Fresh, New: The Best Areas To Stay In Bali for 2024
What are the best areas to stay in Bali? It’s a feast of choice for travelers of all kinds!
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best areas to stay in Bali
The best areas to stay in Bali for you will depend on your interests and personal travel style .
Are you into exploring the best waterfalls in Bali, relaxing in trendy cafes, and taking yoga classes?
Or do you love lazing on one of the best Bali beaches and enjoying seafood?
Maybe you are looking forward to trying the best Bali day trip adventures or chilling in boutique luxury?
Depending on your main focus, the best area to stay in Bali might be a beachside location or it might be in the foothills of Ubud.
You might want to do a combination of areas and maybe even consider a more remote area like East Bali or North Bali.
So let’s get into it and explore your interests to find the best area for you….
Here’s a fresh, new look at the best areas…
Whatever your interests, the good news is there’s an area in Bali suited just for you.
We’ve compiled this fresh new look at the best areas to stay in Bali for 2024 with a focus on interests, to help you choose your perfect holiday areas.
We’ve also included links here to our reviews of areas, attractions, and natural wonders to give you all the inspiration you need to pick your favorite areas to stay.
Pick your area first, then your accommodation
Many travelers coming to Bali for the first time search for a resort or hotel without first picking their best areas to stay in Bali.
When they arrive, they discover their accommodations are in an area that does not suit their interests or their preferred crowd. In this feature article, we're going to put aside the question of accommodation for a moment.
Instead, we suggest you first pick the best areas to stay in Bali that match your travel style.
Once you have picked the best area to stay in Bali for you, then look for accommodation. Most popular areas have a full range of accommodation options. So, whether you are a budget or luxury traveler or somewhere in between, rest assured you'll have plenty of choice. In other words, pick your area first, then consider accommodation options, and we guarantee you'll craft the perfect holiday to suit your travel style.
Related:
Introduction to the areas of Bali, Indonesia
Bali has six main areas:
South Bali
This is where the main beach precincts are. Names like Nusa Dua, Canggu, Sanur and Kuta Beach are famous, all within a reasonable distance of the airport. Explore
Central Bali
With Ubud as the best-know hotspot. Explore
East Bali
The foothills of Mt Agung volcano to the sleeping fishing villages of Padangbai and Candidasa. Explore
North Bali
Considered the adventure hotspot for diving, waterfall chasing and more. Explore
West Bali
The untamed, largely unpopulated wilderness. Explore
The Nusa Islands
The gorgeous trio of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan off Bali's East coast.
Love the Beach? Discover the Best Bali Beaches in our bumper 45+ list (+12 secret beaches) or check out:
The List: Best Areas To Stay in Bali
If you’re traveling to Bali and want to stay in the 'best area', then first start by thinking about your interests and preferences. This will help narrow down your choices and make the trip more enjoyable. Next, with your bucket list in mind, it's time to start looking for the best area to stay in Bali for you.
So, let's dive in and help you narrow down your options. This section of our article will share with you a few key features of each area to stay in Bali. We aim to give you an overview so that you can eliminate areas that don't fit your travel style and identify those that do.
Note: The numbers below correspond to the map for easy reference.
South Bali
1. Kuta | Best area in Bali for backpackers, surfers & nightlife
Kuta Beach, best area in Bali for party crowds
Kuta is a beach area in Bali known for its great surfing, bars, and nightlife. Its many bars, clubs, and beach clubs make it a great place for party lovers. It offers cheap and backpacker-style accommodation, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers. Kuta streets can be overrun by younger tourists and party groups, making it best to avoid if you are looking for a quieter area. This area is also ideal if you want a highly developed tourist spot, budget accommodation, and cheap places to eat. Kuta is great if you like shopping malls and lively bars or want to learn how to surf with friends. As a bonus, Kuta is close to the airport.
