Where to stay in Bali – Best areas and accommodation guide

There’s no one definitive best area to stay in Bali. Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Legian, Sanur and Uluwatu are considered some of the most popular areas to visit in Bali. Each has its own advantages, drawbacks, features, atmosphere and most popular attractions. 

When choosing where to stay in Bali, a few key factors will likely shape your decision — including who you're travelling with (or if you're exploring solo), the activities you have planned, how long you're staying, and your accommodation budget.   

Before booking your accommodation, we recommend planning your Bali itinerary. This helps guide you on which area in Bali will be best suited to your trip and preferences, maximising your time on the island.  

Below is a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Bali, along with some information on what makes each unique.  

Here are the main areas of Bali:

• Ubud: A traditional town located inland, nestled amongst lush rice fields. Ubud is known for its tranquil landscapes, rich heritage, thriving arts scene, relaxing atmosphere, and wellness culture.
  
• Canggu: A trendy coastal area known for its laid-back vibe, surf beaches, cafés and emerging nightlife scene. 
• Seminyak: A buzzing beach town with luxury accommodation, trendy beach clubs, chic spas and massage parlours, and high-end dining and boutiques.
• Kuta and Legian: These neighbouring  areas are known for their bustling streets, vibrant nightlife, surf-friendly beaches, and range of family-friendly activities.
• Sanur: A quieter and more low-key coastal area that's great for a family holiday or honeymoon escape. Perfect for calm beaches, watersports and easy access to island day trips.
• Uluwatu: A beach-side town known for its breathtaking and dramatic clifftop views, white sand beaches, world-class surf breaks, and trendy beach clubs.

Be sure to read our full guide on each area below for more details on each neighbourhood, including local highlights and accommodation recommendations.

1. Ubud  

Ubud is one of the most popular areas to stay in Bali as it offers a mix of rich tradition and culture, as well as natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere.  

Located in the lush uplands of central Bali, Ubud is a traditional town with an authentic village feel, surrounded by vibrant green rice fields abd rolling landscapes. Often considered Bali’s cultural and spiritual capital, Ubud offers visitors a haven for relaxation and the perfect opportunity to unwind, with world-class spa and massage treatments, yoga retreats, and wellness experiences. Exploring Ubud;s ancient temples and vibrant traditional performances offers a deeper connection to Bali’s heritage, customs, and way of life.

Stay in Ubud for: Relaxation, yoga and wellness, spa and massage treatments, rice fields, arts and culture, local food, markets, temples.

Worst for: Proximity to beaches, distance from airport, nightlight and partying.

Best accommodation in Ubud

Best Ubud accommodation overall: Desa Visesa Ubud

Best luxury (5 star) accommodation in Ubud: Viceroy Bali

Best Ubud accommodation for families: The Udaya Resorts

Best Ubud accommodation for couples: Adiwana Bisma Ubud

Best Ubud accommodation for solo travellers: Puri Garden Hotel and Hostel Ubud

Read our full Ubud accomodation guide,

Top things to do in Ubud 

Ubud is home to some of Bali's best attractions and experiences. From weaving through the busy Ubud Art Market and wandering the lush greenery of Tegallalang Rice Terraces, to indulging in a luxurious massage at Ubud Traditional Spa and spending a day at the famous hanging Dtukad River Club at Tegenungan Waterfall, the list of things to do in Ubud seems endless.

Here are 3 of our favourite attractions in Ubud:

2. Canggu

Canggu is a laid-back beach town on Bali's south coast that is fast-becoming one of the most popular areas to stay in Bali – and not just for the vibrant surf culture. Once a quiet fishing and farming village, Canggu is now one of the trendiest areas to stay in Bali. A firm favourite among surfers, solo travllers, groups of friends, and digital nomads, Canggu offers a relaxed atmosphere, cool cafés and bars, breathtaking sunsets, and some of Bali’s best beginner surf beaches.

Stay in Canggu for: Surfing, beaches and beach clubs, organic and healthy food, trendy boutiques, vibrant nightlife.

Worst for: Peace and quiet, cultural immersion, proximity to the airport.

Best accommodation in Canggu

Best Canggu accommodation overall: COMO Uma Canggu

Best luxury (5 star) accommodation in Canggu: The Anvaya

Best Canggu accommodation for families: Theanna Villa and Spa

Best Canggu accommodation for couples: Shore Amora 

Best Canggu accommodation for solo travellers: The Farm Hostel

Top things to do in Canggu

Whether you’re keen on getting into the surf culture, spend some time soaking up the sunshine at a beach club, or exploring the trendy food scene, there’s plenty of things to see and do in Canggu. 

Here are the top three attractions:

3. Seminyak

Located on Bali’s west coast, Seminyak is a vibrant and stylish beach town known for its beautiful beaches, iconic beach clubs, and upscale shopping and dining. With a well-developed infrastructure, proximity to the airport and lively atmosphere, it’s a popular area to stay in Bali for first-time visitors, families, and couples. Seminyak is also ideal for those looking to swim, surf, indulge in luxury spas, browse boutique stores, and enjoy Bali’s thriving café and nightlife scene.

