Living in Ubud has been dreams for hundreds or thousands of digital nomads around the world. This place has a colder climate than the south of Bali, offers the “village” and modest life with beautiful scenery, while still providing access to the modern lifestyle in terms of community, food, or technology. Should you still wonder about some basic things and what Ubud is popular for, refer to our article here about Ubud. If you are thinking of living in Ubud like a local, here is some information to start with.
Types of people who will love Ubud
Ubud is not for everybody, definitely. Its calm, cool, and healthy atmosphere might not be a good option for party-goers and beach addicts who might be more suitable to live in Canggu, Jimbaran, or Uluwatu. But if you are a zen enthusiast, eco-activist, or artsy person, the chance that you like living in Ubud might be higher; It has tons of museums, temples, and art shops, art market, yoga studios, organic farms, and culture-based activities.
Stay and interact with locals and community
If you want to find out more about the lives of the locals in Ubud, it might be easier if you can stay or work closer or in the middle of the locals – such as, to stay in a homestay or a private room in a local’s home, doing art workshop with local artist, learn some techniques for local healing or meditation, join local farming communities, etc. ; In this way, you can see and be involved in their daily routine, which might surprise or inspire you in one way or another. But if you prefer to have your own place to stay for privacy reasons, there are numerous villas to rent. There is a lot of online community, such as Facebook Group, to help you find a perfect accommodation to stay.
After settling down, you would slowly find and connect with the like-minded people and friends in the on-going events, co-working spaces, festivals, or community, which could help you to find or achieve your purpose of living in Ubud.
Explore Ubud
Motorbike is the best mode of transportation in Bali, particularly Ubud, with many smaller roads to explore, so you might also want to rent the motorcycle (or bicycle) for the long term (a month or more) to get around Ubud easier. Read more about the best Bali transportation to get around Bali.
To start living in Ubud, you might want to know some places or some other things to support you, such as:
- Fresh food shopping in the main traditional market on the main street, organic farmer’s market at Pizza Bagus on Saturday mornings, smaller market on Wednesday mornings at Ubud Food Court on Jalan Sukma across the SenS Hotel, or in Sari Organic shop.
- Healthy and imported food stores at Pizza Bagus deli, Ubud Deli, Bali Buda, shop at Earth Café, or raw restaurant Alchemy.
- Main supermarkets include Delta Dewata, Bintang, and Coco Mart.
- Homeware shopping at Delta Dewata Supermarket, Kitchen Kingdom, Coco Supermarket, The Smile charity shop opposite Seniman Coffee, etc.
- Co-working spaces include Hubud, The Onion Collective, and Outpost.
- Gym in Ubud Fitness Centre.
- Healthcare in Toya Medika Clinic, or pharmacy in Kimia Farma in the main street towards Jalan Andong.
Cost of Living in Ubud Bali
The highest living cost in Ubud might be accommodation rental cost and food (including eating out), so you can save a lot of money if you mostly cook or rent the accommodation outside the center of Ubud. Other smaller expenses include the bills, motorbike rental and petrol, internet or phone, and laundry. Additional fees can occur based on your preference, such as a yoga class, co-working space membership fee, cleaner, entertainment, etc. The total monthly cost of living in Ubud might vary between USD 500-1000 per person.