Best Ways to Get from Denpasar to Ubud in Bali

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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.

Private Airport Transfer

PRIVATE 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.

Taxi, Grab & Gojek

GOJEK IN BALI

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

9.3/10Great455 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is located within a large complex. There are many restaurants just a street away, and it's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk to the Collection mall, or you can use the scheduled shuttle service. The hotel isn't directly on the beach, but they offer regular shuttle rides to and from the seaside. Most of the hotel staff are very friendly, with the exception of a few at the beach. Every time I tried to buy a coconut at the beach, the staff would say they were sold out. And when I tried to order other drinks, they seemed quite annoyed. The room itself was spacious and very clean. They provide four complimentary bottles of water daily, and you can request four more. Any additional bottles after that come with a charge. During breakfast, you can see many small squirrels being fed from little wooden bowls hung on the trees in the restaurant.
DariMXN$ 1,781
9.4/10Amazing115 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.
DariMXN$ 1,485
9.2/10Great567 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.
DariMXN$ 3,427
9.3/10Great558 Ulasan
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km dari pusat bandar
My stay at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu started with a hiccup, it ended on such a wonderful note that I would happily return. Due to a system error, I was given the wrong room type upon check-in, and unfortunately there were no vacant rooms available that day. However, the hotel team handled the situation professionally. The very next day, they upgraded me to their best room category as part of their service recovery, which I truly appreciated. What made the experience even more memorable was the genuine hospitality. The staff noticed it was my birthday and surprised me during breakfast by singing a birthday song. I was touched, although a little awkward too 😅. A special mention to Manager Aldi, who consistently checked in on me whenever we crossed paths around the hotel to make sure everything was going well. That personal touch made a big difference. The hotel itself is beautiful—perfect for a relaxing getaway. The sunset views are stunning, the ambience is peaceful, and the spacious grounds make it a great place to unwind. My room was clean and comfortable, the breakfast team was efficient and attentive, and the overall service throughout the stay was excellent. Thank you to the Renaissance Uluwatu team for turning an initial disappointment into such a memorable experience. Your sincere service recovery and warm hospitality truly stood out. I'll definitely be back!
DariMXN$ 2,683
9.4/10Amazing577 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|15.95km dari pusat bandar
The service was incredibly warm and attentive. The hotel grounds are beautiful with an exotic vibe, making you feel refreshed and relaxed. There are also great restaurants nearby, so dining is very convenient. The hotel even has a sister property just a short distance away, which also boasts a lovely environment. The front desk staff kindly showed us both locations and let us choose where to stay. We ended up picking the older one because the surrounding scenery was more beautiful, and the pool was larger and more convenient. However, the new property had bigger and more luxurious rooms. It was actually a really tough choice, haha! The small cookies on the shuttle bus were delicious too! Overall, our stay was very comfortable, and the breakfast was exceptionally rich, offering both à la carte and buffet options, and it was all very tasty! Complimentary afternoon tea for two: The afternoon tea included three small desserts and a choice of tea, coffee, or other beverages. Complimentary minibar: The drinks were great, with orange juice, Coke, and Sprite – a good selection.
DariMXN$ 2,540

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Business travel

7.9/10Good422 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.6km dari pusat bandar
I chose Sense Seminyak Hotel mainly because of its strategic location—it’s right in front of Eiger and adidas stores, which made shopping super convenient for me. After that, I easily took a Gojek ride to Seminyak Beach to catch the sunset. The location is definitely a big plus, with everything you need nearby. It’s also a popular choice among travelers because the price is very reasonable for what you get. A great option if you’re looking for convenience, good value, and easy access to shopping and the beach!
DariMXN$ 214
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.
DariMXN$ 1,564
8.1/10Very Good334 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.42km dari pusat bandar
Room condition is quite old and small but cozy. Cleanliness could be improved. Staff are friendly and location is good near center, near beach, near airport also. If you same as me just need a place to rest for one night due to the flight I will recommend, cuz the price is good also !
DariMXN$ 267
9/10Great748 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|9.39km dari pusat bandar
Clean and nice room. Buffet Breakfast is good. You can ask for fresh cooked noodles and omellet. The pool is clean ad big. Location is perfect. Near the beach, shopping, restairant and massage.
DariMXN$ 736
8.9/10Very Good421 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.77km dari pusat bandar
I stayed here for a week and had a wonderful time. The spacious room, large bed, and comfortable balcony overlooking the fields made every day enjoyable. I'm truly grateful to all the hotel staff for their kind and friendly service at all times. They were incredibly prompt in handling issues like the faulty security box and running out of toilet paper, which I really appreciated. The breakfast buffet was fantastic, offering not just Indonesian dishes but also bread, desserts, and fruits. I especially loved the terrace seating where I could enjoy the morning breeze and sunshine. The hotel's location is excellent, close to a big beach club and the beach, with convenience stores and restaurants within walking distance, and Grab taxis arriving quickly. This was a truly wonderful trip, and I'd love to stay here again.
DariMXN$ 414

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Breakfast

8.8/10Very Good366 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|21.48km dari pusat bandar
We stayed at Kenran Resort Ubud by Soscomma and had a truly peaceful experience. Even though it was rainy during our stay, the quiet mountain setting made it feel even more calm and serene. The atmosphere was perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. The breakfast and tea were absolutely delicious, and everything felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared. A wonderful place to unwind and recharge in Ubud. 🌿✨
DariMXN$ 1,364
9/10Great563 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km dari pusat bandar
A wonderful, affordable hotel with a great location. We stayed for two nights after our flight, choosing it for its proximity to the airport. We didn't expect to like the hotel so much! It was clean, the room was quite spacious, the breakfast was delicious, and there was a fantastic rooftop lounge area with a pool. The beach is a 3-minute walk away, perfect for relaxing during the day and watching the sunset in the evening. There's also a currency exchange and massage parlor nearby.
DariMXN$ 721
9.5/10Amazing1174 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km dari pusat bandar
This is the perfect place for a vacation. From the moment we arrived, we never wanted to leave. Everything was beautifully designed, the facilities were amazing, and the beach was absolutely stunning. Every corner of the resort felt peaceful and luxurious. We had an incredible stay and can’t wait to come back again!
DariMXN$ 5,561
8.6/10Very 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!
DariMXN$ 1,980
9.2/10Great194 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|15.75km dari pusat bandar
We really enjoyed our stay at Mövenpick and were very happy with our overall experience. The hotel itself is beautiful, with a stylish and thoughtful design throughout. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and beautifully designed as well. The service was excellent, and the staff were always friendly, responsive, and genuinely willing to help whenever we needed anything. The only downside was breakfast. At times, it felt like there were simply more guests than the restaurant and staff could comfortably accommodate, which made the experience a little hectic and the service less smooth than in the rest of the hotel. Apart from that, everything was wonderful. We truly enjoyed our stay and were very pleased with the hotel, the service, and the atmosphere. Thank you to the entire team for making our time at Mövenpick
DariMXN$ 1,839

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Scooter / Motorbike Ride

SCOOTER RENTAL

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

Tegenungan Waterfall

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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Sakura

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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Denpasar to Ubud