Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia – for a good reason. Exotic ancient temples, beautiful rice terraces, an amazing underwater world, breathtaking beaches and a vibrant nightlife are just some of the things that are waiting for you on this paradise island. Every area of Bali is different in its own right. Depending on your travel style, there is an ideal location for you to spend your nights in Bali. We created a tool that will tell you the best area to stay in Bali in 2019 and 2020 based on your personal preferences.
What could be worse than ending up in a party zone while traveling with kids? Or in a family resort when you actually want to go wild at night? Avoid bad surprises once in Bali and take our short quiz to find your best area to stay in Bali. All you have to do is answer the six questions below and we will tell you where to stay in Bali. Depending on your budget, we will also give you some Bali hotel recommendations. If you want to skip the recommendation tool, just click here to get right to the overview of the best area to stay in Bali.
Best Area to Stay in Bali - A Personalized Recommendation
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Overview of the best tourist areas in Bali 2019
Here is an overview of the best areas to stay in Bali 2019 – Click on the links to get right to the details for each area:
Seminyak – Upscale area with great beaches and food options
Kuta – Bali’s surf spot with great nightlife
Ubud – Bali’s cultural center off the beach
Sanur – The perfect area to stay in Bali for families
Canggu – Best area to stay in Bali on a budget
Uluwatu – Best area to stay in Bali for honeymoon
Nusa Lembongan – Laid back, traditional island for divers
Gili Islands – Paradise islands near Lombok
Candidasa – Relaxing town in the East of Bali
Amed – Quiet area in the northeast of Bali, great for diving
Lovina – Away from the masses in North Bali
Jimbaran – Upscale area of Bali with great beaches
Gianyar – Explore the traditional Bali
Nusa Dua – Best luxury hotels in Bali
Click here for a Map of the best areas to stay in Bali
Seminyak
The area of Seminyak west of Denpasar has become the most upscale destination in Bali over the last years. Seminyak offers some of the most exclusive and modern luxury resorts in Bali.
If you are looking for high-end massage treatments, some relaxation on the beach, fine dining and a vibrant nightlife scene, Seminyak is the right area in Bali for you to stay in. Thanks to these options, Seminyak is the best area to stay in Bali for couples.
Thanks to the great waves, Seminyak is also a great surfing destination. However, due to the currents in the water, parents with younger children have to stay vigilant at all times. If you are traveling with young children, you are better off staying in areas like Sanur, Jimbaran or Gianyar.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 30 Minutes
These are the best hotels in Seminyak
Upscale – The Ulin Villas & Spa
“Metta Spa Villas and Wellness at The Ulin Villas – by Karaniya Experience” is a luxurious five star resort in Seminyak. The luxurious villas of the resort all offer private pools. Prices including breakfast and airport pickup start at 280 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
Mid-Range – Montigo Resorts Seminyak
The Montigo Resort Seminyak is an excellently rated five star hotel in the heart of Seminyak. The hotel is ideal for all those looking for a luxurious hotel option without spending a fortune. The hotel includes a great wellness center. Rates including a fabulous breakfast start at 110 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
Budget – Amerta Seminyak
Even though Seminyak is considered an uscale area of Bali, you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a great hotel. The Amerta Seminyak Hotel is a great budget option in a central location in Seminyak. Prices including breakfast start at 40 USD per room – check the prices for your dates here.
Kuta
Kuta in the south of the island is one of the best areas in Bali for young travelers and surfers.
There are plenty of affordable and yet modern accomodation options in Kuta. Kuta Beach and its neighbor Tuban Beach offer some of the best waves in Bali. The perfect area for surfers and those who want to give it a try.
But Kuta is much more than just a surfer’s paradise. The beautiful white beaches are perfect to spend a relaxing day in the sun. At nighttime, the town of Kuta has also got a lot to offer. The large number of young people in the area means that there are lots of great bars, pubs and clubs. And the prices for drinks are low.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 10-20 Minutes
Where to stay in Kuta
Budget – Kawali Homestay Kuta
The Kawali Homestay Kuta is a great budget accomodation in Kuta. The owners can also organize all kinds of excursions and activities at a great price for you. Prices for a double room including breakfast start at 20 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
Mid-Range – Amnaya Resort Kuta
The Amnaya Resort Kuta is an incredible four star resort in an excellent location right by Kuta Beach. The hotel offers a great beach and one of the best restaurants in Bali. Prices for a double room start at 90 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
Ubud
If you want to experience the local Balinese culture and some incredible natural sceneries Ubud is the right place for you.
