The Best Areas to Stay in Bali: Which is Right For You?
Over the past 10 years Bali has become my home away from home. Because I’ve had the chance to spend so much time on Indonesia’s most popular little island I’ve come to know Bali very well.
Despite the fact that it is a relatively small island, there are actually a lot of different places to stay in Bali. And the confusing part is that they are all really different.
So if you’re headed to Bali for the first time and you’re confused about where exactly to stay, hopefully this will give you a little insight. Whether you’re looking to glimpse stunning rice terraces, relax in a luxurious villa, surf the days away or party till dawn, Bali really does have something for everyone!
The Best Areas to Stay in Bali
Kuta
Some people love Kuta and others loathe it. As for me, I’m somewhere in the middle. Kuta is basically the tourist epicenter of Bali. It’s definitely the place where people go to party hard. But Kuta does have a lot going for it.
There is a reason I tend to book a couple nights here to start and end my trips to Bali. Given its proximity to the airport Kuta is a great place for budget travelers to either kick off their trip or even to base themselves. It’s super cheap, there are great restaurants, nightlife and shopping, and it’s walking distance to the beach. If you’re looking to be in the center of it all during your Bali trip and stick to a budget, then Kuta might just be the place for you.
Who’s it good for: Budget travelers, backpackers, beginner surfers, and party-goers. It’s also super close to the airport so it’s great for anyone heading in or out of Bali.
Seminyak
Seminyak is where most people stay during their Bali vacations. People talk about Seminyak like it’s worlds away from Kuta, but it’s literally located a few kilometers up the beach. That being said it does have a distinctly different vibe.
Things definitely feel a lot more upscale in Seminyak versus Kuta. The beach is a bit cleaner and a little less crowded. The hotels, shopping and nightlife are much more high-end, so if you’re looking to live it up during your Bali vacation, Seminyak is an excellent choice. It is a great place to lounge by the hotel pool, dine at international restaurants, shop at trendy boutiques and hit the beach clubs.
Who’s it good for: Pretty much anyone looking to lounge in luxury. While you can stay in Seminyak on any budget, the more money you spend here the more fun you’re likely going to have!
Canggu
Canggu is definitely the new ‘it’ place in Bali – and for good reason. Located 10 kilometers up the coast from Seminyak, Canggu is one of the best areas to stay in Bali for the party-centric crowd.
It is home to stunning beaches (and rice terraces), excellent shopping and arguably the best cafés and restaurants on the island. Canggu has become a haven for digital nomads, hipsters and surfers in recent years and offers a much more youthful beach town vibe than either Seminyak or Kuta.
It’s an incredibly appealing place to chill and stay for days, weeks or even months. I’ve done this on numerous occasions! That being said, Canggu has blown up in recent years, so it may not be for everyone.
Who’s it good for: Digital nomads and long-term travelers, beach lovers, surfers and yoga enthusiasts.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is located on the eastern side of the Bukit Peninsula on the very southern tip of Bali. It’s only about a 30-minute drive from Kuta and Seminyak but it is completely different. With its fancy resorts, Nusa Dua is one of the best areas to stay in Bali for a more upscale, family-oriented crowd.
It’s a great place for those who want a bit more of a relaxing, yet luxurious, vacation away from the crowds of Kuta and Seminyak. There’s not really all that much to do in Nusa Dua aside from relaxing at your hotel pool or private beach and dining in one of the few restaurants in town.
Who’s it good for: Families, honeymooners and anyone who’s looking for a resort-oriented vacation.
Sanur
Sanur is located on a lovely stretch of beach in Southern Bali and it’s an incredibly popular destination for families and retirees. Yes, it’s nicknamed “snore,” but despite the moniker, there is plenty to do here, no matter your age or interests.
Sanur might not be as party-centric as Kuta or Canggu but there is an abundance of laid-back beach bars and some truly great restaurants. Sanur is also a great choice for scuba divers as there are some excellent diving and snorkeling spots offshore.
Who’s it good for: Families, people looking for a more mellow vacation, and scuba divers.
