| Type of place | Price found for 1 h | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbourhood spa (Karsa Spa, Tjampuhan Spa, Aksata) | about 21 to 24 dollars | simple massage, good value |
| Resort spa with river or forest | from about 67 dollars as a package | setting, couples, special occasion |
| Massage at home or hotel | from about 15 dollars | comfort, no travel |
| Spa with day club | massage plus access package | relaxing day |
Balinese massage
Traditional Balinese massage combines deep pressure, stretching and aromatic oil. Oil massages usually last 60 or 90 minutes; many spas add a flower bath or scrub in a 2 to 3 hour package. Say what pressure you want before it starts.
Types of places
- Neighbourhood spas: book the day before, sometimes the same day. Karsa Spa is cited at about 22 dollars an hour and fills quickly.
- Resort spas: a setting above the river or in the forest, with tea, towels and sometimes a shuttle. More expensive, but a fuller experience.
- Home service: therapists come to your villa; check the agency and reviews.
- Spa plus swing or day club packages: combine a treatment with an activity; see the Ubud swing.
How to choose
- Budget: below 15 dollars an hour, be wary of quality or hidden extras.
- Recent reviews: look at cleanliness, punctuality and the real length of the treatment (one traveller reports a shorter session than expected).
- Shuttle: some packages include it; otherwise count the trip from your hotel.
- Duration: 60 minutes is enough for a first massage; 90 minutes for tense backs.
- Mobility: ask whether the spa has stairs or a ground-floor room.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory in Bali but is appreciated: for a flower bath, one spa suggests at least 100,000 rupiah for the attendant; 50,000 to 100,000 rupiah for a one-hour massage is common practice, but we have no official source. Hotel spas sometimes add service and tax to the bill: check the total before paying. See also money, tipping and ATMs.
Going further
To fit a spa into a day, see Ubud in one day, where to stay in Bali and the Ubud guide.
FAQ
How much is a massage in Ubud?
About 21 to 24 dollars an hour at a standard spa (October 2026), from 15 dollars at home and up to 67 dollars or more for a resort package.
Do I need to book?
Yes for the good spas and in high season; the day before is usually enough.
What should I wear?
The spa provides a gown or disposable underwear; you can ask for an extra towel.
How much should I tip?
Not compulsory; 50,000 to 100,000 rupiah is common practice, more for a package of several hours.
