Where to Stay in Bali: 7 Best Areas to Stay
Planning your first trip and wondering where to stay in Bali? This guide covers the seven best areas, with hotel recommendations by budget and key tips to help you choose the right one.
Bali is one of the most visited islands in Southeast Asia, and easily the most iconic destination in Indonesia. The island offers everything from jungle escapes to beach clubs, temples, rice terraces, and remote coastal villages.
But picking the right place to stay in Bali depends on the vibe you’re after, who you’re traveling with, and what you want to experience. I remember feeling overwhelmed before my first visit, but once you become familiar with the basics of each area, it becomes much easier.
Getting around Bali is typically done by scooter, private driver, or Grab, a popular ridesharing app in Southeast Asia. There are also some shuttle services and tours available via 12GO if you’re not renting a scooter.
Bali Airport taxi scams are common, so if you’re not using a rideshare app, it’s best to pre-arrange a reliable airport transfer to your hotel.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the best places to stay in Bali to help you decide:
Canggu
Canggu is one of Bali’s most popular destinations right now, known for its surf breaks, digital nomad scene, and effortlessly cool vibe.
Whether you’re into beach days, buzzing cafes, or co-working hubs, this is where Bali feels young, fun, and full of energy. It’s a hotspot for creatives and travelers who want to stay connected while soaking up a beach lifestyle.
Best Area For: Digital nomads, younger travelers, surfers, and anyone who wants a trendy, beach-meets-city experience with cafes, coworking spaces, and nightlife.
Atmosphere: Canggu is Bali’s hotspot for creative travelers and remote workers. It has a laid-back but buzzy vibe, with beach clubs, boutique shops, and motorbikes buzzing around. Expect many hip cafes, stylish accommodations, and Australians drinking strong flat whites. It’s a mix of yoga mats, surfboards, laptops, and craft cocktails.
Who this Area isn’t for: Travelers seeking peace and quiet. Canggu’s traffic, construction, and growing popularity mean it’s not the place to escape the crowds.
Things to Do: Canggu offers more than just surf. You can catch the sunset at Echo Beach, take a yoga class at The Practice, sip craft cocktails at beach bars, explore art markets, or join a community event at one of the local co-working spaces like Dojo or B Work. Day trips to Tanah Lot Temple are also a must.
Food: Tons of healthy food options, smoothie bowls, warungs, and international eats. Expect avocado toast and green juices alongside local nasi goreng. Standout spots include Crate Café, Milk & Madu, and Warung Dandelion for a mix of Western and traditional Balinese flavors.
Nightlife: Great beach bars and nightlife that’s lively but not over-the-top. Old Man’s and The Lawn are the most well-known hangouts. There are also smaller bars and live music venues scattered across the area.
Accessibility: Canggu is about 45 minutes from the airport (traffic depending). Getting around is easier by scooter, but taxis and Grab are also available. Traffic congestion can be a challenge, especially during peak season.
Top Hotels in Canggu:
Hotel Tugu Bali — Luxury
Zin Canggu Resort & Villas — Mid Range
The Bed by the Sea Hostel — Budget
Seminyak
Just a short ride from Canggu, Seminyak is where Bali gets a little more polished.
With upscale resorts, trendy beach clubs, and boutique shopping, Seminyak is the perfect destination for those who enjoy style, sunsets, and spa days.
Best Area For: Stylish travelers, couples, beach lovers, and those who want easy access to shopping and spas.
Atmosphere: Seminyak blends elegance with coastal charm. It’s refined but still laid-back, with high-end villas and art galleries lining its streets. Expect sunset cocktails, chic crowds, and spa treatments.
Who this Area isn’t for: Those looking for a cultural or nature-based trip. Seminyak is more about shopping, beach clubs, and resort life than temples or rice terraces.
Things to Do: Lounge at Potato Head, explore high-end boutiques, enjoy a beachfront massage, or take a day trip to nearby Canggu or Uluwatu.
Food: Exceptional dining options from sushi to tapas to local Balinese specialties. Try Bambu, Sisterfields, and Motel Mexicola for a diverse range of eats.
Nightlife: Stylish rooftop bars and beach clubs rule here — Ku De Ta, La Favela, and Red Carpet are popular picks.
Accessibility: Seminyak is approximately 30–40 minutes from the airport and conveniently located near other popular hotspots. Walkable in town with easy taxi access.
Top Hotels in Seminyak:
Alila Seminyak — Luxury
Viva Dash Hotel — Mid Range
M Boutique Hostel — Budget
Ubud
Located in central Bali, Ubud is the cultural soul of the island. With its lush jungles, rice terraces, temples, and a strong emphasis on wellness, Ubud is the ideal destination for travelers looking to slow down and go inward.
Best Area For: Nature lovers, wellness travelers, yogis, and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat inland.
Atmosphere: Artistic, spiritual, and deeply serene. Expect incense in the air, offerings on the sidewalk, and calm jungle vibes. Ubud attracts creatives, healers, and those seeking to unwind.
Who this Area isn’t for: If you’re after beaches or nightlife, skip Ubud. It’s inland, slower paced, and more about wellness and culture than going out or swimming.
Things to Do: Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, walk the Campuhan Ridge, take a cooking class, or tour the many temples and waterfalls nearby.
Food: Healthy cafes, vegan eats, and farm-to-table dining. Try Clear Café, Sayuri Healing Food, or any of the dozens of warungs for authentic meals.
Nightlife: Minimal — think poetry readings or acoustic sets at a lounge. Ubud isn’t for late-night scenes.
Accessibility: Roughly 1.5 hours from the airport. Ideal to explore with a private driver or scooter.
Top Hotels in Ubud:
Bisma Eight — Luxury
Adiwana Monkey Forest — Mid Range
In Da Lodge — Budget
Uluwatu
Dramatic cliffs, surfer beaches, and laid-back vibes make Uluwatu a unique corner of Bali. It’s known for jaw-dropping sunsets, world-class surf, and cliffside resorts.
Best Area For: Surfers, honeymooners, and travelers craving stunning views and beach hideaways.
Atmosphere: Uluwatu is rugged, romantic, and remote. It’s the perfect spot to escape crowds and enjoy nature in a luxurious setting.
Who this Area isn’t for: Not ideal for first-timers who want convenience. Uluwatu is spread out, hilly, and can be challenging to navigate without a scooter or driver.
Things to Do: Visit Uluwatu Temple, attend a traditional Kecak dance at sunset, go surfing, or relax on Bingin or Padang Padang Beach.
Food: Beach cafes, smoothie bowls, and grilled seafood with ocean views. Don’t miss Single Fin’s Sunday sessions.
Nightlife: Sunset drinks and beach bonfires — more mellow than party-heavy.
Accessibility: 45–60 minutes from the airport. You’ll need a scooter or private transport.
Top Hotels in Uluwatu:
Six Senses Uluwatu — Luxury
Gravity Boutique Hotel — Mid Range
Home Bience Hostel — Budget
Sanur
A sleepy seaside town on the southeast coast, Sanur is ideal for early risers and slower-paced travelers. You’ll find a beachside path, charming warungs, and a chilled vibe.
Best Area For: Older travelers, families, and laid-back visitors who enjoy quiet walks and low-key beach time.
Atmosphere: Quiet and calm, with a local feel. Sanur appeals to repeat visitors, retirees, and travelers with kids.
Who this Area isn’t for: Young partiers or digital nomads. Sanur is quiet and family-friendly — great for relaxing, but not for bar-hopping or fast-paced travel.
Things to Do: Bike the beachfront path, enjoy sunrise views, visit Le Mayeur Museum, or hop to Nusa Lembongan.
Food: Great seafood, Western options, and lots of family-run restaurants.
Nightlife: Casual — maybe live music at a beach bar, but no big clubbing.
Accessibility: 30 minutes from the airport. Easy to get around by bike or on foot.
Top Hotels in Sanur:
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa — Luxury
Artotel Sanur — Mid Range
Linda Villa Sanur — Budget
Kuta
Kuta is the OG Bali party destination. With a long sandy beach, surf schools, cheap eats, and loads of nightlife, it’s been the go-to spot for budget travelers and backpackers for years.
Best Area For: Backpackers, budget tourists, and party seekers.
