Where to Stay in Bali: Bali Areas to Stay

Tourism in Bali has been booming for decades, but has arguably even become more popular in the last few years. Travellers from all over the globe are planning their Bali itineraries, travelling to the Indonesian island and wondering exactly where to stay in Bali.

If you’re a bit overwhelmed about the question of the best area to stay in in Bali, don’t fret – I’ve got you covered. I’ve been to Bali a few times now, travelling around the island and staying in different locations, and I know exactly what the best places to stay in Bali are, for all travel groups.

So stay with me, and I’ll show you the best places to head to on the island. From chill beach towns, to busy cultural capitals, to places to get away from it all, I’ve got it all listed in this easy where to stay in Bali guide.

Once you’ve got your accommodation booked, you might start thinking about packing for your Bali trip – check out my what to pack for Bali guide to learn about what I consider to be the best things to take to Bali!

I have personally stayed at many of these hotels, and others have been recommended to me by friends. I would highly recommend that you do your own research by reading the reviews of each hotel/ hostel before booking, but I hope I can help you save some time by recommending the best hotels and hostels in different areas of Bali.

Where to Stay in Bali: Quick Run Down

  • The best place to stay in Bali for backpackers: Ubud/ Canggu
  • The best place to stay in Bali for families: Sanur
  • The best place to stay in Bali for couples: Nusa Dua
  • The best place to stay in Bali for nature: Nusa Penida/ Bali Barat National Park
  • Where to stay in Bali for solo travellers: Ubud/ Canggu/ Seminyak
  • Where to stay in Bali for surfing: Uluwatu/ Seminyak/ Kuta
  • Where to stay in Bali to party: Kuta/ Seminyak
  • Where to stay in Bali for culture: Ubud/ Ahmed
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Where to Stay in Bali

Canggu – the best place to stay in Bali for digital nomads

If you are a digital nomad, or have ever wondered about the digital nomad lifestyle, check out Canggu. It’s the best place to stay in Bali for people who want to learn about building a business (there are workshops all over the place) while enjoying the sun, sea, sand and surf.

You might be thinking woah woah woah, I just came to Bali to chill out and have a good time – don’t worry, you can do that in Canggu as well. It’s a chilled out little beach town with surf lessons, black sand beaches, a couple of lovely temples and rice paddies galore.

However, I wouldn’t recommend spending an entire Bali holiday just in Canggu if you’re not using one of the coworking spaces – the town is lovely, but it’s very small and quick to explore.

Where to stay in Canggu

  • Hostel: Kos One Hostel is widely considered to be the best hostel in Bali – and for good reason. It’s a boutique hostel, with tasteful dorms, huge comfortable beds and a gorgeous pool, overlooking rice terraces. The breakfast options are phenomenal. Click here for rates and more information.
  • Guesthouse: Serenity Eco Guesthouse and Yoga is absolutely lovely – I’ve stayed here three times now and will return if I make it back to Canggu.
    As the name suggests, the place is both a guesthouse and yoga studio, with classes throughout the day, every day. There’s also an on-site vegan restaurant with delicious food.
    There are dorms and guesthouse rooms – the dorms are very nice, but I wouldn’t recommend going for the cheapest private room as there is no A/C and it’s very bright at night and noisy in the morning. The more expensive rooms are in the building and are better. Click here for more information.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: Perissos Echo Beach is a great mid-range option, perfect for those who want a slice of luxury without spending too much money. The rooms are spacious, modern and clean, and there is an on-site pool. Click here to learn more and to reserve.
  • Luxury Hotel: There are tonnes of luxury villas in Canggu. One of these is Villa Sally, which has deluxe rooms, a private pool and a general luxury, tropical feel. Click here for more information and to reserve the villa for your dates. 

Ubud – the best place to stay in Bali for culture lovers

Ubud’s chaotic, noisy and congested – but it ties with Nusa Penida as my favourite place in Bali. While traffic is pretty much always go go go, there are plenty of places to escape the chaos, including beautiful historic temples and scenic rice paddies. The volcanoes are close by, making it one of the best places to stay in Bali if you want to be within nature.

Ubud is not the best place in Bali to stay if you’re after a beach holiday – it’s a good three hours from Ubud to the beach in a taxi. If you’re looking for somewhere serene to stay, don’t opt for Ubud’s centre – but there are places close to the city that are nestled within rice terraces and are wonderfully tranquil.

