When you’re planning a visit to Bali quickly, you’re most likely getting overwhelmed by the sheer variety of lodges and areas to select from! The place’s the very best place to remain? Is it in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, or elsewhere? Don’t fear, on this article, we’ll assist you determine what’s finest for you.
If you take a look at Bali on the map, it seems to be small. First-timers simply assume it’s as small as Phuket, Santorini, or Singapore. However in actuality, Bali is an enormous island. It solely seems to be small as a result of it sits subsequent to Java, which is far, a lot bigger. In reality, it’s eight instances greater than Singapore, 10 instances greater than Phuket, 64 instances greater than Santorini, greater than 500 instances bigger than Boracay! Within the Philippines, size-wise, Bali is extra akin to all the island of Cebu or Leyte.
Why am I saying this? As a result of this issues if you’re selecting the realm to remain. It’s a must to perceive the island’s geography first.
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Understanding Bali’s Geography
That is Bali. It’s composed of eight regencies and one metropolis, Denpasar.
Understanding its geography is much more necessary, contemplating that the important thing points of interest are scattered all through the island. Therefore, the very best space to remain is dependent upon the locations you wish to go to, particularly in the event you solely have a couple of days.
Every has its professionals and cons. So let’s discuss and break down every of those vacationer hotspots one after the other. By the best way, that is in no explicit order. The numbers are simply there for simpler reference.
1. KUTA
Finest for: Price range vacationers, backpackers, and social gathering animals
Kuta is the most well-liked space amongst vacationers, particularly first-timers. It put Bali on the map of worldwide vacationers.
PROS
A part of the Badung Regency, its location may be very handy. It’s near the airport and the seashore!
You’ll discover virtually every part you might presumably want right here: ATMs, cash changers, banks, comfort shops, eating places, bars, retailers, tour businesses, and even bike leases. It’s additionally the place many excursions kick off since most businesses are based mostly within the space. And naturally, Kuta is legendary — or possibly notorious, relying on how you’re feeling about it — for its wild, energetic nightlife.
Kuta additionally has the largest cluster of lodging in Bali. Positive, there are a couple of upscale lodges round, nevertheless it’s actually finest identified for budget- and backpacker-friendly choices.
When you’re after the seashore vibe with easy accessibility to every part, together with the airport and vibrant nightlife, Kuta could also be for you.
CONS
Kuta doesn’t have a sterling fame. And among the criticisms aren’t unfounded. Some seasoned vacationers advise in opposition to staying right here. They are saying it’s overhyped, overcrowded, and overdeveloped. It’s true that Kuta is extremely busy and touristy.
Visitors jams are fairly widespread, particularly throughout rush hours, and it’s important to be alert, as lots of Bali’s instances of scams, pickpockets, and cellphone or bag snatching occur right here.
Maintain up, let’s be clear. Bali is usually secure. Crime charge is low. And violent crimes are uncommon. I’ve by no means felt unsafe, even in Kuta. However it’s important to safe your valuables when strolling round Kuta and close by areas and be vigilant.
You’ll be able to escape the hustle and bustle of Kuta by selecting an even bigger, well-appointed resort.
The place We Stayed
Just lately, our staff was capable of keep at Anathera Resort Kuta. It’s a contemporary mid-range resort conveniently positioned only a few minutes from Kuta Seaside and the primary purchasing and nightlife areas. It strikes a pleasant steadiness between accessibility and luxury, making it an awesome base for vacationers who wish to be near the motion however nonetheless take pleasure in a peaceable retreat after a protracted day trip.
The property options a big swimming pool, a youngsters’ pool, a fitness center, a spa, and even a deck lounge the place company can unwind. The rooms are vibrant and spacious, most with non-public balconies overlooking the pool or backyard. Every room additionally has free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV. The workers was additionally pleasant and useful.
It’s not probably the most luxurious choice in Bali, nevertheless it delivers strong worth for cash. You’ll be able to ebook a deluxe room for 2 for as little as IDR 560,000 (PHP 2,000) per evening on Agoda together with taxes.
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And it might go even decrease in the event you use our promo code AGODATPT, which provides you with 10% OFF. That’s a variety of financial savings, particularly in the event you’re reserving costly lodges or a number of nights, as a result of it’s capped at USD 100 or roughly P5800. That’s an enormous low cost.
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Prime Accommodations in Kuta
Listed below are among the finest locations to remain in Kuta, as rated by vacationers on-line.
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2. SEMINYAK
Finest for: Households and anybody who loves Kuta’s enjoyable, beachy vibe — minus the chaos and crowds
Similar to Kuta, Seminyak is a paradise for surfers. It shares the identical shoreline and the identical spectacular sunsets, solely with extra space to breathe.
PROS
Consider Seminyak as Kuta’s barely calmer, classier neighbor to the north, the place the streets are lined with fashionable villas, luxurious resorts, and stylish spa retreats. You’ll additionally discover fine-dining eating places, designer boutiques, and stylish bars. However that’s to not say there aren’t any reasonably priced choices. It has a wide variety of hostels and price range lodges, too.
Many of those locations cater to households and teams, making it an awesome spot if you need consolation with out sacrificing comfort.
When you’re a member of the LGBT+ neighborhood, take into account Seminyak as a result of it additionally has an energetic LGBT+ scene. A bit of Jalan Camplung Tanduk Highway in Seminyak is the unofficial homosexual strip, with homosexual bars, drag reveals, and LGBTQIA+-friendly seashore bars.
It’s additionally pretty near the airport, only a tad farther than Kuta, however nonetheless accessible.
CONS
Seminyak suffers from virtually each drawback which you could say about Kuta. It’s additionally crowded and bustling with site visitors jams and all, however not as hectic. Personally, between the 2, we choose Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
We stayed at Grandmas Plus Resort Seminyak, an enormous resort providing price range rooms! We paid IDR 2,070,000 (USD 124, PHP 7328) for 3 nights.
That’s solely IDR 690,000 (USD 41.40, PHP 2443) per evening. It’s at a wonderful location, only a quick stroll from the seashore, eating places, and bars. It’s good for vacationers who wish to keep within the coronary heart of Seminyak with out paying premium resort costs. The rooms are compact however trendy, geared up with necessities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and comfy beds. There’s additionally a small swimming pool, an in-house spa, and a restaurant, all nice for enjoyable after a day of exploring.
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Prime Accommodations in Seminyak
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3. UBUD
Finest for: Vacationers in search of some peace of thoughts, cultural expertise, and a central location
Ubud is commonly thought of the cultural coronary heart of Bali. It’s good in the event you’re after tradition, rest, and a greener aspect of Bali. As a base for vacationers, it has loads of benefits.
PROS
It’s splendid for vacationers who desire a slower, extra soulful expertise, away from the seashore crowds. You’ll discover artwork galleries, yoga retreats, wellness facilities, and native craft markets that provide you with a deeper look into Balinese tradition.
Many boutique resorts and villas are set amid tranquil rice paddies or alongside river valleys, providing peaceable views and a powerful sense of connection to nature. Even these inside the city heart, most properties nonetheless really feel extra secluded and have a extra non-public vibe. Lots of the resorts or villas that get featured by influencers — these with a pool floating lunch tray — they’re most likely right here in Ubud.
Additionally it is well-located for day journeys to waterfalls, rural temples, rice terraces, and scenic highland spots. Ubud sits within the center, making it a wonderful base. By staying right here, you received’t should take care of the Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar site visitors jams for probably the most half.
You’ll discover a variety of excursions on Klook that begin or choose up right here in Ubud, so going round shouldn’t be a difficulty.
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CONS
Talking of site visitors, Ubud isn’t with out its downsides. The city heart may get congested with vehicles and scooters, particularly throughout peak hours, however not as unhealthy as Kuta or Seminyak.
When you’re touring to Bali for the seashore, effectively, it’s fairly removed from the coast — round an hour and a half to 2 hours away, relying on site visitors.
Costs for lodging and meals have gone up over time, reflecting its rising recognition. And though it’s typically calm, nightlife right here is restricted in comparison with coastal areas like Kuta or Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
Right here in Ubud, we had been capable of strive Ari Cottages. It’s an enthralling 3-star boutique property tucked away on Jalan Made Lebah within the Pengosekan space of Ubud, simply outdoors downtown, so it’s very quiet. However it’s solely a brief stroll from fashionable eating places, cafés, and retailers. The perfect half — proper throughout the highway is a grocery store!
Rooms right here have terraces that overlook their swimming swimming pools. The one we obtained comes with every day afternoon tea, however we didn’t get to avail of it as a result of we had been all the time outdoors exploring. Insect repellent spray was additionally supplied.
The workers had been pleasant and welcoming. It’s a incredible selection if you need a trendy, mid-budget stick with a little bit of character in Ubud.
We paid IDR 3,926,000 (USD 235, PHP 13,884) for 3 nights. That’s IDR 1,308,600 (USD 78.35, PHP 4,628) per evening. Not unhealthy contemplating it was peak season once we visited, and truthfully, it was one of many few remaining fairly priced non-public rooms we discovered on the time.
