In case you’re planning a visit to Bali quickly, you’re most likely getting overwhelmed by the sheer variety of lodges and areas to select from! The place’s the perfect place to remain? Is it in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, or someplace else? Don’t fear, on this article, we’ll assist you determine what’s greatest for you.
Whenever you take a look at Bali on the map, it appears to be like small. First-timers simply assume it’s as small as Phuket, Santorini, or Singapore. However in actuality, Bali is a giant island. It solely appears to be like small as a result of it sits subsequent to Java, which is way, a lot bigger. In reality, it’s eight instances greater than Singapore, 10 instances greater than Phuket, 64 instances greater than Santorini, greater than 500 instances bigger than Boracay! Within the Philippines, size-wise, Bali is extra similar to your complete island of Cebu or Leyte.
Why am I saying this? As a result of this issues whenever you’re selecting the world to remain. You need to perceive the island’s geography first.
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That is Bali. It’s composed of eight regencies and one metropolis, Denpasar.
Understanding its geography is much more necessary, contemplating that the important thing points of interest are scattered all through the island. Therefore, the perfect space to remain will depend on the locations you wish to go to, particularly if you happen to solely have just a few days.
Every has its execs and cons. So let’s discuss and break down every of those vacationer hotspots one after the other. By the best way, that is in no specific order. The numbers are simply there for simpler reference.
1. KUTA
Greatest for: Funds vacationers, backpackers, and get together animals
Kuta is the most well-liked space amongst vacationers, particularly first-timers. It put Bali on the map of worldwide vacationers.
PROS
A part of the Badung Regency, its location could be very handy. It’s near the airport and the seaside!
You’ll discover virtually the whole lot you possibly can presumably want right here: ATMs, cash changers, banks, comfort shops, eating places, bars, outlets, tour businesses, and even motorbike leases. It’s additionally the place many excursions kick off since most businesses are primarily based within the space. And naturally, Kuta is known — or perhaps notorious, relying on how you are feeling about it — for its wild, energetic nightlife.
Kuta additionally has the largest cluster of lodging in Bali. Certain, there are just a few upscale lodges round, nevertheless it’s actually greatest recognized for budget- and backpacker-friendly choices.
In case you’re after the seaside vibe with quick access to the whole lot, together with the airport and vibrant nightlife, Kuta could also be for you.
CONS
Kuta doesn’t have a sterling fame. And a number of the criticisms aren’t unfounded. Some seasoned vacationers advise in opposition to staying right here. They are saying it’s overhyped, overcrowded, and overdeveloped. It’s true that Kuta is extremely busy and touristy.
Site visitors jams are fairly widespread, particularly throughout rush hours, and it’s important to be alert, as lots of Bali’s circumstances of scams, pickpockets, and telephone or bag snatching occur right here.
Maintain up, let’s be clear. Bali is usually protected. Crime charge is low. And violent crimes are uncommon. I’ve by no means felt unsafe, even in Kuta. However it’s important to safe your valuables when strolling round Kuta and close by areas and be vigilant.
You’ll be able to escape the hustle and bustle of Kuta by selecting an even bigger, well-appointed lodge.
The place We Stayed
Just lately, our workforce was in a position to keep at Anathera Resort Kuta. It’s a contemporary mid-range lodge conveniently positioned only a few minutes from Kuta Seashore and the primary buying and nightlife areas. It strikes a pleasant stability between accessibility and luxury, making it an important base for vacationers who wish to be near the motion however nonetheless get pleasure from a peaceable retreat after an extended time out.
The property options a big swimming pool, a youngsters’ pool, a health club, a spa, and even a deck lounge the place company can unwind. The rooms are shiny and spacious, most with personal balconies overlooking the pool or backyard. Every room additionally has free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV. The employees was additionally pleasant and useful.
It’s not probably the most luxurious choice in Bali, nevertheless it delivers strong worth for cash. You’ll be able to e-book a deluxe room for 2 for as little as IDR 560,000 (PHP 2,000) per night time on Agoda together with taxes.
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And it may possibly go even decrease if you happen to use our promo code AGODATPT, which provides you with 10% OFF. That’s quite a lot of financial savings, particularly if you happen to’re reserving costly lodges or a number of nights, as a result of it’s capped at USD 100 or roughly P5800. That’s a giant low cost.
✅ To redeem this code, obtain and open the Agoda app, and on the COUPONS tab, enter AGODATPT (all caps). Then select a property and room sort, and upon checkout, enter AGODATPT once more to avail of the particular charge.
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Prime Motels in Kuta
Listed here are a number of the greatest locations to remain in Kuta, as rated by vacationers on-line.