Here you can spend your days on beautiful hikes or bike rides to some of the most fascinating temples, waterfalls and rice paddies on the island. The Tengallalang rice terraces and Ubud monkey forest are some of the most fascinating sights in Bali. After being active all day, you can find countless massage and spa options to treat your sore muscles.
There are endless great accomodation options in Ubud – the best area to stay in Bali for nature lovers. From luxurious apartments right in the middle of the rice fields surrounded by nothing but nature to budget backpacker accomodation near the town center.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 1-1.5 Hours
Best places to stay in Ubud
Upscale – Amora Ubud Boutique Villas
The Amora Ubud Boutique Villas is one of the best hotels in Ubud and one of the most unique places to stay in Bali. The 15 beautiful villas are located right in the middle of a picturesque rice field. An infinity pool offers incredible views over the rice terraces of Ubud. Prices per villa including a private pool and breakfast start at 220 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
Mid-Range – Villa Nenyang
Villa Neyang calls itself a home away from home for travelers who want to explore the culture and lifestyle of the traditional Bali. The villas are located in the middle of a rice field and offer a great escape if you are looking for some quiet moments. Prices per villa start at 90 USD including breakfast – check the prices for your dates here.
Budget – Pecatu Ubud Guest House
The Pecatu Ubud Guest House is one of the best rated budget hotels in Ubud. The guest house offers clean rooms in an excellent location and features a rooftop pool than will help you relax you muscles after an active day in Ubud. Prices per room including breakfast start at 25 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
Sanur
Sanur offers the tropical paradise beach you dream of when you think of holiday. It is the perfect area to stay in Bali for families and all those who want to spend a few days relaxing on the beach.
The water is calm which means you can stay relaxed while the little ones are playing in the ocean. The town of Sanur is only a few miles wide which means that it doesn’t get too crowded and most hotels are just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Some of the best family hotels in Bali are located here. But due to the limited number of hotels, the good ones are selling out fast.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 30 Minutes
Best places to stay in Sanur, Bali
Upscale – Klumpu Bali Resort
The Klumpu Bali Resort is one of the best family resorts in Sanur. The offer spacious family villas with plenty of things to do for the little ones and soundproof rooms. The resort is located right by the beach. Prices for a luxurious Loft Villa that sleeps up to four people start at 260 USD including breakfast. Check the prices for your dates here.
Mid-Range – Kembali Lagi Guest House
The Kembali Lagi Guest House is one of the best rated family hotels in Sanur. They offer spacious family rooms and are well rated especially among families with children. The beach is just a short walk away without the need to cross a large street. Prices for a family room that sleeps up to four start at 120 USD including breakfast – check the prices for your dates here.
Canggu – best area for surfers in Bali
The area of Canggu is one of the best areas for surfers in Bali.
The beaches at Canggu are colored in black and grey thanks to volcanic sands. Even though they may not look as postcard-perfect as some of the other beaches in Bali, you can still find some amazing relaxation opportunities here.
Canngu offers a great combination between beach life and traditional Balinese life that is still going on despite the growing tourism sector. Several Balinese villages as well as the Pura Tanah Lot temple are just a short drive away. If you are traveling with children, you can visit the nearby Splah Waterpark for a fun day.
While Canggu is rather quiet at night, the upscale neighborhood of Seminyak is only a short taxi ride away to have a great night out.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 50 Minutes
Best places to stay in Canggu
Mid-Range – Shore Amora Canggu
The Shore Amora Canggu is one of the best hotels in Canggu. It is located only a short two-minute walk to the beach and therefore ideal if you want to spend a few days relaxing under the sun. Prices for this well-rated hotel start at 80 USD including breakfast – check the prices for your dates here.
Budget – Wasabi Hotel
The Wasabi is one of the best budget hotels in Canggu. It is located near the famous Echo Beach and offers a great outdoor pool. Prices per double room start at 25 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
Uluwatu – Best area in Bali for honeymoon
Uluwatu is the best area in Bali for honeymoon and for couples.
Balangan Beach is often considered the best beach in Bali. In addition to the beautiful beaches and rock formations, Bukit also offers some fascinating cultural experiences if you are looking for a day off the beach like the Uluwatu Temple.
