Where to stay in Ubud: Jungle Retreat by Kupu Kupu Barong review

There are a lot of reasons to fall in love with Ubud. There’s the laid-back vibe, all the amazing food on offer, the lush greenery and friendly atmosphere and, of course, all the amazing local artisans displaying their craft. Ubud is all things earthy, green, wholesome and relaxing, which is why I love escaping there any chance I get. Something about the place just slows me down and helps me relax and unwind, which is exactly why it needs to be on your travel bucket list if it isn’t already. I spent three nights staying in a part of Ubud I hadn’t explored before, tucked away at the gorgeous Jungle Retreat by Kupu Kupu Barong. Here’s the scoop.

Planning your trip?
•••
Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Simify

I register as an affiliate for anything I use and recommend. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you click them and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and in some cases, these links may even unlock savings or give you bonuses I’ve negotiated. You can find out more about this here and here.

---

Where the heck is it?

I really liked the location of Jungle Retreat by Kupu Kupu Barong, just outside the main centre of Ubud. I’ve stayed in the heart of Ubud a few times and loved it but was keen to experience something different. It’ll take you 10 minutes or less to get to the retreat from the heart of Ubud, which you can do by scooter or by taxi. I hired a scooter and loved zipping around each day, making my way into town or avoiding the centre altogether if I felt like it. Escaping the hubbub of town and finding peace and relaxation overlooking the jungle made each day feel longer, with less pressure to get up and get going immediately. You can take things at whatever pace suits you.

Why would I want to stay there?

Jungle Retreat by Kupu Kupu Barong provides a haven, tucked away from the busy streets of Ubud. It’s part of the gorgeous Kupu Kupu Barong, so when you arrive, you’re greeted with a friendly welcome and then whisked away on a buggy, through the jungle, to the retreat. I love the little journey each time, it kind of transports you to another world and makes you feel like you’re away from it all and, really, that’s what Jungle Retreat really provides.

It’s a great escape for anyone looking to experience Ubud but still feel as though they’re ‘away from it all.’ We loved the restaurants and things to do within scooter or transport distance and the Retreat served as a great base for all our adventures and activities. Most importantly, the rooms are very comfortable and the service is fantastic – I cannot rave about the staff enough, they were fantastic.

What are the rooms like?

We stayed in a deluxe jungle view room and really enjoyed it! The room was very spacious, with more than enough room to spread out and get really comfortable. The queen-sized bed was cosy and comfortable, with pillows you just kind of melt into. I was a bit sick while I was there, with a cold, so made the most of snuggling up in bed and watching movies. The room was also equipped with free wifi, air conditioning, a mini bar, safe, lovely robes to float around in and tea and coffee-making facilities.

The fit-out of the rooms is pretty cute, with lots of local flavour and plenty of earthy tones with splashes of red. We both loved the bathroom, with its huge spa bathtub and shower-over-head. The whole room just has a really open feel to it and a nice warmth that makes you feel totally comfortable, at ease and at home. Again, the service was amazing! The front desk team was so incredibly helpful, answering any and all questions we had and really going the extra mile to help us out with anything they could.

Talk me through the food situation…

Kupu Kupu Barong is well known for its gorgeous table with a view, and Jungle Retreat guests can enjoy it too. Breakfast each day is hosted at La View restaurant, offering stunning views over the jungle below. It’s a genuinely great way to start the day. I was also treated to a special breakfast in the Bird’s Nest, a private dining cove overlooking the jungle, something I’d highly recommend doing. There are also two on-site restaurants at Jungle Retreat: Tamiang and Oishi Tei.

Located outside the heart of Ubud you might think it’d be hard to find great food close to the retreat, but that’s not the case. I discovered quite a few fantastic spots nearby, including Uma Cucina, The Sayan House, Gaya Gelato and Blanco par Mandif (worth checking ahead as opening hours can vary). You can read more about them in my guide to the best places to eat in Ubud.

But, what would I do?

There are a wealth of things to see and do with Jungle Retreat as your base. I took off on a few scooter adventures, including visiting the Tegalalang rice terrace, exploring the incredible Green Village and working my way through the heart of Ubud, visiting local stores and wandering the market. Don’t let the fact Jungle Retreat isn’t right in the middle of Ubud put you off, because you can still get around and see, do and eat everything you want to. You may also like to read this epic guide on 22 awesome things you absolutely must do in Ubud, for inspiration.

I was lucky enough to take a guided jungle trek with a local and loved every second of it. My guide took me down to the river and showed me how Jungle Retreat and Kupu Kupu Barong work together with local farmers, supporting them by purchasing rice directly from them. What I love about this is you won’t hear them bragging about it. It’s just something they do behind the scenes. I learned a lot about the culture of Ubud locals on that trek and even received a blessing from my guide before we headed back.

Another great thing to do is schedule some time at the on-site Mango Tree Spa by L’Occitane. I had a massage in one of the treehouse treatment rooms overlooking the jungle and river, and it was seriously impressive. The therapists know exactly what they’re doing, and the setting makes the whole experience feel about ten times better than your average treatment. There’s something about being up in a treehouse, the jungle sounds all around you, that takes things to another level entirely. Jungle Retreat also has two rooftop pools, perfect for spending an afternoon swimming, sipping a cocktail and catching the sunset.

The verdict…

I absolutely loved the location of Jungle Retreat. It was a side of Ubud I hadn’t experienced before, and I really took to it. Being away from the more touristy, busier parts of town helped me connect with the jungle and spirit of Ubud again, finding the kind of peace and tranquillity that’s harder to come by when you’re in the thick of the main strip.

I had a great time buzzing around each day on the scooter, taking trips to discover local sights and flavours. It was great to have the freedom of my own transport, knowing my comfortable little patch of Jungle Retreat was there waiting whenever I was ready to head back and wind down.

I’d recommend Jungle Retreat by Kupu Kupu Barong as the perfect base for anyone who has visited Ubud before and is looking to experience something a little different, away from the centre of town. I’d also recommend it for first-timers looking to experience the jungle and have a genuinely peaceful stay while still being close to all the main things to see, eat and do.

The service throughout was exceptional. Everyone who works there is genuinely warm and considerate, and that kind of attentiveness is what separates a good hotel from one you keep thinking about long after you’ve left. I’d happily stay at Jungle Retreat again..

Book Jungle Retreat by Kupu Kupu Barong here

Frequently asked questions

Is Jungle Retreat by Kupu Kupu Barong worth it?

Yes, if you’re after something quieter and more immersive than the centre of Ubud. The rooms are spacious, the service is excellent and the jungle setting genuinely delivers on the promise. It’s particularly good value for what you get in terms of space and atmosphere.

How far is Jungle Retreat from central Ubud?

It’s around 10 minutes by scooter or taxi from the main strip of Ubud, which makes it easy to get in and out whenever you want without feeling like you’re stuck somewhere remote.

Can you get around easily without a scooter?

Yes, though having a scooter gives you a lot more flexibility and makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Taxis and rideshares are available, but I’d strongly recommend hiring a scooter if you’re comfortable riding one.

Is Mango Tree Spa worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s one of the more memorable spa experiences in Ubud, largely because of the treehouse treatment rooms. The L’Occitane products are great and the standard of the therapists is high. Book ahead, especially during peak travel periods.

Does Jungle Retreat have its own restaurant?

Yes, there are two on-site restaurants: Tamiang and Oishi Tei. Breakfast is served at La View restaurant at the main Kupu Kupu Barong property and is well worth making time for, particularly the Bird’s Nest private dining experience.

---

---