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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, volcanoes 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.
