Where To Stay in Bali

Though just one island, Bali is a world of its own. Each town in Bali offers something unique. Choosing where to stay in Bali can feel overwhelming, with so many options.

This blog gives you an inside look at 11 top areas of Bali. We’ve highlighted what makes each town stand out and have carefully selected one luxury and one budget accommodation for every area.

While there are many places to stay, our guide aims to offer you a clear, practical starting point. It saves you time and helps you find the spot that matches the Bali experience you’re after.

1. Ubud

Known For:

• Landscapes: 

Ubud is surrounded by dense jungles, emerald-green rice fields, and hidden waterfalls, which make it feel secluded and refreshing. 

• Wellness Retreats and Yoga Centres: 

This town’s tranquil backdrop is perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with yourself. This level of calm is hard to find in Bali’s busier areas. 

• Art and Culture: 

The town is filled with galleries showcasing local artwork. You can watch traditional dance performances here almost every night.

• Sacred Sites: 

Ubud has an enchanting, mystical side. It gives you a glimpse into Bali’s spiritual world in a way few places can.

• Romance: 

Secluded jungle resorts, rice paddy sunsets and picnics for two overlooking sweeping valleys give Ubud its romantic reputation. Ubud is an excellent location choice for couples and a top location for a honeymoon.

Luxury Stay: Viceroy Bali
Viceroy Bali is a secluded retreat in the heart of Ubud. It offers spacious luxury private villas with heated private pools, spectacular jungle views, gourmet dining, a speakeasy bar, top-notch personalised service, a private helipad, modern amenities, and a serene spa. 

Budget Stay: Ubud Tropical Garden
Ubud Tropical Garden is a cosy hotel with Balinese-style rooms, a pool, and an in-house restaurant that serves local and European meals. It blends comfort, convenience, and authentic Balinese charm.

2. Seminyak

Known For:

• Beaches and Sunsets: 

Seminyak’s beaches are perfect for evening relaxation. The views make sunset watching a special experience.

• Trendy Beach Clubs and Nightlife: 

The area has beach clubs and rooftop bars with luxury and laid-back vibes. It’s lively without being overly crowded.

• Boutique Shopping: 

Seminyak has many unique boutiques and designer shops offering local crafts and high-quality fashion.

• World-Class Dining: 

You can dine in posh and casual spots. The menu is diverse. It features local options, fusion or international.

Luxury Stay: W Bali – Seminyak

W Bali – Seminyak offers beachfront access, private villas with plunge pools, and a lively atmosphere. You can relax in cabanas or join poolside parties. The staff can customise activities for guests.

Budget Stay: Grandmas Plus Hotel SeminyakGrandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak is a 3-minute walk from the Seminyak beach. It has comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a rooftop bar featuring LIVE music. They also offer a complimentary area shuttle and breakfast.

3. Canggu

Known For:

• Surfing Beaches: 

Canggu’s beaches are a surfer’s paradise. The waves here are perfect for beginners and seasoned surfers.

• Relaxed Beach Clubs: 

Canggu’s beach clubs have a cool, casual charm. You can relax by the ocean with a laid-back crowd and enjoy the sunset.

• Healthy Cafés and Organic Eateries: 

The area is packed with cafés and restaurants serving organic, vegan, and farm-to-table dishes.

• Creative Community: 

Canggu has a vibrant, bohemian feel. Artists, digital nomads, and free spirits gather here. The area is full of co-working spaces, art markets, and pop-up shops.

Luxury Stay: COMO Uma Canggu

Como Uma Canggu is a five-star beachfront resort. You can take surfing lessons and enjoy water activities right by the beach. The resort offers local and international food and Asian-inspired therapies. It’s also close to Canggu’s popular beach clubs and surf spots.

Budget Stay: Kos One HostelKos One Hostel offers private rooms and shared dormitories. It offers large bunk beds with private safety boxes and basic comforts. It’s centrally located. It’s perfect for exploring Canggu’s nightlife.

4. Uluwatu

Known For:

• Dramatic Clifftop Views: 

Uluwatu’s cliffs offer some of Bali’s most breathtaking views. They make sunsets unforgettable.

• Surfing: 

Uluwatu has legendary waves. Surfers from around the world come here for famous breaks like Padang Padang and Impossible Beach. 