2. Jimbaran | Best area for casual beachfront seafood dining
Jimbaran, best area in Bali for beachfront seafood dining
Jimbaran is best known for its peaceful beach and beachfront seafood cafes. This area has a good mix of resorts and hotels that cater to different ages, groups, preferences, and budgets. The main strip, Muaya Beach, is where you can easily find restaurants that serve up delicious seafood dishes and happy hour cocktails. If you want to try the famous seafood cafes in Jimbaran, then head to the beach for sunset cocktails. The beach is a great place to spend the day relaxing and taking in the sun or catching some rays. It is close to the airport, but the roads are clogged, so access is slow.
3. Seminyak | Best area in Bali for luxury dining, shopping and upscale bars
Seminyak, best area in Bali for luxe lifestyle
Seminyak is the place to be for luxury travellers seeking a more refined and peaceful retreat from the buzz of Kuta. This area established itself as the place for higher-end restaurants, sunset bars, and boutiques in the 2000s. Today, Seminyak Beach has matured but holds onto its pedigree. However, with the emergence of newer hotspots such as Canggu, Seminyak is maturing and perhaps going from a boil to a classy simmer.
4. Canggu | Best area in Bali for surfers, hipsters and digital nomads
Canggu, best area in Bali for the hipster set
Canggu is a rapidly growing tourist destination in Bali, with its beachfront location, laid-back vibe, and reputation as one of the island’s coolest spots. Canggu has surfing at Echo Beach and a variety of cafes and restaurants to suit a range of tastes. It also has a thriving nightlife scene with clubs and bars that are popular with both locals and tourists. Canggu has a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by rice fields, beaches, and boutique shops.
5. Uluwatu & Bukit | Best area in Bali for upscale clifftop resorts, beach clubs and surfers
Uluwatu and the Bukit area of Bali have beach clubs, great surfing, luxury beach resorts and villas, dramatic cliffs, and great nightlife. The area has transformed from a surfer's paradise to an area of luxury life, with high-end restaurants, boutiques, and villas and hotels. Uluwatu and Bukit Peninsula are the perfect destination for beach-goers and surfers, with access to 5-star beach clubs and legendary surf breaks. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy beautiful beaches and the famous Uluwatu Temple, Uluwatu is definitely worth considering.
Uluwatu & Bukit, at Balangan Beach best area in Bali for clifftop luxury
6. Nusa Dua | Best resort precinct for a safe family holiday and honeymoon
Nusa Dua is a luxury gated resort precinct that is fairly close to the airport, so access is easy. It is best known for its mid-range to luxury collection of hotels and resorts. This area is perfect for a family vacation, with a number of resorts offering lagoon pools, kids clubs, and food to attract the children. However, some Nusa Dua resorts are tailored to honeymooners, with private gardens, romantic international dining options, sumptuous buffet breakfasts, and luxurious poolside accommodation. Of course, some hotels and resorts attract a mixed crowd of families and couples. So, we recommend checking the school holiday dates and holiday programs to find the best place for your trip. Also check the style when you choose your accommodation: they range from traditional charm to very modern.
Nusa Dua, best area in Bali for family and honeymoon holidays
7. Sanur | One of the best areas to stay in Bali for older couples and families
Sanur, best area in Bali for older couples and families
Sanur is best known as the original beachside village of Bali. It is a place with many shops, bars, restaurants, and activities for older couples and families. It is also a great place to stay if you're looking for a little more action than Nusa Dua can offer. Sanur has great beaches (with a sunrise) and easy access to other parts of the island, making day tours very easy. If you're looking for a place to stay in Bali that can accommodate both young and old travelers, Sanur is a good choice.
Get inspired: See all the Day Trips you can do in South Bali
Central Bali
8. Ubud | For history, culture, arts, organics, wellness and spirituality
Ubud, best area in Bali for arts, culture & wellness
Ubud is best known for its culture and history. The area has developed a reputation as the cultural and spiritual heartland of Bali. It offers a charming atmosphere and multiple options for shopping, dining, and nightlife all within walking distance of each other. An area rich in natural beauty, Ubud features waterfalls, rice fields, the famous monkey forest and scenic views. Ubud has many temples, such as Puri Langon as well as traditional markets to explore. Plus, it provides access to day trips to some extraordinary sites such as waterfalls, rice fields, and temples like Tirta Empul. So, Ubud is a great area to stay in Bali if you want to learn about Balinese culture and spirituality.