Because of Ubud’s cultural scene (it’s the best place on the island for activities like watching dances, cooking traditional food, exploring temples and seeing local villages), it’s one of the best places to stay in Bali with kids – as they will really get something out of their holiday by learning about the Balinese way of life!

Because of its popularity with backpackers, Ubud is also one of the cheapest places to stay in Bali, and if you’re visiting Bali on a budget, there are plenty of affordable accommodation options here.

Where to stay in Ubud

  • Hostel: The Centrally Located Puji Hostel looks out onto the rice terraces that Ubud is famous for; while it is very close to the town’s bars and restaurants, it is in a wonderful tranquil location. There are bungalows with dorms and private rooms, and a pool on site. Click here for more information.
  • Guesthouse: Taman Dewangga House is one of the cheapest places to stay in Ubud. It’s not got the highest score on Booking.com, but I’ve personally stayed here and thought it was great for the price. Breakfast is included, the outdoor courtyard area was nice enough and I found the (dorm) room to be clean. There is a bit of an issue with doors to the communal bathrooms not locking. Read the reviews first, but as one of the budget places to stay in Bali, I think it’s a pretty good option. Click here for more information.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: The Bliss Ubud Spa Resort offers the best in affordable luxury, with gorgeous rooms with 4 poster beds and roll-top baths, and an on-site pool, restaurant, and spa and wellness centre. Click here to read more.
  • Luxury Hotel: Stay at Bisma Eight for unparalleled luxury in Ubud. Just a few minutes’ away from the centre, but in a jungle of its own, Bisma Eight has tastefully decorated rooms with Japanese soaking tubs and a bar, fitness centre, spa and pool on site. Click here to read more and to book.

Seminyak – the best place to stay in Bali for restaurants

Seminyak is one of the tourist hotspots in Bali, and honestly – not my favourite area. However, many people love it because of the range of upmarket restaurants (I do enjoy Shelter Bali for their acai bowls and fantastic vegan options, as well as their really cute decor) and range of shops. It’s also got (not the prettiest) beaches and is a popular surfing spot.

If you’re visiting Seminyak on a group holiday and want to spend your time eating well, going out (Motel Mexicola and ? are both good spots in Seminyak) and lazing on the beach in the day, Seminyak may be the best Bali neighbourhood to stay for you.

Seminyak is one of the better places to stay in Bali with children, because the beach is right there and it’s easy with lots of conveniences.

Where to stay in Seminyak

  • Hostel: Seminyak’s Pod A Capsule Hostel is a popular option for backpackers looking to party. It was actually the very first place I ever stayed in Bali! It’s got pod-style beds, a rather rowdy bar, and plenty of other backpackers. Definitely a good place for the social scene, and it’s very close to La Favela, which is Seminyak’s most famous nightclub. Click here to read more about it.
  • Guesthouse: Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak has affordable, clean rooms with a pool on-site, and it’s right in the heart of the town. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: If you want a rural place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Seminyak, check out Kashantee Village. There’s a huge pool, and all the accommodation options are in huts. They’re great value for what you get, with luxury features and large, comfy beds. Click here for more information and to book.
  • Luxury Hotel: Double-Six Luxury Hotel Seminyak is a beachfront property, looking out over the Indian Ocean. Its 5* rooms are completely luxurious, with comfy double and twin beds and luxury shower facilities. There is a fitness centre and spa on site. Click through to learn more. 

Kuta – the best place to stay in Bali to party

Kuta is definitely the best place to stay in Bali if you want to party and if you want to go to Waterbom park, Bali’s watersports park and apparently one of Indonesia’s best attractions. If you want to do anything else… then I’d stay quite far away.

Kuta is littered with Australian owned bars and foreign restaurants. That being said, take a short walk down the high street and you’ll find local warungs where you can tuck into a plate of mie goreng for budget prices.

Honestly – I wouldn’t recommend staying in Kuta for your whole holiday unless all you want to do is party – and if all you want to do is party I’d question why you actually want to go to Bali.

Kuta does have a beach with lovely sunsets and some cool markets – so if you do find yourself there it’s worth checking these out.

Kuta also works as a good place to stay in Bali for being close to Denpasar airport. If you’re landing late at night and want to stay somewhere easy, Kuta might fit the bill.

