Where To Stay In Bali In 2023 – Ultimate Guide by Local Expats

Bali can be a true paradise if you only know where to seek it. This post is an ultimate guide to where to stay in Bali, written by the local expats. We live in Bali and can offer you up-to-date insider knowledge on the best places to stay in Bali, whether you’re a first-timer or a forever Bali fan. 

Bali is renowned for its lush rice fields and mighty volcanos that dominate its landscape, unspoiled beaches and epic waterfalls. 

The island, however, it’s not all about nature. Here, you can also find fancy beach clubs, Michelin-starred restaurants and all sorts of unique hotels – from bamboo houses and traditional Balinese huts to boutique and 5-star luxury resorts. The choice is really infinite!

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Where To Stay In Bali In A Nutshell 

Where is the best place to stay in Bali? Well, the answer to this question varies depending on your expectations and the length of your Bali vacation. If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, this section will give you a quick idea of the best areas in Bali and what’s unique about them.  

Map Of Best Places To Stay In Bali

Below is a map of the best places to stay in Bali, Indonesia. Click anywhere on the map to access the interactive version. 

Where To Stay Bali – Table

Here is a table summarising all the best locations to stay in Bali.

Town	Who Is It Best For?	Why Stay?	Best Hotel	More
Uluwatu	First-timers	Beaches, surfing	Gravity Boutique Hotel	Uluwatu Hotels
Ubud	First-timers	Culture, yoga	The Kayon Jungle Resort	Ubud Hotels
Canggu	First-timers	Backpackers, surf, digital nomads, nightlife	ZIN Canggu Resort & Villas	Canggu Hotels
Seminyak	Couples	Luxury, food, shopping, surf	The Colony Hotel	Seminyak Hotels
Jimbaran	Couples, families	Swimming beach, seafood,	La Cabane	Jimbaran Hotels
Kuta	Couples	Great hotel deals, surf	Tribe Bali Kuta Beach	Kuta Hotels
Nusa Dua	Families	Luxury resorts, private beaches	Holiday Inn Resort Bali	Nusa Dua Hotels
Sanur	Families, mature couples	Budget accommodation	Bebek Cottages Sanur	Sanur Hotels
Munduk	Off beaten track	Eco-luxury, trekking, waterfalls, coffee	Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas	Munduk Hotels
Sidemen	Off beaten track	Eco-luxury, bamboo houses, authentic Bali	Samanvaya Luxury Hotel & Spa	Sidemen Hotels
Kintamani	Off beaten track	Mt Batur hikes, lake views	Batur Panorama	Kintamani Hotels
Amed	Off beaten track	Black beach, snorkelling, Gili Islands	Villa Adi	Amed Hotels
Lovina	Off beaten track	Black beach, dolphines	Lilin Lovina Beach Hotel	Lovina Hotels
Nusa Penida	Beach lovers	Epic sceneries, Instagram-famous spots	Adiwana Warnakali Resort	Nusa Penida Hotels
Nusa Lembongan	Beach lovers	Swimming beach, slow island life	The Acala Shri Sedana	Nusa Lembongan Hotels

Where To Stay In Bali For First Timers   

Uluwatu – Bali Best Area To Stay For BEACH & COUPLES

Uluwatu is the best place to stay in Bali for first-timers who enjoy being close to the beach. It boasts an excellent range of hotels, from budget and boutique-style to luxury accommodation. 

This part of the island boasts the best beaches in Bali, from famous beaches such as Padang Padang to hidden gems such as Nyang Nyang. 

You will also find world-renowned surf spots, incredible beach clubs, modern cafes, excellent restaurants, and traditional Balinese warungs.

TIP | During the rainy season – October to March, Uluwatu experiences the best, most sunny weather. 

Uluwatu Bali – Location

Uluwatu sits in the southernmost part of the island, called Bukit Peninsula, a one-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It neighbours Nusa Dua from the east and Jimbaran from the north. 

Things To Do In Uluwatu

• Visit the best Uluwatu beaches – Bingin Beach, Melasti Beach & Balangan Beach.
• Enjoy sunset cocktails at one of the Uluwatu beach clubs – El Cabron, Palmilla Bali or Savaya Bali. 
• Watch the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset.
• Take a surfing class on Padang Padang Beach.
• Watch professional surfers ripping through the waves from Single Fin Bali (Suluban Beach).  
• Eat at the fabulous Ulu cafes: Ours Bali, Gooseberry, Suka Espresso, Nourish and Drifter Surf Shop Cafe. 
• Learn more about the Balinese culture at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.
• Find your paradise at one of the off-beaten track beaches such as Nyang Nyang, Green Bowl or Pandawa Beach.

