Ubud's town centre is compact enough to cover on foot — the main streets are Jalan Raya Ubud running east-west through the centre and Jalan Monkey Forest running south toward the Sacred Monkey Forest, connected at the palace junction. Most temples, museums, and restaurants are within 20 minutes' walk of that intersection.
Beyond the centre, the terrain changes. The surrounding countryside is a patchwork of rice fields, river gorges, and craft villages spread across several square kilometres. For these, a rented bicycle or scooter is the most practical option. Bicycles are cheap to hire (around 50,000 rupiah per day) and suitable for the relatively flat roads north and east of town. Scooters cost a little more and cover greater distances; you'll need to be comfortable riding in Indonesian traffic, which is informal but not aggressive. Helmets are provided and required.
Ojeks (motorcycle taxis) wait at the market junction and at most hotels. For a one-off trip to a nearby temple or village, they are quick and inexpensive. The ride-hailing apps Gojek and Grab also operate in Ubud and give fixed prices before you book — a more transparent option for visitors unfamiliar with local rates.
Hired drivers with cars are the preferred option for day trips to more distant sites like Besakih, Kintamani, or the temples of Mengwi. Your accommodation can arrange this; negotiate a full-day rate in advance. Drivers typically know the roads well and can act as informal guides.
Walking between the main sites is pleasant but hills, narrow pavements, and the occasional absence of any pavement at all make it tiring in the heat. Wear shoes with grip; the stone paths around temples can be slippery after rain.