Where to Stay in Bali 🇮🇩: 10 Best Places to Stay in Bali in 2024

Updated on April 13, 2024
by Alex Miller

With its pristine beaches, ancient temples, lush jungles, and rich culture, the Indonesian island of Bali has become a premier tropical destination. As tourism has boomed in recent decades, the options for accommodations have grown exponentially. From luxurious cliffside resorts to humble homestays and villas nestled in the rice paddies, Bali offers a wide range of lodging to suit different tastes and budgets.

In this article, we’ll explore the top areas to stay in Bali for an authentic, relaxing, and memorable visit. Whether you’re looking for an beachside bungalow on the Bukit Peninsula, a suite at one of Seminyak’s stylish hotels, or a secluded villa overlooking the rice terraces of Ubud, you’re sure to find accommodations to match your style and preferences. We’ll outline the highlights, advantages, and drawbacks of Bali’s most popular destinations for travelers.

Remember: Bali is a very touristy place and accommodation prices can be high, especially during peak season. My advice is to always book accommodation in advance to have more choices and, most importantly, to find the best deals.

5 Best Places to Stay in Bali: Quick Overview

💎 Best to experience the culture Ubud
🍷 Where to stay for luxury Seminyak
🏖 Best for beach vacations Canggu
🍸 Best for nightlife Kuta
👪 Best for families Nusa Dua

Best Hotels in Bali

Best Areas to Stay in Bali on the Map

1. Ubud – Best Area in Bali for Art and Culture Lovers

💃Culture hub: Nestled in the lush highlands of central Bali, Ubud is a haven for art, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud offers visitors a window into traditional Balinese life, with its ornate temples, vibrant festivals, and skilled artisans.

🙏 Sacred sites: For first-timers, Ubud’s Palace and central market are must-see attractions. The palace, called Puri Saren Agung, dates back to the 1800s and features intricate carvings and architecture. Meanwhile, the bustling Ubud Market offers colorful textiles, handmade crafts, and fragrant spice stalls.

🐒 Monkey around: The neighborhood centers around Monkey Forest Road, a busy pedestrian street lined with art galleries, boutiques, and charming cafes. Just steps away, the lush Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary provides encounters with playful macaques amidst ancient temples and giant banyan trees.

🚴‍♂️ Explore: When it comes to getting around, Ubud is very walkable, with many key sites located within a short strolling distance. Visitors can also easily rent bicycles or scooters to explore further afield to paddy fields, villages, and the Botanic Garden.

Puri Saren Agung
Puri Saren Agung
Puri Saren Agung
Puri Saren Agung
Puri Saren Agung
Puri Saren Agung
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Puri Saren Agung
Puri Saren Agung

🔮 Cultural immersion: From peaceful yoga retreats to cooking classes and cultural performances, Ubud offers endless opportunities to experience Balinese traditions and connect with locals. As the island’s arts hub, you can watch masters creating batik fabrics, playing the gamelan, or carving intricate woodworks.

With its rich culture, refined arts, and serene setting, Ubud offers the memorable Bali experience. The neighborhood strikes a balance between tourist amenities and an authentic village charm. For first-time visitors or return travelers, Ubud is an essential stop.

All hotels in Ubud →

Where to Stay in Ubud?

Expensive hotels:

Medium price range:

  • Sri Ratih Cottages, CHSE Certified – cozy cottages in a tropical garden near the center of Ubud.
  • Ubud Village Hotel – Balinese-style hotel in the middle of rice fields, offering rooms with jungle or temple views and traditional Indonesian cuisine.
  • Ananda Ubud Resort – A hillside resort hotel with spacious rooms, pools and restaurants specializing in local and international cuisine.

Inexpensive hotels:

  • Santun Homestay – A small family-run hotel with a cozy atmosphere and home-cooked food at reasonable prices.
  • Candra Asri Bungalow – An eco-hotel of bamboo bungalows in a picturesque tropical garden near the city center.
  • Shindu Home Stay – Simple and clean rooms in a traditional Balinese house, friendly staff, quiet and peaceful environment.

2. Seminyak – Where to Stay in Bali for Luxury

🌴 Island charm: The hip and happening neighborhood of Seminyak is a must-visit for any first-time traveler to this exotic Indonesian island.

