Where to Stay in Bali: A Complete Area Guide With Recommendations for All Budgets
Lush rice fields, breathtaking waterfalls, perfect surf break, ancient temples, boho-chic cafes, hip beach clubs, towering volcanos, world-class diving and snorkeling, luxury resorts, eco villas… There’s literally something for everyone in Bali, no matter what kind of traveler you are. If you’re like me, the hardest part of planning your trip is deciding where to stay in Bali. That’s why I assembled this guide after spending two months in Bali to help you determine which areas of Bali are right for your next trip!
Determining Where to Stay in Bali (TL;DR Summary)
Picking an area to stay in Bali can be overwhelming! To help you decide, I’ll get into the details of each area, with some hotel suggestions below. Don’t have time to read through all the details? Here’s a TL;DR summary with recommendations based on what you’re looking for.
Click the links in the list below for more details on each area, including hotel recommendations for all budgets.
What about the popular Kuta and Legian areas?
Kuta is an area to completely avoid in my opinion. It’s dirty, less safe, and full of tourists acting like they’re on Spring Break in Cancun. Legian isn’t quite as bad, but if you really want to be in this area, I recommend staying in Seminyak.
What about where to stay for the best beaches?
This may be an unpopular opinion, but the beaches in Bali are kinda hit or miss. Sure, if you work hard enough you can find some slices of paradise. But much of what you’ll find is trash washed up on the shore or water that is downright dangerous to swim in thanks to currents and undertow.
I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of pics of the famous Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida from above and are thinking I have no idea what I’m talking about. Well, first, that’s technically not considered Bali. But regardless, there is a reason that the beach is always empty in photos. Multiple tourist deaths have been reported in the last few years, including a few this year. And not just those who entered the water, but even those swept away by rogue waves from shore.
What do you mean by “budget” options?
I thought it was important to clarify since everyone’s definition of “budget” travel is different. For purposes of this article, “budget” ranges from $20-$50 per night. Unless clearly called out, all budget options are private rooms, with air conditioning and private bathrooms. This blog is not the place for hostel or mixed dormitory recommendations. I want you to be comfortable and have privacy, regardless of how much you’re paying!
What are homestays and guesthouses?
As you skim through, you’ll see the terms “homestay” and “guesthouse” pop up frequently. These are essentially private rooms or buildings or the same property where the owner lives. Don’t be fooled by the names; you still get plenty of privacy while getting a more authentic local experience. In my experience, you rarely even see the owners outside of breakfast, but they’re always available to help arrange tours and give local suggestions. As an added benefit, many of them have scooters on site you can rent.
South Bali: The Busiest and Most Popular Area of Bali
South Bali is BY FAR the busiest and most crowded area of Bali. Outside of Ubud, most of the main towns and villages where tourists stay are found in South Bali. There are five parts of South Bali to consider – Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. Let’s dive into each!
Canggu: Hip Beach Village Catering to Digital Nomads
Known for its dreamy sunsets, chill beach clubs, and hip cafes catering to the digital nomad crowd, Canggu is THE place to be in Bali for a mix of chill beach vibes and modern amenities. Located 60-90 minutes from Bali Airport, Canggu is comprised of three beaches, Echo Beach, Berawa Beach, and Batu Bolong Beach with plenty of great surfing spots to choose from.
Canggu is also a favorite destination for those looking for Bali’s best nightlife (and day clubs). Whether you’re looking for a more laid-back bar to enjoy the sunset like The Lawn or a more lively scene with all-day pool parties at FINNS, there are plenty of options for you to let loose. A word of caution though, Canggu is getting VERY busy and touristy and that means lots of traffic almost everywhere. To escape the crowds, head slightly northwest to the town of Pererenan, where you can still find some rice fields.
Canggu Luxury Villas
Living up to its reputation, Canggu is not really the place to find ritzy name-brand resorts. That said, there are plenty of luxury villas not far from the beach to choose from like Blossom Eco Luxe Villas and Komea Villa.
Canggu Midrange Hotels
If you prefer a hotel, midrange options are the sweet spot in Canggu. There are plenty of options if you’re looking for luxury without breaking the bank like Chesa Canggu and AmantraNa Canggu.
Canggu Budget Options
For more budget-friendly options, guesthouses and homestays are the way to go in Canggu. Check out these highly-rated options for under $50 a night with air conditioning and private bathrooms: Uma Guesthouse and Papaya Guesthouse.
Seminyak: Best Nightlife and Trendy Hotels
Coming to Bali for the nightlife and party scene? Seminyak is the place for you. Like Canggu but even more crowded, Seminyak is a beach village with all the modern amenities you need. Seminyak is dotted with some of Bali’s best restaurants and most famous beach bars and day clubs, like Potato Head Beach Club and Mrs Sippy.