9. Sidemen | Best scenic area. What Ubud used to be like
Sideman on the east side of Central Bali is a beautiful area of Bali best known for its lush tropical vegetation and waterfalls. It can be perfect if you are looking for an area that offers beautiful natural scenery. There are even a few mid-to-upmarket accommodations, including bamboo villas and dining options. This area is a great choice for adventurers who want to see the "real Bali" rather than simply tour the resort areas of Bali. Sideman is breathtakingly beautiful, with natural attractions such as waterfalls, forested areas, and rice fields.
Sideman, best area in Bali for rural scenery (Gembling Waterfall)
10. Bedugul and Munduk | Best area for nature and traditional villages
Bedigul & Munduck, best area in Bali for jungle, botanic gardens and nature
These areas are rich in natural resources and can be great places to unwind and relax. Bedugul has beautiful natural surroundings, such as Lake Bratan and the Botanical Garden of Bali with its cool-climate tropical gardens. Munduk is another extraordinary area for those who are interested in exploring more of Bali and Indonesian history, culture, and natural wonders, particularly jungle and waterfalls.
Nusa Islands
11. Nusa Lembongan | Best little island side-trip for beaches and snorkelling
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, joined by the iconic Yellow Bridge, best side trip from Bali
Nusa Lembongan and its sisters, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan are great places for beach and snorkeling trips. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are just 30 minutes across the Bali Sea by boat from Bali. They have white-sand beaches and coral reefs that make great snorkeling spots. On the island, there are numerous small hotels and resorts with prices that work for everyone. From luxury villas to boutique hotels, there is something to fit every traveler's needs and preferences. If you're planning a trip to Bali, consider spending some time on Nusa Lembongan. You can dive right off the beach and enjoy sumptuous seafood dishes at one of the island's restaurants or bars. There are mixed views on whether Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are just good day-trip destinations. However, we think they are great places to stay for several nights.
East Bali
East Bali | For uncrowded beaches, ancient villages, pristine nature
East Bali is best known for its stunning natural attractions, including the sacred Mount Agung. With fewer tourists visiting, East Bali is a quieter place to connect with the culture and local Balinese traditions. It is home to beaches and island communities that are untouched and still unknown to large-scale tourism. In addition to its beautiful natural areas, East Bali also has a rich cultural heritage to discover. The area has many ancient villages with fascinating local traditions and restaurants that offer local cuisine. If you are looking for a place to disconnect from the crowds, put East Bali on your list.
East Bali is one of the best areas in Bali for nature, traditional villages and volcanoes
12. Padangbai | Charming seaside fishing village with a tourist focus
Padangbai is a charming seaside village in East Bali
Padangbai is a coastal town located in the east of Bali known for its stunning bay, beaches, and hidden coves for snorkeling and diving. The area offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist spots. It has accommodation options ranging from affordable guesthouses to mid-range hotels, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity, including hiking, snorkeling, fishing, and diving.
13. Candidasa | Sleepy, small seaside area
Candidasa is a sleepy seaside fishing village with lots of laid-back appeal
Candidasa is a quiet beach area along the East Coast of Bali. Candidasa is near places like Goa Lawah Temple and Padang Bai, and you can do water sports there. This area offers some nightlife, with a small selection of bars and restaurants. There are a few resorts, but mostly small local hotels and homestays.
North Bali
North Bali | Best area for stunning natural landscapes
Banu Wana Amertha Waterfall is just one of many North Bali waterfalls waiting to be explored
North Bali is the place to be if you are looking for a quieter and more laid back area of Bali with fresh air. You can easily spend your days hiking and diving in this area. You'll find cheap homestays and even some private villas on quiet beaches to swim and relax after a day of exploring the island. It offers some great options for beach lovers, plenty of waterfalls and some notable sacred sites to explore. We definitely think North Bali should be on your list of the best areas to stay in Bali if you are an adventure-seeker.
