Solo Travel Guide to Ubud, Bali: Tips for Hotels, Food, Networking, and Safety

10 min readSep 20, 2024

So, you’ve decided to embark on a solo adventure to Ubud, Bali? I couldn’t be more excited for you! Ubud is one of Bali’s most captivating destinations, renowned for its spiritual ambiance, lush green landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and of course, the sense of peace that just seems to permeate everything. Whether you’re coming to find a bit of Zen, explore rice terraces, or meet like-minded travelers, Ubud has something for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll give you all the essential solo travel tips, from finding affordable luxury hotels to staying safe, connecting with fellow travelers, and even practical advice on transportation and working remotely in Ubud. And yes, we’ll definitely talk about how to score flight deals through Skyscanner and maximize your points with the American Express Gold card.

By the end of this post, you’ll be more than ready to explore Ubud without breaking the bank — and without worrying about any of the small stuff. And if you want, my Ultimate Travel Guide can do all the planning for you! So, let’s dive in.

Getting to Ubud: Finding Flight Deals

Let’s start at the beginning: getting to Ubud. First things first, flights. Bali’s international airport, Ngurah Rai, is located in Denpasar, which is about a 90-minute drive from Ubud. Before you even pack your bags, you’re going to want to lock in the best flight deals possible.

My top recommendation? Use Skyscanner. It’s the go-to site for comparing flights and ensuring you’re getting the best deal, no matter when you’re flying. Skyscanner lets you search for the cheapest months, and you can even set up price alerts so you’ll know exactly when the price drops.

For instance, I recently found a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Bali for just under $600 using Skyscanner. And with American Express Gold, you can easily rack up 3X points on flights booked directly through the airlines or via Amex Travel. Once you’ve accumulated those 90,000 bonus points by signing up for the card (don’t miss out on that sign-up offer!), you can redeem those points for future flights. Stack this with your flight deal from Skyscanner, and you’re saving big!

Bonus Tip:

Once you arrive at Denpasar Airport, you can book a private transfer to Ubud through Viator, which offers stress-free options to get you to your hotel. A private driver from the airport to Ubud should cost around $25–$35 USD. You’ll be able to find both shared and private options, and Viator lets you lock in everything in advance so you can avoid any airport confusion.

Hotels in Ubud: Affordable Luxury Stays

Once you’ve secured your flights, it’s time to talk about accommodation. Ubud has no shortage of beautiful, tranquil places to stay, from luxurious resorts to cozy boutique hotels. And the best part? Many of these luxurious stays are incredibly affordable if you know where to look.

Skyscanner is again a top resource, but for hotels, I also recommend checking out Agoda. Agoda has some insane deals, sometimes slashing up to 70% off your hotel booking. Between these two platforms, you’ll find incredible bargains on hotels that give you that “affordable luxury” I always talk about here at Zachus Travel.

A few great picks in Ubud:

The Kayon Resort: A serene, jungle-luxury resort with stunning views. Prices start around $200/night, but you can often find deals closer to $120 using Skyscanner or Agoda.
Kamandalu Ubud: If you want the quintessential Bali experience with private pool villas, this is your spot. Prices typically range from $150 to $300/night, but again, Skyscanner and Agoda are your friends.
Bisma Eight: For a chic, modern touch with all the traditional Balinese charm, this boutique hotel is a gem. I’ve seen rooms for as low as $100.
MY FAV: AnandaDara: This place is straight out of a movie. Beautiful pool, on-site Spa and the room are amazing. Breakfast and the entire dining experience was amazing. Highly recommend. The staff are 5-stars all the way.

Tips for Scoring the Best Hotel Deals:

Book in the shoulder season (April to June and September to November) for better deals and fewer crowds.
Set up price alerts on Skyscanner to know when prices drop.
Consider staying just outside the main town area for even better prices.

Solo Dining in Ubud: Where to Eat on a Budget

Now that you’ve got your flight and hotel sorted, let’s talk food. Ubud is a haven for foodies, especially those who are looking for healthy, sustainable dining options. From local warungs (small family-owned restaurants) to upscale organic cafés, the food scene is diverse, delicious, and surprisingly affordable.

Must-Try Eateries in Ubud:

Warung Biah Biah: This local spot serves delicious Balinese food for just a few bucks. You can feast on nasi campur (mixed rice with a variety of sides) for under $5 USD.
Sage: A go-to for vegans and vegetarians, Sage is a laid-back café that offers delicious, plant-based dishes. Expect to spend around $10–$15 USD for a meal.
Locavore: If you’re looking to splurge one night, Locavore offers a fine dining experience using locally sourced ingredients. A tasting menu here will set you back around $60–$100 USD.

One of the great things about Ubud is that you can mix it up: enjoy budget-friendly meals most days and treat yourself to a high-end dining experience without the guilt.

Bonus Tip:

Ubud is also known for its detox and wellness retreats, and many restaurants offer delicious detox juices and smoothie bowls. You’ll likely find yourself sipping on fresh coconut water or turmeric juice at least once during your stay.

