Ubud Guide
The most convenient base in Ubud is the central belt around Pengosekan, Monkey Forest Road and the town centre, where you can walk to restaurants, spas and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Riviera Boutique Hotel sits on Jalan Raya Pengosekan, inside this belt and a short ride from Ubud Palace.
A guide from Riviera Boutique Hotel, a boutique hotel in central Ubud.
Last updated 6 October 2026
Central Ubud is the easiest first base. Pengosekan and the Monkey Forest area put you within walking or short-scooter distance of the Ubud Art Market, Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple, and a quick drive from the Campuhan Ridge Walk. It keeps the daytime attractions close while staying a step back from the busiest stretch of Monkey Forest Road.
Pengosekan runs south of the Monkey Forest and is known for its galleries and quieter lanes, while still connecting straight into the centre. It suits travellers who want cafes, spas and dining nearby without being on top of the market crowds. Riviera Boutique Hotel is on Jalan Raya Pengosekan, so the spa, the cafe and coffee lounge and Kumo dining are on-site, and the road runs on into the centre of Ubud.
The neighbourhood grew up as a painters' community, and galleries still line its road. The Agung Rai Museum of Art, one of Ubud's serious art museums, sits on Jalan Raya Pengosekan too, so the area rewards a slow wander as much as it works as a base.
Ubud rewards walking in the centre, but the surrounding rice-terrace sights are spread out. Most visitors mix short walks with ride-hailing scooters or cars and pre-arranged drivers for day trips to Tegallalang, Tegenungan or the northern temples. Central lodging shortens every one of those trips.
Within the central belt: the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Palace (Puri Saren), the Ubud Art Market, Saraswati Temple and its lotus pond, and the Campuhan Ridge Walk on the town's western edge. Day trips reach the Tegallalang rice terraces to the north and Goa Gajah to the east.
Riviera Boutique Hotel is a boutique property on Jalan Raya Pengosekan in central Ubud. It keeps a spa and massage room, a cafe and coffee lounge, and Kumo, its fusion omakase and steak counter, on the same site, so much of an Ubud stay can happen without leaving the grounds.
See Riviera's rooms in central Ubud, or read our guide to what omakase is.
Reviews
For us, this hotel was an absolute oasis of well-being and definitely one of the most beautiful hotels we stayed in in Bali. We would return in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a special, stylish, and relaxing stay in Ubud. Thank you so much to the entire team for this wonderful time! ❤️🌴 We would love to come back again!
A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Ubud with stylish interiors and great attention to detail. I stayed in a Garden View room, which was very comfortable, spotless and peaceful. The staff were incredibly warm, attentive and helpful. I originally booked two nights but loved it so much that I extended my stay by another three. I would definitely return!
A Beautiful modern hotel in the heart of Ubud, very centrally and conveniently located and close to the best shops and restaurants. The hotel has a very beautiful colonial atmosphere, the rooms are clean, modern and stylish. The staff is kind and responsive. It's a great place for a couple or single travellers, it's not really fit for families as it has no infrastructure and special spaces for kids. It's a great place for adult travellers wanting to stay in the very heart of Ubud and enjoy the walking distance to the evening events in Ubud or just visiting the town without the need to use a car or a bike. We will be back!
Common questions
Central Ubud: Pengosekan, Monkey Forest Road and the town centre, which keep restaurants, spas and the main sights within walking or short-scooter distance.
The centre is walkable. The outlying rice terraces and temples are spread out and need a scooter or a driver.
Jalan Raya Ubud is the main road, running east to west through the centre. Ubud Palace, Puri Saren Agung, stands where it meets Jalan Monkey Forest, and Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanoman both run south from it.