🚶‍♂️ Upscale strolls: Located just north of the popular beaches of Kuta and Legian, Seminyak offers a more upscale and sophisticated vibe than its rowdier southern neighbors. Getting around is a breeze, as the area is compact and walkable, with the endless rows of high-end shops, restaurants, and beach clubs concentrated around Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Laksmana.

🏖 Golden sands: Though Seminyak has exploded into one of Bali’s trendiest locales in recent years, it manages to retain a laidback island charm. Spend your days basking on the golden sand beach lined with swaying palms, indulging in a soothing beachfront massage, or catching waves at one of the beginner-friendly breaks.

🍳 Tasty bites: When hunger calls, Seminyak boasts some of the island’s most sophisticated dining. Trendy cafes serve smoothie bowls and avocado toast, while upscale restaurants dish up everything from freshly caught seafood to exotic Balinese specialties.

Seminyak
Seminyak
Seminyak, Bali
Seminyak, Bali
Seminyak
Seminyak
Seminyak, Bali
Seminyak, Bali
Seminyak
Seminyak
Seminyak, Bali
Seminyak, Bali

🥂Endless nights: And of course, no trip to Bali would be complete without joining the hundreds of revelers that flock to Seminyak’s legendary beach clubs. Sip colorful cocktails and dance under the stars until the wee hours of the morning.

Whether you seek serenity or stimulation during your Bali escape, the neighborhood of Seminyak offers the perfect blend of both.

All hotels in Seminyak →

Where to Stay in Seminyak?

Expensive hotels:

Medium price range:

  • Montigo Resorts Seminyak – A modern-style resort hotel with spacious rooms, pools and good service.
  • Royal Samaja Villas – Traditional Balinese style villas with pools and tropical gardens in a secluded area.
  • Lloyd's Inn Bali – A boutique hotel with minimalist design offering rooms with private pools at a reasonable price.

3. Canggu – Some of the Best Sand Beaches in Bali

🌊 Surfer’s paradise: Canggu is a hip surfer town known for its bohemian vibe, wave-riding beaches, and lush green rice paddies. Though just a short drive from the bustling city center of Kuta, Canggu feels worlds away with its laidback atmosphere and serene natural surroundings.

🚲 Breezy vibes: Getting around Canggu is a breeze, with most attractions concentrated along Batu Bolong Beach Road. Rent a motorbike or bicycle and cruise along this pretty palm-lined street to experience Canggu’s coolest cafes, yoga studios, boutiques, and beach clubs. Or stroll by foot to take in the sights at a more leisurely pace.

🏄‍♂️ Epic waves: Canggu’s pristine beaches are a big draw, especially for surfing. Old Man’s Beach is a popular spot to hang ten or just watch the pros catch waves. Berawa Beach is great for beginners, with smaller swells.

🛍️ Bohemian shops: When you need a break from the sun, check out Canggu’s many trendy shops and boutiques selling handmade jewelry, funky fashion, and unique homewares. Stop for a fresh juice or smoothie at one of the area’s adorable cafes and health-conscious eateries. Or relax with a yoga class surrounded by rice fields at places like The Practice or Serenity.

🍹 Beach bars: As the sun sets, Canggu comes alive with lively beach clubs and bars overlooking the ocean. Sip cocktails barefoot in the sand or dance the night away at spots like Old Man’s or Finns Beach Club.

With so much natural beauty, cool hangouts, and friendly vibes, it’s no wonder Canggu is a favorite of free-spirited travelers looking to escape the ordinary.

All hotels in Canggu →

Where to Stay in Canggu?

Expensive hotels:

  • Ametis Villa – a chic private villa with its own pool and panoramic views of the rice paddies.
  • La Reserve 1785 Canggu Beach – A fashionable premium beach resort with exquisite interiors and first-class service.
  • Hotel Tugu Bali – a legendary colonial-style boutique hotel with a unique atmosphere and antique furniture.

Medium price range:

  • Amandaya Canggu – modern eco-style apartments close to the beach, ideal for families.
  • Shore Amora Canggu – A cozy hotel 300 meters from the beach with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool.
  • Papillon Umalas Villas – mid-range tropical-style villas with private pools and good service.

Inexpensive hotels:

  • Sunkiest House Canggu – simple and inexpensive rooms near the beach, suitable for budget travelers.
  • Dewani Villa Resort – A small cozy mid-range resort with friendly staff and reasonable prices.
  • Rhythm & Rumble – A hostel with minimalist design and a friendly atmosphere for young people.

