Although there are over 17,000 beautiful islands in Indonesia, Bali is by far the most popular. Also known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, this place is a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, warm temperatures, and crystal clear waters.
However, choosing where to stay in Bali can be difficult as there are so many awesome areas on the island.
To help you with your decision, this guide will break down the best locations to stay in Bali, the pros and cons of each area, and the top hotel recommendations for every budget. So, let’s find the area most suited to you!
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Table of Contents
Overview of Where to Stay in Bali
Bali is part of Indonesia’s huge archipelago and is one of the most visited destinations in Asia.
Although at first glance it may seem like a small island, in reality, Bali is pretty big: the distance is 145 km (90 miles) from west to east and 85 km (53 miles) from north to south. Apart from the main island, the Nusa Islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida) also belong to Bali.
Basically, you can divide Bali into 6 main areas:
- South Bali – This is the most touristic part of the island where you’ll find gorgeous beaches, luxurious beach resorts, and fancy restaurants. The most popular towns to stay in are Canggu, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Kuta, and Uluwatu.
- Central Bali – If you head further inland you’ll come across the cultural hotspot of Ubud. This part of the island is home to many temples and rice fields, and you’ll find the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali in this area as well.
- East Bali – The east part of the island is dominated by two volcanos, Mount Agung and Mount Batur. You’ll also find many beautiful rice fields here, as well as some of the oldest villages in Bali. You can visit East Bali as a day trip from Ubud or you can decide to stay in Sidemen, Candidasa, or Amed.
- North Bali – Although the northern part of the island is much less frequented and visited by tourists, it has so much to offer! The climate is very different from the south of the island and the area is dotted with misty mountains and cloudy lakes. If you want to experience this area to the fullest, staying in Munduk is the best option.
- West Bali – This is the least populated part of Bali and it doesn’t get many visitors. You can find many quiet beaches here along with West Bali National Park. If you’re after a really low-key experience you can spend a couple of days here but generally, I wouldn’t recommend this area to first-timers, simply because the other areas have so much more to offer.
- Nusa Islands – Southeast of the main island of Bali you’ll find 3 smaller islands known as the Nusa islands: Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Penida. You can visit them as a day trip from Bali but if you have more time, I strongly recommend staying there for a few days. If you’re interested, make sure to check my Nusa islands itinerary!
Depending on how long are you staying in Bali, I recommend choosing at least 2-3 bases during your trip. The island is far too big to explore from just one location!
However, before choosing your bases, there are a couple of things you’ll want to consider such as your budget and nearby attractions.
Budget won’t be an issue in Bali as accommodation here is pretty cheap, especially compared to North America or Western Europe. Generally speaking, South Bali is the most expensive part of the island and the further north and east you go, the cheaper the hotels will get.
That being said, you’ll find hostels, guest houses, and 5-star hotels in every area so you won’t be short of options.
The other thing you’ll want to consider is the attractions you’re interested in. I recommend compiling a list of all the attractions and pinning them on a map so you can see where you’ll going to spend the majority of your time and choose your bases accordingly.
If you need any help with this, check out my 2 week Bali itinerary which contains all the interesting attractions and even includes a custom-made map.
Without further ado, let’s see where to stay in Bali! This article is going to detail the 10 best areas to stay in Bali and show you what each one has to offer.
If you don’t have time to read this article now, you can have a quick scan of the below table. It shows the best places in Bali to stay and a rundown of what each area offers.