Staying in Uluwatu Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Uluwatu

Ubud – Best Bali Place To Stay For YOGA, NATURE & CULTURE

Ubud is the best location to stay in Bali for yoga and nature enthusiasts boasting excellent yoga parlours and sustainable boutique hotels. If you want to experience Bali’s spiritual side, you should spend a few days here. 

Ubud is also a great place to base yourself for exploring the North, chasing waterfalls and for those wanting to hike the Mt Batur volcano. 

What was just a small village inhabited by the locals today is a bustling town boasting excellent tourist infrastructure. Ubud may no longer be a hidden gem, but the town still offers a unique experience and a taste of authentic Bali, steps away from its centre. 

Ubud Bali – Location 

Surrounded by lush rice paddies and jungle, Ubud sits in the centre of the island. Here are distances to some of the most important points of interest on the island:

Things To Do In Ubud

• Explore Ubud town: Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple of lotus. 
• Shop for handmade souvenirs at Ubud Market. 
• Go on a scenic walk along the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
• Meander through the monkey sanctuary (Ubud Monkey Forest).
• Visit the lush Tegalalang Rice Fields.
• Chase the nearby waterfalls: Suwat, Tibumana & Kanto Lampo waterfalls.
• Take part in the water purification ceremony at Pura Tirta Empul. 
• Take a yoga or cooking class. 
• Go on a sunrise hike to Mt Batur.
• Have a few cocktails at the iconic Lazy Cats Cafe.

Staying in Ubud Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Ubud

Canggu – Best Place In Bali To Stay For BACKPACKERS, SURFERS & DIGITAL NOMADS

Canggu is the heart of digital nomads’ life on the island, home to aspiring content creators, influencers and start-up entrepreneurs. If you dream of becoming a digital nomad, Canggu is the perfect place for you to get inspired. Here, you will find people on their laptops in every cafe, a wide range of coworking spaces and gyms. 

Canggu has also become the best part of Bali for backpackers boasting many viby hostels, a bustling nightlife scene and cheap places to eat. Before the events of 2020/ 2021, Kuta was the backpacker’s paradise, but now everyone comes to Canggu!

It is also one of the best places to stay in Bali for solo female travellers. There is even a Facebook group exclusively for girls in Canggu that can connect and go together on adventures, meet for sunset walks or go out.    

Canggu Bali – Location 

Surprisingly, Canggu is located quite centrally, neighbouring Seminyak on the east side. 

Things To Do In Canggu

• Eat your way through Canggu in its many incredible cafes! Some of the best ones include Doppio, Cinta Cafe, Coach Cafe and Copenhagen.
• Take a surf class at Batu Balong Beach.
• Have a fresh coconut on the beach.
• Visit Tanah Lot Temple at sunset.
• Go out! Luigis on Mondays, Taco Tuesdays at Lola’s, Fridays at Black Sand Brewery and Friday beach party at Sand Bar. 
• Visit the Sunday farmer’s market in La Brisa. 
• Shop sustainable Bali brands such as Amalfi Moon, Cove, ELCE, Stella and Above the Clouds & Kohei for men’s fashion.
• Spend a day in style at Finn’s beach club. 

Staying in Canggu Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Canggu

Where To Stay In Bali For Couples

Seminyak – Top Place To Stay In Bali For LUXURY STAYS

If you’re after more of a holiday vibe coupled with a boutique luxury stay and an excellent range of restaurants and shops, choose Seminyak. Staying here will feel more like a vacation than in Canggu, where most people work in cafes all day, but it will be much more refined than staying in Kuta. 

Seminyak Beach is also perfect for taking your first surfing classes, and the central location will make it easy to arrange some exciting excursions around the island. 

Seminyak Bali – Location 

Tucked between Canggu and Kuta, Seminyak boasts a central location close to Bali’s main points of interest. 

Things To Do In Seminyak

• Take a surf class on Double Six Beach.
• Visit the Instagrammable spa – Bodyworks. 
• Have a vegan lunch at the iconic KYND Cafe. 
• Get a tattoo! Seminyak boasts many excellent tattoo studios, such as Lumina Tattoo.
• Eat Mexican food at Hotel Mexicola or La Plancha. 
• Go shopping! Seminyak and Canggu are the best places in Bali for shopping. 
• Spend an evening at Potato Head Beach Club or KU DE TA.

