Are you wondering where to stay in Bali? Choosing the right area to stay in Bali can make or break your holiday, as every area caters to different types of travelers and interests.

It all depends on what you want out of your trip. Shopping, beach, surfing, hiking, cultural experiences, maybe you want to learn a new craft, or even better, experience a little bit of everything.

I fell in love with the paradise that is Bali over 14 years ago now and have been back at least 15 times. And even though the island has changed so much since then, it’s still one of my favorite places in the world. You just need to know where to stay and what to stay away from.

So let’s take a closer look at the best places to stay in Bali for all types of travelers, along with my favorite accommodation in every budget.

Where to stay in Bali overview

Whether or not you will have a good time in Bali will largely depend on where you decide to stay. Not every area is right for everyone.

I’ve had several people tell me they can’t understand why I love Bali so much. And when I ask where they went they usually say something like; we stayed in Kuta for two weeks. Well, no wonder you didn’t enjoy your time in Bali.

Here’s an overview of the different areas in Bali, and I go into more detail about each place below.

• Seminyak – Best for upscale boutique resorts, beach clubs and shopping
• Kuta & Legian – Best for backpackers, budget accommodation and shopping
• Canggu – Best place in Bali for cool villas, parties, markets and surfing
• Ubud – Best for yoga, wellness retreats and healthy living
• Jimbaran – Best place for calm resorts and seafood dinners on the beach
• The Bukit (Uluwatu) – Best for surfers and boho accommodation with sea views
• Nusa Dua – Best for luxury resorts and calm white sand beaches
• Sanur – Slow-paced and family-friendly, gateway to Nusa Islands
• East Bali – Best for incredible viewpoints and majestic temples
• North Bali – Best for diving, snorkeling and chasing waterfalls
• West Bali – Overlooked by most, best for peace and quiet in nature

So while you should choose the areas that suit you best, please don’t get stuck in only one place. If you want the best experience and taste of everything the island has to offer, be sure to check out my ultimate 2-week Bali itinerary for first-timers.

Best places to stay in Bali

Here’s a map of the best areas to stay in Bali. And as you can see, most of the popular places are located in the south. So while we hear about over-tourism, there is still so much island to explore off the beaten path.

Seminyak – trendy and fancy

Seminyak, Legian and Kuta are the main tourist drag in Bali and where most people kick off their holiday on the Island of Gods. What was once three separate villages have now blended into one large developed area, with Kuta furthest south and Seminyak to the north.

Seminyak, being the more upscale choice of the three, boasts high-end boutiques, restaurants, spas and luxury accommodations. Not surprisingly, my favorite thing to do in Seminyak is shopping. Bali Boat Shed and Drifter Surf Shop are two OG’s you must check out.

Go for breakfast at Kynd Community, do some people-watching at Potato Head Beach Club, enjoy lunch at Sea Circus, get a gold facial, sip some sunset cocktails at La Plancha and get your Mexican fix at Motel Mexicola.

Where to stay in Seminyak

You’ll find some of the island’s nicest villas in Seminyak. But be aware of the location of the villa or hotel you book. Anything on the east side of Sunset Road isn’t worth it for a short stay. It’s such a hassle to get around from there.

Best budget accommodation – Lotus Tirta Seminyak Hotel

Best mid-range accommodation – Villa Mia Seminyak and Hidden Gem Villa

Best luxury accommodation – The Legian Seminyak

Kuta & Legian – budget friendly

If raging nights out clubbing wearing Bintang singlets is more your scene, then you can head to Kuta. Well, you really shouldn’t but if you’re going to anyway, please be aware of the super cheap drinks and pickpockets.

Kuta is the OG on the Bali budget travel scene. Unfortunately, it is today run down by sleazy bars, beach hawkers and Magic Mushroom dealers. Think of it as the Magaluf of Bali. I don’t want to be mean, I still head down to Kuta sometimes to shop at the surf brand stores or Beachwalk Mall.

If neither of the two tickles your fancy, Legian might be your best bet. Cheaper than Seminyak, but a little calmer than what Kuta has become.

