Bali has numerous beautiful places to stay, each with its own sights and highlights. The beach paradise has something for everyone, but there are some places that can be better suited to you based on the kind of holiday you have planned.
If you’re heading out to Bali soon, here is a detailed guide on the best places to stay, according to traveller preferences.
1. For Singles, Groups Of Friends & Party Lovers: Kuta & Seminyak
The locales of Kuta and Seminyak on the West coast of Bali are party and food hubs that are alive during both day and night.
The two are about a 10-15-minute taxi ride from each other, depending on traffic. You can make a pit stop at Legian, which is midway between the two areas.
Most tourists visit Kuta at least once during their trip to experience nightlife and shopping in Bali. The beach clubs in Seminyak are better regarded than the ones in Kuta, but they can also be more expensive.
Why You Should Stay Here
Kuta and Seminyak are known to have some of the best restaurants, bars and spas on the island. Staying here gives you proximity to the abundant shopping streets as well, where you can purchase everything from swimwear to souvenirs.
There are a number of different accommodation options for all budgets, most of which are located within walking distance from the lively pubs and bars that dot the beaches and the narrow streets. There are plenty of late night drinking and eating options as well.
What’s The Catch?
Since these areas are central to Bali’s nightlife scene, they can get pretty crowded and noisy. The beaches are not very clean or picturesque, owing to a large number of crowds that pour into the areas every day. A stream of heavy traffic is a common feature.
Recommended Hotels
Value For Money
- The Kana Kuta Hotel: Located a quiet corner in Kuta, this property is conveniently situated at a connecting roundabout between Kuta and Seminyak. Although it isn’t a beachfront property, it offers great personalised amenities.
- Amadea Resort & Villas: Situated in the Seminyak beach resort area, Amadea sits amongst the best dining and nightlife spots in Seminyak. On the inside, it’s still secluded enough for some downtime after a heavy night of partying.
Premium Experience
- The Kuta Beach Heritage Hotel: A 5-star property on Bali’s main street, it is a popular choice for those looking for luxury in a good location. The rooms are spacious, and breakfast spreads are lavish.
- W Bali Seminyak: A beachfront property with stunning views of the ocean, leisurely amenities and close access to the beach and sights in Seminyak. The staff is friendly and the food is great too. You can enjoy a drink while watching the sunset at the in-house Woo Bar.
2. For Families & Honeymooners: Uluwatu
Uluwatu in South Bali is a beachside destination with many luxurious cliffside accommodations. You can be guaranteed of great views from the hotels and the beaches here. Uluwatu is a little off-the-grid, but its azure waters and scenic sunsets make it worth a visit.
Why You Should Stay Here
Uluwatu echoes relaxation. The area is quite secluded from the central areas, but is a 30-minute drive from Kuta and Seminyak if you fancy a night out. Uluwatu is pretty self sufficient, and there are many local restaurants if you don’t want to stray too far from your hotel.
What’s The Catch?
Uluwatu is regarded as a surfer’s paradise, so the beach isn’t ideal for swimming. Also, you may need a private vehicle to explore the area, as walking isn’t feasible.
Recommended Hotels
Value For Money
- Mu Bungalows: Thatched roof huts dot this private complex, located within walking distance of both Uluwatu and Padang Padang beaches and the nearby Dreamland and Bingin beaches if you want to have a quiet day with your loved ones. The bungalows are well furnished, secluded and with great views.
- Villa Buddha Hill: A cosy retreat with all-around views of the ocean and the volcanic mountains, this property has intimate rooms for two and large rooms for families.
Premium Experience
- Alila Vilas Uluwatu: A cliffside property with a 165ft long pool, Alila Vilas is considered a paradise on its own. The modern villas come with a private butler, pool and a stylish cabana.
- Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort: You’ll find most guests wading in the infinity pool that offers an unbeatable view of the horizon. If you’re in a creative mood, you can partake in in-house activities like dance, yoga and art lessons, or unwind at the spa.
3. For Culture & History Buffs, Families & Couples: Ubud
Bali is so much more than beaches and sunsets. The national art, history and culture is prevalent in every corner, as the locals hold on to their roots very strongly.
Ubud in the North is a laidback area that gives you a true taste of the serene Bali you always pictured. It is a natural gem rich in culture and local experiences. Tourists wanting to see the more inland areas of Bali frequent the scenic area.
Far away from the maddening crowds of Kuta, Seminyak and Legian, Sanur is on the east coast of Bali, and has some of the best sunrises and sunsets on the island. Before the South became more popular amongst tourists, Sanur was where you could spot royals, celebrities and surfers.
Why You Should Stay Here
Sanur has everything Bali is known for – stunning beaches, local restaurants and boutiques, and a calm ocean that is suitable for water sports. The area is quiet and peaceful and is frequented by families, older tourists and those looking to just laze around.
There are no crowds, traffic or aggressive street sellers to tamper with the laidback atmosphere. It is also well connected to other popular areas of Bali, so you can easily make your base here and venture out for a drive if you’re up for it.
What’s The Catch?
The seaside town moves at a slow pace, so spending more than a few days here can feel monotonous.
Recommended Hotels
Value For Money
- Sudamala Suites and Villas: A five-minute walk from the beach, the Sudamala hotel has Balinese-style rooms for an authentic living experience. The intimate retreat has a luxurious yet comfortable vibe.
- Maison Aurelia Sanur: The tastefully furnished rooms in this property are well maintained, and you can pick between views of the city or the outdoor pool. It is only a three-minute walk from the beach.
Premium Experience
- Fairmont Sanur Beach: Only a stone’s throw away from the beach, the Fairmont Sanur has modern amenities and all the comforts of home, with a bit of Balinese culture and cuisine thrown in. Don’t miss out on the spa experience.
- Villa Batujimbar: Celebrity guests are a frequent sight at Villa Batujimbar, known for its exclusivity and privacy. The hotel only has nine bedrooms, subtly cordoned from each other and stocked with contemporary luxuries.
5. For Proximity To Water Sports: Tanjung Benoa
The Tanjung Benoa peninsula in Nusa Dua has abundant resorts for families, honeymooners and those looking to spend their days in a rush of adrenaline. A majority of the water activities are centred in this peninsula, as its calm seawater makes it ideal for all the marine action. For an island adventure, tick some daring water sports off your bucket list with a visit to Tanjung Benoa.
Why You Should Stay Here
The 5km long area in Tanjung offers a range of water sports, which you can try over a few days. It’s ideal to stay within close proximity of this hub to avail of the best services. The area is a playground for water sports operators who offer varied activities at competing prices, so you can pick and choose the ones that work best for you.
Spend the day trying out different water sports like donut boating, surfing and flyboarding. Work up an appetite, and then spend the evening at one of the local restaurants for a satisfying meal, before winding up your night at one of the many accommodations on Benoa beach.
What’s The Catch?
Besides water sports, there isn’t much to do in the area.
Recommended Hotels
Deluxe Accommodations On Benoa Beach
- Sol Beach House Benoa: This hotel has a private beach, watersports, and a tropical landscape with hammocks dotting the property. You can engage in other activities like giant chess and beach volleyball in your spare time.
- Hotel Nikko Bali: Set in a private section of Benoa beach, Hotel Nikko Bali (recently renamed from the Grand Aston Bali Beach Resort) is famed for its great sunrise views, large marble bathrooms and lagoon pool.
