Where To Stay In Bali: Accommodation Guide (2023)
Bali is an island of breathtaking beauty, and for me, it’s always been a source of endless enchantment. From the lush green rice paddies and crystal-clear waters to the bustling nightlife of Canggu or Kuta, there’s a reason I decided to settle down in Bali!
Bali might just capture your nomadic heart, too. But with so many options for where to stay and what kind of accommodation, it can be difficult to know where to start on this lively island.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll lay out all your options so that you can find the perfect place to stay in Bali.
Table of Contents
Best Areas in Bali to Stay
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous trek through the jungle, Bali has something for everyone.
In this Bali accommodation guide, we will explore all the best areas to stay in Bali for digital nomads.
1. Canggu
Canggu is without a doubt the most popular spot for digital nomads in Bali right now.
Canggu may have started out as a secret spot for surfers, but it has now become the hip party capital of Bali.
It has everything really – luxurious hotels, plenty of nightlife options, and all the best restaurants around. It also has plenty of coworking options for those looking to stay long-term.
Canggu still maintains its charm though, with beautiful rice paddies, a welcoming atmosphere, and the nearby temple of Tanah lot to visit.
It’s also a great stop for surfing lessons too; just be aware that the beaches can get quite crowded at the peak times when surfers come out in their droves!
If you’d like something less bustling then head further north where you’ll find sprawling villas and plenty of eateries in the newest digital nomad neighborhood of Pererenan.
Top 3 Things To Do in Canggu
2. Ubud
Ubud is in the heart of the Balinese jungle, and it’s well known for its deep connection to Balinese culture (and Eat, Pray, Love!).
Ubud is famous for its incredible artwork, temples, rice terraces, and seriously delicious coffee which can be enjoyed at the local coffee houses.
One of the main attractions in Ubud is the monkey forest, which harbors hundreds of monkeys who come out to play throughout the day (just watch out for your belongings, as they love to snatch things from unwary tourists!). This attraction has made it one of Bali’s most famous sites.
Check out 33 Best Things to do in Ubud
You’ll also find plenty of boutique hotels with incredible views, luxurious spas for indulging relaxation treatments, outdoor activities such as waterfall hikes, and day trips to explore nearby beaches and islands.
There are also plenty of art galleries and museums showcasing Balinese culture and customs, as well as the Ubud Market where you can shop for souvenirs or handmade artworks from local Balinese craftspeople.
Ubud makes a great base to explore more of Bali’s culture and natural beauty.
Top 3 Things To Do in Ubud
3. Seminyak
Seminyak offers a luxurious beachfront experience that is more upmarket than Kuta, yet not quite as traditional as some of the more remote areas in Bali.
It’s the perfect spot to base yourself to fully indulge in Bali’s unique hotels and hospitality. It’s also a great area for some of the best fine dining on the island.
The combination of sun, sea, and sand provides a perfect place to unwind and enjoy world-class restaurants, stylish bars, boutique shops, upmarket spas, and late-night partying.
The main beach is a beautiful stretch of white powdery sand lined with stylish hotels, beach bars, and an ice cream stand or two for cooling off during those balmy afternoons.
Meanwhile, the sunsets are hard to beat: end your day with a few cocktails at one of Seminyak’s vibrant bar hotspots such as La Plancha or Potato Head Beach Club.
Seminyak has plenty going on day and night; it’s easy to find accommodation ranging from budget rooms right up to luxury villas overlooking the sea – this makes it popular with all kinds of travelers so book ahead if you don’t want to miss your piece of paradise!
Top 3 Things To Do in Seminyak
4. Kuta
Ah, Kuta. You may have heard about it before – for better or for worse.
Kuta is the backpacker-friendly area of Bali that sits between some of Bali’s famous surf beaches. It’s where the Aussie holiday to Bali first began.
Think endless coastline views alongside busy nightlife, affordable dining, Australian football pubs, and plenty of shopping options.
Kuta is well known as a great place to stay if you’re looking to get away from home, but don’t fancy going too far from the comforts of familiarity. It’s also closer to Ngurah Rai Airport than the other places on this list.
There are beach-side resorts and cheaper hostel options available in the area, usually within walking distance of Batu Belig beach and some fantastic surf spots.
Plus it’s easy enough to get around by walking, which isn’t the case for a lot of Bali.
At night, Kuta has a huge range of clubs, bars, pubs, and music venues catering to every kind of taste – perfect for those who want a classic Bali night out on their holiday.
Sky Garden was once the mecca for nightlife in Kuta, but since it shut down, that street is nowhere near as popular. A better option is to take a taxi over to Seminyak and try out ShiShi Club (with all-you-can-drink for $10 USD).
It’s worth remembering that Kuta is a busy area that can be overcrowded with Australian tourists and schoolies, so it might not be the idyllic vision of Bali you imagined.
Top 3 Things To Do in Kuta
5. Uluwatu
Located on the southwest coast of the island, Uluwatu offers stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and is the perfect spot to relax and take in the island’s beauty.
