Bali has firmly established itself as a luxury beach destination, offering a range of luxury resorts on some of the Far East’s most stunning stretches of sand. However, the island has so much more to offer than just beaches and has been a favourite destination for backpackers for years, due to its diverse landscapes, rich culture and its island traditions. Bali has been intriguing its visitors for decades with its spiritual music, religious ceremonies, and its colourful petal decorations.
Explore its mountains and valleys, volcanos and rice terraces. Head to the town of Ubud, the island’s cultural heart, or take a boat to the remote Gili Islands. Whatever you decide to do when you visit Bali, it’s sure to be an adventure.
Although the island is easy to explore, choosing the best place to stay on the island is crucial, as each area is quite different. So, to help you get the most out of your trip, we’ve given you the low down of each of its most popular areas below:
Ubud – The island’s cultural heart.
We wouldn’t recommend staying for your whole trip, because it’s inland, away from the beaches, however, spending 3-5 nights here and doing an Ubud and Bali Beach twin centre is an experience you’ll never forget. Explore the town’s art market, discover the famous temples, shrines and archaeological sites. Also, a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest is a must as it’s home to the grey long-tailed macaque.
Ideal for: Anyone that enjoys wildlife and culture.
Kuta – A great beach and the place to party.
This area is the original backpacker resort and is home to most of the island’s nightclubs. However, it’s not just for nightlife that people head to this resort, because it’s filled with shops, bars and restaurants, there´s a stunning beach and it’s where you’ll find the best deals on hotels. It is worth noting that it peak times it can get extremely busy.
Ideal for: Anyone that loves a busy resort, with lively nightlife and plenty going on.
Seminyak – A busy, great all-round resort.
Located north of Kuta, Seminyak offers visitors a more upmarket resort away from the craziness of Kuta, but still offering plenty in the way of shops, bars, restaurants and nightlife. Relax in the day and soak up its laid-back vibes and then either enjoy a peaceful meal in the evening or party all night – in Seminyak your evenings can be as relaxed or as lively as you’d like, which is why Seminyak is the island’s most popular resort.
Ideal for: Anyone that wants a wide range of bars and restaurants, with plenty going on.
Legian – A stretch of beach between Kuta and Seminyak
This resort is nestled between Seminyak and Kuta and is ideal if you want to be near all the action of these two resorts but set slightly away from all the action.
Ideal for: Anyone wanting to be close to nightlife, but not in the heart of it all.
Nusa Dua – An exclusive resort in a stunning setting.
Think of paradise and you’re getting close. This resort is made up of a range of luxury 5-star resorts, set on stunning powder white sands that are caressed by crystal-clear waters. This is a purpose-built resort of hotels and restaurants, so if you’re craving culture and the real Bali this isn’t for you, but if you’re looking for a hotel-based holiday it’s hard to beat.
Ideal for: Couples and families looking for a luxury hotel-based holiday.
Canggu – Once a sleepy fishing village, now a hip destination.
Relaxed and laid back, with a mix of luxury boutique hotels, slick restaurants and trendy cocktail bars where you can while away your evenings. Just a short 6 miles from Kuta and Seminyak, but worlds apart. This once traditional fishing village with its temples and rich culture, is quickly becoming a Bali hotspot. It’s also popular with surfers and is set on one of the island’s most stunning beaches.
Ideal for: Foodies, lovers of cocktails and people that want a more traditional laid-back resort.
Sanur – The perfect balance of fun and relaxation.
Sleepy Sanur is ideal the ideal destination for a relaxing break and is far from the hustle and bustle of the busier resorts to the west, but still has plenty of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a fun night out if you want one. Enjoy peaceful days on the beach, stunning sunsets and more traditional hotels.
Ideal for: Anyone wanting a traditional laid-back resort with a mix of bars and restaurants.
Jimbaran – A secluded fishing village in a sheltered bay.
Lined with exclusive hotels but still retaining an authentic feel, Jimbaran offers visitors a luxury yet truly Balinese experience. Spend your days relaxing on the beach and swimming in the sheltered waters, before enjoying sunset cocktails and then dining in an intimate seafood restaurant.
Ideal for: Couples and families with older children, looking to relax in a peaceful resort.
Uluwatu – Exclusive hotels in a unique cliff top setting.
Known for its cliff top setting, Uluwatu offers unrivalled ocean views and a handful of exclusive hotels. This remote and peaceful location is ideal if you’re looking for a truly breath-taking hotel.
Ideal for: Couples wanting luxury, privacy and total relaxation.
