Where To Stay In Bali?

Quick answer: Where to stay in Bali depends on your style: Kuta and Legian for backpackers and nightlife, Seminyak for upscale resorts, Sanur for families, Ubud for culture and nature, Nusa Dua for water sports, and the north (Lovina, Pemuteran) or east (Candidasa, Amed) for peace and diving.

Bali is the most visited island in Indonesia, attracting over 8 million people a year, and Denpasar, its capital, serves as the main gateway. With adventurous water sports, temples, rice fields and quiet coastal towns, Bali has something for everyone. Here is how to arrive and a region-by-region guide to help you decide where to stay in Bali.

Arriving in Bali

Bali’s only airport, Ngurah Rai International Airport, is in Denpasar and served by most major airlines. Getting a visa on arrival is fairly simple: at the time of writing, most nationalities could obtain one by paying 35 USD at the Visa on Arrival desk in the airport.

Reaching the City Centre or Your Hotel

Unlike many other Southeast Asian cities, Bali does not have tuk-tuks. Blue Bird is an official taxi company with a counter in the arrivals area of the terminal. The 20-minute ride to Denpasar city costs approximately 5 USD.

Where to Stay in Bali: Region by Region

Here are the main regions of Bali, so you can choose the place that suits your taste.

Jimbaran

This fishing village is well known for its seafood restaurants. You can choose from a variety of live seafood, traditionally grilled over a fire of coconut husks.

The famous Uluwatu Temple, one of the oldest temples in Bali, is 13 km from Jimbaran.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is famous for water sports such as banana boat rides, parasailing, jet skiing and diving. Operators charge somewhere between 25 and 30 USD per activity. However, Nusa Dua has no nightlife.

Kuta and Legian Street

Kuta is the most popular beach on the island and a hub for backpackers. It is good for a day or two of water sports and clubbing on Legian Street.

From here you can take a half-day trip to the famous Tanah Lot temple, or a guided tour of nearby attractions.

Seminyak

Seminyak is a laid-back area north of Legian, with more upscale beach resorts and villas, plus some trendy bars and restaurants.

Denpasar

The island’s capital bustles with shops and markets, and lies a considerable distance from Kuta, Legian and Seminyak.

Sanur

Sanur has a white sand beach, and the sea is usually calm and shallow with low waves, so it is often visited by families with young children. It is also one of the few places on the island where you can dine on the beach.

The famous Le Mayeur Museum is in Sanur.

Ubud

Ubud is a place you can’t afford to miss. It is the island’s vibrant cultural heart, with rice fields, Balinese temples, museums, arts and theatres.

You can try adventurous activities like white water rafting or a biking trip, and Ubud has plenty of spas offering authentic Balinese massage. The Monkey Forest is its major attraction.

Lovina

Lovina is a coastal town in the north of Bali with black volcanic sand. It is much cheaper than southern Bali and has a very different atmosphere: tranquil, with fewer neon signs and no surfers, which makes it a perfect place to relax.

Dolphin sighting is the town’s major attraction, and the 2.5-hour trip usually costs around 5 USD. The famous Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (the temple by the lake) is 28 km from Lovina.

Singaraja

Singaraja is an old port city and the second largest city on the island. On Bali’s northern coast, it was the colonial capital during Dutch rule and has numerous well-preserved colonial buildings.

Pemuteran

In the north-west of Bali, about 120 km from Denpasar, Pemuteran is far from the bustling south and known for its tranquillity. Balinese people often call it “Nyegara Gunung”, the energy of connection between the sea and the mountain, as it has a black sand shore on one side and a beautiful mountain on the other.

Pemuteran is widely known for snorkelling and diving around Menjangan Island, with hectares of colourful coral reefs. The Bali Barat nature reserve is close by.

Seririt

Seririt is a small town on Bali’s northern coast, known for the Brahma Arama Vihara, a prominent Buddhist monastery. Visitors can take part in Vipassana, a meditation practice that focuses on mental peace.

Kintamani

Kintamani is the gateway to Mount Batur, an active volcano about 1,700 metres high. People usually hike up early in the morning to catch the golden rays of the sunrise.

Kintamani is also famous for its native dog breed, named after the region, which evolved from local Bali street dogs.

Candidasa

Candidasa is a laid-back coastal town in the east of the island and one of Bali’s popular places for scuba diving.

Amed

Amed is popular with honeymooners and divers. It is a great place to learn, with the Apneista school offering freediving and yoga lessons.

Bali Regions at a Glance

Best for	Where to stay
Backpackers and nightlife	Kuta and Legian
Upscale resorts and trendy bars	Seminyak
Families with young children	Sanur
Culture, rice fields and spas	Ubud
Water sports	Nusa Dua
Seafood	Jimbaran
Quiet, budget and dolphins	Lovina
Snorkelling and diving	Pemuteran, Candidasa, Amed
Volcano sunrise hikes	Kintamani

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Kuta and Legian suit backpackers and nightlife lovers, Seminyak is more upscale, and Ubud is best for culture and nature.

Where should families stay in Bali?

Sanur, with its calm, shallow sea and low waves, is popular with families with young children.

How do I get from Bali airport to Denpasar?

Blue Bird taxis have a counter in the arrivals area. The 20-minute ride to Denpasar costs approximately 5 USD.

Where is the quietest part of Bali?

The north, including Lovina and Pemuteran, is far more tranquil and cheaper than the south.

Conclusion

Deciding where to stay in Bali comes down to what you want from your trip: the buzz of Kuta, the culture of Ubud, the calm of Sanur or the untouched north and east. Pick a base that matches your style and use it to explore the rest of the island.