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 which area of Bali to stay in there are some key considerations. These include who you’re travelling with (or if you’re travelling solo), the activities you have planned, the length of your stay in Bali, and your budget for accommodation.
When picking your accommodation and where to stay in Bali, we recommend you start by planning your Bali itinerary. This helps guide you to which area best suits your needs and preferences and maximises your time on the island.
Here’s a brief overview of the best areas to stay in Bali and what makes each unique. Make sure to read our full guide below for more info on each area, including recommendations for accommodation and what to do there.
The main areas of Bali are below.
- Ubud: This is a traditional town located inland. Ubud is known for its lush rice fields, rich heritage, relaxing ambience and wellness culture.
- Canggu: Canggu is a trendy and laid-back coastal area famous for its bohemian atmosphere, surf beaches, and emerging food and nightlife scenes.
- Seminyak: A buzzing beach town renowned for luxury accommodation, vibrant beach clubs, massage parlours, upscale restaurants and boutiques.
- Kuta and Legian: These neighbouring beach areas are known for lively nightlife, busy streets, surf beaches, and variety of family-friendly activities.
- Sanur: Sanur is a peaceful and low-key coastal area. Known for its watersports and diving, many day trips leave from here.
- Uluwatu: A beach-side town known for its breathtaking clifftop views, white sand beaches, world-class surf breaks, and trendy beach clubs.
In this guide, we share our personal recommendations for areas to stay in and around Bali for different types of travellers
Here are the most popular areas for a stay in Bali:
1. Ubud
Located in the uplands of central Bali, Ubud is a traditional town with an authentic village feel, surrounded by vast green landscapes and rice fields. Considered Bali’s cultural and spiritual capital, Ubud offers visitors a haven for relaxation, spa and massage treatments, yoga and wellness retreats, and an insight into Bali’s culture, customs and traditions.
Best area to stay for:
Relaxation, spa and massage treatments, rice fields, arts and culture, local food, markets, temples.
Popular area to stay amongst:
First-timers, couples, families, yoga enthusiasts, spiritual practitioners, vegetarians and vegans.
Worst area to stay for:
Proximity to beaches, distance to airport, nightlife and partying, Western-style food.
Top 3 attractions:
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
- Tegenungan Waterfall
- Ubud Art Market
Best accommodation in Ubud:
Best Overall: Desa Visesa Ubud
5-star: Viceroy Bali
For families: The Udaya Resorts
For couples: Adiwana Bisma Ubud
For solo travellers: Puri Garden Hotel and Hostel Ubud
2. Canggu
Canggu is a hip beach town situated on the south coast of Bali. Once a quiet fishing and farming village, Canggu has fast become one of the trendiest and most bohemian areas to stay in Bali. A firm favourite with surfers and digital nomads, the easy-going town is a great place to stay for solo travellers and groups of friends looking for a relaxed vibe, cool cafés, bars and restaurants, great sunsets, and somewhere to learn how to surf.
Best area to stay for:
Surfing, beaches and beach clubs, organic and healthy food, trendy boutiques, vibrant nightlife.
Popular area to stay amongst:
Surfers, solo travellers, groups of friends, creatives, foodies.
Worst area to stay for:
Peace and quiet, cultural immersion, proximity to the airport.
Top 3 attractions:
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Batu Bolong Beach
- Finns Beach Club
Best accommodation in Canggu:
3. Seminyak
Situated on the west coast of Bali, Seminyak is a vibrant and trendy coastal town, within walking distance of beautiful beaches, iconic beach clubs and upmarket boutiques and restaurants. The stylish area of Seminyak is a great place to stay for swimming and surfing, delicious and healthy food, boutique shopping, luxury spas, and cool bars. Seminyak is a good option for first-timers due to its accessibility, well-developed infrastructure and lively social scene, and families and couples benefit from being in close proximity to a diverse selection of restaurants, beaches, and shops.
Best area to stay for:
Beaches and beach clubs, luxury accommodation, boutique shopping, art galleries, yoga studios, trendy restaurants, proximity to the airport.
Popular area to stay amongst:
First-timers, couples, families, yoga enthusiasts, spiritual practitioners, vegetarians and vegans.
Worst area to stay for:
First-timers, couples, families, beach lovers, partygoers, luxury accommodation, shoppers.
Top 3 attractions:
- Seminyak Beach
- Double Six Beach Club
- Petitenget Temple
Best accommodation in Seminyak:
3. Kuta and Legian
Kuta and Legian are Bali's main tourist areas located on the southwest coast of Bali. Both are coastal towns that offer visitors beautiful beaches for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, water sports, as well as water parks, shopping malls, bars and clubs. Kuta and Legian are slightly different in atmosphere - Kuta is lively with a party vibe for young adults and backpackers, while Legian is quieter, more laidback and appeals to families.
Best area to stay for:
Partying, easy access to beaches, restaurants and shops, proximity to the airport, close to attractions.
Popular area to stay amongst:
Backpackers, young adults, families, shopping enthusiasts.
Worst area to stay for:
Peaceful environment, avoiding crowds, cultural immersion.
Top 3 attractions:
- Waterbom Bali
- Beachwalk Shopping Centre
- Kuta Beach
Best accommodation in Kuta and Legian:
5. Sanur
Sanur is a peaceful coastal area situated on Bali's southeastern corner with sheltered beaches, a quiet atmosphere and a small village feel. Its slow pace appeals to those looking for a relaxing 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.
Best area to stay for:
Peace and quiet, beaches, water sports, access to Nusa and Gili Islands, family-friendly environment, traditional Balinese ambiance.
Popular area to stay amongst:
Families, couples, water sports enthusiasts, divers and snorkellers.
Worst area to stay for:
Nightlife, bustling streets, partying, extreme water sports.
Top 3 attractions:
- Sanur Beach
- Sanur Boardwalk
- Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (TCEC)
Best accommodation in Sanur:
5. Uluwatu
Perched on the top of limestone cliff tops at Bali’s southern tip (Bukit Peninsula), Uluwatu is a coastal region that offers incredible 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.
Best area to stay for:
Surfing, hidden beaches, yoga and wellness retreats, cultural immersion, breathtaking views, luxury accommodation.
Popular area to stay amongst:
Surfers, beach goers, couples, honeymooners, yogis, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts.
Worst area to stay for:
Exploring other areas of Bali, vibrant nightlife, bustling streets, extensive dining options, accessibility.
Top 3 attractions:
- Uluwatu Temple
- Bingin Beach
- Padang Padang Beach