Depending on the time of day, Seminyak is about 30 minutes from Bali airport, but traffic can be really bad at times. Seminyak is the area to stay if you want to be in the scene, or if you want the comforts of well-known hotel chains by the beach. It’s not the place to stay if you want any peace and quiet.
Seminyak Luxury Resorts and Villas
Seminyak tends to be more ritzy and upscale, especially when it comes to hotels. Here you’ll find a good mix of high-end, trendy chains like W Bali and Hotel Indigo Bali and five-star luxury resorts like The Legian Seminyak. Of course, there are also plenty of luxury villas if you’re looking for more of the traditional high-end Bali experience, like the Mayaloka Villas.
Seminyak Midrange Boutiques
There are plenty of midrange boutique hotels and villas to choose from in Seminyak. Even better, some are only a few minutes walk to the beach like Annora Villas Seminyak and The Dusun.
Seminyak Budget Options
As you’ve probably guessed, Seminyak is not full of great budget options. That said, you can still find some awesome options a short walk from the beach. For example, check out Amerta Seminyak and Bali Ginger Suites & Villa.
Sanur: Quiet, Family-Friendly Beach Town
How about a more quiet beach town that caters to families and elderly travelers? With many of the same comforts as Canggu and Seminyak, but far fewer crowds, Sanur is a good place for a quiet escape to the ocean without the long drive. Fewer crowds also mean there is much less going on in Sanur. So, it’s not the place for you if nightlife is high on your list. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, small cafes, and a few places by the beach to grab a drink though, like Tree Bar at the Maya Sanur Resort.
Getting to Sanur from the airport is only a 25-minute ride. Not to mention, there is less traffic on this side of the island. Though traffic getting in and out of Sanur can be rough, as many people had this direction to get to the airport. Sanur is also a good option before or after heading to the Nusa Islands since many of the ferries depart from the harbor.
Sanur Luxury Beach Resorts
Like Seminyak, Sanur is home to a few familiar chains with all the amenities and comforts you need, like the beachside resorts Hyatt Regency Bali and Andaz Bali.
Sanur Midrange Beach Resorts
And like Canggu, you can find plenty of good midrange boutique resorts. And many of them are right on the beach, like Puri Santrian and Segara Village.
Sanur Budget Options
Sanur offers serious bang for your buck if you don’t mind being a few minutes walk to the beach. Check out Louto Dmell Guesthouse or Gunakaya Homestay for comfortable stays under $40 per night.
Uluwatu: Best Surfing and Dramatic Cliffs
If the best surfing and sunsets are what you’re after, Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula offers the best of both. With stunning clifftop views of the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu is also home to the famous Uluwatu Temple.
It takes about an hour to get to Uluwatu from Bali Airport, and it’s a bit isolated from the rest of Bali. But that isolation keeps it a little less crowded than Canggu and Seminyak. Like the rest of South Bali, Uluwatu has all the comforts and infrastructure and is becoming more popular with digital nomads looking for some respite from the crowds. But there are some exceptions, like the popular surf spots and the crowds who gather for sunset.
Uluwatu Luxury Resorts and Villas
In some ways, the hotel options in Uluwatu are similar to Seminyak. With familiar names like Six Senses Uluwatu and plenty of luxury villas and boutiques, there is no shortage of high-end options. But Uluwatu sets itself apart with a whole other class of SUPER luxury resorts like The Ungusan Clifftop Resort and Bulgari Resort Bali.
Uluwatu Midrange Beach Resorts
Uluwatu really shines when it comes to ultra-chic beach resorts at midrange prices. You’ve probably seen places like Village Bali and Terra Cottages Bali on your Instagram feed and for good reason.
Uluwatu Budget Options
Yup, you guessed it. Uluwatu doesn’t really shine when it comes to budget-friendly options. But don’t be discouraged, there are a few gems like Agaru Villa Uluwatu and The Tempekan Heritage.
Nusa Dua: Family-Friendly Luxury Chains
Another option on the Bukit Peninsula is Nusa Dua, which I liken to a mix between Sanur and Uluwatu. Full of brand-name hotels and resorts, but catering more to families, Nusa Dua is a good option for those who don’t want to leave the resort. It’s also good for those who have Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt points to burn. However, there’s really not much going on outside the resorts. It is home to some decent surfing, but the beaches aren’t known to be anything too special.
Nusa Dua Luxury Brand Resorts
Nusa Dua is the spot for familiar luxury resorts. And there are plenty of options with top-tier amenities, like the Ritz-Carlton Bali and St. Regis Bali Resort.
Nusa Dua Midrange Resorts
In the midrange category, Nusa Dua also has plenty of familiar names like The Westin Resort Nusa Dua and Hilton Bali Resort.