• Uluwatu Temple: 

This iconic temple sits right on the cliff’s edge with sweeping ocean views. The nightly Kecak dance performances add a touch of culture to this stunning natural setting.

• Luxury Beach Clubs: 

Uluwatu’s beach clubs are set on cliffs with infinity pools and stunning ocean views. The calm views and laid-back vibe make these clubs special to Uluwatu.

Luxury Stay: Six Senses Uluwatu

Six Senses Uluwatu offers endless views of the Indian Ocean and Uluwatu Temple. The resort offers private pool villas, a spa, and varied cuisines. A fun touch: you can enjoy complimentary ice cream throughout the day!

Budget Stay: Padang-Padang InnPadang-Padang Inn is set on a tranquil road close to restaurants. The inn has straightforward rooms and a casual restaurant with some space for indoor games. Some basic bamboo-built rooms are available.

5. Amed

Known For:

• Diving and Snorkelling: 

Amed’s calm waters are full of colourful coral reefs and marine life. Even beginners can enjoy diving and snorkelling here. The famous dive site — USAT Liberty shipwreck — is at Amed. 

• Black Sand Beaches: 

Amed’s unique volcanic black sand beaches are unlike anywhere else in Bali. These quiet, offbeat shores are perfect for relaxation.

• Traditional Fishing Villages: 

This area is home to Balinese fishing villages. You’ll see colourful fishing boats along the shore and get a real feel for local culture.

• Mount Agung Views: 

Bali’s sacred volcano, Mount Agung, creates a breathtaking backdrop in Amed. This region’s sunrises and sunsets have an altogether another charm.

Luxury Stay: The Griya Villas and Spa

This resort offers private villas with personal pools. It blends modern comfort with traditional Balinese design. You can enjoy panoramic ocean views, a full-service spa, and fine dining.

Budget Stay: Life in Amed Boutique Hotel This ocean resort features individually designed cottages with local décor, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant serving Indonesian and Western cuisine.

6. Sanur

Known For:

• Calm Beaches: 

Sanur’s beaches have gentle waves and soft sand. They’re perfect for families and groups that want a quiet place to swim and sunbathe.

• Scenic Boardwalk: 

Sanur’s long boardwalk runs along the coast. It offers a great way to enjoy the ocean breeze. It’s popular for morning walks, cycling or sunrise.

• Traditional Markets: 

Sanur’s markets give an authentic glimpse of local life. You can explore handmade crafts and see what locals purchase.

• Diving and Snorkelling: 

Sanur is excellent for underwater exploration. You must not miss the adjoining area of Nusa Penida for diving and snorkelling. The diving spots are fascinating, with colourful coral reefs and marine life. 

Luxury Stay: Hyatt Regency Bali 

Hyatt Regency Bali is a relaxing beachfront resort with spacious rooms that overlook gardens or the ocean. It has three pools, a full-service spa and direct beach access. Located on Sanur’s scenic boardwalk, it’s perfect for peaceful beach walks.

Budget Stay: Swastika BungalowsSwastika Bungalows offers low-key bungalows featuring private terraces or balconies with garden views. They serve complimentary breakfast in a laid-back, open-air restaurant.

7. Munduk

Known For:

• Waterfalls: 

Munduk’s lush forests are home to some of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls, with scenic hikes and tranquil spots.

• Cool Climate: 

This town has a cool mountain climate. The fresh air and misty mornings make it feel like another side of Bali. 

• Rice Terraces and Coffee Plantations: 

Munduk’s landscapes are dotted with green rice terraces and coffee plantations. You can tour local farms and see how coffee is made.

• Traditional Balinese Village Life: 

The village has a welcoming feel, with traditional homes. You can experience Bali’s culture at a more peaceful pace.

Luxury Stay: Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa

This 5-star eco-luxury resort offers private villas and suites with stunning views of coffee plantations and mountains. You can enjoy an infinity pool, spa services and plantation tours. 

Budget Stay: Puri Lumbung Cottages Set in the mountains with views of rice fields, plantations, and the Java Sea, this scenic eco-lodge offers traditional cottages and villas. Amenities include a restaurant, spa and sunset bar.

8. Nusa Dua

Known For:

• Pristine Beaches: 

Nusa Dua’s beaches are quiet and posh. They’re amazing for peaceful swimming and sunbathing.

