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Last Updated: August 2026 | Written by Villa Maia Bali Team
If you're still trying to figure out where to stay in Ubud, here's the short answer: it really comes down to whether you want the buzz of being close to the town center, or the calm of being surrounded by rice fields and jungle. Ubud is actually made up of several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, from the town center to Penestanan, known as the artists' village, to Nyuh Kuning, which is quieter and more local. One area that often flies under the radar but has plenty going for it is Mas, a traditional wood carving village south of the town center, and also the location of Villa Maia. In this guide we'll walk through each area so you can decide based on your own travel style.
Ubud's Main Areas at a Glance
Before you book anything, it helps to understand the bigger picture of Ubud. The district actually stretches well beyond the busy center, from the crowded main streets to quieter villages on the outskirts that still feel close to nature.
Ubud Center
This is the heart of town, the area around Jalan Raya Ubud, Ubud Art Market, and Puri Saren (Ubud Palace). From here you can walk to almost everything: restaurants, trendy cafes, souvenir shops, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which is just a few minutes on foot from the center. This area suits travelers who want to dive straight into the action and don't mind the traffic and street noise that come with it. The trade-off is that accommodation here tends to be pricier, and the "escape into nature" feeling that draws people to Ubud in the first place is a bit harder to find.
Penestanan
Penestanan sits west of the center, across the Campuhan River. It's known for its rice field views, art shops, and a fairly large community of expats and digital nomads. It's roughly 1.5 to 4 km from the town center depending on your reference point, with a walk of around 15 to 25 minutes via the Campuhan Ridge Walk or Jalan Raya Penestanan [VERIFY exact distance if needed for the final version]. The rice paddy views are one of Ubud's most photographed sights, but the roads here tend to be narrow and hilly, which isn't ideal if you're traveling with a large suitcase or young kids.
Mas
Just to be clear, Mas is an actual village name, not an abbreviation or a slang term. It sits south of central Ubud, along the main road toward Denpasar, and has been known for generations as Bali's center of wood carving craftsmanship. Its main road is lined with galleries, workshops, and showrooms run by local artisans, some of which have been operating for several generations.
Mas is about 6 km from the center of Ubud district. Because it sits slightly off the main tourist route, it offers something that's getting harder to find closer to town: genuine quiet, calmer roads, and a slice of local life that still feels authentic, without being cut off from the rest of Ubud. That's exactly why this area has become a favorite for guests looking for a private pool villa in Ubud with real privacy, while still being an easy drive from the main attractions.
Nyuh Kuning
A traditional village just south of Monkey Forest, with a strong local feel and generally more affordable accommodation. It's about 3 km, or a 15-minute walk, from the town center. It's a good fit if you want a village atmosphere but still want to be able to walk into the busier part of town without needing a car.
What Makes Villa Maia's Location Different
Villa Maia is located on Jl. Raya Penginyahan in Mas, within the Ubud district, a spot that seems to deliberately strike a balance between two worlds. On one hand, it's far enough from the noise of the town center that the atmosphere stays genuinely peaceful: a modern A-frame design that blends into the surrounding greenery, wrapped in a tropical garden, with a private pool as the centerpiece of daily life. On the other hand, because Mas connects directly to the main road into central Ubud, popular destinations like Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Palace, Ubud Art Market, and Campuhan Ridge Walk remain an easy drive away [VERIFY exact drive times to each destination].
What sets Villa Maia apart from most villas in the area is how complete the amenities are. It has 4 bedrooms with queen-size beds, 4 en-suite bathrooms, a private swimming pool, a private gym, a bathtub for unwinding, a fully equipped kitchen, a modern living room, air conditioning throughout, fast Wi-Fi, a smart TV, free parking, and an airport shuttle. That combination of a private location in Mas with a full set of amenities makes Villa Maia a solid choice for big families, groups of friends, and even couples celebrating something special, without having to trade comfort for a location that only looks convenient on paper.
For travelers who want to explore further north, Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Tegenungan Waterfall are still within reach for a day trip from Mas [VERIFY exact distance and travel time], so you're not giving up access to the Ubud icons that show up all over Instagram.
How to Decide Based on Your Trip Style
If your top priority is being able to walk everywhere and you don't mind the crowds and higher prices, Ubud Center makes sense for you. If you're chasing rice field views and a relaxed expat vibe, Penestanan could be the pick, as long as you're okay with narrow, hilly roads. Nyuh Kuning works well if you want a village setting on a tighter budget while still being able to walk into town.
But if what you're really after is a villa in Ubud with a private pool, full privacy, and resort-level amenities, without staying far from the main sights, Mas is the answer, and Villa Maia was built exactly for that. It's an ideal fit for families who need room to spread out, groups of friends who want a comfortable home base, or anyone who puts a private pool and genuine quiet at the top of their Ubud wish list.
Ready to Book Your Ubud Getaway?
If you've decided that quiet, privacy, and a private pool are what matter most for your Ubud trip, check availability and lock in your dates for Villa Maia at villamaiabali.com/villa.