Staying in Seminyak Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Seminyak

Jimbaran – Best Area To Stay In Bali For SWIMMING BEACH & SEAFOOD

Jimbaran is another perfect place in Bali where to stay with your other half. It boasts an excellent range of luxury hotels scattered along its 4 km long white sanded beach, perfect for a romantic stay with just the two of you. 

The beach in Jimbaran is highly accessible, so you won’t need to navigate a steep cliff just to get there. The sea is also super gentle, which makes Jimbaran beach the perfect swimming beach. Here, you can rent a standup paddleboard or a kayak and explore the nearby shores. 

In the evenings, the beach comes to life with white-clothed tables of the seafood restaurants, tourists and locals strolling the beach and vendors selling anything from grilled corn to local bakso snacks and colourful toys. 

Jimbaran Bali – Location 

Jimbaran is a small town located right under the island’s airport, close to Kuta, as well as the beaches of Uluwatu. The central location makes Jimbaran the perfect base for exploring the island’s highlights. 

Things To Do In Jimbaran

• Have a romantic sunset dinner at one of the seafood restaurants on the beach.
• Go standup paddle boarding.
• Spend a fun day at Waterbom (in Kuta).
• Enjoy sunset cocktails at the epic Jimbaran’s Rock Bar. 

Staying in Jimbaran Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Jimbaran

Kuta – Currently, ​​Cheapest Place To Stay In Bali

In the past, Kuta was a backpacker’s paradise and a party place, but this has dramatically changed after the events of 2020-2021. As of late 2022, Kuta hasn’t recovered as well as places like Canggu, Seminyak or Uluwatu. And as a result, the “young crowd” much prefers the hipster vibe of Canggu nowadays, while Kuta remains a “traditional tourism” destination. 

Because most travellers prefer other places to stay Bali, many excellent hotels in Kuta offer great deals! 

If you don’t mind staying in a “not so trendy” place, Kuta is the best place to stay in Bali for couples looking for a bargain luxury stay. 

Apart from excellent hotels, Kuta boasts a vast stretch of sandy beach with superb beginner surf breaks and a great selection of restaurants, bars, shops, and various entertainment venues. 

Kuta Bali – Location 

Kuta is located a few kilometres south of Bali’s international airport and neighbours Seminyak in the south and Denpasar in the east. Kuta sits right in the middle of the busiest part of the island, which, as you can imagine, comes with its benefits, such as excellent infrastructure and drawbacks, such as crazy traffic. 

Things To Do In Kuta

• Spend a day at Waterbom Bali.
• Take a surf class. 
• Chil at Kuta Beach.
• Go shopping at Kuta’s many malls, such as Beachwalk.
• Visit Kuta’s  Buddhist Temple – Vihara Dharmayana.
• Watch a traditional show at Kuta Theatre. 

Staying in Kuta Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Kuta

Where To Stay In Bali For Families 

Nusa Dua and Sanur are the two best places to stay in Bali for families, but also consider Jimbaran, which has been reviewed in the section above. 

Nusa Dua –  Where To Stay Bali For SAFE BEACHES & LUXURY RESORTS

Boasting pristine, white-sanded beaches and luxury resorts, Nusa Dusa is hands down the best place to stay in Bali with family seeking a relaxing getaway. If you’re celebrating something special or simply want to treat your loved ones to a stay in one of the best resorts in Bali that offer world-class service, look no further.  

The most luxurious hotels in Nusa Dua are located in a gated community situated along the eastern coast between Benoa and Penisula Island. They feature carefully manicured roads lined with palm trees and an exclusive, pristine beach. The Nusa Dua resorts are also known for being excellent at providing entertainment so that you may never want to leave their grounds!

Nusa Dua Bali – Location

Nusa Dua occupies the eastern part of Bukit Penisula, and it only takes about 20 minutes to get here from the airport. 

Things To Do In Nusa Dua

• Swim, go standup paddleboarding or kayaking.  
• Take a glass-bottom boat and explore the marine life.
• Go shopping at Bali Collection.
• Dine with the whole family at Le Petit Chef. 
• Marvel at the incredible forces of nature at Waterblow.  
• Practise your golf skills at Bali National Golf Club.

Staying in Nusa Dua Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Nusa Dua

Sanur –  Best Place To Stay In Bali For Families ON A BUDGET

If you’re looking for where to stay in Bali with a family when you’re on a budget, Sanur may be the perfect location for you. 

Sanur boasts quiet beaches and a chilled vibe where not much is happening. The accommodation prices are low here and if chilling on a peaceful beach is your kind of perfect, then look no further. With shallow, gentle sea, Sanur beaches are also ideal for kids. 

