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Focus, focus…Where to stay in Bali…
Bali is an island paradise topping the wishlist of young and old, fat and thin, exciting and boring, pretty and ugly and almost everyone else. Deciding where to stay in Bali can be a tad overwhelming, as there are so many fantastic places to choose from, each looking as good as the next.
The beauty of Bali is that there is something for everyone. Bali has it whether you’re looking for a good party, culture, shopping, surfing, diving, snorkelling, adventure activities, spa days or lazing on the beach. All these make Bali a top destination for a relaxing holiday in Southeast Asia.
This guide shows you the best areas in Bali to stay in for YOUR best holiday. We hope it helps to make the decision a little easier.
- Bali Essentials
- Ubud: The Cultural Heart of Bali
- Amed: The Best Place for Snorkelling
- Uluwatu: Best Place to Stay in Bali for Beaches & Surfing
- Umalas: Best for Expats or Families
- Lovina: Best Place to Stay in Bali to See Dolphins
- Nusa Penida: Best for Scenery & Beaches
- Seminyak: Best Area in Bali for Shopping & Nightlife
- Kintamani: Best Area to Stay in Bali for a Slow & Peaceful Holiday
- Tulamben: The Best Place to Stay in Bali for Diving
- Sidemen: Like Ubud 10 Years Ago
- Munduk: Best Place to Stay in Bali for Waterfalls
- Sanur: Where to Stay in Bali For Families and Older Couples
- Canggu: The Coolest Place to Stay in Bali
- Nusa Lembongan: For a Bali Island Escape
- Pererenan: Close Enough & Far Enough from Canggu
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Bali Essentials
Best Time to Visit: Bali can be visited year-round, but keep the following in mind. April – October is the dry season and the best time to visit Bali. Christmas is very popular with Australians. These are the peak seasons with higher prices.
January and February are the rainiest and not the best beach weather. But it will be lush, quiet and good you’ll find good deals on accommodation.
How Long to Stay in Bali: Plan to spend a week to 10 days in Bali for a good holiday. More is, of course, better.
Transportation: Arrange for an airport pickup (from $20) to avoid dealing with local taxis after your long flight. If you’re taking a taxi, use only the Bluebird Taxis.
The best way to get around Bali is by renting a scooter (from $5.50 a day). Families, or those wishing to do sightseeing around the island, will want to get a car with a driver (from $25 per day).
Top Tip: Book your Bali SIM card in advance and simply pick it up at the arrival hall of Ngurah Rai International Airport
Ubud: The Cultural Heart of Bali
Located in the island’s centre, Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart. Everyone visiting Bali should come and see Ubud, even if it’s just on a day trip from the coast.
Ubud sits in the central highlands, surrounded by verdant rice paddies and towering forests. No matter when you come, Ubud is always enveloped in fifty shades of green. And between the green, you’ll find Bali’s most famous landmarks.
If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday that combines cultural activities and sightseeing, Ubud is the ideal place to stay in Bali. Ubud will appeal to young and old who like immersing themselves in Balinese culture, spirituality, and wellness. It is a beautiful place, and the perfect place for a rejuvenating holiday.
In Ubud, you can visit temples, see the monkeys in the Sacred Monkey Forest, learn a new skill like making silver jewellery or cooking Balinese food, and treat yourself to heavenly spa treatments. It is also great to shop for locally produced handicrafts and art.
Beautiful Ubud with its temples, forests, traditional dances, markets and terraced rice paddies, is the perfect place for photographers to capture the beauty of Bali. An Instagram tour of Ubud shows you the best places to take beautiful snaps.
Ubud is home to some of Bali’s finest restaurants. For the best food in Ubud, check out our food lover’s guide to Ubud.
Whether you’re a vegan or carnivore, the food in Ubud is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Bali. The beautifully presented food is not only pretty but damn tasty too. Eating in Ubud is one of the great foodie experiences one must have in Southeast Asia.
The Best Budget Pool Villa in Ubud: Satya Villa
Amed: The Best Place for Snorkelling
Amed on the east coast is the best place to stay in Bali for the best snorkelling right off the beach. Laid-back and peaceful Amed is the perfect place to come and relax by the beach while exploring the underwater wonders of Bali.
Sitting in the shadow of Mount Agung with its black sand beaches, spectacular coral reefs and friendly locals, Amed is perhaps the Bali many dream of. It’s a world away from the glitzy beach clubs of Seminyak, Canggu and Kuta.
Amed is a beautiful seaside town that’s half fishing village and half a holiday resort. In the mornings, you’ll see an armada of jukungs (traditional fishing boats) coming to shore. Needless to say, the seafood here is fresh off the boat.
Snorkelling in Amed is pretty good anywhere you put your head under the water, but you really shouldn’t miss Jemeluk Bay or the Japanese shipwreck.
There are a few good warungs and restaurants in Amed to fuel up between snorkelling sessions.
You will love Amed if you’re looking for a fishing village vibe with a good variety of accommodations. Amed has something for everyone, with pool villas, guesthouses, and dive lodges.
Don’t come to Amed looking for nightlife or beach clubs. The nightlife here is laid-back, with watching the sunset from Sunset Point, overlooking the bay and Mount Agung, followed by a meal at a warung and a drink or two, being the norm. If you’re looking for something more, the reggae bar, Amed Kedai, hosts acoustic sessions or live music on select nights.
If you need a break from snorkelling and chilling on the black sand beaches, the stunning water temple of Tirta Ganga makes a good day trip by scooter.
Where to Stay in Amed: Aquaterrace
Uluwatu: Best Place to Stay in Bali for Beaches & Surfing
One of the coolest places in Bali that the young and young at heart will love is Uluwatu. It’s one of those places that is just cool without trying. Uluwatu is often described as a boho-chic, sexy, and laid-back beach town that embodies much of what Bali is.
So if you’re still wondering where to stay in Bali, the answer is possibly Uluwatu.
Uluwatu boasts waves for days, a spectacular clifftop temple where monkeys roam, some of the best beaches in Bali, and fantastic restaurants, bars, and clubs.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little more upmarket and luxurious (without being stuck up), Uluwatu is the best place in Bali. Located in the southernmost part of Bali, on a peninsula called Bukit, Uluwatu is home to some of the best waves. Surfers and beach bums will LOVE Uluwatu.
Don’t come to Uluwatu looking for a local experience. Restaurants have more avo-smash toasties and smoothie bowls than nasi goreng or soto ayam on the menu. The best cultural thing to do in Uluwatu is to see the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple. It is a magical show, and the setting, overlooking the ocean from a cliff while the sun sets, is outstanding.
The best way to get around Uluwatu is by scooter. This gives you the freedom to beach-hop and takes you to the best beaches. Jimbaran and its fantastic seafood market is about 30 minutes away by scooter and makes for a great romantic dinner.
Best Place to Stay in Uluwatu: Padang Padang Inn
Umalas: Best for Expats or Families
Lovely Umalas is often described as Bali’s best-kept secret. Wedged between uber-popular Seminyak and Canggu, Umalas still flies under the radar for now.
Umalas has long been a favourite with expats and long-term visitors to Bali. Thanks to its location, you can be on Double Six Beach in Seminyak or Fin’s Beach Club on Canggu Beach within 20 minutes.
While the development in the neighbouring areas has put the rice paddy on the endangered list, you can still see large rice paddies between the villas of Umalas. Umalas is a beautiful mix of villas, great restaurants, a few spas and local businesses.
Shoppers will have a ball on nearby Kerobokan Road with miles of shops selling home decor, Bali furniture, garden accessories and other locally produced decor.
Families or long-term visitors will love Umalas for its affordable pool villas, quiet atmosphere, good restaurants, and easy access to nearby Seminyak and Canggu without paying the Seminyak prices.
Umalas is quite spread out, so you’ll need your own transportation for an enjoyable stay. Some may find Umalas too quiet and too far away from the beach.
If you’re looking for affordable pool villas, Umalas is hard to beat. The affordability and friendly community make it an easy choice for digital nomads or those looking for a long-term stay when deciding where to stay in Bali.
Best Pool Villa in Umalas: Umalas Retreat
Lovina: Best Place to Stay in Bali to See Dolphins
Head up to Bali’s north coast, to the lovely seaside town of Lovina, if you truly want to get away from it all. Lovina has drawn visitors looking for some quiet beach time for years, and those in the know often return for more Lovina magic.
There are no big resorts or hotel complexes like the other popular holiday spots on the west coast. Instead, Lovina charms visitors with smaller, more intimate guesthouses or boutique hotels.
Families or couples (young and old) who want to spend quality time together will love Lovina.
But don’t think Lovina is boring. Lovina strikes the perfect balance between having activities to do and chilling hard in between.
The most popular activity in Lovina is dolphin watching. Pods of Spinner dolphins love the calm, clear waters around Lovina, and visitors are almost guaranteed to see these playful creatures jumping out of the water and swimming along your boat.