Stay in Seminyak for: Surfing, beaches and beach clubs, organic and healthy food, trendy boutiques, vibrant nightlife.

Worst for: Quiet, cultural immersion, budget-conscious travellers.

Best accommodation in Seminyak

Best Seminyak accommodation overall: The Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa 

Best luxury (5 star) accommodation in Seminyak: Double Six Luxury Hotel 

Best Seminyak accommodation for families: Hotel Indigo Bali  

Best Seminyak accommodation for couples: Blue Karma Dijiwa Seminyak 

Best Seminyak accommodation for solo travellers: Oberoi Beach Resort 

Read our full Seminyak accomodation guide.

Top things to do in Seminyak

Seminyak offers a vibrant mix of beach life, culture, and upscale entertainment. Whether you're relaxing on the beach, exploring temples, or enjoying sunset cocktails, there’s something for everyone in this lively coastal town.

While there are so many things to do in Seminyak, these are the top three attractions:

4. Kuta and Legian

Kuta and Legian are two of Bali’s most popular tourist areas, located on the southwest coast of Bali. Kuta, known for its lively party atmosphere, attracts young adults, partygoers and backpackers, while Legian offers a more relaxed vibe, perfect for families and those seeking a quieter stay in Bali. Both areas offer beautiful beaches for sunbathing, surfing, and watersports, as well as water parks, shopping malls, bars and clubs

Stay in Kuta and Legain for: Partying, proximity to the airport, close to attractions, and easy access to beaches, restaurants and shops, 

Worst for: Peaceful environment, avoiding crowds, cultural immersion.

Best accommodation in Kuta and Legian

Best Kuta and Legian accommodation overall: Hard Rock Hotel Bali 

Best luxury (5 star) accommodation in Kuta and Legian: Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort & Spa 

Best Kuta and Legian accommodation for families: Truntum Kuta (formerly Grand Inna Kuta) 

Best Kuta and Legian accommodation for couples: Amnaya Resort Kuta 

Best Kuta and Legian accommodation for solo travellers: Mamaka by Ovolo 

Top things to do in Kuta and Legian

Both Kuta and Legian offer a wide variety of activities that cater to all types of travellers, so whether you’re into adrenaline-pumping water sports, shopping, spending the day at the beach or experiencing the vibrant night life,  you’ll never be bored.

Here are the top three attractions in the area: 

5. Sanur

Sanur is a peaceful coastal area situated on Bali's southeastern corner that offers travellers calm, sheltered beaches, a quiet atmosphere and a small village feel. Its slow pace appeals to those looking for a relaxing tropical holiday and to escape the crowds of Seminyak and Kuta, while still enjoying the convenience of nearby restaurants, spas and shops. Sanur’s waterfront promenade is a popular spot for biking, walking and enjoying sunrise views. Beyond the solitude, Sanur is one of the best areas to stay for day trippers and diving and snorkelling enthusiasts wanting to catch the fast boat to popular dive sites at the Nusa and Gili islands.

Stay in Sanur for: Peace and quiet, beaches, water sports, easy access to Nusa and Gili Islands, family-friendly environment, traditional Balinese ambiance.

Worst for: Nightlife, bustling streets, partying, extreme water sports. 

Best accommodation in Sanur

Best Sanur accommodation overall: Hyatt Regency 

Best luxury (5 star) accommodation in Sanur: Maya Sanur Resort & Spa 

Best Sanur accomodation for families: Prama Sanur Beach Hotel Bali 

Best Sanur accommodation for couples: InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort 

Best Sanur accommodation for solo travellers: Kejora Suites

Top things to do in Sanur

With its beautiful natural landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, Sanur makes for a perfect tranquil escape that offers relaxation and unique immersion into Bali's culture. It's also a handy gateway to visit the Nusa andGili islands!

Here are the top three attractions to visit:

6. Uluwatu

Perched on the top of limestone cliff tops at Bali’s southern tip (Bukit Peninsula), Uluwatu is a coastal region that offers dramatic panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. A bit more tranquil than Seminyak or Kuta, Uluwatu has a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, and is famous for its beautiful beaches, world-class surf breaks, trendy beach clubs and the sacred Uluwatu Temple. Offering a quiet escape from Bali’s main areas of Ubud, Seminyak and Kuta, Uluwatu is a great area to stay for rest and relaxation or a romantic getaway. 

 Stay in Uluwatu for: Surfing, hidden beaches, yoga and wellness retreats, cultural immersion, breathtaking views, luxury accommodation

Worst for: Exploring other areas of Bali, vibrant nightlife, bustling streets, extensive dining options, accessibility.  

Best accommodation in Uluwatu

Best Uluwatu Accommodation overall: Bingin Cliff House 

Best luxury (5 star) accommodation in Uluwatu: Bulgari Resort Bali 

Best Uluwatu accomodation for families: Alila Villas Uluwatu 

Best Uluwatu accommodation for couples: The Ungasan Clifftop Resort 

Best Uluwatu accommodation for solo travellers: Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu 

Top things to do in Uluwatu

Famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, panoramic views and beautiful beaches with clear blue waters, the secluded and peaceful area of Uluwatu offers visitors plenty of opportunities to relax and explore.

Here are the top three attractions in the area: