How much does it cost to attend the Festival?

Please see the tickets page.

Where is a good place to stay?

Help us support the ones who support the Festival! Try our sponsoring hotels. Otherwise for the village experience, there are many cheap home stays around town that are bursting with charm and delicious breakfasts.

Please see accommodation page.

What is included in a four day Festival pass?

A four day pass includes entry to the main Festival venue Indus, Neka and the Left Bank. A Festival Pass DOES NOT INCLUDE workshops, literary lunches and special events. You must register for these events separately.

What is a Literary Lunch?

A Literary Lunch is where our key international authors are interviewed over a three-course meal in one of Ubud’s elegant hotels. The lunches provide readers with the chance to brush shoulders with their favourite writers and these events are prized for their intimacy and ambience.

What is a Special event?

A Feature event is a paid event such as a literary lunch, dinner, cocktail party where you get to listen to and mingle with your favourite authors and poets in interesting and intimate venues around Ubud.

Are there any free events?

Many of our evening events are free. Please check your Festival program for these.

How do I get to Ubud?

Ubud is one hour north from Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai airport. Please call your hotel to see if they offer pick-up and drop-off service. If not you can hire a blue bird taxi, which is a metered car, or haggle with a driver to negotiate your own fare.

How do I get to the main venue?

The Festival provides pick-up and drop off service from Casa Luna, to the main venues Indus, Left Bank and Neka. Some hotels provide a shuttle service to the main venues, please contact your hotel for details.

How do I get to other venues for my workshop or literary lunch?

Ubud is full of drivers offering transport who will happily drive you anywhere. All you need to do is stroll to the main road and you will find wheels in a second!

What security measures do you put in place for attendees?

The Ubud police and district police will be at all sites and parking is not allowed in front of venues.

What kind of handicapped facilities do you offer?

Unfortunately, Indonesia in general, is not wheelchair friendly but there will be staff available to help move people. For hearing impaired, please contact Festival organisers to see how we can help. For seeing impaired, dogs are permitted at all Festival sights. If you have any specific questions, please call Festival organisers to discuss.

What language will the Festival be conducted in?

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language of Indonesia but most sessions will be held in English. Bi-lingual or Indonesian sessions will be noted in the program and translators will be present. Please see the program for details.

What is available for children and teens?

Bali is child-friendly. There are many creative programs on for kids and teens during the day. Stay tuned for the Children’s program announcements.

How do I find out about changes or updates to the program?

Four ways:

1. Announcements will be made at each venue.
2. Bulletin boards and changes will be posted at the main venue and at box office.
3. Please check website regularly for updates and changes to the program.
4. Subscribe to our newsletter

Is it a good place to come on my own?

Ubud is a very safe place for the single traveler and it is likely you will make many friends at the Festival and at your hotel. Some of our Committee even found spouses here!

Where can I buy books of the writers appearing?

Most of the books will be on sale during the Festival at the Festival bookstore, depending on the availability and accessibility of their work.

How did the Festival start?

The international Ubud Writers & Readers Festival began as a healing and economic development project after the Bali bombings in 2002. The Festival is an annual-ongoing event, held each October, in a month that commemorates the first Bali bombing. Now in its fifth year, the Festival promises to become the largest and most prestigious literary gathering in the South-East Asian region.

The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is a respected international event, attracting authors, publishers, festival directors and academics from all over the world. In previous years our headlining guests were Michael Ondaatje [Canada], Amitav Ghosh [India] and the President of East Timor Xanana Gusmao, who each participated alongside over 100 other writers from New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, India Canada, the United States, France, the UK, Germany and Indonesia.

What time do restaurants close?

Generally restaurants close around 10 pm.

What time do bars close?

Last call for food and wine is usually around 11pm but some of our resident late-night party folk can offer suggestions if you would like to see Ubud after midnight. Our Festival Club at Casa Luna will be open 10pm- 1am!

What airlines travel to Bali?

Please consult your local travel agent.

What else is there to do in Ubud?

Ubud is the cultural centre of Ubud and throughout the year, you can see spectacular temple ceremonies and processions. Otherwise in Ubud, you can learn the secrets of Balinese cooking, how to dance like a Balinese princess, make batik, jewellery or pottery. You can take a stroll through the rice fields and chat to the farmers, visit ancient relics in Pejeng or one of the many temples, go white-water rafting, ride a bike, or even horse, through the villages and stretch weary limbs with a yoga class by some of our world-class teachers. You won’t want to leave!

What will the weather be like that time of year?

Please pack warm weather clothes that are not too revealing. Walking in a bathing suit, or for men shirtless, down the main street of Ubud is not acceptable behavior, no matter how hot.

How do I get a Visa? How much does it cost?

Please ask your local travel agent.

Do I need to get any vaccinations before I go?

Please check with your doctor.