Lovina is also a good base for exploring northern Bali.
Menjangan Island makes a good day trip from Lovina. The island has excellent snorkelling, and you can spot deer in the Bali Barat National Park, which is part of the island.
Another good day trip from Lovina is the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. This beautiful temple, also known as the Floating Temple, is one of the most stunning places in Bali.
Best Place to Stay in Lovina: 1000 Dream Bungalow
Nusa Penida: Best for Scenery & Beaches
The beautiful island of Nusa Penida is located only 25 kilometres from Bali, and it’s considered part of the Bali province in Indonesia. You can reach it with a comfortable speedboat ride departing from Sanur Beach, which only takes about 45 minutes.
Nusa Penida is famous for its stunning scenery and beaches, featuring postcard locations such as Kelingking Beach (the famous ‘T-Rex’ shaped cliff) and the uniquely shaped Broken Bay. Diamond Beach also has its perfect white sand, blue water, and sheer cliffs.
If you venture off the beaten path in Nusa Penida, you can discover other hidden beaches and sights that remain unspoiled by tourists, unlike many popular places in Bali. There’s a lot to see and do here, so adventure travellers, photographers, and solo travellers will find Nusa Penida especially appealing for these reasons.
Snorkelling in Nusa Penida is a great day out, with the possibility of snorkelling with mantas being the highlight.
Until recently, Nusa Penida Island was still considered relatively undeveloped and lacked adequate accommodation and infrastructure compared to mainland Bali. However, that situation has changed since Nusa Penida’s rising popularity. The island now boasts numerous high-quality hotels and restaurants, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing stay and exploration.
Contributed by David & Intan of The World Travel Guy
Best Place to Stay in Nusa Penida: Akusara Jungle Resort
Seminyak: Best Area in Bali for Shopping & Nightlife
Seminyak is one of the most popular areas in Bali, and it’s easy to see why it has become travellers’ favourites. It has some of the best shopping and nightlife in Bali, and you can find accommodation ranging from luxurious pool villas to affordable hotels in Seminyak.
Despite its popularity, Seminyak still offers some hidden spots that are not too crowded with tourists. Regardless of where you go in Seminyak, you’re never far from the famous restaurants, beaches, or beach clubs and bars.
Beach lovers can go to Seminyak Beach. The beach is busy with holidaymakers and sunseekers and is the most-visited beach in the area. Entrance to the beach is free, but you can pay to rent a beanbag or sunchair under an umbrella to relax by the beach.
Since the beach is so famous, there are many restaurant options where you can have a drink or shop at the boutique shops to buy anything from local designer wear to international surf fashion.
If you prefer a more secluded beach, consider visiting Petitenget Beach instead. Situated not too far from Seminyak beach, it’s less crowded with free entrance and still offers beach vibes similar to those of the other beaches nearby.
Are you more into parties and gourmet meals? Don’t forget to stop by the famous Potato Head Beach Club or Beach Bar in Alila Seminyak to experience the nightlife in one of the best areas in Bali!
Contributed by Marya of The Beau Traveler
Best Budget Hotel in Seminyak: The Alea Hotel Seminyak
Kintamani: Best Area to Stay in Bali for a Slow & Peaceful Holiday
Kintamani can be quite underrated when looking for the best areas to stay in Bali. It’s definitely more popular among locals as its higher elevation and mountainous terrain provide a cooler temperature compared to other Bali regions—a nice respite from all the sunbathing and hot beach destinations!
Located in Bangli Regency, and approximately an hour’s drive from Ubud, Kintamani boasts numerous natural attractions.
Lake Batur is a beautiful volcanic crater lake, while Mount Batur offers a fun and scenic sunrise hiking experience for all. This is also a perfect setting for an adventure like motocross, Jeep rides, and rock climbing.
Not to mention Ulun Danu Batur, the mysterious Trunyan island known for its old burial traditions and some hot springs like Toya Devasya, where you can soak and relax while enjoying the mountainscape.
Another fun thing to do is visit the marigold fields in Temukus Village, where the deep-orange flowers are grown for important Hindu ceremonies. Regarding culinary options, numerous restaurants and cafes are built onto the cliff sides, offering meals with a marvellous panorama.
Overall, Kintamani is perfect for travellers looking for a slower and more peaceful holiday in Bali while still having enough exciting activities. It’s got something for everyone, which embodies what Bali is about.
Contributed by Bradley of Dream Big Travel Far Blog
Best Place to Stay in Kintamani: Tira Vilagna Suites
Tulamben: The Best Place to Stay in Bali for Diving
Tulamben is a small fishing village on the northeast coast of Bali. Diving in Tulamben is excellent. If you are an adventurous traveller, this quiet little village offers some great activities.
It is home to some fantastic dive sites so close to shore you can dive right off the beach as shore dives. The village is close enough to the highest mountain on Bali, Mount Agung, that you can attempt to climb from Tulamben.
The massive wreck of the USAT Liberty is a US Army transport ship that was hit by the torpedo of a Japanese submarine and beached a couple of meters from the shore in 1942. The spectacular wreck offers excellent diving for all levels. The dive starts by walking in from the beach with your scuba gear and exploring the structure to over 30 meters deep. You’ll see amazing little critters and big fish diving around this extraordinary wreck.
Spend a few days here and dive into other famous sites like the Drop Off, Amed Wall, Coral Garden, and the Japanese wreck.
The spectacular Mount Agung is the highest mountain on the island at an altitude of 3031m. Tulamben is the starting point for expeditions for the 9-hour trek up and down the mountain. A trip to climb the well-known volcano, Mt Batur, can also be done from Tulamben.
If that sounds too much, spend your days in Tulamben and enjoy the morning markets, quiet vibe and relaxing beaches of this little beach town.
Contributed by Campbell of Stingy Nomads
Best Place to Stay in Tulamben for Divers: Mimpi Resort
Sidemen: Like Ubud 10 Years Ago
Sidemen is a small rural village located in the east of Bali. Compared to the bigger, more touristy towns in Bali, Sidemen is a tranquil and refreshing area to explore.
Sidemen is often reminiscent of what Ubud was like 10 to 15 years ago and is best suited for travellers seeking more authentic, outdoor-based adventures. You certainly won’t find any beach clubs, or even clubs here for that matter!
Accommodations range from a few luxury resorts to boutique hotels and budget homestays.
Travellers will be mesmerised by the commanding views of Mt Agung that await every corner you turn, as well as lush valleys of green rice fields and traditional villages.
One of the top things to do in Sidemen is to trek through these lush, vibrant rice fields with a tour guide.
To make the most of your time exploring Sidemen, it is recommended to hire a scooter to explore the area. You will pass through small traditional villages, crossing over a yellow suspension bridge over the river (Sidemen’s version of the iconic yellow bridge of Nusa Lembongan).
Cooking classes are another popular activity to do in Sidemen. Finally, visit the Gembleng Waterfall, where your private plunge pool awaits at the top of the falls.
Contributed by Tess of Tessomewhere
Where to Stay in Sidemen: Abian Ayu Villa
Munduk: Best Place to Stay in Bali for Waterfalls
Munduk is also one of the best areas in Bali to stay in if you want to experience Bali off the beaten path. In Munduk, you can still expect to see local traditional Balinese life away from the tourist crowds. It is an authentic town, full of waterfalls, clove trees, and beautiful rice terraces that are much more enjoyable than Tegallalang near Ubud.
Munduk is certainly not for everyone, but if you like to stray off the well-trodden paths, then Munduk is precisely what you are looking for.
The picturesque village of Munduk is small, with just a few warungs, hotels, and homestays. The main thing to do in Munduk is to hike the Munduk Waterfall trail. This trail takes you to four gorgeous waterfalls near the town centre.
The road leads through beautiful jungle scenery. There are some great restaurant options along the way, such as Eco Café, near the Golden Valley waterfalls, and Warung Saraswati, which can be found on the trail from Red Coral waterfall to Labuhan Kebo waterfall.
Many more waterfalls around Munduk are just a motorbike ride away, such as Banyumala Waterfall, Wanagiri Pucak Manik Waterfall, and Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall.
Another great thing to do is to visit the twin lakes Buyan and Tambligan, and the famous Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple, which is half an hour’s drive.
By Annelies from Travelers & Dreamers
Best Place to Stay in Munduk: Umah de Madya Guesthouse
Sanur: Where to Stay in Bali For Families and Older Couples
Sanur is a small area on the southeast coast of Bali. It is the closest area to Denpasar and the airport. Sanur is the best area for families visiting Bali and older couples seeking a quieter retreat away from Kuta and Seminyak’s hustle and bustle and nightclubs.
The town has many hotels and villas for people who want to stay for a long time or just for a few days. There are 5-star resorts, hotels, villas and homestay options to suit every budget and travel style. In Sanur, you can spend as much or as little depending on the facilities and locations of your accommodation.
