Cheap flights to Ubud (Denpasar International Airport) are available from Adelaide International Airport and typically stopover in Singapore on Virgin Australia or Singapore Airlines. Cheap flights exiting Perth are available on carriers such as Air Asia and Jetstar and have a flight time just shy of 4 hours. A domestic flight to Perth or Darwin will typically make up part of the journey for flights departing from the east coast. Cheap flights connecting predominantly through Kuala Lumpur are available from Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast on Air Asia. A 30-day Visa can be organised in flight or upon arrival and will attract a small cost. Denpasar International Airport is approximately 22km from Ubud. Exit the arrival lounge and a Ngurah Rai Airport Taxi attendant will issue a ticket for a fixed price fare, or book ahead for a shuttle bus service your accommodation may provide.

Transport across Bali is typically very simple and as long as you’re careful, cheap. Much of Ubud is best explored on foot or bicycle. Bemos and minivans cover short distances for an agreed, upfront cost. Remember to always be polite and fair when negotiating prices. Book onto organised tours or hire a car with a driver for longer journeys – local expert knowledge and road skills are better than a wobbly Westerner competing with Balinese traffic on a moped.

Ubud is an amazing part of Bali that keeps tradition alive and has an extensive concentration of exquisite creativity. Marvel at carefully crafted Balinese wood carvings and paintings at Museum Puri Lukisan. The Don Antonio Blanco Museum houses the famous artists brush works in his mountain home, complete with a stunning view of the sacred Campuan River. If that’s not enough artwork, take in the celebrated collections of the Neka Art Museum and Agung Rai Museum of Art. Get into the Ubud spirit of craftsmanship and make your own jewellery under the meticulous guide of a Chez Monique silversmith class. For a cheap few hours, see hundreds of adorable long-tailed macaques at the Sacred Monkey Forest of Pedantegal, or kayak the Ayung River. Bali Eco Cycling offers an easy downhill adventure from breathtaking active volcano Mt Batur, through spectacular rice fields and local villages back to Ubud. Take the opportunity to sample the world’s most expensive morning brew, Luwak Coffee on the ride.

Sample the suckling pig at Ibu Oka or the whole-day smoked duck at Bebek Bengil. For fine dining try one of the 6-course tasting menus at Mozaic or for a cheap eat make your way to Putu’s Wild Ginger. Ubud doesn’t really exist for the retail market, but visit Bong’s for a unique ponder or accessorize at Lila Lane’s. Drink cocktails at Cinta Grill or the Laughing Bull Bar. For the only wine-sipping option in Ubud, Bridges is overwhelmingly impressive. Enjoy live music at Napi Orta and Fly Café and definitely set aside some time to absorb the story telling chorus of men at a Kecak Fire and Trance Dance – it is Ubud after all.