| Area | Recommended Hotels |
|---|---|
| Ubud (culture, sightseeing, first-time visitors, nature-lovers) | Kamandalu Ubud |
| Canggu (beaches, first-time visitors, food, great atmosphere) | COMO Uma Canggu |
| Seminyak (beaches, luxury stays, shopping, family-friendly) | The Legian Seminyak |
| Kuta (nightlife, beaches, attractions, first-time visitors) | Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel |
| Uluwatu (beaches, surfing, relaxed atmosphere, attractions) | Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort |
| Nusa Dua (luxury stays, Beaches, shopping, food) | MERUSAKA Nusa Dua |
| Sidemen (culture, nature-lovers, sightseeing, family-friendly) | Wapa di Ume Sidemen |
| Candidasa (beaches, culture, sightseeing, relaxing atmosphere) | Candi Beach Resort & Spa |
| Amed (diving, snorkeling, budget-friendly, relaxing atmosphere) | Vienna Beach Resort |
| Munduk (nature lovers, sightseeing, relaxing atmosphere, scenic views) | Munduk Moding Plantation |
Best Places to Stay in Bali
If you’re struggling to make a decision, then here’s a more in-depth guide on where to stay in Bali. This island is full of beautiful towns and villages, so it’s not an easy decision to choose the perfect base for your trip.
However, I’ve rounded up the best areas to stay in Bali using my personal experience and some dedicated research. So, let’s take a look at each place and see which one is most suited to you!
1. Ubud
Known as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is one of the most popular places to stay on the island.
With tropical jungles, lush rice terraces, and plenty of waterfalls nearby, this is one of the best locations to stay in Bali for nature lovers.
Not only that, but this part of the island is home to lots of attractions including the Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud Palace, and Saraswati Temple.
However, the most popular attraction in Ubud is the monkey forest! Home to over 700 macaques, this forest is a must-visit whilst staying in the area.
You’ll find a lot of accommodation options situated along Jalan Raya Ubud which is the town’s main street. However, the more luxurious options tend to be located out of Ubud, so keep this in mind.
With plenty of temples and tourist attractions nearby, lots of fantastic places to eat, and tons of accommodation options – Ubud is without a doubt one of the best places to stay in Bali.
No matter how much time you plan to spend in Bali, make sure to stay in Ubud for a couple of days. For a detailed itinerary, you can refer to my 3 days in Ubud article.
Pros and cons of staying in Ubud
PROS
- Plenty of attractions nearby
- The cultural heart of the island
- One of the most beautiful areas in Bali
CONS
- Since it’s located in Central Bali, it’s not suitable for a beach holiday
- The monkeys can be a nuisance, as they wander into town from the forest
The best places to stay in Ubud
- Luxury: Kamandalu Ubud
- Mid-Range: The Udaya Resorts and Spa
- Budget: Gita Maha Ubud Hotel by Mahaputra
2. Canggu
If you’re wondering where to stay in Bali and you’re looking for a base in the south, then Canggu is one of your best options.
This beach town is home to tons of trendy cafes, boutique stores, quirky markets, and bars. You’ll also find plenty of beach clubs in Canggu including the Lawn and Finns Beach Club.
This makes it a popular spot for backpackers and first-time visitors to Bali. It’s also the area of choice for keen surfers, digital nomads, and ex-pats so you’ll find plenty of ‘western-style’ facilities here too.
Canggu is known as the ‘coolest place to stay in Bali’ and there are plenty of activities to get involved in like surfing, yoga, and horse riding.
Most of the best cafes in Canggu and stores are found along Batu Bolong which is Canggu’s main strip. This is a great place to stay, especially if it’s your first visit to the island.
Just keep in mind that Canggu can get extremely busy and the roads are sometimes very chaotic. If you’re looking for a quiet area to stay on the coast, then I’d recommend heading to Uluwatu or Nusa Dua.
However, if you’re looking for a beach getaway and amazing vibes then Canggu is still one of the best areas to stay in Bali!
Pros and cons of staying in Canggu
PROS
- Located right by the beach
- Lots of fantastic places to eat and stores to shop
- The ex-pat and digital nomad community is very strong
CONS
- Can get very busy, especially during the peak tourist months
- Doesn’t feel as authentic as other parts of Bali
The best places to stay in Canggu
- Luxury: COMO Uma Canggu
- Mid-Range: BoHo Canggu
- Budget: Serenity Eco Guesthouse
3. Seminyak
Seminyak is also found along the southwest coast and is located just 10 km (6.2 miles) from Canggu. It’s another popular area and is notorious for being ‘more upmarket’ so you’ll find plenty of 5-star hotels here, luxury villas, and fancy beach clubs.