I love to go shopping along Legian Street, where you’ll find a mix of boutiques, brand stores and souvenir stalls. Don’t get stuck in this area though, especially if you want a relaxing beach holiday, Bali has so much more to offer!

Where to stay in Kuta & Legian

Best budget accommodation – Adys Inn and Fourteen Roses Beach Hotel

Best mid-range accommodation – Mamaka by Ovolo

Canggu – the hippest hood in Bali

On the west coast, a short drive north from Seminyak, you’ll find the laid-back surfer village of Canggu. If you are a surfer, creative person or just like to let’s say observe the long-haired, scruffy, tanned surfers, chances are you’re going to love it here.

The place where I saw more cows than people on my first visit, has developed at a rapid speed into a trendy area favored by ex-pats. Enjoy breakfast at hotspots like Betelnut or Crate Cafe, Nasi Goreng at one of the local warungs, afternoon drinks at Old Man’s and a seaside BBQ dinner at Echo Beach.

Don’t forget to check out Deus Ex Machina Temple of Enthusiasm on Tuesdays for tacos and free tattoos and on Sundays for a pumping Sunday Session with live music.

Where to stay in Canggu

Accommodation ranges from basic homestays with no internet presence to high-end luxury villas. I would definitely stay in a villa in Canggu if I were you, as there are so many stunning and affordable options to choose from.

Best budget accommodation – Roomates Hostel Canggu

Best mid-range accommodation – D’djabu Villas Canggu and Bohemian private villa

Best luxury accommodation – Tugu Hotel Bali

Ubud – the green heart of Bali

One hour Northeast of Canggu you’ll find Ubud, a town often referred to as the green heart of Bali. Not only a paradise for yogis, vegetarians and vegans, Ubud is also the island’s cultural and spiritual center. Thanks to the movie Eat, Pray, Love, Ubud has become a lot more touristy in recent years.

But don’t let that stop you from visiting, as most tourists seem to keep to central Ubud and Monkey Forest Road. Speaking of the Monkey Forest, the monkeys can be aggressive, so be careful and leave everything except your camera outside.

Stay at one of the many homestays to get the most out of your visit, and enjoy mouthwatering meals at restaurants like Melting Wok Warung, Locavore and Watercress Cafe.

Go for a morning stroll at the Campuhan Ridge Walk, join one of the many bicycle tours, shop at Ubud Art Market or visit some of the beautiful temples and waterfalls the region has to offer. Ubud is the perfect base from which to explore what I would call the “real” Bali.

Where to stay in Ubud

Best budget accommodation – Danaya’s Cottage and B. Saya Bali

Best mid-range accommodation – Eden House Ubud Bali

Best luxury accommodation – Goya Boutique Resort

Jimbaran – relaxed beach resorts

Located on Bali’s west coast, on the narrow part that connects the mainland with the Bukit Peninsula, Jimbaran offers a secluded beach area dotted with seafood restaurants and colorful fishing boats.

What was once a sleepy fishing village has over the last decade turned into a tourist hub with several high-end hotel chains such as the Four Seasons putting down roots close to the main beach.

During the day Jimbaran Beach is a haven for lovers of the sun and sea. Come evening the sunbeds are swapped out in favor of tables, chairs and white linens to get ready for the daily sunset seafood feast.

A visit to the fish markets is often included in the itinerary when you book a cooking class such as this one. So if you feel like a little break from the beach, I can highly recommend joining a cooking class. It is so much fun and Indonesian/Balinese food is just so darn tasty!

If you continue along the coast south from Jimbaran Bay you’ll find a secluded beach with a cave and natural pools called Tegal Wangi and right next to it the Instafamous Rock Bar at Ayana Resort and Spa.

Where to stay in Jimbaran

Best budget accommodation – Bali Breezz Hotel

Best mid-range accommodation – JEstate villas & guest houses

Best high-end accommodation – Jimbaran Puri Belmond Hotel

Bukit Peninsula – best beaches & waves

The large limestone peninsula, connected to the rest of the island by a sliver of land just south of the airport, is called the Bukit Peninsula. This is where you’ll find all the best beaches in Bali.

