Where to Stay in Bali: Best Areas & Hotels (Insider’s Tips for 2024)

best places to stay in bali

Bali, the ‘Island of the Gods,’ is a much larger and more diverse island than most people imagine. Every area and beach has a different vibe, so deciding where to stay in Bali is a really important part of planning your trip that can make or break your vacation.

The huge amount of accommodation in Bali can make it overwhelming to choose, so hopefully my tips on all the different beaches, areas and recommendations for the best places to stay in Bali will help!

I’ve been lucky enough to live in Bali and explore all over this enchanting island many times. So I have been able to check out all the best places in Bali and can give you all the tips you need to help you plan your trip.

In this blog post I’ll cover all the best areas to stay in Bali and give some recommendations for the best hotels in Bali to suit all budgets. From 5 star beach resorts and luxury private pool villas in the rice fields to affordable homestays and budget hotels and hostels you will be spoilt for choice!

As well as helping you decide where to stay in Bali, I’ll also include some of the most essential Bali travel tips you need to plan your holiday.

An Insider’s Guide to Where to Stay in Bali

anna bali rice terraces ubud

Why I Love Bali

Bali is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth and one of my all time favourite places. If you love beaches and lush tropical nature, surfing and yoga, and are interested in the unique culture and spiritualty of ‘the island of the Gods‘ then I think you’ll love Bali as much as I do.

The Balinese people are some of the sweetest people I’ve ever meet and the rich culture, traditions and spirituality that permeates the island is one of the things that makes visiting Bali so enchanting.

Bali has some truly stunning luxury hotels and resorts so the skies the limit if you’re looking to treat yourself. It’s also an amazing value for money and one of the most affordable destinations in the world. Your money will go so much further on a holiday in Bali than in Europe, America or Australia.

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The best places to stay in Bali pin

Bali Accommodation Options

There’s certainly no shortage of accommodation in Bali to suit all budgets, from some of the world’s finest luxury hotels and resorts to very affordable budget hotels. There are over 6000 Bali hotels so you really are spoilt for choice!

Much of Bali’s accommodation is infused with the traditional Balinese design and architecture that makes the island so unique and nestled in tropical greenery.

Whatever accommodation you choose, rest assured that everywhere in Bali is beautiful – even the budget hotels, homestays and backpacker hostels are gorgeous! Just make sure you choose a hotel in the right area!

swimming pool overlooking the beach in bali

The Best Locations to Stay in Bali

Choosing the location of your stay in Bali is one of the important parts of planning your holiday, but with so many different areas and so many hotels in Bali it can feel overwhelming, especially for first timers.

From gorgeous beaches to tropical jungles, verdant rice terraces and mystical temples – the different areas of Bali all have a unique appeal, offer different experiences and suit different types of travellers, so you need to do a bit of research to find the best place to stay in Bali to suit you.

Whether you’re looking for great surfing and buzzing nightlife, to have your own ‘Eat Pray Love‘ experience at a relaxing spa and yoga retreat, a romantic honeymoon or couples trip or an action and adventure packed family holiday – you can find it all in Bali!

However, it can take longer than you might think to get around the island as it’s quite large and the public transportation isn’t great so you’ll need to hire a motorbike or a car and driver.

So make sure you choose a hotel that’s near the things you want to see and do in Bali as the traffic in south Bali can get pretty congested around the popular tourist attractions in peak season and you don’t want to waste your holiday sitting in traffic!

resort pool overlooking rice paddies in ubud bali

The Best Beaches and Areas to Stay in Bali

Before you choose where to stay in Bali and book your hotel you need to think about which beach or area of Bali you want to base yourself in, then you can find the perfect hotel or place to stay there.

To help you I’ll cover the best beaches, neighbourhoods and areas to stay in Bali so you can get to know more about each place and figure out if you want to include it in your Bali itinerary.

To help you get your bearings and know where these areas are located I made this map of Bali.

Map of Areas in Bali

map of bali's main tourist areas

There’s no shortage of beautiful places and beaches in Bali. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing wellness retreat in the jungle or to surf and party on the beaches – you’ll find it all in Bali!

Some of the most popular places to stay in Bali are located on the beaches in south Bali like Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Canggu. These beaches are close to the airport and home to the biggest range of hotels as well as the best beach clubs, sunsets, surf, nightlife and shopping. Sanur Beach on the south west coast is also a good choice for a quieter beach holiday.

The Bukit Peninsula, south of the airport, is where you’ll find Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Ulu Watu. These areas are good for families and couples and are home to some of the best luxury hotels and beach resorts.

Inland Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of the island with beautiful temples, lush rice paddies and rice terraces, blissful yoga retreats, spas and the sacred monkey forest.

five elements resort puri ahimsa one of the best places to stay in ubud

East and North Bali offer an escape from it all with black sand beaches and views of Mount Agung. For an island escape head to the Nusa Islands or the Gili Islands.

Every area of Bali has a different vibe and will appeal to different people so choose your location carefully – you don’t want to stay in Ubud if you want to surf or party on the beach, and you don’t want to stay in Kuta if you’re looking for a peaceful yoga or spa retreat.

For the perfect Bali holiday I would recommend staying in a few different areas, spending some time on the beaches and also a staying a few days in Ubud to have a taste of the best that Bali has to offer all in one trip!

Also make some time to stay on one of the islands near Bali like Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida (only 30 minutes from Sanur) and the 3 tiny tropical paradise Gili Islands which are about 2-3 hours away and technically are actually in Lombok) but well worth the trip.

If you want to get more off the beaten track and explore Bali’s neighbouring island of Lombok check out this guide on where to stay in Lombok.

boat over to nusa lembongan island in bali

The Best Places To Stay in Bali: Top Hotels in Each Area

To make it easier for you to decide here’s a quick rundown of the best locations to stay in Bali, depending on your interest and who you are visiting Bali with.

I’ll describe the areas in more detail later in the post and give recommendations for some of the best hotels in Bali for each.

  • My Favourite Places to Stay in Bali – Ubud, Canggu, Ulu Watu, Nusa Lembongan,
  • Best Beaches in Bali – Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Legian,
  • Best for First Time – Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud
  • Best for Couples & Honeymoon – Ubud, Nusa Dua, Ulu Watu, Jimbaran,
  • Best for Luxury – Seminyak, Ubud, Nusa Dua, Ulu Watu
  • Best for Family – Nusa Dua, Sanur, Ubud, Jimbaran
  • Best for Nightlife – Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu
  • Best for Yoga – Ubud, Canggu, Ulu Watu
  • Best for Surfing – Kuta, Canggu, Ulu Watu,
  • Best for Digital Nomads – Canggu, Ubud
  • Best for Budget Travellers & Backpackers – Kuta, Canggu, Ubud
  • Best for an Island Escape – Nusa Lembongan, Gili Air
  • Best for Views – Ulu Watu, Ubud

The Kayon Jungle Resort

To help you decide where to stay in Bali here’s all the best beaches and areas with hotel recommendations for each ranging from budget to luxury.

Regarding budget categories for Bali hotels, accommodation I’ve listed as budget is usually under $50. Mid Range is between $50 – $150 and luxury is over $150 per night. As prices can change depending on the season and demand I’ve provided links to Booking.com so you can check the current prices for your dates and to read reviews.

If you find this article useful and want to book the Bali hotels I recommend through these links I can earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you which helps me to keep traveling and creating useful and unbiased travel guides like this so thank you! 🙂 

South West Bali – Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Canggu

The long, wide beaches of South West Bali are the busiest and most popular places to stay in Bali with the largest range of attractions and accommodation options.

Kuta, Legian and Seminyak all offer long, wide beaches and mesmerising sunsets in close proximity to the airport. Home to the best beach bars, restaurants, nightclubs and beach clubs in Bali, all within walking distance, it’s the best area to stay in Bali for nightlife.

It’s hard to tell where one area ends and the other begins but, generally speaking, Kuta beach is the busiest, most budget friendly end and things get more chilled and more upmarket the closer you are to Seminyak beach.

