Best Areas to Stay in Bali (2026) — Where to Stay Guide

Best Areas to Stay in Bali (2026) — Where to Stay Guide

Kayla Cooking Class Ubud

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If you’re planning a Bali trip and wondering where to even start — you’re in the right place.

We’ve been coming to Bali for over 20 years across almost every phase of life: solo trips, couples getaways, honeymoons, family holidays with babies and toddlers, and everything in between. We even got married here in 2023. We come back every single year and somehow still discover something new on every trip — which tells you everything about this island.

This guide covers every area worth knowing about, from the obvious ones to the Bali hidden gems most visitors never find. We’ve stayed in nearly all of them, which means you’re getting honest assessments rather than a list of places we’ve only read about.

Most travellers have around 10 days to two weeks in Bali — enough time to experience two or three different areas without feeling rushed. Use this guide to decide the best areas to stay in Bali, and see our 10-Day Bali Itinerary once you’re ready to put it all together.

A person stands at the edge of an infinity pool at sunset, overlooking tropical scenery in Bali. The sky is dramatic with colorful clouds. Text reads: Bali Travel Guide – First Timers Guide to Bali.

First time coming to Bali?

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Best Areas to Stay in Bali Overview

Whether or not you’ll love your time in Bali depends hugely on where you decide to base yourself. Each region offers a completely different experience, and not every area will suit every traveller.

I’ve lost count of the number of people who’ve told me they didn’t enjoy Bali, only to find out they stayed in one spot like Kuta for their entire trip. Bali is diverse – from tranquil villages to buzzing surf towns – and the secret is choosing the right area for your style of travel.

Here’s a quick overview of the best areas in Bali to stay, with more detailed breakdowns below. Ive also ranked them imo because there’s alot to of places and it can get overwhelming.

I want…Best areaWhy
Clifftop views, surf and dramatic sunsetsUluwatuOur personal favourite. Stunning beaches, world-class beach clubs, and the most beautiful sunsets on the island
Culture, yoga, rice paddies and jungleUbudBali’s spiritual heart. Cooking classes, waterfalls, art markets, and a completely different pace
Quiet, family-friendly and near CangguSesehOur current family base. 10 minutes from Canggu without any of the traffic, noise or crowds
Old Bali feel, mountains, rice fieldsSidemenWhat Ubud felt like 20 years ago. Genuinely special
Beach clubs, cafés, nightlife, surfCanggu, Seminyak or UluwatuThe social, creative heartbeat of modern Bali
Family beachfront resorts with calm water swimmingSanur or Nusa DuaProtected beaches, large resort facilities, kids clubs
Island escape, snorkelling, slower paceNusa Lembongan or Gili IslandsOur honeymoon island. 30 minutes by fast boat and a world away
Luxury resort, polished experienceNusa Dua or SanurBali’s most manicured resort enclave
Something genuinely off the tourist trailAmed, Sidemen or MundukEast Bali at its most authentic

💡 Our honest recommendation for first-timers: don’t try to cover the whole island in one trip. Pick 2-3 areas — one cultural or inland (Ubud or Sidemen) and one coastal (Uluwatu, Seminyak, or Sanur) — and move between them. You’ll see far more of the real Bali than someone trying to fit in six locations in seven days.

Best Areas in Bali – Where to stay in Bali

In our Bali travel guide, we want to share a little bit about each location in Bali to make your decision on where to stay a little easier. Bali measures around 5,600km, so not too overwhelming in size, but with numerous hotspots, it’s hard to choose the best areas in Bali to stay. During our recent 3 week trip, we spent 4-5 nights in each location. If you prefer not to move around so much, stay longer in the beach locations for a real holiday.

View of a coastal scene with ocean waves, rocky cliffs, a few small buildings with red roofs, and leafy branches hanging above in the foreground at sunset—reminiscent of the best areas to stay in Bali.

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Uluwatu & The Bukit

Uluwatu isn’t just one of the best areas to stay in Bali for us, it’s a place woven deeply into our family story. We stay here every year, and it holds such a special place in our hearts. We got married at Uluwatu Surf Villas in 2023, then returned again the following year for my sister’s wedding.  Uluwatu has been the backdrop to some of our most meaningful Bali memories.

Perched along dramatic limestone cliffs with turquoise water below, Uluwatu is where Bali truly shows off. The pace here feels slower and more spacious than Canggu, with stunning beaches scattered across the Bukit Peninsula and plenty of room to breathe — especially when travelling to bali with kids.

We’ve watched this area evolve over the years, from when Bingin was just a handful of eco villas, to now offering everything from luxury resorts to boutique stays and family-friendly villas.

We’ve personally stayed at places like Green Escape Eco Resort, Family Nest Villa, Castaways, The Elementum, Dreamsea and Los Cabos Villa — which gives us a pretty good feel for what it’s really like to base yourself here.

What we love most about Uluwatu is the balance. You can spend your mornings beach hopping between Bingin, Padang Padang and Thomas Beach (we discovered Thomas Beach on a rare kid-free date day last year and instantly fell in love, it’s now one of our favourite and easily one of the best beaches in Uluwatu).

Afternoons might involve long lunches or café hopping – Cashew Tree in Bingin has been a staple for us for years and evenings are almost always reserved for sunset drinks overlooking the ocean(Ulu Cliff and Single Fin are our favs).

And evenings occasionally mean the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple — we’ve seen it multiple times and it still stops us in our tracks every time.

Uluwatu also delivers when it comes to food and celebrations. We’ve shared many special moments here, from our pre-wedding party at Savaya Bali to my sister’s at El Kabron Bali (which are two of the best beach clubs in uluwatu), and even a dreamy anniversary dinner at CIRE at Alila Villas Uluwatu. If you’re planning your stay, we’ve also put together dedicated guides to our favourite Uluwatu restaurants, and our favourite Uluwatu cafés, to help you map it all out.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a family (we also love nearby Pangolin and Family Nest for kid-friendly stays), Uluwatu offers raw coastal beauty mixed with thoughtful accommodation, incredible food, and soul-soothing sunsets.

If you’re deciding where to stay in Bali, Uluwatu is one of those places we’ll always recommend, not just because it’s beautiful, but because it’s a place that keeps calling us back, year after year making it our favourite place on the island!

➡️ Find Uluwatu Temple Tickets – Check Prices and Availability here!

A scenic coastline with tall, green cliffs overlooking blue ocean waves crashing against the rocks, under a partly cloudy sky. Dense vegetation covers the top of the cliffs in the distance.

Best For:

  • Couples and romantic escapes
  • Surfers and beach lovers
  • Families wanting space and quieter surroundings
  • Sunset seekers and slow travel

What we personally love about Uluwatu:

 Stunning clifftop views and beaches
 Great surf spots
 More peaceful than Canggu
 Beautiful resorts and villas
 Amazing sunsets

And things we don’t rate:

✖ You’ll need transport – things are spread out. We use gojek or a private driver
✖ Beaches are harder to access – stairs, long walk down etc 
✖ Limited walkability depending on location

Best Things to Do in Uluwatu

  • Watch sunset at Uluwatu Temple
  • Beach hop between Bingin, Padang Padang & Thomas Beach
  • Spend the afternoon at the best Uluwatu beach clubs our favs are Sundays, Ulu Cliffhouse and El Kabron
  • Surf or watch the waves from cliff viewpoints
  • Explore hidden beaches like Nunggalan and Green Bowl

Where to Stay in Uluwatu

Family Nest Experience Villas
Mid-range family ~ $250–450 USD/night
Our top pick for families in Uluwatu — walking distance to Pangolin Kids Club, excellent facilities, and the most thoughtfully designed family accommodation we’ve found on the Bukit. Read our full review

Nisi Villas
Mid-range ~ $200–400 USD/night
One of our regulars in Uluwatu — private pool, exceptional views, great for couples or small groups.

