Where to stay in Bali: Accommodation guide for couples, families, first timers and more

When it comes to your perfect Bali experience, this is the one-stop guide of Bali accommodation you should definitely read.

Having a hard time deciding where you should stay in Bali? Depending on what you’re looking for, different areas on this mystical island of Gods will suit any type of traveler.

Whether you’re a solo backpacker; a couple celebrating a romantic anniversary; a group of friends out to party; or even a family bringing your young children for their first overseas experience – there are many options for different travelers.

We break it down for you in our one-stop, no-fuss ‘Where to Stay in Bali’ guide. No matter what you’re traveling to Bali for, you can be assured to have one of the best times ever!

Note: The prices reflected below are the low season rates, and they exclude tax and service charges. Accommodation rates often change with room availability, and low or high seasons. We recommend double checking for the final prices before confirming your booking.

Bali area guide: Where Should You Stay?

Most people underestimate the size of Bali, if you are not familiar with it, you can get overwhelmed by the myriad of accommodation options. But fret not! Here we break down different areas of Bali to let you have a taste of how it looks like to stay there

TLDR: If you are a beach and ocean lover, consider staying in South Bali (Seminyak, Kuta, Uluwatu, Canggu, and Nusa Dua). If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, shopping, and great street vibes, Seminyak and Canggu are the places to be. Nusa Dua has very calm beaches and is a great destination for families with young kids. Whereas Ubud is a popular destination for honeymooners, while Sanur and Candidasa offer a more peaceful beach experience.

Seminyak/Legian

Shop and Party up a Storm

Sophisticated Seminyak is a great (more upmarket) place to shop, dine, and go to the trendiest beach clubs.

With quirky quality boutiques and cool cafes peppering the area – Seminyak is a good place for group travel and even an all girls retreat!

There are many amazing accommodation all around Seminyak for you to choose from. While Seminyak is sophisticated and fast-paced, Legian is slightly more laidback.

TLDR: An upmarket destination with trendy shops, restaurants, and beach clubs, good for group travel and all-girls retreats.

Where to stay in Seminyak

1. Beach resorts and villas

a. Budget-friendly: Pelangi Bali Hotel & Spa (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
b. Luxury honeymoon resorts in the heart of everything: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
c. Family beach resorts in water slide: Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
d. Romantic private pool villas on the beach: The Oberoi Beach Resort (Website | Check rate on Agoda)

2. Stays near city center

a. Your stylish budget loft living – Petitenget 501 (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
b. Budget stay within minutes walk from Seminyak beach: Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
c. Lagoon outside your room: Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
d. Romantic private pool villas with great value: Bajra Bali Villa (Website | Check rate on Agoda)

Kuta

Surf by Day, Party by Night

Kuta is well known for its beach life, and of course, the beach bars. There are many affordable warungs and shops around – such as market stalls selling beachwear and random knickknacks. Poppies lane is in Kuta, and is popular with surfers, backpackers and travelers who want budget accommodation.

For people who love to surf by day, and just party and drink by the beach with friends by night, Kuta is the place to be. However, it has lost quite a bit of its glory after the pandemic, as quite a number of the party crowd has moved to Bali’s latest darling, Canggu.

TLDR: For surfers and beachgoers looking for affordable accommodations, food, and shopping options.

Where to stay in Kuta

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1. Beach hotels and resorts in Kuta

a. ​​Shop, party and chill – The Kuta Beach Heritage Hotel Bali (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
b. Gorgeous beachfront luxury resort: The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
c. Stay in the heart of Kuta: Kuta Beach Hotel (Website | Check rate on Booking.com)
d. Enjoy the rooftop infinity pool: Mamaka by Ovolo (Website | Check rate on Agoda)

Nusa Dua

Calm beaches and luxury 5-star resorts

Fishing trips, kite-surfing, snorkeling and swimming are but a few of the many aquatic activities available. Adventurers can find water sport action with a huge dose of nature’s beauty at Nusa Dua.

Apart from aquatic action and nature, people also come for the value for money 5-star beach resorts. It is also a great honeymoon spot, or for parents who want to bring their children on family-friendly adventures. Nusa Dua is an idyllic location that will leave everyone happy and satisfied.

TLDR: Beach destination with a variety of aquatic activities, great restaurants and luxurious resorts for honeymooners and families.