The port town of Sanur also features a central location, excellent for visiting places like Ubud and Uluwatu. 

Sanur Bali – Location 

You can find Sanur in the southeastern part of Bali, just above Nusa Dua and Benoa. It is also known for being a gateway to visiting Nusa Islands with a port that offers multiple daily connections.

Things To Do In Sanur

• Enjoy a relaxed, small-town vibe.
• Try kitesurfing.
• Watch the sunrise on Sanur Beach.
• Go on a day trip to Nusa Penida.

Staying in Sanur Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Sanur

Off Beaten Track Best Areas To Stay In Bali For Outdoor And Nature Lovers

Munduk – One Of The Best  Places In Bali To Stay For | RICEFIELDS & WATERFALLS

Munduk is one of the best places to stay in Bali, which offers a completely unique experience and even a different, much cooler climate! Munduk is located in the North of Bali, an area that is known for its coffee plantations, breezy weather and excellent hiking opportunities. 

In fact, Balinese that live in the coastal regions of Bali, come to Munduk on vacation to take a break from the hot and humid weather. Munduk boasts some incredible boutique hotels that offer a full immersion into the local nature in the form of eco-friendly accommodation, tours of the local villages and cuisine based on the local produce. 

Munduk Bali – Location

Perched high in the mountains, Munduk is a remote Bali area far from any other towns on the island. 

Things To Do In Munduk

• Visit Munduk Waterfall.
• Take a hike to the lush Munduk rice fields.
• Pay a visit to the picturesque Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple located on the lake.
• Marvel at the incredible Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan.
• Take an Instagram famous photo at the iconic Handara Gate. 
• Visit one of Munduk’s many coffee plantations.  

Staying in Munduk Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Munduk

Sidemen – One Of Bali Best Areas To Stay In For | BAMBOO HOUSES

Situated in a lesser-known part of the island, Sidemen is one of the top places to stay in Bali, Indonesia, for the authentic Balinese vibe. If you want to experience true, non-touristy Bali, visit Sidemen! But do it soon because Sidemen won’t stay off the mainstream tourist radar forever! 

Sidemen is also fantastic for unique bamboo houses! And there is no better way to enjoy the Balinese countryside other than staying in one of the traditional yet luxurious lodgings overlooking rush ricefields and mighty volcanoes.  

This area of Bali does not fall short of the exciting activities that you can undertake, such as hiking, river rafting, swimming in waterfalls and visiting the nearby beaches. 

Sidmemen Bali – Location 

Sidemen is located in the southeast of Bali in the Karangasem district. 

Things To Do In Sidemen

• Go rice fields trekking.
• Visit traditional Balinese villages.
• Swim at the gorgeous Virgin Beach.
• Have a cup of coffee with a view at La Montagne Café.
• Take a refreshing dip at Gembleng Waterfall.

Staying in Sidemen Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Sidemen

Kintamani – Best Area To Stay Bali For | HIKING & VOLCANO VIEWS

Kintamani is mostly known for being home to the most famous Bali volcano – Mt Batur. Here, you can find basic lodges that cater for the avid hikers and outdoor lovers that came to hike the mighty Batur. 

Please know that you don’t have to stay in Kintamani for the sole purpose of taking the Mt Batur hike, as you can take an organised tour from any of the tourist hubs. The tours normally include door-to-door transportation. But if you’re interested in exploring another off-the-beaten-track part of the island, Kintamani is ideal. 

Kintamani Bali – Location 

Kintamani is a remote area of Bali located in the northeast. Here are distances to some of the most popular places to stay in Bali:

Things To Do In Kintamani

• Embark on the iconic sunrise hike of Mt Batur.
• Relax in Kintamani’s hot springs. 
• Visit Pura Ulun Danu Batur Temple. 
• Dine with a view at Montana Del Cafe.
• Admire the panoramic volcano vistas at Pinggan Sunrise View.
• Take a dip at Pelisan Waterfall.    

Staying in Kintamani Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Kintamani

Best Areas In Bali To Stay For Off Beaten Track Beach Stay

In this section, we share four super nice places to stay in Bali for an off-beaten-track experience, perfect for those that enjoy staying by the beach. 

Amed – One Of The Best ​​Bali Places To Stay For | SNORKELLING & BLACK BEACH

Beach enthusiasts looking for unique stays in Bali will love Amed’s striking, black-sanded beaches and charming town that stretches along the coast, right at the foot of the mighty Mt Agung volcano. 

Amed is small but has a great range of midrange hotels that either come with beach access or sit in the hills boasting spectacular ocean views. Here, you can also find a decent selection of seafood restaurants, traditional Balinese warungs and even a couple of western cafes that serve things like smoothie bowls and avo on toast. 

One of the best things to do in Amed is exploring the marine life at the local coral reef or strolling the black sand beach in the late afternoon. Amed is also an excellent base for visiting Easter Bali and is well-connected with the Gili Islands and Lombok. 

Amed Bali – Location 

The town of Amed is perched on the eastern coast of the island, and it takes a bit of effort to get here, but if you’re looking for non-touristy places to stay in Bali on the beach, I promise it will be worth it. 

Things To Do In Amed 

• Go scuba diving or snorkelling in the local reef. 
• Take a boat to Gili Trawangan. 
• Gorge on fresh seafood.
• Visit Tirta Ganga.
• Marvel at the picture-perfect Pura Lempuyang.
• Have a drink at Amed Sunset Point. 

Staying in Amed  Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Amed

Lovina – The Best Place To Stay In Bali For | DOLPHIN WATCHING & WATERFALLS

The quaint town of Lovia is the best place to stay in Bali Indonesia, to see dolphins, which tend to hang out very close to the shore in the early morning hours. 

Apart from the dolphins and unique black sand beaches, there is not much else happening in Lovina, which makes it the perfect place where to stay in Bali Indonesia, for a relaxing and off-the-grid gateway. You can find here family-owned midrange hotels and restaurants. 

And, if you’re willing to drive a few kilometres away from the coast, you will find incredible waterfalls that not many tourists visit!

Lovina Bali – Location

Things To Do In Lovina

• Take a sunrise boat tour and spot Lovina’s dolphins!
• Laze on the beach.
• Visit the nearby waterfalls: Sekumpul, Git Git, Aling Aling and Singsing. 

Staying in Lovina Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Lovina

Nusa Penida – One Of The Top Places To Stay In Bali For INSTAGRAM FAMOUS BEACHES

Nusa Penida is by far one of the coolest places to stay in Bali, where we love to keep coming back! If you’re an explorer and want to be blown away by the scenic views and beaches out of this world, then make sure you include Nusa Penida in your Bali itinerary! 

While most visitors come to Nusa Penida on a day trip, we can’t recommend enough staying for at least 1-2 nights. 

Since the photos of the T-rex-shaped coast (Kelingking Beach) blew up on Social Media, Nusa Penida is the new hot spot to visit, not only for the avid Instagrammer! 

It boasts a great range of hotels for all budgets and traditional local eateries. On the island’s northern and northeastern coast, you can even find more modern hipster cafes and small beach clubs.   

Nusa Penida Bali – Location

Nusa Penida is a small island located a 45-minute boat ride from the shores of Bali island. The best place to catch a lift to Nusa Island is Saur Port. 

Things To Do In Nusa Penida

• Visit the Instagram-famous Kelingking Beach.
• Swim with manta rays.
• Hike down to the epic Diamond Beach.
• Spend a lazy beach day on Atuh Beach or Crystal Bay Beach.
• Marvel at the Broken Beach & Angels Billabong. 
• Drive through the iconic Teletubbies Hills. 

Staying in Nusa Penida Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Nusa Penida

Nusa Lembongan – Where To Stay In Bali For BEACHES & ISLAND LIFE

It may not be the most popular place to stay in Bali, which is the whole point, but Nusa Lembongan boasts incredible beaches and is remote enough to provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the main Bali vacation spots. 

Our favourite area to stay on Nusa Lembongan is Jungut Batu Beach overlooking the incredible volcano. Other areas include Mushroom Bay Beach and Dream Beach. 

The best part of staying on Lembongan is its island life vibe, which is friendly and chilled, and its beaches, which are much better for swimming than on Nusa Penida. 

And surprisingly, here you can find an excellent range of hotels, including a few luxury resorts and private villas with incredible ocean views, as well as excellent beachfront restaurants, healthy food cafes and bars. 

Nusa Lembongan Bali – Location

Nusa Lembongan is one of the three Nusa IsIands (Penida, Lembongan & Ceningan) located a few minutes boat ride from its larger and more visited sister island – Nusa Penida. 

Things To Do In Lembongan

• Chill on Jungut Batu Beach.
• Go surfing.
• Take a boat through the Mangrove Forest.
• Cross the iconic Yellow Bridge.
• Visit Nusa Ceningan.
• Enjoy a beach day at Indiana Kenanga Beach Club.
• Marvel at the Devil’s Tear.

Staying in Nusa Lembongan Pros & Cons

Best Hotels in Nusa Lembongan

WHERE TO STAY IN BALI? FAQ