You are looking to travel to Bali and want to know the best places to stay?! Don’t worry we’ve got you with a list of places and reasons why you would stay there.
What’s so good about Bali?
Bali is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. From pristine beaches with turquoise waters to lush green rice terraces, volcanic mountains, and cascading waterfalls, the island offers a diverse range of landscapes that appeal to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the highlights for me is sitting out on the beach at one of the bars watching the sunset – yes a sunset in most holiday destinations is special but for some reason even more so in Bali! Cost – unlike Thailand prices haven’t risen so much and accommodation, food etc are still very cheap unless you hang out at top-end Western-inspired places.
Ubud
First on our list is Ubud, the reason for this is how untouched and natural it is in most places, so you really do feel like you are completely away from the western trapping and experiencing the local culture. I would go as far as to say that it can even feel spiritual in some parts of Ubud and you are at one with your surroundings. You can visit the sacred monkey forest sanctuary along with waterfalls such as Tegenungan and Tibumana both around 30 mins drive out of Ubud centre itself, also be aware that you do have to pay entrance fees to the waterfalls in most cases. You could book a tour in advance if you prefer and wrap up other things with it depending on what you want to see and do.
Second reason for Ubud is the price for around $100 a night, you can get a 3-bedroom house with a cook and cleaner and maybe a small pool. You can also hire a driver for very little a day who will drive you wherever you want to go and wait for you by the car/van if you prefer to have a more private experience rather than on a tour bus. Food is also very reasonable and for around £50 you can feast out for 4 people including drinks.
Seminyak
This is probably the heartbeat of Bali and a tourist hotspot, you have many beach bars/clubs to choose from including my favourite Potatoe Head beach club, you will find a lot will charge more Western prices here but certainly a place you need to check out. Nightlife is a given here and you can find the main street offering a collection of bars and clubs so you can party long into the night if you wish.
If you prefer an early night you could always pop down to one of the many beaches and see the sunset which is a spectacular sight in Seminyak. You can even shop til you drop at the many high-end boutique shops. If you want to relax and treat yourself there are also many spa and wellness centres you can visit to re-charge those batteries. Finally, the accommodation can be reasonable here if you book an Airbnb or 3-star hotel but if you want to go luxury there is this option and still in most cases cheaper than in Western countries.
Canggu
Canggu is a very trendy coastal village on the southwest coast of Bali, Indonesia. It has gained popularity in recent years for its laid-back atmosphere, great surfing spots, hip cafes, and vibrant social scene. It is a favourite with digital nomads and also health and wellness enthusiasts. So if you are a surfer then this place is a no-brainer to visit if you are not then there is still plenty to do in this part of Bali. Catch some rays on the many beaches including Echo, Berawa and Batu Bolong beaches. You can also try your hand at Yoga or just give yourself a kick start into being more healthy and considering your well-being. I would certainly recommend making base here if you are staying in Bali for the mid to long term as you are lucky enough to work remotely or even better not needing to work but also want a sense of community with locals and expats alike.
Sanur
Sanur is known as a family-friendly town located on the southeast coast of Bali. It’s very much a more peaceful option for your trip and you can enjoy experiences away from the crowds. The beaches in Sanur are known for being calm and shallow which again is perfect for young families. You can also try your hand at watersports and activities including kiteboarding, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkelling.
Sanur is also home to several local markets where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and shop for traditional crafts, artwork, clothing, and souvenirs. The Sindhu Market is a popular spot to experience the bustling local market atmosphere. You can also visit preserved historical sites including Pura Blanjong Temple which has an inscribed pillar. There are also stunning sunrises to be seen in this part of Bali, which can be seen from the beach or the many beachside cafes.
Nusa Dua
This part of Bali is seen as a ‘luxury’ part and is known for its pristine beaches and upscale accommodations. You can easily just relax here and sunbathe all day on beaches that are exclusive to the guests that are staying at the hotel/resort. You can also go into central Nusa Dua to the ‘Bali Collection Shopping Centre’ you will find many shops, boutiques and art galleries to enjoy including local handicraft. Nusa Dua also has its very own theatre where you can enjoy local performances and the famous Kecak Dance. If you are into your golfing then you have a world-class golfing centre you can take on challenging holes at a very well-maintained course.
There are many other parts of Bali you can stay in but these are our top 5. Others include Jimbaran which is famous for its beautiful beaches and fresh seafood dining. Uluwatu is a surfer’s paradise with stunning cliffs and world-class waves. Lovina, located on Bali’s north coast, Lovina is a serene and quiet area known for its black sand beaches and dolphin watching. Amed, Amed is a laid-back coastal area popular among divers and snorkelers. It offers tranquil beachfront resorts and bungalows with a relaxed atmosphere. Sidemen, for a peaceful escape amidst rice terraces.