Discover the perfect area to stay in Bali for your next vacation with
our expert guide. From the trendy beach bars of Seminyak to the cultural
heart of Ubud and the exclusive luxury of Nusa Dua, we'll explore the
best areas in Bali for young adults, families, solo travelers, and more.
Find your perfect Bali escape with our insider tips and start planning
your dream vacation to the "Island of the Gods" today.
Best Places to Stay in Bali for Young Adults: Seminyak is the perfect place for young adults looking for a fun, lively atmosphere. This trendy beach town is known for its hip bars, boutique shops, and upscale restaurants. It's also home to some of Bali's most popular beach clubs, where you can dance the night away under the stars.
Sarah loved staying in Seminyak, where she could explore the shop filled streets during the day and hit up the beach clubs at night. She
particularly enjoyed the laid-back vibe at Potato Head Beach Club, which
had an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and delicious cocktails.
These attractions provide a range of experiences, from exploring natural wonders and historical sites to trying local cuisine and engaging in water sports, ensuring a memorable trip to Nusa Dua.
Best Areas or Destinations to Stay in Bali
Bali is a popular vacation destination with a wide variety of resorts to choose from. The best area for a resort vacation in Bali will depend on your personal preferences, but some popular areas to consider include:
- Seminyak: This is a trendy and upscale area located on the western coast of Bali. It's known for its luxury resorts, high-end shops and restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Many of the resorts in Seminyak are located right on the beach, so you can easily access the water and enjoy swimming and other beach activities. Resorts and prices
Nusa Dua:
Nusa Dua: This is another popular area for luxury resorts in Bali. It's located on the southern coast of the island and is known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The resorts here are generally more exclusive, and secluded, and offer a more upscale and private experience. Find hotels in Nusa Dua
Great for people watching and surfing.
- Coolest Places to Stay in Bali: Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is a luxurious resort area located on Bali's southern coast. This exclusive enclave is home to some of Bali's most luxurious hotels, and it offers a range of high-end activities and experiences.
Sarah loved staying in Nusa Dua, where she could indulge in spa treatments, play golf on world-class courses, and dine at some of Bali's best restaurants. She particularly enjoyed the luxurious setting of The St. Regis Bali Resort, which offered stunning ocean views and impeccable service.
The TravelScout Channel presents a comprehensive guide of must-see locations in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia. Here's what was covered:
- Sunbathe on Pantai Geger: This public beach offers rental sun loungers and local cafes called warungs.
- Watch the Water Blow: Water Blow is a large blowhole on Nusa Dua beach, and while it's unsafe to get close, it offers an impressive spectacle from a distance.
- Experience a Camel Ride: Offered by Bali Camel Safaris, visitors can enjoy a leisurely ride along the beach.
- Visit Pura Geger: This small Balinese temple, situated near Geger beach, offers beautiful views of the sea.
- Have Lunch at the Nusa Dua Beach Grill: Known for its fish dishes, crab, spicy prawns, and lobster, this grill is situated right on Geger Beach.
- Visit the Pacifica Museum: This museum houses the work of European artists who lived in Bali and Indonesian artists, along with Indo-Chinese and Polynesian exhibits.
- Take a Boat to Serangan Island: Known as Turtle Island, it houses a conservation center dedicated to caring for injured turtles and reintroducing them into the wild.
- Visit Puja Mandala: This religious and cultural complex represents the five major religions in Indonesia, offering a symbol of tolerance and religious equality.
- Experience Being a Pirate at The Pirate's Bay: This pirate-themed restaurant features a model wooden pirate ship, treehouse, lookout tower, and beach huts.
- Stroll along the Nusa Dua Promenade: A waterfront path offering views over the Indian Ocean, it's perfect for a morning or early evening stroll.
- Snorkel at Nusa Dua Beach: This beach offers a nearshore reef with good waves for surfing and clear waters for swimming or snorkeling.
- Watch the Devdan Show: This nightly cultural dance performance gives a tour of music, costumes, and traditions from all over Indonesia in a 90-minute show.
- Explore Geger Beach: A less-known beach compared to Pantai Geger, it offers swimming, snorkeling, and an opportunity to watch local seaweed farmers at work.
These attractions provide a range of experiences, from exploring natural wonders and historical sites to trying local cuisine and engaging in water sports, ensuring a memorable trip to Nusa Dua.
Ubud
Ubud
Ubud, in the central highlands of Bali, is a paradise for those seeking a culturally-rich and natural vacation experience. With its stunning views of lush green rice terraces and mount Agung, Ubud is the perfect place to be immersed in Balinese culture. From traditional craft markets to local temples and art galleries, Ubud has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Ubud has it all.any of the resorts in Ubud are located in the middle of lush tropical gardens, and many offer a more secluded and natural environment. Find hotels in Ubud
Hanging Gardens
Best Area to Stay in Bali with Family: Ubud
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, and it's the perfect place to
experience the island's rich history and traditions. This picturesque
town is surrounded by lush rice paddies, ancient temples, and scenic
hiking trails.
