Best Area to Stay in Ubud for Mature Travellers
- Desmond Breau
- Oct 3, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 5, 2025
An Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Ubud Bali
When travellers first ask “What’s the best area to stay in Ubud Bali?” the answer depends on what you’re looking for. Ubud isn’t one single place – it’s a patchwork of neighbourhoods and nearby villages, each with its own personality.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best areas and locations to stay in Ubud – from lively central streets to quiet northern villages.
And if you’re a mature traveller over 40, we’ll show you why Tegallalang and Payangan just north of Ubud stand out as the top choice, especially with the unique community at Gilded Palms.
Central Ubud – The Best Location to Stay in Ubud for Convenience
If you want everything at your doorstep, central Ubud is the best location to stay in Ubud. Here you’ll find art galleries, yoga studios, temples, cultural shows, and some of Bali’s finest restaurants.
Pros: Maximum convenience, rich cultural attractions, plenty of dining.
Cons: Heavy traffic, crowded streets, and less tranquillity.
Central Ubud is ideal for short stays, but for mature travellers seeking peace, it often feels a little too intense.
Nyuh Kuning – A charming village on the south side of the Ubud Monkey Forest, sitting across from central Ubud to the north.
The only thing separating Nyuh Kuning from Ubud’s city-centre is the Monkey Forest. But being south of the Forest, Nyuh Kuning has more of a “village feel,” with family guesthouses and small cafés lining its streets.
Pros: Village charm, easily accessible to central Ubud by walking around the Monkey Forest.
Cons: Limited views, the same heavy traffic and crowded streets as the city-centre.
Nyuh Kuning isn’t usually ranked as the best area to stay in Ubud, but it’s a solid choice if you want village charm close to town.
Penestanan – Artistic Escape Just Outside Town
To the west of central Ubud, Penestanan is a small neighbourhood famous for its artistic heritage. It has long attracted painters, writers, and creatives, and today offers a blend of boutique guesthouses, cafés, and art studios.
Pros: Quieter than the city-centre, artistic vibe, walkable into Ubud.
Cons: It lacks the sweeping rice terrace views you’ll find further north (in Tegallalang and Payangan).
For those debating the best location to stay in Ubud, Penestanan offers a nice balance between central convenience and a calmer vibe.
UBUD is often described as the “soul” of Bali. Central to the island's artistic and intellectual heritage, Ubud is where Bali's arts are at their brightest and its traditions at their most visible.
But sadly, given the popularity of the town, it is often plagued with over-crowded streets and traffic gridlock. As a result, the best “Ubud accommodations” today are found in Tegallalang and Payangan in Bali's central highlands just north of Ubud – an area where authentic Balinese culture is alive and well.
For more than two decades, Tegallalang and Payangan have been the location of choice for discerning travellers who want to spend their days surrounded by serene rice terraces, enchanting temples, and charming villages – whilst being within easy reach of Ubud for its world-class spas, shopping, dining, and traditional performances.
Bali’s central highlands, offer the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility for the mature traveller. |
Tegallalang & Payangan – The Best Area to Stay in Ubud Bali for Mature Travellers
For travellers over 40, the best area to stay in Ubud Bali is actually just north of town, in Tegallalang and Payangan. These villages deliver the perfect balance:
Natural beauty - soothing waterfalls and stunning rice terraces dripping down hillsides, set against a backdrop of looming mountains;
Cultural immersion - temples, ceremonies, and authentic village life right at your doorstep; and
Accessibility – only 20–30 minutes from central Ubud’s shopping, dining and performances.
This makes Tegallalang and Payangan the best location to stay in Ubud if you want peace and culture, without being cut off from town.
Pros: This is probably the area you were dreaming of when you booked your trip to Bali
Cons: 20- to 30-minute commute to central Ubud (but not a major issue as most accoms in this region offer complimentary daily shuttle service to and from the city centre).
Our Recommended Accommodation GILDED PALMS Co-Living Residence (Payangan)The only Bali accommodation intentionally created for mature travellers.
 This luxurious boutique villa in Payangan (just 25 minutes north of Ubud) is the only property in Bali designed exclusively for mature travellers. No children, no late-night parties — just peace, privacy, and community for adults 40+.
What makes it different?
And the kicker: the rates.
That’s less than a single week at most mid-range hotels, and less than a single night at many of Ubud’s top hotels - whilst offering a comparable level of luxury accommodation, and a level of personal service that a 5-star hotel could only dream of providing.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet sanctuary to unwind for a month, or a quiet space for a sabbatical or soft landing in Bali, GILDED PALMS is our pick for best-value in Bali for mature adults – highly recommended.
Bonus for those considering retirement in Bali: A 6-month lease at Gilded Palms will meet the requirements for an Indonesian Retirement Visa! |
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the best area to stay in Ubud?
And for mature travellers seeking peace, community, and authenticity, Tegallalang & Payangan clearly stand out as the best area to stay in Ubud Bali.
Whichever neighbourhood you choose, the best area to stay in Ubud is ultimately the one that feels like home for your journey – a place where Bali’s beauty and your lifestyle meet.” |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : What is the best area to stay in Ubud Bali?
A : For convenience, Central Ubud is best. But for peace and authenticity, Tegallalang and Payangan north of Ubud are ideal, especially for mature travellers.
Q : Is Central Ubud a good location to stay?
A : Yes, Central Ubud is perfect for first-time visitors with cafes, temples, and shops nearby. However, it’s busy and less peaceful than northern Ubud.
Q : What makes Tegallalang and Payangan the best area to stay in Ubud for mature travellers?
A : These villages offer quiet rice terraces, waterfalls, authentic culture, and boutique stays like Gilded Palms—just 25 minutes from Ubud.
Q : Which area in Ubud is best for budget and village charm?
A : Nyuh Kuning and Penestanan are affordable options. They offer a village feel, small guesthouses, and easy access to Central Ubud.
Q : Where can mature travellers find peaceful accommodation in Ubud?
A : Gilded Palms in Payangan is designed exclusively for adults 40+, offering quiet suites, services, and community in Bali’s cultural heartland.