Uluwatu
Most people go to Uluwatu to see the famous Uluwatu Temple. But Uluwatu is one of the best areas to stay in Bali if you want to set up shop, especially if you’re a surfer.
Uluwatu has a number of breaks, which is why this place is so popular with surfers. That being said, as a non-surfer I loved my time in Uluwatu. The hidden beaches, beautiful countryside and excellent restaurants were more than enough to keep me entertained. I actually have fantasies of living there!
Who’s it good for: Surfers, independent travelers and those looking to do a little exploring. Taking a motorbike around the area is the best way to experience Uluwatu.
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan has long been popular with the backpacker contingent, but it’s becoming more common for group tourists, families and mid-range travelers to stop off here. Regardless, it is still an incredibly mellow place.
Though the small island is only 30 minutes away (by boat) from the hyper-tourism and mega-resorts of the mainland, Nusa Lembongan is a rustic little island where it’s possible to stay in dreamlike beach bungalows, find hidden surf spots and snorkel right offshore.
The best way to see all that Nusa Lembongan has to offer is by renting a scooter. The island is studded with turquoise beaches, expansive mangroves and amazing vistas.
Who’s it good for: Backpackers, adventurous families, snorkel and dive enthusiasts.
Nusa Penida
I always rave about Nusa Penida because it really is my personal favorite place in Bali. This rugged little isle is bursting with natural beauty and natural attractions. From jaw-dropping vistas to hidden beaches to world-class diving, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Nusa Penida.
That being said, getting around the island is not for the faint of heart, especially if you want to explore by motorbike. The roads on Nusa Penida are not so good, or they weren’t when I was last there. But you an easily hire a driver to take you around to all the sites. That being said, if motorbiking around an authentic Balinese island sounds like your idea of fun, I highly suggest it!
Who’s it good for: Adventure travelers, experienced scooter drivers, beach lovers and scuba divers.
Ubud
I’ve always been a little bit ambivalent about Ubud, but I’m coming around to it. There is a reason I’m one of the very few people who didn’t fall head over heels for the cultural capital of Bali upon my first visit.
Downtown Ubud is both tourist- and traffic-riddled, but it is chock full of lovely temples, vibrant markets, healthy cafes and hip yoga studios. But, if you ask me the best part of Ubud lies outside of the city center.
The countryside boasts stunning rice terraces, awesome coffee plantations and great hiking trails. And the villas on offer in Ubud look incredible. I’m not going to lie, as a part-time digital nomad I’ve considered basing myself in Ubud during my lengthy stints in Bali. This might just be one of the best areas to stay in Bali if you really want to get away from it all.
Who’s it good for: Culture and art lovers, yoga enthusiasts, vegetarian and vegan travelers, digital nomads and long-term travelers.
Amed
Amed might just be my favorite place in Bali, and that’s saying a lot! In my opinion, Amed is a contender for the prettiest place in Bali. The views of
Mount Agung (Bali’s largest active volcano) are unreal. Drive along the main road, which weaves along the coast, and you’ll pass crystal-clear coral-filled bays lined with rocky beaches and colorful fishing boats.
Veer inland, and you’ll be wowed by the emerald green rice paddies complete with a backdrop of soaring green mountains. Amed really is postcard-perfect!
Who’s it good for: Snorkelers and divers and families and couples looking for a laid-back vacation at a boutique resort far away from Bali’s main tourist hubs.
Well, there you have it. I hope this helps you make a little more sense of Bali and where it is that you’d like to stay. Happy trip planning!
READ MORE:
6 Kickass Places to Visit in Bali
A Guide to Renting the Perfect Villa in Bali
PIN ME FOR LATER!
That completes my guide on the best areas to stay in Bali! Which of these places would you like to stay during your trip?
Oh why are you taunting me? 😉 I’ve been really wanting to go back to Bali and I keep seeing it pop up on blogs. Wah! Bit far from here with a baby though. I didn’t go to Canggu but I want to try there next time. Love Nusa Lembongan. How do people get around there with a family though? We, like you, hired a motorbike and there are no cars. Maybe that will have to wait until she’s bigger Haha. Let me know if you’re coming back this way sometime.