Where to stay in Nusa Dua

1. Luxury beach vacation popular for families and couples

a. Expansive resort with an aquarium restaurant: The Apurva Kempinski Bali (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
b. A private beach escapade: Samabe Bali Suites & Villas (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
c. Affordable luxury beach resort: MERUSAKA Nusa Dua (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
d. Jump from your bed to the lagoon pool: Melia Bali (Website | Check rate on Agoda)

Uluwatu

Surfer’s paradise with cliffside luxury hotels and seafood

A mixture of luxurious beachy Nusa Dua, and cultural Ubud, Uluwatu is good for travelers like couples, adventurers, and surfers looking for a little bit of both.

Think world-class spas and cuisine, along with beautiful beaches, water sport activities and cultural sights.

Speaking of cliffs, people also come to Uluwatu specially for the cliff-front setting. And with ultra luxurious cliff-front hotels like The Edge, AYANA Resort and Spa, Bulgari, and Khayangan Estate, Uluwatu is a place where wealthy individuals come to holiday, or throw luxe events like weddings.

TLDR: A mixture of luxury cliffside and beachside living with cultural sights, making it a great destination for couples, adventurers, and surfers.

Where to stay in Uluwatu

1. Beachside and cliffside luxury hotels

a. Beach hotels near Padang Padang beach: Le Cliff (Website | Check rate on Booking.com)
b. Beach hotels near Bingin beach: Bingin Cliff House (Website | Check rate on Airbnb)
c. Beach hotels near Balangan beach: La Joya Biu-Biu (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
d. Luxury cliffside living: Karma Kandara (Website | Check rate on Agoda)

Sanur

Bring the Kids, It’s a Family-Friendly Vacation!

Sanur has a more traditional vibe and it’s much quieter than Kuta. If you are looking for quiet beach getaway, this is the place to be.

It has great restaurants without loud music, the beach is calm and no huge waves.

It also has a paved 7km walkway. Of all the lovely places in Bali, Sanur remains one of the most family-friendly locations for parents to bring their kids to.

TDLR: Peaceful and family-friendly beach town with calm atmosphere.

Where to stay in Sanur

1. Boutique hotels and luxury resorts near Sanur beach

a. Kid-friendly hotel with waterslides: Prama Sanur (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
b. Luxurious beachfront resort with great kids club: InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
c. Romantic beachfront resort with lagoon access room: Maya Sanur Resort & Spa (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
d. Romantic private pool villas: SAGARA Villas and Suites (Website | Check rate on Agoda)

Canggu/Tabanan

Trendy, bustling beach town with plenty of beach clubs

Visitors used to only travel to Canggu to visit the majestic Tanah Lot temples and take in the view of the rice paddies, while also stopping at some quiet cafes.

Fast forward to today, Canggu has become a destination for party-goers, with a number of popular beach clubs such as Cafe del Mar Bali, Vue Beach Club Canggu, Finns Beach Club, and Atlas Beach Club, as well as many beach bars.

If the noise and crowds are not to your liking, you can head slightly north to find more peaceful beachside stays like Bali Beach Glamping and WakaGangga.

Canggu is also home to a number of hipster cafes, trendy shops, and is a popular spot for digital nomads.

TLDR: This is a popular destination known for its beach clubs and popularity among digital nomads. It also has peaceful beachside stays on the quieter side of Tabanan.

Where to stay in Canggu

1. Where to stay near beach and trendy spots

a. Berawa beachfront hotel with Santorini vibes: Lv8 Resort Hotel (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
b. Infinity pool with sunset views near Berawa beach: Citadines Berawa (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
c. Affordable boutique hotels with pool access room: FRii Bali Echo Beach (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
d. Oceanfront infinity pool with unique pool deck: COMO Uma Canggu (Website | Check rate on Booking.com)

Ubud/Gianyar

Soothe Your Soul with Yoga, Arts and Culture

If you are a forest person, you will love Ubud as there are rolling green hills, luscious forests and vast expanse of paddy fields.

For individuals on a journey of self-discovery; girlfriends on a retreat; couples rekindling your romance; or adventurers with a penchant for art and culture – Ubud/Gianyar is a wonderful place to be.

With art galleries and yoga studios at every corner you turn, a trip to Ubud is one that is more spiritual and cultural at its core. Especially if you need some peace and positive vibes, Ubud has a way to soothe your soul, as evident in the popular movie – Eat, Pray, Love.

For those who are bringing their kids, you might want to consider Mara Safari Lodge too, where you can feed animals right from the comfort of your own balcony.

TLDR: A spiritual and cultural paradise with luscious forests, perfect for self-discovery and couples looking for a quiet getaway.

Where to stay in Ubud

1. Rainforest retreat for various budgets

a. Affordable hotels with a view: Mathis Retreat (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
b. Luxury retreat by the river at affordable price: Aksari Ubud (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
c. Luxury honeymoon villas with private pool: Black Penny Villas Ubud (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
d. Strategic location, unbeatable value: Goutama Homestay (Website | Check rate on Agoda)

Candidasa

Have the best of both worlds with sea and culture

If you loved all the culture and peace of Ubud, but want more vitamin sea, Candidasa will better suit your taste. With emerald rice terraces inland, amazing snorkelling and diving spots around the coast and the Taman Ujing Waterpalace, there’s much to see and do at Candidasa.

There are also many affordable seaside resorts for retirees and honeymooners seeking a more peaceful retreat than what is available in South Bali.

Ultimately, Candidasa is great for travelers who want a peaceful time, while still indulging in adventure without the overwhelming hustle of crowds and touts.

Where to stay in Candidasa

1. Where to stay for quiet seaside escape

a. Affordable honeymoon resort: Nirwana Resort & Spa (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
b. Gorgeous ocean view from your balcony: Candi Beach Resort and Spa (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
c. Ocean view from your room: Puri Bagus Candidasa Hotel (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
d. Boutique hotel with absolute beachfront rooms: Aquaria Eco Resort Bali (Website | Check rate on Agoda)

Central and North Bali

Chilly weather with majestic mountain views

If you’re a seasoned traveler with some extra time to spend, a trip to Central and North Bali is definitely worth considering.

If you love chilly weather and breathtaking mountain views, the Kintamani and Bedugul highlands are the perfect destination for you. In addition to staying near the mystical Mount Batur and hiking the majestic Mount Agung, you’ll find plenty of cool accommodations, such as glamping with a view, lakeside boutique hotels, and more. You can also visit the picturesque Ulun Danu Beratan temple, located on a lake and often featured on postcards, or explore hidden waterfalls.

If you’re a snorkeling enthusiast, don’t miss out on Lovina, a volcanic black sand beach destination in North Bali. Its pristine ocean is known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse underwater marine life. You can also rent a boat to see wild dolphins. Lovina is often used as a base to explore the untouched regions of West Bali and Amed.

TLDR: For the ultimate vacation filled with chilly weather, breathtaking mountain views, and natural attractions.

Note: Navigating through North Bali can be challenging due to the narrow streets and rough terrain, we recommend you to hire a skilled driver (if you are not a seasoned driver) or have a reliable vehicle with sufficient power.

Where to stay in Central and North Bali

1. Kintamani and Bedugul: the place you should stay for chilly weather and majestic mount agung views

a. Wake up among the mountains: Oculus Bali (Website | Check rate on Booking.com)
b. Mount Batur sunrise view without the hike: Ayodya Batur Villa (Website | Check rate on Agoda)
c. Lakefront boutique hotel with breathtaking landscapes: Lake Garden Bali (Website)
d. Wake up among the clouds – Munduk Moding Plantation (Website | Check rate on Agoda)

2. Lovina: For the snorkelling enthusiast

a. Dolphin-spotting beach hideaway, The Lovina Resort (Website | Check rate on Agoda.com)
b. Enjoy the peaceful serenity with your own pool: The Damai (Website | Check rate on Agoda.com)
c. Absolute beachfront escapade: Padmasari Resort Lovina (Website | Check rate on Agoda.com)

Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, Penida

The Maldives of Bali

If all the beach vibes on the main island is not enough for you, venture to the offshore islands via a 30-40 minutes fast ferry, such as Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida, where you can find a slice of heaven!

Nusa islands are a bit more rustic than the main island of Bali. It’s amazing for island-hopping and those who like off-the-beaten-path adventures. A day trip won’t be enough so we have selected the most stunning private pool villas in the Nusa Islands so you can take your time!

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are perfect destinations for travelers who want a relaxing island getaway with beachside restaurants, bars, and hotels. These 2 islands are connected by a yellow bridge and can be easily explored by car in 20-30 minutes.

On the other hand, Nusa Penida is more rustic and offers plenty of natural attractions with breathtaking views, such as Angel’s Billabong, Pasih Uwug, and Bukit Teletubbies. We recommend taking a day tour as it can be difficult to navigate the island on your own. Despite the influx of tourists in recent years, we personally think Nusa Penida is still worth a visit if you are an adventurous traveler.

Check out our 5-day Nusa islands itinerary if you are unsure how to go about planning your trip!

TLDR: Perfect for a weekend island getaway or an adventurous day trip. Imagine pristine beaches, majestic landscape and chillax beach bars and restaurants.