Dreamsea Uluwatu
Budget/mid-range ~ $100–200 USD/night
Surfer-focused, great value, relaxed atmosphere — mentioned in the body copy, worth adding here for completeness.

➡️ Read – Uluwatu Accommodation Guide – Where To Stay in Uluwatu

Ubud

Ubud has always been one of those places we return to again and again — and after countless visits over the years, it still surprises us. It’s Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart, and it feels completely different from the coast. Jungle valleys, rice paddies, river gorges, ancient temples, and a pace of life that slows you down whether you’re ready for it or not. If you’re deciding where to stay in Bali and want something deeper than beach days and cocktails, Ubud is where you find it.

These days we prefer staying just outside the busy town centre — Penestanan, Sayan, or the area around Wapa di Ume where we’ve based ourselves on recent trips. You still have easy access to Ubud’s cafes and markets but you wake up to birdsong instead of traffic, and the morning light on the valley from an elevated position is one of the genuinely great pleasures of a Bali trip.

On our most recent stay we did a private cooking class at Wapa di Ume with Chef Ayu and Lasmini — making seafood soup, chicken curry, and pandan pancakes with coconut and palm sugar from scratch. Kylo ground the spices in the mortar and pestle, whisked the pancake batter with total commitment, and Lasmini quietly snuck strawberries into his pancakes because she’d worked out he was obsessed with them. He ate every single one.

It remains one of the best things we’ve done in Bali across 30+ trips. We also did the BBQ cultural dinner at Wapa di Ume one evening — highly recommend combining both if you’re staying there.

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is non-negotiable — go early, before 7:30am if you can, before the heat and the crowds arrive. For waterfalls, we always ask our driver Wayan to take us somewhere that suits the kids — on our last visit he recommended Ulu Pertinu, about 90 steps down past koi fish ponds and ducks (Kylo was absorbed before we’d reached the water), with a cave beyond that he declared the best part of the whole trip. For rice terraces, we go to Tegalalang and settle at Tiss Cafe for coffee and the view rather than making the full hot descent with young children.

For a day trip that genuinely stuns: the drive north to Kintamani through the highlands stops at Paper Hills ID, perched directly above Mount Batur and the caldera. We arrived in cloud and rain, genuinely worried the view would be hidden, and then it parted just enough. Even at 70% it was extraordinary. Worth every minute of the drive.

➡️ Find Uluwatu Temple Tickets – Check Prices and Availability here!

For local eats on a budget, Warung Biah Biah remains a favourite. For cafes, our current list includes Huma, Suka Espresso and This is Bali — see our full Ubud cafes guide for the complete picture.

Best For:

  • Culture lovers
  • Wellness travellers
  • Foodies
  • Nature seekers
  • Families wanting cultural experiences alongside rice paddy walks

What we personally love about Ubud:

✔ Stunning scenery — rice paddies, jungle gorges, river valleys
✔ Incredible food scene
✔ Rich cultural life — ceremonies, markets, performances
✔ Easy access to waterfalls, rice terraces and day trips
✔ Cooking classes that genuinely change how you cook at home

And things we don’t rate:

✖ Traffic in the town centre — stay outside of it if you can
✖ Certain attractions (Tegalalang, Monkey Forest) get crowded — go early
✖ Becoming increasingly touristy — seek out smaller, less-visited spots

Best Things to Do in Ubud:

  • Take a private cooking class — book here
  • Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunrise
  • Visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces from Tiss Cafe
  • Ulu Pertinu Waterfall with kids
  • Day trip to Kintamani and Paper Hills ID
  • Sacred Monkey Forest
  • BBQ cultural dinner at Wapa di Ume

Where to Stay in Ubud:

Wapa di Ume Ubud
Luxury boutique ~ $300–500 USD/night
Where we stay. Rice terrace and river gorge views, exceptional cooking classes with Chef Ayu and Lasmini, outstanding food, and the kind of stay that makes everything else on the trip feel richer. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

Padma Ubud
Luxury ~ $500+ USD/night
Riverside resort, excellent facilities for families. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

Komaneka at Bisma
Mid-range boutique ~ $250–400 USD/night
Stunning jungle views, close to town, beautiful infinity pool. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

Suarti Boutique Village
Mid-range ~ $120–180 USD/night
Affordable and charming, just outside central Ubud. Read our review | [Check availability — Stay22 link]

➡️ Find Uluwatu Temple Tickets – Check Prices and Availability here!

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan feels like Bali 20 years ago. Just 30 minutes by  fast boat, this small island offers clear turquoise water, fewer scooters and a slower rhythm.

We love staying at least 2–3 nights here. It’s the perfect reset in the middle of a Bali itinerary.

Nusa Lembongan holds a really special place in our hearts – it’s where we spent part of our honeymoon… with our toddler in tow 🤍 And honestly? It was the perfect mix of romance and family travel. We stayed at Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa, which ended up being an absolute dream base. Spacious rooms, beautiful pools, incredible breakfasts, and staff who were genuinely wonderful with Kylo, it made travelling with a little one feel easy and relaxed.

What we love most about Nusa Lembongan is how different it feels from mainland Bali. There are fewer scooters, quieter streets, and a much slower pace of life. Our days were spent beach hopping, swimming in crystal-clear water, taking afternoon naps (for everyone 😅), and enjoying sunset dinners overlooking the ocean. It’s one of those places where you naturally slow down – no packed schedules, just simple island living.

Some of our favourite beaches on the island include Dream Beach for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise water, Mushroom Bay for calm swimming (great with kids), and Jungut Batu Beach, which became our go-to for relaxed mornings and beachfront lunches. 

➡️ Find Uluwatu Temple Tickets – Check Prices and Availability here!

Best For:

  • Couples
  • Snorkelling
  • Relaxed island life
  • Short island escape

What we personally love about Nusa Lembongan:

✔ Beautiful beaches
✔ Clear water
✔ Slower pace
✔ Easy snorkelling trips

And things we don’t rate:

✖ Limited medical facilities
✖ Smaller dining scene
✖ Boat transfer required

Best Things to Do on Nusa Lembongan

  • Snorkel with manta rays
  • Visit Dream Beach
  • Explore Devil’s Tear
  • Relax at Jungut Batu

Canggu & Pererenan

Trendy, energetic, and constantly evolving, Canggu has long been one of Bali’s most popular places to stay and it’s somewhere we’ve shared a lot of memories over the years. We first started visiting when it was literally just one main street leading down to Echo Beach almost 20 years ago. Since then, we’ve watched it grow rapidly, with new cafés, resorts, boutiques and co-working spaces popping up every six months. For a long time, we absolutely loved it.

Canggu is where we learned to surf, completed a retreat, and spent countless mornings café hopping before heading to the beach. We still adore the food scene, the creative energy, beach clubs, and places like MaiMain Playground when travelling with kids. There’s no denying Canggu does modern Bali incredibly well, from world-class cafés and yoga studios to lively sunsets and a buzzing social scene.

That said, over the past couple of years our relationship with Canggu has definitely shifted. It’s become increasingly crowded, traffic can be intense (especially challenging when you’re sitting in it with kids), and the influx of influencers and digital nomads has changed the overall vibe.

While we still love visiting for day trips — brunch at our favourite Canggu cafes, beach clubs, or playground time, it’s no longer somewhere we choose to stay for extended periods. These days, we prefer basing ourselves in quieter nearby areas like Seseh, while still popping into Canggu to enjoy everything it does so well.

Canggu remains a must-experience destination if you haven’t been before – vibrant, creative, and full of great food, but for us, it’s now somewhere we dip in but don’t stay here.  