14. Amed/Tulamben | Best place to stay for diving and quiet beach
Amed Beach, with the backdrop of Mount Agung
Amed is one of the best northern destinations for diving in Bali, due to its nearby offshore reefs. Indeed, the wider area around Amed is a great place for diving, as it has many hidden spots with few visitors. Besides diving, there are also lots of other activities to do in and around Amed, such as hiking and beachcombing. If you are an adventurous traveler or backpacker, then Amed is the place for you. It offers a rustic charm and beautiful scenery that can easily captivate your interest. Plus, with so many dive companies offering diving and snorkeling experiences, you can easily pick the best one to suit your preferences and budget.
15. Lovina/Singaraja | For exploring nature, beautiful waterfalls and dolphins
Lovina, best area in Bali for dolphin watching and as a base for North Bali nature exploration
Lovina Beach has a beautiful black sand beach. Dolphin watching tours and water sports are popular activities. The area is also great for families who want to show the kids a non-commercial cultural experience and connect with friendly Balinese people. A home stay experience would be a great way to discover their culture.
North Bali has a collection of beautiful waterfalls and hot springs, many of which you could visit on day trips from Lovina.
West Bali
West Bali | For wilderness, nature and few tourists
West Bali has remote dive locations and the Bali Barat National Park
West Bali region is renowned for its natural beauty and seclusion, making it a great area for those looking for a quiet getaway. In this area, visitors can explore the wonders of West Bali National Park, such as black sand beaches and fronging tropical forests. There are also several diving, snorkeling, and fishing spots in the area. We think that West Bali is going to be the next frontier for Bali tourism. As more travelers seek authenticity, culture, and nature away from the tourist hotspots, West Bali will grow in popularity.
16. Menjangan Island | For a secluded island adventure
Menjangan Island, best secluded island in West Bali
Menjangan Island is part of the Bali Barat National Park and is popular for its beautiful beaches and nearby diving sites. It has beautiful landscapes and beaches that are great for relaxation and sightseeing. There are many nature-based activities to do on the island. People come here to go walking, birdwatching, going on wildlife safaris, diving, and visiting the Pura Segara Gili Dharma Kencana Temple. Accommodation is on the mainland and you access the island with a boat (requires a permit which tour operators arrange).
Lombok and Gili Islands
We'll cover these as a separate article as they have very different areas, topography and features for travellers that deserve special attention.
How many areas should I stay in?
This is perhaps the number one question people ask when planning a Bali itinerary. The answer really depends on the length of your stay. Changing accommodations and moving around the island can easily take up a day and involve a bit of effort. So you don’t want to spoil a shorter holiday with too many moves.
Here is what we recommend:
If you have five or fewer nights, it is probably best to stay in one area.
If you have 7–10 nights, consider staying in two areas . Choose a longer stay based on your main interest. For example, if you are a beach lover, you can stay longer on the beach and enjoy water sports and sand surfing. Alternatively, if you are an adventurer, choose an area with trekking and white-water rafting. Then, choose the second area based on other interests or just to chill. Maybe it's Ubud for yoga retreats and spas, or Sindeman for eco-adventure, or North Bali to chase secluded waterfalls.
And if you have 14-21+ nights you can really spread out, perhaps visit three or four areas and have an immersive experience.
Best Areas To Stay Based on Your Travel Style
What is a personal travel style? Your interests, budget, and trip goals define your personal travel style. Knowing your travel style will help you pick the best areas to stay in Bali.
