Best Areas to Stay in Bali

Choosing the best areas to stay in Bali, whether in the South or Central, would depend on whether you travel alone, with a partner, or with your family.

Finding the perfect place for your stay in Bali is not that hard of a task to achieve. It takes some time to explore the many available places and see whether the prices and accommodations are within your budget and criteria. Most tourists choose to stay in South or Central Bali mainly for the location for easy access to many of the attractions in Bali.

Bali, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, offers a diverse range of areas to cater to different traveler preferences. There are a few best areas to sta in Bali starting from the bustling party scene in Kuta to the tranquil family-friendly atmosphere in Legian, each region has its unique charm.

Tuban stands out with its water theme park and affordable mid-range hotels, while Seminyak boasts luxurious resorts and villas. Sanur is ideal for mid-range budgets, Nusa Dua offers a perfect honeymoon getaway, and Jimbaran provides a beautiful coastal setting and delectable seafood. Canggu appeals to private holiday seekers and surfers alike, while Denpasar serves as the bustling center of Bali.

Finally, Ubud, renowned for its art and culture, offers a range of accommodations, including health retreats and boutique villas. With such a variety of options, Bali ensures an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Kuta – for the partygoers

Kuta is the central party spot in Bali. Since it’s considered the most developed area in Bali, places to stay are everywhere. The Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel is quite a popular place to stay in Kuta, despite its price, which is justified as a 5-star hotel. There’s also the Bali Bungalo Hotel and Febris’s Hotel and Spa, which are highly recommended by frequent visitors of this area. Suji Bungalow and Gemini Star Hotel are affordable places to stay for low-budget tourists.

Legian – for family holidays

Legian is very popular among families that visit Bali. The place is quiet and filled with shops and places to eat. Legian is near Seminyak and Kuta as well, merely a walking-distance to these places. Since it is the perfect place for families, you can expect a lot of hotels that accommodate families of all sizes. Padma Resort Bali, Legian Beach Hotel, and Villa de Daun are the finest family hotels in Legian, with facilities such as adults and children’s pools, game rooms, shops, and restaurants. As for the best budget hotel in Legian, it would be the Pujihouse One.

Tuban – for a group stay

Tourists distinguish Tuban from the other places in Bali for its Waterbom Park (one of Asia’s largest water theme parks) and Discovery Shopping Mall. It is also known as a place that has lesser expensive mid-range hotels. If you are traveling in a big group then the perfect choices of residence would be the Novotel Bali Ngurah Rai and Patra Bali Resort & Villas, which are located near the airport and the beach in Tuban.

Seminyak – luxury resorts and villas

Seminyak is perfect for those prepared to spend whatever it takes to enjoy themselves and make their visit to Seminyak memorable. In other words, you get what you paid for in Seminyak. There are great hotels and villas that provide discounts or special deals during the off-season when there are few tourists. The famous places to stay in Seminyak are W Retreat & Spa Bali, The Oberoi Hotel Bali and Amadea Resort & Villas Seminyak Bali. As for the mid-range budget stay in Seminyak, you will find the popular Dash Hotel Seminyak.

Sanur – for midrange budgets

Sanur is well-known for its beaches. Due to the heavy flow of tourists in Sanur, there are plenty of places to stay during your visit. Some of the luxurious hotels with kids clubs, pools, suites, and interconnecting rooms are Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites and Peneeda View Beach Hotel. If you are looking for something a little more moderate, there are the Besakih Beach Hotel and Griya Santrian Resort. At the same time, Kirana Homestay and Tari Bed and Breakfast are some of the finest budget hotels in Sanur.

Nusa Dua – perfect stay for a Honeymoon

Many of Bali’s big resorts are in Nusa Dua, a place in the South of Bali. Like the beaches in Nusa Dua, hotels are aplenty in this area, especially all-inclusive places to stay. Among the popular hotels with rooms of all sizes, swimming pools, and restaurants in Nusa Dua are the Amarterra Villas Bali and Samabe Bali and Suites. If you are looking for something more moderate than these hotels, there is the Rumah Bali Bed and Breakfast and Inaya Putri Bali in Nusa Dua. For budget options around Nusa Dua, we would recommend Puri Clinton Bali or Frangipani Homestay.

See Best Nusa Dua Accommodations

Jimbaran – good location and seafood

Jimbaran is an area surrounded by beaches and seaside resorts. It also has the most excellent seafood restaurants by the beach side. One of the famous hotels in Jimbaran is Rimba Jimbaran Bali, a beautiful hotel near the beach. Another nice place to stay that won’t break the bank is The Sintesa Jimbaran Bali, which has the most amazing views you will ever see in Jimbaran. Tucked away in an oasis is the Resort Belmond Jimbaran which is family-friendly with lots of activities to offer.

Canggu – for private holidays and surfers

Canggu is an area in Bali with black sandy beaches. It is popularly known for its surfing activities. The Theana Eco Villa and Spa * is quite popular in Canggu with its stylish villas for couples to families. Most places to stay in Canggu are private luxury hotels like Hotel Tugu Bali, which can be expensive for some visitors. For more affordable places to stay, there are D’Tegale Homestay and Abalihouse. There are also specific places to stay for surfers: The Chillhouse and the Andy Surf Villa.

Denpasar – the center of everything

Denpasar is recognized as the real Bali among the tourists there, as it is the capital of Bali. It is filled with nice places to stay, including the Taman Suci Hotel, an affordable 45-room hotel. Popular places to stay in Denpasar are the B Hotel Bali and Spa and the Sugiras Living, which are first-class hotels in their own right. There are also The Paica and the Samblung Mas House, which are considered affordable places to stay by international standards.

Ubud – for art and culture lovers

Ubud, though considered central but very near to South Bali, has plenty of places that tourists will enjoy staying at. There’s the Como Shambhala Estate, which is a health retreat deep in the rainforest. There’s the Hanging Gardens Ubud, which has a spectacular view and private pool villas. The Purist Villas & Spa is another popular place to stay in Ubud, as it’s a stylish boutique villa complete with meal and spa facilities. A popular boutique hotel is Uma by COMO, located on the Ubud hillside.

See Where to stay in Ubud.

Bali is an island that is not that big. Still, making choices as tourists in Bali can be pretty overwhelming. That is why it is easier to research before deciding on what to do, when to go, and for the best areas to stay in Bali. You can book your choice of place to stay in Bali online through the many agents or even directly through the hotels, resorts, or accommodations’ websites. Choosing an area to stay in Bali is a highly personal one. Therefore, go for one that suits you best, and you will have an enjoyable stay in Bali.

For more ideas check out these posts:

Best Areas to Stay in Bali – South and Central