If you’re traveling on a budget don’t worry though, as Seminyak still has plenty of low-cost accommodation options too.
This is one of the best locations to stay in Bali if you’re a keen shopper as you’ll find endless boutique stores, shopping malls, and branded shops. There’s something for everyone, and prices are likely to be much cheaper than back home.
You’ll also find plenty of awesome beach clubs here including the iconic Potato Head Beach Club and Mano Beach House. So be prepared for awesome food!
To conclude, Seminyak is one of the best places in Bali to stay if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a romantic weekend, or a family-friendly holiday.
Pros and cons of staying in Seminyak
PROS
- Wide variety of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury
- Relaxing atmosphere
CONS
- Traffic in Seminyak can get pretty bad so keep this in mind if you’re planning to hire a scooter
- You may get hassled a lot by local sellers if you’re spending a lot of time on the beach
The best places to stay in Seminyak
- Luxury: The Legian Seminyak, Bali
- Mid-Range: Montigo Resorts Seminyak
- Budget: Bali Ayu Hotel & Villas
4. Kuta
Kuta is without a doubt one of the best places to stay in Bali for backpackers and party lovers. This beach town is famous for its nightlife and the most iconic spot is the Sky Garden Lounge which is the largest nightclub in Kuta.
Because of this, just keep in mind that this area may not be suitable for families with small children as the strip gets very lively at night.
You’ll also want to keep a close eye on your belongings, as robberies are pretty common in Kuta as it’s the party hub of the island. However, Kuta still has plenty to offer!
There are tons of attractions in this area including Waterbom Bali Waterpark, the Beachwalk Shopping Center, and of course, Kuta Beach.
If you’re heading to Kuta between April and October, you don’t want to miss out on a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center either. Not only can you learn about the work of the Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS), but if you time your visit right you’ll be able to release baby sea turtles!
Although it’s not the most popular choice, it’s still a great option if you’re wondering where to stay in Bali!
Pros and cons of staying in Kuta
PROS
- Great nightlife options
- Plenty of attractions in the area
- Lots of luxury stores and commercialized food chains
CONS
- As the area gets so lively at night, it may not be suitable for families with small children
- Kuta is notorious for robberies – especially on the main strip
- It’s very commercialized so if you’re looking for an authentic experience, you are better to stay elsewhere
The best places to stay in Kuta
- Luxury: The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali
- Mid-Range: Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel
- Budget: The Kana Kuta Hotel
5. Uluwatu
If you’re looking for a quiet beach escape, then head to Uluwatu which is found on the south coast. This part of Bali is home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches – so imagine pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and towering cliff faces.
If you’re looking to relax make sure you head to some of these beaches including Padang Padang, Nyang Nyang, and Bingin.
Uluwatu is also one of the best areas to stay in Bali if you’re a keen surfer as there are some serious waves to be found here! For this reason, you’ll find plenty of surfboard rental companies around.
If you’re not into surfing, there are plenty of other attractions to visit including Uluwatu Temple, Savaya Bali, and Balangan Viewpoint.
Uluwatu is far away from popular destinations like Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak so if you’ve got a jam-packed itinerary then it may be best to stay somewhere more central.
However, if you’re just looking for a relaxing getaway, then Uluwatu is one of the best places to stay in Bali.
Pros and cons of staying in Uluwatu
PROS
- Great location for surfing
- Home to some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches
CONS
- Public transport is nonexistent in Uluwatu
- As it’s located along the south coast, it’s isolated from other popular towns and attractions on the island
The best places to stay in Uluwatu
- Luxury: Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
- Mid-Range: Green Escape Eco Resort
- Budget: Mangga Wangga Living
6. Nusa Dua
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation then Nusa Dua is one of the best locations to stay in Bali! It’s the most exclusive area on the island and is a popular holiday destination for honeymooners.