Nusa Dua Budget Options
Nusa Dua isn’t really the place to go for budget options since you won’t have a ton to do outside the larger resorts. But if you want to stay in Nusa Dua on a budget, check out Kubu Garden Suites & Villas Nusa Dua.
Central Bali: The Most Scenic Area of Bali
Central Bali not only offers some of the most scenic and picturesque parts of Bali, it’s also home to Bali’s spiritual and cultural center. And outside of Ubud, Central Bali is MUCH less busy than South Bali with plenty to still see and do. The four parts of Central Bali worth considering for your stay are Ubud, Tabanan, and Munduk. Let’s dive into each!
Ubud: Spiritual and Cultural Center
Ubud is without a doubt the place most people picture when thinking of Bali. Made famous by the movie, Eat, Pray, Love, Ubud is known as the spiritual and cultural center of Bali. Its busy roads are lined with boho-chic cafes, warungs, and ancient temples. But step outside busy Central Ubud and find yourself surrounded by nature in the middle of serene rice fields. Head about an hour west to Tabanan if you want even better rice fields with even fewer crowds.
Mostly known for temples and surrounding rice fields, Ubud also has some of the coolest yoga and meditation studios. In fact, my personal favorite yoga studio in the world is Ubud Yoga House. Also, some of Bali’s most famous waterfalls are near Ubud, like Tegenungan Waterfall. Although there are much better waterfalls further north.
Ubud Luxury Jungle Resorts and Villas
Without a doubt, Ubud and the surrounding areas have some of the coolest hotels in Bali. Surrounded by jungle and rice fields, there are a few known luxury brand resorts like Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. If you’re looking for luxury boutique and independent hotels, this is where Ubud shines with world-class options like Hanging Gardens of Bali and Viceroy Bali.
Ubud Affordable Luxury
The midrange options in Ubud that offer both a luxury look and feel are endless! You can find those same infinity pools, balconies overlooking endless jungles and rice fields, luxury spas, and delicious restaurants for a fraction of the cost as some of the higher-end options. In fact, I had a hard time picking just two to highlight. Check out Pramana Watu Kurung or Bliss Ubud Spa Resort and see for yourself.
Ubud Budget Options
Keeping with the trend, Ubud has an abundance of great budget options. In fact, I spent nearly two weeks each at two of them located on the outskirts of Central Ubud. These two homestays, Soka Homestay and Krisda Ubud Guesthouse, are within a short walk of all the restaurants, cafes, and sights but just far enough off the main road that you’d think you were miles away from the noise.
Munduk: Mountain Village Near Stunning Waterfalls
Outside of Ubud, the rest of Central Bali is pretty quiet. But there are a few areas further north that are worth checking out if you’re looking to escape the crowds and be surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery Bali has to offer. I’m talking mostly unspoiled views of lakes, mountains, jungles, and rice fields in nearly all directions. Not to mention, access to some of Bali’s best waterfalls like Gitgit and Sempukul, or famous temples like the picturesque Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. If this sounds like your cup of team, the mountain village of Munduk is the perfect option for you!
Munduk is one of my favorite Bali hidden gems. Though it’s often confused with North Bali, it’s technically considered Central Bali. But given its northern location, a stay in Munduk is perfect for exploring the beautiful areas of North Bali. And you don’t even have to go very far to experience all the beauty, since Munduk itself is absolutely gorgeous. In fact, many people compare Munduk to Sidemen and there is debate over which is truly the most scenic!
Munduk Luxury Jungle Villas
What’s great about Munduk is you can find some of the coolest luxury villas in Bali for much cheaper than other areas. And the views in Munduk are impossible to beat! Check out Elevate Bali by Hanging Gardens Munduk or Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas and you might have a hard time NOT staying in Munduk.
Munduk Affordable Luxury
Midrange in Munduk might offer the best bang for your buck in all of Bali! There’s a good mix of eco-hotels and beautiful resorts with infinity pools overlooking the mountains, like Sanak Retreat Bali and Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort.
Munduk Budget Options
Munduk is one of the few areas where you’ll find incredible budget options not requiring you to stay in a guesthouse or homestay. In fact, you’ll find similar options with similar amenities as the midrange category, whether looking for a resort, like Atres Sari Resort or an eco-hotel, like Gumi Ayu EcoHotel.
East Bali: The Most Authentic Area of Bali
Of my two months living in Bali, I enjoyed my time in East Bali the most. Not only does East Bali hold its own for being the most scenic, it’s also free from hordes of tourists. But don’t be fooled but the lack of crowds, East Bali has my two favorite hidden gems, Sidemen and Amed.