While there are plenty of cozy cafés and bars, Uluwatu is not so much of a party zone. You will have all the time to enjoy the beautiful sunsets together and get a relaxing massage before heading back to your cozy apartment.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 50-60 Minutes
Best places to stay in Uluwatu
Upscale – Canang Villas Bingin
The Canang Villas Bingin are the perfect choice if you are looking for an affordable luxury hotel in Uluwatu. Each villa features a private pool and a very modern interior. The Canang Villas Bingin are especially well-suited for couples or honeymooners. Prices for a villa with private pool and breakfast start at 140 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
Budget – Green Bowl Beach Villas
The Green Bowl Beach Villas in Uluwatu are a great accomodation option in Uluwatu for couples who are looking for a great value for money. The villas offer a great view over the ocean and complimentary breakfast. Prices per villa start at 40 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
Nusa Lembongan – Laid back, traditional island for divers
Nusa Lembongan is the perfect area in Bali for divers.
Lembongan Island or Nusa Lembongan is a small island off the Southeast of Bali. While getting there requires a boat ride of up to one hour, it also means that the crowds don’t come here. Lembongan is the best area to stay in Bali for divers. The underwater world around the island is simply incredible.
If you don’t want to spend every day of your holiday in Bali under water, you can also explore the cliffs around the island with a kayak or try your luck at surfing or wakeboarding.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 1.5 Hours (Including a 1 hour boat ride)
Best places to stay in Nusa Lembongan
Royal Retreat Villas Lembongan
The Royal Retreat Villas Lembongan are located right next to the beach in the West of Lembongan. After the delicious breakfast, you can start right into your day of diving, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach. Prices including breakfast start at 70 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
The Dayung Villas are definitely one of the best accomodation options in Nusa Lembongan. They are located right at the beach and rated as one of the cleanest accomodations in Bali. Prices including breakfast start at 40 USD – check the prices for your dates here.
Gili Islands – Paradise islands near Lombok
The Gili Islands offer the perfect escape from the stress of everyday life.
The islands are very laid back and offer an escape from other touristic sites in Bali. On the islands, shopping facilities are rather limited. Your holiday on the Gili Islands will be all about lying on the beach and being active in the water. You can find some incredible dive sites, surf spots or any other water activities around the islands.
While the Gili Islands were famous as backpackers paradise in the past, several small and high-quality beach resorts have opened on the islands over the last years.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 2 Hours (Including a 1.5 hour boat ride)
Best places to stay on the Gili Islands
Mid-Range – Koho Air Hotel
The Koho Air Hotel on the island of Gili Air is located in the south of the island, around 50 meters from the beach. If you want to get active instead, the hotel offers a bicycle rental as well. Prices per room start at 70 USD including breakfast. Check the prices for your dates here.
Budget – Molah Gili Villa
Molah Gili Villa is a real haven for all budget-minded travelers in Gili Air. The beach is just a two-minute walk away and every room includes a delicious breakfast. Prices per room start at 29 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Candidasa – Relaxing town in the East of Bali
If you are looking for a place to dive into the local culture while getting away from the crowded beaches of other areas in Bali, Candidasa is the right place for you.
It is the perfect starting point to explore the culture in the heart of Bali. A visit to the Tirta Gangga water temple and the nearby rice fields are a must.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 2 Hours
Best places to stay in Candidasa
Upscale – Ocean Suite
The Ocean Suite is a single suite right by the beach in Candidasa. You will be able to enjoy your breakfast and use all the facilities of the hotel right next to it that runs the suite. This is the perfect upscale accomodation option if you are looking for a quiet beachside villa. Prices including breakfast start at 175 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Mid-Range – Hotel Genggong
Hotel Genggong is a four star hotel right by the beach in Candidasa. You can enjoy incredible views over the ocean right from your balcony. Prices for a room with sea view and breakfast start at 70 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Amed – Quiet area in the northeast of Bali, great for diving
The area of Amed consists of several traditional villages in the east of Bali. The small villages provide an amazing insight into Balinese life.
The clear water over the black sand of the beaches in Amed offer some great snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Bali’s largest Hindu Temple, Besakih, is located just a short drive away at the foot of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest mountain. And if you feel active, you can also climb Mount Agung which stands over 3,000 meters tall.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 2.5 Hours
Best places to stay in Amed, Bali
Mid-Range – Kubu Kangin Resort
The Kubu Kangin Resort is built in a traditional Balinese way and offers an incredible value for money. The rooms are located in small villas around the resort which also include a swimming pool. Prices per room start at 50 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Budget – Tambun Sari Beach Homestay
The Tambun Sari Beach Homestay is a great accomodation option in Amed if you are on a budget. The house is located right by the beach. You can go for a quick swim before heading back for breakfast. Prices per room start at 25 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Lovina – Away from the masses in North Bali
The area of Lovina in the north of Bali feels like a world away from the hectic beach areas in the south.
The 3-4 hour drive from the airport is absolutely worth it if you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday away from the masses.
Visit Singaraja, the old capital of Bali, to experience life in an authentic Balinese city. Lovina is one of the few places in Bali where you can still find some empty and undisturbed beaches and untouched nature. Just rent a motor scooter or a bicycle and head out exploring the unexplored.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 3-4 Hours
Best places to stay in Lovina, Bali
Mid-Range – Lovina Beach Club & Resort
This five star resort in Lovina right by the beach offers everything a traveler wishes for. Spacious and clean rooms, friendly staff and an incredible infinity pool. Prices start at 80 USD including breakfast. Check the prices for your dates here.
Budget – Villa Lumbalumba
Villa Lumbalumba offers a great value accomodation in Lovina. The villa is located very close to the ocean and includes a swimming pool. Prices per room including breakfast start at 35 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Jimbaran – Upscale area of Bali with great beaches
Thanks to its central location, Jimbaran has developed into Bali’s most luxurious area over the last few years.
The area offers a great variety of luxury resorts and apartments as well as two golf courses and many other activities. Jimbaran is well suited for both couples and families with younger children.
Jimbaran is also one of the best places in Bali to watch the sunset. Watching the sun set over the ocean and covering the sky with the most incredible colors is a sight in itself every evening.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 10-20 minutes
Best places to stay in Jimbaran, Bali
Upscale – RIMBA Jimbaran BALI by AYANA
The RIMBA Jimbaran BALI is one of those hotels that tick off everything on the list. It is located right by the beach and offers an enormous swimming pool that overlooks the ocean. They even have a water slide for the little ones. It is up to you to decide if you want to relax by the pool, on the beach or in the hotel spa. Prices start at 200 USD including an amazing breakfast. Check the prices for your dates here.
Mid-Range – Anja Jimbaran
The Anja Jimbaran is a great value hotel in the upscale area of Jimbaran. They even offer a play area for the little ones. Prices per room start at 65 USD including breakfast. Check the prices for your dates here.
Gianyar – Explore the traditional Bali
Gianyar is the perfect area in Bali for those who are looking to explore the traditional Bali.
Visit some of the numerous Hindu temples that are not visited by the crowds and get to know some locals.
From Gianyar, you can easily organize day trip to nearby attractions like the Elefant Cave or Monkey Forest in Ubud. And if you need a day of relaxation, just head down to Saba Beach or rent a scooter and find a beach for yourself. This is the area of Bali where that is still possible.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 1 Hour
Where to stay in Gianyar
Gianyar is the best area in Bali to experience traditional Balinese life. And how could you do that better than with a Balinese family. You will stay in a clean separate part of the house that offers all Western amenities while the local family can introduce you to their way of life. Prices including breakfast start at 25 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Tiis Garden Puri Villas offers some beautiful villas built in a traditional Balinese way at great prices. Lose yourself in tradition while exploring the nearby temples and traditional towns. Prices start at 50 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Nusa Dua – Best luxury hotels in Bali
Nusa Dua is the best area in Bali if you want to spend a luxury holiday.
Most of the upscale hotels in Nusa Dua own their own, private beaches. So despite the great location in Bali, you will not encounter any tourist masses during your beach holiday.
Most hotels offer a wide variety of activities on land and on water. You can try your luck at surfing or snorkel around Nusa Dua Reef.
Travel Time from Denpasar Airport: 30 Minutes
Where to stay in Nusa Dua
Upscale – The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
The generally low price level in Bali means that hotels that would be nearly unaffordable in other places become affordable. The Laguna Resort is one of those places. This luxury hotel features several swimming pools, a spa and a gym and is located right by the beach. Prices including breakfast start at 200 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Mid-Range – INAYA Putri Bali
The INAYA Putri Bali is one of the best value hotels in Nusa Dua. It is located right by the beach and offers a wide range of facilities. They can even arrange a romantic dinner on the beach for you and your loved one. Prices start at 120 USD per night including breakfast. Check the prices for your dates here.
Map of the best areas to stay in Bali
We hope our overview of the best areas to stay in Bali has helped you. Let us know in the comment section if you have any questions or recommendations or if you know a hotel that should be featured in our list.
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