4. Kuta – Ideal Place for Surfers & Party Lovers

🐬 Top beaches: Kuta is one of Bali’s most famous beach resort areas. Conveniently situated just 5 km from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, Kuta offers visitors easy access to the island’s best beaches, restaurants, shops and nightlife entertainment.

🏖️ Lively shoreline: The expansive sandy stretch of Kuta Beach provides gorgeous ocean views and prime surfing conditions that originally put Kuta on the map in the 1960s. However, overdevelopment has unfortunately diminished the area’s natural charm. Still, beachgoers enjoy sunbathing, people watching and mingling with the many vendors strolling by.

🛒 Shopper’s respite: Beachwalk Shopping Center, across from the beach, offers air conditioning and respite from the heat with its variety of international chain stores and restaurants. Poppies Lane is a popular street filled with souvenir stands, tattoo parlors and affordable local eateries. Also don’t miss the nightly cultural performances held at Kuta Square.

🗺 Easy to navigate: Getting around Kuta is incredibly convenient since the streets are laid out in a grid pattern. Metered taxis can be hailed along the main streets, and locals also rent motorbikes out by the hour for those daring enough to join the chaotic traffic flow.

Beachwalk in Kuta
Beachwalk in Kuta
Beachwalk in Kuta
Beachwalk in Kuta
Beachwalk in Kuta
Beachwalk in Kuta
Beachwalk in Kuta

Overall, Kuta offers nonstop action from morning to night for travelers seeking a lively base from which to explore Bali’s treasures. While lacking in serenity, convenience and excitement are Kuta’s calling cards.

All hotels in Kuta →

Where to Stay in Kuta?

Expensive hotels:

  • Alaya Dedaun Kuta – a fashionable resort hotel with exquisite design located near Kuta beach.
  • The Stones Hotel – a luxury Marriott beachfront hotel in the heart of Kuta.
  • Hard Rock Hotel Bali – a popular Hard Rock themed hotel with developed infrastructure and entertainment.

Medium price range:

Inexpensive hotels:

  • H-ostel Bali – A minimalist hostel with shared kitchens and lounge areas, offers reasonably priced accommodation.
  • Swiss-Belhotel Tuban – A simple and inexpensive Swiss-Belhotel near the airport.
  • Genta House – a guest house with traditional Balinese decor and friendly service.

5. Nusa Dua – Where to Stay in Bali for Families

🌴 Tropical haven: Nusa Dua is a premier beachfront resort area known for its beautiful white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and scenic landscapes. Despite its secluded location, Nusa Dua offers easy access to many of Bali’s top attractions.

💎 Luxe stays: The heart of Nusa Dua centers around a collection of huge 5-star resorts, like The Laguna and Grand Hyatt. These family-friendly mega-resorts feature massive swimming pools, fine dining restaurants, golf courses, and huge spas filled with Balinese massage and beauty treatments.

🏐 Active holidays: Just outside the resorts, the tree-lined coastal streets of Nusa Dua are ideal for scenic morning runs or bike rides. Long paved walking paths connect many of the resorts. The beaches have calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and watersports like jet skiing and snorkeling over colorful reefs.

🛍️ Shop & dine: While more secluded than popular areas like Seminyak and Kuta, Nusa Dua still offers plenty of shopping and dining options in its small village center.

🚖 Well-connected: Many iconic Balinese attractions are also easily accessible from here, such as the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, which is a 45-minute drive away. The international Ngurah Rai Airport is only about 13 km from Nusa Dua as well.

Thus, Nusa Dua is one of the best beach resorts on the island and will be a great choice for a family vacation.

All hotels in Nusa Dua →

Where to Stay in Nusa Dua?

Expensive hotels:

  • The St. Regis Bali Resort – a luxury resort with chic villas, excellent service and gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean.
  • The Royal Santrian – an elegant premium beach resort with spacious colonial-style rooms and fine Indonesian cuisine.
  • Grand Hyatt Bali – an upscale resort hotel with beachfront villas, a luxurious spa and tropical garden pools.

Mid-range price range:

Inexpensive hotels:

  • Allia Residence – A guest house with cozy rooms and apartments, located near the beach, suitable for budget holidays.
  • Frangipani Homestay – A small family-run mini-hotel with friendly staff and traditional Balinese hospitality.
  • D'Mell Bali – A simple and inexpensive hotel in a quiet location at a reasonable price.

6. Uluwatu – Bali Itinerary through the Famous Temple

🏞 Scenic sanctuary: Known for its breathtaking cliff top temples and world-class surfing, Uluwatu offers visitors a unique look at the natural and spiritual side of Bali.

🏛️ Cliffside marvel: The star attraction of Uluwatu is the ancient Uluwatu Temple, dramatically perched on top of steep sea cliffs over 230 feet above the Indian Ocean. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the temple is an architectural marvel, with traditional Balinese Hindu shrines set against a backdrop of sweeping ocean views. First-time visitors will appreciate the temple’s location, far removed from the bustling beach towns, allowing for a serene experience.

🏄‍♂️ Surfer’s paradise: In addition to the temple, Uluwatu is also home to some of the best surfing spots in Bali, including Padang Padang Beach and Suluban Beach. With its exposed reefs and consistent waves, Uluwatu offers world-class surf suitable for beginners and experts alike.

🚌 Very convenient: Getting around Uluwatu is relatively easy, with reasonably priced transportation options to take visitors between the cliffside temple, nearby beaches, and other destinations across the peninsula.

🍛 Tasty treats: Small warungs and local restaurants dot the coastal roads, offering cheap and tasty Indonesian fare. While accommodation options are limited, a few boutique hotels and rental villas provide scenic stays.

With its striking natural scenery, important spiritual site, and excellent surfing, Uluwatu is a can’t-miss part of Bali.

All hotels in Uluwatu →

Where to Stay in Uluwatu?

Expensive hotels:

  • The Asa Maia – a luxury beach resort with chic villas, a private beach and top-notch service.
  • Ulu Cliffhouse – A modern boho-style hotel with panoramic ocean views, a rooftop pool and friendly staff.
  • Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort – A fashionable cliffside resort with stunning ocean views, excellent service and spacious villas.

Medium price range:

Inexpensive hotels:

7. Bedugul – Area with the Most Scenic Views

🌄 Great views: Bedugul is a picturesque region known for its stunning natural scenery. Located quite far from tourist centers, Bedugul offers a peaceful respite from the bustling south.

💧 Sacred waters: The heart of Bedugul is Lake Bratan, a gorgeous crater lake framed by verdant hills. Surrounding the serene waters you’ll find the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, an important Hindu water temple complex dating back to the 17th century. With its thatched roofs and distinctive meru towers, it’s one of Bali’s most photographed sights.

🥬 Farmland: The mild climate, abundant rainfall and rich volcanic soil makes Bedugul ideal for growing produce. You’ll find expansive flower farms harvesting masses of roses, orchids and gerberas. There are also abundant strawberry fields, coffee plantations and vegetable patches sprouting carrots, cabbage and more.

🍜 Local flavors: Just 4 km south lies the peaceful village of Candikuning, home to local restaurants serving simple, tasty Indonesian fare like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (stir-fried noodles), sate (skewered meat), and selections of fresh juices and teas. There are also shops peddling souvenirs, snacks and handicrafts.

🦶 Gentle treks: The area offers some light trekking opportunities as well. An easy 1.5 km nature trail circles Lake Bratan while others lead through villages and rice. For waterfall lovers, Gitgit Waterfall located 10 km north is a stunning two-tiered cascade.

🚘 Flexibility: Reaching Bedugul is about a 90 minute drive from the main tourist centers of Kuta or Ubud. While public buses do service the area, renting a private car or hiring a driver for the day provides the most flexibility for sightseeing at your own pace.

So whether you seek magnificent mountain vistas, outdoor adventure or just quiet escape, spend some time up in Bedugul.

All hotels in Bedugul →

Where to Stay in Bedugul?

Expensive hotels:

  • HOMM Saranam Baturiti – an exclusive boutique hotel with traditional Balinese-style villas located on the slope of Mount Batur volcano with scenic views.
  • Handara Golf & Resort – a luxury golf hotel surrounded by emerald golf courses with excellent service and a wide range of activities.

Medium price range:

  • Pondanu Cabins By The Lake – cozy wooden cottages overlooking the picturesque Lake Batur, suitable for a quiet family vacation.
  • Dedanau Hotel – Comfortable eco-style hotel near Lake Bedugul, offers bungalow accommodation and a variety of water activities.

