Coliving in Ubud
A guide to coliving in Ubud for digital nomads — best spaces, areas, costs, and tips for remote workers in Bali's cultural heart.
Why Ubud works for coliving
Ubud is Canggu’s contemplative counterpart — rice terraces instead of surf breaks, yoga instead of beach clubs, introspection instead of networking events. The coliving scene is smaller but focused: spaces like Outpost Ubud and various villa-based operations cater to nomads who want community without chaos. Monthly rates of $300-700 include a room, often with pool access and community events.
The cost of living in Ubud is even lower than Canggu. A comfortable life — private room, daily meals out, yoga, coworking — runs $700-1,200/month. The creative community (writers, artists, healers, course creators) gives Ubud a different energy than the startup-and-hustle vibe of most nomad hubs.
The remote work scene
Hubud was one of the world’s first purpose-built digital nomad coworking spaces and remains Ubud’s anchor. Open-air bamboo structure surrounded by rice paddies, 24/7 access, community events. Outpost Ubud combines coworking with coliving. Several cafes function as informal coworking spots — Seniman Coffee Studio and Clear Cafe are popular.
Internet is Ubud’s main limitation. Coworking spaces are reliable (30-80 Mbps). Home internet varies. If your work requires consistent high bandwidth, make the coworking space your primary work location rather than relying on villa WiFi.
What to watch out for
The Monkey Forest monkeys are not cute — they’re aggressive thieves. Keep your phone secure, don’t carry food openly, and watch your sunglasses. This isn’t a joke; they will grab and run.
Ubud floods during heavy rain (wet season, November-March). Some lower-lying areas get water in the streets. Check your accommodation’s flood history. Higher-altitude villas (Penestanan, Campuhan) avoid this.
The “spiritual bypass” culture is real. Not everyone in Ubud doing “inner work” is genuine. Approach wellness offerings with healthy skepticism, especially expensive retreats from unqualified practitioners. The good stuff exists — so does the nonsense.
Colivings in Indonesia
2 colivings with chapters in Indonesia
Where to stay in Ubud
Central Ubud
Around Jalan Monkey Forest and the Royal Palace. Walkable to markets, restaurants, and Hubud coworking. Tourist-heavy but convenient. Rooms from IDR 4M/month (~€240). Noisy from traffic on the main roads.
Penestanan
Hillside neighborhood west of central Ubud. Rice terrace views, quieter, more residential. Popular with long-stay nomads and artists. Limited walkability — scooter needed. Villas from IDR 5M/month (~€300).
Campuhan / Sanggingan
Famous for the Campuhan Ridge Walk. Luxury resorts and mid-range villas in a river valley setting. Quieter than central Ubud, scenic, good for focused work. Villas from IDR 6M/month (~€360).
Tegallalang / Outskirts
15-20 minutes north of town. Iconic rice terraces. Very quiet, very green. You'll need a scooter and good mobile data. Best for people who want solitude with occasional trips to town. Houses from IDR 3M/month (~€180).
Monthly expenses in Ubud
| Coworking day pass | IDR 100,000-250,000 (~€6-15) |
| Lunch (warung) | IDR 20,000-40,000 (~€1.20-2.40) |
| Private villa (1-bed) | IDR 4-10M/month (~€240-600) |
| Coffee (specialty) | IDR 30,000-50,000 (~€1.80-3) |
| Yoga class | IDR 100,000-180,000 (~€6-11) |
| Groceries (weekly) | IDR 250,000-500,000 (~€15-30) |
| Smoothie bowl | IDR 45,000-75,000 (~€2.70-4.50) |
| Scooter rental (monthly) | IDR 700,000-1,000,000 (~€42-60) |
Quick facts
Last verified: April 2026. Prices and availability change — always check with operators directly.
Common Questions
Ubud or Canggu for digital nomads?
Ubud for wellness, nature, quiet focus, lower costs, and cultural depth. Canggu for beach, nightlife, bigger social scene, more coworking options. Ubud attracts a slightly older, more intentional crowd. Canggu skews younger and more social. They're 90 minutes apart — many nomads try both.
Is Ubud boring?
If you need nightclubs and beach parties, yes. If you value morning walks through rice terraces, afternoon yoga, evening temple ceremonies, excellent food, and a creative community — no. Ubud's pace is slower by design. The people who love it really love it.
How's the internet in Ubud?
Hit-and-miss. Hubud and other coworking spaces offer reliable 30-80 Mbps. Home internet varies enormously — some villas have fiber, many run on slow DSL or 4G routers. Always test internet before committing to long-term accommodation. Telkomsel 4G is the reliable backup.
Can I walk around Ubud?
Central Ubud is walkable but chaotic — narrow sidewalks (or none), motorbike traffic, and occasional monkeys from the Monkey Forest. Beyond central Ubud, a scooter is essential. The roads are steep and winding — ride carefully, especially in rain.
What's the wellness scene like?
Ubud is Southeast Asia's wellness capital. Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive offer daily classes in every style. Spa treatments cost a fraction of Western prices (1-hour massage from IDR 100,000/€6). Sound healing, breathwork, cacao ceremonies, and meditation retreats run year-round. It's genuine if slightly commercialized.