Haha, come to Bali this summer! I was actually surprised when I went to Lembongan last year. It has definitely become a bit more touristy. There were even package tourists! And believe it or not there are trucks shuttling people around now. It actually makes motorbiking way more of a hazard than it used to be. But it might make traveling there with a little one easier! I think I’ll be in California during the Chinese holiday in October. I can’t wait!!
Oh wow. It’s so interesting how places change so quickly. Bet it’s still beautiful though. October will come round quick, I bet! Oh and I wish I could come to Bali this summer!! 😀
I loved Bali and I have only been to Legian (between Kuta and Seminyak) and Ubud LOL.
I would love to visit these others cities that youve mentioned someday 🙂
What is your favorite ‘city’ on Bali?
x
Because my trips there are long-term and I need to work my place of choice is currently Canggu. That’s likely where I’ll stay this summer. But as a travel destination I definitely LOVE Nusa Penida. That place is so beautiful and relatively untouristy compared to the other places I mentioned.
Was in Bali 20 years ago AMG most recently last year. The island is ruined. Over crowded, polluted, a lot of the culture is now gone. Ubud is an absolute disaster. Kuta/Seminyak/Legion is one big clusterfuck. Only pretty beaches are in Bukit Peninsula. Swimming with empty plastic bottles of water and othe garbage on the beaches is a disgrace. Either bloggers have never seen the real Bali or they are blind.
Yeah, I can imagine it’s brutal going back there after experiencing it 20 years ago. I’ve talked to a lot of people that have the same sentiment as you. In my opinion there’s a lot to love about Bali, but there A LOT of problems too. The trash being one of them. I wrote a post all about that too.
I’m considering a trip to Bali in late 2017/early 2018, so this post actually helps me out a lot in terms of where I should potentially base myself for a two week trip. I will have to look further in Canggu as it seems to combine the best of both worlds between ecotourism and beach life. As for Northern Bali, are there any towns or villages that would recommend exploring? And would you suggest staying in these towns or doing day trips from Ubud instead?
I really enjoyed my stay in Canggu. My only complaint is the traffic. Traffic is an issue in a lot of these place, but Canggu’s was bad. I’ve actually never been to northern Bali. I’m hoping to get up there this summer. I have looked into both Amed and Lovina. So I would do some searches of those places to see if maybe they’d interest you. Two weeks is a good chuck of time to see a lot in Bali. You can base yourself in one place and easily hire and driver and do day trips. Or you can move around a bit. I suppose it depends on what you’re looking for! Have a blast 🙂
I’m more of a Legian/Seminyak girl because I’m so used to it and we have people who remember us from past trips. BUT my parents love the relaxed lifestyle of Sanur. It’s a little too boring for me though 😉
I know what you mean. I’m just so used to Kuta that I seem to always start my trip off there. But this time around I think I might mix things up and go straight to Seminyak or Canggu. I can actually see the appeal of Sanur. It really is lovely and I do like the slower pace. But it’s a bit too boring for me to spend more than a few days!
This is such a helpful post! I think Uluwatu and Nusa Penida are definitely right up my alley. Your posts about those two in particular have intrigued me most of all, and the views are breath-taking!
Yes, two of my favorite places!! I stayed at some surfer’s villa in Uluwatu for a week. He had recently built it on a patch of land with incredible views. The whole thing made me want to buy some land and build a house there (if I had the money!). It was just so peaceful and incredible. I really could have stayed forever!
‘Love the post.
I’ve been to Bali a few times, and I always go to the same place – Ubud!
It’s small, full of culture, music and art. And the local people are a delight. All the things I like.
Plus, I first went to Ubud well before the book – Eat, Pray, Love – was ever written. It doesn’t disturb me in the least! 😀
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Bali is definitely paradise on earth!
Do you have any suggestions what is the time of the year to visit there?
Hi Justine,
I have only been to Bali on a cruise and got a shock with the bad condition of the harbor and harassment from the taxi drivers. Having said that, I would like to fly there next time, as I am sure what you are saying about Bali is a better picture of the truth. Some very nice images.
Cheers Nathan…