Inexpensive hotels:

  • Village Above The Clouds – A guesthouse with simple rooms on the slope of Agung Volcano, popular budget accommodation for tourists.
  • Pondok Nyoman – A small family-run hotel with a homely atmosphere and traditional Balinese hospitality at an affordable price.

8. Jimbaran – Calm Relaxation and the Best Bali Seafood

🌅 Rural charm: Nestled along the southern coast of Bali, the laidback neighborhood of Jimbaran offers tourists a serene and authentically local experience. Though not a main tourist hub, Jimbaran provides easy access to Bali’s top attractions like the Uluwatu Temple and renowned beaches while retaining its tranquil village charm.

🙏 Immersive culture: Though undoubtedly sleepy compared to Seminyak and Kuta, Jimbaran charms with its authentic culture. The morning fish markets and quaint temple ceremonies offer immersive local experiences.

🏖️ Sandy resorts: Several luxury beachfront resorts dot the coastline, such as the InterContinental and Four Seasons, though you can also find more affordable hotels set back from the water.

🦞 Famous seafood: The real highlight of Jimbaran is its plethora of ocean-side seafood restaurants, with candlelit tables nestled right in the sand.

🚶‍♂️ Walkable streets: Getting around Jimbaran is delightfully walkable thanks to its compact size and flat terrain. The neighborhood comprises just a few major roads lined with warungs (local eateries), souvenir shops, and beach resorts.

Jimbaran
Jimbaran
Jimbaran
Jimbaran
Jimbaran, Bali
Jimbaran, Bali
Jimbaran, Bali
Jimbaran, Bali
Jimbaran, Bali
Jimbaran, Bali

🧭 Various directions: Venturing east leads to Jimbaran Bay’s famous seafood warungs, where diners feast on freshly grilled seafood while taking in dreamy sunset views. Heading north reaches Tegal Wangi beach, a less crowded alternative to Jimbaran Bay.

For travelers who crave Bali life beyond the usual tourist haunts, Jimbaran satisfies.

All hotels in Jimbaran →

Where to Stay in Jimbaran?

Expensive hotels:

  • Four Seasons Resort Bali – a premium luxury resort with beach villas, a spa and haute cuisine restaurants.
  • AYANA Villas – Luxury villas with private pools and courtyards, perched on a cliff with panoramic ocean views.
  • InterContinental Bali Resort – fashionable beach resort with extensive grounds, pools and restaurants, excellent service.

Medium price range:

Inexpensive hotels:

  • Balangan Inn Surf Homestay – A simple and cozy hostel for surfers, with friendly staff and affordable prices.
  • Kubu Kak Dudung Villas – Affordable family-style guest villas with traditional furnishings and a homely atmosphere.
  • Rebels Point – A hostel with minimalist design, shared kitchens and a convenient location.

9. Munduk – Away from the Hustle and Bustle

🌿 Peaceful village: Munduk is a small village that offers a peaceful respite from the island’s bustling beach towns.

💚 Refreshing views: Located about 1.5 hours from Ubud by car, Munduk sits at an elevation of over 4,000 feet, making the climate refreshingly cool compared to the coasts. Lush green rice terraces cascade down the mountain slopes surrounding Munduk, punctuated by jungle waterfalls that plunge into deep valleys. It’s an incredibly scenic area perfect for nature lovers.

🚶‍♂️ Ideal for trekking: One of the main attractions in Munduk is trekking through the mountain forests and peaks. Numerous hiking trails wind past jungle rivers, traditional villages, and cascading waterfalls like Munduk Waterfall, with its plunging pools perfect for swimming. For those who want a guide, local trekking tours are available.

📸 Picture-perfect: The village itself exudes rustic charm with its simple traditional homes and temple structures nestled into the hillsides. Take pause to snap pictures of the cliff views overlooking Lake Buyan and Tamblingan in the distance. The scenic drive up to Munduk from beaches like Amed is half the fun, passing through clove tree forests and local villages.

Munduk, Bali
Munduk, Bali
Munduk, Bali
Munduk, Bali
Munduk, Bali
Munduk, Bali

🍛 Local cuisine: After working up an appetite, be sure to stop by one of the local restaurants serving up authentic Balinese dishes, like nasi goreng or sate lilit, made from locally sourced ingredients.

It’s best to budget at least two days to relax and immerse yourself in Munduk’s mountain village life. Just be sure to pack a jacket, as the temperatures can get quite chilly at night!

All hotels in Munduk →

Where to Stay in Munduk?

Expensive hotels:

Mid-range hotels:

  • Munduk Sari Resort – A picturesque colonial-style resort with comfortable rooms and pools.
  • Villa Sande – Guest villas amidst gardens with private pools and Jacuzzis.
  • BINTANG MUNDUK – A modern hotel with spacious rooms, pool and restaurant with panoramic views.

Inexpensive hotels and hostels:

  • Taman Ayu Homestay – A cozy family home with traditional interiors and friendly staff.
  • Dong Paloh Hostel – A simple and inexpensive hostel with shared rooms, suitable for budget travelers.
  • Aditya Homestay – A guesthouse with a homely atmosphere and basic amenities.

10. Tulamben – Most Popular Dive Spot in Bali

🌊 Seaside village: Nestled along Bali’s northeastern coast, the small fishing village of Tulamben offers visitors a Balinese experience paired with spectacular underwater sights. Located only an hour’s drive from Candidasa and three hours from the airport in Denpasar, this peaceful locale provides convenient access to Bali’s most iconic dive site.

🌾 Unique atmosphere: As you make your way down the winding mountain road towards Tulamben village, glimpse local farmers tending rice paddies that blanket the countryside. Once in town, take time to explore the unique culture sustained by generations of residents. Hindu temples etched into seaside cliffs pay homage to the gods that protect these shores. Meanwhile, narrow streets lined with small stores and warungs provide guests with essential provisions and a taste of authentic cuisine.

⚓ Wreck dive: However, most venture to Tulamben to witness the underwater wreck of Liberty Glo, a WWII cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942. Having made its final resting place just offshore, the 120-meter vessel serves as an artificial reef, now completely encrusted in vibrant corals and marine life. For certified divers, plunging down into the deeper depths reveals even more spectacular photo opportunities.

🛏️ Quiet stay: While days spent underwater offer the main attraction, Tulamben’s quiet setting provides the perfect respite after each dive. Small family-run losmen along the water’s edge offer basic accommodation and friendly hospitality.

With its laidback vibe, access to amazing aquatic discovery, Tulamben makes for an ideal base to experience Bali’s unique island culture.

All hotels in Tulamben →

Where to Stay in Tulamben?

Expensive hotels:

Medium price range:

Inexpensive hotels:

Where to Stay in Bali for Water Sports?

If you want to enjoy water sports like surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and more during your time in Bali, some of your best options for places to stay are going to be beach towns and coastal areas like:

  • Nusa Dua
  • Seminyak
  • Canggu

Nusa Dua, for example, has crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Many of the resorts there even have dive shops right on site. And you can easily take day trips to go surfing or sea kayaking along other parts of the coastline. Seminyak and Canggu also have vibrant beach scenes as well as waves suitable for surfers of all skill levels.

Wherever you choose, it’s wise to stay as close as possible to the water and ideally pick a hotel or villa that offers water sports equipment rentals or tour packages. That way you’ll have quick access to go paddleboarding or snorkel on a moment’s notice.

FAQs about Resort in Bali

How many days to spend in Bali?

A week in Bali is usually enough time to get a good taste of what the island has to offer. With 7 days you can explore a couple different areas, like the hustle and bustle of Kuta along the southern coast, the rice terraces of Ubud in central Bali, and the cliffs and beaches of the Bukit Peninsula in the south. I’d recommend focusing on 2 or 3 areas instead of trying to see everything in 1 week.

Which part of Bali is most popular?

The most popular areas is definitely the Kuta/Seminyak/Canggu stretch along the southern coast. This area has great beaches, surfing, shops, restaurants and nightlife. Ubud is also extremely popular due to its status as Bali’s cultural and artistic hub. If you want something more off the beaten path, explore east Bali or the northern coastal towns.

What to stay away from in Bali?

In terms of safety, use caution when riding scooters or motorbikes as the roads can be hazardous. It’s also wise to avoid unregulated alcohol like the local arak, as it can contain methanol. And when swimming, stick to beaches protected by lifeguards and beware of strong surf and undertows, especially on the west coast.

Is North or South Bali better?

Most people consider South Bali to be more desirable, as it has better beaches, tourist infrastructure and activities. North Bali is less developed but has its own charms like diving at Menjangan Island. The central mountain towns like Ubud are cool, artsy and green. So it depends on the vibe you’re seeking. But overall South Bali offers more convenience and options for most travelers.