Ubud is relatively tranquil place that many visitors to Bali enjoy. The day time scene on Jl. Raya Kuta can get a little hectic, but away from that immediate area and in the evenings, Ubud is peaceful. For people with a car or motorbike, Ubud and the surrounding areas are a joy to behold. Some of the most scenic 1-2 hours drives are in the Ubud area, a couple starting on Jl. Raya Ubud.
It is possible to rent cars and motorbikes down town in Ubud, which is not a bad idea. Hiring a car with driver for the day is a good way to go also and ideally sohuld be booked in advance. For people arriving in Ubud by bus and who have no intention of renting a car or motorbike, here are some other transport options.
Perama bus serves Ubud as well as a multitude of other locations. You can pick up a Perama bus (0361)973316 at the bottom of Jl. Hanoman and get to Kuta in around 2 hours, via Sanur.
You can also dropped off at the airport or travel to Lombok on Perama. The buses are medium sized red and white colored, so easy to spot. They do not have AC and will also stop at Perama agents in town, including a couple of Jl. Raya Ubud. Perama buses require you to buy a ticket from the office before boarding the bus. Perama buses allow you to bring plenty of luggage, wheelchairs and surfboards, somethhing you’ll struggle with on a bemo.
Perama Prices from Ubud:
Kuta & Airport – 30,000rp
Padangbai & Candi Dasa – 40,000rp
Lovina – 70,000rp
Bemo buses are the transport safety net for Bali. You’d probably never think of usung them unless there were no other options, but they do cover the whole island. Bemos leave from the market and main crossroads on Jl. Raya Ubud. In order to properly understand the bemo routes, you have to appreciate they serve locals, who do not frequent the same places as tourists. In order to get to Kuta from Ubud using a bemo you’d have to go through Mas, Sukawati, Batubulan, Kerening and Tegal bemo terminals. This could be frustrating, but a shorter trip, for example from Ubud to Sukawati could be enjoyable.
Times that bemos operate are 6am-2pm, every 30 minutes, then hourly till 5pm. When using a bemo make sure of the fare before getting in.
Boat transportation to the Gili Islands is provided by Perama. Their booking system is cool and allows you to do impromtu overnight stops at location along your route, say an extra night or 2 in Padangbai on the way back from Lombok. The Perama boat sails directly to the Gili Islands / Senggigi. Ubud to the Gili Islands – 240,000rp.
Ubud has a wide selection of travel agents selling bus and boat tickets, so there is no need to book everything up in Kuta. International and domestic air tickets can also be purchased in Ubud from these travel agents.
Bicycle travel is a good way to explore Ubud. There are some hills for sure, but there are enough quiet roads and scenic lanes where you’ll be able to cruise at your own pace and get into the Ubud rhythm. You might ask at your hotel or look out for street-side bicycle renters. You might pay 20,000-30,000rp per day.