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2. SEMINYAK
Greatest for: Households and anybody who loves Kuta’s enjoyable, beachy vibe — minus the chaos and crowds
Identical to Kuta, Seminyak is a paradise for surfers. It shares the identical shoreline and the identical spectacular sunsets, solely with extra space to breathe.
PROS
Consider Seminyak as Kuta’s barely calmer, classier neighbor to the north, the place the streets are lined with fashionable villas, luxurious resorts, and chic spa retreats. You’ll additionally discover fine-dining eating places, designer boutiques, and stylish bars. However that’s to not say there are not any inexpensive choices. It has a wide selection of hostels and funds lodges, too.
Many of those locations cater to households and teams, making it an important spot if you would like consolation with out sacrificing comfort.
In case you’re a member of the LGBT+ neighborhood, contemplate Seminyak as a result of it additionally has an lively LGBT+ scene. A piece of Jalan Camplung Tanduk Highway in Seminyak is the unofficial homosexual strip, with homosexual bars, drag exhibits, and LGBTQIA+-friendly seaside bars.
It’s additionally pretty near the airport, only a tad farther than Kuta, however nonetheless accessible.
CONS
Seminyak suffers from virtually each drawback you can say about Kuta. It’s additionally crowded and bustling with visitors jams and all, however not as hectic. Personally, between the 2, we want Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
We stayed at Grandmas Plus Lodge Seminyak, a giant lodge providing funds rooms! We paid IDR 2,070,000 (USD 124, PHP 7328) for 3 nights.
That’s solely IDR 690,000 (USD 41.40, PHP 2443) per night time. It’s at a superb location, only a brief stroll from the seaside, eating places, and bars. It’s excellent for vacationers who wish to keep within the coronary heart of Seminyak with out paying premium resort costs. The rooms are compact however trendy, geared up with necessities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and cozy beds. There’s additionally a small swimming pool, an in-house spa, and a restaurant, all nice for enjoyable after a day of exploring.
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Prime Motels in Seminyak
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3. UBUD
Greatest for: Vacationers looking for some peace of thoughts, cultural expertise, and a central location
Ubud is commonly thought of the cultural coronary heart of Bali. It’s excellent if you happen to’re after tradition, leisure, and a greener facet of Bali. As a base for vacationers, it has loads of benefits.
PROS
It’s preferrred for vacationers who desire a slower, extra soulful expertise, away from the seaside crowds. You’ll discover artwork galleries, yoga retreats, wellness facilities, and native craft markets that offer you a deeper look into Balinese tradition.
Many boutique resorts and villas are set amid tranquil rice paddies or alongside river valleys, providing peaceable views and a powerful sense of connection to nature. Even these inside the city heart, most properties nonetheless really feel extra secluded and have a extra personal vibe. Most of the resorts or villas that get featured by influencers — these with a pool floating lunch tray — they’re most likely right here in Ubud.
It is usually well-located for day journeys to waterfalls, rural temples, rice terraces, and scenic highland spots. Ubud sits within the center, making it a superb base. By staying right here, you gained’t should take care of the Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar visitors jams for probably the most half.
You’ll discover quite a lot of excursions on Klook that begin or decide up right here in Ubud, so going round shouldn’t be a difficulty.
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CONS
Talking of visitors, Ubud isn’t with out its downsides. The city heart can even get congested with automobiles and scooters, particularly throughout peak hours, however not as dangerous as Kuta or Seminyak.
In case you’re touring to Bali for the seaside, nicely, it’s fairly removed from the coast — round an hour and a half to 2 hours away, relying on visitors.
Costs for lodging and meals have gone up through the years, reflecting its rising reputation. And though it’s usually calm, nightlife right here is proscribed in comparison with coastal areas like Kuta or Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
Right here in Ubud, we have been in a position to attempt Ari Cottages. It’s a captivating 3-star boutique property tucked away on Jalan Made Lebah within the Pengosekan space of Ubud, simply outdoors downtown, so it’s very quiet. Nevertheless it’s solely a brief stroll from well-liked eating places, cafés, and outlets. The perfect half — proper throughout the highway is a grocery store!
Rooms right here have terraces that overlook their swimming pool. The one we obtained comes with every day afternoon tea, however we didn’t get to avail of it as a result of we have been at all times outdoors exploring. Insect repellent spray was additionally offered.
The employees have been pleasant and welcoming. It’s a implausible alternative if you would like a classy, mid-budget stick with a little bit of character in Ubud.
We paid IDR 3,926,000 (USD 235, PHP 13,884) for 3 nights. That’s IDR 1,308,600 (USD 78.35, PHP 4,628) per night time. Not dangerous contemplating it was peak season after we visited, and truthfully, it was one of many few remaining moderately priced personal rooms we discovered on the time.