Lovina – Dark volcanic sands and traditional coastal towns in the north.
This relaxed beach resort is set in the north of the island. It’s just 15 minutes from Singaraja, the island’s old capital, with plenty of things to explore. Laid back and famed for its dolphin residents… it also offers great value and is a great option if you want to be away from other tourists to truly relax.
Ideal for: Anyone looking for a great value peaceful escape.
More guides you may like
- Beach Guides
- Bali Guides
- Guides by this author
Beach Guides
Here, we're taking a look at the best Greek Islands for a family holiday. Start planning your dream Greek trip today.
Read MoreA collection of Croatia's most popular islands to visit. Exploring Hvar, Korčula, Brač, Vis, Mljet and Krk to name a few.
Read MoreVibrant cities, powdery white beaches, and a fascinating cultural heritage... discover this amazing destination.
Read MoreGreece is home to over 6,000 islands, so let us help you find the most suitable option from the endless possibilities.
Read MoreBali
Bali isn't just pristine beaches and world-class surfing, it goes above and beyond so read on to discover the best bits.
Read MoreIf you are going to make the long journey to Bali, make sure you do it justice by spending at least a few days in Ubud.
Read MoreWhen it comes to picking a place, there are worse reasons for your selection than the type of food you'll get to experience,
Read MoreBali - a favourite spot of backpackers everywhere - is known for being a paradise island, thanks to its warm temperatures.
Read MoreOther Guides from this author
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
-
TeresaFrancina
Eshore’s are an excellent company I can’t praise them enough, especially Adam who has been amazing. He was really patient as I’m indecisive and changed my mind several times. He persevered and found us a dream holiday and put together great itinerary covering every aspect of our journey . Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we had to cancel the trip and Adam went above and beyond to recoup as much as possible for us. It was a huge help & felt very personal as if he were a friend. We have rescheduled the holiday & will use Eshores for all future trips’
Posted 20 hours ago -
DebbieAnn
Nick was helpful from start to finish, helped us with any concerns, would recommend( not been on the holiday yet but sure we won’t be disappointed)
Posted 1 day ago -
KarenBryant
Lynette has been very accommodating it meeting all of our requests and changes and also with her suggestions. Price was good too.
Posted 2 days ago -
Chuk
I had never heard of eshores till I decided to plan a multi-stop holiday in Turkey some weeks ago. The decision to use eshores was based on a quick internet search for any help I could get with this. So, i wasnt really expecting much. As the planning was at relatively short notice...and we had never travelled to Turkey, I was pleasantly surprised at the support I had from Rachel at eshores who listened to what I wanted and was patient to go back and forth with me till I had the exact holiday I wanted (Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya). I always had a response with every query(and I had quite a few!!). The travel itself worked like a dream...both international and domestic flights were straightforward, but even more surprising was how reliable the multiple taxis to and fro airports were, even when picking up at 0330!! Overall, the experience has been very positive and I would be very happy to use the service again
Posted 3 days ago -
carol
We have just booked a two centre holiday in the Caribbean through eshores. This was the first time we've used this company them and found them to be GREAT. Lynette helped us find the perfect holiday, she was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and efficient. Thank you.
Posted 5 days ago -
Stephen
To be honest, I had not used eShores before, however, after arranging our holiday plans with Michelle, I will certainly be back. Very helpful and knowledgeable and we are delighted with the advice received and all the travel arrangements, choice of hotels and flight times. Thank you so much.
Posted 6 days ago -
Michaela
Booking was great and easy with Rachael. She was polite and listened to our requirements. I am positive the experience will be a fantastic holiday in October !
Posted 6 days ago -
Carole
Just booked a two centre Caribbean holiday through eShores and Rachel was extremely helpful. She listened to our needs and nothing was too much trouble for her. Her pleasant and friendly manner made it easy to discuss our requirements and made the whole process so easy.
Posted 1 week ago -
John
I found eShores efficient and helpful. Dave Felton found me good times, prices and hotels for a twin trip to Krakow & Warsaw and dealt effectively with any concerns I had. Definitely recommended.
Posted 1 week ago -
Debbie& Mick
Nick arranged a 2 week trip to Argentina & Brazil for us in March. We were happy with the itinerary he put together and his choice of hotels. We had a good level of contact from taxi companies for collections at airports & hotels. On our return he checked everything had gone smoothly which was a nice touch. I mentioned that I was looking for a beach holiday in a couple of months and he put together some hotels at a good price so I’ve booked again with him. I would definitely use Nick, EShores, again and recommend them to friends.
Posted 1 week ago