Where to stay in Bali: The best places and areas with top hotels, resorts, attractions, restaurants and more!

Ask anyone where to go on vacation next and everyone would tell you to travel to Bali. For sure, by now you know about all things to do in Bali, but how about where exactly to stay in Bali?! This is a tough question, especially if you’re going to Bali for the first time. Not only is this Indonesian island bigger than you think, but each of its different areas comes with different vibes catering to a bunch of distinct travelers! So how on earth are you supposed to decide?! 

Whether you’re ready to party on top of tables, immerse in the local art scene, snooze in a hammock with a cocktail in hand, and everything in between, Bali has it much cooler than anywhere else! In these areas, you’ll find Bali’s best hotels and resorts, along with a plethora of attractions, activities, restaurants, and more to keep you entertained throughout your holiday!

• The hippest hood of them all – Canggu

Once known as ‘Bali’s surfers’ hideout’, Canggu (pronounced as ‘’Chan-goo’’) ’ is now a place titling itself as ‘Bali’s hipster central. Here, you’ll find a chock-full of hipster cafes with amazing foodie offerings, trendy boutiques with artsy vibes, and delis selling the Insta-worthy smoothie bowls.

From 7 am cafe latte to cure your hangovers to evening cocktails by the pool, Canggu has been cool for years. Throughout the past decade, the area has attracted digital nomads on the lookout for the most Instagrammable spots in Bali. During the weekends, you’ll find them hitting Canggu’s best beaches, before checking out the nearby weekend market and uncovering a speakeasy bar at night.

So if you’re often led by your appetite, caffeine cravings, and curiosity for culture, Canggu might just be Bali’s best area for you to stay. Besides being central, you’ll find various accommodation categories, from luxury resorts to budget stays, as well as Bali’s most unique hotels like a glamping site! 

• One for the fashionistas – Seminyak

No trip to Bali is truly complete if you haven’t been to Seminyak – one of, if not THE best place to settle down when on vacation in Bali. Whether you’re a couple, family, or group of friends, Seminyak is so versatile! Full of trendy shops, delicious food options, glorious beaches, Seminyak is one of the best places to shop, eat at and relax in Bali! 

Seminyak is also the perfect area to finally live your dream of sleeping in a private pool villa at an affordable price! It doesn’t matter if you’re here on a budget or ready to splurge a little with some exquisite luxury, Seminyak has it all! A popular option while in Seminyak is to be based along the famous Jalan Kayu Aya, also known as Bali’s Eat Street. Filled with boutiques, photo-worthy cafes, affordable spas, lively beach clubs, this is where you can find a wide range of hotels that are located within walking distance.

• The place for party-lovers – Kuta/Legian

Wondering where to party in Bali? Want to go bar-hopping all night long and maybe get some cheap booze? Then Kuta is where you belong when on holiday in Bali. Welcome to Bali’s wild side!

For that reason, Kuta is probably not the best location if you’re traveling with kids, although it can well be entertaining for teenagers. During the day, there are other things to do in Kuta – you’ll find several small shops filled with quirky souvenirs and Bohemian clothing. 

With authentic local food offerings, fabulous shopping spots (including malls), and the most lively beaches, Kuta is one of the best places in Bali, a playground for active travelers looking for some fun! To add, it’s close proximity to the airport is also an added bonus; which is why the area is also home to a good amount of hotels and resorts ranging from budget ones to top luxury stays, some of which even overlook the ocean. 

• Bali’s capital of culture – Ubud

Think – endless lush greenery, Balinese arts and crafts, magnificent waterfalls, temples, and yoga retreats by the paddy field; it’s hard not to fall in love with Bali’s cultural hub that’s evolved from a sleepy local farmers’ village to a vibrant township. 

While many decide to make only a mere day trip to Ubud, it’s good to know that this jungle town has much more to offer and features incredible accommodation options as well! In fact, some of Bali’s best hotels are situated right in Ubud and overlook stunning views of the valley! 

With stays located within walking distance to the center of the town where you’ll find local markets filled with crafts and other exotic creations, and hotels hidden deep in the jungle, letting you live your very own “Eat, Pray, Love” movie scene, Ubud is definitely where you can combine action and relaxation. For this reason, it is a great location for families or even couples looking at immersing in local culture and nature.

•  A place for serious beach-goers – Uluwatu

Deemed as a destination for honeymooners, and luxury seekers, Uluwatu is Bali’s world-class surfing coastal town that’s hidden in the south-western tip of the island and offering you incredible views of the Indian Ocean along with up-scale vibes. It’s also one of the best places to stay in Bali if you’re interested in spending the night at a luxury resort with oceanview rooms before heading out to check out Bali’s best-hidden beaches and basking in amazing sunset views from a clifftop temple, or maybe at a glitzy beach club for that matter. 

Perched on the limestone cliff-fringed peninsula, Uluwatu is also known as Bali’s wedding capital. This is where you’ll find an amazing collection of dreamy villas to celebrate your special day. 

Of course, you’ll also find other types of accommodation to fit in with your budget – affordable stays are aplenty and the best part is that you can even find some that are both lights on the purse and scenic! 

• The island’s luxury territory – Nusa Dua

From beach cafes to an underwater restaurant, culturally-enriching museums, exhilarating watersports, as well as family-oriented beach clubs, Nusa Dua seems like another world when compared to the more touristy areas of Seminyak and Kuta. 

Predominantly occupied with a series of luxury five-star resorts, the area is deemed perfect for a family getaway or a romantic vacation. Here, you’ll enjoy a long stretch of quiet beach and utmost exclusivity, far from too much action, Nusa Dua is where the crowds are thinner and life definitely better!

And while you can find multiple beaches around the island, the ones in Nusa Dua are exceptionally made for you to relax in all seclusion. Hence, Nusa Dua is an ideal place for families with small kids or teenagers looking to avoid the crowds and disconnect from everyday life. Around the area, one can find amazing restaurants to indulge in and quality spas to unwind.

Which of these areas would you consider on your trip to Bali?