In terms of interests , there are plenty of options for you to choose from. For instance, if you're a energetic family with teens, you can explore beautiful beaches and waterfalls. If you're a honeymooner, you can go to beautiful tropical island resorts. And if you're a couple, you might want a mix of quiet time and meeting new friends. Budget also plays a great role in your travel style. For example, if you want luxury accommodation with great facilities and amenities, a boutique hotel or resort is the best option. That might point you in the direction of certain areas over others. If budget is an issue, you can choose homestay-style accommodation and get an authentic cultural experience as a bonus. As for goals , choosing an adventure trip, spa and wellness, culture, or shopping and indulgence can help guide you toward a particular location.
Best Areas in Bali for First-Timers
Best areas for your first time in Bali include Ubud for culture, Nusa Dua for lux resorts and North Bali for wilderness
If it is your first time in Bali, you might want to get a nice mix of beach, culture, and nature. Bali is a great place to honeymoon or take your first trip as a couple. You could combine a beach area with a hinterland area like Ubud for a mix of action and Balinese culture. For an older couple, picking an area with easy walking access is important. Bali has quiet areas, such as Nusa Dua. Bali also has moderately busy areas like Sanur and Ubud. And then there are very busy areas such as Seminyak and Kuta . If you are an adventurer and want to do a little bit of everything, combining a beach area with central and North Bali.
Best Areas in Bali for Young Families
If you are a young family, looking for hassle-free accommodation in Bali, a kids-friendly resort in Nusa Dua could be the place for you. The area has resorts with great lagoon pool options and restaurants with kid-friendly meals. Sanur and Jimbaran both have great accommodation options, including villas for families. Sanur offers a little more action compared to Nusa Dua in terms of nearby shops, cheaper dining, and watersports.
Best Areas in Bali for Teenage Families
Best areas for teenage families in Bali include Ubud, where its safe to get out and explore
Bali is a great place for teenage families to explore. The island has a wide range of activities available, from beaches and waterfalls to temples and water sports. If you want an area that offers adventure activities for teenagers, consider Ubud. Here, kids can walk around on their own a little, it is safe and there are lots of fun shops and markets to poke around. They can do rafting, mountain biking, visit the Bird and Elephant parks, and more. They might vaguely remember a beach resort 20 years from now, but we guarantee they will never, ever, forget the uniqueness of Ubud. If you combine a stay in Ubud with a beach area, the family will give your itinerary a top score.
Best Areas in Bali for Honeymooners
There are plenty of choices for the best areas in Bali for honeymoon
Bali has several honeymoon hotspots. Among them is Nusa Dua, a safe and quiet area with great restaurants and mid-to-luxury accommodation. Seminyak is another favorite with great dining options and shopping. However, Ubud's rich culture and romantic feel tend to put it on most honeymooners' lists. For alternative honeymoon locales, consider Sideman , Padangbai , Lovina , the Nusa island chain, or, to truly escape, Menjangan Island in the west. These locations offer a variety of natural wonders, beaches, nightlife, and shopping opportunities.
Best Area in Bali for Established & Mid-Aged Couples
Best areas in Bali for established and mid-aged couples
In the South, Nusa Dua is a great choice for couples who have traveled together a lot, are established and/or mid-aged looking for a romantic getaway. This area of Bali offers peace, tranquility, and luxury. It’s best avoided during the school holidays to ensure you can fully relax and enjoy your stay. If you are looking for a place with more dining options, then Jimbaran or Seminyak might be the place for you. Sanur offers a range of accommodation options that can suit all budgets and preferences, from beach villas to luxury hotel rooms. If you are into museums, art galleries, temples, and markets, then consider spending time in Ubud area of Bali.
Best Areas in Bali for Senior and Older Travellers
There is plenty to explore in the best areas for senior and older travellers
For senior and older travelers, it's wise to pick one place and stay there for the duration of your trip. Mid-stay transfers on stays of less than 7 nights are not ideal. This is because it is a lot of effort to leave one hotel and transfer to another. If you are considering staying in Ubud, just understand that it will take a little more effort than staying in a manicured resort precinct. Ubud is fairly hilly, and the pathways are very uneven.
