Where to stay in Bali guide

Want to know the best area to stay in Bali? Canggu? Ubud? Kuta? I’ve got you covered!

Bali is a small island but with very distinct areas that will offer a very different Bali experience depending on where you stay. This guide will explain the vibe of all the main parts of Bali and their pros and cons so you can make an informed choice on where to stay in Bali.

Ubud

Ubud is probably my number one suggestion of where to base yourself in Bali for most people if they’re unsure. It’s closer to nature but also still a main tourist hub with everything you could need. Unlike like main parts of Bali, Ubud is inland in the centre of the island. It’s a small town surrounded by beautiful, lush jungle, temples and waterfalls within just a few minutes. This gives it a more peaceful and nature feeling vibe even though it’s quite popular and the main street is congested with traffic. You only need to be a few minutes out for peace and serenity.

The main part of town has lots of great food from warungs (Balinese restaurants), upscale foreign dining and health conscious cafes with insta worthy açai bowls and the like. They’re lots of shopping + massage options too. Here you will find scenic villas on AirBnB and the hotels will be more affordable than the beach town. Beware though - nature is nature. There are bugs and snakes. It’s unlikely but possible that you may come across some wildlife (we came home to a villa and found a giant snake - but hey, it makes a great story).

Canggu, Seminyak & Kuta

This is the area for my waterside cocktail folks. On the map you will see Kuta is the main large beachside town near the airport. Next to it is Seminyak, followed by Canggu. As tourism grew, this area has become increasingly built up and now even the furthest away - Canggu - is quite heavily developed. A rule of thumb with this area, the closer to the airport the more mainstream touristy. No judgement, pick the one that seems best for you.

Kuta
Being closer to the airport, Kuta is more affordable and good budget travellers who want to stay in their comfort zones. Western pubs and dining, souvenirs, cheap drinks by the beach. Like I said traffic is bad too, so you will be able to get to and from the airport more easily here - something to keep in mind if you’re flights are at night for example.

Seminyak
Seminyak has a similar vibe to Kuta but has a somewhat more upscale cafe & shopping culture and is again quite westernised. It does feature the amazingly photogenic Bodyworks Spa - yes it does look like the photos and the massage was actually good (albeit a bit more pricey than you could get elsewhere). Great area for a girls trip.

Canggu
Canggu is probably my second recommendation for Bali, after Ubud. It’s not as developed as Kuta and Seminyak just yet and has still kept some it its local charm and beach bum/surfy vibe. All of these towns feature beach clubs too but my favourites are here - La Brisa, the Lawn, Finns. A quick note on “beach clubs” too. Some are family friendly and better during the day - they’re simply a beachside venue with pools + food&drink, while others are more like actual nightclubs - like Finns. Something for everyone, but read the reviews to get a sense of what will match your vibe.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu isn’t somewhere I’ve stayed on my travels but I know lots of people who have. Uluwatu is one of the more scenic parts of Bali with it’s huge cliffs offering amazing scenic views of the ocean. Surfer’s love it and the beaches here are nicer to sit on - but you do have to hike back up and the ocean itself can be rough in parts. If you love the ocean and want to stay in one place, it could be a great options for your stay in Bali.

Sanur & Amed

Those wishing for the days of Bali 20 years ago - surf shacks, local stalls and tranquilty are now turning west and north to escape the crows. If this sounds like you, give Sanur and Amed a look. If you care about sustainability and want to avoid traffic tourist traffic areas, this could be a better area for you.

And lasty, a few things to note:

One: Bali on a map is deceiving due to the infamously bad traffic is some parts. In built-up areas it can take the same time to go 5kms as it would to drive 50kms between two spread out destinations. Always plan by checking the timings first.

Two: Pretty much anywhere in Bali can be reached as a day trip, so don’t panic if you stay in Ubud that you won’t get to see Canggu for example.

Three: Beaches in the main parts of Bali are pretty meh (although I admit, I am Australian which sets a high bar). To see truly great beaches, you’re better off doing a day trip or overnight trip to the smaller islands off the main island of Bali itself. This is where you’ll find the postcard beaches you’re perhaps expecting.

Four: Bali is a small place and although I am offering advice on where to stay if you are choosing to visit, I feel the world has so many other beautiful islands that you can also explore that are more of the beaten of the track too. I feel bad visiting places overrun by tourism but then this also supports people financially there. I also feel bad going somewhere untouched but adding my footprint and perhaps making it the next Bali - it’s a bit of a damned if you do, damned if you don’t! Just be mindful when in Bali, try to support local businesses and think about the environment.

I’m sure you will love your trip to Bali. I’ve visited Bali several times and am a huge fan! Any more questions how where to book in Bali, please let me know below!