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written by
Ties Lagraauw
updated 23.08.2024
After securing a spot on the tourist map back in the 1930s, Bali has blossomed into a destination that draws a huge range of traveller types. As a result, accommodation options around this Indonesian jewel are equally as diverse. So, it stands to reason that before choosing where to stay, you’ll want to know what to expect from different areas and options, which is where our guide to where to stay in Bali comes in.
Whether you’re a diver, backpacker, or have come in search of cultural or spiritual experiences, this guide to where to stay in Bali will help you decide where to base yourself, and which option beat suits your needs and budget.
In general, Bali boasts a high standard of accommodation. It’s a place where even the most basic budget options are pretty inviting. Where you choose to stay in Bali, and the kind of accommodation you go for, will invariably be dictated by your budget.
A few of our editors have lived, and still do, on Bali and can tell you all about the best places to stay on Bali. And which ones to avoid! A short summary:
Scroll down to read our full story about the places to avoid, but if you're keen to know: skip Kuta, Denpasar and Canggu. Don't get us wrong. They're great places to stay, but definitely not the best (and packed as well!).
Travel tip: to take the hassle out of planning and booking, check-out our customisable Bali itineraries. And to have a chance to explore everything that you are interested in in Bali also read our guide on how many days are best to spend here.
There are two main reasons visitors rate Uluwatu, both of them pretty darn epic.
First up, the Uluwatu surf breaks that wrap around the cliffs on the Bukit’s tip are legendary. There are five left-handers, all consistent and surfable from two to fifteen feet. Bear in mind, this is no place for novice surfers.
Secondly, Uluwatu is home to one of Bali’s holiest temples and most iconic sights. Namely, Pura Luhur Uluwatu.
Superbly sited on the edge of a sheer promontory that juts above the foaming surf at the island’s tip, Pura Luhur is one of the best temples in Bali.
If you haven’t come to surf, the views over the serrated coastline are stunning, and a favourite spot at sunset.
Given these main reasons for visiting, it’ll come as no purpose that accommodation in Uluwatu is geared towards villas with epic views and bungalows within reach of those incredible breaks.
Find more places to stay in Uluwatu.
Some 14km southeast of Kuta, Nusa Dua — Bali’s most carefully designed high-end beach resort — luxuriates along a coastal stretch of reclaimed mangrove swamp.
A manicured, gated enclave, Nusa Dua was purpose-built to indulge upmarket tourists while simultaneously protecting local communities from the impact of mass tourism.
It’s fair to say that most visitors come here for the beach — a long ribbon of mostly pale gold sand.
Halfway down the shoreline, the land blossoms out into two little clumps, or “islands” (Nusa Dua means “Two Islands”), with a temple standing on each one.
Here, fancy resorts dominate accommodation options — think modern design, multiple pools and loads of on-site activities — with a few B&B options on the fringes.
Explore more accommodation in Nusa Dua.
With an abundance of temples, museums and craft studios, Ubud is also one of Asia’s leading yoga centres, and great place to kick-start health kicks, as suggested in our travel tips for Bali.
Into yoga? You’ll love our customisable Bali Yoga Retreat trip.
In addition, being set among lush rice paddies (hello Jatiluwih!), Ubud offers many rewarding opportunities for visitors to explore Bali’s beautiful landscapes. Ubud is a great starting point to explore Bali's volcanos Mount Batur and Gunung Agung.
When it comes to deciding where to stay, Ubud has a vast array of accommodation options.
Choose from family homestays in traditional compounds, or mid-range hotels with pools and artistic panache.
If you’re in the market for splashing out, Ubud’s upscale accommodation is truly luxurious, and often come with river or rice paddy views.
Discover more places to stay in Ubud.
After being favoured by the jet set and hipsters up until around 2005, over-development and an increasingly Kuta-esque sprawl led to Seminyak experiencing something of an exodus.
As a result, today Seminyak is a more mainstream resort area, though it still boasts lots of indie boutiques, galleries and eateries of the quality that first made it popular.
Most restaurants are found along Jalan Kayu Aya, and at the northern end of Jalan Petitenget.
Meanwhile, Seminyak’s Jalan Camplung Tanduk is the area’s centre for gay nightlife.
In terms of accommodation, Seminyak mainly offers mid- to high-end hotels and resorts, and a smattering of family-run budget options.
Browse more accommodation in Seminyak.
An appealingly low-key destination behind 5km of fine beach, Sanur boasts a relaxed, hustle-free atmosphere.
While it’s true Sanur is somewhat lacking in clubbing and all-night partying venues (some nickname the place “Snore”), for many visitors that’s a wonderful thing.
With calm shallow water, it’s also a safe spot for the kids, with two surf breaks and some so-so diving if you want to get more active.
As for accommodation, there are beds to suit every budget in Sanur, and few duds. The quality is generally high and you get more space and better facilities for your rupiah or dollar here than in Kuta– Legian–Seminyak.
Find more places to stay in Sanur.
You don't find many unspoiled areas to stay in Bali noways, but if we can think of one, it must be Sidemen. Often referred to as the "Ubud from 50 years ago".
The road to this little village is an unforgettable experience itself. Once you leave the busy areas like Kuta or Ubud behind, you'll find yourself in an entirely different part of Bali. Once you've passed the mountain tops, you'll be rewarded with a one in a million views.
Rice paddies as far as you can see, greener than anything you've ever seen and peaceful. Sidemen is a true gem. Hike through rice fields, visit remote waterfalls, or just relax in one of the many hotels with stunning views.
The fishing village of Amed is a great base if you’re looking to combine chilling out with some mighty fine water activities.
The village is located along the 15km coastline from Culik to Aas in the east of Bali, with the entire stretch also known as Amed.
For first-time snorkellers, the coastline offers incredible easy-access reefs. These include Pyramid Reef, which is located just offshore at Congkang.
Together with neighbouring Jemuluk, the Congkang area offers a decent spread of accommodation and useful tourist facilities, such as restaurants and dive shops.
Taling of which, Amed is also a pretty great place for divers, with its Japanese Shipwreck dive site also an option for non-divers — parts of it are visible from the surface.
Explore more accommodation in Amed.
Rough Guide tip: The journey only begins when you reach your destination. Find out how to get to Indonesia.
Not a lot of people make it to Pemuteran, unless they are keen on diving around the nearby Menjangan Island. Pemuteran is located in the far north of Bali, close to it's only national park: Bali Barat National Park.
The national park, however, is not the reason to visit. It's the lack of tourism that, ironically, drives more and more people here. Fleeing the overcrowded south of Bali.
In Pemuteran you won't find much other than great mountain views and beaches. It's the perfect place for a yoga class or to just sit back and enjoy the views of Java volcanoes which can be seen from many hotels.
Northern Bali’s primary beach, Lovina remains a low-rise, low-key sort of place, especially when compared to its southern counterparts.
While its dark sand might not be most people’s vision of a dream tropical beach, Lovina has a decidedly Balinese, non-international feel, which ensures its enjoyably mellow vibe.
In short, Lovina is a great place to get off the beaten path in Bali and immerse yourself in Balinese culture.
Spread along 8km of grey-sand beach, it encompasses seven merged villages, with Kalibukbuk at its heart. Here you’ll find the bulk of Lovina’s accommodation, restaurants and facilities.
East of Kalibukbuk, the Banyualit side road runs down to the sea. Quiet and green, with banana palms dotted between the small hotels, this area is favoured by long-stay visitors and older tourists from northern Europe.
Meanwhile, Anturan, 2.2km east of Kalibukbuk, has more of a backpacker vibe, with most places to stay located on or near the village beach.
Browse more accommodation in Lovina.
Not every area in Bali is perfect to stay. In fact, there are some places that are better to avoid due to overtourism and large crowds.
Bali’s most fashionable district is a semi-rural region replete with cool bars, elegant boutique hotels and organic cafés. Canggu is often mention as a great palce to stay.
And we get it. Especially if you're into party. But to be honest, the last few years, Canggu turned from a wonderful blend of wild surf beaches and paddy field scenery, to endless traffic jams and hipsters. It's full with people, motorbikes and pollution.
If you’ve come for peace, be assured you will not find it here. With bars, cafes, hotels (and barber shops) scattered among rice fields and behind beaches, the Canggu area is not suitable for people looking for peace and authenticity
RoughGuides Tip: make sure to read about the best tours in Bali
Find more places to stay in Canggu.
Kuta, is the original Balinese mass resort area, and popular with budget travellers, surfers and party-seekers.
The beach is what first drew travellers here, and that still remains the case, but keep in mind that it is very crowded. Next to that, Kuta is for from authentic with high-end hotels, shopping malls and again: traffic jams.
To escape the crowds and find quieter places to stay, head south, where Kuta Beach officially becomes Tuban (often called South Kuta).
Travel tip: the best time of year for surfing off Kuta is during the dry season (April–Oct). At other times, surfers head east to Sanur and Nusa Dua.
Browse more accommodation in Kuta.
Ready to explore Bali? Plan your transportation with our in-depth guide.
Ready to book your trip to Bali? You might want to get yourself a copy of The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok.
Alternatively, for more inspiration, browse our customisable Bali itineraries, or talk to our local experts to start curating your dream trip.
written by
Ties Lagraauw
updated 23.08.2024
Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.
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