Networking and Meeting People in Ubud

Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone the whole time. Ubud is a magnet for solo travelers, digital nomads, and expats, so there’s no shortage of ways to meet people and make new friends.

Here’s How You Can Network in Ubud:

Attend Yoga Classes: Ubud is famous for its yoga retreats and studios. Studios like The Yoga Barn are hubs for solo travelers, offering not only yoga classes but also workshops and community events where you can easily meet like-minded people.
Join a Co-working Space: If you’re working while traveling, head to Hubud or Outpost, two of the top co-working spaces in Ubud. They offer a great environment to work and meet other digital nomads. They also host networking events, talks, and social gatherings, making it super easy to connect.
Check Out Local Events: From art exhibitions to wellness workshops, Ubud’s community calendar is packed with events. Many expats and solo travelers attend these, so it’s another excellent way to socialize.
Book Group Tours: A fantastic way to explore Ubud’s surroundings and meet people is through Viator. They offer group tours to places like the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Tirta Empul Temple. You’ll explore the sites and connect with fellow adventurers.

Bonus Tip:

Many hostels and hotels in Ubud also offer communal areas or organize group activities like cooking classes, hiking trips, or even movie nights. Even if you’re staying in a luxury hotel, keep an eye out for group activities.

Transportation in Ubud: Getting Around

Once you’re in Ubud, getting around is fairly easy. While there’s no public transportation system like you’d find in major cities, you have plenty of options:

Scooters: Renting a scooter is one of the most popular ways to get around Ubud. Rental prices range from $5–$8 USD per day. Make sure to always wear a helmet and have your international driver’s license on hand.
Private Drivers: If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, hiring a private driver is a great alternative. You can book one through your hotel or on Viator for around $40–$50 USD per day.
Grab App: Bali doesn’t have Uber, but it has Grab, a ridesharing app that’s similar. You can use it for taxis and food delivery.

Safety Tip:

If you’re renting a scooter, watch out for scams where rental companies claim you’ve damaged the bike when you haven’t. Take photos and videos of the scooter before leaving the shop to document its condition.

Staying Connected: eSIM, Data, and WiFi in Bali

Staying connected while in Ubud is crucial, especially if you’re working remotely or need to keep in touch with friends and family. Thankfully, Bali has several options for staying online.

Options for Data and WiFi:

eSIM Cards: One of the easiest ways to stay connected is by using an eSIM. Companies like Airalo offer affordable data plans that work seamlessly in Bali. You can purchase an eSIM before you leave and activate it upon arrival.
SIM Cards: If you prefer a physical SIM, you can buy one at the airport or in Ubud from providers like Telkomsel or XL Axiata. Data plans are incredibly cheap; for example, $10–$15 USD will get you several gigabytes of data.
WiFi: Many cafes, co-working spaces, and hotels in Ubud offer free WiFi, though speeds can vary. If you need reliable, fast internet for work, a co-working space like Hubud is your best bet.

Staying Safe: Tips and Scams to Watch Out For

Ubud is generally very safe for solo travelers, but like anywhere in the world, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow a few safety tips.

Here’s How to Stay Safe:

Keep Your Valuables Secure: Petty theft, especially on scooters, can happen. Always keep your bag secured and out of sight while riding. Use crossbody bags or money belts to deter pickpockets.
Avoid Drinking Tap Water: Bali’s tap water isn’t safe to drink. Stick to bottled water or refill your bottle at filtered water stations found in most hotels and restaurants.
Watch for Fake ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks rather than standalone machines, as there are reports of card skimming at some ATMs in tourist areas.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, whether it’s a tour operator or someone trying to sell you something, walk away. Always trust your instincts.

For extra peace of mind, don’t forget to sign up for Nomad Health Insurance by SafetyWing. This travel insurance is specifically designed for digital nomads and long-term travelers, providing coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, and more. It’s a must-have for any trip, especially when you’re exploring solo.

5 Essential Items to Pack for Bali

Now that you’ve got all your logistics down, let’s talk packing. Here are five things you definitely want to bring to Bali:

Mosquito Repellent: Bali is tropical, and mosquitoes are inevitable. Bring a good repellent with DEET to keep the bugs away.
Reusable Water Bottle: Many places in Ubud offer water refill stations, so having a reusable bottle helps reduce plastic waste.
Light Rain Jacket: Bali’s weather can change quickly, especially during the rainy season, so pack a light, waterproof jacket.
Portable Charger: You’ll be taking tons of photos and using maps, so a portable charger is a lifesaver when you’re out exploring all day.
Selfie Stick: Whether you love them or hate them, selfie sticks are great for capturing those epic rice terrace shots or Ubud’s iconic temples.

That’s it for your ultimate guide to solo travel in Ubud, Bali! I hope you feel ready to embark on your adventure with confidence, knowing that you’ve got everything covered, from finding affordable luxury hotels on Skyscanner and Agoda to staying connected with an eSIM and staying safe with Nomad Health Insurance.

If you’re looking for a seamless, worry-free experience, don’t forget I can plan the entire trip for you! Check out my Ultimate Travel Guides, where I handle all the details, from hotels to tours and beyond, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace

Travel Hack Guy

ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel