Where to Stay in Bali

Bali offers diverse accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs and preferences. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, here's a guide to help you choose the perfect place to stay during your Bali adventure.

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Popular Areas

Seminyak

This upscale beach resort area features luxury beachfront villas, boutique hotels, and international brand resorts. Perfect for fashion-conscious travelers and foodies seeking fine dining and sophisticated nightlife.

Highlight: Vibrant sunset beach clubs like Potato Head and Ku De Ta with world-class restaurants within walking distance.

Stay in Seminyak

Canggu

A hip coastal neighborhood with stylish homestays, mid-range hotels, and luxury villas set among rice fields. Attracts digital nomads, surfers, and yoga enthusiasts looking for a relaxed atmosphere.

Highlight: Excellent cafes, co-working spaces, and consistent waves at Echo Beach, creating the perfect balance between tourist amenities and authentic charm.

Stay in Canggu

Bedugul

A refreshing highland retreat nestled amongst picturesque landscapes in North Bali, featuring a cooler climate, lush greenery, and serene mountain lakes. Perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape from the coastal heat.

Highlight: The iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, appearing to float on Lake Beratan with stunning mountain backdrops and mist-shrouded views.

Stay in Bedugul

Lovina

A laid-back collection of coastal villages in North Bali featuring dark volcanic sand beaches and tranquil waters. Popular for dolphin watching, snorkeling, and those seeking a slower, more authentic Balinese experience.

Highlight: Early morning dolphin spotting trips and proximity to natural attractions like the Air Banjar hot springs and Singsing waterfall.

Stay in Lovina

Ubud

The cultural heart of Bali offering everything from budget guesthouses to luxury jungle retreats. Ideal for travelers interested in Balinese arts, yoga retreats, and spiritual experiences away from the beaches.

Highlight: Stunning accommodations overlooking ravines and rice fields with easy access to temples and the famous Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Stay in Ubud

Uluwatu

Known for dramatic clifftop views and world-class surf breaks with accommodations ranging from budget surf lodges to exclusive cliff-edge villas. Perfect for surf enthusiasts and couples seeking romantic panoramas.

Highlight: Properties designed to maximize breathtaking ocean vistas with nearby access to hidden
beaches and the famous Uluwatu Temple.

Stay in Uluwatu

Jimbaran

A charming fishing village featuring a curved bay with accommodation options from luxury resorts to family-run guesthouses. Ideal for families and couples seeking beautiful beaches without overwhelming crowds.

Highlight: Beachfront Jimbaran seafood cafes where fresh catch is grilled and served directly on the sand as the sun sets.

Stay in Jimbaran

Kuta and Legian

Bali’s original tourism hub offers abundant budget and mid-range accommodations near shopping and nightlife. Attracts first-time visitors and younger travelers seeking a vibrant atmosphere and affordability.

Highlight: Excellent value with all tourist amenities within walking distance of the famous Kuta Beach.

Stay in Canggu Stay in Legian

Nusa Dua

A planned luxury enclave featuring five-star international resorts with expansive grounds and private beaches. Appeals to luxury travelers and families requiring comprehensive facilities and security.

Highlight: Meticulously landscaped resort zone with manicured gardens, water sports facilities, and
connected beach walkway between properties.

Stay in Nusa Du

Sanur

A laid-back beachfront area with accommodations ranging from heritage hotels to modern resorts along calm, reef-protected waters. Popular with families and mature travelers seeking a more authentic feel.

Highlight: 5km paved beachfront promenade perfect for morning walks with stunning sunrise views and convenient harbor access for island excursions.

Stay in Sanur

Types of Accommodation

Villa & Private Retreats

Ideal for privacy and comfort, these spacious villas often feature private pools, tropical gardens, and home-style luxury amenities.

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Luxury Resort

Enjoy exceptional service, spa indulgence, and stunning ocean or jungle views in Bali’s most opulent five-star resorts and retreats.

Browser Luxury Resorts

Family-Friendly Stays

Ideal for privacy and comfort, these spacious villas often feature private pools, tropical gardens, and home-style luxury amenities.

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Eco-Stays & Unique Stays

Sustainable and memorable, these stays include bamboo lodges, treehouses, and eco-resorts designed to connect you with Bali’s natural beauty.

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Budget-Friendly Guesthouses & Hostels

Affordable, clean, and welcoming stays for backpackers or budget travelers who want comfort, community, and convenience without breaking the bank.

Browse Budget Stays

First-Time Visitor Recommendations

Best Areas for First-Timers:

For Beach Lovers: Start in Seminyak for a balanced introduction to Bali with good beaches, dining options, and manageable crowds.
For Cultural Immersion: Begin with 2-3 nights in Ubud before moving to a beach area to experience both aspects of Bali.
For Families: Nusa Dua or Sanur provide safe beaches and controlled environments that ease the transition to Balinese culture.
For Budget Travelers: Legian offers affordable accommodation with good amenities and central location without Kuta’s intensity.

Practical Tips:

Book airport transfers in advance to avoid transportation stress after a long flight
Consider splitting your stay between beach and inland areas for a more diverse experience
Start with hotels rather than villas for your first visit to benefit from concierge services and organized tours
Allow 2-3 nights minimum per location to avoid spending too much time relocating

Accommodation Selection Based on Traveler Type

For Digital Nomads

Look for properties with reliable WiFi, workspace areas, and monthly rental options. Canggu offers the best infrastructure with numerous co-working spaces and nomad-friendly cafes.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Prioritize properties with safety features, kids’ clubs, and shallow pools. Nusa Dua and Sanur offer the most family-friendly resorts with spacious rooms and child-friendly beaches.

For Honeymooners and Couples

Seek out adults-only properties or villas with private pools. Consider cliff-top suites in Uluwatu or secluded jungle villas in Ubud for maximum romance and privacy.

Accommodation Safety Tips

Property Security:

Choose accommodations with 24-hour security, especially for villas
Ensure rooms have secure locks and safes for valuables
Research neighborhood safety, particularly for properties outside main tourist areas

Health Considerations:

Check for mosquito nets or protection systems, especially in open-air rooms
Verify water purification systems or bottled water provision
Review fire safety measures, particularly for wooden structures or thatched roofs

Booking Safety:

Only book through reputable platforms with verified reviews
Be careful of deals requiring bank transfers or Western Union payments
Screenshot all confirmation details and save emergency contacts
Verify property existence through Google Maps or Street View when booking lesser-known accommodations

On-Site Practices:

Lock doors and windows when leaving, even in secure complexes
Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original
Use hotel safes for important documents and excess cash
Save your accommodation address in your phone in both English and Indonesian

Navigating Booking Platforms

Platform Selection:

Booking.com/Agoda: Best for hotels and resorts with free cancellation options
Airbnb/VRBO: Ideal for villas and unique properties with longer minimum stays
Hostelworld: Budget-friendly options with social atmospheres
Direct booking: Often provides best rates for luxury properties and resorts

Maximizing Value:

Create accounts to access “member prices” and loyalty benefits
Book with free cancellation when possible, even if slightly higher cost
Compare mobile app prices which sometimes offer exclusive discounts
Check booking sites in different currencies as prices can vary

Understanding Fine Print:

Verify breakfast inclusion as this can significantly impact overall value
Check cancellation policies, especially during the high season
Review “resort fee” or “cleaning fee” additions that may not be immediately obvious

Practical Considerations for Booking

Seasonal Pricing and Weather Impact

Dry season (April-October) brings higher prices, especially July-August, while rainy season (November-March) offers discounts but potential weather disruptions, particularly for open-air accommodations.

Transportation and Accessibility

Consider airport distance, local transport options, and whether your chosen location requires renting a vehicle. Many remote villas offer beauty but require planning for daily excursions.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Stays

Bali has embraced eco-conscious tourism, with numerous properties implementing sustainable practices that don’t compromise on comfort or luxury.

Top Eco-Friendly Accommodations:

Potato Head Studios (Seminyak) – A creative village featuring reclaimed and recycled materials throughout, biodegradable in-room amenities, and an on-site Sustainism Lab developing innovative eco-solutions
Masmara Resort (Pererenan) – A boutique eco-conscious accommodation near Canggu beaches using locally sourced materials, implementing plastic-free initiatives, and featuring energy-efficient systems and natural landscaping
Serenity Eco Guesthouse (Canggu) – Wellness-focused retreat with solar-powered water heating, vegan restaurant using locally grown produce, and comprehensive recycling programs
Sarinbuana Eco Lodge (Mount Batukaru) – Nestled on mountain slopes with all-natural material bungalows, permaculture gardens, natural swimming pools, and extensive conservation efforts
Bali Eco Stay (Selemadeg) – Open-air overwater bungalows overlooking rice paddies and tropical food forests, featuring off-grid energy solutions and organic gardens
Menjangan Dynasty Resort (Northwest Bali) – An eco-friendly tented boutique retreat beside a white-sand beach offering safari-style accommodations crafted with bamboo and alang-alang thatch