If you’re planning a trip to Bali and wondering about the best areas to stay, you’re on the right page. Here, I’ll share insights into the different cities I’ve visited. I focused on the southern part of the island because that’s where the most popular and visited places are. My goal is to explain the differences between these areas so you can decide where to go based on your interests. To me, everything in Bali is amazing, but after reading this article, you’ll be able to form your own opinion.
- Kuta – Great for friends, surfers, and affordable shopping
- Seminyak – Perfect for luxury, sunsets, and a bit of relaxation
- Canggu – The best party spot in Bali
- Uluwatu – Home to the best beaches and cliff-top views
- Nusa Dua – Ideal for families and watersports
- Ubud – For breathtaking nature, a peaceful mind, and serenity
- Nusa Penida – Side trip, known for its famous T-Rex beach
- Gili Islands – Side trip, a complete must to add to your itinerary ♥ my favorite
1
Kuta
Kuta is a city that people either love or dislike—there’s no in-between. Personally, I enjoyed it and have many fond memories of this city.
- Convenient Location : There are numerous accommodation options within walking distance from the airport. It’s an easy first stop.
- Affordable Shopping : The streets are lined with markets. If you forgot your cap or sunglasses, Kuta is the best place to pick up new ones. You’ll never get a better chance to haggle, as the markets here are highly competitive. You can score great deals.
- Beginner Surfing : If you’re looking to take a surfing lesson at a low cost, the waves are perfect for beginners.
- Lively Atmosphere : Kuta is a hub for socializing and making new friends.
Best Time to Visit: April to October (dry season)
How to Get There: Kuta is a short 15-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar). Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are the most convenient way to move around Bali.
Where to Stay: Kuta has a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to beachfront resorts. Look for options along the main strip for easy access to the beach and nightlife.
What to Do: For a more in-depth guide on the top things to do in Kuta, check out my detailed article 5 Of the Best Things to Do in Kuta, Bali.
2
Seminyak
Seminyak is probably the second most crowded city in Bali after Kuta.
- Luxury Shopping : Seminyak leans more toward luxury. It’s all about shopping in fashion boutiques, visiting galleries, and exploring art shops.
- Chic Beach Clubs : You can easily spend your entire day at stylish beach clubs, enjoying the sophisticated vibe and ocean views.
- Upscale Spas : It’s a great place to indulge in luxury spa treatments.
- Stunning Sunsets : Seminyak is known for its stunning sunsets, which you can enjoy from one of the many beach bars.
Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season)
How to Get There: Seminyak is around a 30-minute drive from Denpasar airport.
Where to Stay: From chic boutique hotels to luxury villas, Seminyak is known for upscale stays. There are also mid-range options available close to the beach.
Budget Tip: Seminyak is one of Bali’s pricier areas. Save money by dining at local warungs (traditional eateries) instead of high-end restaurants.
What to Do: For a more in-depth guide on the top things to do in Seminyak, check out my detailed article 6 Of the Best Things to Do in Seminyak, Bali.
3
Canggu
In my opinion, this is THE party place in Bali! It’s incredibly fun!
- Vibrant Nightlife : Canggu is known for its lively beach clubs and bars, offering great music and parties every night.
- Surfing Hotspot : With its consistent waves, Canggu is a favorite destination for surfers of all levels.
- Yoga and Wellness : Plenty of yoga studios and wellness retreats for those looking to relax and rejuvenate.
Best Time to Visit: May to October (dry season)
How to Get There: Canggu is about 45 minutes from Denpasar airport.
Where to Stay: Canggu offers everything from trendy surf hostels to boutique hotels and villas. The area is popular with digital nomads and surfers.
Budget Tip: Save on accommodation by booking a villa or guesthouse a little further from the beach. You can rent a scooter to get around easily.
What to Do: For a more in-depth guide on the top things to do in Canggu, check out my detailed article 8 Of the Best Things to Do in Canggu, Bali.
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4
Uluwatu
The most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in Bali are definitely in Uluwatu.
- Secluded Beaches : Discover hidden gems like Padang Padang and Bingin Beach, perfect for a peaceful day by the sea.
- Iconic Uluwatu Temple : Visit the beautiful Uluwatu Temple where you can watch the unique performance of the Kecak Fire Dance.
- Luxury Resorts : Uluwatu is home to some of Bali’s most exclusive resorts.
- World-Class Surfing : Uluwatu is a top destination for experienced surfers, with some of Bali’s best waves.
Best Time to Visit: April to October (dry season)
How to Get There: Uluwatu is about a 45-minute drive from Denpasar airport.
Where to Stay: Choose from luxurious cliffside resorts to budget-friendly guest houses with stunning ocean views. Uluwatu is known for its serene, laid-back vibe.