On the west side, you find towering cliffs and world-class surf breaks, while on the east side, luxury resorts and calm beaches.

Since the west side of the Bukit is my favorite place in Bali, I decided to go into a bit more detail about the different beach areas.

Balangan Beach

Balangan is a beautiful beach northwest on the Bukit favored by surfers. The break that was saved from a major development in the early 90s, is a left-hand reef break best suited for intermediate to expert surfers.

The atmosphere of the beach and the village itself is very relaxed and welcoming. The northern part of the beach is best for swimming and that is also where you find the incredible viewpoint you see above.

Enjoy some Mie Goreng and a Bintang at the beach, accompanied by some reggae tunes and probably one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see.

You can stay with the locals down in the warungs on the beach (about 100-200k a night) or you can stay on top of the cliff in nicer hotels. Nowadays you’ll find something for every wallet and preference, Flowerbud Bungalow and Brothers Bungalows being my personal favorites.

Dreamland

This stunning stretch of sand first became popular among surfers in the early 70s. They quickly named it Dreamland because of its soft, powdery sand, turquoise water and good waves.

Dreamland is undeniably one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches, but sadly because of the Pecatu Graha Indah “New Kuta” development, it looked like a nightmare for many years due to abandoned construction sites.

It has come a long way in recent years, and finally, many of the hotels have been completed. These days you’ll have to pay a fee for both parking and to enter the beach. Expect to pay a 5000 IDR entrance fee and 200,000 IDR for an umbrella and two beach chairs.

The beach is great for both swimming and surfing, especially for intermediate surfers on days when the other breaks further south get too big. However, due to all the massive resorts, I don’t like staying here so I have no good recommendations.

Bingin

Bingin is another beautiful sandy beach just south of Dreamland. The beach is not easy to access as you have to get down a steep set of stairs, but the ocean views alone make the sweaty descent worthwhile.

Enjoy dragon bowls at The Cashew Tree, some fresh juice and smoothies at Kelly’s Warung and some yummy pizza at Pizzeria Italia. If in need of some more sophistication check out El Kabron Spanish Restaurant & Cliff Club for delicious food, some people watching and a sick sunset.

Treat yourself to breathtaking accommodation like Sal Secret Spot and BoHo Bingin Beach on top of the cliff. For cheaper but also beautiful options check out Bingin Bienvenue Guest House or Mama Tom Toms on the cliffside. Bingin is my favorite spot in Bali when it comes to stunning places to stay, a bohemian paradise.

Padang Padang

Just north of Uluwatu, you’ll find Padang Padang, yet another beautiful white sandy beach with quite a few steep steps. I usually end up here when staying in Uluwatu as it’s only a short drive away and mostly no stones/reef in the water. Perfect for a morning swim before the crowds take over.

Be aware of the monkeys, they are sometimes very interested in sunglasses and other shiny things. If you’d rather get your tan on away from the sand, rent a poolside sun lounger from one of the warungs on the cliffside.

While in the area you have to try Bukit Cafe for breakfast, The Loft for lunch and La Baracca for dinner.

My favorite place to stay in Padang Padang is Pink Coco, an adults-only hotel set just 30 meters up the road from the beach. Because it’s pink with green pools and palm trees. Need I say more?

D’Padang Homestay is a more affordable option. Or if you can afford it, the inanely beautiful The Luxe Bali sits on top of the cliff overlooking the beach.

Uluwatu

Located at the Southwestern tip of the Bukit is one of my favorite places in the world, Uluwatu. Main attractions in the area include Pura Uluwatu or the “monkey temple“, one of the most scenic temples in all of Bali where you can see traditional Kecak dance at sunset.

And of course the world-famous surf break “Ulu’s”, a left-hander best suited for experienced surfers. You can reach Suluban beach through the cave on low tide, it’s a really cool place worth a visit.

The big party at Single Fin on Sundays attracts a huge crowd from all over the island. Arrive early, preferably before sunset, or reserve a table if you want a place to sit.

Two great places to stay are Three Monkeys Villas and Masa Kini 3-bedroom villa with a private pool, just a minute walk from the cliff.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua, located on the east side of the Bukit Peninsula, may have the nicest white sandy beaches in all of Bali. But in my opinion, it can get a bit boring for young travelers.

The beaches are lined with large all-inclusive resorts, which is great for honeymooners, older couples or families with small children. So if a lazy beach vacation is primarily what you want, this may be the area for you.

My sister and I once spent millions and millions of Rupiah on a 50m² hotel room in a huge resort with a private beach. Just two days into our five-day stay we decided to go back to a crappy homestay in Padang Padang because we were so bored. However, in 20 years time, this might be exactly what we want.

So as I mentioned earlier, it all depends on what you want out of the stay. Apparently, I’m not comfortable with being waited on hand and foot and just laying around on a beach all day.

For around 300$ a night you can stay in the cheapest room at the world-famous resort The Mulia Nusa Dua Suites. For a more budget-friendly option check out the super cute bungalows at Kubu Dimel Homestay.

Sanur – Slow-paced & family-friendly

Sanur, the first developed beach resort area in all of Bali, is located on the eastern side of the island just opposite Kuta and south of Denpasar. The former fishing village boasts a calm and relaxing atmosphere with a mix of large resorts, villas and homestays.

Sanur is also the gateway for those who want to snorkel and explore the nearby islands of Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan and Nusa Penida.

The water in Sanur is usually calm which makes it perfect for swimming and water sports like jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and parasailing. If you need a break from the sand and sea go for a stroll along the paved boardwalk and sit down for a delicious meal at Sala Bistro or Soul on the Beach.

According to this Sanur travel guide, one of the best things to do in Sanur is to explore Pasar Sindhu Night Market for some mouthwatering and affordable traditional Indonesian dishes. From fresh juices to deep-fried everything, I’m sure you’re going to find something that will make your tastebuds tingle.

Where to stay in Sanur

Best budget accommodation – Sare Homestay and Artspace

Best mid-range accommodation – The Alantara Sanur

Best luxury accommodation – Andaz Bali

East Bali – Temples, views & diving

East Bali is one of my favorite places to stay when I need a break from the crowds in the south. Some of the island’s most beautiful landmarks call these parts home, including Pura Lempuyang and stunning water palaces with intricate sculptures, towering fountains and gorgeously green lotus ponds.

Set on a lush hillside south of Mount Agung, Sidemen village is one of the highlights of the Karangasem Regency. It is one of my favorite places in Bali and a great alternative to the now famous Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.

I come to East Bali mainly to relax inland amongst lush jungles, impressive rice fields and old palaces. However, there are some pearls scattered along the coast worth visiting as well, like Amed, Candidasa and Keramas.

One hour further south you’ll find Candidasa, one of the oldest and most popular beach resorts along the east coast. Don’t forget to check out the Lotus Lagoon when you’re there. It is such a beautiful and serene place!

Continue down the coast for another hour and you’ll reach Keramas Beach, a beautiful black stretch of sand favored by surfers. One of the hotspots in the area with a prime location right in front of the surf break is Komune Beach Club at the Komune Resort.

On the northeast coast, Amed and Tulamben attract divers from all over the world, with colorful corals, fishes in all shapes and sizes, turtles and of course the famous USS Liberty shipwreck.

Where to stay in East Bali

Best budget accommodation – Cabe Bali Bungalows

Best mid-range accommodation – Villa di Bias

Best high-end accommodation – Shunyata Villas Bali

North Bali – Waterfalls & cooler temps

North Bali consists mainly of the district of Buleleng. Singaraja is the largest city and the former colonial capital of Bali, where you can visit the Royal Palace built in 1604. Just 15 minutes west lies Lovina, a string of villages and the main tourist resort area on the north coast.

