Where To Stay In Bali

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From the moment you land in I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, you already get that energy that this isn’t your typical tropical destination. Bali is on the Eastern side of Indonesia and is predominantly a Hindu region. The Balinese are a proud people who will quickly share their kindness with you and the importance of their history. 

No matter where you go, you will get that blend of historic temples, picturesque beaches and many island activities. It’s a place that’s best visited multiple times because even going to one area can be enough for the whole trip. One trip could be all about beach and water activities while another trip could have you heading inland to enjoy nature, temples and embrace your spirituality.

Then there are five-star resorts that place you in the lap of luxury, catering to your every need imaginable. Or maybe you’re looking to party it up with the mix of locals and expats that can be found throughout the region. You can even choose to go nearly off-grid and enjoy some well-earned time with just yourself and nothing but the beaches and gardens around you. Here’s where to stay in Bali. 

Where To Stay In Bali

For The First Time – Kuta / Denpasar

Aerial View Beach, Bali, Kuta
Wondering where to stay in Bali for a month? Kuta beach has plenty of budget options.

As soon as you arrive in Bali, you’ll be in the town called Denpasar, it’s an excellent place to begin your journey and you can easily head over to Kuta, which is the western shoreline of Bali.

This is a perfect place for beach activities, from surfing, snorkelling and just working on your tan.

It’s also an excellent location if you’re in the adventurous mode, as all the major boat motorways are here to go to the Gili Islands Archipelago (about three hours) as well as Lombok (between 1.5 to 3 hours). 

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Of course, you’ll need a base of operation so that means finding the best locations to stay at in the area.

Pros

  • Excellent Location – Close to beaches and the airport
  • Family Friendly – Numerous activities and amenities available for the kids
  • Affordable – Compared to other locations in Bali

Cons

  • Traffic – This is true especially during peak times and due to airport proximity
  • Can get crowded – This is an extremely popular choice and destination for many
  • Petty crime – since it’s a touristic destination – be wary of pickpockets and scams.

Where To Stay In Kuta/Denpasar

Sunset At Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia
If you’re planning where to stay in Bali for fun and nightlife, choose Kuta Beach.
Amnaya Resort Kuta

Beach access is only 1150 feet (350 metres) at this wonderful rustic location.

All of the rooms come with Wi-Fi and air conditioning so modern amenities are a non-issue.

It’s close proximity to the airport, only 1.2 miles (2 km) allowing you to decompress from the flight sooner than you think. And yes, they have airport shuttles available as well.

It’s also only around 330 feet (100 metres) from Bali’s Waterpark – Waterbom Bali and within walking distance to the Discovery Shopping Mall to get a taste of what Bali has to offer.

Waterbom Bali is at Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361.

Of course, a trip to Bali wouldn’t feel right without the option to stay at one of its many beautiful Villas.

You basically get yourself your own small home for the trip, and it’s just a few minutes walking straight to Legian beach.

The villas themselves are modernized with a beautiful bathroom, mixed with local wood interiors.

When the sun sets, you’re also within a 10 minute walk to where all the nightlife action is as well as the local shopping centre.

Lokal Bali Hostel

You’ll be shocked at how cost effective this Hostel is, especially with it’s great access and amenities.

It’s around 2600 feet (800 metres) from the closest beach, and about 1.3 miles (2.1km) from Kuta Beach.

That means you can grab one of the many local and safe scooter taxis to get you there.

You’ll be sharing the rooms bunk bed style, and don’t worry there are female only rooms available, all with their own shared bathrooms and showers per room cluster.

It’s excellent for couples and backpackers who just need a place to drop their stuff and enjoy the sites.

There’s plenty of other amenities such as air conditioning and snacks for sale, as well as common areas to work or make new friends.

To Party And Surf – Canggu/Seminyak

Beautiful Sunset At Canggu Beach In Bali In Indonesia
Canggu Beach is a great choice when deciding where to stay in Bali for a week.

Bali has become quite the destination to have that fun in the sun all day long, including a massive beach club vibe in the areas of Canggu and Seminyak.

