Where to stay in Bali

Bali is an Indonesian island of volcanoes, rice terraces, Hindu temples and surf beaches, and it's big enough that where you stay shapes your whole trip. Traffic in the south can be slow, so it pays to pick a base close to what you want to do rather than plan long daily drives.

The places we list cover most of the island: cliff-top bungalows on the Bukit peninsula near Uluwatu, private-pool villas in Seminyak and Canggu, calm-water hotels in Sanur, simple stays on rugged Nusa Penida, rice-field retreats near Ubud and Kintamani, and peaceful bases on the north coast around Lovina and Pemuteran.

Airport
Ngurah Rai International (DPS), in the south near Kuta
Getting around
Private drivers, ride-hailing apps and scooters; traffic is slow in the south
Dry season
Roughly April to October
Islands
Fast boats from Sanur to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan

Places to stay in Bali

33 hotels

Hotel in Uluwatu and the Bukit peninsula

Bingin Inn

A garden pool between Bingin and Padang Padang

  • pool
  • garden
  • air-conditioning
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Bali, area by area

Most visitors split their time between the south coast and the cooler interior. The Nusa islands and the north coast are quieter options with a very different feel.

Uluwatu and the Bukit peninsula

Best for surfing, cliffs and sunsets

The limestone Bukit peninsula, at Bali's southern tip, is known for its cliffs, white-sand coves and world-famous surf breaks such as Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin and Balangan. Steep steps lead down to many of the beaches.

Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff above the ocean, hosts a Kecak fire dance at sunset. The area is spread out, so most people use scooters or drivers, and it's around 30 to 45 minutes from the airport.

Seminyak, Legian and Canggu

Best for villas, dining and beach clubs

Seminyak and Legian, north of Kuta, are Bali's most polished beach towns, with boutiques, restaurants, spas and sunset beach clubs along a long sandy shore that includes Double Six and Petitenget.

Further north, Canggu is younger and more laid-back, popular with surfers and remote workers, with cafes, co-working spaces and rice fields between the villas. Batu Bolong and Echo Beach are its main surf spots, and Tanah Lot temple is a drive away.

Sanur and Serangan

Best for families and calm water

Sanur, on the east coast, has a reef-protected beach with calm water and a long beachfront path for walking and cycling. It's relaxed, family-friendly and good for sunrise. Fast boats to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan leave from Sanur's beach.

Just south, Serangan Island is linked by a causeway and has a marina and a turtle conservation centre.

Nusa Penida

Best for dramatic scenery and snorkelling

Across the Badung Strait from Sanur, Nusa Penida is wild and rugged, with towering cliffs and famous viewpoints such as Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong and Diamond Beach. Manta rays gather at dive sites off the coast.

Roads can be rough and steep, and many visitors hire a driver for the day. Staying overnight means you can see the viewpoints before the day-trippers arrive.

Ubud and the highlands

Best for culture, rice terraces and cooler air

Ubud is Bali's cultural heart, surrounded by rice terraces and known for its palace, art markets, dance performances, yoga and the Sacred Monkey Forest. Tegallalang's terraced rice fields lie just north.

Higher up, Kintamani sits on the rim of the Batur caldera, with views of Mount Batur and its lake. The climate is cooler, and sunrise treks up the volcano are popular.

The north and west coast

Best for dolphins, diving and peace

Bali's north coast is quiet, with black-sand beaches and calm seas. Lovina is known for early-morning dolphin-watching boat trips, and the waterfalls and hot springs inland.

Further west, Pemuteran is a small, low-key resort area close to Menjangan Island in West Bali National Park, one of Bali's best spots for snorkelling and diving.

Questions about staying in Bali

Where is the best area to stay in Bali for a first visit?

Many first-time visitors combine a few nights in the south, such as Seminyak, Canggu or Uluwatu, with a few nights in Ubud. Sanur is a calmer choice for families.

How long does it take to get around Bali?

Longer than the distances suggest. Traffic in the south is heavy, and a drive from the airport to Ubud can take 1.5 to 2 hours, so it's worth basing yourself near what you want to see.

How do I get to Nusa Penida?

Fast boats run from Sanur and take about 30 to 45 minutes. Sea conditions can affect crossings, so allow a little flexibility.

When is the best time to visit Bali?

The dry season, roughly April to October, is the most popular. The wet season brings afternoon downpours but greener scenery and fewer visitors.

Do I need a visa for Bali?

Rules depend on your nationality and change from time to time, and a tourist levy has been introduced for foreign visitors. Check the latest official guidance before you travel.

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