If you are one of the many many people looking to Bali for a remote life, you will want to which is the best neighborhood for remote workers in Ubud. Located right among rice paddies and rich ravines, Ubud has truly become one of the most popular destinations for remote workers in the world. With relatively easy access to magical beaches, some of the richest spiritual traditions in the world, and fantastic infrastructure for visitors, this city on Indonesia’s Bali island is a favorite among foreigners also because of its solid position as one of the country’s main cultural and arts center. Ubud itself is small but there is a diversity of areas from which to choose as a remote worker as you decide where to stay!
Located right in the heart of all the action, Central Ubud is home to the main amenities available around the town. In Central Ubud you will find delicious restaurants including many vegan and vegetarian options. You will also find lots of massage parlors, cafés, clothing stores and galleries. Despite the fact the area is mostly busy and filled with tourists and visitors, Central Ubud still feels authentic and charming, with the streets almost constantly ringing with bells and filled with incense in reverence to local temples and shrines. This is one of the more popular areas to live in Ubud, with quieter streets in the northern part of this neighborhood offering a relaxed alternative looking for some peace in the midst of the city’s dynamicity.
This village is considered a suburb of Ubud, but in reality is located just 4km away from the center of the city and is even connected with it through the famous Panestenan Stairs, which are surrounded by lush nature and Hindu imagery. On the whole, Panestenan is much quieter than the center of Ubud and some of its other, more popular neighborhoods. Here, you will not find late-night club or restaurants crowded with foreigners. Nonetheless, the peace and quiet available here are some of the neighborhoods most attractive qualities -- you will find authentic, less crowded local restaurants, as well as beautiful Hindu shrines and temples. Some of Ubud’s best cafés are here, with wonderful high views of rice fields. There is a good availability of great accommodation in Panestenan, making it truly one of the best neighborhoods for remote workers in Ubud.
Known for the famous Campuhan Ridge Walk, this part of town is much more than just this incredible attraction through the heart of Bali’s jungle. Campuhan offers high-quality restaurants and cafes, often with a more Western feel overall. The northern part of the area, just off the main road, you’ll find most of the accommodation options in areas traditionally popular with visitors and expats. Here you will also find the home museum of painter Don Antonio Blanco, which offers a fascinating insight into Balinese life for all visitors. The area has great amenities including shops, cafés and restaurants, making it one of the best neighborhoods for remote workers in Ubud.
Pengosekan feels different to other neighborhoods in Bali. Devoid of any glamorous temples and palaces, the village feels down-to-earth and authentic. Indeed, it is Pengosekan’s artistic communities which have this one of the best neighborhoods for remote workers in Ubud. The “animal” painting style, as it has come to be called, emphasizes wild animals in their natural habitats -- the unique artistic style makes the tones of green jump from the canvas and give the lush jungle a palpable feel. For remote workers, the village offers great museums, restaurants, cafés and yoga studios all firmly based on a reverence for the local artistic culture. Pengosekan is located close to Ubud by foot and car, and is a great alternative for those looking to get away from the noise of central Ubud and its surroundings.
The northwestern part of this large village is located only a short walk from Central Ubud and provides an authentic, quieter and more affordable option for remote workers living in Ubud. Peliatan is most famous for the incredible Peliatan Royal Palace with its incredible architecture. The Palace is often the venue for intricate ceremonies and shrines. Peliatan is also one of the best neighborhoods for remote workers in Ubud due to its palpable artistic culture -- the town has a famous legong (a traditional form of Balinese dance) and is also home to the unmissable Agung Rai Museum of Art which houses some of Indonesia’s best collections.
For more information about living in Ubud as a remote worker, check out our complete Ubud guide.