Atmosphere: Bustling and chaotic in parts. Think market stalls, loud bars, and surf schools lining the beach.
Who this Area isn’t for: Anyone looking for a peaceful or upscale experience. Kuta can feel chaotic, touristy, and dated, not everyone’s vibe.
Things to Do: Learn to surf, visit Beachwalk Shopping Mall, or party at Sky Garden.
Food: Cheap local food and Western fast food chains — great for saving money.
Nightlife: Busy clubs, beach parties, and cheap drink deals.
Accessibility: 15 minutes from the airport. Very central and walkable.
Top Hotels in Kuta:
Hard Rock Hotel Bali — Luxury
Amnaya Resort Kuta — Mid Range
Grand Barong Resort — Budget
Nusa Dua
This is Bali’s upscale resort bubble — think calm waters, pristine beaches, and top-tier service. If you want a worry-free beach holiday, Nusa Dua delivers.
Best Area For: Families, couples, and luxury travelers who want peace and comfort.
Atmosphere: Polished, manicured, and family-friendly. Expect resort pools, private beaches, and no hassle.
Who this Area isn’t for: Budget travelers or those wanting a local feel. Nusa Dua is a resort-heavy, polished destination built for all-inclusive relaxation, rather than immersion.
Things to Do: Water sports, resort activities, Bali Collection shopping area, and cultural shows.
Food: Mostly resort-based but good quality. Try Kayuputi for a splurge-worthy meal.
Nightlife: Very limited — ideal for relaxing, not partying.
Accessibility: About 30 minutes from the airport. Transfers are simple.
Top Hotels in Nusa Dua:
The St. Regis Bali Resort — Luxury
Grand Mirage Resort — Mid Range
Mahogany Hotel — Budget
Final Thoughts
Deciding where to stay in Bali really comes down to your style of travel. Want waves and beach bars? Try Canggu. Prefer rice terraces and temples? Head to Ubud. After a peaceful beach break? Sanur or Nusa Dua might be your thing.
Wherever you end up, Bali’s magic is in how easy it is to explore multiple areas, just don’t overpack your itinerary!
Bali may look small on the map, but traffic and travel times can sneak up on you. If you’re still unsure, start with 1–2 regions and let the rest unfold as you go. Many travelers begin in Ubud or Seminyak and decide their next stop once they’ve settled into the island’s rhythm.
Say you’re visiting for 7–10 days, a split itinerary works well: pair one inland destination like Ubud with a coastal one like Canggu or Nusa Dua.
If you want to stay connected without the hassle, I recommend grabbing an Airalo eSIM before your trip. You can set it up ahead of time, and it activates instantly once you land in Bali!
Have 2 weeks? You’ll have time to explore a third area — maybe head south to Uluwatu for cliffside views or east to see Bali’s quieter side in Sanur. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Where to Stay in Bali by Traveler Type:
- First Timers: Seminyak, Ubud, or Canggu
- Backpackers: Kuta, Ubud, or Canggu
- Couples: Uluwatu, Ubud, or Nusa Dua
- Families: Sanur, Nusa Dua, or Seminyak
And don’t forget — it’s Bali. You really can’t go wrong. Each part of the island has its charm, and even the most “touristy” areas are full of hidden gems once you look past the surface.
What’s the best area to stay in Bali for first-time visitors?
Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud are the most popular spots for first-timers. Seminyak is great for beach clubs and shopping, Canggu for a trendy surf vibe, and Ubud for its natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Where should I stay in Bali for a more relaxing, quiet experience?
If you’re looking to unwind, head to Sanur, Nusa Dua, or Uluwatu.
These areas are slower-paced and perfect for couples, families, or anyone needing a break from Bali’s busier scenes.
Is Bali walkable or will I need transport?
Most areas in Bali aren’t very walkable beyond your immediate neighborhood. It’s best to rent a scooter, hire a private driver, or use Grab to get around efficiently.
How many areas should I stay in during one Bali trip?
Ideally, stick to 1—2 areas to avoid wasting time packing and relocating. Many travelers do a beach spot like Canggu or Seminyak, then head inland to Ubud for a well-rounded trip.
Happy & Safe Travels
Planning Checklist
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