It has some of the best beaches in Bali, where you can enjoy everything from surfing and sunbathing to snorkeling and swimming in the turquoise waters.
It’s also a lot quieter than the hustle and bustle of the Seminyak/Canggu area, with some of the most serene cliff-side hotels you could imagine.
If you’re looking for a great night out, make sure to check out Ulu Cliffhouse on Fridays or try a Sunday Session at Single Fins.
Uluwatu is also home to all the best day clubs in Bali, scattered throughout the Bukit Peninsula. Some of our personal favorites are:
Top 3 Things To Do in Uluwatu
Accommodation Options in Bali
Accommodation options in Bali range from ultra-luxurious beachfront villas to IDR 200,000 ($10 USD) a night stays in local guesthouses.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway in a secluded villa or are traveling on a budget, chances are you’ll find something to suit your needs in Bali.
In this guide, we’ll look at the various types of accommodation available in Bali and give you suggestions on where to stay.
Hotels in Bali
Whether you are looking for hassle-free luxury or budget-friendly convenience, there is a hotel in Bali to suit your needs.
Hotels are the perfect option if you want a guaranteed atmosphere of comfort and security, along with quality amenities like swimming pools and fitness centers.
The majority of hotels are concentrated around the main tourist destinations on Bali’s south coast, including Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Ubud.
Along these coasts, you’ll find high-end five-star resorts hidden amongst budget guesthouses good enough for backpackers on a shoestring budget.
Besides the typical lodgings available around Bali – from traditional villas to multi-building complexes – there has been an influx of chic boutique accommodations designed for high-end tourists looking for something special.
At the more budget end of the spectrum, there’s an abundance of locally owned guesthouses featuring simple but comfortable rooming coupled with traditional Balinese hospitality – all at very affordable prices.
Some even offer perks like free breakfast and daily group activities like yoga – so you can get more out of your stay!
Villas in Bali
For those seeking more exclusive and luxurious options, then a villa from Airbnb is a great choice for accommodation in Bali.
There are plenty of villas around the island, from beachfront properties with stunning views overlooking the ocean, to lavish treehouses located on Ubud hillsides surrounded by greens and traditional Balinese architecture.
These villas have usually been upgraded in order to provide modern, comfortable amenities for visitors at any time of the year.
Normal villa facilities will include:
Hostels in Bali
Bali is a haven for travelers on a budget, and hostels are an affordable option for its vast number of visitors.
So many hostels here offer great value for money and also provide various facilities to make your stay unique.
They can range from basic dormitory style options, to much nicer private rooms which are still reasonably priced compared to hotels or resorts.
Some of the better hostels also offer swimming pools, coworking spaces, and other facilities such as tours and activities, cafes with local foods, and outdoor areas perfect for BBQs or game nights with other guests.
Hostels can also be a great way to meet new people – so you’ll be surely raring to explore Bali more when you check out!
Weather and best time to visit Bali
Bali’s climate is relatively consistent throughout the year – average temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F), while rainfall occurs in the form of brief and heavy tropical showers, usually in the late afternoons between 4-6 pm.
The busiest months for tourism are July and August when you should also expect higher hotel prices due to increased demand. As expected, tourist spots tend to become quite crowded during this period.
If you want a more relaxing visit, consider avoiding these two months.
The best time to go to Bali, in my opinion, is from April – October, as this coincides with the dry season.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Bali?
April tends to be Bali’s least-rainy month with only 4 days of rain or less on average in most areas throughout April and May – so these months are great times to plan a trip if you’re trying to maximize sunshine hours.
Even during the rainy season (December – February) it very rarely rains every day. However, don’t forget your rain mac just in case as showers can come on quickly and unexpectedly (as I’ve found out the hard way on many an occasion)!
Tips for Safe Travels To Bali
When traveling to Bali, you should try to take every precaution necessary to make sure you have a safe and wonderful trip.
Here are some basic safety tips for traveling in and around Bali that all travelers should follow:
Summary of Where to Stay In Bali
I hope this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of where to stay in Bali.
From the upscale resorts and villas along the beaches of Uluwatu and Jimbaran, to the more budget-friendly guesthouses located in Ubud.
No matter what kind of place you’re looking for, hopefully this guide has given you enough information to make an informed decision.
As a reminder, here’s a summary of some of the important points from our Bali accommodation travel guide:
By following these safety tips for traveling in and around Bali you can help ensure a hassle-free holiday full of special memories!
Planning to stay a little longer? Check out our Digital Nomad Guide to Bali
Frequently Asked Questions
Bali offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets, from luxury resorts to budget hostels. You can also find villas, cottages, and homestays across the island.
Bali is a great travel destination year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to October when the temperatures are milder and the weather is drier. If you want to experience the best of Bali’s culture and attractions, visit between June and August.
Bali has something for everyone, from beach hopping to trekking and exploring beautiful temples. Other must-do activities include trying some of the local cuisine, surfing, and watching the stunning sunsets.
