The Ultimate Guide To Bali Accommodation

Bali Accommodation

Bali Accommodation could be anything from a private villa to a 5 star resort to a bungalow in the rice fields. It really has some of the most diverse accommodation options available. We have stayed in a bit of everything, from huts on the beach to boutique hotels and villas to 5 star sprawling resorts and everything in between. So we created this guide to help you find and book the best Bali accommodation for your Bali holiday.

Contents
What Area To Stay In Bali?
How To Get Value For Money
Booking Websites We Love
Hotels We Have Reviewed
Search For Bali Hotels

What Area To Stay In Bali?

There are many areas in Bali to stay, and they can be very different to each other. They all have their pro’s and con’s depending on what you are wanting to get out of your Bali holiday.

Kuta, Legian & Seminyak

Kuta is probably the most touristy place in Bali. It is filled with shops and markets, bars and clubs. Whilst I think it’s worth a look, I wouldn’t recommend staying here unless this is the area you want to spend your time, or unless your after cheap accommodation (but you don’t really need to be in Kuta to get cheap accommodation in Bali).

See Our Kuta and Legian Accommodation Guide here.

Legian is slightly less full on than Kuta, but my pick for this area would be Seminyak. It’s known as the more ‘trendy’ area, with more boutique style shops, trendy bars and a wide range of dining options from local warungs to world-renowned restaurants. If you want to be close to this area, but a little more remote, I would suggest Canggu (about 20 minutes drive from Seminyak) or Umalas (about 10 minutes drive from Seminyak).

See our Seminyak Accommodation Guide Here

Jimbaran

Jimbaran can get a bad wrap for having luxury resorts on a beach and not much else. But we think that’s a huge misconception. We have stayed in Jimbaran a lot. The beaches are cleaner/nicer than Kuta/Legian/Seminyak area, there is a variety of accommodation options, although not as many as Seminyak. And you can walk out of your hotel and still feel like your in Bali with local shops, local produce markets and local fish markets right there. And the streets are in no way crowded with tourists. It’s great for seafood dinners on the beach, and for day trips to Uluwatu or even Seminyak. Sure the streets aren’t buzzing with things to do, but I get a much more local feel here and find it a nice place to relax.

See our Jimbaran Accommodation Guide Here.

Uluwatu

Popular for surfing, this area has great beaches (not all for swimming), stunning views and is remote whilst still having some quality facilities (mainly within hotels) in the area (e.g. Finns Beach Club). Uluwatu is home to some of Bali’s most luxurious accommodation, whilst also having a few homestay and more basic/relaxed options.

See our Uluwatu Accommodation Guide here.

Ubud and Surrounds

Ubud itself is pretty filled with tourists, traffic, shops and restaurants. Oh and yoga facilities. The village itself gets a bad wrap for being too touristy, but for a first time visit, I think it’s great to stay in or near the village itself. After all, you are going to want to have a look, eat at the restaurants, check out the local markets etc. But for a second visit, I’d definitely stay on the outskirts, spend some time relaxing and walking around the natural beauty of this part of Bali. And you could still get a taxi into the village easily.

See our Ubud Accommodation Guide here

Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa

Nusa Dua is known to be the luxury hotel bubble of Bali. Although it’s lacking the culture you would find elsewhere, the area itself is probably one of the safest with its security checkpoints, so this might be appealing to families. If you did decide to stay here, I would make sure it is combined with a stay elsewhere in Bali, to experience what Bali is really all about. Or, make sure you get a taxi and get out and about a lot.

See our Nusa Dua Accommodation Guide here.

Tanjung Benoa is Nusa Dua’s neighbour. It has varying types of accommodation, great for water sport activities and has more local shops and restaurants than you would find in Nusa Dua.

Sanur

One of the oldest resort towns in Bali, Sanur is much quieter than Seminyak/Kuta, and with a more local feel. Great area for families or for a more relaxing trip. Accommodation can range from budget to resorts, but there are less uber luxurious options here.

See our Sanur Accommodation Guide here.

Lovina/Singaraja

Situated in Northern Bali, this area is relaxed and laid-back, a place to slow down and have lazy days. The accommodation is more affordable here but also more simplistic.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is an island off Bali, that is full of natural beauty, less tourists, beautiful waters and a much more peaceful and relaxing side to Bali. Accommodation here varies from beach huts to amazing villas.

Off the Beaten Track

It’s definitely worthwhile staying somewhere off the beaten track, even just for a night or two. Often, this is where you will find the real beauty in Bali. Places like Sideman, Munduk, Nusa Ceningan, and even venturing over to Lombok (not part of Bali but it’s own Island).

See our East Bali Accommodation Guide here.

How To Get Value For Money

Here are a couple of ways to get value for money with your Bali accommodation.

1. We love to use Booking.com for its ease of use and range of accommodation available. If you sign in and create an account, all your bookings will show so you have an easy record. The more you book with Booking.com, you can get rewards with certain hotels, such as late checkouts, free use of bikes and 10% off etc.

2. If you’re thinking about using Airbnb, you can sign up here to receive $50 Airbnb credit to go towards your stay.

Booking Websites We Love

Booking.com

Booking.com is our number 1 pick for booking accommodation in Bali. We love how easy their website and booking app are to use and they have an extensive list of Bali properties.

Airbnb

Airbnb is simple to use and a great way to look for alternative accommodation. In Bali, it’s a great way to book villas/homes if you are travelling in a larger group and want to stay together.