Where to stay in Kuta

  • Hostel: The highly-rated Beach Hut Hostel has spacious dorm rooms with sturdy bunks, each with their own privacy curtain and individual light. There is also a private twin room. It’s very close to the airport, and offers a fun social area with a restaurant. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot. 
  • Guesthouse: Grandmas Plus Hotel Airport is, as the name suggests, very close to the airport. It has all the facilities you could need in a hotel – a pool, spa and restaurant – and its rooms are contemporary and well-designed. Click here for more information and to reserve your stay.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: Sol House Bali Kuta is right by Kuta square, but has a lovely relaxed atmosphere – the best of both worlds. Rooms are big, with lots of natural light, and they are focused around a pool with swim-up bar. There is a restaurant, spa and gym on site. Click here to learn more about the hotel.  
  • Luxury Hotel: Citadines Kuta Beach Bali is right by Kuta Beach (as the name suggests) and has a rooftop swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and deluxe rooms with wonderful facilities. Click here for rates and to book.

Nusa Lembongan – the best place to stay in Bali for diving

Off the coast of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is a bit of a journey to get to, but is one of the best places to stay in Bali for diving and for enjoying surrounding natural beauty. I’d recommend checking out Nusa Lembongan if you’re keen to see the most beautiful dive sites in Bali, many which are home to manta rays – you can also do your open water course here – or to check out beautiful places like Devil’s Tear and Dream Beach.

However, Nusa Lembongan is still a little touristy. There are still beach bars, restaurants serving local and western food, and plenty of other tourists.

Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan

  • Hostel: Bima Hostel & Private Rooms are located in Nusa Lembongan, in the centre of the island. It’s a family-run hostel with friendly staff, and guests can choose to stay in dorms or private rooms. Click here for more information and to reserve your stay.
  • Guesthouse: Taos House is great value for money, with cute rooms and a rural setting and a pool area. It comes at a very cheap price, as well. Click here to learn more and to book.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: Royal Retreat Villas Lembongan is a beautiful beachfront accommodation kitted out with a restaurant, free WiFi and a dining area. People can stay in rustic huts, and there is a swimming pool on site. It’s great value for money – click through for more information.
  • Luxury Hotel: Sammada Hotel & Beach Club has an infinity pool which overlooks Nusa Lembongan’s beach, has free WiFi and has air-conditioned rooms with all the facilities that you would expect in a luxury hotel. There is a pool and restaurant on site. Click here to read more.

Nusa Penida – the best place to stay in Bali for local life

If you’re keen to stay somewhere that’s a bit more off the beaten track than Nusa Lembongan, with fewer tourists and more adventure, I’d recommend checking out Nusa Penida. A local driver can take you around to all of the best parts of the island, including Angel’s Billabong and Kelingkling Beach. People also self-drive with a motorbike, but due to the condition of the roads I’d only recommend you do this if you have experience.

If you’re an adventurous family with older kids or couple, you’ll enjoy Nusa Penida and all the activities that it offers. If you’re a solo traveller, you might find Nusa Penida a bit tricky as you’ll need to either ride a bike or hire a car to get around, and there aren’t many hostels to meet other backpackers.

Where to stay in Nusa Penida

  • Hostel: Nuansa Penida Hostel is family owned and offers spacious dorms with comfy bunks, as well as a chilled-out swimming pool area. Click here for rates and to reserve.
  • Guesthouse: Dragonfly Guesthouse is an absolutely lovely family-run place. The owners are really sweet and will do anything to make your stay more comfortable, and the rooms are self-contained huts and have outdoor showers. Breakfast is included and delicious. Click here for more information.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: Situated close to Crystal Bay, Puri Penida Cottage has rooms located in rustic huts, rooms with double beds, and friendly hosts. Click here to reserve your spot or read more information.
  • Luxury Hotel: Pandawa Beach Resort and Spa Luxury is one of the best resorts in Nusa Penida, featuring a pool with ocean views, spa and large, clean, modern rooms. Click here for reviews and to book.

Nusa Dua – the best place to stay in Bali for couples

The place to go if you want luxury hotels in Bali, Nusa Dua is best for a romantic getaway. Living at a much more slower pace than other parts of Bali, Nusa Dua enjoys a relaxed vibe but doesn’t have a huge amount of things to do. If you want to chill out, spend your days on the beach or enjoying your resort, Nusa Dua is a great option.

With plenty of 5* hotels, Nusa Dua is the perfect place for some pampering. As it is close to the Nusa Islands, it can be combined with a trip to these places – that makes a holiday with both relaxing and adventurous elements.