In the video, "17 things to do in UBUD, BALI - Guide to UBUD," by Joel Friend, the presenter provides a list of the top attractions and experiences that one should have while visiting Ubud, Bali.
- Suatu Waterfall: Known for its beauty and two jump spots, this waterfall is a 30-minute drive from central Ubud, with an entrance fee of 15,000 rupiah.
- Monkey Forest: Home to over a thousand monkeys split into six groups, visitors can take photos with monkeys under the guidance of staff. The entrance fee is 80,000 rupiah.
- Creta Ubud: This place, located in the rice terraces just outside Ubud, was opened in 2021 and offers terraced pools for relaxation. Entrance is 50,000 rupiah.
- Ubud Rice Terraces: These beautiful terraces are built into a valley and offer stunning views, especially at sunrise.
- Taman Empal Temple: A Hindu Balinese water temple famous for its holy water and purification ritual, which visitors can participate in. Entrance costs 50,000 rupiah.
- Kelekeleko Waterfall: A one-hour drive from Ubud, it offers a unique experience and can be enjoyed privately during non-peak hours. Entrance costs 50,000 rupiah.
- Mount Peter: Known for its stunning views and natural hot springs, this volcano is best visited with a guided tour.
- Private Villa: Ubud offers several options for renting a private villa with beautiful views.
- Ubud Center, Markets, and Shops: Known for its artsy ambiance, local fruit, and the chance to secure great deals.
- Kampung Bridge Walk: An easy walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, offering beautiful views.
- Ubud Restaurants: From traditional warungs to modern restaurants, Ubud is famous for its food.
- Cinnamon: A quieter region known for its views, hikes, and tranquility.
- Coffee Plantation: A must-visit for coffee lovers to taste and learn about Balinese coffee.
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour's drive from Ubud, known for its vast and scenic rice fields.
- Gunung Kawi: An 11th-century underground temple carved into the side of a cliff.
- Exploring Ubud on a Scooter: A great way to see the local sights at your own pace.
- Nungnung Waterfall: One of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, with an entrance fee of 20,000 rupiah.
Sarah loved exploring Ubud with her family, and they particularly
enjoyed the Monkey Forest, where they could interact with the friendly
macaques. They also visited the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, which offered
breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran is situated on the southern coast of Bali and is known for its stunning beaches and delicious seafood. It's a perfect destination for travelers who are looking for peace, tranquility and relaxation. With its idyllic landscapes, white sandy beaches, warm sunshine and crystal clear waters, Jimbaran has become a popular holiday spot for many tourists. Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or just soak up some sun while enjoying the local cuisine, Jimbaran is an ideal location to make your next holiday destination. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and excellent seafood. This place is perfect for those who are looking for a peaceful and tranquil vacation experience.
Best Area to Stay in Bali for Older Couples: Jimbaran
Jimbaran is a quiet, romantic town that's perfect for older couples
looking for a peaceful escape. This picturesque fishing village is
located on Bali's southwest coast and is known for its beautiful beaches
and fresh seafood.
Sarah loved the relaxed atmosphere of Jimbaran, where she could spend
lazy days lounging on the beach and enjoying fresh seafood dinners with
her partner. She particularly enjoyed the stunning sunset views at
Jimbaran Bay, which offered a peaceful and romantic setting.
The video titled "HOW TO TRAVEL JIMBARAN BALI ?! The unknown side (WE DIDN'T EXPECT THIS!!!)" by the YouTuber TravelandTellno1, presents an insightful picture of Jimbaran, a quaint fishing village in Bali.
The exploration begins with a refreshing stop at a local bubble tea café, acclaimed for its freshly brewed best milk tea in Bali. The journey around the island is notably undertaken by scooter, a common mode of transport that offers a rich, local experience despite the challenging traffic.
The Honeymoon Beach visit reveals a stark solitude, a quiet contrast to the expected bustling tourist scene. However, a tour around the Patung Garuda Wisnu Cultural Park brings back the significance, as the large statues and the cultural nuances of the park leaves the vlogger in awe.
A stop at the local market brings a fascinating insight into the fresh seafood culture of the village. Amidst all this, the vlogger also takes a moment to enjoy the overly sweet sugar cane juice, a local specialty.
The visit to Jimbaran Beach proves to be a disappointment due to its littered state, contradicting expectations of a clean and welcoming tourist spot. Nevertheless, the vlogger remains undeterred and locates a cleaner beach near the Four Seasons for a much-needed respite.
