Christmas In Ubud: A Solo Traveller’s Guide
Christmas in Bali is very unique, that is because is not widely celebrated. This allows you to really do whatever you want on a day where in most Western countries, everything would be closed! That being said, you can still sparkle some Christmas magic on your day with a few recommendations and yes you could even totally celebrate Christmas day with other expats. In this blog post, I’ll give the best tips on how to spend Christmas in Ubud for solo travellers.
Before we start – if you are looking for the perfect accommodation in Ubud check these ones as they have been personally vetted for female solo travellers! 💛
Ideas Of Things To Do On Christmas Day In Ubud
#1 Treat yourself to a delicious meal
Forget about the traditional turkey and stuffing. In Ubud, you can treat yourself to a unique Christmas meal that blends Western and Balinese flavours. Many local restaurants offer special festive menus. Head to one of Ubud’s cosy cafes or upscale restaurants to enjoy a delicious feast. Think spiced roast chicken with a side of nasi goreng, a decadent chocolate dessert made with locally sourced cocoa, or a delicious pizza!
#2 Connect with Nature
Ubud is the perfect place to connect with nature and find some inner peace while the rest of the world is busy unpacking Christmas presents. Take a stroll through the lush rice terraces of Tegalalang or visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Nothing says tranquillity like a sun salutation to the backdrop of Bali’s stunning landscapes.
Get inspired by the best activities and tours in Ubud here! 🐒
#3 Dive Into Local Culture
Christmas is a great time to immerse yourself in Balinese culture. Visit Ubud Palace to witness traditional dance performances or explore local art galleries showcasing exquisite Balinese art. The Ubud Art Market is a must-visit for unique Christmas gifts. From handcrafted jewellery to beautiful textiles, you’ll find something special to remind you of your Christmas in Bali.
#4 Pamper Yourself
Christmas is also about taking care of yourself, and Ubud’s world-class spas offer the perfect opportunity for some self-indulgence. Book a traditional Balinese massage or a relaxing spa treatment to unwind and recharge. Many resorts and wellness centres offer special Christmas packages that include massages, facials, and other pampering treatments. My go-to in Ubud is Svaha Spa Bisma.
#5 Book a Kecak Show
No visit to Ubud during Christmas is complete without experiencing a traditional fire dance performance. The Kecak dance, with its hypnotic chants and dramatic storytelling, is a must-see. Set against the backdrop of Ubud’s temples or open-air stages, these performances are the best way to connect with Balinese culture. You can book a ticket at venues like Ubud Palace or nearby temples, where the intricate movements of the dancers and the rhythmic sounds of the Gamelan orchestra will transport you into the heart of Bali’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
#6 Find Other Expats to Spend Your Christmas With
Celebrating Christmas away from home can feel a bit lonely, but Ubud’s vibrant expat community ensures you won’t have to spend the holiday alone. Connecting with other travellers and locals is easy, especially at coworking spaces like the Outpost (more options and details on this blog post), where digital nomads and expats gather. Additionally, joining local Facebook groups or using the NomadHer app can help you find Christmas events or meetups. Whether it’s a festive dinner, a yoga session with a holiday twist, or simply sharing stories over coffee, these connections can make your Christmas in Ubud even more special.
#7 Head to the Famous Campuhan Ridge Walk
For a peaceful and scenic escape, start your Christmas Day with a walk along the Campuhan Ridge. This iconic trail offers breathtaking views of Ubud’s lush valleys and rolling hills, providing a serene start to your day. The walk is relatively easy and leads you through a landscape of vibrant greenery and fresh air. Afterwards, reward yourself with a meal at one of the new restaurants nearby, where you can enjoy dishes that blend local flavours with modern cuisine, all while taking in the stunning vistas that make Ubud so enchanting.
#8 Go to a Cooking Class or Farming Class
Immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Bali by joining a cooking or farming class in Ubud. These hands-on experiences offer a unique way to spend Christmas, allowing you to learn how to prepare traditional Balinese dishes or discover sustainable farming practices. Many local cooking schools and farms provide classes that include a visit to a local market, where you’ll pick out fresh ingredients, followed by a guided cooking session. It’s a fantastic opportunity to not only savour the flavours of Bali but also to bring a piece of your Christmas adventure back home with newfound skills and recipes.
#9 Book a Yoga Class on Christmas Day
Start your Christmas Day with a refreshing yoga session at The Yoga Barn, one of Ubud’s most renowned wellness centres. Surrounded by lush greenery and the tranquil ambience of Bali, The Yoga Barn offers a variety of classes suitable for all levels. Whether you’re looking to practice a dynamic Vinyasa flow or a calming restorative session, there’s a class to match your needs. Practising yoga on Christmas morning is a perfect way to centre yourself, embrace the peaceful spirit of Ubud, and set a mindful tone for the day ahead. It’s an experience that blends physical well-being with inner peace, making your holiday in Bali truly special.
Take a look at the best yoga centres in Ubud here 🧘
What If You Venture Outside Ubud for Christmas?
Brunch out to the Gili Islands for Christmas or check out some Christmassy cafes around the island – I’ve wrapped all the juicy information about Christmas in Bali in this blog post.
You can also try one of these 2 cool experiences:
Snorkelling trip to Nusa Penida
Snorkelling in Nusa Penida is amazing! You can swim with super colourful fish, turtles and if you are lucky even manta rays!
Check yourself in a lush stay in the north of Bali
Book an amazing stay in North Bali because you deserve it! My favourite is The Damai Lovina Villas, this place is a real treat, especially for solo travellers! Get a few tours organised by the staff if you are up for it, otherwise just enjoy yourself and get pampered!
Conclusion
Spending Christmas in Ubud as a solo traveller is fantastic. There is no gifting drama, no stress and not too much festive eating! You can finally spend a day absorbing a new culture, treat yourself or celebrate with new friends! Maybe I’ll see you there?
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Bali?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?
My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?
Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.
✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?
👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!
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