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Prime Motels in Ubud
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4. CANGGU
Canggu is one other village additional north alongside the identical seaside as Kuta and Seminyak, however a lot quieter, extra laidback, and cheaper. There’s a good number of lodges and hostels, but in addition residences for weekly or month-to-month lease and co-working areas.
Due to its environment and affordability, it’s turn into a favourite amongst digital nomads and those that are staying in Bali longer than common.
Prime Motels in Canggu
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5. DENPASAR
Denpasar is Bali’s capital. It can provide you a style of Balinese metropolis life away from the vacationers. It has its share of worthy points of interest, from native markets to necessary temples. And the meals scene right here is nice, providing not simply genuine Balinese fare but in addition different Indonesian cuisines.
Notice, nevertheless, that whereas its Sanur district has an excellent seaside, the town heart is much from the coast. And regardless of Ngurah Rai Worldwide Airport additionally being known as Denpasar Airport, it’s truly in Badung, outdoors Denpasar. In actuality, Denpasar’s metropolis correct is way, a lot farther from the airport than Kuta or Seminyak.
Prime Motels in Denpasar
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6. NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua is the polished, family-friendly face of Bali. It’s dwelling to most of the island’s luxurious resorts, every with pristine beachfronts and top-notch services. The vibe right here is serene and safe, nice for honeymooners, households, and anybody who simply desires to calm down with out chaos. The seashores are extensive and mild, excellent for swimming or water sports activities.
On the flip facet, it feels a bit faraway from genuine native life, with many of the motion taking place inside resort grounds.
Prime Motels in Nusa Dua
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7. ULUWATU
Uluwatu is perched on Bali’s southern cliffs. It gives a number of the island’s greatest ocean views and sunsets. Lodging choices vary from funds to luxurious.
The realm, nevertheless, is kind of unfold out with restricted transportation modes and far fewer business institutions. It’s not preferrred for individuals who need walkable neighborhoods. Nevertheless it’s a haven for surfers or simply those that wish to keep someplace quieter however nonetheless very accessible from the airport.
Prime Motels in Uluwatu
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What’s the Greatest Space to Keep in Bali?
So, what’s the greatest space to remain in Bali? That will depend on what sort of traveler you might be and your itinerary.
- In case you’re a backpacker or funds traveler who likes to get together and wish to be within the heart of the motion, Kuta could be a good selection. It’s vigorous, loud, and loaded with inexpensive lodges and hostels. Excellent if you happen to love nightlife, straightforward seaside entry, and assembly different vacationers — not a lot if you happen to crave peace and quiet.
- In case you’re a gaggle of pals in search of stylish spots, Seminyak is the place to be. It has a mixture of consolation, comfort, and magnificence. You’re near nice eating places, buying, and seaside golf equipment, however not as busy or crowded as Kuta.
- In case you’re an explorer and also you wish to see a lot of the island, keep in Ubud. Its location makes it a super base for day excursions to the temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces.
- In case you’re a digital nomad who likes a social, artistic scene, select Canggu. Count on trendy villas, boutique guesthouses, and co-living areas. It’s informal, enjoyable, and preferrred if you wish to work, surf, or simply hang around someplace cool.
- In case you’re a pair on a romantic getaway, e-book a villa in Ubud or a resort in Nusa Dua and even Uluwatu. Your alternative of lodging can be essential right here, so at all times verify critiques.
- In case you’re a luxurious traveler who prioritizes consolation and leisure, contemplate Nusa Dua. The gated resort areas are calm, clear, and protected, with large lodges providing the whole lot you want inside strolling distance. Nice for individuals who desire a stress-free seaside vacation.
- In case you’re a nature or tradition lover, Ubud is your greatest guess. Arms down.
- In case you’re a household, keep in Nusa Dua when you have the funds and also you wish to be away from the vacationer chaos. But when your loved ones prefers to be near extra institutions, Seminyak is an efficient alternative too.
- In case you’re a foodie, Denpasar is nice. Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, and different areas have an excellent meals scene, too, however in our expertise, Denpasar is the perfect for restaurant and café hopping and market crawls.
Personally, if I’d return to Bali now and I’ve six nights, I’d keep in Ubud for the primary three nights and in Seminyak for the final three. In any other case, select only one. Which one? In case you requested me 5 years in the past, I’d say Seminyak. However now that I’m a bit older, I’d decide Ubud.
Have you ever skilled staying at any of those locations in Bali? How was it? Tell us within the feedback part beneath.
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is elective, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey might be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, contemplate PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You’ll be able to GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive charge.
Updates Log
2025 11 12 – First uploaded
Co-written with Asta Alvarez
Photographs by Yosh Dimen, Asta Alvarez, and Mariah Cruz