• Luxury Resorts: 

This area is Bali’s centre of luxury. Its resorts redefine indulgence. You enjoy spacious rooms, lush gardens, and beautiful pools in exclusive surroundings. 

• Scenic Golf Courses: 

Nusa Dua’s world-class golf courses are set against stunning ocean views. For golf lovers, it’s a rare chance to enjoy the sport in panoramic landscapes.

• Water Sports: 

This peninsula is a top spot for snorkelling and parasailing. The area’s calm waters make it easy to try exciting water sports.

Luxury Stay: The St. Regis Bali Resort

The St. Regis Bali Resort offers eclectic experiences. You can enjoy direct beach access, a world-class spa, and multiple dining options. The resort charms you with its romantic sunrise picnics, a floating breakfast, a private saltwater lagoon pool, and an on-site boutique.

Budget Stay: Hotel Santika Siligita Nusa DuaSet in a trendy district, this hotel is 1 km from the nearest beach. It offers comfortable rooms with balconies, a restaurant, a lobby lounge, an outdoor pool and a garden.

9. Jimbaran

Known For:

• Fresh Seafood and Beachfront Dining: 

Dining in Jimbaran combines exciting and freshest seafood with enthralling sunsets and beachside beauty.

• Golden Beaches: 

Jimbaran’s beaches have golden sands and calm, gentle waves. They’re excellent for swimming and relaxation.

• Luxury Resorts with Ocean Views: 

Jimbaran has some of Bali’s top luxury resorts. They offer stunning ocean views with top-notch privacy and comfort.

• Balangan Beach for Surfing: 

Just a short drive from Jimbaran, Balangan Beach is a favourite for surfers. The waves are consistent. This beach promises scenic cliffs.

Luxury Stay: Four Seasons Resort Bali 

This beachfront resort features private villas with plunge pools and beautiful ocean views. You can take helicopter rides to see Bali and Java from above. Their Sundara Beach Club hosts a popular Sunday brunch; it comprises all-day tapas, barbecues, and oceanfront pools.

Budget Stay: MaxOneHotels at Bukit JimbaranThis hip, laid-back hotel offers modern rooms with an outdoor swimming pool. You can enjoy local and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant and breakfast in a bistro.

10. Legian/Kuta

Known For:

• Vibrant Nightlife: 

Kuta is packed with bars, nightclubs, and beach parties. Legian’s party scene is more relaxed, but it’s still lively. Both places are first-rate for visitors who want to dance and socialise.

• Surf-Friendly Beaches: 

The waves at Kuta Beach are perfect for beginner surfers, with many surf schools available for guidance. Legian Beach offers a similar experience but with fewer crowds.

• Affordable Shopping: 

Both areas offer budget-friendly shopping.

• Family-Friendly Attractions: 

Both places appeal to kids and adults.

Luxury Stay: The Stones – Legian, Bali, Autograph Collection

This beachfront hotel features a large outdoor pool with cabanas, a sundeck, and vertical gardens. Its prime location offers easy access to both Legian and Kuta beaches.

Budget Stay: Tab Hotel Legian BaliTab Hotel Legian Bali has unique capsule-style accommodations. This stay option works best for budget travellers. It offers them comfort and privacy without having to pay for a full room. You can also opt for standard rooms if travelling with friends or family.

11. Sideman

Known For:

• Scenic Rice Terraces and Valleys: 

Sideman has large rice terraces and untouched valleys. Unlike Ubud, this area’s landscapes feel more remote and tranquil.

• Traditional Weaving Villages: 

You can see traditional Balinese weaving in its original setting. These villages give a direct glimpse into local life.

• Trekking and Nature Walks: 

Sideman’s trails are ideal for slow, scenic treks. They wind through untouched rice fields and hills and offer stunning views of Mount Agung.

• Spiritual Retreats: 

Sideman’s retreats are quieter and more intimate than those in Ubud. This town is a prime destination for yoga and meditation. 

Luxury Stay: Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa

Samanvaya is an adults-only resort. It combines traditional Balinese architecture with modern amenities. It has two infinity pools, a spa, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. 

Budget Stay: Numa BaliNuma Bali is an eco-friendly villa resort. It harmonises natural beauty and comfort. The resort provides motorbike rentals, complimentary water refills, housekeeping services, private swimming pools, breakfast, butler service, room service, and concierge assistance.