If you’re going to Bali for the first time, you’re probably wondering where the best places to stay are. Bali is secretly quite a large island, so it’s wise to check in advance which locations suit you best. It’s certainly recommended to stay in multiple places on Bali to see as much of the island as possible. In this article, you will find the best spots to stay in Bali and what the differences are between these places. You’ll also find tips for our favorite accommodations, from unique resorts and hotels to cozy homestays. We’ve been coming to Bali for years and are happy to share our best tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Stay in One Place on Bali or Take a Trip?
Bali has something for everyone. You can choose one fixed base and visit different places on the island from there, or opt for a small tour with our itinerary for Bali. Both options have their pros and cons. If you want to see and do a lot, a tour is recommended. Otherwise, you’ll have to travel back and forth from that fixed base. It’s nicer to change regions occasionally and visit the most beautiful spots there. Want to primarily relax? Then a fixed base might be more your style. 
The Difference Between Staying in Southern and Northern Bali
In short, you can divide Bali into the south and the north. The airport is located in the south, which is the busiest part of Bali. The further north you travel, the quieter it becomes. If you want to escape the crowds, it’s better to stay in northern Bali. Both southern and northern Bali have their charm, and a combination is definitely recommended. There’s nothing quite like a varied vacation, right? Below, we briefly describe the destinations in the regions, but later you can read more about each destination and find our favorite spots for particularly pleasant stays in Bali.
- Southern Bali at a Glance: The most beautiful beaches are found in Uluwatu, and the best beach clubs and parties can be found in Canggu. The towns of Seminyak and Kuta are quite uninviting and not recommended.
- Central Bali at a Glance: In central Bali, you’ll find the popular Ubud. Although this place is also heavily visited, you can still stay beautifully at the edges of the city in an oasis of peace among the rice fields. Further east lies the tranquil Sidemen, where you have stunning views of Mount Agung and can enjoy lovely walks through the rice fields. In the far east of Bali is Amed, a beach resort popular mainly among divers.
- Northern Bali at a Glance: Moving further north, you’ll find more authentic spots like Munduk, known for the most beautiful waterfalls and temples on the island. In the far north, there’s Lovina, a place particularly famous for the dolphins you can spot there.
Uluwatu: The Most Beautiful Beaches in Bali
Uluwatu is located at the southern tip of Bali, where you will find the island’s most beautiful beaches. The waves attract surfers from all over the world, but even if you don’t surf, Uluwatu is a great place to be. It’s a very nice spot that has managed to maintain its relaxed atmosphere and is less crowded than many other beach destinations in Bali. Explore the high cliffs, white beaches, and the best eateries that Uluwatu has to offer.
Our Favorite Spots in Uluwatu
Near the center, there are very few accommodations in the lower price range, but Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu is an exception. The location is great because it’s centrally located yet nicely quiet. Looking for more luxury? Stay at Sal Secret Spot and experience the ultimate vacation feeling. You’ll be at a beautiful beach in no time, with a large garden featuring a lovely pool, sun loungers, and tropical plants. At the small-scale OCEANNA, you can enjoy a sea view room as this hotel is situated a bit higher up. The highlight of this hotel is undoubtedly the infinity pool. Especially during sunset, it’s a pleasure to enjoy all the peace and quiet here.
 Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu |
 Sal Secret Spot |
 OCEANNA |
Canggu: Beach Clubs, Hotspots, Shopping, and Parties
Canggu—pronounced Chang-goo—is hot and happening. What started as a sleepy surf village has now grown into one of Bali’s most popular coastal towns. There’s always something happening in Canggu, and the waves are attractive for surfers of all levels throughout the year. In Canggu, you don’t stay for the cultural sights but rather for the many culinary hotspots, fun shops, fantastic parties, and great surf sessions.
Our Favorite Spots in Canggu
Are you looking for a nice place on a budget? We recommend Surf Lodge Canggu. There’s a lovely pool, you’ll stay in a spacious room, and you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning. If you want a bit more luxury, Exotica Bali Villa is perfect. This small boutique hotel features stylish rooms and is conveniently located in Canggu. Have a larger budget? ZIN Canggu is a paradise created by a Dutch owner who understands exactly what’s needed for a wonderful stay. It’s perfect for treating yourself to affordable luxury just under 100 meters (328 ft) from the beach!
  Surf Lodge Canggu |
  Exotica Bali Villa |
  ZIN Canggu |
Ubud: The Cultural Heart of Bali Among the Rice Fields
A trip to Bali isn’t complete without a stay in Ubud. It’s the cultural heart of Bali, offering a wealth of experiences. You’ll find a mix of locals and creative expats who have chosen Ubud as their favorite place to settle. Over the past 10 years, Ubud has become incredibly popular, making the center quite busy and touristy. But don’t be discouraged by that first impression; once you’re out of the center, you’ll be surrounded by lush rice fields and traditional villages. We’ve been there several times over the years and still find it a magical place.
Our Favorite Spots in Ubud
In a beautiful setting, you’ll find the idyllic bamboo accommodations of Le Sabot Ubud. Here, you’ll sleep in a charming bungalow or villa made entirely of natural materials. Enjoy the lovely pool overlooking the rice fields during the day. Prefer to sleep in a standard room? Then Taman Amartha Hotel is a delightful base for exploring Ubud. In this small hotel, you can enjoy a beautiful pool surrounded by tropical plants. Tigata Ubud Cottage is just a 5-minute walk from Ubud’s main street, yet you can still enjoy tranquility. The hotel is designed in beautiful Balinese style.