This makes Nusa Dua perfect for holiday goers who are just looking to relax and spend their trip at the beach.
You can also do some shopping at Bali Collection, admire the blow hole on Nusa Dua Beach, or take a trip out to Serangan Island. However, if you’re someone who prefers a busy itinerary then I’d recommend staying elsewhere.
Although Uluwatu is nearby, you’ll still be very isolated from other popular spots on the island including Canggu, Kuta, and Ubud.
So if you’re wondering where to stay in Bali and you’re looking for somewhere private and luxurious – Nusa Dua is your place.
Pros and cons of staying in Nusa Dua
PROS
- Lots of beautiful beaches in the area
- Great for a relaxing getaway or a honeymoon trip
- Full of gorgeous resorts
CONS
- Nusa Dua is isolated from other popular destinations in Bali including Canggu and Ubud
- There aren’t as many attractions in Nusa Dua
The best places to stay in Nusa Dua
- Luxury: The St. Regis Bali Resort
- Mid-Range: MERUSAKA Nusa Dua
- Budget: Alindra Villa
7. Sidemen
If you’re not looking for a beach getaway, then Sidemen is easily one of the best locations to stay in Bali – especially for nature lovers.
Situated in East Bali, Sidemen is a small village surrounded by lush rice terraces, scenic forests, and the island’s iconic volcano – Mount Agung.
By staying here you’ll get to appreciate the island’s true beauty and rural charm as you’ll be miles away from any tourist hot spots. If your heart is set on staying at some of the coolest bamboo houses in Bali, you’ll find the best ones around Sidemen.
You’ll also find some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali nearby including Gembleng Waterfall, Tukad Cepung, and Goa Raja.
Not only that but there are tons of other popular attractions close by including Pura Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga, and Besakih Temple.
The only thing to keep in mind is that there aren’t nearly as many western facilities and restaurants as you would find in the south.
The popular tourist spots of Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak are also at least 52 km away (32 miles), so you’ll benefit from hiring a driver or renting a scooter if you decide to stay here.
However, if you’re a fan of the outdoors and are looking for a peaceful base – Sidemen is one of the best places to stay in Bali!
Pros and cons of staying in Sidemen
PROS
- The surrounding area is beautiful
- Sidemen is one of the quietest areas in Bali
CONS
- It’s isolated from popular destinations along the southwest coast of Bali
- Not so many restaurant options
The best places to stay in Sidemen
- Luxury: Wapa di Ume Sidemen
- Mid-Range: Alamdhari Resort and Spa
- Budget: Sawah Indah Villa
8. Candidasa
When people are considering where to stay in Bali, the seaside town of Candidasa often isn’t even thought of.
It’s a two-hour drive from the popular tourist destination of Kuta and is one of the best places to stay in Bali if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
You won’t find tons of infrastructure here – instead, you’ll be wandering past traditional Balinese houses and temples making this a great place to learn about the island’s culture.
Candidasa is also a great location to explore some of the island’s main attractions as Tirtta Ganga, Pura Lempuyang, and Taman Soekasada Ujung Water Palace are all within a 50-minute drive of the town.
You can even take a trip out to some of the islands found just off the coast including Gili Biaha, Gili Mimpang, and Gili Tepekong.
However, this is another part of Bali where you’ll definitely want to hire a driver or a scooter to get around.
Pros and cons of staying in Candidasa
PROS
- Candidasa is one of the quieter seaside towns in Bali
- It’s in a great location for visiting nearby attractions such as Tirta Gangga
CONS
- There’s only one bus a day that runs between Sanur and Candidasa
- Isolated from other popular destinations in Bali
The best places to stay in Candidasa
- Luxury: Candi Beach Resort & Spa
- Mid-Range: Villa Barong
- Budget: Rama Shinta Hotel Candidasa
9. Amed
If you’re wondering where to stay in Bali and you’re looking to test out your diving skills then make sure you base yourself in Amed. It’s one of the best diving locations on the island and is home to tons of coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
Tulamben is located just up the coast and is another great spot for diving. Not only will you get to spot a variety of fish, but there’s an impressive shipwreck here too.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or a complete beginner, you’ll find plenty of diving opportunities in the area.
