Each October, the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali, Ubud, becomes a vibrant global stage for conversation, creativity, and connection. This is the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF), Southeast Asia’s most acclaimed and prestigious literary and arts festival. From Thursday, October 2nd to Monday, October 6th, 2025, Ubud will welcome a remarkable gathering of renowned authors, journalists, artists, and activists from around the world.
For the culturally curious traveler, being in Bali during UWRF is an incredible opportunity to engage with thought-provoking ideas and inspiring stories. As your friendly hosts at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we’ve created this guide to help you navigate and enjoy this world-class event.
What is the UWRF? An Ocean of Ideas
For five days, the festival transforms Ubud’s cafes, galleries, and community spaces into a buzzing hub of intellectual and creative energy. It is a celebration of the written and spoken word, where a diverse lineup of international and Indonesian speakers come together to share their stories and discuss the most pressing issues of our time.
- The 2025 Theme: The theme for the 22nd Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is “Samudra: The Ocean of Ideas.” This beautiful theme explores the vast, interconnected nature of human stories and knowledge, reflecting the boundless sea of ideas that the festival aims to share.
What to Expect: A Guide to the Program
The UWRF program is a rich and diverse tapestry of events, with something for every curious mind. While the full schedule is released on their official website, here’s a look at the different types of experiences you can enjoy:
- Main Program Panels: These are the heart of the festival. They are thought-provoking panel discussions featuring multiple speakers who delve into a wide range of topics, from literature and politics to food and the environment.
- Literary Lunches & Dinners: These are special, ticketed events that offer an intimate and unforgettable opportunity to dine with a small group and a celebrated author.
- Practical Workshops: For aspiring writers and creatives, the festival offers a range of hands-on workshops in skills like fiction writing, poetry, journalism, and more, led by experts in their fields.
- Book Launches & Author Signings: A chance to discover new works and meet your favorite writers in person.
- Evening Performances: As the sun sets, the festival continues with a vibrant program of live music, poetry slams, and special film screenings at various venues around Ubud.
A Visitor’s Guide: Pro Tips for Attending
Ready to dive into this ocean of ideas? A little planning will help you make the most of your festival experience.
- Tickets & Passes: The best way to experience the festival is by purchasing a 1-Day or 4-Day Pass, which gives you access to all the Main Program panels. Special events like workshops and literary lunches are ticketed separately. It is highly recommended to book your pass and any special event tickets in advance on the official UWRF website, as popular sessions sell out quickly.
- Getting There from Nusa Dua: Ubud is a beautiful and scenic journey from Nusa Dua, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car. A day trip is easily manageable, allowing you to attend several sessions and soak up the atmosphere.
- Let Us Plan Your Journey: For a completely seamless and comfortable experience, allow our Concierge team to arrange your transportation. We can organize a private car and driver for a single day or for the duration of your festival visit, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the event with complete peace of mind.
The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is a truly inspiring event and a must-do for any culturally curious traveler in Bali this October. It’s an opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with a global community of thinkers and creators.
