Bali is a beautiful island with many different sides, so deciding where to stay in Bali will impact what type of holiday you will have. In Bali, you can experience stunning white sand beaches, wander through rice terraces, immerse yourself in Balinese culture and local communities, and devour delicious local and international food. There is something for everyone, but you will get a better taste of Bali if you visit a few places. Here’s our guide to the best places to stay in Bali, with the best hotels and our favourite areas.
CONTENTS
- Bali Map: Best Locations
- Where To Stay In Bali For First-Time Visitors
- Where To Stay For Couples
- Where To Stay For A Honeymoon
- Where To Stay Off The Beaten Track
- Booking Accommodation
- The Best Areas To Stay In Bali
- Ubud
- Seminyak
- Canggu
- Kuta & Legian
- Jimbaran
- Uluwatu
- Nusa Dua
- Sanur
- Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
- Nusa Penida
- East Bali (Candidasa, Padang Bai, Amed, Sidemen, Keramas Beach)
- North Bali (Munduk, Lovina, Singaraja, Menjangan Island, West Bali National Park)
Bali Map: Best Areas To Stay In Bali
The map above shows the most popular places to visit in Bali, although some of these are much less visited than others.
Our one tip to most travellers to Bali is to pick at least two different areas to stay. This way you can experience more sides of Bali, as it really does vary so much from place to place. And if this is not possible, you could still hire a private driver and do a day trip to another area.
To pick the perfect place for you, we go into each area of Bali below, as well as some tips for specific types of travellers.
Where To Stay In Bali For First-Timers
If it’s your first time in Bali, you probably want to see some of the main areas of Bali and get a good overview of what it’s all about.
For a first-time trip, we would recommend staying in at least two different areas, including some of the most popular areas like Seminyak, Ubud, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Canggu. Just note that Seminyak and Canggu are close, as are Jimbaran and Uluwatu, so you may not want to stay in both areas.
I would say Ubud is a must and pick one other area. If you have time, you could also include unique places to stay in Bali like Nusa Lembongan or Sidemen.
Read More: One Week In Bali: Perfect Itineraries For The Best Trip
Where To Stay In Bali For Couples
So where is the best area to stay in Bali for couples? That depends on what your interests are.
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation, Uluwatu, Ubud, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Seminyak all offer plenty of options. Within these, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua have the most beautiful beaches; Uluwatu is great for experienced surfers; Jimbaran is relaxed and Seminyak offers the most restaurants, shops, beach clubs and bars. Ubud is great for culture and nature.
If you’re looking to see a more untouched area of Bali, then places like Sidemen and Nusa Lembongan are great.
Where To Stay In Bali For Families
Nusa Dua and Sanur Beach would be my top picks for where to stay with kids. Usually, the beaches can be calmer for swimming, and there are plenty of family-friendly hotel options. These areas also tend to be a little quieter.
Other areas such as Jimbaran, Seminyak and Ubud are also great options for families. Kuta beach and Legian are worth considering too, provided you pick the right location and hotel.
Where To Stay In Bali For Your Honeymoon
If you’re looking to splurge on your honeymoon and stay in unforgettable accommodation, then Bali has you covered.
Some of Bali’s most jaw-dropping hotels can be found in Uluwatu and Ubud. In Uluwatu, think of cliff-top resorts overlooking the ocean, beautiful beaches and laid-back cafes. In Ubud, think of nature resorts surrounded by jungle or rice paddies, culture, delicious cafes and restaurants, and yoga.
Other areas with stunning hotels include Jimbaran (relaxed with less to do), Nusa Dua (beautiful beaches but can be lacking culture) and Seminyak (many restaurants, cafes, beach clubs and bars).
If you’re looking to get a little further off the beaten track, places like Munduk (jungle and waterfalls), Sidemen (rice fields) and most places in East Bali will immerse you in nature away from the crowds.
And if you’re after a small island vibe, then places like Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and the Gili Islands are a good choice.
Although the Gili Islands are technically part of Lombok, not Bali, they can still be easily included in your Bali Itinerary. The Gili Islands include Gili Trawangan, Gili Air & Gili Meno. Gili Meno is usually the most recommended for a honeymoon, but we think any of the three would be great, depending on what you were looking for.
Where To Stay In Bali Off The Beaten Track
If you’re looking to go where most people don’t, then North Bali and a lot of East Bali are fairly off the beaten track. Some of our favorite places in Bali are here.
North Bali includes places like Munduk, Lovina, Singaraja, Menjangan Island and West Bali National Park.
East Bali includes places like Amed, Candidasa, Padang Bai, Keramas Beach, and Sidemen.
To see what all of these places are like take a look at our Bali area guide below.