Where to stay in Nusa Islands

1. Best island retreats: Our top picks!

a. Cliffside glamping (Nusa Penida): Tropical Glamping (Website | Check rate on Airbnb)
b. Romantic getaway with views of the island’s turquoise waters (Nusa Lembongan): Villa Damai (Check rate on Airbnb)
c. Jacuzzi pool overlooking the Blue Lagoon cliffs (Nusa Ceningan): Blue Lagoon Avia Villas (Website | Check rate on Agoda)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long should I spend in Bali?

A: Bali and Phuket are often compared as beach destinations, but in my experience, they’re quite different.

Personally, I think that if you’re short on leave, the minimum amount of time you should spend in Bali is around 4 or 5 days. I would recommend staying in either South Bali (Seminyak, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, or Sanur) or Ubud, rather than trying to do too much and spending most of your time in traffic. In my opinion, 5 days is a bit short and you might end up missing out on what makes Bali special (which is probably why some people say it’s similar to Phuket or even worse).

In my opinion, the best length of stay in Bali is 7 to 10 days. That way, you can explore beyond South Bali and visit the cultural capital of Ubud or head up north to see the majestic Mount Agung or Mount Batur. As a local friend once told me, “if you haven’t been to Ubud and North Bali, you haven’t really been to Bali yet.”

Best still, if you have more time to spare, I would say that spending 2-3 weeks in Bali would be ideal. I would recommend spending around 5-8 days in South Bali, 5 days in Ubud, and the rest of your time exploring North Bali and the chilly areas or or even visiting the surrounding islands like the Gilis or Nusa islands. In our opinion, this is the most optimum period of stay where you can be spontaneous and truly understand why people say “anything is possible in Bali”

Q: Where should I stay if I am coming to Bali for the first time?

A: If you are a beach lover, you can consider staying in Seminyak, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, or Sanur. If you are more into cultural experiences, you can consider staying in Ubud. Or if you are more into nature and off the beaten track, you can consider venturing into Kintamani, Sidemen, or Amed, this is where you will find lots of hidden natural attractions like waterfalls, hidden canyons and nature sights.

Q: Where to stay in Bali for couples?

A: As a popular honeymoon destination, there are many great places to stay in Bali for couples depending on your interests and budget. Some of the popular options include Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. Seminyak is known for its vibrant nightlife and luxury resorts, while Canggu is the hipsters’ latest destination. Ubud, on the other hand, is known for its serene natural beauty and is a great option for couples who want to experience the cultural side of Bali.

Q: Where to stay in Bali with kids?

A: Seminyak, Jimbaran and Sanur are known for their kid-friendly resorts and beautiful beaches, while Nusa Dua is home to Bali’s most luxurious resorts and is known for its calm and shallow waters, making it a great option for families with young children. You can also consider staying in Ubud, which offers a more cultural and natural experience for the young ones. For families who want more space and privacy, there are many private villas available in central areas like Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur and Ubud.

Q: What are the safest places to stay in Bali?

A: Bali is generally a safe destination for travelers. But as a popular tourist destination, it’s always important to not let down your guard and common sense. We have also previously highlighted the top safety concerns and dangers and the most common scams that you can potentially encounter in Bali, do check them out before you travel!

Lastly, Bali is located in the ring of fire, as such, there’s a risk of earthquakes and volcanic eruption (both Mount Agung and Mount Batur are still active volcanos!) However, these events are rare and the local authorities have plans in place to respond to any potential emergencies. Overall, as long as you take the usual precautions and follow the advice of local authorities, you should have a safe and enjoyable trip to Bali.

Q: What are the prices for 3, 4 and 5-star hotels?
A: 3 to 3.5-star hotels typically range from $20 to $100; 4 to 4.5-star hotels typically range between $100 to $300; and 5-star hotels go from $300 and above. For private villas (where you will have a living room or a private pool), you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollars depending on the location and amenities.

Q: What are the high and low (peak/off-peak) seasons in Bali?
A: The peak seasons in Bali consist of June/July/August which are the school holidays period, December (before Christmas till the first week of January) and February which is the Chinese New Year period. On the other hand, the off-peak seasons are between late April to May, and September to November. If you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor and adventurous activities, it’s not recommended to travel to Bali between November and March, as this is the rainy season. During this time, the island experiences heavy rainfall and storms, which can make some outdoor activities difficult or impossible.

Q: What is the price difference between high season vs low season?
A: Basically, you pay up to 20-40% more for peak seasons.

We’ve even made sure to include relevant links throughout, that will help you to better plan your vacation, so be sure to click the links for more of amazing Bali!

Other Useful Links

Are there any useful tips you can share with us? Comment below to let us know!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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