Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It’s a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and rich culture. With so much to offer visitors, it can be hard to know where to stay when visiting Bali. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting city experience, there are plenty of options available that fit your needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best areas to stay in Bali and what each area has to offer travelers. From luxury resorts with stunning views to budget-friendly guesthouses surrounded by nature – there’s something for everyone here. Plus if you stick with me to the end I’ll share some of the top Bali travel tips!
When to Visit Bali
From a purely weather standpoint the best time to visit Bali is the dry season between April and October. During this time, the weather is typically dry and sunny, with temperatures averaging around 77-86 Fahrenheit. The months from November to March tend to be wetter and more humid.
However, the best time to visit Bali also depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re looking for more of a lively, happening atmosphere then it’s best to come during the peak season (July-August) when prices are higher but plenty is going on.
On the other hand, if you want something more laid back and less crowded then coming during the shoulder season (May-June or September-November) is a great option.
Consider this when you’re planning your Bali itinerary.
Best Areas to Stay in Bali
Since I live here in Bali I have been able to experience first-hand the different areas and vast array of offerings available. From bustling beach towns to sleepy mountain villages, there’s plenty to choose from! Here are some of the best areas to stay in Bali:
Amed
A hidden gem, Amed is located on the northeast coast of Bali, about 2 hours from the airport. This fishing village is known for its stunning black sand beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great choice for those looking for something a little more peaceful than the touristy beach towns in South Bali.
Amed offers some of the best scuba and snorkeling opportunities in Bali, as well as plenty of yoga retreats and spas. Since Amed is a fishing village fresh catch seafood is always on the menu. Accommodation ranges from basic guesthouses to luxury resorts with private pools, so it’s a great option for any budget.
Canggu
Canggu was once a sleepy surf town but in recent years it has become one of the trendiest areas to stay in Bali. Located on the southwest coast, Canggu is about a 40-minute drive (depending on traffic) from the airport and just a short drive from Seminyak and Kuta.
Here you’ll find plenty of trendy cafes and restaurants, excellent surfing spots, and beach bars that come alive at night. There’s something for everyone here, including yoga studios, modern art galleries, and shopping boutiques. Accommodation options are plentiful and range from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy your stay in Canggu.
Kuta
Kuta is one of the most popular areas to stay in Bali and it’s located on the southwest coast just north of Seminyak. Kuta is known for its nightlife, with plenty of live music venues, bars, and nightclubs. There are also plenty of regular beach parties that happen here!
It’s a great choice for those looking to socialize and experience the hustle and bustle of Bali. Kuta is also known for its stunning beaches and plenty of action-packed activities like surfing, parasailing, and standup paddling. Accommodation options range from luxury resorts to more budget-friendly guesthouses, so you can find something that fits your needs.
This is also where you’ll find the Waterbom Park – great if you’re traveling with kids!
Lovina
Lovina is located on the northern coast of Bali and it’s a great option for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the southern beaches. It’s known for its stunning black sand beaches, excellent diving spots, and laid-back atmosphere.
This area also offers plenty of cultural activities like exploring temples and hot springs or learning about Balinese dance and music. There are plenty of guesthouses and hotels in Lovina, so you can find something to fit your budget.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is located on the southeast coast of Bali and it’s known for its luxury resorts. Here you’ll find plenty of upscale restaurants, spas, shopping centers, and golf courses. It’s a great choice for those looking to splurge or celebrate a special occasion.
The beaches here are also stunning and you can find plenty of activities like watersports, boat tours, and fishing. Nusa Dua is about a 20-minute drive from the airport so it’s an easy choice for those with limited time in Bali.
Nusa Penida | Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan and its neighbor Nusa Penida are two small islands located off the southeast coast of Bali. They are popular for their stunning beaches and snorkeling/diving opportunities. The islands are a great choice for those looking to get away from it all and experience something more authentic and less developed.
Nusa Lembongan offers a wider selection of luxury stay accommodations while Nusa Penida is more for the adventurers since it’s closer to the best attractions of the two islands. Both of these islands are easy to get to from Bali – you can take a boat or ferry from Sanur, which takes about 45 minutes.
Seminyak
Seminyak is located on the southwest coast of Bali and it’s one of the trendiest areas in the area. Here you’ll find plenty of trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and beach bars. The beaches here are also stunning and there are plenty of activities like surfing, standup paddling, and parasailing.