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Prime Accommodations in Ubud
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4. CANGGU
Canggu is one other village additional north alongside the identical seashore as Kuta and Seminyak, however a lot quieter, extra laidback, and cheaper. There’s a good number of lodges and hostels, but additionally residences for weekly or month-to-month hire and co-working areas.
Due to its ambiance and affordability, it’s develop into a favourite amongst digital nomads and people who are staying in Bali longer than normal.
Prime Accommodations in Canggu
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5. DENPASAR
Denpasar is Bali’s capital. It can provide you a style of Balinese metropolis life away from the vacationers. It has its share of worthy points of interest, from native markets to necessary temples. And the meals scene right here is nice, providing not simply genuine Balinese fare but additionally different Indonesian cuisines.
Notice, nonetheless, that whereas its Sanur district has an excellent seashore, town heart is way from the coast. And regardless of Ngurah Rai Worldwide Airport additionally being referred to as Denpasar Airport, it’s truly in Badung, outdoors Denpasar. In actuality, Denpasar’s metropolis correct is far, a lot farther from the airport than Kuta or Seminyak.
Prime Accommodations in Denpasar
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6. NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua is the polished, family-friendly face of Bali. It’s residence to most of the island’s luxurious resorts, every with pristine beachfronts and top-notch services. The vibe right here is serene and safe, nice for honeymooners, households, and anybody who simply desires to chill out with out chaos. The seashores are vast and mild, good for swimming or water sports activities.
On the flip aspect, it feels a bit faraway from genuine native life, with a lot of the motion occurring inside resort grounds.
Prime Accommodations in Nusa Dua
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7. ULUWATU
Uluwatu is perched on Bali’s southern cliffs. It affords among the island’s finest ocean views and sunsets. Lodging choices vary from price range to luxurious.
The world, nonetheless, is kind of unfold out with restricted transportation modes and far fewer industrial institutions. It’s not splendid for many who need walkable neighborhoods. However it’s a haven for surfers or simply those that wish to keep someplace quieter however nonetheless very accessible from the airport.
Prime Accommodations in Uluwatu
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What’s the Finest Space to Keep in Bali?
So, what’s the finest space to remain in Bali? That is dependent upon what kind of traveler you might be and your itinerary.
- When you’re a backpacker or price range traveler who likes to social gathering and wish to be within the heart of the motion, Kuta is likely to be a sensible choice. It’s energetic, loud, and loaded with reasonably priced lodges and hostels. Good in the event you love nightlife, straightforward seashore entry, and assembly different vacationers — not a lot in the event you crave peace and quiet.
- When you’re a bunch of pals in search of stylish spots, Seminyak is the place to be. It has a mixture of consolation, comfort, and magnificence. You’re near nice eating places, purchasing, and seashore golf equipment, however not as busy or crowded as Kuta.
- When you’re an explorer and also you wish to see a lot of the island, keep in Ubud. Its location makes it a great base for day excursions to the temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces.
- When you’re a digital nomad who likes a social, artistic scene, select Canggu. Anticipate trendy villas, boutique guesthouses, and co-living areas. It’s informal, enjoyable, and splendid if you wish to work, surf, or simply hang around someplace cool.
- When you’re a pair on a romantic getaway, ebook a villa in Ubud or a resort in Nusa Dua and even Uluwatu. Your selection of lodging will probably be essential right here, so all the time test evaluations.
- When you’re a luxurious traveler who prioritizes consolation and rest, take into account Nusa Dua. The gated resort areas are calm, clear, and secure, with massive lodges providing every part you want inside strolling distance. Nice for many who desire a stress-free seashore vacation.
- When you’re a nature or tradition lover, Ubud is your finest wager. Palms down.
- When you’re a household, keep in Nusa Dua when you’ve got the price range and also you wish to be away from the vacationer chaos. But when your loved ones prefers to be near extra institutions, Seminyak is an effective selection too.
- When you’re a foodie, Denpasar is nice. Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, and different areas have an excellent meals scene, too, however in our expertise, Denpasar is the very best for restaurant and café hopping and market crawls.
Personally, if I’d return to Bali now and I’ve six nights, I’d keep in Ubud for the primary three nights and in Seminyak for the final three. In any other case, select only one. Which one? When you requested me 5 years in the past, I’d say Seminyak. However now that I’m a bit older, I’d choose Ubud.
Have you ever skilled staying at any of those locations in Bali? How was it? Tell us within the feedback part under.
Updates Log
2025 11 12 – First uploaded
Co-written with Asta Alvarez
Images by Yosh Dimen, Asta Alvarez, and Mariah Cruz