Best For:

  • Digital nomads and remote workers
  • Surf culture and beach vibes
  • Cafés, brunches & casual dining
  • Couples and young travellers
  • Trendy boutique shops and wellness spaces

What we personally love about Canggu:

✔ Wide range of cafés, restaurants, and beach clubs
✔ Excellent surf spots nearby
✔ Great mix of budget to high-end stays
✔ Strong digital nomad community and coworking spaces
✔ Close to beaches and cafes

And things we don’t rate:

✖ Busy roads and lots of traffic
✖ Can feel noisy and crowded during peak season
✖ Not as traditional or “quiet Bali” 
✖ Some accommodation can be pricey if close to the beach

Best Things to Do in Canggu

  • Catch a wave or watch surfers at Echo Beach
  • Brunch or work at iconic cafés like Crate Café and Café Organic
  • Sunset drinks at The Lawn or Finns Beach Club
  • Explore boutique shops and markets on Batu Bolong
  • Yoga or Pilates at one of Canggu’s wellness studios
  • Chill beachside with a coconut at Berawa Beach

Where to Stay in Canggu

1. The Chillhouse
Budget/Mid-Range ~ $120–$180 USD per night
A stylish, modern guesthouse with a lovely pool and laid-back surf vibes — perfect for travellers who want comfort without breaking the bank. Great for couples and digital nomads alike.

2. Desa Potato Head Suites & Studios
Mid-High Range ~ $250–$450 USD per night
Upscale, beautifully designed rooms walking distance to Potato Head Beach Club. Ideal for couples or anyone wanting a more resort-like feel in central Canggu.

3. COMO Uma Canggu
High End ~ $600+ USD per night
Luxury beachfront property with spa, family-friendly facilities, and exceptional service. A perfect choice for a special stay, honeymooners, or travellers wanting top-tier comfort.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is Bali’s polished resort enclave. If you’re looking for a classic tropical holiday — manicured gardens, white-sand beaches, big pools and kids clubs — this is it.

We have stayed at Merusaka Resort twice and loved it. 

It feels very different from Uluwatu or Ubud. It’s contained, safe and organised, which can be a huge positive for families or travellers who don’t want to think too much about logistics.

We usually recommend Nusa Dua to families wanting a resort-style experience with calm waters and minimal traffic stress.

Best For:

  • Families
  • Luxury resort stays
  • Calm swimming beaches
  • Relaxation-focused trips
  •  

What we personally love about Nusa Dua:

✔ Clean, swimmable beaches
✔ High-end resorts
✔ Secure and quiet
✔ Great kids facilities

And things we don’t rate:

✖ Less authentic/local feel
✖ Limited café culture
✖ Higher prices

Best Things to Do in Nusa Dua

Sunset beachfront dining – We love Homaya the Indonesian Restuaant at Merusaka Resort

Relax at Geger Beach

Resort pool days

Watersports (jet skiing, parasailing)

Spa treatments

Seminyak

Seminyak is where we almost always begin a Bali trip — and after 30+ visits it still delivers every time. It’s the most central and walkable part of south Bali, with the best restaurant strip on the island, excellent shopping along Jalan Laksmana, and a long beachfront that turns spectacular at sunset. Less chaotic than Kuta, more established and polished than Canggu, and genuinely beautiful in the way that made Bali famous in the first place.

What we love most about Seminyak is the ease of it. Everything is close — you can walk from breakfast at Kynd Community to afternoon shopping to sunset at the beach to dinner at Biku without getting in a car. On our most recent trip we stayed at Hotel Indigo Seminyak Beach and fell completely in love with the beachfront location — stepping straight out to the sand in the morning and watching the sun go down from the same stretch in the evening.

The buffet breakfast is one of the best we’ve had anywhere in Bali. For a dinner that becomes a whole night, Motel Mexicola is a non-negotiable — the margaritas, the music, the dancing staff. We’ve done it for a parents’ night out and it is exactly what a night out in Bali should feel like.

Seminyak works brilliantly for couples, first-time visitors who want to ease into Bali gently, and anyone who wants great food and a beautiful beach without the noise and density of Kuta or the traffic of Canggu.

Best For:

  • Food lovers
  • Boutique shopping
  • Beach club vibes
  • Couples
  • Family Holidays
  •  

What we personally love about Seminyak:

✔ Great restaurants
✔ Walkable areas
✔ Stylish accommodation

And things we don’t rate:

✖ Traffic
✖ Busier beaches
✖ Not as nice beaches like Uluwatu

Best Things to Do in Seminyak

  • Sunset at Seminyak Beach
  • Shop along Eat Street
  • Spa day at Body Works or Spring Spa
  • Beach club afternoons

Where to Stay in Seminyak

Hotel Indigo Seminyak Beach 💰 Mid-range ~ $180–280 USD per night Our personal pick. Beachfront, exceptional buffet breakfast, multiple pools, lawn games, cool well-designed rooms. We stayed here on our most recent trip and fell completely in love — we’ll be going back every year. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

The Layar — Private Villas 💰 Luxury ~ $600–1,500+ USD per night One of Seminyak’s most celebrated private villa properties — fully staffed, private pool, lush tropical gardens. The benchmark for a luxury villa stay. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

W Bali — Seminyak 💰 High-end ~ $350–600 USD per night Stylish, contemporary and right in the heart of Petitenget. Rooftop pool and bar, beautifully designed rooms, walking distance to the best restaurants. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

Katamama 💰 Luxury boutique ~ $400–700 USD per night Sister property to Potato Head Beach Club. Artisan-crafted interiors, only 58 suites, one of the most design-forward hotel experiences in Bali. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

Seminyak Village Hotel 💰 Budget/mid-range ~ $80–150 USD per night Reliable, well-located, within walking distance of the main strip. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

Sidemen

Sidemen completely surprised us — in the best way. We visited for the first time last year during our three-week annual Bali trip, and honestly, we fell in love almost immediately. It’s now one of those places we tell everyone about, because it feels like discovering Bali before the crowds. If you’re wondering what Ubud was like 20 years ago, Sidemen is probably the closest thing left.

Set among rolling rice paddies with Mount Agung towering in the distance, Sidemen is peaceful, untouched, and deeply beautiful which is why its one of the best Bali hidden gems! There’s a softness to life here — mornings start slowly, roosters crow in the distance, mist rolls over the fields, and everything feels grounded. We stayed at Wapa di Ume Sidemen and couldn’t recommend it more, especially for families.

The staff were incredible with the kids, and they even had a playground with a trampoline, which Kylo absolutely loved. It was one of those rare places where both parents and kids genuinely felt cared for.

There’s also so much more to do here than people realise. We loved starting our mornings with gentle rice paddy walks with the kids, wandering past farmers tending their fields and tiny village temples tucked between the palms. You can visit waterfalls, explore nearby villages, take part in cooking classes, or simply sit back with a coffee and soak in the views. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down — and once you do, you won’t want to leave.

For us, Sidemen now sits right at the top of our Bali must-visit list. It offers everything we love about Ubud — lush landscapes, culture, and soul — without the traffic and crowds. If you’re planning your Bali itinerary and craving something quieter, more authentic, and deeply special, Sidemen is absolutely worth making room for.

Best For:

  • Couples seeking quiet romance
  • Families wanting nature + space
  • Slow travellers and digital detox
  • Anyone craving “old Bali” vibes
  • Rice field lovers and mountain views

What we personally love about Sidemen:

✔ Feels like Ubud 20 years ago — peaceful and authentic
✔ Stunning rice paddies and Mount Agung views
✔ Amazing for families (space, nature, fresh air)
✔ Friendly locals and village atmosphere
✔ Plenty to do without crowds

And things we don’t rate:

Sorry nothing to see here. In fact, we can’t wait to go back and explore more!

Best Things to Do in Sidemen

  • Morning rice paddy walks (our favourite way to start the day with the kids)
  • Visit nearby waterfalls like Gembleng or Jagasatru
  • Explore local villages and temples
  • Take a Balinese cooking class
  • Enjoy spa treatments overlooking the valley
  • Simply slow down — coffee with a view hits different here

We especially loved starting our mornings wandering through the rice fields with Kylo, watching farmers work and pointing out ducks in the paddies — those quiet moments ended up being some of our most memorable of the whole trip.

Where to Stay in Sidemen

Wapa di Ume Sidemen
💰 Luxury ~ $400+ USD/night
Where we stayed — and absolutely adored. Incredible views, beautiful villas, and the staff were amazing with the kids. Bonus points for the playground and trampoline, which made it feel genuinely family-friendly.

Cepik Villa
💰 Mid-range ~ $200–300 USD/night
Great value villas with rice field views and a peaceful setting close to town.

Sawah Indah Villa
💰 Budget ~ $120–180 USD/night
Simple, charming accommodation surrounded by paddies — perfect for slow travellers.

Seseh

Seseh quickly became one of our favourite places to stay in Bali — and honestly, part of us almost doesn’t want to tell people about it. It’s quiet, relaxed, and still feels like Bali before the boom. If you’re looking for one of the best areas of Bali that hasn’t fully turned into Canggu (yet), Seseh is it. We spent several weeks here and absolutely loved the slower pace.

It’s just 10–15 minutes from Canggu, so you can still dip into your favourite cafés and beach clubs whenever you feel like it — but you don’t have to deal with the traffic, noise or crowds daily. We could even order Gojek from Canggu, which was perfect on those early family nights when we didn’t want to head back out with the kids

Most of our days in Seseh were beautifully simple. Slow mornings in the pool, walking to late breakfasts at Clove, Seseh General Store, or Mewali (which was amazing for kids thanks to its play area). We had a spa session at Cloud — easily one of the coolest designed spaces we visited, with such a calming, aesthetic vibe. Evenings were often spent at Thalassa for sunset drinks and dinner, where Kylo could run around on the grass and beach before sitting down to eat. It felt easy, spacious and genuinely family-friendly.

A woman in a yellow swimsuit stands at the edge of a swimming pool surrounded by beige lounge chairs and large pink umbrellas on a sunny day. The setting appears to be a modern, stylish outdoor pool area.
See our full guide

Best Things to Do in Seseh

READ MORE

Accommodation-wise, we stayed in a beautiful two-bedroom villa with a separate bunk room for the kids, toys, books, and loads of space — which made it feel like a true home base. We also had a nanny come daily to help, which gave us breathing space without leaving the kids in busy areas. On another stay, we checked into Dune, a boutique hotel with terracotta tones, blush pinks and cacti everywhere — completely my aesthetic and such a vibe.

Seseh feels like the kind of place you visit before it becomes “the next big thing.” And that’s exactly why we love it.

Best For:

  • Families wanting space and quiet
  • Couples who love design-led villas
  • Longer stays
  • Travellers wanting to avoid Canggu traffic
  • Anyone craving slow, simple Bali days

What we personally love about Seseh:

✔ Quiet and peaceful
✔ Close to Canggu (without staying in it)
✔ Beautiful villas and boutique stays
✔ Great cafe options
✔ Easy food delivery from Canggu

And things we don’t rate:

✖ Limited nightlife (not really a problem for us but wanted to flag it)
✖ Fewer restaurants than Canggu
✖ You’ll need a scooter or driver (we used Gojek and a driver)

Best Things to Do in Seseh

  • Morning beach walks at Seseh Beach
  • Breakfast at Clove, Seseh General Store or Mewali
  • Spa session at Cloud
  • Sunset drinks at Thalassa
  • Pool days at your villa
  • Order pizza from Seseh Pizza for an easy night in
  • Quick café or beach club trips into Canggu
  • Visit Luna Beach Club in Cemagi
  • Day Trip to Tanah Lot 

Where to Stay in Seseh

Private Family Villas
💰 $250–500+ USD/night
Perfect for longer stays with kids. Look for villas with bunk rooms and pools.

Dune Boutique Hotel
💰 $200–350 USD/night
Stylish, design-forward stay with terracotta and blush tones — perfect for couples.

Sanur

Sanur doesn’t get talked about as much as Canggu or Uluwatu, and we genuinely think that’s a mistake. It’s one of the best areas of Bali for families — calm, walkable, with a lovely local energy that sits somewhere between the resort polish of Nusa Dua and the creative buzz of Seminyak. The beach is flat and the water is protected by a reef, making it one of the few places in Bali where young children can actually swim safely in the ocean.

We’ve stayed in Sanur across a few different trips now. On our most recent visit we came as a group of six adults and three little ones — two nights at the Hyatt Regency Bali before moving on to Kayumanis Sanur. The Hyatt’s beachfront location is outstanding and the buffet breakfast is one of the best we’ve had at any Bali hotel.

Kayumanis was a completely different experience — they sent a beautiful car to collect us, and the villa from that point on was some of the most considered hospitality we’ve experienced anywhere on the island.

Sanur is also the main departure point for the fast boat to Nusa Lembongan — which makes it a logical first or last stop on any Bali itinerary that includes the islands.

Best For:

  • Families with young children — best safe ocean swimming in Bali
  • First or last night stays — close to the airport, easy logistics
  • Couples wanting boutique villa style
  • Anyone departing for Nusa Lembongan

What we personally love about Sanur:

✔ Calm, reef-protected water — genuinely safe for kids to swim ✔ Walkable esplanade — beautiful for morning walks, stroller-friendly ✔ Much less traffic and tourist density than south Bali ✔ Practical departure point for Nusa Lembongan fast boat

And things we don’t rate:

✖ Less nightlife and beach club scene than south Bali ✖ Further from Uluwatu’s beaches and cliffs

Where to Stay in Sanur:

Hyatt Regency Bali — our resort pick. Beachfront, exceptional buffet breakfast, kids club, large pool. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

Kayumanis Sanur — the boutique villa alternative. Lush, private, beautiful. Read our full review | [Check availability — Stay22 link]

InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort — comprehensive resort for families. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

Prama Resort Sanur — great value beachfront, popular with families. [Check availability — Stay22 link]

Legian

Legian sits between Kuta and Seminyak — and that geography tells you almost everything you need to know about it. It shares Kuta’s beachfront and some of its old-school energy, but with noticeably less chaos. The beach is long, wide, and easily accessible; the main shopping strip (Jalan Legian) is lined with restaurants, boutiques and bars; and the accommodation is generally more affordable than Seminyak while being more comfortable than central Kuta.

We wouldn’t choose Legian as our base these days — the traffic and tourist density aren’t for us — but it’s a fair choice for travellers who want affordability, beach access, and easy access to the nightlife strip without the full intensity of Kuta. It also works well as a first night option if you’re arriving late and just need somewhere convenient near the airport before heading somewhere more interesting the next day.

Best For:

  • Budget-conscious travellers
  • First-night arrivals before heading elsewhere
  • Nightlife seekers
  • Beach access without the Kuta chaos

What we personally love about Legian:

✔ Long, accessible beach ✔ More relaxed than Kuta ✔ Good range of mid-range accommodation ✔ Affordable food and dining options

And things we don’t rate:

✖ Still quite touristy and commercial ✖ Traffic can be significant ✖ Not our first choice for a Bali base ✖ Limited authentic local culture

Best Things to Do in Legian:

  • Watch sunset at Double Six Beach
  • Walk the beach strip to Seminyak
  • Shop along Jalan Legian
  • Eat at local warungs — still affordable here compared to Seminyak

Where to Stay in Legian:

Padma Resort Legian 💰 Luxury ~ $300–500 USD/night One of the best resorts in the area — beachfront, stunning pools, great facilities for families and couples. Worth the splurge if Legian is your chosen base.

Pullman Bali Legian Beach 💰 Mid-range ~ $150–250 USD/night Well-located beachfront hotel with all the resort facilities you’d expect. Good value for families wanting reliability.

Blue Ocean Hotel 💰 Budget ~ $60–100 USD/night Affordable, clean and close to the beach. A solid budget option in the area.