The video concludes on a reflective note, with the vlogger expressing mixed feelings about their time in Jimbaran. Despite the unexpected experiences, the journey is enjoyable and culminates in a heartwarming "I love Bali" moment. Throughout the video, TravelandTellno1 offers valuable insights and honest experiences about traveling in Jimbaran, serving as a helpful guide for future visitors.
Canggu
Canggu: This is a trendy and increasingly popular area located on the west coast of Bali, just north of Seminyak. It's known for its beautiful beaches, great surf, and lively nightlife. Many of the resorts here are set in beautiful coastal or rice field locations, and offer a wide range of activities and amenities for vacationers.
It's important to note that Bali is a big island and each area offer different atmosphere and activities, so it's good to choose the one that aligns with your priorities, whether it's luxury, culture, nature, or surf.
Best Place to Stay in Bali for Singles: Canggu
Canggu is a popular destination for solo travelers, with its laid-back
atmosphere and surfer culture. This charming town is located along
Bali's southwest coast and is home to some of the island's best surfing
beaches.
Sarah loved staying in Canggu, where she could take surfing lessons
during the day and chill out at one of the beachfront bars in the
evening. She particularly enjoyed the vibes at Old Man's, a popular
beach club that offered live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
The video "The PERFECT Day in Canggu Bali (Here's what to do!)" by Lost LeBlanc showcases a full day of activities and attractions in Canggu, Bali. It begins with a visit to Times, a restaurant popular with early-rising surfers. The presenter emphasizes that while Canggu might not be the most picturesque part of Bali, its charm lies in the experiences it offers.
The video next features a workout session at Wanderlust CrossFit, a gym that has grown since the presenter's first visit in 2017. He highlights that the gym classes leave no room for excuses and push you to give your all. After this strenuous start, the presenter indulges in a meal at Sensorium, a visually appealing restaurant he was glad to rediscover at a new location.
The video then transitions to a visit to a unique handmade gym, Bali Wild Child, operated by Ricky and Julia, a couple who are ex-Cirque du Soleil performers. Here, the presenter learns to do parkour and flips.
The next location is a beach club called La Breeza. This is highlighted as an essential part of the perfect day in Canggu, offering a beautiful setting, music, food, and swimming. Following this, the presenter explores the surrounding areas of Canggu, including Tumbak Bayu, where he is building his own villas.
As the video continues, the presenter showcases his top picks for accommodations, including Desa Hay for those seeking luxury and privacy, and Lost Creator House for those seeking community and networking opportunities.
The video concludes with a dinner at a favorite restaurant and a taste of Canggu nightlife at Moro Beatles, a place known for its lively Friday night parties. Despite the full day of activities, the presenter notes that there's much more to discover and experience in Canggu.
Kuta
Best Place to Stay in Bali for First-Timers:
Kuta
Kuta is the gateway to Bali, and it's the perfect place for first-timers to get a taste of the island's unique culture and attractions. This bustling town is located on Bali's southwest coast and is known for its lively atmosphere and surf culture.
Sarah loved staying in Kuta, where she could explore the busy streets and hit up the beach during the day. She particularly enjoyed the lively vibes at Kuta Beach, which was perfect
The video "Kuta, Bali PROS & CONS. The most divisive area in Bali?" by Universe or Bust discusses the merits and drawbacks of staying in Kuta and Legian, areas in Bali, Indonesia.
The host highlights that the area has an upbeat and enjoyable vibe, especially in the evenings with live music, local food, and community gatherings. Some of the pro points include a wide variety of accommodations, from budget to high-end, and a thriving nightlife scene featuring live music at local dive bars.
The presenter also talks about the opportunities to learn surfing at Legian beach, thanks to numerous surf schools, and the food scene offering both local and western options. In particular, they mention their experience at a local restaurant serving grilled tuna, describing it as the best they've ever had.
However, the cons of the area include crowded streets, heavy traffic, and a loud environment due to late-night activities. There's a risk of theft or pickpocketing due to the high influx of tourists and local revelers, so they advise caution with personal belongings.
Despite these downsides, the presenter considers the central location of Kuta as a plus, as it's conveniently close to the airport and provides easy access to the south, north, and middle parts of the island. The video ends with the assertion that those who enjoy active, crowded areas with nightlife would have a lot of fun in Kuta and Legian.
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Overall, Sarah found that Bali offered something for everyone, and she was impressed by the diversity of experiences that the island had to offer. Whether you're looking for a romantic escape, a family-friendly adventure, or a solo travel experience, Bali has it all.
For those who are looking for something different, Sarah also recommends the laid-back, bohemian vibe of the town of Amed, located on Bali's northeast coast. Amed offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with its stunning coral reefs, secluded beaches, and traditional fishing villages.