Booking Accommodation In Bali
Booking.com
We love using Booking.com, it’s one of our favourite ways to book Bali accommodation and they have a great range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels, boutique hotels, villas and homestays.
The Best Places To Stay In Bali
Ubud
FEEL // Cultural, Nature, Spiritual, Busy (Central Ubud), Tranquil (Outskirts).
BEST FOR // Culture, Rice fields, Scenery, Yoga, Food, Spas, Warungs, Coffee Shops & Cafes.
THINGS TO DO IN UBUD // Campuhan Ridge Walk, Rice Field Walks, Monkey Forest, Ubud Market, Tegenungan Waterfall, Ubud Water Palace, Yoga classes, Art Galleries, Learning Balinese Art and Craft, Watching The Kecak Fire Dance, Cooking Class.
Read More: The Best Things To Do In Ubud
Where To Stay In Ubud
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – Mandapa, A Ritz Carlton Reserve
- Luxury For Less – Padma Resort Ubud
- Hotels In Ubud Under $200 (AUD) – Alaya Resort Ubud
Read More: Where To Stay In Ubud: Our Ubud Accommodation Guide
Seminyak
FEEL // Sophisticated beach vibes.
BEST FOR // Sunsets, Beach Clubs, Dining Options, Boutique Shops, Spas.
THINGS TO DO IN SEMINYAK // Potato Head Beach Club, Ku De Ta & More, Lots Of Places To Eat (coffee, cafes, restaurants & warungs), Petitenget Temple, Learn How To Surf, Markets, Day Trip To Canggu.
Read More: Incredible Things To Do In Seminyak
Where To Stay In Seminyak
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – Alila Seminyak
- Villas – Peppers Seminyak
- Luxury For Less – Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
- Hotels In Seminyak Under $200 (AUD) – Courtyard By Marriott Seminyak
Read More: See all of our favourite areas & hotels in Seminyak here
Canggu
FEEL // Busy Area Popular For Surfing, With Many Digital Nomads & Expats.
BEST FOR // Surfing, Boutique Shops, Cafes & Restaurants, Healthy Food, Yoga, Co-working.
THINGS TO DO IN CANGGU // Beach Clubs (La Brisa, The Lawn & More), Health Food & Flea Markets, Eat At The Delicious Warungs, Cafes & Restaurants, Yoga, Pura Tanah Lot, Explore Nearby Rice Fields, Surfing.
Where To Stay In Canggu
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – Hotel Tugu | Como Uma Canggu | La Reserve 1785
- Villas – Kharista Villas & Retreat
- Luxury For Less – The Retreat At Kharista | The Slow
- Hotels In Canggu Under $200 (AUD) – Shore Amora
Read More: Where To Stay In Canggu: Our Canggu Accommodation Guide
Kuta & Legian
FEEL // Busy, touristy, beach area.
BEST FOR // Sunsets, budget to mid-range eats, shopping malls, markets, learning to surf, value for money accommodation.
THINGS TO DO IN KUTA & LEGIAN // Waterbom Bali (Water Park), Learn To Surf, Beach Walk Shopping Center, Discovery Mall, Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, Double Six Beach, Kuta Boardwalk, Markets, Day Trips.
Where To Stay In Kuta & Legian
Accommodation Highlights
- Luxury For Less – Padma Resort Legian
- Hotels For Under $200 (AUD) – The Stones Hotel Bali | Anantara Vacation Club
- Hotels For Under $100 (AUD) – The Mahata
Read More: Where To Stay In Kuta + Legian: Our Accommodation Guide
Jimbaran
FEEL // Beach resorts with local surrounds.
BEST FOR // Luxury Resorts, Beach, Sunsets, Seafood Dinners on the Beach (+ the corn!), Local Community.
THINGS TO DO IN JIMBARAN // Enjoy A Seafood Dinner On The Beach, Spend The Day At Jimbaran Beach, Spend The Day In Uluwatu, Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance, Traditional Food Market, Local Seafood Market On The Beach, Sunset Drinks At Rock Bar.
Read More: Incredible Things To Do In Jimbaran Bay
Where To Stay In Jimbaran
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – InterContinental Bali
- Villas – Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
- Luxury For Less – Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran
- Hotels For Under $200 (AUD) – The Open House Jimbaran
Read More: Where To Stay In Jimbaran: Our Jimbaran Accommodation Guide
Uluwatu & Bukit Peninsula
FEEL // Laid back beach area & surfing.
BEST FOR // Luxury Resorts & Spas, Beautiful Beaches, Sunsets, Surfing, Relaxation, Local Community, Beach Vibes, Scenery, Beach clubs and cliff-top views, Restaurants & Cafes.