Where to stay in Nusa Dua

  • Hostel: One of the only hostels in Nusa Dua is House of D16. It’s famous for being a place where people stay for a short time, and then extend their stays for much longer! It is surrounded by Nusa Dua’s best beaches, and has friendly hosts who foster a family atmosphere within the hostel. Click here for rates and to reserve your spot.
  • Guesthouse: OYO 912 Pondok Garden Bali Residence is a great budget place to stay in Nusa Dua, with a pool, garden area and room service being offered. Rooms are modern and bright. Click here for more information.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: Enjoying a beachfront location, Bali Relaxing Resort and Spa has a restaurant, bar and spa. Rooms are clean and contemporary with huge beds and natural lights. Click here for more information and to book.
  • Luxury Hotel: One of the best luxury resorts in Nusa Dua is INAYA Putri Bali. With a fantastic pool complex, a private beach area, and some rooms with private pool access, others with roll-top baths, this is a wonderful place to stay in Nusa Dua. Click here for more information or to reserve your spot.

Uluwatu – the best place to stay in Bali for surfing

Famed as Bali’s surf capital, and located in the very south of the island, Uluwatu is the best place to stay in Bali for surfers. It’s also perfect if you just want a kind of ‘flop by the pool/ beach’ kind of holiday, making it popular with travellers of all age groups.

It’s a bit quieter than places like Seminyak and Kuta, but is great for exploring the beaches. There is also the wonderful Uluwatu temple, where you can enjoy Kekuk Fire Performances and see lots of monkeys in their natural habitat – which is one of the most ethical ways to see animals in Bali.

Where to stay in Uluwatu

  • Hostel: Karma Backpacker House is located in the centre of Uluwatu, near 12 of its amazing beaches. They offer scooter rental and a beach shuttle. The dorms are a bit basic, but clean and comfortable, and the main draw of the hostel is how social it is. A communal dinner is offered and everyone feels like family. Click here for more information.
  • Guesthouse: Uluwatu Jungle Villa has airy rooms with comfortable beds, centered around a pool and garden. There is a restaurant on-site and the staff are wonderfully accommodation. Click here to book.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: The Uluwatu Breeze Village is a lovely spot to stay (and is very very affordable for what you get!). I stayed here at the start of my Bali to London overland trip and definitely struggled to leave after! You get your own air-conditioned hut with an outdoor bathroom and deluxe double bed with a princess-style mosquito net. There’s a pool and restaurant on site. Click here for rates and more information.
  • Luxury Hotel: One of the most luxurious places to stay in Bali is the Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort, which has infinity pools overlooking the sea, a spa, restaurant, bar and gym, and tastefully decorated rooms with ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Click here for more information and rates.

Lovina – the best place to stay in North Bali

If you’re wanting to discover the wildness of North Bali, but to stay somewhere accessible, Lovina is a good option. It’s a popular place to go dolphin watching , but I have read many blog posts noting how the tours offered aren’t ethical.

Nonetheless, there are still a few fun things to do in Lovina, including visiting its many temples, seeing the contrasting villages of North Bali (very different to the south!), and a whole load of beautiful waterfalls. It’s one of the best places to stay in North Bali, an area which sees far fewer visitors than the south.

Where to stay in Lovina

  • Hostel:  Lovina Central Hostel is located in the heart of the town, and offers SCUBA diving, as well as tours around North Bali. The rooms are bright and each bed is kitted with mosquito nets, and the owner is lovely. Click here for more information and to reserve your place.
  • Guesthouse: Offering budget rates, Hotel Suma has a pool and traditional rooms kitted out with modern amenities. Click here for more information.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: 1000 Dream Bungalow has clean, Balinese-style rooms with outdoor bathrooms and a pool. Every bungalow has a private terrace and seating area, and the atmosphere is very peaceful and tranquil, being a family-run place. Click here for more information and to reserve.
  • Luxury Hotel: Lovina Beach Club and Resort has an outdoor pool with whirlpool, a spa and an on-site restaurant. The pool overlooks the beautiful seafront, and each room is furnished well in an elegant style. Click here to read more and to book.

Bali Barat National Park – the best place to stay in Bali for nature

Bali Barat National Park is a great off the beaten path place to enjoy in Bali. Most hotels aren’t in the park but are in Banyuwedang, a nearby area in the north of the island. If you’re planning to visit Java (highlights include the blue flames of Ijen volcano and Bromo National Park), Banyuwedang and Bali Barat National Park are a good stop off, as the ferry leaves from Banyuwedang and you can take a bus from Denpasar to here.

