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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Types of Accommodation

Resorts and Hotels

Bali’s resorts and hotels range from international chains to boutique properties, catering to all budgets with amenities like pools, spas, and on-site restaurants.

Private Villas

Offering privacy and space, villas typically feature personal pools and are ideal for couples, families, or groups seeking a home-away-from-home experience.

Guesthouses and Homestays

Budget-friendly options providing authentic Balinese hospitality, often family-run with basic amenities and valuable local insights.

Eco-lodges and Glamping

Nature-focused accommodations allowing immersion in Bali’s landscapes while minimizing environmental impact, from bamboo structures to luxury tents.

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-oriented 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 wary 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 sustainability 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

Common Sustainable Practices:

• Renewable energy usage through solar panels
• Water conservation systems including rainwater collection
• Waste reduction with biodegradable toiletries and plastic-free initiatives
• Locally sourced building materials such as bamboo and reclaimed wood
• Farm-to-table dining using organic, locally grown ingredients
• Community involvement and educational programs

Long-Term Stay Options

Best Areas for Extended Stays:

• Canggu: Ideal for digital nomads with established expat community and amenities
• Ubud: Perfect for those seeking cultural immersion and natural surroundings
• Sanur: Offers good balance of convenience and authentic local living with fewer tourists

Accommodation Types:

• Monthly villa rentals offering significant discounts (40-60% off nightly rates)
• Apartment complexes catering to expats with Western amenities
• Extended-stay guesthouses with kitchenettes and laundry facilities

Practical Considerations:

• Negotiate utilities separately for transparency on electricity costs (AC usage can be expensive)
• Ensure reliable internet with backup solutions for work requirements
• Consider visa implications for stays beyond 30-60 days
• Research local amenities like grocery stores, laundry services, and medical facilities
• Establish clear terms about cleaning schedules and maintenance responsibilities

Finding Long-Term Options:

• Join Facebook groups for expats in Bali where listings are often posted
• Use local agents who specialize in longer rentals rather than tourist stays
• Visit in person and negotiate directly for best rates on multi-month commitments
• Consider shoulder season arrival for better negotiating leverage

Understanding Balinese Accommodation Features

Traditional Architecture Elements

Many properties incorporate open-air bathrooms, alang-alang grass roofs, and stone carvings—not just decorative but designed for natural cooling in the tropical climate.

Cultural Considerations

Respect small Hindu shrines on property grounds and daily offerings (canang sari). Religious ceremonies may occasionally affect your stay but offer authentic cultural experiences.

Budget Planning

Approximate Price Ranges:

• Budget accommodations: USD 15-30 per night
• Mid-range hotels: USD 80-120 per night
• Luxury options: USD 170-400+ per night

Always check for additional tourist taxes, service charges, and cleaning fees that might not be included in advertised rates.

Tips for Choosing Accommodation

• Align your location with planned activities to minimize travel time
• Read recent guest reviews focusing on your specific priorities
• Verify essential amenities like air conditioning or WiFi quality
• Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
• Consider longer-stay discounts for extended visits

Remember, Bali’s charm lies in its diversity. Whether you seek a beachfront resort or mountain retreat, the perfect accommodation awaits your Bali adventure.