Sanur is a great place to stay if you are looking for an area that is reasonably accessible. It has a mix of good and bad pathways (but mostly flat terrain), and its resorts feature well-manicured gardens. However, Nusa Dua would be our recommendation if you want comfort and ease of access. All the accommodations here are accessible, the pathways in the resorts are the best you will find on Bali, and the gardens are manicured. Staff service tends to be well-tuned to the needs of more senior and discerning travelers. Nusa Dua is close to the airport via an expressway, so the transfers are quick and relatively traffic-free.
Bali Itinerary Planning: Best Areas To Stay in Bali Based On Your Key Interests
Bali has beautiful beaches and rice fields, powerful waterfalls, and live volcanoes. So it is a great place to visit if you like nature and adventure. There are so many places in Bali that can catch your attention, such as rice fields, waterfalls, beaches, and forests. So thinking about it now what activities and attractions appeals most to you?
At this point you might like to explore some of our Bali travel guide articles to learn more about all the amazing natural wonders and attractions on Bali.
But if you already have an idea, let's explore a few draw cards that might be on your bucket list:
Best areas in Bali to see waterfalls and nature
North Bali and Central Bali, including Ubud area, the best places to view waterfalls
We love Bali’s waterfalls and have written a feature article, The Ultimate Mega Guide to Bali’s Best Waterfalls and Hot Springs. It’s a must-read if you plan to visit waterfalls on Bali!
If you are wanting to stay near to waterfalls, the best areas are Ubud or North Bali. North Bali is a more adventurous destination. You could visit waterfalls as part of a day trip from the beach areas, but you will have a longer drive. Instead, you can stay in an area surrounding waterfalls and visit these places during your stay. There are several great waterfalls around Ubud, making it a popular place to stay. Plus, you get the bonus of lots of restaurants, wellness, shopping, and cultural activities. North Bali is best if you are looking for an area with multiple waterfalls and a sense of adventure. However, it will require more effort to get there and explore them all.
Best areas in Bali to see rice fields and temples
Tegallalang near Ubud and Sideman to the east of Ubud are two of the best places to view rice fields in Bali
Ubud has beautiful terraced rice paddies such as Tegallalang. There are also many amazing temples to visit in the area, including Gunung Kawi Sebatu and Tirta Empul Water Temple. If you're looking for an area a little further afield, Sideman can be a great choice. Sideman features stunning landscapes, including secluded waterfalls like Gembling Waterfall, rice fields and forested areas. You will also find rice fields in beach and urban areas as well. Behind the rows of shops along most major roads are still tracts of rice fields in places like Canggu .
Best areas in Bali for surfing
Best areas in Bali for surfing include Canggu, Uluwatu, Medewi and Keramas
Canggu is surfer central because the Echo Beach surf is great and the lifestyle is hip and happening. The Canggu area has a laid-back beach vibe and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques to browse. Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula are also hot spots for surfers who want to take their hobby seriously. Experienced surfers might like to visit the famous surf competition beaches of Medewi on the west coast or Keramas on the southwest coast. Learning to surf can be fun and rewarding. Good surf schools can be found at Seminyak or Legian, where there is a sandy beach. The Kuta crowd can be a bit rough for kids.
Best areas in Bali to get away from tourists
Peaceful rural scenes are never too far from beaches, towns and hotspots
If you're looking to get away from the crowds, consider visiting some of Bali's lesser-known areas. You can find accommodation styles ranging from modest home stays to luxury villas in Candidasa , Padangbai , or Amed. These offer a calm and quiet atmosphere away from the crowded southern beaches. Alternatively, if you want seclusion but not isolation, you can rent an Ubud villa with private swimming pool like Jendela di Bali. Private villas are often in secluded settings but still close enough to Ubud when you want a meal out or to visit a gallery. You can even find unspoiled rural areas in the most unexpected places, such as just inland from the beaches and on the outskirts of towns. A motorcycle can get you there easily.
