Finding your way through Ubud Village Bali

Ubud Village Bali is an ideal place to walk around, especially if you check out the small streets and alleys on the side of every road. They lead you to amazing places such as rice fields, river valleys, temples and Balinese living court yards.

Ubud Bali has three big main roads which are all one way-streets. So you will definitely drive through them regularly if you are finding your way through Ubud by car or motor scooter.

 

Monkey Forest Road

 

The busiest and one of the longest is the Monkey Forest Road.

This road starts in the south when you come into Ubud and ends all the way in the north at the crowded Ubud Market.

This street is overdeveloped with shops, restaurants and places to stay.

I think they should have stopped building their commercial outlets a long time ago...

 

Map of Ubud

 

Monkey Forest road already looks cramped, but there is even more behind the many buildings along this road.

The many alleys (gang) on both sides of the road are passages to tucked away hotels (where you shouldn't stay), spas and restaurants.

Jalan Raya is a road that crosses Monkey Forest Road in the center of Ubud Village Bali. To the left, this road leads you to the Campuhan area.

Within these sacred grounds you can start a rice field walk that goes on further north of Ubud and passed the ancient-looking villa complex Ibah.

 

Road to Campuhan, one of the most beautiful in Ubud village Bali...

 

Another road that you’ll certainly come across is Jalan Hanoman. Like Monkey Forest Road, this street is long and it has many shops, restaurants, hotels and homestays.

The street goes on passing the ARMA museum in Pengosekan, one of the many things you should go to when you are in Ubud Bali.

 

Ubud Palace right at the crossing of Jalan
Raya and Jalan Monkey Forest

 

Ubud village Bali is small so if you have the time you can easily walk around and see a lot. The streets and footpaths are very well maintained for Indonesian standards but occasionally you might find a hole or two.

However look out for the colorful offerings which are placed along the streets and in front of shops. You will easily crush them with your feet while window shopping...

Every time I’m in Ubud village Bali I'm always surprised to see some travelers moving around on bicycles considering Ubud is situated in the hilly parts of Bali.

However, if you are thinking about staying in the center for a while and are not planning to go anywhere far it's a good and healthy way to move around.

 

The quiet little streets are the best way to get around Ubud village Bali

 

Along Monkey Forest Road there are many bicycle rentals. It’s only Rp25.000 a day to rent a bicycle; much cheaper if you want to rent it for a couple of days.

Usually right next to the bicycle rental or near the tourist information center there are motor scooters for rent too. Just like the bicycles, you can get a better deal if you rent it for more than one day.

Before you hop on, check if the profile of the tires is still good. It can get really slippery when it rains. An accident is the last thing you need during your well-deserved holidays...

 

Favorite means of transport for locals too in Ubud Indonesia...

 

If you are planning to travel out of town, you can find the bemos mini-busses waiting at Ubud Market. They have different colors indicating their different destinations.

It’s cheap, a bit uncomfortable but an adventurous way to travel around because unlike in Europe there are no maps showing their time tables and routes.

Just ask around and you will find somebody who will help you or is heading the same way as you. Don't worry, you will eventually get where you want to go ;-)

 

The bemo waiting for its passengers

 

Everywhere in town you will find many private drivers sitting in the shade of a tree only to jump up when you come in sight. Instantly they will make this driving movement with their hands and at the same time wiggle a little with their body.

‘Transportation...?’ is the first thing they say. If you reply with: ‘No thank you...’ you can immediately expect the next question ‘How about tomorrow...yes?’ They are harmless but can get on your nerves after passing dozen of them within minutes.

But if you are considering touring around for a day then a private driver is what you need. Check out if you like their car and then bargain for a price that suits you. Usually it is around Rp.350.000 per day including a chatty driver who is your Bali guide for the day and fuel.

 

Kadek from Padma Travel in Jalan Kajeng Ubud Bali

 

Important Addresses and Handy Phone Numbers

The Post Office is located on Jalan Jembawan on the east-side of Jalan Raya. If you don't feel like walking all the way you can always leave your postcards with the hotels' concierge service.

The Ubud Clinic, 24H (0361-974911) can be found on the west-side of Jalan Raya before the Campuhan bridge and here bilingual staff is also available.

The Toya Medika Clinic (0361-971264) is located on Jalan Raya Pengosekan in the south of Ubud near the Arma Resort. Here too you'll find English speaking staff.

If you need the Police (0361-975316) you can find them on Jalan Raya Andong in the north-eastern part of Ubud Village Bali. Turn left at the traffic lights at the end of Jalan Raya near the huge statue.

The Tourist Office is open from 8am-8pm daily and located on the crossing of Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Raya, just across the Ubud Palace.

Here they can offer you some maps, brochures and the monthly issue of Ubud Community with useful articles and a calendar of events.