Where to Stay in Bali: 12 Top Destinations

Set in the Indian Ocean, Bali is just a short ferry ride from the neighbouring giant of Java. But this Hindu-majority island couldn’t be more different.

The Balinese aesthetic practically runs through the veins of this intriguing land. Its beautiful temples boast unique architecture, its restaurants attract millennials with their shareable interiors, and its wellness retreats induce relaxation as soon as you step through the door.

Famed for everything from its surfing and beaches, to its vibrant nightlife and impossibly chic design, there’s a lot on offer in Bali for any visitor. You can practice yoga in untouristed villages by the sea, catch waves in the bustling beachfront bastions of the southwest, or unwind in rice paddy paradise in its hilly interior.

Wherever you choose to stay, getting around isn’t too difficult – it’s just a matter of a reasonable taxi ride or renting your own wheels to get from one hotspot to another. Staying in Bali couldn’t be easier. Thanks to the world’s long-term love affair with the island which started as early as the 1930s, there are plenty of places to lay your head at night, from unfussy shacks to the utmost in sumptuous sleeping arrangements.

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Ubud

Already a famed backpacking-cum-hippie destination before Eat, Pray, Love turned it into a magnet for anybody on a soul-searching mission, Ubud lies in the center of Bali. There are no beaches here: it’s all mountain views, jungle escapes and the luminous green of rice paddies.

The upland town of Ubud itself, more a cluster of villages, offers up a whole lot of cafes, bars, craft shops and restaurants to choose from. Staying here is as good for backpackers, with its hostels and affordable homestays, as it is for those looking for a private paradise – think rainforest treehouses and villas in rice paddies.

And of course you’ll have the macaque-filled Ubud Monkey Temple to visit at your leisure if you stay nearby.

Where to Stay in Ubud

Alaya Resort Ubud – Nestled next to rice paddies and situated in manicured gardens, this is definitely a beautiful place to relax. There’s a swimming pool and fitness center to keep you active, but there’s also a restaurant with live music in the evenings.
Ulun Ubud Resort – The ambient bedrooms feature four-poster beds, balconies, and neutral color schemes – some even have direct access to a swimming pool.
Pajar House Ubud & Villas – This 3-star offering boasts its own landscaped gardens where guests will find an outdoor swimming pool.

Seminyak

Stylish Seminyak is a little bit of an antidote to the party paradise of Legian and the city atmosphere of Kuta. This upscale town is home to upscale offerings in terms of eating, drinking and accommodation to match. Staying here means luxury villas and beautifully designed hotels.

Popular with expats, as well as tourists with a taste for the finer things, it’s in Seminyak where you’ll find Instagrammable cafes, restaurants with interiors to wow and spas for relaxing treatments from manicures to massages.

The stretch of coastline here is dominated by the popular Double Six Beach, where you can rent yourself an umbrella, pull up a beanbag, and relax in the ambiance of Balearic beats blaring from one of the many beachside restaurants and bars here.

Where to Stay in Seminyak

W Bali –  This 5-star hotel is set in a huge, sprawling complex which comes complete with a beautiful pool area set right next to Seminyak Beach itself, a restaurant with a wide selection of food, as well as a late night cocktail bar.
The Haven Bali – Decorated in light, neutral colors, soft greys, and natural wood, The Haven Bali lives up to its name and provides stylish, comfortable rooms.
Grandmas Plus Hotel – There’s a vibrant bar area which puts on live music performances for fun in the evenings. For a more relaxing daytime, there’s also a spa and an outdoor pool.

Kuta

For a simultaneously laid-back yet hectic city-by-the-sea feeling, stay in Kuta. This was one of the first places in Bali where the tourist scene first kicked off, and as such is filled with all the amenities you could ever want.

From high-end restaurants and local food, to private villas and decidedly budget accommodation, you’ll find it all in Kuta. There’s also great shopping to be had here if you feel like buying up your own slice of Balinese design.

It’s particularly popular for surfing, owing to the consistent waves at its beaches. Even if you’re not a pro and you want to try your hand at surfing, you’ll be able to have a go here thanks to the many places offering board rental and lessons.

For bustling nightlife, the nearby area of Legian is an easy walk from Kuta.

Where to Stay in Kuta

The Patra Bali Resort – Set on the sands of South Kuta Beach, this luxury resort boasts a large lagoon pool and a coffee shop which serves up meals.
Amnaya Resort Kuta  – There’s a relaxing outdoor pool, as well as a hotel restaurant that serves up a comprehensive range of food for breakfast – and evening meals too.
Cara Cara Inn –  A fun and funky place to stay, Cara Cara Inn is a high-end hostel set inside a beautiful Balinese villa.

Canggu

North of Seminyak is the more chilled but still quite cool area of Canggu. Wholefood cafes and hipster-friendly bars dot this area, as do multicolored beachside offerings that make spending a day at the beach almost too easy in this artsy, creative sliver of Bali.

As with many places in Bali, Canggu is a great spot to hit the surf. You can do so at one of its beaches, some of which are unusual in that they feature black sand. Along the coastline to the north is the magical Tanah Lot, a Balinese temple set on a rocky island out at sea.

Staying here won’t break the bank, thanks to a number of affordable but stylish hotels; more lavish options, for a little more money, are also part of the scenery here.

Where to Stay in Canggu

The Haven Suites – This hotel is decidedly design led – think large glass windows, exposed brick, and concrete. There’s a large outdoor pool here, plus a kids’ pool.

Sanur

The balance that Sanur seems to have achieved between being a resort town, and yet remaining laid-back, beautiful and authentic, is the reason why it’s so popular. Set on the southeastern side of the island, past the capital of Denpasar, it feels decidedly different – more mature and less lively – than the west side of the isthmus.

There’s no shortage of big hotels in Sanur, making it a good option for a family trip. The relative proximity to the airport also helps in terms of convenience. There are laid-back, more mature amenities to enjoy here: a sandy stretch of beach lined with traditional fishing boats, a picturesque coastal cycling path, and tree-lined roads filled with shops and quality restaurants.

Here you’ll find the stunning Blanjong Temple, incredibly crafted from coral. It also features 10th-century inscriptions that are of historical importance to Bali, and picturesque lotus ponds.

Where to Stay in Sanur

Puri Santrian – Set right on the sands of Sanur Beach, staying here is all about reclining on luxury loungers under palm trees with a view of the sea and not a care in the world.
Peneeda View Beach Hotel – Staying here, you can either choose to stay in a cottage, a bungalow or a spacious family suite – the choice is yours.

Jimbaran

South of Bali’s airport and the city atmosphere of Kuta head to Jimbaran on the Bukit Peninsula if you want a more laid-back beach destination. Still retaining some of its fishing village feel, Jimbaran is home to several beaches, dramatic cliffs and great seafood restaurants.

Despite the almost quaint village feel, there are quite a few luxury hotel offerings to choose from in Jimbaran, which makes sense given the proximity to the airport, and the way it’s neatly set away from Bali’s southeastern action in Kuta and Legian.

Surfing is the order of the day here. The long crescent of white sand boasts a decent surf that’s great for grabbing a board and giving it a go yourself. Otherwise, relaxing on the sand and enjoying the paradise vibes of the place is all you need to do in Jimbaran.

Where to Stay in Jimbaran

Keraton Jimbaran Resort – You can get up to a lot at this high-end resort, from candlelit beachside dinners and swimming in the outdoor pool to games of beach volleyball.

Uluwatu

Well away from the lively and touristed districts of Bali further north, Uluwatu is a refreshing breath of fresh air on the island’s Bukit Peninsula.

Hotels in Uluwatu match the atmosphere. They range from a few casual offerings to more upscale cliffside retreats, with luxury touches like infinity pools, all wrapped up with a bow of Balinese aesthetics.

Staying here means being conveniently close to the airport, though still far away enough from it (and the busier areas of the island) that it feels like an actual getaway.

On the extreme southwest of the peninsula there’s the stunning Uluwatu Temple, a serene and dramatic clifftop religious site where you can watch the enigmatic kecak dance and be mesmerised by incredible sunsets.

Where to Stay in Uluwatu

Suarga Padang Padang –  Set up high on the cliffs, the sea views are naturally stunning from this 5-star hotel. The hotel itself blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment and has been built almost entirely of recycled wood and bamboo.

Legian

A stone’s throw north from the tourist centre of Kuta, Legian is the place to go if you want to party. You’ll find a lot of bars and clubs on the busy Jalan Legian itself, but there’s plenty of opportunity to chill out after a late night, thanks to its beachfront location.

Staying in Legian is a great idea if you want to be close to all the action. A lot of places to stay here are situated right on the beach itself, but there are plenty of inland apartments and villas. If you fancy a more deluxe option, there are some high-end offerings in this area, too.

Shopping is great here, and opportunities abound to pick up a bargain. And then when the sun sets, head to the beach for a famous Bali sundowner before you barhop around Legian’s lively drinking holes.

Where to Stay in Legian

Pullman Bali Legian Beach –  Boasting all the services you’d expect of a 5-star hotel, such as two lagoon pools, a rooftop infinity pool, three bars, a restaurant, as well as a fantastic spa and fitness center, you won’t need to leave this branch of Pullman.
The Akmani Legian – This 4-star hotel features a rooftop bar and lounge where you can sip on sunset cocktails, plus a restaurant that serves up a selection of different cuisines.

Nusa Lembongan

Situated off the coast of the larger Nusa Penida, and close to the neighboring (and smaller) Nusa Ceningan, the renowned Nusa Lembongan feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Balinese mainland.

Previously only the domain of unfussy surfers, this island is gradually becoming one of Bali’s go-to retreats. With that in mind you’ll be spoilt for choice for cheap accommodation, great news for anyone on a shoestring budget. But there are more than a few deluxe offerings, too.

Exploring the island with the power of your own feet is the thing to do here, as easy paths edge and crisscross this island. It boasts beautiful beaches and turquoise seas, charming glimpses of local life, otherworldly coastal views. And all just 30 minutes from Bali by boat.

Where to Stay in Nusa Lembongan

The Palm Grove Villas – There’s a charming resort restaurant that serves up different dishes throughout the day. The hotel offers bicycle hire, so you can pedal around exploring the area.
Koji Garden Huts – Great for beach lovers, this 3-star offering is right on Tamarind Beach, but is also very close to Mushroom Beach.

Nusa Dua

On the eastern side of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula is Nusa Dua, an enclave of lavish 5-star resorts, an 18-hole golf course and a whole lot of beautiful beach to luxuriate on. The seas are calm here so it’s less about surfing and more about paddling and swimming.

Away from Geger beach itself is Geger Temple, perfect if you’re interested in Balinese culture. The intricate carvings of the stone on the forested outcrop into the sea gives it a timeworn, almost mystical feeling.

To the north is the peninsula of Tanjung Benoa, where you’ll find cheaper accommodation as well as the village of Benoa itself. This has been developed significantly and comes with activity options to match the influx of visitors, with watersports being but one way to spend your time.

Where to Stay in Nusa Dua

INAYA Putri Bali – This is a super sleek and polished upscale hotel that will provide all the comfort and relaxation you’ll need for your stay in Bali.
Ayodya Resort Bali – Another upscale, luxury offering, this resort is spread along 300 meters of private beach and boasts an enormous outdoor pool set in immaculate gardens.

Amed

Looking for an area of Bali that still feels properly authentic? Look no further than Amed. Actually a collection of fishing villages in East Bali spread along the northern coast, this place oozes traditional, out-of-the-way charm.

Staying here is cheap and backpacker-friendly since the tourist crowds have yet to make a significant impact on this area. The roads were only tarmacked here as recently as 2000, although you will find development and hotels in the scenic area of Candidasa. But what they’re missing out on is some incredible scuba diving, as well as chances to centre yourself with a spot of yoga.

Before it becomes a world of boutiques and juice cafes, visit Amed and enjoy its secluded feeling, and marvel at the views of Mount Agung in the distance.

Where to Stay in Amed

Oasis –  An affordable option for a trip to Bali, the French-run Oasis is set in tropical gardens with an outdoor swimming pool and lots of space to unwind and relax.

Nusa Penida

A small island off the southeastern shores of Bali, Nusa Penida is a getaway from a getaway. The unspoiled nature on this beautiful gem of an island might give you an idea of what Bali might have been like a long time ago before the tourists arrived en masse. It’s a veritable paradise.

Hiking is particularly good in the hilly landscape. Great trails and some amazing cliffsides reward intrepid walkers with panoramic sea views. The coast itself, featuring stunning hidden coves and glowing turquoise lagoons, is something you really need to explore here. The neighboring islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are easy to discover, too.

Staying on Nusa Penida is easy, with tons of affordable options, mainly in the north. These come in the form of hotels, homestays and bungalows, some of which incorporate that beautiful Balinese style.