Best areas in Bali to avoid children
Dream of a quiet pool without kids? Consider a private villa or go to a resort outside school holidays
If you want a resort holiday without lots of kids, it's best to avoid Australian, US, and European school holidays due to increased family crowds. If you enjoy beach activities, then beachside areas in North and East Bali are worth considering because they attract fewer families. If you still want to be in an area with more activity, consider a private villa or a villa within a hotel. This will give you a private pool and garden for your exclusive use. Finally, the better the accommodations you choose, the fewer kids there tend to be. You could stretch your budget on accommodations to get a quieter, quality experience. You could then save money by eating mostly outside the resort, in nearby cafes
Best areas in Bali to laze on the beach
There are plenty of choices for best Bali beach
Bali has some of the best beaches in the world. There are a number of options for where to spend your time, whether lazing on the sand or surfing. If you want a quieter beach with fewer crowds, try the East or North parts of the island. For busy beaches with plenty going on, consider Kuta , Seminyak , or Sanur . To avoid tourists all together, consider the black sand beaches of North Bali . If you’d like to see some of the best beaches in Bali check out our growing collection of best Bali beach reviews here.
Best areas in Bali to see authentic culture and art
Art, culture and religion are intertwined in Bali and found in temples, museums, galleries and even home ceremonies
Ubud is renowned as the cultural heart of Bali and the place to find authentic art and culture. However, there are plenty of other neighborhoods worth exploring. In particular, museums, cultural parks, and dance performances are available in most areas. If you go to a traditional village, you might get an invitation to a tooth-filing, wedding, or even cremation ceremony. This is an opportunity to see the traditional dance and shadow puppet performances in their true context. Every temple you visit is an opportunity to explore Balinese art.
The easiest place to get a touch of culture is a show at a resort, which is perfect for kids and older travelers. Rest assured, resort shows are still very authentic and genuine. The next step up is a cultural center like Ubud . And the next level of experience is to find culture at its source, in traditional village life.
Best areas in Bali for raw adventure
Central Bali and North Bali are two of the best areas for raw adventure, such as rafting
You can find soft adventure options on day trips from all areas in Bali. Cycling tours, rafting and volcano hiking are all possibilities. But if you want to really explore, North Bali is a great place for adventure travelers willing to trailblaze by motorbike or car. Bikers can ride on challenging terrains such as mountain trails and forested areas, gaining a unique perspective of the island's natural beauty. You can also do trekking tours in the West Bali National Park .
Best areas in Bali for sunset and sunrise
Catch the sunrise on the east coast and head to the west coast for sunset cocktails - you can do both in one day easily in Bali
The sun rises in the east. Sanur , Nusa Dua, the east side of the Bukit Peninsula, and east coast locations such as Padangbai and Candidasa all get the sunrise.
The sun sets in the west. The west side of the Bukit Peninsula and north to Jimbaran, Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu get great sunsets. You can see both a sunrise and a sunset in one day in Bali.
You can also enjoy sunrise and sunsets inland as well, in places such as Ubud, from higher vantage points. You can explore all our reviews of places with best Bali sunsets and best Bali sunrises.
Best areas in Bali for yoga, spa and massage
Yoga by the beach, or yoga in the hills of Ubud? You can try both for a unique and different practice.
Ubud is a center for spas, wellness, and yoga (this guide to Ubud yoga and pilates studios is a good one). Having said that, there are also many excellent yoga and spa experiences in beachside precincts. Most resorts and hotels will offer massages and spa treatments. Of course, the truly luxurious experiences are to be found in high-end resorts, where grand facilities are part of the experience.
Best areas for cafes and coffee culture
Excellent coffee, including creative options, are easy to find in trendy Bali cafes everywhere
Coffee has come to Bali in a big way, and every area boasts wonderful cafes with artisanal coffee. The southern beach areas and Ubud are coffee hotspots. So don’t panic, even the fussiest coffee fans will find their fave Bali barista easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stay in Bali for the first time?
Where you should stay in Bali depends on what you are looking for. If you want to get a feel for Balinese culture and lifestyle, the best place to stay is in Ubud. This is the island's cultural capital. Here, you can find temple complexes, rice terraces, and beautiful yoga retreats.
