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Where to Stay in Bali

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By Shelley Pigram


Bali is way more than just beaches and Bintang beer – it’s a diverse island filled with lush jungles, cultural landmarks, surf towns, wellness retreats and fun nightlife. With so much to explore and so much diversity, choosing where to stay in Bali can sometimes be a bit overwhelming!

Read on for my guide to where to stay in Bali, to help you get the most out of your time on the Island of the Gods.

Seminyak – best for upscale beach vibes

If you’re into stylish beach clubs, trendy cafés and restaurants, boutique shopping and luxury hotels, Seminyak is the place to stay in Bali. It offers a more polished and refined version of Bali’s beach scene, as well as some of the best sunsets on the island!


Highlights:

• Potato Head Beach Club and KU DE TA

• Boutique shopping on Jalan Kayu Aya

• World-class dining and sunset cocktails


TF's top hotel pick: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali


The pool at the Alila Seminyak in Bali

Canggu – best for surfers and a laid-back vibe

Canggu has become Bali’s creative and bohemian hub. With a laid-back surf culture and a buzzing digital nomad community, it’s a good choice for where to stay in Bali if you’re looking to combine work, waves and wellness.


Highlights:

• Surf-friendly beaches like Echo and Batu Bolong

• Hip cafés

• Yoga studios and co-working spaces


A surfer at sunset in Canggu, Bali

Ubud – best for culture, nature and wellness

For lush jungles, ancient temples, and a slower pace of life, Ubud is a great choice for where to stay in Bali to experience the island's cultural heart. It’s an absolute haven for artists, yogis and wellness seekers.


Highlights:

• Tegallalang rice terraces

• Monkey forest, spiritual temples, yoga retreats and healing centres

• Incredible tranquil hotels.


TF's top hotel pick: Maya Ubud


Gunnung Anung and the rice fields, near Ubud at dawn, Bali, Indonesia

Uluwatu – best for cliffside views and surf

Perched atop dramatic limestone cliffs, Uluwatu is famous for epic sunsets and a more relaxed yet exclusive vibe. It’s also home to some of Bali’s most luxurious resorts.


Highlights:

• Uluwatu Temple

• Padang Padang and Bingin Beaches

• Cliffside resorts and beach clubs like Sundays and Savaya


Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali

Kuta – best for budget travel and nightlife

Once Bali’s ultimate tourism hotspot, Kuta still draws travellers looking for affordable stays and a buzzing nightlife scene. It’s chaotic, energetic, and is a good choice for where to stay in Bali if you want to be close to the airport.


Highlights:

• Cheap eats and bars

• Lively clubs and beach parties

• Kuta Beach for beginner’s surf lessons


Kuta in Bali

Sanur – best for families and a chill beach scene

If you’re wondering where to stay in Bali if you’re looking for a quieter and more traditional experience, than look no further than Sanur on the east coast. It’s ideal for travellers looking for a calm atmosphere, safe swimming beaches, and easy access to Nusa islands.


Highlights:

• Calm waters and beachfront paths

• Family-friendly resorts

• Gateway to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan


TF's top hotel pick: Maya Sanur


Beach in Sanur, Bali

Nusa Dua – best for high end resort hotels and comfort

Nusa Dua is Bali’s purpose-built resort area offering luxury hotels, manicured beaches, and a peaceful, safe environment. It’s where to stay in Bali if you’re looking for a worry-free holiday.


Highlights:

• Private beaches

• Luxury resorts

• Golf courses and spas


Aerial view of the Nusa Dua Resort in Bali

Lombok - best for getting away from it all

Neighbouring the island of Bali, Lombok is a relaxed and relatively undisturbed island comprised of lush forests, and coffee, rice, and coconut fields. For the beach lovers, unwind on the striking stretches of golden and black sands and snorkel among the Gili Island's world-renowned coral reefs.


Highlights:

• Excellent snorkelling and diving

• Exploring the Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air)

• Beautiful beaches


TF's top hotel pick: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok


Boats anchored on the Gili Rengit beach at Lombok, Indonesia

For more inspiration, take a look at our Bali Holidays pages.

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Written by Shelley Pigram

Shelley is Trailfinders' Website Performance Lead, based in our head office in Kensington. Shelley has worked at Trailfinders since 2007 and has travelled to 41 countries. Her favourite destinations include Bali, Spain and New York City.

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