Ubud, Bali Travel Guide 2026: Rice Terraces, Levy and When to Go

Ubud sits inland in Gianyar regency, roughly a 60 to 90 minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport in the south, so most visitors arrive by prebooked car or app based ride rather than public transit. June through September offers the driest, least humid weather and the clearest views for rice terrace and hiking trips, while April, May and October act as quieter shoulder months with a mix of sun and rain and smaller crowds. November through March is the wet season, with cheaper rates but frequent afternoon downpours. Before departure, pay the mandatory IDR 150,000 tourism levy through the official lovebali.baliprov.go.id platform to skip arrival lines. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses near the center to rice field view villas further out in Penestanan or Nyuh Kuning, and a full day private driver currently runs about IDR 650,000 to 800,000 including fuel, which is often more practical than self driving given the traffic. Must do stops include the Tegallalang rice terraces early in the morning before tour buses arrive, the Ubud Art Market, and a traditional dance performance at the Ubud Palace. What to avoid includes unauthorized money changers offering rates that look too good to be true, riding a scooter without an International Driving Permit given tightened 2026 enforcement, and leaving food, sunglasses or bags accessible at the Monkey Forest.