Where to stay in Bali Barat National Park

  • Hostel: There aren’t many hostels in the area, but Menjangan Hostel is a great hostel/ budget guesthouse. It is very basic, but has really cheap rates and decent reviews. Click here to read more about it.
  • Guesthouse: Hobbit’s House Homestay has rustic, charismatic rooms set in huts, with four poster beds and mosquito nets. The pool is surrounded with lush greenery and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the local area. Click here for more information.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: For a mid-range place to stay, Mimpi Resort Menjangan is in a great position for Bali Barat National Park; some of the scenery makes it seem like it is within the jungle itself. The bedrooms are luxurious and spacious, and most have semi-outdoor bathrooms. Click here to read more and to reserve. 
  • Luxury Hotel: The Plataran Menjangan Resort and Spa is a fantastic place to unwind after exploring the national park. You can stay in villas, which have four-poster beds and lounge areas, roll-top baths and overlook the national park and the ocean. Click here to read more.

Amed – the best place to stay in Bali for local living

If you’re down with the Ubud vibes but want somewhere a bit quieter, with less tourists and more local life, check out Ahmed. Overtourism is a big issue in Bali, and staying somewhere like Ahmed that doesn’t see so many tourists is a great way to spread tourism income while not being too much for any one area.

Where to stay in Amed

  • Hostel: Black Sand Hostel is right in the centre of the town, with all of its attractions in a short walking distance. It has a beautiful view of Mount Agung, and has breakfast included in the price. The dorms are quite large, but clean and cheap. Click here to reserve your spot.
  • Guesthouse: Mango 5 Hotel is a great, authentic little guesthouse in Amed focused around a pool, with five rooms in bungalows. It’s close to the beach and to Amed’s shops. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: In a rustic, jungle atmosphere with spacious rooms with four-poster beds, Santai Hotel has deluxe rooms in rustic huts. There is a spa and pool on site. Click here to read more about it.
  • Luxury Hotel: Blue Moon Villas Resort has large, traditional rooms with four-poster beds and other typically Balinese features. The property looks out onto the beach and has a restaurant and bar on site. Click here for more information.

Sanur – the best place to stay in Bali for families

Sanur is a quieter spot, generally used as the jumping off point for the Nusa Islands. Nonetheless, it’s got restaurants and bars, and a beautiful beach, and is also one of the best places in Bali for snorkelling. Because of its quieter nature, it’s probably the best place to stay in Bali with kids.

Sanur is popular with travellers who are heading to/ from the airport and want to avoid busy Kuta. It’s also a nice, alternative place to check out if you’re on your way to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida.

Where to stay in Sanur

  • Hostel: Blind Dog Inn is a nice, social hostel in Sanur, named so because of its resident pet – a blind dog named Spot who says hello to everyone. The rooms are basic but clean, and it has a pool. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.
  • Guesthouse: Duyung Homestay has a small pool, clean rooms and friendly staff. Breakfast is offered and can be accommodated for different dietary requirements. Click here to read more information about it. 
  • Mid-Range Hotel: Kama Village by Nakula has charismatic rooms with large beds and lovely furnishings, a pool in the centre of the resort, room service and it offers breakfast. It is a new hotel, but is already very popular with reviews on Booking – click here to read them.
  • Luxury Hotel: Kejora Suites has wonderful modern and unique rooms with beautiful decor and tasteful art by local creators – the rooms have semi-outdoor bathrooms and the pool is lined by trees. It is a quiet spot but also very close to the beaches and town centre. Click here for more information.

The Best Areas to Stay in Bali

And there you have it, the best places to stay in Bali for each budget and travel style! If you are in Bali for over a week, I would recommend checking a few of these locations out – you can see my Bali itinerary for 2-3 weeks to see how you can fit some of these together.

Check Out My Other Bali Blog Posts

I’ve written a few blog posts to help you travel to Bali – and be a sustainable traveller while there!

And the rest from South East Asia!

Are you planning a longer South East Asia trip? Here are some great resources!

And there are more to come – stay updated on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube for more information!

I travelled from Bali to London without flying – you can see my Bali vlog here.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! Drop me a comment and let me know where you ended up staying! 🙂 

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