Sidemen: Most Beautiful Scenery
Beautiful scenery, authentic Balinese culture, and surrounded by nature… Sounds a lot like Munduk! But I’m describing Sidemen, a much easier to access area offering incredibly scenic views just about everywhere you go. Whether you’re looking to go off the grid, or stay on the grid but completely surrounded by nature, Sidemen is truly a hidden gem. In addition to trekking through rice fields, you can also go for a dip in the natural infinity pool at Gembleng Waterfall.
Just under two hours from Bali Airport, Sidemen is a small village set right in the middle of rice fields. There’s just enough tourist infrastructure to keep you comfortable without attracting the masses. But being surrounded by nature means that sometimes nature finds its way into your room. If the thought of foot-long tokay geckos or ants and spiders potentially entering your room bothers you, you might have a tough time in Sidemen.
Sidemen Eco-Friendly Midrange to Luxury
Though the village of Sidemen itself has a few incredible luxury options like Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa and Patal Kikian, the small neighboring village of Selat is where some of the coolest hotels in all of Bali are. Thanks to Airbnb and the power of Influencer marketing, two Selat properties rose to fame and are still among the top bucket list-worthy options in all of Bali: Hideout Bali and Camaya Bali. Both properties have options ranging from midrange to luxury.
Sidemen Budget Options
One benefit of being a little off the beaten path is great places to stay at low prices. Sidemen is spread out, so I recommend staying close to the main village if you aren’t doing a resort stay. That said, there are plenty of amazing homestays situated right in the middle of rice fields, not too far from the main village, like Embang Homestay and Gong Wi Homestay (where I stayed for a week).
Amed: Best Snorkeling in Bali
What if I told you some of Bali’s best snorkeling and diving doesn’t require a boat? And what if I told you that snorkeling was from beaches with no crowds and no trash? You’d probably not believe me unless you’ve been to or heard of Amed! Making Amed even more special is you can stay in homestays steps away from the ocean for dirt cheap. And you get jaw-dropping views of the sunset behind Mount Agung from the beaches. If there is one place in Bali to check out, especially if you’re on a budget or want to avoid crowds, Amed should be at the very top of your list before the masses discover it!
Since it takes nearly three hours to arrive from Bali Airport, and the beaches aren’t lined with brand-named resorts, most tourists don’t go out of their way to visit Amed. The beaches themselves aren’t the most special. They’re pretty narrow with coarse, back sand. But the ocean is still and clear as glass and the beaches are surrounded by live coral teeming with wildlife. In fact, you can swim with the endangered hawksbill sea turtles right off the shore in Amed Beach. Plus, there are a couple of shipwrecks you can snorkel or dive at, both accessible right from the shore.
Amed Midrange Beach Resorts for Cheap
Amed is certainly not the place to come to for luxury resorts. That said, you can stay right on the beach for very low prices. In fact, many “high-end” options right on the ocean are barely over $100 a night like Amed Beach Villa.
Amed Budget Options
It’s probably pretty obvious that Amed shines in the “budget” category. You can stay steps away from the ocean, with an upper floor, balcony, air conditioning, and private bathroom for just over $20 a night with breakfast included. As a matter of fact, I spent a week doing exactly that at De Adema Guesthouse. If you’d rather stay at a resort, check out the nearby Amed Beach Resort.
North Bali and West Bali: The Quieter Sides of Bali
If you REALLY want to escape the crowds, North Bali and West Bali could be worth checking out. Though I’ll be honest, I personally don’t see as much of a need to go out of your way to stay in either area for too long. You can get similar peace and quiet in other places with better infrastructure like Sidemen, Amed, or Munduk.
Starting with West Bali, there’s really not much to see or do. If anything, the harbor town of Gilimanuk may be worth staying a night or two if you plan to take the ferry to East Java. And there’s also West Bali National Park, which may be beautiful but is also very expensive for non-locals. There are recent reports of tourists being charged 20x what locals are charged and you’re forced to use a guide.
North Bali is full of beautiful scenery and home to some of Baliu’s best waterfalls, like Gitgit and Sekumpul. But you can get to either waterfall in under an hour by staying in Munduk. I think people tend to confuse Munduk for North Bali and that’s usually what they mean when they suggest staying in North Bali.
If you’re really keen on staying in North Bali, Lovina Beach could be worth checking out. Just don’t expect a very nice beach, and embrace the peace and quiet!
Closing Thoughts
Planning a trip to Bali can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. There are so many options for where to stay, and picking the best area for you isn’t easy. Thankfully, Bali isn’t that big, and no matter where you decide to stay, you can still find ways to see most of the island. But picking the wrong area in Bali can definitely ruin your experience, so use this guide to choose wisely!
I hope you found this guide on where to stay in Bali helpful. Love my advice? Completely disagree with me? Leave a reply below and let me know your thoughts!