 Le Sabot Ubud |
 Taman Amartha Hotel |
 Tigata Ubud Cottage |
Munduk: Tranquility and the Most Beautiful Waterfalls
Munduk is located in northern Bali, nestled among mountains, rice fields, and coffee plantations. Staying in this tiny mountain village allows you to experience authentic Bali. You’ll find few trendy cafes here, and you won’t have to queue at the most scenic viewpoints. In Munduk, locals greet you warmly, and you catch a glimpse of traditional Balinese life. Situated at about 700 meters (0.4 mi) above sea level, it’s a few degrees cooler here than in many other parts of Bali, providing a pleasant temperature—a welcome relief during your travels. Munduk is the ideal base for visiting the most beautiful waterfalls and temples in northern Bali.
Our Favorite Spots in Munduk
At Bali Rahayu Homestay, you can enjoy an affordable stay with a lovely pool offering expansive views of the mountains and rice fields. In the morning, you can join for a delicious breakfast while taking in the scenery. For more luxury, Lesong Hotel is perfect. It’s located in a beautiful setting right in the rice fields, but that’s not all that makes this hotel so nice. The friendly staff, delicious food, and beautiful rooms make it a joy to stay here. Sri Lestari Banyuatis is just a few kilometers from Munduk, also set among rice fields. You’ll stay in a typical Balinese bungalow with a large veranda right next to the rice fields.
 Bali Rahayu Homestay |
 Lesong Hotel |
 Sri Lestari Banyuatis |
Sidemen: The Authentic Rural Life of Bali
Sidemen is a village where you can still experience authentic Balinese life. Here, you walk through the green rice terraces while the children you meet enthusiastically shout “helloooo!” You are at the foot of Mount Agung, which means many hotels have pools with views of the volcano. 
Our Favorite Spots in Sidemen
If your budget allows, Patal Kikian Villa is absolutely the best choice in Sidemen. From the infinity pool, you can gaze directly at Mount Agung, and combined with the sunset, it’s a magical sight. For a smaller budget, both Sawah Indah Villa and Cepik Villa Sidemen are beautiful alternatives. Both are set in the lovely green surroundings of Sidemen, and from here, you can also catch a glimpse of the volcano.
  Patal Kikian Villa |
 Sawah Indah Villa |
 Cepik Villa Sidemen |
Lovina: Spotting Dolphins and Waterfalls
All the way in northern Bali, you’ll find a small coastal town called Lovina. This place is known for the large groups of dolphins that are easily spotted during a boat trip. This is the number one reason many people add Lovina to their Bali itinerary. Besides dolphin spotting, there are other beautiful places to explore in the Lovina area, including the largest Buddhist monastery in Bali, impressive waterfalls, and relaxing hot springs.
Our Favorite Spots in Lovina
You can enjoy a special stay for little money at Singko Lovina. This small-scale hotel has only three wooden bungalows, making it feel almost like a private accommodation. In the beautiful garden full of tropical plants, you’ll find a large pool where you can completely relax. At Pandawa Village, you’ll stay in a slightly more luxurious bungalow with air conditioning, a rain shower, and a large veranda. From the pool, you have a stunning view over the rice fields. The bungalows at The Kayu Manis Villa top this list. The style of the bungalows, or villas as they can also be called, is typically Balinese, with attention paid to every detail. Since it’s located at a higher elevation, you can enjoy a sweeping view over Lovina and the sea from the pool.
 Singko Lovina |
 Pandawa Village |
 The Kayu Manis Villa |
Amed: Popular Among Divers in Bali
Amed is a quiet and charming village on the east coast of Bali. It’s primarily known for its underwater world for divers and black volcanic beaches. If you want to dive in Bali, this is a good destination to include.
Our Favorite Spots in Amed
Villa Melasti is a hidden gem in Amed. You’ll stay in a traditional bungalow that is beautiful both inside and out. They are also luxurious, featuring air conditioning, a comfortable bed, a large veranda, and a lovely outdoor shower. As the cherry on top, there’s a nice pool! At d’Sawah Amed Homestay, you can expect a good, quiet, and comfortable stay without a high price tag. You’ll stay in a beautiful room that is spotlessly clean, nicely decorated, and has a balcony where you can enjoy a wonderful view over the rice terraces. Villa Infinite Horizon features an amazing pool. From the infinity pool, you can look directly out over the sea. This is a small hotel, so there’s a good chance you’ll have the pool all to yourself.
 Villa Melasti |
 d’Sawah Amed Homestay |
  Villa Infinite Horizon |
Also Nice: Staying on Bali’s Neighboring Islands
Bali isn’t specifically known for its fantastic beaches. Uluwatu has a few beautiful white sand beaches, but for the real deal, you’d better visit one of the neighboring islands. Just a 30-minute boat ride from Bali, you’ll find Nusa Lembongan, a lovely paradise island to stay on with beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for more rugged nature, the nearby Nusa Penida is a must-visit. The gigantic cliffs here create some of the most dramatic landscapes. Lastly, there are the Gili Islands, near the coast of Lombok, where you’ll definitely catch that island vibe. 
