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Where to stay in Bali: Best areas and neighbourhoods guide for 2026
Not sure where to stay in Bali? This guide breaks down the best areas, Bali hotels, and Bali resorts, from Ubud to Uluwatu.
Choosing where to stay in Bali is a big decision. The island is bigger than it looks, and every area offers a different experience. Some great places to stay include: Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Sanur.
With every area, you’re choosing between exploring Balinese culture, surf days or spa days, quiet mornings or late sunsets, culture, nature, or beaches, or a mix of everything. This guide will help you plan where to stay in Bali and which neighbourhoods are best in 2026. Staying connected makes everything easier, so consider a travel eSIM for this trip.
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1. Ubud
Ubud, surrounded by rice terraces and jungle valleys, is the spiritual centre of the island. It’s known for yoga studios, art, traditional dance, and wellness retreats. If you’re looking for a calm and relaxing vacation, this is one of the best places to stay in Bali.
Places to stay in Bali: Ubud picks
- Budget: Alam Pangkung Guesthouse (~$35–50)
- Mid-range: Sri Ratih Cottages, rice field views (~$90–120)
- Luxury: Four Seasons Sayan, private villas (~$250+)
Things to do in Ubud
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces (one of the must-see Bali Instagram spots)
- Ubud Art Market (best for Bali souvenirs)
- Traditional dance performances
2. Canggu
Canggu is the best area in Bali for surfers and remote workers. The neighbourhood is scattered with cafes, coworking spaces, and black sand beaches — perfect for a siesta. You can’t deny the lively social atmosphere in Canggu that makes it easy to meet people.
Bali hotels and resorts in Canggu
- Budget: Kos One Hostel (~$30–40)
- Mid-range: The Slow, boutique style (~$80–100)
- Luxury: COMO Uma Canggu (~$200+)
Things to do in Canggu
- Surf breaks at Batu Bolong and Echo Beach
- Beach clubs like Finns and La Brisa
- Cafés and coworking hubs
Insider tip: Pererenan is quieter and often a better value, while still close to the action.
3. Seminyak
Seminyak is the more refined and polished side of Bali. Here, you’ll find natural beauty, great restaurants, shopping, and some of the best hotels in Bali for first-time visitors who want comfort and convenience.
Places to stay in Bali: Seminyak picks
- Budget: Arta Seminyak (~$50–60)
- Mid-range: The Colony Hotel (~$120–150)
- Luxury: Alila Seminyak (~$300+)
Things to do in Seminyak
- Seminyak Beach sunsets
- Potato Head and Ku De Ta
- Boutique shopping
4. Uluwatu
Located in the Bukit peninsula, Uluwatu is known for its dramatic landscapes, limestone cliffs, and powerful waves. It also has some of Bali’s best beaches for more advanced surfers. Uluwatu is definitely quieter and more romantic than Canggu or Seminyak.
Top stays in Uluwatu
- Budget: Padang Padang Breeze (~$40–50)
- Mid-range: Blue Point Bay Villas (~$100–120)
- Luxury: Bulgari Bali, iconic cliffside resort
Things to do in Uluwatu
- Suluban Beach, Bingin Beach, Nyang-Nyang Beach
- Uluwatu Temple
- Karang Boma Cliff
- Ulu Fish Market
5. Sanur
Sanur has some of the best areas in Bali to relax, especially if you prefer calm beaches and a slower pace. Thanks to a protective reef, the sea here is shallow and gentle, making it ideal for families and travellers who want easy swimming rather than surf.
Places to stay in Bali – Sanur picks
- Budget: Taman Agung Hotel (~$35–50)
- Mid-range: Puri Santrian Beach Resort (~$80–110)
- Luxury: Maya Sanur Resort & Spa (~$150–200)
Things to do in Sanur
- Calm, swimmable beaches
- 6 km beachfront promenade for cycling/walking
- Local markets
- Fast boats to the Nusa islands, including Nusa Penida
6. Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is Bali’s prized resort enclave. It’s home to large international Bali resorts, polished gardens, and the most pristine white-sand beaches on the island. Think private pools and infinity pools, a private terrace, and excellent restaurants. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated and luxurious experience, this is where to stay in Bali.
Nusa Dua, Bali resort options
- Budget: Hotels just outside the gated area (~$50–65)
- Mid-range: Grand Mirage Resort (~$120–150)
- Luxury: The St. Regis Bali Resort (~$300–400)
Things to do in Nusa Dua
- Clean, white-sand beaches
- International hotel chains
- Bali Collection shopping area
7. Amed
This is one of the most underrated places in Bali. It’s located on the east coast and offers black sand beaches, traditional fishing villages, and easy access to some of Bali’s best diving spots.
Where to stay in Bali: Amed picks
- Budget: Amed Cafe & Hotel (~$30–40)
- Mid-range: Coral View Villas (~$70–90)
- Luxury: Santai Hotel Bali (~$140–180)
Things to do in Amed
- USAT Liberty shipwreck (near Tulamben)
- Coral reefs just offshore
- Traditional villages and Mount Agung views
8. Jimbaran
Jimbaran’s wide bay, golden sands, and beachfront seafood dinners are what attract people to this coastal resort. Its proximity to the airport makes it an ideal choice for your first or last night in Bali.
Where to stay in Jimbaran, Bali
- Budget: Mango Tree Villas (~$40–55)
- Mid-range: Jimbaran Bay Beach Resort (~$90–120)
- Luxury: AYANA Resort Bali (~$300–500) or the Four Seasons Resort Bali (~$800+)
Things to do in Jimbaran
- Jimbaran Beach
- Sunset seafood restaurants (best of Bali’s food)
- Jimbaran Fish Market
9. Nusa Lembongan
This is a smaller island just off Bali’s southeast coast. With little to no traffic chaos and slower-paced living, it’s the perfect place to stay in Bali if you want a break from the mainland while still enjoying great beaches.
Resorts in Nusa Lembongan, Bali
- Budget: Pondok Baruna (~$35–50)
- Mid-range: Lembongan Beach Club (~$80–110)
- Luxury: Batu Karang Lembongan Resort (~$180–250)
Things to do in Nusa Lembongan
- Manta ray diving
- Dream Beach
- Devil’s Tear
- Surf breaks
10. Kuta and Legian
This is Bali’s original backpacker beach and the go-to place for budget travellers if you’re looking for cheap Bali hotels and beginner surf lessons. However, you might find better value and atmosphere elsewhere on the island.
Places to stay in Kuta and Legian
- Budget: The Kana Kuta (~$35–50)
- Mid-range: Padma Resort Legian (~$120–150)
- Luxury: Rare, better value elsewhere
Things to do in Kuta and Legian
- Long sandy beach
- Surf schools for beginners
- Budget shopping and dining
Insider tip: If you’re considering this area, look slightly north toward Seminyak for a more comfortable stay.
Important things to know before booking your stay in Bali
Before locking in where to stay in Bali, there are a few practical details that can make a big difference to your trip.
Book early in peak season: If you’re travelling in July-August or December-January, book your Bali hotels or resorts well in advance. While they are the best months to visit Bali, they are also the busiest, and the best places to stay in Bali sell out quickly, especially villas and beachfront properties.
Check airport pickup options: Many villas and resorts in Bali offer airport transfers. This is especially helpful after a long flight. If you’re comparing options, our detailed guide on how to get around Bali explains the various transportation options.
Verify walking distance to the beach: Confirm how far your stay is from the beach, especially if beach access is important.
Don’t trust photos blindly: Many listings use wide-angle lenses that make pools look much larger than they are. Check guest photos and read reviews before booking your stay.
Check out our guide on what to pack for Bali for insights from seasoned travellers, especially if you’re traveling from Australia.
Stay connected in Bali with an unlimited data travel eSIM
Finding where to stay in Bali is easier when you’re connected. You’ll rely on mobile internet in Bali for maps, transport, bookings, and messaging hotels. WiFi can be unreliable outside resorts, especially in rural areas.
Holafly’s eSIM for Indonesia gives you unlimited data across the island. There’s no physical Bali SIM card installation, no swapping, and activation takes minutes via QR code. Enjoy true peace of mind with instant activation.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