Back in the day, this area was a recluse for digital nomads from all over the world, surrounded by rice paddies and excellent surfing.

Pros

  • Beautiful Beaches – Perfect for fun in the sun or surfing
  • Top tier nightlife – This area consistently attracts professional DJs and events
  • Excellent Food – Both local and international cuisine with a healthy mindset

Cons

  • Not kid friendly – This is a place catered to adults who work remotely or want to party
  • Huge expat crowd – This has started to raise the pricing recently
  • Can get crowded – Tourism plus huge numbers expats leads to huge traffic issues.

Where To Stay In Canggu / Seminyak

Udara Bali Yoga Detox & Spa

Whether you’re looking to detox from life in general, or all the fun you’re having in the area, this place will help you get there.

This place brings four-star amenities and helps you rejuvenate with healthy options and yoga.

There are also excellent spa services to indulge yourself with Balinese style massages that will transport you to a different world.

It’s around 5.5 miles (8.9 km) from the Tanah Lot Temple if you want to continue your spiritual journey and it’s situated within walking distance to numerous beaches and their pristine waters.

Tanah Lot Temple is located at 93HP+GPH, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82121.

Rama Residence Petitenget

Situated in the heart of the area, you’ll be able to enjoy the local shops, restaurants and numerous spas around the location.

The place itself is home to lush furnishings to relax after a long day at the spa, or to get yourself ready for the local nightlife.

It’s situated perfectly within walking distance to the most popular hotspots in the area.

It’s got your breakfast included usually, although you have plenty of options simply walking outside.

It’s a bit far from the beach areas itself, compared to other options, so best for solo travellers or couples who are looking to explore more inland what Bali has to offer.

The Hostel Canggu

Another strategically located option in Canggu that’s clean and comfortable for you to rest from your travels.

You have the option for a four or six bed dormitory style room, or if you prefer, they also have private rooms and bathrooms available for a slightly higher cost.

The hostel itself offers nightly activities for you to enjoy and to get to know others staying there, as well as a bar serving your favourite tropical beverages.

You can also dip into the private pool to cool off from the heat.

For A Spiritual Awakening – Ubud

Young Woman Swinging In The Jungle Rainforest Of Bali Island
A jungle rainforest swing in Bali.

The Legendary Ubud will put you in the jungle area of Bali, and is well known due to the movie “Eat, Pray, Love”.

You can easily explore numerous temples and shrines, as well as enjoy a plethora of yoga and spa options throughout your stay here.

The trip wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Here you’ll be able to walk through a park where the monkeys roam free and are in their natural element.

Fair warning! Don’t get too close to the monkeys are try to feed them!

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is located at Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571.

Pros

  • Breathtaking views – Ubud puts you in the lush flora of Bali
  • Yoga and Spas – Plenty of ways to detox and unwind
  • Activity Rich – Both for local entertainment and exploring the surrounding area.

Cons

  • No Beaches – Due to its location – expect to travel significantly to get to a beach.
  • Can become expensive – This is due to it’s sheer popularity and activities to do
  • Extremely crowded – Ubud is a small village and it seems as if it’s always peak time.

Where To Stay In Ubud

Young Beautiful Woman Check In Authentic Hotel In Bali
Selecting where to stay in Bali depends on whether you’re looking for tranquility or excitement.
Kuwarasan A Pramana Experience

Luxury doesn’t begin to help describe this location.

Wake up in your lavish room daily filled with superb amenities and free toiletries, surrounded by rice paddies.

Enjoy a day of yoga, hanging out by the private pool, or staying inside for the day with a flower petal bath.

Indulge yourself at this resort with a variety of food options, all with the idea to help recharge your body and mind.

If you’re looking to go exploring, keep in mind that it’s 5.6 miles (9 km) to either the Ubud Market or Ubud Temple.

Make sure to take advantage of their spa where the extremely talented staff will tirelessly work to eliminate the worries and stressors you’ve been building up.

Ubud Market is at Jl. Karna, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Ubud Palace is at Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571.

Muka House

This is perfectly situated for multiple attractions, and makes you feel as if it’s your home away from home.

There’s a terrace to enjoy your breakfast daily, with beautiful garden views, and the rooms themselves are quite spacious and air conditioned.

When it comes to location, this place cannot be beat.

It’s just under 1.2 miles (2 km) to the Monkey Sanctuary, 0.6 miles (less than 1 km) to the Saraswati Temple, and around 0.5 miles (800 metres) to Ubud Place itself.

It’s also surrounded by numerous restaurants and shopping areas, that are easily walkable.

Saraswati Temple is at Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571.

WW Backpackers

An excellent choice for those on a budget, you will be in the heart of the jungle and be able to have amazing views on the terraces from every room.

Be prepared to share the space with up to nine others in the 10 bed mixed dormitories, but it will be an experience you wont soon forget.

This may be the best location situated within walking distances to Ubud Palace and the Monkey Forest.

It’s also close to the Campuhan Ridge and easy walking distance to numerous mouthwatering restaurants.

This hostel is also known for its extremely clean lodgings and bathrooms so you shouldn’t have any issues with your stay here.

Read more about Indonesia here:

To Enjoy The Lap Of Luxury – Nusa Dua

Beautiful tropical beachfront hotel resort with a swimming pool, sun-loungers, and palm trees, a paradise destination for vacations. Couple men and woman, mid age on a luxury vacation.
When choosing where to stay in Bali, there are plenty of luxury resorts by the ocean.

This area is known for being one of the most luxurious hot spots on earth.

Located on the southern part of Bali, it’s home to numerous private luxury villas as well as compounds and resorts for those that want to have a more intimate experience.

Be prepared to be completely pampered as is expected, but also to be able to enjoy nearby traditional elements of Bali itself.

Due to its location it can be a less hectic experience than other parts of Bali.

Pros

  • Pure luxury – This is one of the most luxurious areas on the planet.
  • Extremely safe and private – Plenty of security checks and measures to protect privacy
  • Pristine Beaches – Most beaches here are privately maintained by the resorts.

Cons

  • Can feel unauthentic – You’re going to a luxury resort, rarely interacting with the locals.
  • Extremely Expensive – Be prepared to pay several times higher than other areas in Bali
  • Minimal activity – Outside the resort you stay at there’s not so many things to do.

Where To Stay In Nusa Dua

Sunbeds On Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
Wondering where to stay in Bali for luxury? You’re sure to find a hotel on Nusa Dua Beach.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali 

This resort is the epitome of luxury.

Built into the cliff of Nusa Dua itself, this resort has everything you need.

The standard rooms are almost 700 ft2 (65m2) alone complete with in room amenities such as oversized bathrooms, toiletries, coffee maker and complimentary robes to name a few.

Yet what you’ll want to consider are its iconic villas facing the Indian Ocean in a terraced setup.

These villas have their own private pool each with outdoor patio furniture as if it was your own beach home, on top of the multiple pools the resort has to offer.

There’s direct access to the private beach from the resort itself and multiple restaurants to enjoy, as well as events within the hotel that will help to bring the essence of Bali to you.

This amenity full hotel is complete with its signature Apurva Luxury Spa.

You can easily find yourself spending the entire trip just here.

The Nest Hotel Nusa Dua

Another excellent option with memorable infinity pools and sunsets is situated in the eastern part of Nusa Dua.

It’s a great location if you’re in town for an event as both the Bali International Convention Centre and the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre are about 1 mile (1.6 km) away.

Once you arrive to this stunning looking area, you can enjoy a meal in its bungalow motif or simply from the comfort of your large room with enormous bathrooms.

You can spend the day relaxing in your provided bath robes or head out to one of the numerous beaches and spas Nusa Dua has to offer.

Bali International Convention Centre is located at Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua, BTDC Lot N-3, Benoa, Kuta Selatan, Benoa, South Kuta, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363. Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre is located at Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot NW/1, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363.

Manuh Guest House

Even though Nusa Dua is known for its extravagance, there are still budget friendly options such as this guest house.

Situated in the heart of Nusa Dua, this homestay will help to give you a place to rest, but also access to Nusa Dua.