Budget Tip: Avoid staying directly by the cliffs to find more affordable options. Explore local eateries for cheap meals.
What to Do: For a more in-depth guide on the top things to do in Uluwatu, check out my detailed article 5 Of the Best Things to Do in Uluwatu, Bali.
5
Nusa Dua
I didn’t spend much time in Nusa Dua because the prices for accommodation are a bit higher. However, if you’re traveling with family, this is the best place for you.
- Family-Friendly Resorts : Nusa Dua is known for its luxurious, family-oriented resorts with all-inclusive options.
- Watersports Galore : You’ll find many excellent options for watersports, such as snorkeling, diving, and parasailing.
- Pristine Beaches : Enjoy calm, white-sand beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season)
How to Get There: Nusa Dua is around a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Where to Stay: Nusa Dua is home to luxury resorts, perfect for those looking for a relaxing beachfront escape. There are also a few mid-range options for budget-conscious travelers.
What to Do: For a more in-depth guide on the top things to do in Nusa Dua, check out my detailed article 4 Of the Best Things to Do in Nusa Dua, Bali.
6
Ubud
Ubud is so different from the other places in Bali. This is where you’ll feel most connected to nature.
- Cultural Hub : Ubud is the heart of the Balinese culture, offering temples, art galleries, and traditional dance performances.
- Stunning Rice Terraces : Explore the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a picturesque landscape that’s perfect for nature lovers.
- Monkey Forest : Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you can walk among ancient trees and playful monkeys.
- Wellness Retreats : Ubud is famous for its yoga studios, meditation centers, and wellness retreats.
Best Time to Visit: April to October (dry season)
How to Get There: Ubud is about 1.5 hours from Denpasar airport. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and private transfers are common options. Scooter rentals are also available for those who prefer flexibility.
Where to Stay: Ubud offers a range of accommodations from budget homestays to luxury resorts nestled in the rice fields.
What to Do: For a more in-depth guide on the top things to do in Ubud, check out my detailed article 7 Of the Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali.
7
Nusa Penida
Many people see pictures of Nusa Penida and mistakenly think they are of Bali itself. In fact, images of this island often show up in search results when you look for Bali online, which speaks to its stunning beauty. It’s a very popular side trip from Bali and it’s easy to understand why.
- Iconic Kelingking Beach : Marvel at the stunning T-Rex-shaped cliff and pristine beach, one of Bali’s most famous landmarks.
- Natural Infinity Pools : Take a dip in Angel’s Billabong, a breathtaking natural infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
- Secluded Paradise : Enjoy the tranquility of Nusa Penida, less-crowded beaches and serene atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of Bali.
Best Time to Visit: April to October (dry season)
How to Get There: You can reach Nusa Penida by ferry from Sanur or Padang Bai. The trip takes about 30-45 minutes depending on the service.
Where to Stay: Accommodation options on Nusa Penida range from budget homestays to eco-friendly resorts with ocean views.
Budget Tip: Stay in the less touristy eastern side of the island for more affordable options and a quieter experience.
This can be a short day trip or an entire adventure to add to your Bali itinerary. To prepare yourself for either of those options, make sure to read the Nusa Penida Travel Guide.
8
Gili Islands
If you’re not familiar, the Gili Islands consist of three islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Gili Trawangan, often referred to as Gili T, is the largest and the one I highly recommend staying at. In my opinion, Gili Meno and Gili Air are best suited for day trips. After spending a month in Bali, I can confidently say that Gili Trawangan was the highlight of my trip. I extended my stay there three times—I simply couldn’t bring myself to take the boat back to Bali!
- Vibrant Nightlife: Gili T is famous for its lively nightlife, with beach bars and clubs offering music, drinks, and dancing until the early hours.
- Snorkeling and Diving: The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving. You might even spot a sea turtle!
- Bike-Friendly: With no motorized vehicles allowed on the island, renting a bicycle is the perfect way to explore Gili T’s charming streets and beaches.
- Sunset Views: Don’t miss the sunset at the west side of the island.
- Yoga and Wellness: If you need a break from the party scene, Gili T also offers several yoga retreats and wellness centers to help you relax and rejuvenate.
Best Time to Visit: May to October (dry season)
How to Get There: The Gili Islands can be reached by ferry from Bali’s Padang Bai or Amed. Ferries typically take around 2 hours.
Where to Stay: From beachfront bungalows to mid-range hotels and hostels, the Gili Islands offer a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets.
Budget Tip: Stick to local restaurants (warungs) for affordable meals.
I have truly loved all the places I’ve been to on my trip to Bali, but this one really stole the show. To prepare yourself for the incredible Gili T experience, make sure to read the Gili Trawangan Travel Guide.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the best places in Bali, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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