Five-star hotels and resorts dot the beach, while smaller hotels and villas are found just back from the beach on Jalan Danau Tamblingan. You can also find shops and restaurants in Sanur that offer great food at reasonable prices. You can have great Japanese at Nori Sushi, burgers and satay on the beach at La Playa and fantastic coffee at Jungle Coffee.
The beach in Sanur is one of the best beaches in Bali, offering a variety of water sports activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing, and more.
Being on the island’s east side, the sunrises are epic and draw people out of their beds early to watch it rise over calm waters between Bali and Nusa Penida.
Mark from Wyld Family Travel
Best Place to Stay in Sanur for Couples & Families: Bebek Cottages
Canggu: The Coolest Place to Stay in Bali
Canggu is located on the southeastern coast, and it’s a trendy and hip area to stay in Bali. Terraced rice paddies surround the long strip area, and the coastal area is filled with pristine beaches with solid waves that draw surfers.
The area is an up-and-coming traveller’s district with new, trendy resorts, cafes, and shops popping up along Canggu’s three main streets. Canggu is quickly becoming one of the top areas in Bali for nightlife, offering an excellent selection of bars and clubs. But fear not, it’s not anything like Kuta!
Take a walk along the Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, the main street passing through Canggu, and you’ll find an exciting number of cafes and boutique stores. The best way to explore Canggu is by hiring a scooter. The roads in Canggu are generally quieter than those in Seminyak or Kuta, making riding a scooter a safer and more relaxing experience.
Staying in the centre of Canggu gives you easy access to the best restaurants and shops, while Batu Bolong, the main beach of Canggu, is within walking distance.
Apart from surfing, there are many things to see and do in Canggu. Get a Vue Beach Club Day Pass and enjoy the beach from the infinity pool. Or sign up for a yoga class, take a cooking class and visit a local market, head to a spa to pamper yourself, or go horseback riding along the beach.
Tanah Lot is one of the most visited sacred places in Bali, and the temple is only 20 minutes away from Canggu. The best time to visit the temple is at sunset.
By Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Coolest Hostel to Stay in Canggu: Dip and Doze
Nusa Lembongan: For a Bali Island Escape
Located approximately 30 minutes from the mainland of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is an island escape like no other. This slice of paradise offers a unique way of life, complete with picture-perfect white sands, turquoise waters, and lush mangrove forests.
Perfect for all kinds of travellers, Nusa Lembongan is a laid-back place that offers a wide range of activities, from surfing to snorkelling and diving to sipping a cocktail at one of the iconic beach bars.
Being one of the arrival points to the island, Jungut Batu is the main area on Nusa Lembongan and is home to most of the island’s accommodations. You will find a huge variety of dining options on the main street, including vegan cafés, sports bars, and local warungs. There are many restaurants and warungs with incredible beach-front dining.
The other arrival point for fast boats from Bali is Mushroom Bay, just a short walk from Jungut Batu. You can hire surfboards and kayaks to explore its well-protected waters or check out the incredible views overlooking the bay from one of the restaurants in the hills. About a 5-minute drive away is the famous natural blowhole, Devil’s Tears.
In terms of things to do, a visit to the traditional village of Mangrove is a must. A tour around the village will enable you to learn about the local farmers’ way of life, and you may even take a trip through the luscious green mangroves.
Contributed by Lana of Wallflower in Wanderland
Best Place to Stay in Nusa Lembongan: Lembongan Sanctuary Villas
Pererenan: Close Enough & Far Enough from Canggu
Pererenan is situated just a short drive from the heart of Canggu and is considered an emerging area in Bali. The development here is progressing quickly, with new bars, restaurants and cafes appearing every month. The prices here are still slightly lower than those along the famous Batu Bolong Street, making it perfect for those on a budget who still want to be close to all the action.
Two shortcuts connect Pererenan to Canggu, so you can quickly get everywhere by scooter. Pererenan also boasts a great beach, perfect for surfing and relaxation. You can head to a local beach bar for a cold sunset drink. There is a small rooftop bar located right by the beach, perfect for watching the sunset.
Another fun thing to do in Pererenan is play Padel at Jungle Padel. Book your slot in advance, as this is a popular activity in Bali.
You’ll love the wide variety of breakfast places in Pererenan, which offer delicious meals with coffee to go with them. Of course, the selection for lunch and dinner is just as good. If you want to party, head down to Canggu or to Kuta, further south.
Contributed by Victoria of Guide Your Travel
Coolest Hostel in Pererenan: Lushy
And that is where to go in Bali!
We hope that you’ve found your sweet spot and decided where to stay in Bali.
Enjoy your trip 🙂