In case you’re planning a visit to Bali quickly, you’re most likely getting overwhelmed by the sheer variety of motels and areas to select from! The place’s the perfect place to remain? Is it in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, or some other place? Don’t fear, on this article, we’ll assist you determine what’s finest for you.
Whenever you take a look at Bali on the map, it appears to be like small. First-timers simply assume it’s as small as Phuket, Santorini, or Singapore. However in actuality, Bali is an enormous island. It solely appears to be like small as a result of it sits subsequent to Java, which is far, a lot bigger. The truth is, it’s eight occasions larger than Singapore, 10 occasions larger than Phuket, 64 occasions larger than Santorini, greater than 500 occasions bigger than Boracay! Within the Philippines, size-wise, Bali is extra similar to your complete island of Cebu or Leyte.
Why am I saying this? As a result of this issues whenever you’re selecting the realm to remain. It’s a must to perceive the island’s geography first.
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Understanding Bali’s Geography
That is Bali. It’s composed of eight regencies and one metropolis, Denpasar.
Understanding its geography is much more necessary, contemplating that the important thing sights are scattered all through the island. Therefore, the perfect space to remain will depend on the locations you need to go to, particularly when you solely have a number of days.
Every has its execs and cons. So let’s speak about and break down every of those vacationer hotspots one after the other. By the way in which, that is in no specific order. The numbers are simply there for simpler reference.
1. KUTA
Greatest for: Price range vacationers, backpackers, and celebration animals
Kuta is the preferred space amongst vacationers, particularly first-timers. It put Bali on the map of worldwide vacationers.
PROS
A part of the Badung Regency, its location could be very handy. It’s near the airport and the seashore!
You’ll discover virtually every thing you might probably want right here: ATMs, cash changers, banks, comfort shops, eating places, bars, outlets, tour businesses, and even motorbike leases. It’s additionally the place many excursions kick off since most businesses are based mostly within the space. And naturally, Kuta is known — or perhaps notorious, relying on how you are feeling about it — for its wild, energetic nightlife.
Kuta additionally has the largest cluster of lodging in Bali. Positive, there are a number of upscale motels round, however it’s actually finest identified for budget- and backpacker-friendly choices.
In case you’re after the seashore vibe with easy accessibility to every thing, together with the airport and vibrant nightlife, Kuta could also be for you.
CONS
Kuta doesn’t have a sterling repute. And among the criticisms will not be unfounded. Some seasoned vacationers advise in opposition to staying right here. They are saying it’s overhyped, overcrowded, and overdeveloped. It’s true that Kuta is extremely busy and touristy.
Visitors jams are fairly widespread, particularly throughout rush hours, and it’s a must to be alert, as a lot of Bali’s instances of scams, pickpockets, and telephone or bag snatching occur right here.
Maintain up, let’s be clear. Bali is mostly protected. Crime fee is low. And violent crimes are uncommon. I’ve by no means felt unsafe, even in Kuta. However it’s a must to safe your valuables when strolling round Kuta and close by areas and be vigilant.
You may escape the hustle and bustle of Kuta by selecting an even bigger, well-appointed lodge.
The place We Stayed
Not too long ago, our group was in a position to keep at Anathera Resort Kuta. It’s a contemporary mid-range lodge conveniently positioned just some minutes from Kuta Seaside and the principle buying and nightlife areas. It strikes a pleasant stability between accessibility and luxury, making it an incredible base for vacationers who need to be near the motion however nonetheless get pleasure from a peaceable retreat after a protracted day trip.
The property options a big swimming pool, a youngsters’ pool, a health club, a spa, and even a deck lounge the place friends can unwind. The rooms are brilliant and spacious, most with non-public balconies overlooking the pool or backyard. Every room additionally has free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV. The employees was additionally pleasant and useful.
It’s not probably the most luxurious choice in Bali, however it delivers stable worth for cash. You may e book a deluxe room for 2 for as little as IDR 560,000 (PHP 2,000) per night time on Agoda together with taxes.
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And it may go even decrease when you use our promo code AGODATPT, which gives you 10% OFF. That’s plenty of financial savings, particularly when you’re reserving costly motels or a number of nights, as a result of it’s capped at USD 100 or roughly P5800. That’s an enormous low cost.
✅ To redeem this code, obtain and open the Agoda app, and on the COUPONS tab, enter AGODATPT (all caps). Then select a property and room kind, and upon checkout, enter AGODATPT once more to avail of the particular fee.
You need to use this code for many motels on Agoda!
Prime Inns in Kuta
Listed here are among the finest locations to remain in Kuta, as rated by vacationers on-line.
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2. SEMINYAK
Greatest for: Households and anybody who loves Kuta’s enjoyable, beachy vibe — minus the chaos and crowds
Similar to Kuta, Seminyak is a paradise for surfers. It shares the identical shoreline and the identical spectacular sunsets, solely with more room to breathe.
PROS
Consider Seminyak as Kuta’s barely calmer, classier neighbor to the north, the place the streets are lined with fashionable villas, luxurious resorts, and chic spa retreats. You’ll additionally discover fine-dining eating places, designer boutiques, and stylish bars. However that’s to not say there are not any reasonably priced choices. It has a wide variety of hostels and funds motels, too.
Many of those locations cater to households and teams, making it an incredible spot if you need consolation with out sacrificing comfort.
In case you’re a member of the LGBT+ group, contemplate Seminyak as a result of it additionally has an lively LGBT+ scene. A piece of Jalan Camplung Tanduk Street in Seminyak is the unofficial homosexual strip, with homosexual bars, drag exhibits, and LGBTQIA+-friendly seashore bars.
It’s additionally pretty near the airport, only a tad farther than Kuta, however nonetheless accessible.
CONS
Seminyak suffers from virtually each drawback which you can say about Kuta. It’s additionally crowded and bustling with visitors jams and all, however not as hectic. Personally, between the 2, we want Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
We stayed at Grandmas Plus Lodge Seminyak, an enormous lodge providing funds rooms! We paid IDR 2,070,000 (USD 124, PHP 7328) for 3 nights.
That’s solely IDR 690,000 (USD 41.40, PHP 2443) per night time. It’s at a wonderful location, only a quick stroll from the seashore, eating places, and bars. It’s excellent for vacationers who need to keep within the coronary heart of Seminyak with out paying premium resort costs. The rooms are compact however trendy, outfitted with necessities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and comfy beds. There’s additionally a small swimming pool, an in-house spa, and a restaurant, all nice for enjoyable after a day of exploring.
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Prime Inns in Seminyak
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3. UBUD
Greatest for: Vacationers in search of some peace of thoughts, cultural expertise, and a central location
Ubud is usually thought of the cultural coronary heart of Bali. It’s excellent when you’re after tradition, leisure, and a greener facet of Bali. As a base for vacationers, it has loads of benefits.
PROS
It’s splendid for vacationers who need a slower, extra soulful expertise, away from the seashore crowds. You’ll discover artwork galleries, yoga retreats, wellness facilities, and native craft markets that offer you a deeper look into Balinese tradition.
Many boutique resorts and villas are set amid tranquil rice paddies or alongside river valleys, providing peaceable views and a robust sense of connection to nature. Even these inside the city middle, most properties nonetheless really feel extra secluded and have a extra non-public vibe. Lots of the resorts or villas that get featured by influencers — these with a pool floating lunch tray — they’re most likely right here in Ubud.
Additionally it is well-located for day journeys to waterfalls, rural temples, rice terraces, and scenic highland spots. Ubud sits within the center, making it a wonderful base. By staying right here, you received’t need to cope with the Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar visitors jams for probably the most half.
You’ll discover plenty of excursions on Klook that begin or decide up right here in Ubud, so going round shouldn’t be a difficulty.
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CONS
Talking of visitors, Ubud isn’t with out its downsides. The city middle also can get congested with vehicles and scooters, particularly throughout peak hours, however not as unhealthy as Kuta or Seminyak.
In case you’re touring to Bali for the seashore, nicely, it’s fairly removed from the coast — round an hour and a half to 2 hours away, relying on visitors.
Costs for lodging and meals have gone up over time, reflecting its rising reputation. And though it’s usually calm, nightlife right here is proscribed in comparison with coastal areas like Kuta or Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
Right here in Ubud, we had been in a position to attempt Ari Cottages. It’s a captivating 3-star boutique property tucked away on Jalan Made Lebah within the Pengosekan space of Ubud, simply outdoors downtown, so it’s very quiet. Nevertheless it’s solely a brief stroll from standard eating places, cafés, and outlets. The most effective half — proper throughout the street is a grocery store!
Rooms right here have terraces that overlook their swimming swimming pools. The one we acquired comes with day by day afternoon tea, however we didn’t get to avail of it as a result of we had been all the time outdoors exploring. Insect repellent spray was additionally supplied.
The employees had been pleasant and welcoming. It’s a unbelievable selection if you need a trendy, mid-budget stick with a little bit of character in Ubud.
We paid IDR 3,926,000 (USD 235, PHP 13,884) for 3 nights. That’s IDR 1,308,600 (USD 78.35, PHP 4,628) per night time. Not unhealthy contemplating it was peak season once we visited, and actually, it was one of many few remaining fairly priced non-public rooms we discovered on the time.
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Prime Inns in Ubud
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4. CANGGU
Canggu is one other village additional north alongside the identical seashore as Kuta and Seminyak, however a lot quieter, extra laidback, and cheaper. There’s a good collection of motels and hostels, but additionally flats for weekly or month-to-month lease and co-working areas.
Due to its ambiance and affordability, it’s develop into a favourite amongst digital nomads and those that are staying in Bali longer than common.
Prime Inns in Canggu
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5. DENPASAR
Denpasar is Bali’s capital. It may give you a style of Balinese metropolis life away from the vacationers. It has its share of worthy sights, from native markets to necessary temples. And the meals scene right here is nice, providing not simply genuine Balinese fare but additionally different Indonesian cuisines.
Observe, nonetheless, that whereas its Sanur district has a superb seashore, town middle is way from the coast. And regardless of Ngurah Rai Worldwide Airport additionally being referred to as Denpasar Airport, it’s truly in Badung, outdoors Denpasar. In actuality, Denpasar’s metropolis correct is far, a lot farther from the airport than Kuta or Seminyak.
Prime Inns in Denpasar
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6. NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua is the polished, family-friendly face of Bali. It’s dwelling to most of the island’s luxurious resorts, every with pristine beachfronts and top-notch services. The vibe right here is serene and safe, nice for honeymooners, households, and anybody who simply needs to calm down with out chaos. The seashores are vast and delicate, excellent for swimming or water sports activities.
On the flip facet, it feels a bit faraway from genuine native life, with many of the motion taking place inside resort grounds.
Prime Inns in Nusa Dua
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7. ULUWATU
Uluwatu is perched on Bali’s southern cliffs. It provides among the island’s finest ocean views and sunsets. Lodging choices vary from funds to luxurious.
The world, nonetheless, is kind of unfold out with restricted transportation modes and far fewer industrial institutions. It’s not splendid for many who need walkable neighborhoods. Nevertheless it’s a haven for surfers or simply those that need to keep someplace quieter however nonetheless very accessible from the airport.
Prime Inns in Uluwatu
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What’s the Greatest Space to Keep in Bali?
So, what’s the finest space to remain in Bali? That will depend on what kind of traveler you’re and your itinerary.
- In case you’re a backpacker or funds traveler who likes to celebration and need to be within the middle of the motion, Kuta could be a good selection. It’s full of life, loud, and loaded with reasonably priced motels and hostels. Good when you love nightlife, simple seashore entry, and assembly different vacationers — not a lot when you crave peace and quiet.
- In case you’re a bunch of mates searching for stylish spots, Seminyak is the place to be. It has a mixture of consolation, comfort, and magnificence. You’re near nice eating places, buying, and seashore golf equipment, however not as busy or crowded as Kuta.
- In case you’re an explorer and also you need to see a lot of the island, keep in Ubud. Its location makes it a perfect base for day excursions to the temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces.
- In case you’re a digital nomad who likes a social, artistic scene, select Canggu. Anticipate trendy villas, boutique guesthouses, and co-living areas. It’s informal, enjoyable, and splendid if you wish to work, surf, or simply hang around someplace cool.
- In case you’re a pair on a romantic getaway, e book a villa in Ubud or a resort in Nusa Dua and even Uluwatu. Your selection of lodging will likely be essential right here, so all the time verify evaluations.
- In case you’re a luxurious traveler who prioritizes consolation and leisure, contemplate Nusa Dua. The gated resort areas are calm, clear, and protected, with large motels providing every thing you want inside strolling distance. Nice for many who need a stress-free seashore vacation.
- In case you’re a nature or tradition lover, Ubud is your finest guess. Palms down.
- In case you’re a household, keep in Nusa Dua when you have the funds and also you need to be away from the vacationer chaos. But when your loved ones prefers to be near extra institutions, Seminyak is an effective selection too.
- In case you’re a foodie, Denpasar is nice. Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, and different areas have a superb meals scene, too, however in our expertise, Denpasar is the perfect for restaurant and café hopping and market crawls.
Personally, if I’d return to Bali now and I’ve six nights, I’d keep in Ubud for the primary three nights and in Seminyak for the final three. In any other case, select only one. Which one? In case you requested me 5 years in the past, I’d say Seminyak. However now that I’m a bit older, I’d decide Ubud.
Have you ever skilled staying at any of those locations in Bali? How was it? Tell us within the feedback part beneath.
Updates Log
2025 11 12 – First uploaded
Co-written with Asta Alvarez
Photographs by Yosh Dimen, Asta Alvarez, and Mariah Cruz