Gili Islands

The Gili Islands sit off the northwest coast of Lombok — three small coral-fringed islands that have been on the Southeast Asia backpacker circuit for decades and have evolved significantly since then. I stayed on Gili Trawangan about ten years ago, back when a beach shack cost around $5 a night and the whole island felt like a well-kept secret.

Things have changed considerably since then — but the thing that hasn’t changed, and the thing that makes the Gilis genuinely special, is the scale. You can walk around the entire island of Gili T in a couple of hours. There are no motorised vehicles on any of the three islands — just horse-drawn cidomo carts and bicycles. That enforced slowness is still the best thing about them.

The three islands each have a distinct character.

Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is the biggest and most developed — beach clubs, bars, dive shops, a proper restaurant strip, and a party scene that gets going after dark. It’s significantly more built-up than the place I visited a decade ago, with boutique resorts now occupying what were once empty stretches of beach.

Gili Meno is the quietest and most romantic of the three — tiny, largely undeveloped, best for couples who want near-total seclusion.

Gili Air sits between the two in feel — calmer than Gili T but with enough cafes and activity to keep you entertained for a few days, and increasingly popular with families.

The snorkelling and diving across all three islands remains the main draw — sea turtles are a genuine near-daily sighting around Gili Meno especially, the underwater statues at the Gili T sculpture garden are a famous dive site, and the coral health is generally excellent.

Getting there: The Gilis are technically part of Lombok rather than Bali, but most visitors reach them via a fast boat from Bali (Serangan or Padang Bai) — around 1.5–2 hours. Alternatively, fly Bali to Lombok and take a short ferry across. Most Bali-based operators offer combined day trips or transfers.

Best For:

  • Couples wanting a romantic island escape (Gili Meno)
  • Divers and snorkellers — sea turtles, sculpture garden, coral reefs
  • Travellers wanting a no-motorbike, slower-paced island
  • Backpackers and budget travellers (Gili T still has affordable options)
  • Families with older kids (Gili Air is the most family-friendly)

What’s great about the Gilis:

✔ No motorbikes or cars — genuinely peaceful ✔ Walk around the whole island in a couple of hours — rare and wonderful ✔ Sea turtle sightings are almost guaranteed while snorkelling ✔ Three islands with three different vibes — easy to choose your pace ✔ Easy to combine with a Bali itinerary via fast boat

And things to know:

✖ Significantly more developed than even a decade ago — manage expectations if you’ve been before ✖ Gili T party scene can be intense — not ideal for families with young kids or light sleepers ✖ The horse-drawn carts (cidomo) have attracted animal welfare concerns — worth being aware of ✖ Further from Bali than Nusa Lembongan — factor in travel time and sea conditions

Best Things to Do in the Gilis:

  • Snorkel with sea turtles — almost guaranteed around Gili Meno and Gili Air
  • Dive the underwater sculpture garden at Gili T
  • Hire a bike and cycle around the island
  • Watch sunset from the west coast of any island — views back toward Bali and Mount Rinjani
  • Take a glass-bottom boat tour between islands
  • Simply walk the whole island — there’s nowhere else in Indonesia where that’s possible

Where to Stay:

Gili Trawangan — Ombak Sunset 💰 Mid-range ~ $100–180 USD per night Long-running Gili T favourite on the quieter west coast sunset strip — good pool, reliable service and the best sunset views on the island. Away from the party end.

Gili Meno — Karma Reef 💰 Luxury ~ $400+ USD per night Exclusive overwater bungalows and beachfront villas on the quietest of the three islands. For couples wanting genuine seclusion.

Gili Air — Gili Air Lagoon Resort 💰 Mid-range ~ $120–200 USD per night The most family-friendly island base — calm east coast location, good snorkelling right off the beach.

Budget note: Budget accommodation across all three islands starts from around $30–60 USD per night now — a long way from the $5 beach shack days, but still good value by any regional standard.

Jimbaran

Jimbaran is the easy answer to a question a lot of families ask: where in Bali can we swim safely in the ocean AND eat seafood on the beach at night? The bay is calm and protected, the beach is clean and walkable, and the famous Jimbaran seafood warungs — rows of tables on the sand, freshly caught fish grilled over coconut husks, Bintangs cold, sunset in full effect — are genuinely one of the best Bali experiences there is.

We’ve stayed here at the Watermark Hotel and Spa and have very happy memories of it. It’s one of those areas that feels slightly overlooked compared to Uluwatu and Seminyak, which is honestly part of the appeal — a little less crowded, a little more neighbourhood feel, and genuinely close to the airport which makes it a smart first or last night option. If you’re flying in late or flying out early, Jimbaran cuts your transfer time and lets you squeeze in a proper evening on the beach without a 90-minute drive.

The high-end resort strip here is serious — Ayana and the Rock Bar are Jimbaran’s most famous exports and worth experiencing for a special evening even if you’re based elsewhere. The Rock Bar’s location (carved into the cliff above the ocean, sunset views, excellent cocktails) is as impressive in real life as it looks in every photo.

Watermark Hotel Bali
Rooftop Pool | Watermark Hotel, Bali

Best For:

  • Families with young children (safe swimming)
  • Couples wanting a special seafood dinner on the beach
  • First or last night stays (close to airport)
  • Luxury resort experiences

What we personally love about Jimbaran:

✔ Calm, safe swimming beach — genuinely one of the best for families
✔ Seafood dinner on the sand is an experience you won’t forget
✔ Close to the airport — practical start or end to any Bali trip
✔ More relaxed than Seminyak or Kuta
✔ Rock Bar is genuinely spectacular for a special evening

And things we don’t rate:

✖ Quieter nightlife and café scene compared to Canggu or Seminyak
✖ Less interesting for longer stays — better as a short base
✖ Can feel resort-focused and less authentic

Best Things to Do in Jimbaran:

  • Seafood dinner on the beach at sunset — book one of the warungs on the main strip
  • Visit Rock Bar at Ayana for sunset cocktails
  • Morning walk along the bay
  • Day trip to Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance (20–30 mins away)
  • Beach swimming with kids

→ Read our full Watermark Hotel Jimbaran review

Where to Stay in Jimbaran:

Ayana Resort and Spa 💰 Luxury ~ $400–800+ USD/night One of Bali’s most iconic resorts — home to the famous Rock Bar. Multiple pools, a private beach, and exceptional service. A bucket list Bali stay.

Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay 💰 Luxury ~ $700+ USD/night Private villa-style suites above the bay with personal butler service and some of the best views in Bali. For a truly special occasion.

Watermark Hotel & Spa 💰 Mid-range ~ $120–180 USD/night Where we stayed — great value with a lovely spa, good facilities, and easy beach access. A solid mid-range pick in the area. Read our full review

Amed

Amed is a long, quiet stretch of fishing villages along Bali’s northeast coast — and it’s about as different from Canggu and Seminyak as Bali gets. If you’ve been to Bali before and want to see another side of the island, this is the one. Black sand beaches, traditional jukungs (outrigger fishing boats) pulling in early morning catches, salt-making farmers working the shoreline, and some of the most accessible diving and snorkelling in the whole of Bali just metres offshore.

The main draw for most travellers is the diving — and it’s exceptional. The USAT Liberty shipwreck in nearby Tulamben is one of the most famous shore dives in the world: a Second World War cargo ship sitting in 30 metres of water, walkable from the beach, covered in coral and schooling fish. Even for non-divers, snorkelling directly off Amed’s shores delivers turtles, reef fish and vibrant coral in clear, calm water.

The combination of mountain backdrop, traditional village life, and genuine underwater world makes Amed feel like somewhere distinctly real.

We haven’t based ourselves in Amed on our family trips — it’s a long drive from most of Bali (around 2.5 hours from Seminyak) and doesn’t have the resort infrastructure we need with young kids. But for divers, slow travellers, or anyone doing a longer Bali trip who wants to see East Bali properly, it’s absolutely worth building in.

Amed’s coastal village features red-roofed houses and boats drifting in the water, all set against a lush green hillside and a large, cloud-topped volcano beneath a brilliant blue sky.

Best For:

  • Divers and snorkellers
  • Travellers wanting off-the-beaten-path Bali
  • Couples and solo travellers
  • Anyone interested in traditional Balinese village life

What’s great about Amed:

✔ USAT Liberty shipwreck diving is world-class
✔ Snorkelling directly from the beach — easy and excellent
✔ Quiet, local, and authentic
✔ Black sand beaches with Mount Agung views ✔ Very affordable accommodation

And things to know:

✖ Long drive from most of Bali — allow 2.5 hours from Seminyak
✖ Limited nightlife and restaurant scene
✖ Not suitable as a base if you want to explore the whole island
✖ Medical facilities are limited — not ideal for families with young children

Best Things to Do in Amed:

  • Dive or snorkel the USAT Liberty shipwreck (technically in Tulamben, 30 mins north)
  • Snorkel directly off Amed’s main beach — easy and rewarding
  • Watch the jukung fishermen at sunrise
  • Try salt-making at Kusamba Salt Flats
  • Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace (45 mins south)
  • Sunrise over Mount Agung from the beach

Where to Stay in Amed:

Numa Beach Club & Retreat 💰 Mid-range ~ $150–250 USD/night Stylish boutique stay with direct beach access and great snorkelling right off the property.

Amed Beach Resort 💰 Mid-range ~ $100–180 USD/night Well-regarded for its location, facilities and diving packages. A reliable base for the area.

Euro Dive Bali 💰 Budget/Dive Package ~ $80–150 USD/night Simple accommodation with comprehensive dive packages included — the choice for serious divers.

Candi Dasa

Candidasa is the quiet, slightly forgotten coastal town on Bali’s east coast — and that makes it one of the more interesting places to stay if you’re on your second or third trip to the island and want to move beyond the south. It’s situated on a lagoon, flanked by rice fields and local villages, and has a calm, neighbourhood energy that feels nothing like the beach clubs and café culture of the south.

The town itself is small and easily walkable. The beaches aren’t Bali’s best — the coral reef was largely removed decades ago for lime production, which reduced the natural sand replenishment and left the shoreline narrower than it once was — but the snorkelling trips from Candidasa are excellent: Gili Tepekong, Gili Mimpang, and Gili Biaha are all easily reached by boat and have genuinely impressive marine life. The headland walk is a local highlight too — a short trail that climbs above the town and opens up views over the bay and offshore islands.

Candidasa is also the best base for exploring East Bali’s cultural highlights: Tirta Gangga Water Palace is 30 minutes away, Karangasem Palace is nearby, the Bugbug traditional village is worth a morning, and Lahangan Sweet viewpoint (one of the most dramatic Mount Agung lookouts on the island) is an easy day trip. If East Bali is on your itinerary, Candidasa is a more interesting base than Padang Bai.

Best For:

  • Travellers wanting quiet East Bali culture
  • Snorkellers and divers
  • Longer stays and slow travel
  • Anyone exploring Tirta Gangga, Karangasem and East Bali temples

What’s great about Candidasa:

✔ Quiet, local and unhurried
✔ Easy access to East Bali cultural sites
✔ Good snorkelling day trips to nearby Gilis
✔ Much cheaper than south Bali
✔ Beautiful lagoon and mountain backdrop

And things to know:

✖ Beaches are narrow — not a swimming beach destination
✖ Smaller dining and nightlife scene
✖ Requires a full day of travel to reach from south Bali
✖ Not right for first-time visitors who want resort amenities

Best Things to Do in Candidasa:

  • Snorkelling day trip to Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang
  • Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace
  • Explore Karangasem Palace and local villages
  • Walk the Candidasa headland trail
  • Day trip to Lahangan Sweet for Mount Agung views
  • Sunrise over the lagoon

Where to Stay in Candidasa:

The Watergarden Hotel 💰 Mid-range ~ $120–200 USD/night A long-running Candidasa favourite — beautiful garden setting with individual cottages and a lovely pool. Characterful and well-priced.

Alila Manggis 💰 Luxury ~ $300–500 USD/night The premium option in East Bali — a sophisticated resort with rice field and ocean views, excellent food and service. Worth it for a special stay.

Puri Candidasa 💰 Budget ~ $50–80 USD/night Simple, clean and right on the lagoon. A solid budget choice in the area.

Munduk

Munduk is what happens when you drive two hours north of Seminyak and climb into the clouds another Bali hidden gem! The landscape changes completely — from palm trees and rice paddies to dense jungle, clove and coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls, and cool mountain air that makes you reach for a jacket for the first time since landing. If you’ve been to Bali before and want to see its highland face, this is it.

We visited Munduk Moding Plantation on our most recent trip — and it was one of the most extraordinary places we’ve stayed anywhere in Bali. The infinity pool overlooks the twin caldera lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan, the butler service was exceptional, and the guided spice plantation walk through cloves, coffee, cacao and vanilla with the scents in their raw form was genuinely one of those travel experiences you keep returning to in your memory.

The arrival — hot ginger tea and warm towels instead of the usual cold hibiscus — was the small detail that told us immediately we were somewhere different.

The activities here are completely different from anywhere else on the island: multi-waterfall trekking through cacao and bamboo forest, kayaking on Lake Tamblingan at sunrise before the mist lifts, visiting Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple on the lake edge, coffee and chocolate tastings at local farms. Munduk is the version of Bali that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something that the majority of visitors will never find.

→ Read our full Munduk guide and Munduk Moding Plantation review

Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan Day Tour

🏆 Recommended by 94% of travellers

Don’t want to drive yourself between islands? This highly-rated day tour covers the best of both Lembongan and Nusa Penida — including Kelingking Beach / snorkelling / all transfers!

👉🏼 Check price and availability here

Best For:

  • Nature lovers and hikers
  • Couples wanting something extraordinary
  • Travellers on their second or third Bali trip
  • Anyone wanting highland Bali: waterfalls, plantations, cool air

What we personally love about Munduk:

✔ Completely different from anywhere else in Bali
✔ Waterfalls, plantations and lake views — genuinely spectacular
✔ Cool mountain air (pack a jacket — it gets to 16°C at night)
✔ Munduk Moding Plantation is one of the best stays we’ve ever had
✔ Almost no crowds even in peak season

And things we don’t rate:

✖ 2–2.5 hour drive from south Bali
✖ Not suitable as a family base with very young children — better as a 2-night escape
✖ Rainfall can be heavy — bring layers and waterproof shoes for trekking
✖ Limited nightlife and cafe scene — that’s the point, but worth knowing

Best Things to Do in Munduk:

  • Munduk Waterfall Trek — Melanting Falls, Golden Valley, Red Coral and Munduk Falls in one half-day hike
  • Kayaking at sunrise on Lake Tamblingan
  • Coffee, cacao and vanilla plantation tour
  • Visit Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
  • Sunset over the twin lakes from your villa
  • Cooking class at Munduk Moding Plantation

Where to Stay in Munduk:

Munduk Moding Plantation 💰 Luxury ~ $400+ USD/night Our personal recommendation and one of the best stays in all of Bali. Stunning infinity pool over the caldera lakes, butler service, exceptional plantation walk, and a level of thoughtfulness in the details that sets it apart completely. Read our full review

Puri Lumbung Cottages 💰 Mid-range ~ $150–250 USD/night A long-running Munduk institution — traditional Balinese architecture, coffee plantation setting, beautiful views. Warm and characterful.

Sanak Retreat 💰 Mid-range ~ $120–200 USD/night A boutique eco-retreat with rice terrace and lake views, sustainable focus, great trekking access.