This areas is the best place to stay in Bali for those who want to be in the heart of all the action and there’s accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes, including the biggest range of cheap hotels in Bali.

anna with surf board on kuta beach, bali

Kuta and Legian  – Great for Nightlife and Budget Travellers

Kuta beach and Legian beach are great areas to stay in Bali for party people and budget travellers who want to be close to all the nightlife and attractions including Waterbom Bali, a large water park with many fun slides and pools, and Discovery Shopping Mall.

Kuta beach is also a great spot to learn how to surf and is home to some of the best backpackers hostels and cheapest hotels in Bali. Mid range hotels in this area often have a rooftop pool to relax in and you will be withing walking distance to many bars and nightclubs. It’s a great place to stay for young groups of friends but not ideal for those who want a peaceful holiday.

Best Hotels in Kuta and Legian

Luxury: Bintang Bali Resort5 star beachfront Balinese resort in a peaceful but super convenient location with tropical gardens, a beautiful pool, spa and many eateries.

Mid Range: Grand Barong Resort – Modern 4 star hotel in the centre of Kuta with multiple pools close to the shopping malls, nightlife and beach.

Budget: Da’Housetel Kuta Popular backpacker hostel with a really friendly atmosphere and free dinners! There’s dorms, private rooms, a small pool, live music every other night

colourful beanbag beach club on seminyak beach, bali

Seminyak – Great for Luxury and Stylish Beach Clubs

Seminyak beach is more upmarket than Kuta and still offers wide beaches, amazing sunsets and plenty of things to do. Seminyak has a huge choice of mid range hotels and luxury resorts and is home to famous beach clubs including Potato Head Beach Club and Ku De Ta.

Watch the sunset on Double Six Beach from a colourful beanbag at one of the trendy beach bars like La Plancha, browse the boutiques, relax in the spas and indulge on food from around the world at the great restaurants. Seminyak offers a mix of relaxation, luxury, and fun, making it one of the most popular places to stay in Bali.

Best Hotels in Seminyak

Luxury: The Oberoi Beach Resort – Stunning 5 star beach front resort and spa with beautiful Balinese architecture spread across 15 acres of tropical gardens on a quiet part of Seminyak beach

Mid Range: Bali Agung Village Resort – Beautiful resort with a large swimming pool tucked away in a peaceful, lush oasis within walking distance to Double Six Beach.

Budget: The Aswana Seminyak – Great value for money stylish budget hotel with comfy rooms and a small pool with a convenient location for everything in Seminyak.

Canggu – Great for Surfers and Digital Nomads

Canggu Beach, just north of Seminyak, is has become one of the most popular places to stay in Bali for surfers and digital nomads with a mixture of beaches, rice fields and plenty of trendy cafes.

Echo Beach is a popular surf and sunset spot while Batu Bolong offers a more chilled out alternative. Canggu is also home to Finns Beach Club – regarded as one of the best in the world.

The plethora of trendy cafes, yoga studios and coworking spaces make the area a hotspot for digital nomads and it’s also close to the mesmerising Tanah Lot temple.

Accommodation in Canggu ranges from hostels to mid range hotels and villas. Due to Canggu’s recent rise in popularity, make sure you book your accommodation in advance.

Best Hotels in Canggu

Luxury: COMO Uma Canggu – New contemporary luxury hotel with spacious rooms and great views over Batu Balong beach. Best location in Canggu and home to a cool beach club too.

Mid Range: Calmtree Bungalows – Cute rustic bungalow resort with outdoor bathrooms and nice pool in the middle of Canggu.

Budget: Kos One Hostel – The most stylish hostels I’ve ever seen with comfy dorms and private rooms and a sociable scene by the pool. Loved the food and the swim up pool bar. Great location too close to both Batu Bolong and Echo Beach.

South East Bali – Sanur

boats on sanur beach bali

Sanur – Peaceful Beach for Families and Older Couples

On the east coast of Bali, laidback Sanur Beach offers a more peaceful alternative to the busy beach resorts around Kuta and attracts more families and older visitors.  The water is a lot calmer here and the beach promenade makes for a nice, relaxing seaside stroll.

Sanur is close to the airport and has a good range of accommodation options and restaurants to suit all budgets but a limited nightlife scene so it’s more peaceful at night.

Being on the east coast also means that you do miss out on those fabulous Bali sunsets. Still, Sanur is a great place to stay in Bali for those who want a quiet, relaxing and affordable beach holiday.

Sanur is also close to family friendly attractions like Bali Zoo, Bali Bird Park, Bali Safari Park and Taman Nusa Cultural Park and the abandoned Taman Festival theme park.

Sanur beach is where boats leave from to Nusa Lembongan and the Gilis. You can book your boat in advance online with 12 Go Asia.

Best Hotels in Sanur

Luxury: Tandjung Sari Hotel – Beautiful Balinese style boutique resort on Sanur beach front with a variety of spacious bungalows and villas, all uniquely and authentically decorated. The large pool, beach front restaurant and traditional Balinese dance performances are a highlight.

Mid Range: The 1O1 Bali Oasis SanurModern mid range hotel surrounded by a lagoon pool in the centre of Sanur’s main street making it easy to access the beach and all restaurants and shops.

Budget: Kembali Lagi Guesthouse – Lovely family run guesthouse resort with a pool in the heart of Sanur with an easy walk to the beach.

The Bukit Peninsula – Nusa Dua, Jimbaran Bay and Ulu Watu

sunset view over balangan beach bukit peninsula bali

The rugged Bukit Peninsula is where you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches, epic surf breaks, stunning cliff views, the famous Ulu Watu temple and some of the best luxury hotels in Bali.

Located at the southern tip of the island within close proximity to the airport, the Bukit is one of the best places in Bali for couples and families seeking a luxury holiday.

You’ll also find plenty of surfers and a growing yoga and digital nomad scene in Ulu Watu.

nusa dua beach and resorts

Nusa Dua – Calm Water and Luxury Resorts for Families and Honeymooners

The calm sea and white sand beach of Nusa Dua and Benoa Bay are home to some of the very best beach resorts in Bali. Nusa Dua is one of the best places to stay in Bali for families, couples and honeymooners looking for a relaxing luxury holiday within easy access of the airport.

Benoa Bay is popular for water sports while Nusa Dua is home to the posh Bali Collection shopping mall and some of the most luxurious hotels and exclusive beach resorts in Bali but you can still find some more affordable hotels too.

The only downside is you don’t catch the sunset on this side, but the stunning cliff views on the other side of the Bukit Peninsula are within easy reach.

Best Resorts in Nusa Dua

Luxury: The St Regis Resort – Unparalleled luxury right on the beach of Nusa Dua at one of Bali’s very best 5 star resorts with a private beach. Sumptuous luxury villas have private pools and the rate also includes airport transfers in a limousine.

Mid Range: Melia Bali – Fantastic beachfront resort with a lagoon pool, 5 restaurants, private beach and loads of included activities including a good kids club. Great for a family holiday.

Budget: Green D’Mel Homestay – New upscale homestay in a central location with clean, comfortable rooms and a nice swimming pool.

bali resort at sunset

Jimbaran – Sunsets, Seafood BBQs and Luxury Resorts

Jimbaran Bay is one of the very best beaches in Bali and is famous for the romantic seafood BBQ restaurants on the beach and the spectacular sunsets.

Accommodation in Jimbaran is mostly high end and luxury hotels and its another great choice for families and couples who want a relaxing beach holiday without having to travel too far from the airport.

Best Resorts in Jimbaran

Luxury: Four Seasons – Impeccable luxury resort on the cliffs of beautiful Jimbaran Bay. One of the very best Bali resorts with spacious luxury villas with private pools, outstanding service and a private beach club.

Mid Range: Le Meridien – Incredible beach front resort with an amazing saltwater lagoon, skybar and rooftop infinity pool.

Budget: Bali Bobo Hostelfriendly luxe hostel with a plunge pool and wonderful hosts. Read my full review of Bali Bobo.

Sunset at Ulu Watu, Bali

Ulu Watu – Stunning Cliff Views, Luxury Resorts and Epic Surf

Ulu Watu includes the area around the Ulu Watu Temple and the south west of the Bukit peninsula. This rugged area is where you’ll find stunning cliff side resorts, epic surf and sunset views.

There are plenty of beautiful beaches to explore as well including Bingin beach, Balangan beach and Padang Padang. My favourite area to stay is near Bingin Beach because then you’re in the middle of everything and can walk to some places.

The area is quite spread out and, unless you just want to relax and soak up the views from a fancy resort, you’ll need to rent a scooter or motorbike to make the most out of staying in Ulu Watu.

There are many fabulous private luxury villas and resorts perched on the cliffs in Ulu Watu, some with lifts down to their own private beach.

There’s also some mid range and budget accommodation options for surfers and digital nomads, beautiful yoga retreats, healthy cafes and hip boutiques. It’s one of the trendiest places to stay in Bali right now.

Top Accommodation in Ulu Watu

Luxury: Anantara Uluwatu – Contemporary 5 star cliff top luxury resort with amazing views over the ocean from the multi layered infinity pools and a handy lift down the the private beach. All rooms have a hot tub or private pool on the balcony, some with sea views. There’s a variety of gourmet restaurants and activities like yoga and Balinese dance classes in case the stunning views get boring!

Mid Range: Gravity Boutique Hotel – Stunning rustic chic adults only hotel in a central location. The pool areas overlooking the jungle are particulary stunning and the staff will go out their way to meet your every need.

Budget: Tregge Surf Camp – Great value simple but comfortable en-suite cottages with AC and hot water in a tropical garden. Located a short drive from all the beaches and surf spots and you can rent a scooter from the amazing hosts.

Inland Bali – Ubud

Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud, Bali

Ubud – Best for Nature, Culture, Yoga and Wellness

Ubud is Bali’s cultural, spiritual and artistic hub, a small town in Bali’s central highlands surrounded by stunning, gorgeous, green rice paddies and temples that was featured in the film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’.

Ubud is the best place to stay in Bali to immerse yourself in Balinese culture and spirituality. Ubud is one of the world’s top yoga hotspots with incredible yoga and wellness retreats, spas and amazing raw vegan cafes. It’s where you’ll find the famous Yoga Barn and a popular place to do a yoga teacher training course.

While staying in Ubud you can also visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, beautiful Balinese temples, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Goa Gajah, the elephant cave, and Tirta Empal, a holy water temple.

There’s a huge range of hotels and accommodation options in Ubud, from budget friendly family homestays to private pool villas and luxury resorts with infinity pools overlooking the rice fields like the famous Four Seasons Sayan

Best Hotels in Ubud

Luxury: Kayon Jungle Resort – Amazing 5 star resort in a peaceful location north of Ubud near the famous Tegallalang rice terraces. The spacious suites have views overlooking the jungle and some have private pools. The spa and triple layered infinity pool are also spectacular.

Mid Range: Adiwana Resort Jembawan – Gorgeous, modern, 4 star hotel in the best location tucked away in tropical greenery yet within walking distance to everything in Ubud. There’s 2 pools where you can enjoy a floating breakfast surrounded by nature, elegant rooms, a spa, yoga classes and healthy cafe.

Budget: Ubud Aura RetreatThis beautiful Balinese resort is amazing value and located on a quiet street near the Yoga Barn.

Read More: The best things to do in Ubud and an in-depth guide on the best places to stay in Ubud and The best yoga retreats in Ubud.

water palace in bali

Off The Beaten Track Places to Stay in Bali

Now I’ve covered the most popular places and main tourist destinations I want to give you some suggestions of where to stay in Bali if you want to escape the crowds.

Whether you fancy escaping to a tropical island or heading deep into the jungle to be immersed in the nature and authentic Balinese culture there are still plenty of hidden gems in Bali where you can feel like you are exploring off the tourist trail.

Despite Bali’s popularity, it’s still easy to escape the crowds – the far west of Bali is home to West Bali National Park and is still pretty much unexplored by tourists.

If you still want plenty of things to do and nice places to stay off the beaten track then just head to the north coast or east coast for the best of both worlds.

North Bali – Munduk

lake and volcanoes in north bali

There’s plenty to see for nature lovers in North Bali including stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, rice fields, temples.

Whether you want to trek to hidden waterfalls, go white water rafting, visit some of Bali’s holiest temples, climb Mount Batur at sunrise or scuba dive, you won’t get bored exploring Bali off the beaten track.

One of the most famous and most picturesque temples in Bali, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, is situated on the shores of Lake Bratan.

The best place to stay near Bratan temple is Munduk, a charming mountain village in the lush jungle highlands of Northern Bali where you’ll find some of Bali’s best waterfalls, charming homestays and new luxurious plantation escapes.

Made Oka Homestay is a great budget family run hotel with stunning views, a lovely warung and within walking distance of 4 waterfall treks. Or for a luxurious stay immersed in nature you can’t get better than the new Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort and Spa.

East Bali – Candidasa and Amed

views of mount agung from amed
In East Bali you’ll find the town of Gianyar, one of the most authentic Balinese towns that is close to attractions like the Bali Safari and Marine park and Taman Nusa Cultural Centre. Staying at the Mara River Safari Lodge is like being in Africa with animals roaming around outside your room!

Pura Besakih, the most important “Mother Temple” located on the slopes of Mount Agung and Taman Tirta Gangga, a beautiful water palace. Pura Lempuyang and the insta famous ‘Gates of Heaven’ are one of the most beautiful sites in Bali but are super crowded. We had to wait for 3 hours to get a photo!

Candidasa is the main beach resort in East Bali. The beach isn’t great but Candidasa makes a good base from which to explore the temples, culture and traditional Balinese villages on Bali’s more authentic East Coast and it’s not so far to travel as Amed.

For East Bali my favourite area to stay in Amed, a collection of laidback beach villages with black sand beaches, views of Mount Agung and great snorkeling and scuba diving. There’s even some shipwrecks you can explore while diving.

I loved Vienna Beach Resort – It’s a great value hotel located right on Lipah beach where you can snorkel the coral reef right from the beach in front of the hotel. Also check out the quirky Blue Earth Village – an arty bamboo yoga resort with stunning views of Mount Agung, a yummy healthy cafe and variety of yoga classes.

Islands Near Bali – The Nusa Islands and The Gili Islands

The Nusa Islands

Just a 30 minute boat ride away from Sanur are the three Nusa Islands – Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Cenningan and Nusa Penida which offer a tropical island escape. You can book your boat online in advance with 12 Go Asia.

Nusa Lembongan, Bali
Nusa Lembongan, Bali

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Lembongan is the closest island to Bali and feels more relaxed than the mainland. It’s one of my favorite places in Bali.

The island is home to many beautiful beaches, scenic viewpoints and a mangrove forest. There’s plenty of things to do in Nusa Lembongan from surfing to snorkeling or just exploring the natural beauty.

Jungutbatu Beach has the biggest range of accommodation options and eateries and is the best place to stay on Nusa Lembongan and there’s also some smaller coves with beautiful resorts perfect for a relaxing island getaway.

A cute little yellow bridge connects to tiny Nusa Ceningan so you can easily explore both if you rent a scooter. Make sure to visit the Blue Lagoon in Nusa Ceningan. It’s also easy to take a day trip to Nusa Penida from here.

Best Accommodation on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

Luxury: Aqua Nusa – New luxury private pool villas perched on the island’s best panoramic viewpoint just up from Jungutbatu beach. They offer a free shuttle down to Ohana beach club.

Budget: Nyuh Gading Homestay – Great hostel and homestay with dorms, private rooms and a small courtyard pool on Jungutbatu beach.

t rex nusa pendia bali

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is the largest island and is home to some of Bali’s most stunning natural sights. KelingKing Beach has a famous rock formation that looks like a T-Rex and Diamond Beach where you’ll find the treehouse made famous on instagram.

The island is still mostly undeveloped although many hotels have been built recently so it’s a great place to stay to be immersed in nature and get away from it all.

Be aware that most hotels in Nusa Penida are in remote locations so you will need to hire a scooter to make the most of the experience but the attractions are spread out and the roads are still pretty bad so getting around takes time.

Top Accommodation on Nusa Penida

Luxury: Atalaya Villas – Beautiful intimate boho chic villas and suites (some with private pools) surrounded by nature with incredible sunset views over the jungle from the infinity pool.

Budget: Ruji Ananta Cottages – Peaceful, small jungle resort of comfortable wooden cottages around a pool. Located not too far from the port but a lovely escape in nature within walking distance to Crystal Bay Beach.

The Gili Islands

boat in the sea off gili air indonesia

These three tiny islands are actually part of neighbouring Lombok but are a popular and easy trip from Bali. The Gili islands all have great beaches, snorkeling and diving but each island has a slightly different vibe, so choose the one that suits you best.

Once a backpacker paradise there is now an increasing array of accommodation options on the islands suitable for all budgets. There is no motorized transport on any of the islands but you can get around on horse carts or bicycles or you can walk around the islands in less than a hour. You can book your boat in advance online with 12 Go Asia.

horse cart in the gili islands indonesia

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan (usually referred to as Gili T) is the largest, most developed and busiest of the three islands and has become known as quite a party island with a vibrant nightlife and lively beach bars.

Best Hotels on Gili Trawangan

Luxury: Pearl of Trawangan – The best hotel on Gili T is this beautiful new 4 star beachfront resort near the harbour with stunning bamboo architecture and a variety of rooms including cute lumbung beach cottages.

Budget: Jati Village Party Hostel – Dorms and private bungalows around a pool with sociable vibes, family dinners, bar games and plenty of new friends to enjoy Gili T’s nightlife with.

gili meno ariel photo

Gili Meno

Gili Meno is the quietest and most relaxed of all the three islands offering a peaceful tropical island escape best suited for couples. Avoid staying on the west side of the island as you might be disturbed by the music from the parties on Gili Trawangan.

Best Hotels on Gili Meno

Luxury: Meno House –  undoubtedly the best place to stay in Gili Meno with elegant villas and a sublime pool located on the beachfront. The adults only resort offers free snorkel hire so you can explore the underwater world of the coral reef right in front of the hotel.

Budget: Fantastic Cottages – simple but homely rooms and restaurant with wonderful hosts conveniently located near the harbour.

gili air island, indonesia

Gili Air

Gili Air offers a middle ground – not too busy and noisy but with plenty of facilities and things to do and is my favourite island.

The beaches on the South East side are my favorite with soft white sand and clear turquoise water perfect for snorkelling and views over to Lombok.

Best Hotels on Gili Air

Luxury: Pink Coco – Stylish new boutique beach front resort with amazing sunsets and attention to detail. Yes it is all pink but very tastefully done!

Budget: Zipp Bungalows – cute, affordable resort with wooden bungalows, a pool and lively beachfront restaurant located on the best beach in Gili Air.

anna walking through rice fields in ubud bali

Tips for Planning a Trip to Bali

So now you know all about the different places to stay in Bali here’s some more essential travel tips you need to know when planning a holiday in Bali like when to visit, how to get there and how many days to spend.

The Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali is a tropical island so it’s warm all year round with the temperature being between 28°C and 32°C or 82°F to 90°F all year round but the more mountainous areas, like Ubud, feel slightly cooler.

There are two distinct seasons in Bali that you should know about and take into account when planning your trip. Bali’s dry season generally runs from April – September and is the best time to visit for beach days, sunbathing, hiking, diving and most outdoor activities. The dry season is the main tourist season with July and August being the busiest, peak tourism months.

Bali’s wet season is from November to March with the frequent tropical downpours that give Bali is luscious, tropical, greenery. The wet season is a good time to visit Bali to escape the crowds, and find the best hotel deals and enjoy cheaper prices at the spas and luxury resorts. Some areas like East and North are not so wet, whereas areas like Ubud see the most rain. Christmas and New Year are also busy times.

My favourite time to be in Bali is the shoulder seasons in April and May and September and October. It may be a little hot and humid and you experience a short downpour but it shouldn’t ruin your trip and you’ll get to enjoy all Bali has to offer while avoiding the peak season crowds and prices.

Bali is a popular surf destination with many world class breaks and fun surf camps. Experienced surfers can surf all year round and enjoy the bigger swells in the rainy season but beginner surfers will be better off visiting Bali in the dry season.

How Many Days to Spend in Bali – A Quick Bali Itinerary

When planning your Bali itinerary you’ll need to decide how many days to spend in Bali. You could spend a month in Bali and not see it all but I know most people don’t have so much vacation time.

If you’re coming from Europe or America then I’d recommend allowing at least 2 weeks for your Bali holiday. One of the best things about Bali is it’s diversity – because each area has a different vibe to get the most out of your holiday to Bali I’d recommend staying in at least 2 different places – by the beach and in Ubud.

My perfect Bali itinerary could be to spend 10 days in Bali – 3 days relaxing on the beach or surfing, 3 days soaking up the culture, spirituality and nature staying at a yoga retreat in Ubud and 3 days on one of the islands. You could also break up the journey with a few days stopover in Singapore on your way to, or from, Bali!

Here’s my perfect 2 week Bali itinerary – a combination of surfing in Canggu, yoga in Ubud and relaxing on the island of Nusa Lembongan.

rice terraces in north bali

Getting to Bali

Bali is a long way from Europe and America but just a short hop from Australia. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) also known as Denpasar International Airport is very close to Kuta beaches and is Bali’s only airport.

There are not many direct flights from Europe or North America to Bali but there are frequent connections Asian hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok and also with Australia and the Middle East. Check Skyscanner to find the best routes and deals.

To reach Bali from Europe or America you’ll probably have to fly to one of these cities and then change so why not break the journey and have a few days stopover and explore somewhere like Singapore on the way.

Once you arrive, walk to the right as you exit the airport and get a fixed-rate coupon for an official taxi.

Visas for Bali

Most nationalities can get a 30 day Visa on Arrival at the airport which costs USD35. This can be paid in cash in several major currencies or by card. You can extend the visa by a further 30 days by visiting the immigration office in Denpasar.

balinese people going to the temple

Getting Around Bali

Public Transport

There isn’t really a proper bus or public transport system in Bali. The locals use Bemos (mini buses) to get between the villages but the schedules are erratic and it would be a complicated and time consuming way to get across the island.

>Perama Tour and Kura-Kura Bus are tourist shuttle bus services that operate daily between the popular tourist areas of Bali. You can see routes and book tickets on 12 Go Asia. 

Tours and Excursions

One of the easiest ways to see all of Bali’s attractions is on a day tours, excursion or activity that includes transport in the package. There’s even a popular Bali Instagram tour that takes you too all the best photo spots. From day trips to Nusa Penida to trekking up Mount Batur at sunrise, there’s too many activities to mention here, the best way to see what’s available, check reviews and book is on Viator.

Taxis and Private Drivers

Blue Bird Taxis are the most reputable taxi service in Bali and now there is also Gojek – an online taxi and motorbike taxi app (like Uber) that works in the most developed areas of Bali and is a cheap, safe and convenient way to get around. At first, some areas of Bali didn’t like people using Gojek but I haven’t had any problems with it recently. They can also deliver food or groceries to you.

If you really want to explore all Bali has to offer the best way to to rent a scooter, motorbike or car, or hire a car and driver to get around. Bali’s roads are narrow and windy and traffic jams and congestion are common around the popular tourist areas in peak season. This is another reason why it’s important to plan where to stay carefully – so you don’t spend all your time sitting in traffic!

Hiring a private driver is not expensive in Bali and is a good way to do a day’s sightseeing if you don’t want to drive yourself or join a tour as you get the freedom to go wherever you want on your schedule. If you want the contact for my lovely driver just email me

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Bali

I hope after reading this post you feel like you know more about the different beaches, areas and hotels in Bali and that it’s helped you to decide on the best place to stay for you.

If you’re still not sure where to stay in Bali I highly recommend trying a couple of different areas if you have time. That way you get to experience both the beaches and the gorgeous inland areas like Ubud for the best taste of all that beautiful Bali has to offer.

I hope you found this guide to the best places to stay in Bali useful! If you need more tips for planning your trip to Bali check out my other blog posts and travel guides:

 

 

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5 comments

Johagavanna Dreschler April 6, 2017 at 12:02 pm

Wonderful post! Thanks.

Reply
Anna April 9, 2017 at 7:11 am

Thank you, hope it was helpful for you 🙂

Reply
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