In a nutshell
- Every region in Bali has something unique to offer: beaches, culture, jungle, nightlife. We show you the best places to stay in Bali, along with their pros and cons.
- We recommend staying in at least two different places on Bali to experience as much of the island as possible.
- The best combination for this is the Bukit Peninsula with its stunning beaches and Ubud in the heart of the island. Our hotel tips: The Room on the Bukit Peninsula and The Studios in Ubud.
The Best Places to Stay in Bali on a Map
In Bali, the best places to stay are in the south, north, east, center or on the nearby island of Nusa Penida. Each region has its own unique charm.
Here’s a quick overview of the top areas to stay in Bali:
- Bukit Peninsula: stunning beaches for both surfing and swimming
- Ubud: the perfect base for visiting waterfalls, temples and rice terraces
- Nusa Penida: a small island next to Bali with amazing beaches and scenic spots
- Lovina: fewer tourists and great chances to spot dolphins
- Amed: quiet and authentic, with great snorkeling spots
- Canggu: laid-back surf town with hip cafés and a cool vibe
Because the regions of Bali are so diverse, we recommend doing a round trip around Bali.
If you’re short on time, it’s best to visit the Bukit Peninsula and Ubud. That way, you’ll see most of Bali’s highlights. Depending on your interests, you can then extend your trip to include other regions.
Where to Stay on the Bukit Peninsula: Surfing and Swimming
The Bukit Peninsula is perfect for a beach vacation – whether you’re a surfer, traveling with kids or just looking to enjoy a few relaxing days by the sea.
Located in the very south of Bali, the Bukit Peninsula is home to some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect spot to book a beach hotel in Bali. Each stretch of coastline here has its own unique character.
The west coast, where Uluwatu is located, is known for its dramatic cliffs and world-class surf. Uluwatu is one of the top surfing spots globally. So it’s no surprise we recommend this area especially to surfers and anyone keen to learn. The whole region is super laid-back, making it ideal for backpackers who love that vibe.
That said, the west coast can get quite busy. For a quieter stay, the east coast and especially the south coast are great alternatives. The south coast has more upscale options, including spa resorts and spacious villas. The east coast, with its wide beaches and gentle waves, is perfect for families.
The Bukit Peninsula is also close to Bali’s international airport, which makes it a great first or last stop on your Bali itinerary.
Pros of accommodation on the Bukit Peninsula:
- Many stunning beaches
- Perfect surfing conditions
- Lots of accommodation and restaurants
- Close to the airport
Cons of accommodation on the Bukit Peninsula:
- Accommodation is more expensive than in other parts of Bali
- The west coast in particular is very touristy
The best places to stay in Bali’s Bukit Peninsula
For us, The Room is one of the coolest beach hotels in Bali and one of our favorite places to stay in Uluwatu. The exterior walls are painted a striking bright orange, while the rooms inside are bright and minimalist. The nearby beach is perfect for snorkeling, surfing and swimming.
Sama Sama Villa is a great family hotel in Bali. It offers two double bedrooms, a private pool and is located on the calmer east coast.
Where to Stay in Ubud: Nature and Culture
Ubud is the perfect starting point for trips to waterfalls, rice fields and temples.
Central Bali is covered in lush jungle and is home to stunning waterfalls, impressive temples and the island’s famous rice terraces – one of the top attractions on Bali. The best place to stay in this area is Ubud. If you rent a scooter, you can reach most of the natural highlights within 30 to 90 minutes from there.
Ubud also has a few attractions of its own. The most famous is the Monkey Forest, where more than 600 monkeys live freely in the forest.
We recommend not staying directly in the city center. Instead, choose a place in the Peliatan district or near the Monkey Forest. This way, you avoid Ubud’s chaotic traffic when heading out on day trips. But you’re still just a 10-minute cab ride from the center.
Pros of accommodation in Ubud:
- The best base for exploring the island
- In the middle of nature
Cons of accommodation in Ubud:
- No beach
- A cab ride to the airport takes about 2 hours
The best places to stay in Ubud
The Studios is one of our favorite accommodations in the jungle of Bali. It offers four modern apartments, each with a private pool. From your terrace, you’ll enjoy a direct view of the lush jungle near Ubud, while still being conveniently close to the town center.
Lasamana Villas are located in the heart of Ubud’s rice fields rather than the jungle. Each villa comes with its own private pool.
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida: Island Feeling
The neighboring island of Nusa Penida is perfect for sightseeing and swimming.
Nusa Penida is a small island just east of Bali. It only takes about 30 minutes to reach by boat. Technically, it’s still part of Bali.
While Bali can feel more like a small country than an island because of its size, Nusa Penida still gives you that true island vibe.
We especially love Nusa Penida for its dreamlike beaches, impressive sights and amazing snorkeling. The island is surrounded by large reefs, most of which are still intact and offer colorful fish, vibrant coral and even manta rays.
Nusa Penida is no longer a hidden gem of Bali, though. Between 9 AM and 4 PM, it gets quite crowded with day trippers. That’s why we recommend staying 2-3 days. In the mornings and evenings, you’ll have the island almost entirely to yourself.
From Nusa Penida, it’s also worth taking a trip to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. These smaller neighboring islands sit between Nusa Penida and Bali, are connected by a bridge and are far less busy than Nusa Penida.
Pros of accommodation in Nusa Penida:
- Beautiful little island
- Cool places to visit
- You can experience the island without day tourists
Cons of accommodation in Nusa Penida:
- Very touristy during the day
- You need at least 3 hours from the airport
The best places to stay in Bali’s neighboring island Nusa Penida
For us, one of the best boutique hotels in Bali is the Pramana Natura. From the hotel, you get a great view of the sea. You can choose between a suite and a villa. The hotel is located in the west, close to the main sights.
The Alana Penida is a real bargain on the east coast of Nusa Penida. It’s located directly on the beach, offers excellent value for money and is one of the top hotels in Bali.
Where to Stay in Lovina: Dolphins and Waterfalls
Lovina is one of the best places to stay in Bali if you’re looking for peace and quiet and have always wanted to see dolphins.
Lovina is great if you’re wondering where to stay in Bali’s north. Here are far fewer tourists compared to places like Uluwatu. The beaches here have darker sand and aren’t quite as stunning as those in the south or on Nusa Penida.
But Lovina’s real highlight is something else entirely: you can swim with dolphins in the sea! Sadly, not all dolphin tours are animal-friendly. Be sure to read our article about the best activities in Bali. We give tips on how to book a tour that doesn’t harm the dolphins.
Aside from dolphin tours, Lovina also makes a great base for exploring the natural highlights of northern Bali, including one of the island’s highest waterfalls.
Pros of accommodation in Lovina:
- Less tourism than in the center and south
- You can see dolphins
- Cheap accomodations
Cons of accommodation in Lovina:
- At least 3 hours drive from the airport
- Few beautiful beaches
- Small selection of accomodation
The best places to stay in Lovina
The highlight of The Edicha is its in-house bakery. The breakfast is unbeatable! You’ll be treated to delicious croissants, fresh rolls, and pastries. That’s something you won’t find in many accomodations in Bali.
Where to Stay in Amed: Quiet Location
Amed is our top recommendation for Bali if you want to enjoy the island in peace and quiet and love snorkeling.
The east of Bali still feels very authentic. Tourism hasn’t really arrived here yet. It’s wonderfully quiet and our insider tip for experiencing traditional Bali.
The best place to stay in East Bali is Amed, a small fishing village on the coast. The beaches here are mostly black sand, but you don’t come for sunbathing as much as for snorkeling and diving. The waves are shallow and perfect for these activities.
Right along the coast is a huge, intact coral reef. You only need to swim 10 to 20 meters from the shore to reach it. If you want to explore further, you can also book a snorkeling tour by boat. Occasionally, a sea turtle swims by. Many hotels and restaurants offer snorkeling gear for just 1 to 2 dollar.
Other than that, Amed is very laid-back, with not much else to do. You can also explore inland and hike through the rice fields if you want a change of scenery.
Pros of accommodation in Amed:
- Very quiet and authentic
- Super snorkeling conditions
- Everything is still very cheap
Cons of accommodation in Amed:
- Many black beaches, often with stones
- Fewer hotels and restaurants than in tourist areas
The best places to stay in Amed
The MATHIS Lodge isn’t located directly in Amed, but up in the mountains. You still get a sea view from the pool. The hotel is very luxurious, so it costs a bit more than other places in Amed.
The Kura Kura Divers Lodge is a real bargain. It’s right by the sea, has a maritime design,and even features its own diving school.
Where to Stay in Canggu: Hip and Lively
Canggu is the perfect mix of relaxation, food and surfing.
Located in the southwest of Bali, Canggu has become one of the most popular places to work remote.
As a result, the area now boasts excellent cafés and restaurants serving some of the best food in Bali. There’s also a lively nightlife scene, with live music in beach bars. Canggu is a great surfing spot, offering waves for every level. You can even find fantastic massage places to unwind.
Although Canggu has grown very popular, it’s still nothing like the chaotic and crowded Kuta or Seminyak.
Pros of accommodation in Canggu:
- Laid-back, but not boring vibe
- Hip cafés and restaurants
- Popular surf spots
- Nightlife
Cons of accommodation in Canggu:
- Getting very touristy
- Lots of traffic
The best places to stay in Canggu
The Leafy Home Canggu features rustic concrete walls and has a really cool vibe. The beach is just about half a mile away.
FAQs about Where to Stay in Bali
Which part of Bali is the most beautiful?
Every region in Bali is unique, so it’s not easy to pick just one favorite.
For us, the top picks are Ubud and the Bukit Peninsula.
In and around Ubud, you can experience Bali’s rich culture and stunning nature at its best. Meanwhile, the Bukit Peninsula offers the perfect beach vacation with beautiful coastlines and great surf spots.
Where do most tourists stay in Bali?
Most tourists in Bali definitely stay in Kuta, Seminyak, Uluwatu and Ubud.
How much time should you plan for Bali?
If you’re only staying in one region of Bali, a week is enough.
But let’s be honest, you didn’t travel so far just for a short stay, right? That’s why we recommend spending at least 10 days here. Two weeks or even longer is ideal.
With 10 days or more, you can do a great round trip and see a lot of what Bali has to offer.
Find even more tips in our travel guide for Bali.
Where is the best place to start in Bali?
We recommend starting your trip on the Bukit Peninsula.
It’s only about a half-hour cab ride from the airport to the peninsula. Once you arrive, you can relax on the beach and begin soaking in the island vibes.