7.9/10Good417 Ulasan

Seminyak Bali|6.6km dari pusat bandar

Pleasant experience with this hotel but never stay long enough to give valuable feedback. However, from check-in to check-out, it was a seamless experience. Staffs are very nice. Upon entering the room, the taps, shower head, and toilet flush are very rusty & mouldy.. We requested for a change but water output was not better.. It was splashing in all directions, making washing up not a very pleasant experience. But you pay for what you get which was reasonable as long as water is clean.

DariTHB 410

Prama Sanur Beach Bali

8.9/10Very Good412 Ulasan

Sanur Bali|7.01km dari pusat bandar

Prama Sanur Beach Bali is an established resort offering great value for money. Its biggest draw is the private beachfront, perfect for catching stunning sunrises, cycling, and enjoying water sports right from the hotel. The pool is large and surrounded by lush greenery. However, since the hotel has been around for a while, the rooms and bathrooms show their age. Overall, it's a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize a wide range of facilities and relaxing sea views, and aren't overly particular about the newest amenities.

DariTHB 2,952

Eden Hotel Kuta Bali

8.3/10Very Good326 Ulasan

Kuta Bali|10.42km dari pusat bandar

Really nice hotel, excellent value. I was only there for 1 night, but wish it was longer. Great location nearby the airport and plenty around the local area. Room was very spacious and well equipped. The stand out was the food from the room service, which was very inexpensive, and was exceptional (pictured), would highly recommend. Staff all polite and friendly.

DariTHB 579

Kuta Beach Club Hotel

9/10Great740 Ulasan

Kuta Bali|9.39km dari pusat bandar

We like the hotel and we had pleasant stay. The pool and the room were very good. The door to the balcony couldn’t close but after contacting reception , they sent staff come to fixit straight away. The night we stay was Tuesday. The hotel had buffet dinner with dance. We heard the music from the pool and went there for dinner. They said that if will be until 10PM. But when we agreed to come, buffet almost gone, I asked few time why no more food? They asked what I want they will make. Thats not the way buffet supposes to be. And the music and dance often break very long. Form when I joined until I nearly full, no music or dance. I asked the man who stayed outside to invite customers in: what’s giọng on? He went to ask them to play music. But the dancers only started after 10 minutes. They danced 10 minutes and break again. I was very upset. That night was my last night in Bali. The next morning breakfast buffet was much nicer. I hope the hotel can manage the dance better to let customers enjoy. And FYI, that night music and dance finished at 8:30PM. Not 10PM like they told me. I posted some photos with full of food and some empty for your reference . than

DariTHB 1,424

D'Primahotel Petitenget Seminyak 2

8.8/10Very Good400 Ulasan

Seminyak Bali|6.77km dari pusat bandar

Very friendly staff and very helpful. Room is clean and sparkling. Location is near to seminyak beach around 10-15 mins gojek/bike . Nook restaurant isnear around 10mins walk. 35 mins from the airport but traffic isquite bad so may take longer. There’s a bistro beside the hotel, sometimes can be a little noisy, but overall i had great experiance. Will consider staying there again when i visit bali

DariTHB 761

Breakfast

Kenran Resort Ubud by Soscomma

8.9/10Very Good353 Ulasan

Ubud Bali|21.48km dari pusat bandar

The cliffside infinity pool offers stunning views of the rainforest terraces and valleys, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets – perfect for incredible photos. Enjoy ultimate privacy in a secluded rainforest villa, quiet and peaceful, far from the hustle and bustle of Ubud. The butler service is attentive, there's a 24-hour front desk, free city shuttle, professional spa, and the floating breakfast is amazing. The rooms are spacious, with Zen-inspired Balinese decor, clean, tidy, and have excellent terrace views. Forest yoga and rice field trekking provide a healing and relaxing experience, making it ideal for a romantic honeymoon. Be aware of mosquitoes and geckos: it's inevitable in a rainforest villa, and you might occasionally find small lizards indoors, so definitely come prepared with mosquito repellent.

DariTHB 2,611

Fox Hotel Jimbaran Beach Bali

9/10Great545 Ulasan

Jimbaran Bali|14.1km dari pusat bandar

I rode my motorcycle all the way from Sanur to this hotel, and honestly, the entire journey, the scenery I encountered, and the experiences along the way probably left a stronger impression on me than the hotel stay itself. The hotel is very close to Jimbaran Beach 🏖️, just a 700-800 meter walk. You can catch the sunrise there in the morning, and there are even foreigners jogging on the beach – it's a wonderfully relaxing vibe. Its location is also super convenient for Bali Airport, only about 6 kilometers by car. Oh, and about 300 meters from the hotel, there's a restaurant called CUCABALI with a fantastic ambiance. It's perfect for a holiday or a date. When I was there, an elderly English couple was having dinner at the next table. The man kept laughing throughout their meal, and although I couldn't understand what they were saying, we ended up leaving at the same time when it was time to pay. Out of curiosity, I asked them, and they said it was their 40th wedding anniversary (or some anniversary). It felt incredibly sweet and lovely.

DariTHB 1,464

The Apurva Kempinski Bali

9.5/10Amazing1154 Ulasan

Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km dari pusat bandar

My first time at a Kempinski hotel, and everything was truly top-notch, just as I'd heard – the elegant atmosphere, the staff's service, and the breakfast. All the staff had lovely smiles, and it made me want to visit Bali again just to stay here. The hotel itself felt like a museum, and the gardens were beautiful with colorful, tropical flowers. I was also impressed by how clean everything was; the staff were constantly tidying up. I only stayed for one night, but I was able to use the pool even after checking out, which allowed me to enjoy my stay 120%! It was a wonderful memory. Thank you!

DariTHB 13,301

Holiday Inn Resort BALI NUSA DUA by IHG

8.7/10Very 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!

DariTHB 3,105

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali

9.1/10Great184 Ulasan

Jimbaran Bali|15.75km dari pusat bandar

Here’s a more natural and polished version of your review: We love Mövenpick Hotels, even though we don’t have kids yet. If you’re looking for a family-friendly retreat with plenty of fun activities for children and an amazing pool experience, this is the perfect hotel. The breakfast was delicious, and the hotel provides a complimentary buggy to the beach every hour. Alternatively, it’s only a 5–10 minute walk. Our only disappointment was the Chocolate Hour, which is a signature experience at Mövenpick Hotels. Unfortunately, it was the least impressive Chocolate Hour we’ve experienced compared to other Mövenpick properties. Everything else was excellent, and we had a wonderful stay.

DariTHB 4,430

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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