Nusa Dua and Sanur Beach in the south can be great options if you do not plan to do many day trips.
If you want a mix of beach, jungle views and spas, then consider combining Canggu or Uluwatu with a few nights in Ubud.
For those who want to party hard by night and beach by day , Kuta can be great place to stay. From Kuta north to Legian and Seminyak, you have some of Bali's best nightclubs, surf clubs, restaurants, and sunset bars.
Finally, if you have a young family, consider staying in places like Nusa Dua where there are lots of resorts with kids clubs. For those with energetic teenage kids, consider mixing of a beach location with a hinterland stay for adventure and cultural activities.
5 nights in Bali, stay in one location or move?
If you're planning a trip to Bali for 5 nights, we suggest choosing one area to stay for your entire visit. This avoids the hassle of packing up and moving from place to place.
On the other hand, if variety is important to you, then consider doing a multi-area trip instead. Pick two areas that interest you most, and divide your 5 night trip between them. This way, you can explore different parts of Bali but still get a more immersive experience in each area. If you can increase your stay to seven nights, the quality of your holiday will be much greater.
Which part of Bali is most beautiful?
When it comes to choosing the most beautiful place in Bali, there are plenty of candidates. Ubud and Sideman have picturesque views and a romantic jungle atmosphere. Adventurous travelers love North Bali because it offers wilderness and a lack of crowds.
On the other hand, the resorts of Nusa Dua feature stunning tropical gardens whose beauty is a magnet for garden-lovers. Jimbaran and Seminyak are home to chic beach clubs and cafés with stunning views of the sunset. Uluwatu is great destination for surfers and beach-lovers looking for rugged beauty. On the other hand, the Nusa Islands are perfect for those looking for laid-back beauty.
Which side of Bali Indonesia has the best beaches?
The best beaches in Bali are on the western and southern coasts of the island. These beaches offer white sand, stunning views of the Indian Ocean, and waves perfect for surfing and swimming. Popular beach destinations you can visit include Jimbaran Beach, Kelan Beach, Pondok Pemuda Beach, Kedonganan Beach, Dreamland Beach, Tegal Wangi Beach, and Balangan Beach. Additionally, Southeast and East Bali beaches have striking black sand and wild rips. Depending on your style, these wilder beaches can either entice you or not!
Which areas are relatively safe and which ones aren't?
Bali is a very safe place to visit and there really are no 'unsafe' areas. Crime rates against tourists are very low and generally limited to the odd scam at a money changer! Generally speaking it is unsafe situations, rather than unsafe places, that cause issues.
Unsafe situations include scooter road accidents and adventure accidents, and that is one reason why Bali travel insurance is so important for every traveler. There are some areas, such as Kuta, that might pose safety issues for vulnerable travelers. The risk is generally not from the locals, but rather from drunk or otherwise affected tourists. Follow the normal precautions you would take when you are home and you will be safe.
I used to hear Legian mentioned a lot? Do areas go out of fashion?
You'll find that hot spots are constantly changing in Bali. Tourism started in Sanur, then Kuta took off. Later, the World Bank funded Nusa Dua as a luxury resort precinct. Legian was where Kuta spread north to and then Seminyak followed, offering a more classy cocktail of clubs, shops and dining. Lately, Canggu has the cool kids’ stamp of approval, but that will change one day soon. And all the while, Ubud has grown from a sleepy arts village to a wellness and culture hub. Bali is constantly evolving, and that is what makes it so fascinating for travelers.
Conclusion
We hope we have given you a solid overview of all the best areas to stay in Bali. You might enjoy our articles on all the natural wonders and attractions of Bali, which will help you craft the ideal travel itinerary.
We suggest starting with our Travel Guide to Bali page and then consider these articles for further reading:
What are the best months to visit Bali
What is the Bali Visa on Arrival
Want day trip inspiration? Try these articles:
