Bali is one of the most popular destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural immersion, a thrilling adventure, or a spiritual retreat, Bali has something for everyone. But with so many options, how do you choose the best place to stay in Bali? In this article, we will introduce you to 10 different areas of Bali, each with its own pros and cons, and recommend some of the best hotels and resorts for your budget and preferences. Whether you want to party, surf, dive, shop, dine, or meditate, we have you covered.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}
1. Kuta and Legian: Best for Partying and Surfing
If you are looking for a lively and bustling area with a lot of nightlife, shopping, and surfing, then Kuta and Legian are the best places for you. Kuta Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Bali, with great waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike. You can also find many surfing schools and instructors along the beach, as well as skate parks and other water activities.Kuta and Legian are also known for their vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, restaurants, and live music venues to choose from. You can enjoy a Balinese song and dance performance, watch a fire show, or party until dawn. There are also many markets, malls, and boutiques where you can find souvenirs, clothes, accessories, and more.However, Kuta and Legian are also very crowded and chaotic, especially during peak seasons. The traffic can be a nightmare, and the beaches and streets can be dirty and noisy. If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing place, this is not the best option for you. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Kuta and Legian are:
- Hard Rock Hotel Bali - This is a 4-star hotel that offers a rock and roll theme, with memorabilia, music, and entertainment. It has a large outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located right across from Kuta Beach, and close to many shops and attractions.
- The Stones Hotel - Legian Bali, Autograph Collection**²: This is a 5-star hotel that features a modern and elegant design, with spacious rooms, suites, and villas. It has a stunning outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located near Legian Beach, and within walking distance of many bars and restaurants.
- Grandmas Plus Hotel Legian - This is a 3-star hotel that offers a cozy and affordable stay, with minimalist rooms, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. It is located near Legian Beach, and close to many shops and nightlife venues.
2. Seminyak: Best for Shopping and Dining
If you are looking for a classy and sophisticated area with a lot of shopping and dining options, then Seminyak is the best place for you. Seminyak Beach is a beautiful and clean beach, with golden sand and calm waves. You can also find many beach clubs, where you can enjoy a drink, a snack, or a massage, while listening to music and watching the sunset. Seminyak is also known for its upscale shopping and dining scene, with many boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and bars. You can find everything from local handicrafts, to designer clothes, to organic food, to international cuisine. Seminyak is also home to some of the best spas in Bali, where you can pamper yourself with a variety of treatments and massages. However, Seminyak is also very expensive and crowded, especially during peak seasons. The traffic can be very bad, and the prices can be very high. If you are looking for a budget-friendly and quiet place, this is not the best option for you. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Seminyak are:
- W Bali - Seminyak -This is a 5-star hotel that offers a stylish and luxurious stay, with chic rooms, suites, and villas. It has a stunning outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located right on Seminyak Beach, and close to many shops and attractions.
- The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa - This is a 5-star resort that features a traditional and elegant design, with spacious rooms, suites, and villas. It has a beautiful outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located right on Seminyak Beach, and within walking distance of many bars and restaurants.
- Dash Hotel Seminyak - This is a 4-star hotel that offers a funky and colorful stay, with quirky rooms, a rooftop pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. It is located near Seminyak Beach, and close to many shops and nightlife venues.
3. Canggu: Best for Hipsters and Digital Nomads
If you are looking for a trendy and laid-back area with a lot of hipsters and digital nomads, then Canggu is the best place for you. Canggu Beach is a long and wide beach, with great waves for surfing and other water sports. You can also find many yoga studios, where you can practice your poses and relax your mind. Canggu is also known for its cool and creative vibe, with many co-working spaces, cafes, restaurants, and bars. You can find everything from vegan food, to craft beer, to live music, to street art. Canggu is also a great place to meet other travelers, as there are many events and activities to join. However, Canggu is also very busy and noisy, especially during peak seasons. The traffic can be very chaotic, and the roads can be very bumpy. If you are looking for a peaceful and comfortable place, this is not the best option for you. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Canggu are:
- COMO Uma Canggu - This is a 5-star resort that offers a serene and luxurious stay, with modern rooms, suites, and villas. It has a stunning outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located right on Canggu Beach, and close to many shops and attractions.
- The Slow - This is a 4-star hotel that features a minimalist and artistic design, with spacious rooms, suites, and villas. It has a rooftop pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. It is located near Canggu Beach, and within walking distance of many bars and restaurants.
- FRii Bali Echo Beach - This is a 3-star hotel that offers a cozy and affordable stay, with simple rooms, a rooftop pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. It is located near Echo Beach, and close to many shops and nightlife venues.
4. Ubud: Best for Culture and Nature
If you are looking for a cultural and natural area with a lot of history and scenery, then Ubud is the best place for you. Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, where you can find many temples, palaces, museums, and art galleries. You can also witness the traditional Balinese dances, ceremonies, and rituals, and learn more about the local culture and religion. Ubud is also the natural center of Bali, where you can find many rice terraces, forests, waterfalls, and rivers. You can also enjoy many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, rafting, and zip-lining. Ubud is also a great place to relax and rejuvenate, as there are many spas, yoga studios, and meditation centers. However, Ubud is also very touristy and crowded, especially during peak seasons. The traffic can be very slow, and the prices can be very high. If you are looking for a secluded and authentic place, this is not the best option for you. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Ubud are:
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan - This is a 5-star resort that offers a stunning and luxurious stay, with elegant rooms, suites, and villas. It has a beautiful outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located in the middle of a lush forest, and close to many attractions.
- Alila Ubud - This is a 5-star hotel that features a contemporary and minimalist design, with spacious rooms, suites, and villas. It has a spectacular outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located on the edge of a valley, and within driving distance of many attractions.
- Bisma Eight - This is a 4-star hotel that offers a cozy and affordable stay, with stylish rooms, suites, and villas. It has a lovely outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. It is located near the center of Ubud, and close to many shops and attractions.
5. Nusa Dua: Best for Families and Luxury
If you are looking for a family-friendly and luxurious area with a lot of facilities and amenities, then Nusa Dua is the best place for you. Nusa Dua Beach is a pristine and private beach, with white sand and clear water. You can also find many water sports, such as snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, and parasailing. Nusa Dua is also known for its upscale and exclusive resorts, where you can enjoy a high-end and comfortable stay. You can also find many golf courses, spas, restaurants, and shops. Nusa Dua is also a great place to explore the cultural and historical attractions of Bali, such as the Uluwatu Temple, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, and the Bali Collection Shopping Center. However, Nusa Dua is also very isolated and expensive, especially during peak seasons. The traffic can be very heavy, and the prices can be very steep. If you are looking for a budget-friendly and authentic place, this is not the best option for you. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Nusa Dua are:
- The St. Regis Bali Resort - This is a 5-star resort that offers a magnificent and luxurious stay, with lavish rooms, suites, and villas. It has a stunning outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located right on Nusa Dua Beach, and close to many attractions.
- The Mulia - Nusa Dua Suites - This is a 5-star hotel that features a modern and elegant design, with spacious rooms, suites, and villas. It has a spectacular outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located near Nusa Dua Beach, and within driving distance of many attractions.
- Swiss-Belhotel Segara -This is a 4-star hotel that offers a cozy and affordable stay, with simple rooms, suites, and villas. It has a lovely outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. It is located near Geger Beach, and close to many shops and attractions.
6. Sanur: Best for Relaxation and Tranquility
If you are looking for a relaxing and tranquil area with a lot of charm and character, then Sanur is the best place for you. Sanur Beach is a long and calm beach, with golden sand and gentle waves. You can also find many colorful boats, kites, and lanterns, adding to the scenic and serene atmosphere. Sanur is also known for its quaint and cozy vibe, with many traditional and boutique hotels, cafes, restaurants, and bars. You can find everything from local delicacies, to organic food, to live music, to art. Sanur is also a great place to enjoy the sunrise, as it is one of the few places in Bali that faces east. However, Sanur is also very quiet and sleepy, especially during off-seasons. The nightlife can be very limited, and the activities can be very few. If you are looking for a lively and exciting place, this is not the best option for you. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Sanur are:
- Maya Sanur Resort & Spa - This is a 5-star resort that offers a stunning and luxurious stay, with modern rooms, suites, and villas. It has a beautiful outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located right on Sanur Beach, and close to many shops and attractions.
- Prama Sanur Beach Bali - This is a 5-star hotel that features a classic and elegant design, with spacious rooms, suites, and villas. It has a lovely outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located right on Sanur Beach, and within walking distance of many bars and restaurants.
- Artotel Sanur - Bali - This is a 4-star hotel that offers a funky and colorful stay, with artistic rooms, suites, and villas. It has a rooftop pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. It is located near Sanur Beach, and close to many shops and attractions.
7. Jimbaran: Best for Seafood and Sunsets
If you are looking for a seafood and sunset area with a lot of flavor and romance, then Jimbaran is the best place for you. Jimbaran Beach is a long and wide beach, with soft sand and calm water. You can also find many seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy a fresh and delicious meal, while watching the sun go down. Jimbaran is also known for its cozy and intimate vibe, with many luxury and boutique hotels, spas, restaurants, and bars. You can find everything from Balinese cuisine, to international food, to cocktails, to live music. Jimbaran is also a great place to enjoy the stars, as it is one of the few places in Bali that has a clear and dark sky. However, Jimbaran is also very quiet and remote, especially during off-seasons. The nightlife can be very scarce, and the activities can be very limited. If you are looking for a vibrant and adventurous place, this is not the best option for you. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Jimbaran are:
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay -This is a 5-star resort that offers a magnificent and luxurious stay, with elegant rooms, suites, and villas. It has a stunning outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located right on Jimbaran Beach, and close to many attractions.
- InterContinental Bali Resort - This is a 5-star hotel that features a traditional and grand design, with spacious rooms, suites, and villas. It has a lovely outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located right on Jimbaran Beach, and within driving distance of many attractions.
- Keraton Jimbaran Resort -This is a 4-star hotel that offers a cozy and affordable stay, with simple rooms, suites, and villas. It has a beautiful outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. It is located near Jimbaran Beach, and close to many shops and attractions.
8. Uluwatu: Best for Surfing and Views
If you are looking for a surfing and view area with a lot of thrill and beauty, then Uluwatu is the best place for you. Uluwatu Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Bali, with huge waves and cliffs. You can also find many surfing spots, such as Padang Padang, Bingin, and Dreamland, where you can ride the waves and challenge yourself. Uluwatu is also known for its stunning and scenic views, with many cliffs, hills, and temples. You can also enjoy the sunset, as it is one of the best places in Bali to watch the sun dip into the ocean. Uluwatu is also home to the Uluwatu Temple, one of the most sacred and iconic temples in Bali, where you can witness the Kecak Fire Dance and the cheeky monkeys. However, Uluwatu is also very rugged and remote, especially during off-seasons. The traffic can be very rough, and the facilities can be very basic. If you are looking for a smooth and comfortable place, this is not the best option for you. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Uluwatu are:
- Bulgari Resort Bali - This is a 5-star resort that offers a stunning and luxurious stay, with lavish rooms, suites, and villas. It has a spectacular outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, and close to many attractions.
- Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort - This is a 5-star hotel that features a modern and elegant design, with spacious rooms, suites, and villas. It has a lovely outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining options. It is located on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, and within driving distance of many attractions.
- Le Cliff Bali -This is a 4-star hotel that offers a cozy and affordable stay, with simple rooms, suites, and villas. It has a rooftop pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. It is located near Uluwatu Beach, and close to many shops and attractions.
9. Lovina: Best for Dolphins and Hot Springs
If you are looking for a dolphin and hot spring area with a lot of nature and adventure, then Lovina is the best place for you. Lovina Beach is a long and black beach, with volcanic sand and calm water. You can also find many dolphin tours, where you can see the playful and friendly creatures in their natural habitat. Lovina is also known for its natural and relaxing attractions, such as the Banjar Hot Springs, the Gitgit Waterfall, and the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Temple. You can also enjoy many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, diving, and snorkeling. Lovina is also a great place to experience the local culture and lifestyle, as it is less touristy and more authentic than other areas of Bali. However, Lovina is also very far and quiet, especially during off-seasons. The nightlife can be very dull, and the facilities can be limited. If you are looking for a lively and modern destination, Lovina may not be the best choice for you. Lovina is more suitable for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Bali. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Lovina are:
- Sawah Lovina - This is a 3-star hotel with a rating of 8.9 out of 10 on Booking.com. It offers spacious rooms with garden views, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool. It is located near the beach and the dolphin tours.
- Balinda Rooms & Villa - This is a 2-star hotel with a rating of 9.2 out of 10 on Booking.com. It features cozy rooms and villas with balconies, free Wi-Fi, and a shared kitchen. It is situated in a quiet area surrounded by rice fields and mountains.
- The Lovina Bali Resort - This is a 4-star resort with a rating of 9.1 out of 10 on Booking.com. It boasts luxurious villas and suites with private pools, free Wi-Fi, and a beach club. It also has a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and a pool.
10. Nusa Penida: Best for Scenery and Adventure
If you are looking for a scenery and adventure area with a lot of natural wonders and activities, then Nusa Penida is the best place for you. Nusa Penida is a small island near Bali, with amazing views, beaches, and wildlife. You can also find many tours, where you can see the iconic Kelingking Beach, the natural arch of Broken Beach, and the crystal clear water of Crystal Bay. Nusa Penida is also known for its diverse and exciting attractions, such as the Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool, the Teletubbies Hill, a green and hilly landscape, and the Goa Giri Putri, a large cave temple. You can also enjoy many outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, diving, hiking, and biking. Nusa Penida is also a great place to experience the island culture and lifestyle, as it is less developed and more authentic than other areas of Bali. However, Nusa Penida is also very remote and rugged, especially during rainy seasons. The roads can be very bumpy, and the facilities can be basic. If you are looking for a comfortable and convenient destination, Nusa Penida may not be the best choice for you. Nusa Penida is more suitable for travelers who want to explore the hidden gems and enjoy the natural beauty and adventure of Bali. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Nusa Penida are:
- Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida - This is a 4-star hotel with a rating of 8.8 out of 10 on Booking.com. It offers modern rooms with sea views, free Wi-Fi, and an infinity pool. It is located near the harbor and the Nusa Penida Treehouse.
- La Roja Bungalows - This is a 3-star hotel with a rating of 9.1 out of 10 on Booking.com. It features cozy bungalows with balconies, free Wi-Fi, and a garden. It is situated in a quiet area near the beach and the Crystal Bay.
- The Mesare Resort - This is a 3-star resort with a rating of 9.2 out of 10 on Booking.com. It boasts spacious and elegant villas with private pools, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. It also has a spa, a bar, and a pool.
FAQs
- What is the best area in Bali for nightlife?
- Kuta and Legian are renowned for their vibrant nightlife, offering a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- Which area is recommended for families?
- Nusa Dua is ideal for families, offering beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, and various recreational activities.
- Where should I stay for a cultural experience?
- Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, perfect for experiencing Balinese art, dance, and traditional crafts.
- What are the best areas for surfing in Bali?
- Uluwatu and Canggu are popular choices for surfing enthusiasts, offering excellent waves and surf schools for all levels.
- Is Lovina a good place for wildlife encounters?
- Yes, Lovina is famous for dolphin-watching tours, providing a unique opportunity to see these creatures in their natural habitat.