Bedugul / Lake Beratan

Bedugul sits in the central highlands about 30 minutes south of Munduk and is best known for the stunning Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple rising from the surface of Lake Bratan. It’s a popular day trip from Ubud or Seminyak but works well as an overnight stop if you’re making the drive north to Munduk — and the cool air at 1,240 metres makes it worth lingering in.

The botanical gardens (Kebun Raya Bali) are excellent, the strawberry farms are a genuine local highlight (you can pick your own and buy fresh strawberry juice by the roadside), and the lake itself is beautiful in the morning before the tour buses arrive. It’s not a destination in the same way Munduk is, but as a stop on a highland itinerary it’s perfect.

Best For: Day trippers, nature lovers, anyone making the northern Bali circuit

Where to Stay in Bedugul:

Candi Beach Resort 💰 Mid-range ~ $100–180 USD/night

Strawberry Hill 💰 Budget/Mid-range ~ $80–150 USD/night Uniquely located on a hill surrounded by strawberry farms with great lake views.

Lovina

Lovina is the laid-back beach town on Bali’s north coast, a world away from the south in pace, crowd levels and feel. The beach is black sand and calm — the Bali Strait is generally sheltered — and the main attraction is the early morning dolphin watching boat trips that Lovina has been known for decades.

It’s genuinely off the tourist trail compared to the south, which is both its appeal and its limitation. The food and cafe scene is limited, the beaches don’t compare to Uluwatu or Lembongan, and it requires a 2–3 hour drive from south Bali. But for travellers who’ve done Bali before and want something genuinely different, or who are coming from North Bali via Munduk, it’s worth a night or two.

Best For: Dolphin watching, North Bali explorers, travellers wanting quiet and local

Where to Stay in Lovina:

Damai Lovina Villas 💰 Luxury ~ $250–400 USD/night The premium option in Lovina — private hilltop villas with valley-to-sea views.

Harris Resort Lovina 💰 Mid-range ~ $80–150 USD/night The most reliable mid-range option in the area with beach access and good facilities.

A small outrigger boat with a canopy floats on calm blue water, with a person onboard and mountains visible in the background under a clear sky—a serene scene often found near Lovina, one of the best areas to stay in Bali.

Where NOT to Stay in Bali

Not every area of Bali is worth your time as a base — and we’d rather be honest about that than send you somewhere you’ll regret.

Kuta

We’ll always be direct about this: Kuta is not where you want to base yourself on a first Bali trip, or any Bali trip if you can help it. It’s loud, congested, heavily commercialised, and represents the least interesting version of what Bali has to offer. The beach is crowded, the streets are lined with souvenir shops and agressive touts, and the nightlife scene is aimed squarely at schoolies-style tourism. There are two exceptions worth noting: the Hard Rock Hotel is a legitimate family resort option if a full resort stay is what you’re after, and Waterbom Bali (one of the best waterparks in Asia) is worth a day trip. But base yourself anywhere else and visit those as excursions.

Denpasar

Bali’s capital city is primarily a transit hub and a place where Balinese people live and work. There are almost no tourist attractions, limited good accommodation options, and no beach access. Unless you have a specific reason to be there, skip it entirely and head straight to wherever you’re staying.

Practical Info

Things to Know Before You Go

🌍 Population4.22 million
🏙️ CapitalDenpasar
💰 CurrencyIndonesian Rupiah (IDR)
💱 Exchange Rate1 AUD ≈ 10,309 IDR — check current rates before travel
🗣️ LanguageBahasa Indonesia, with a distinct Balinese dialect
🙏 Religion85% Hindu — you’ll see offerings on doorsteps every morning, ceremonies on the road, and temple dress codes at every sacred site. Respect this.
✈️ Nearest AirportNgurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS)
🛂 VisaVisa on Arrival or e-Visa online — IDR 500,000 (~AUD $50) for 30 days
💳 Tourist LevyIDR 150,000 per person — pay online before you arrive
📱 eSIMAiralo — download and activate before you fly
🌡️ ClimateTropical — warm year-round. Dry season May–October, wet season November–April
🔌 Plug TypeType C and F (same as Europe) — bring an adapter

Getting Around in Bali

Gojek is the Indonesian equivalent of Uber — download it before you arrive and set up payment. Covers cars and scooter taxis and is genuinely cheap. Not available in all areas of Uluwatu and parts of the Bukit — use a private driver there.

Private driver is our preference for longer transfers between regions. Comfortable, flexible, and the right choice for families with luggage. [Book a private driver here — Viator link]

Airport transfer — pre-book rather than negotiating at arrivals. [Book an airport transfer here — Viator link]

➡️ AIRALO eSIMGet your eSIM here

How Much Does Bali Cost?

Budget: IDR 800,000–1,500,000 per day (AUD $80–150) Mid-range: IDR 1,500,000–3,000,000 per day (AUD $150–300) Luxury: IDR 3,000,000+ per day (AUD $300+)

See our full Bali budget breakdown for detailed costs per area.

Best Time to Visit Bali

Dry season (May–October) — clear skies, calm seas, best for beaches and outdoor activities. Wet season (November–April) — shorter afternoon showers, greener, cheaper, still beautiful. Our pick: May–June or September — dry season without July/August peak crowds and prices.

Best Areas to Stay in Bali with Kids

Travelling with little ones? Bali is surprisingly family-friendly. Areas like Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran offer calm beaches, family resorts, and plenty of activities for children. For families who want more space, private villas in Canggu or Seminyak are a great option, often coming with pools and in-house staff.

Best areas for kids in Bali:

  • Sanur: Safe swimming beaches, playgrounds, and relaxed vibes.
  • Nusa Dua: Luxury family resorts with kids’ clubs and calm waters.
  • Jimbaran: Great seafood dinners on the sand and gentle waves.
  • Canggu: Trendy but with plenty of family villas and beach options.

Where to Eat in Bali

Most Bali travel guides seem to skip over ‘where to eat’ in Bali. Let’s face it though eating is my favourite thing to do and Bali is a foodie heaven! You will be absolutely spoiled for choice, with a great range of cafes, restaurants, warungs and beach clubs in each location. Here are some of our favourites.

FAQs – Where to stay in Bali

What is the best area to stay in Bali for first-time visitors?

If it’s your first trip to Bali, we usually recommend staying in CangguUbud, or Uluwatu — each offers a very different experience. Canggu is great for cafés, beach clubs and modern Bali vibes, Ubud is perfect for jungle scenery and culture, while Uluwatu delivers dramatic cliffs and some of Bali’s best beaches. If you have time, splitting your stay between two areas gives you the best taste of the island.

Where should families stay in Bali?

For families, we love quieter areas with space and easy access to amenities like SesehUluwatu (Bingin/Padang Padang area), or parts of Nusa Dua. These areas offer family-friendly villas, calmer beaches, and less traffic than central Canggu. Private villas with pools are often better value than hotels when travelling with kids, especially for longer stays.

What’s the best place to stay in Bali for couples?

Couples usually fall in love with UluwatuUbud, or Sidemen. Uluwatu is perfect for sunsets, beach clubs and clifftop resorts, Ubud offers jungle retreats and wellness experiences, and Sidemen is ideal if you’re craving quiet rice paddies and total relaxation. These areas are beautiful for romantic escapes and slower-paced travel.

Is it better to stay in one place or move around Bali?

What’s the best place to stay in Bali for couples?
Couples usually fall in love with UluwatuUbud, or Sidemen. Uluwatu is perfect for sunsets, beach clubs and clifftop resorts, Ubud offers jungle retreats and wellness experiences, and Sidemen is ideal if you’re craving quiet rice paddies and total relaxation. These areas are beautiful for romantic escapes and slower-paced travel.

How many nights should I stay in each area?

As a general guide:
Canggu or Seseh: 3–5 nights
Ubud or Sidemen: 3–4 nights
Uluwatu: 4–7 nights
Nusa Islands: 3 -4 nights
This gives you enough time to settle in, explore properly, and still travel at a relaxed pace.

Are villas or hotels better in Bali?