It comes with free parking and the owners are there to help provide you with whatever you may need.
You can rent a bike or a car to get yourself to Garuda Wisnu Kencana which is only 3.8 miles (6.1 km), allowing you to explore Nusa Dua like a local.

Or head over to the closest beach which is 1.7 miles (2.7 km) at Gunung Payung Beach

Off The Beaten Path – Candi Dasa

Relax, Spa And Flowers With Woman In Bath For Skincare
There are so many villas in Bali when deciding where to stay in Bali for a honeymoon.

Maybe you’ve already been to Bali a few times, or typically travel not like a tourist.

Either way, you’re in for a treat if you give yourself a chance to head out to East Bali, in Candi Dasa.

This gets you away from the bustle that Bali can become at peak times, and still give you access to some great locations such as the Gates of Heaven.

Or enjoy proper Balinese food at Bali Asli located on top of the mountain with some of the best views you’ll ever get in your life.

If that isn’t’ enough then there’s plenty of beaches to explore as well as the Candi Dasa Lagoon itself.

Do keep in mind that this area is quite far from the airport.

The Gates of Heaven is at Tri Buana, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852. Bali Asli is at Jl. Gelumpang, Karangasem, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811.

Pros

  • Perfect for a true escape – Much less crowded with plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy
  • Close to key attractions – Great area to start your exploration of Eastern Bali
  • Diver Friendly – Plenty of options and numerous dive sites in the area.

Cons

  • Underdeveloped – Minimal to no transportation and not the best roads
  • Could be too remote – Besides some key sites not much else to do in the area
  • Far – expect a couple hours’ transportation time to get here.

Where To Stay In Candi Dasa

Relax, Reading And Travel With Woman At Hotel Resort For Summer Vacation
Where is the best place to stay in Bali? There are so many villas by the water to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Siri Mendira Beach Villas

There’s no lack of luxury here with these villas as even the bathrooms can be bigger than most apartments, complete with your own private hot tub and bathrobes.

The villas themselves sport a complete kitchen, as well as oven and dishwasher, so you can make exactly what you want every day.

You can enjoy your meals outside or comfortably watching something on the flat screen TVs.

It’s a beachfront property with Sengkidu Beach within just a few steps, and easy access to other beaches to explore.

You can get to other beaches via the car or bike rental services provided at the villa.

There’s also shuttle transportation (extra) available to and from the airport for your convenience.

Aashaya Jasri Resort

Those looking for a more rustic vibe will enjoy this resort that has bungalows and villas depending on what your needs will be.

The bungalows mix between air conditioning or a fan only option, so make sure you confirm ahead of time your needs.

You’ll have a private pool to enjoy as well as a beautiful garden to walk through that connects directly with Jasri Beach.

Divers are welcome as it’s a short drive to Amed Diving spot, and the resort can help set you up with transportation to get there.

There’s also a restaurant onsite offering a mix of local and western foods.

IDA’S Homestay

A perfect option for those that may be tired of resorts, or other tourists for that matter.

Ida’s homestay gives you a whole home for yourself that’s within walking distance to Candi Dasa Beach.

The path to the beach is through a wonderful garden area.

The bathroom itself is open air, and even though you’re looking at one of the more rustic options, you’re still going to get air conditioning and Wi-Fi at this remote place.

Just steps outside as well as with a short drive, there are numerous of food options available to whatever cravings you’re looking to fulfill. 

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Roger Szlatiner
Born and raised in New York City, Roger has always had the desire to see what the world had to offer. After building out his career in the corporate world and obtaining his Master of Science in Technology, Roger felt that his true passion came from writing and sharing his experiences with others. He is currently working on publishing his first book which is a mixture of his travels and working within different industries and cultures, and the crazy that comes with that. He’s spent the past couple of years writing content and poetry as well. When asked where his favourite travel locations are, he’ll immediately reply ‘anywhere in Southeast Asia’. Everything from the controlled chaos to the variety of places to see and food to eat kept him in the region often. When he’s not on his next trip, you can find him living between Indonesia and Vietnam.