The accommodation options here also range from luxury resorts to more budget-friendly guesthouses, so you can find something that fits your needs. Seminyak is about a 30-minute drive from the airport, so it’s an easy choice for those with limited time.
Sideman
Often forgotten but a total gem, Sideman is located in the hills of central Bali and it’s known for its incredible views and stunning rice terraces. Here you’ll find plenty of traditional Balinese villages, temples, and waterfalls that make it worth exploring.
Accommodation options are limited here but there are some guesthouses to choose from if you want to stay in the area. Sideman is about a 2-hour drive from the airport, so it’s best for those who are looking to explore more of Bali and have some extra time.
Ubud
Ubud is located in the central area of Bali and it’s known for its lush green scenery and cultural activities. Here you’ll find plenty of temples, traditional Balinese dance performances, and yoga retreats. There are also plenty of outdoor activities like trekking and cycling.
The accommodation options here range from high-end luxury villas to more budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ubud. Ubud is about an hour and a half drive from the airport, so it’s best for those with more time to explore Bali.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is located on the southern tip of Bali and it’s known for its stunning beaches and amazing surf. This area also offers plenty of cultural activities like exploring temples, watching traditional Balinese dances, or attending a Kecak fire dance performance.
There are plenty of guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Uluwatu, so you can find something to fit your budget. Uluwatu is about an hour and a half drive from the airport.
Best Area to Stay in Bali: Quick Reference Guide
Now that you have a good overview of all of the best areas to stay in Bali, it’s time to choose which place or places fit your travel style. Here is a quick reference guide to help you in your planning process:
Luxury: Nusa Dua is the best area for luxury stays.
Off-the-beaten-path: Consider Nusa islands, Amed, Lovina, or Sideman.
Adventures: Ubud and Nusa Penida are great for adventure seekers.
Trendy: Canggu is the place to be if you want to experience Bali’s trendiest vibes.
Surfing: Uluwatu or Canggu are the best choices for surfers.
Food: Canggu and Seminyak have the best selection of foodie options.
Diving: Amed and the Nusa islands are the best places to stay if you want to explore some of Bali’s beautiful underwater world.
Yoga: Ubud is the yoga capital of Bali and offers plenty of retreats and studios to choose from.
Overall, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing where to stay in Bali. Think about your travel style, how much time you have, and what activities you want to do before deciding which areas are the best for you.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your Bali trip, plan on spending a few days in different areas and you will get the best of both worlds!
Bali Travel Tips
Bali is a world famous travel destination and there are plenty of attractions and activities to help make your trip memorable. But, there are also a few things that you should know.
Here are some tips and things to know before traveling to Bali:
Currency: The main currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah. Make sure to have some cash on hand as some restaurants and shops won’t accept credit cards or if they do they will often charge a 3% transaction fee. But, no worries there are plenty of ATM’s around and they accept most foreign debit cards.
Language: The official language in Bali is Bahasa Indonesia, but English is spoken in most tourist areas.
Visa: Most nationalities don’t need a visa to enter Bali, but be sure to check with your local Indonesian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Climate: Bali enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) at night to 34°C (93°F) during the day. The best time to visit Bali is between April and October.
Electricity & Outlets: The power outlets in Bali are standard European type, so make sure to pack an adapter if you’re traveling from abroad.
Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Bali, but it is appreciated for good service.
Safety: Bali is generally a safe destination, but you should always take necessary precautions and avoid going out alone at night.
Avoid Bali Belly: Be sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid eating at street stalls or restaurants where the food appears to have been sitting out for a while. And, don’t drink tap water in Bali!
Transportation: You can rent a self-drive car or scooter if you want to do it yourself but just be aware the roads are not great and traffic can be horrendous.
If you want to skip the hassle you can hire a car with a driver, or use ride-share apps like Grab or GoJek (like Uber) to get around.
Vaccinations: For peace of mind make sure to check the most current vaccination recommendations for Bali.
Wrap Up: Best Area to Stay in Bali
Bali is an incredibly diverse destination with something for everyone. From luxury stays in Nusa Dua, to adventures in Ubud and trendy vibes in Canggu, the choice of where to stay can be overwhelming. With our quick reference guide above you should have a better idea of which areas are best suited for your travel style. Remember that no matter where you choose to stay, Bali has plenty of attractions and activities on offer so make sure you take advantage! Lastly, don’t forget about safety when traveling around Bali – always follow precautions such as washing your hands regularly or avoiding eating at non busy street stalls. By doing this you will ensure that your trip is enjoyable from start to finish!
