1 · The short answer

The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is held in Ubud, in the hills of central Bali, usually in October. It is a programme of talks, panels, book launches, workshops and evening events spread over several venues in and around town. The 2026 programme on the organiser's site was listed for 17 to 25 October. Check the organiser's site for the next edition's dates.

Because sessions are spread out, your phone does the work: tickets, the schedule, maps between venues and a ride when the afternoon rain arrives. Mobile coverage in Ubud is generally fine, though narrow streets and busy hours can slow it down.

Ringo Light's Indonesia plan covers Bali and the rest of the country on one eSIM with unlimited data at full speed. It arrives by email and installs in one scan.

Ringo Light's Indonesia plan covers the whole of Indonesia: unlimited data at full speed, 2 weeks for $23.99 or 30 days for $35.99, nothing renews. The plan is at ringoesim.com/indonesia, and every brand's price for Indonesia is compared on one day in Best eSIM for Indonesia.

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2 · What happens

The festival brings authors, journalists and thinkers from Indonesia and abroad to Ubud for talks and conversations. Main sessions run on the Agung Stage and Valley Stage, with other events at restaurants, hotels and cultural venues in town, such as Casa Luna, Indus and Puri Agung Ubud. Many launches and some events are free but need registration, while masterclasses and special events have limited seats.

3 · Tickets and the schedule

  • ✓Festival passes: Passes and single events are sold on the organiser's site. Some events sell out, so book before you travel.
  • ✓Registration: Free events often show a Register Now button. Keep the confirmation email where you can open it offline.
  • ✓Concessions: The site links to concession ticket details; read the ticket FAQs on the organiser's page for the current rules.
  • ✓Screenshot the plan: Save a screenshot of your day's sessions and venue map in case signal dips in a crowded courtyard.

4 · Getting to Ubud and around

  • ✓From the airport: Ubud is inland from Bali's Ngurah Rai airport. The drive is usually one to two hours depending on traffic. Book a driver through a ride app or arrange a transfer in advance.
  • ✓Gojek and Grab: Both apps work for cars and motorbike rides in Bali. In parts of Ubud, drivers can be restricted by local taxi rules, so pickup points sometimes move to the edge of an area. Read the pin message in the app.
  • ✓Walking: Central Ubud is walkable, but pavements are narrow and sessions can be a few minutes apart. Download offline maps.
  • ✓Evenings: Allow extra time after popular evening events, when rides take longer to arrive.

5 · What your phone has to do

  • ✓Cashless: Cards are accepted in many cafes and bookshops, and QRIS QR payments are common across Indonesia. Carry some cash for small warungs.
  • ✓Maps and translation: Google Maps works in Ubud. A translation app helps outside the main streets.
  • ✓Data in crowds: Venues are small, so signal is normally enough for tickets and chat. Download playlists and books before you go.
  • ✓Why not a local SIM: An eSIM installed before you land means you can order a ride at arrivals without queueing for a SIM.

6 · Which plan covers the trip

Ringo Light's Indonesia plan covers Ubud, the rest of Bali and the other islands with unlimited data at full speed, enough for ride apps, maps and sharing photos. If your trip also takes in other countries, the Global plan covers your route.

7 · Frequently asked questions

When is the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival?+
Usually in October. The 2026 programme was listed for 17 to 25 October. Check the organiser's site for the next edition's dates.
Where is the festival held?+
In Ubud, across several venues including the Agung Stage, Valley Stage and nearby restaurants, hotels and cultural spaces. The programme lists each venue.
Do Gojek and Grab work in Ubud?+
Yes, both apps work in Bali, though pickup points in some Ubud areas can differ from your pin. Check the message from your driver.
Do I need tickets in advance?+
For popular sessions and masterclasses, yes, as seats are limited and some sell out. Check the organiser's ticket page.
How do I install Ringo Light?+
It arrives by email and installs in one scan. No app is needed.

8 · Sources

Read next: best esim for bali · best esim for indonesia