How to Get Around Ubud (2026): Walking, Apps, Drivers and Scooters

Walking

The centre of Ubud — Jl. Raya Ubud, Monkey Forest Road, Jl. Hanoman, Jl. Goutama and the lanes between them — is compact enough to explore on foot. Many restaurants, cafés and guesthouses are within a 15–20 minute walk of each other.

That said, Ubud is not a relaxing place to walk along the main roads. Sidewalks are narrow, broken in places and often blocked by parked scooters, and traffic is heavy most of the day. Walk the back lanes and rice-field paths where you can, carry a small torch at night, and watch for open drainage channels.

Ride-hailing apps: Grab and Gojek

Grab and Gojek both operate around Ubud, for cars and motorbike taxis, and are usually the cheapest way to get somewhere. There is a catch: in parts of central Ubud, local transport groups don't allow app drivers to pick up passengers, and you'll see signs saying so. In practice:

• Drop-offs are rarely a problem. Pickups in the busiest central streets can be.
• Walk a few minutes away from the main tourist streets, or ask your guesthouse where pickups work.
• If a driver asks to meet you somewhere slightly different, that's usually why.
• For trips out of town, check that you'll be able to get a ride back; rural areas often have no cars nearby.

Private driver

For day trips — Gunung Kawi, Penglipuran, Sidemen, Munduk — a private driver is the easiest and often the best-value option, especially for two or more people. A full day typically costs around 700,000–900,000 IDR for the car, driver and fuel.

• Agree the price, the hours included and the route before you set off.
• Confirm whether entry fees, parking and the driver's lunch are included (usually entry fees are not).
• Your guesthouse can usually recommend a driver it works with regularly.
• Long trips (Munduk, Bedugul) may cost more because of the distance.

Scooter

Scooters are everywhere in Bali, and for confident riders they are the most flexible way to get around. They are also the most common cause of travel accidents on the island. Our advice is simple: rent one only if you already ride one confidently at home. Don't use Bali to learn.

• You need a valid driving licence that covers motorcycles plus an International Driving Permit. Police checks are common, and travel insurance may not cover you without the right licence.
• Always wear a helmet, and choose one that actually fits.
• Photograph and film the scooter from every angle before you ride off, so you can't be charged for existing damage. More in Bali tourist scams.
• Avoid riding in heavy rain and on mountain roads unless you are very experienced.

Taxis and shuttles

Metered taxis are uncommon in Ubud itself. Local drivers wait on the main streets offering "transport"; always agree the price before getting in. For airport transfers, see Denpasar airport to Ubud.