Highlights include wild dolphin-watching tours, lush nature reserves, magnificent temple sites and a collection of fine waterfalls dotting its highlands.

Dutch colonists were drawn to the north around Munduk to escape the coastal heat. Traces of their colonial-style architecture can still be found here today.

Munduk Waterfall is located on the outskirts of the village and two of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls, Banyumala and Sekumpul, are only a 20 and 50-minute drive away.

Ulun Danu Beratan, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bali, is another place you shouldn’t miss when you visit the northern part of the island. The temple sits on the edge of Lake Beratan with a picturesque mountain range in the background.

Where to stay in north Bali

Best budget accommodation – ESA di Kubu Homestay

Best mid-range accommodation – Munduk Moding Plantation

Best high-end accommodation – Elevate Bali by Hanging Gardens Munduk

West Bali – Relax in nature

Jembrana Regency with the capital city of Negara, covers most of Bali’s northwest. If you travel by ferry from Java, this is where you’ll start your journey on the Island of Gods.

The distance between the two islands is only 4 km. Although one-sixth of the island’s population lives in West Bali, this vast region is often overlooked by tourists.

The northwest coast from Menjangan Island to Pemuteran Bay is probably the best spot for diving and snorkeling in Bali. Continue south along the west coast and you’ll soon reach Medewi, home to some of the longest waves in Bali and black beaches.

Speaking of black beaches, Balian Beach is another remote stretch of sand and a popular surf spot on the west coast. Its collection of cheap and laidback accommodation options has also attracted backpackers for a while now.

Some of the most unique attractions in West Bali include a majestic Banyan tree in Manggissari with roots forming an arch that you can drive through if you dare. And an impressive church with an intricate design that can only be described as a blend of Balinese and Gothic architecture, located in Palasari village.

Where to stay in West Bali

Best budget accommodation – Mangroove Bay Boutique Hostel

Best mid-range accommodation – Menjangan Dynasty Resort (I love this one)

Best high-end accommodation – Plataran Menjangan Resort and Spa

Other areas

And, of course, the Nusa Islands have to be mentioned. Nusa Lembongan is one of my favorite places in the world, it’s like a vacation from your Bali holiday. And Nusa Penida has gained popularity at a rapid speed in recent years due to its unique landscape. Both are included in my 2-week Bali itinerary.

I decided to leave Denpasar, the capital, out of this guide as I haven’t spent much time there nor do I think there is any reason to spend time there during your holiday unless you have business to attend to.

Bets hotels in Bali

There are so many insanely beautiful accommodation options in Bali. I don’t think any other destination comes close to this range of options. So if the hotel you stay in is more important than the area, these are my favorite hotels in Bali.

• Best hostel for meeting other travelers – Roomates Hostel Canggu
• Best boho-chic accommodation – Sal Secret Spot (Bingin) Gravity Eco Hotel (Uluwatu)
• Resort in the most beautiful location – Menjangan Dynasty Resort (West Bali)
• Best value resort – Goya Boutique Resort (Ubud)
• Best luxury resort – Kamandalu Ubud
• Best luxury accommodation for groups – The Luxe Bali (Padang Padang)
• Best hotel in Bali for families – Conrad Bali (Nusa Dua)

How to get around in Bali

The main modes of transportation in Bali are scooters or motorbikes as the locals call them, private drivers and rideshares.

Uber is not available in Bali, so you can use local ride-sharing apps like Grab and GoJek to get around if you don’t want to drive. Even these are banned in some areas by the taxi mafia but should be mo

Rent a scooter

I love driving around on the backroads in Bali feeling the sun on my skin and the wind in my hair. If you’re comfortable on a scooter I recommend renting one to get around locally. I always drive a scooter in Uluwatu, Canggu, Ubud and Nusa Lembongan.

You can easily ask your accommodation to arrange a scooter for you. It usually costs around 75.000 IDR a day, if you rent for longer periods of time you can bargain the price down a bit.