THINGS TO DO IN ULUWATU // Surfing (Experienced), Spend The Day At Beach Clubs (Sundays Beach Club, Karma Beach Club & Palmilla Bali Beach Club), Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance, Visit The Beautiful Beaches (Suluban Beach, Balangan Beach, Padang Padang, Thomas Beach, Bingin Beach, Nyang Nyang, Dreamland Beach, Melasti Beach), Single Fin, Ulu Cliffhouse.
Read More: 11 Incredible Things To Do In Uluwatu
Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula is quite a large area made up of smaller areas. The main areas of Uluwatu include Uluwatu Beach/Suluban Beach, Padang Padang, Bingin, Balangan Beach/Dreamland Beach, and Ungasan/Melasti Beach.
For us, Padang Padang area feels the most central with plenty of cafes and restaurants. It’s also quite close to Bingin Beach.
All options are great, however, Ungasan/Melasti Beach is a bit more remote so you would choose here if you wanted to stay in some of the luxury resorts that would also have many of the things you need during your stay.
Where To Stay In Uluwatu & Bukit Peninsula
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – Alila Villas Uluwatu
- Villas – The Ungasan Clifftop Resort
- Luxury For Less – Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa
- Hotels For Under $200 (AUD) – Gravity Eco Boutique Hotel
- Hotels For Under $100 (AUD) – PinkCoco Uluwatu
Read More: Where To Stay In Uluwatu: Our Uluwatu Accommodation Guide
Nusa Dua
FEEL // Beach. Resorts. Relaxation.
BEST FOR // Luxury Resorts, White Sand Beaches, Swimming (Calm Waters), Sunrise, Security, Luxury Spas, Relaxing, Water Sports.
THINGS TO DO IN NUSA DUA // Swim At The Beach, Geger Beach, Mengiat Beach (Nusa Dua Beach), Pandawa Beach, Water Sports, Walk Along The Promenade, See The Water Blow, Spa Treatments.
Where To Stay In Nusa Dua
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – The Ritz-Carlton Bali
- Villas – Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villa and Spa
- Luxury For Less – Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
- Hotels For Under $200 (AUD) – Courtyard By Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort
Read More: Where To Stay In Nusa Dua: Our Nusa Dua Accommodation Guide
Sanur
FEEL // Local. Chill. Beach.
BEST FOR // Local Feel, Local Markets, Watersports, Beach, Swimming, Relaxing, Sunrise.
THINGS TO DO IN SANUR // Sindhu Night Market, Sanur Morning Markets, Watch Sunrise At The Beach, Stroll Along The Boardwalk, Sanur Beach, Dine In A Beachside Restaurant, Ride Bicycles, Watersports, Day Trip To Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, Spa Treatments, Sanur Kite Festival.
Read More:
Incredible Things To Do In Sanur
Where To Eat In Sanur: Restaurants, Cafes, Local Food & Desserts
Where To Stay In Sanur
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – Tandjung Sari Hotel | Andaz Bali Sanur
- Villas – Mahagiri Villas Sanur
- Luxury For Less – Hyatt Regency Bali
- Hotels For Under $200 (AUD) – Sudamala Suites & Villa
Read More: Where To Stay In Sanur: Our Sanur Accommodation Guide
Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
FEEL // Island. Local. Remote. Nature. Busy In Parts.
BEST FOR // Local Feel, Diving, Snorkelling, Relaxing, Culture, Sunsets, Exploring.
THINGS TO DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN // Beaches, Watch Sunset, Devils Tear, Panorama Point, Beach Clubs, Surf, Explore The Mangroves, Cafes & Restaurants, Blue Lagoon, Mahana Point, Day Trip To Nusa Penida, Diving/Snorkelling Trip With Manta Rays At Crystal Bay.
Read More:
The Best Things To Do In Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
How To Get To Nusa Lembongan From Bali
8 Reasons Why Nusa Lembongan Should Be On Your Bali Itinerary
Where To Stay In Nusa Lembongan
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – The Tamarind Resort | Morin Resort
- Villas – 353 Degrees North
- Luxury For Less – The Shacks At Sandy Bay
- Hotels For Under $200 (AUD) – The Point Resort Lembongan
- Hotels For Under $100 (AUD) – Water Blow Huts
Read More: The Best Areas & Hotels In Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Penida
FEEL // Local. Remote. Stunning Natural Sights. Busy In Parts.
BEST FOR // Local feel, Snorkelling, Relaxing, Exploring, Adventure.
THINGS TO DO IN NUSA PENIDA // Kelingking Beach, Angels Billabong, Broken Beach, Snorkelling Or Relaxing At Crystal Bay, Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Teletubbies Hill.
Read More:
Our Nusa Penida Day Trip & Travel Guide
How To Get To Nusa Penida From Lembongan
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – MAUA Nusa Penida Bali
- Luxury For Less – Deep Roots Dive & Yoga Resort
- Hotels For Under $200 (AUD) – Penida Bambu Green
- Hotels For Under $100 (AUD) – NG Sweet Home
East Bali (Candidasa, Padang Bai, Amed, Sidemen, Keramas Beach)
FEEL // Local Communities. Remote. Nature.
BEST FOR // Local Feel & Culture, Diving & Snorkelling (Amed), Relaxing, Rice Fields.
THINGS TO DO IN EAST BALI // Pura Lempuyang, Taman Ujung Water Palace, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Pura Besikih, Diving In Amed, Surfing At Keramas Beach, Sidemen Village & Rice Fields Trek, Bias Tugel White Sand Beach, Virgin Beach (Pasir Putih), Bukit Cinta Viewpoint.
East Bali includes places like Amed, Candidasa, Padang Bai, Keramas Beach, and Sidemen.
Amed
Amed is a quiet beachside village on the east coast of Bali. It’s most popular for diving. We enjoyed our time here, as it was a local Balinese community that few tourists visit. It felt laid-back, and we also came across a cultural ceremony in the streets.
Candidasa, Manggis & Padang Bai
Candidasa, Manggis and Padang Bai are all within about a 30-minute drive of each other. Padang Bai is perhaps the most well-known, as it is one of the main places to get a boat to the Gili Islands from Bali. Candidasa is a small fishing village with a small local community. Manggis is its neighbour a little further south by the beach. Few tourists stay here, and it can be a beautifully unique experience. We loved our stay at Alila Manggis, it felt peaceful and allowed us to explore a more untouched side of Bali.
Read More: Things To Do In Candidasa: What We Loved
Sidemen
Sidemen is a small village deep within the rice fields and jungle, with views of Mount Agung. We loved staying here, spending our time walking through lush rice fields, across rivers and through the jungle with a local guide, eating at small local restaurants, visiting the local market and enjoying slowing down.
Read More: Our Trek Through The Rice Fields In Sidemen Bali
Keramas Beach
Keramas Beach is a black sand beach great for experienced surfers. There are also a couple of nice luxury resorts in this area, Komaneka at Keramas Beach, and a little further south, The Royal Purnama.
Where To Stay In East Bali
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – Wapa Di Ume Sidemen | Komaneka At Keramas Beach
- Luxury For Less – Alila Manggis
- Hotels For Under $200 (AUD) – Candi Beach Resort & Spa
Read More: Where To Stay In East Bali: Our East Bali Accommodation Guide
North Bali (Munduk, Lovina, Singaraja, Menjangan Island, West Bali National Park)
FEEL // Local Communities. Remote. Step back in time.
BEST FOR // Local feel, Relaxing.
THINGS TO DO IN NORTH BALI // Twin Lakes, Banjar Hot Springs, Waterfalls, Snorkelling/Diving On Menjangan Island, Dolphin Watching, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Visit Coffee Plantations.
North Bali includes places like Munduk, Lovina, Singaraja, Menjangan Island and West Bali National Park.
Munduk
Munduk is inland, surrounded by jungle, with many waterfalls nearby. It is also near the tranquil twin lakes (Tamblingan Lake and Buyan Lake).
Lovina & Singaraja
Located on the north coast of Bali, Lovina and Singaraja used to be popular tourist spots. However, as they are quite far from Bali International Airport, their popularity has waned. Singaraja is an old port town and Lovina is more of a laid-back, somewhat sleepy beach area. These areas are more interesting if you’ve already explored a lot of Bali and want to see a different, less touristy side of Bali.
Menjanagan Island & West Bali National Park
Menjangan Island is a small island off the north west coast of Bali. It’s a great spot for diving and snorkelling. There are also wild deer on the island, as well as some local temples. Although you can’t stay on the island itself, you can visit it with a permit, a guide and a boat, which can generally be organised through your accommodation. It is part of the West Bali National Park. The two main areas to stay to visit Menjangan Island are Lubuhan Lalang (inside West Bali National Park) and Pemuteran Beach (close to West Bali National Park).
Where To Stay In North Bali
Accommodation Highlights
- Splurge – Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort
- Luxury For Less – Menjangan Dynasty Resort
- Hotels For Under $200 (AUD) – The Menjangan By LifestyleRetreats
What’s your pick for where to stay in Bali? Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below…
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, we may make a small commission if you decide to book a hotel.
Thanks for interesting information. It’s good for my future trip!!!
Hi Julia,
Thanks so much, that’s great to hear! Have a great trip :)
Thank u for all the info ! Planning a trip to Bali this year ! Your blog is super helpful!!
Thanks for your comment Kirthi that means a lot to us :)