After you’ve spent some time exploring below the waves, there are plenty of fantastic cafes and small shops nearby.
Although accommodation is cheap throughout the island, you’ll find some absolute steals if you decide to stay in Amed.
However, keep in mind that public transport doesn’t operate in this area so you’ll need to hire a moped or car to get around. You can of course catch taxis but this will work out much more expensive in the long run.
So although it may not be one of the tourist hot spots, it’s one of the best areas to stay in Bali if you’re looking to witness some of the island’s beautiful marine life.
Pros and cons of staying in Amed
PROS
- One of the best diving spots in Bali
- Accommodation is extremely cheap in Amed
CONS
- Public transport doesn’t operate in this part of Bali
- The roads in this area aren’t in the best condition
The best places to stay in Amed
- Luxury: The Griya Villas and Spa
- Mid-Range: Vienna Beach Resort
- Budget: Amed Beach Resort
10. Munduk
Munduk is situated in Northern Bali and is one of the most unexplored (and underrated) destinations on the island.
If you’re not interested in a beach getaway and you want to escape the crowds, then it’s one of the best locations to stay in Bali. With plenty of fantastic viewpoints, lush rice terraces, and scenic waterfalls – this area has lots to offer.
If you decide to stay here, then there are plenty of awesome sites to visit nearby including the iconic Handara Gate, Wanagiri Hidden Hills, and the Bali Twin Lakes viewpoint.
Make sure you explore some of the beautiful waterfalls in the area too including Munduk Waterfall and Banyumala Twin Falls. However, just keep in mind that public transport doesn’t operate in this region of Bali.
There’s a daily shuttle service that sometimes runs between Ubud and Munduk, but other than that you won’t find it easy to get around unless you have your own vehicle.
But, if you don’t mind finding your own way around and you’d prefer to explore the island’s wild side then Munduk is one of the best areas to stay in Bali.
Pros and cons of staying in Munduk
PROS
- One of the most peaceful areas on the island so you’ll get many sites to yourself
- Outstanding natural beauty
CONS
- Very isolated and is far from other popular destinations in Bali like Canggu and Ubud
- You’ll need to hire a car or scooter to explore the area
The best places to stay in Munduk
- Luxury: Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa
- Mid-Range: Nadira Bali Villa
- Budget: Atres Villa
Planning a trip to Bali?
Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Bali. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!
Bali Travel Guides:
- The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide for First Timers
- The Ultimate 2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary for First Timers
- Top 13 Best Waterfalls in Bali You Can’t Miss
- 14 Best Cafes in Canggu, Bali – Canggu Foodie Guide
- The Perfect 3 Days in Ubud Itinerary for First Timers
- 13 Best Cafes in Ubud You Have To Try
Bali Hotel Guides:
- Where to Stay in Bali: 10 Best Areas & Hotels
- 11 Most Instagrammable & Unique Hotels in Bali
- 15 Magical Bamboo Houses in Bali You Can Actually Book
- 15 Best Private Pool Villas in Ubud for Every Budget
- Top 15 Best Airbnbs in Ubud, Bali
- Luxury Redefined: AYANA Villas Bali Hotel Review
- Romantic Getaway in Ubud: Kamandalu Ubud Hotel Review
- Hotel Review: The Udaya Resorts & Spa, Bali
- A Slice of Balinese Paradise: Wapa Di Ume Sidemen Hotel Review
- Hotel Review: Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa
Nusa Penida Travel Guides:
- The Perfect Nusa Islands Itinerary for 3 Days
- Top 16 Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida You Can’t Miss
- Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida: Complete Guide & Tips for Visiting
- How to Visit the Famous Nusa Penida Treehouse: A Complete Guide
- Peguyangan Waterfall, Nusa Penida: All You Need to Know Before Visiting
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