Just make sure your travel insurance covers you and look out for scams run by both the police and renters. Read more about it in my article about common scams in Bali and things not to do in Bali.

You can also get a scooter delivered to your hotel or homestay. All of this is included in the rental:

• Helmet for max 2 persons
• full tank of gas (petrol) upon delivery
• 24/7 road-side assistance
• Mobile phone holder
• First-aid kit and rain poncho (for maximum 2 people)

🛵 Check price and availability here >> Scooter rental with delivery

With a private driver

When I’m doing day trips, traveling across the island and on days it’s supposed to rain, I often book this driver.

You can, of course, drive your scooter as well, however, for longer distances I prefer to enjoy the landscape from the comfort of an air-conditioned and dry car.

This is a super affordable full-day customizable tour, which means you have the driver for 10 hours and you can go where you want. It’s the perfect option if it’s your first time in Bali and there are a lot of places on your Bali bucket list.

Frequently Asked Questions Bali

What is the best time to visit Bali?

The best time to visit Bali is from February to April (avoid Easter). That’s when everything is green after the rainy season, and the weather is mostly sunny. There are generally fewer people during this time as well.

Bali experiences two distinct seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. I have visited Bali during every month of the year, several times, and rarely experienced rain for more than a few days at a time.

The rainy season in Bali runs from November to March. During this time, the weather is more humid and rainy, with occasional thunderstorms and heavy downpours. The upside of visiting during the wet season is that prices are lower and crowds are smaller, making it a good time to visit if you’re on a budget.

The dry season in Bali runs from April to October, while the peak tourist season is from July to August and around Christmas, so expect higher prices and larger crowds during this time.

Is Bali expensive?

Yes and no. It depends on what kind of traveler you are. Bali can cater to a wide range of budgets, offering options for both luxury travelers and those seeking more affordable experiences.

It is definitely still possible to travel Bali on a budget, by eating local food from warungs and staying in homestays.

I’m more of a mid-range traveler, I like comfortable accommodation and mix fancy restaurants with delicious Balinese food. I spent $904 during my last trip to Bali, and that included an activity and some shopping.

If it’s your first time in Bali, you should budget a little more for activities. Read more in my complete Bali budget breakdown.

Can I drink tap water in Bali?

Please don’t drink unfiltered tap water in Bali, it contains bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms due to the poor condition of pipes and the tropic climate. Under no circumstances should you fill up a regular water bottle using water from the sink. You will pay the price for it later.

On the other hand, I have always brushed my teeth in tap water and had drinks with ice cubes in everything from upscale restaurants to local warungs.

Also, please keep plastic water bottles to a minimum as there are waste management issues in most areas on the island. Bring or buy a filtered water bottle or at least a reusable bottle, many hotels and cafés offer free water refills these days.

Is it safe to travel solo in Bali?

Bali is generally considered a safe destination for solo travelers. The island is known for its welcoming and hospitable culture, and most solo travelers find Bali to be a comfortable and enjoyable place to explore independently.

Private transport is affordable and it’s easy to meet other like-minded people. Especially if you’re staying in a hostel or a digital nomad/creative working from coworking spaces.

However, you should keep your wits about you like you would any other place. Some people want to make a quick buck off you and you will encounter the same scams you see all over Southeast Asia. I don’t recommend walking home alone at night, and keep your hands on your valuables at all times.

Is English widely spoken in Bali?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Bali. Particularly in areas that are popular with tourists and among the younger generation. Additionally, signs, menus, and other information aimed at tourists are often available in English.

How do I say thank you in Balinese?

In Balinese, “thank you” is expressed as “suksma” or “matur suksma.” Both of these phrases are commonly used to convey gratitude and appreciation in the Balinese language and culture.

Bahasa, the official language of Indonesia, is also widely spoken and understood in Bali, especially in more formal and official settings, as well as in interactions with visitors and tourists.

“Thank you” in Bahasa Indonesia is “terima kasih.”

Politeness is very important to the Balinese, so learning a few phrases in Balinese or Bahasa will get you a long way.

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