It really depends on your travel style. Villas are amazing for families, groups, or longer stays because you get space, privacy and often your own pool. Hotels and resorts are great if you want daily housekeeping, on-site restaurants, kids clubs or spa facilities. Bali has incredible options in both — we usually mix villas and resorts on longer trips.

What areas should I avoid staying in?

Rather than “avoid,” we’d say choose areas carefully based on your travel style. Kuta and parts of Legian can feel hectic and party-focused, which isn’t ideal for families or relaxed travellers. Central Canggu can also feel busy during peak season. That’s why we personally prefer quieter spots like Seseh or Bingin while still visiting Canggu for day trips.

Is Bali safe to stay in different areas?

Yes — Bali is generally very safe for travellers. As with anywhere, be mindful of traffic, secure your belongings, and choose reputable accommodation. We always recommend booking stays with good reviews and arranging airport transfers through your hotel or villa when arriving late at night.

When is the best time to book accommodation in Bali?

For peak season (June–September and December), we suggest booking at least 2–3 months ahead, especially for popular villas and family-friendly resorts. Shoulder seasons (April–May and October–November) offer better availability and pricing, and are some of our favourite times to visit.

Bali is an island with many sides, and the magic lies in finding the right area for your style of travel. We have been coming for over 20 years and still find something new every visit!

From beach clubs and surf towns to hidden villages and family-friendly resorts, the best areas of Bali to stay each offer something unique. Use this guide to decide where to base yourself, or better yet, combine a few different regions to experience the full variety of Bali.

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35 Responses

  1. Woow. This definitely looks like an ultimate guide to Bali. I have been reading quite a lot about Bali recently and your blog seems to have all the details one would look for. Love the pictures. Especially those of the semanyak beach. The beach looks so inviting with all the colors.

  2. This is such a comprehensive & colourful post on Bali, it’s so helpful to travellers, especially Australians like me haha! There’s heaps to do, it’s a place you can keep going back to, especially with cheap Jetstar flights 🙂

  3. Amazing that you have been to Bali 25x! I wish I could go at least once in my lifetime. It looks like a great place to bring the family, relax on the beach and eat good food together.

  4. While I myself am a Hindu, I never knew that Bali was a Hindu majority place. You have such gorgeous pics from your travel. The seafood look mouth watering. Adding Bali to my bucket list right away 🙂

  5. Thanks for this extensive guide, definitely will come in handy when we will eb traveling around, hopefully this year! Great inspirations!

  6. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am planning a two week trip to Bali in April and all the information I gained from here is valuable! Having been to Bali so many times, I was wondering if you could answer to some of my questions I have. Would it be doable to stay in Ubud and go to the dentist in Kuta every few days? Is it an hour drive or could it be more depending of the traffic? (Going to the dentist is my main reason for visiting while I also want to see and do as much as I can.) Is there any good scuba diving locations besides in Gili? How expensive is it to climb Mt. Batur? I am trying to find accommodation at the moment too and there is just way too much choice! I am going to go through you suggestions too. Pinned as well! Thanks!

  7. I am surprised you’ve visited Bali 25 times and intend to visit regularly. Must be a real wonderful place for you! Truth be told I have never been to Bali. I would love to go there with my sister. Thanks to this blog I could familiarize myself even before I could check the plane tickets. This guide to Bali is indeed the ultimate!

  8. Wow! I cannot believe you’ve visited Bali 25 times — you are so lucky to get to call it a second home! It certainly has always felt like a vacation destination so far out of reach to me, but you are making me so eager to go! I definitely would love to indulge in some beach time, but the off the beaten path ideas sound so much more amazing to be able to dive deeper into the culture there! The Ubud markets look so pretty and colorful and I’d love to shop there! I’m totally going to save this post for whenever I visit, since you are so familiar with the region!

  9. Wow 25 times is dedication! I love returning to a favorite place though, so I totally understand.

    I fell so in love with Bali when I visited. The people were so kind and the food was amazing. My favorite part of Bali had to be Ahmed. They had some of the most beautiful coral reefs for snorkeling and we stayed in a private villa for $15 dollars in the off season!

  10. You had me cracking up at that first/introductory paragraph! You must love Bali so much to go back that many times! And with that much time in Bali, I think you are the perfect guide to write this down. I love that you can do so many things and it’s clear why tourists love Bali so much! Coincidentally, we just featured a travel film on Bali on our blog. We love the culture in Bali, as much as you do!

  11. You visited Bali the 25th time!! You must love the place so much. Although I must say, I have been reading your posts on bali and some other posts also, bali does look like a very very interesting destination. I will also love to visit here

  12. I’d definitely climb Mt Batur and visit the rice fields. I’m sure I’d get great photos! The daily cocktails sound great too whilst watching the sunset. The food looks good but I would be craving a burger!

  13. Bali is somewhere I’ve always wanted to go, so jealous you’ve been 20-odd times! There’s nothing wrong with going back somewhere time and time again, especially if it starts feeling like home. The Melville Breakfast looks amazing!

  14. I’ve always wanted to visit Bali…and you’ve already been there 20 times!! that’s crazy. I’m jealous! 🙂 I’d love to go there for my honeymoon (whenever that time comes). It definitely has the atmosphere for it. And the meals looks so yummy in your photos! Food is a big part of traveling, in my opinion, and with a breakfast like that – how can you go wrong 😀

  15. I haven’t been to Bali yet but it’s nice to know there are several options of where to stay and that each one is different. I think I would spend a ridiculous amount of time shopping in Ubud!

  16. I also have a friend whose favorite place is Bali. Like you, she always returns, sometimes 2 to 3 times a year. She also considers it as her second home. She attributes it more to the people, they are very kind she said.

    I haven’t been there yet, I lost a chance to go last year because the trip was too long and my superiors at work didn’t allow me to go. But I do wish to go there myself. I love discovering new culture and I can see that Indonesia is a country whose cultural identity is very much intact. I cannot say for my country unfortunately, we are too westernized.

  17. All the pools look amazing I bet they were needed to refresh in. I love the idea of hiring a local driver to get around rather than a motorbike I will definitely look into this when I go

  18. I was on Bali last summer and loved it!
    Stayed in Legian and Ubud (and the Gili’s)and although it was a bit crowded, it was not that bad.
    x

  19. Loved reading your travel guide for Bali and loved being reminded of the fantastic time we had , thanks darling for a great read.

  20. Loved your posts on Bali, I am a huge fan and been coming since 1997. Its nice to read a post that isn’t bagging Bali. Australia is so blessed to have a place like Bali so close, even closer for us in Perth 🙂

  21. Hi Lovely, thanks for your comment. Glad our post was helpful!

    How many times do you need to go to the dentist? Ubud is about 1 hour and 15 mins from Kuta but yes traffic can easily change this to make 2 hours! Perhaps you could start your trip in Sanur or Seminyak which is a little closer to Kuta then head up to Ubud for a few nights then go to Jimbaran which is also close to Kuta? There are tons of good scuba diving sites, including Padang Bai (which is where you get the boat to Gili), Ahmed/Candi Dasa, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and up north at Lovina!

    Mt Batur is about $40-50 USD per person but can be cheaper if you book whilst in Bali.

    What is your budget for Accom? There are so many amazing places for any budget! The easiest way is to first plan your itinerary then have a look into accom. Feel free to email me if you need further help with itinerary/ accom etc! My email is info@kelanabykayla.com

    xx

  22. Thank you! Oh yes such kind people ! I am still finding new places to explore! Crazy how such a small island can have so much to do and see!

  23. Its always fine as well if you stay in the back streets which is still close to everything yet far enough from the crowd! Glad you loved it Steph! xx

  24. Hahah yeh motorbikes scare me! Drivers are fantastic plus they always give you extra knowledge of Bali and the culture!! x

  25. I love the unique temples in Bali, and you shouldn’t miss Kecak Dance performance 🙂

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