If you happen to’re planning a visit to Bali quickly, you’re most likely getting overwhelmed by the sheer variety of resorts and areas to select from! The place’s the most effective place to remain? Is it in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, or some place else? Don’t fear, on this article, we’ll assist you determine what’s finest for you.
If 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 an enormous island. It solely appears to be like small as a result of it sits subsequent to Java, which is way, a lot bigger. In truth, it’s eight instances larger than Singapore, 10 instances larger than Phuket, 64 instances larger than Santorini, greater than 500 instances bigger than Boracay! Within the Philippines, size-wise, Bali is extra similar to the whole island of Cebu or Leyte.
Why am I saying this? As a result of this issues if you’re selecting the realm to remain. You must perceive the island’s geography first.
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Understanding Bali’s Geography
That is Bali. It’s composed of eight regencies and one metropolis, Denpasar.
Understanding its geography is much more vital, contemplating that the important thing sights are scattered all through the island. Therefore, the most effective space to remain will depend on the locations you need to go to, particularly in the event you solely have a couple of days.
Every has its execs and cons. So let’s speak about and break down every of those vacationer hotspots one after the other. By the way in which, that is in no specific order. The numbers are simply there for simpler reference.
1. KUTA
Finest for: Price range vacationers, backpackers, and celebration 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 may be very handy. It’s near the airport and the seashore!
You’ll discover nearly all the pieces you can probably want right here: ATMs, cash changers, banks, comfort shops, eating places, bars, retailers, tour companies, and even bike leases. It’s additionally the place many excursions kick off since most companies are primarily based within the space. And naturally, Kuta is legendary — or possibly notorious, relying on how you are feeling about it — for its wild, energetic nightlife.
Kuta additionally has the most important cluster of lodging in Bali. Certain, there are a couple of upscale resorts round, nevertheless it’s actually finest identified for budget- and backpacker-friendly choices.
If you happen to’re after the seashore vibe with quick access to all the pieces, together with the airport and vibrant nightlife, Kuta could also be for you.
CONS
Kuta doesn’t have a sterling fame. And among the criticisms usually are not 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.
Visitors jams are fairly widespread, particularly throughout rush hours, and it’s a must 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 fee is low. And violent crimes are uncommon. I’ve by no means felt unsafe, even in Kuta. However it’s a must 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 staff was in a position to keep at Anathera Resort Kuta. It’s a contemporary mid-range lodge conveniently positioned just some minutes from Kuta Seashore and the primary purchasing and nightlife areas. It strikes a pleasant steadiness between accessibility and luxury, making it a fantastic base for vacationers who need to be near the motion however nonetheless take pleasure in a peaceable retreat after a protracted day trip.
The property options a big swimming pool, a youngsters’ pool, a gymnasium, a spa, and even a deck lounge the place company can unwind. The rooms are vibrant 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 workers was additionally pleasant and useful.
It’s not probably the most luxurious possibility in Bali, nevertheless it delivers stable worth for cash. You’ll be able to ebook 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 might go even decrease in the event you use our promo code AGODATPT, which gives you 10% OFF. That’s a whole lot of financial savings, particularly in the event you’re reserving costly resorts or a number of nights, as a result of it’s capped at USD 100 or roughly P5800. That’s an enormous 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 fee.
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Prime Motels in Kuta
Listed here are among the finest locations to remain in Kuta, as rated by vacationers on-line.
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2. SEMINYAK
Finest 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 more room to breathe.
PROS
Consider Seminyak as Kuta’s barely calmer, classier neighbor to the north, the place the streets are lined with trendy 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 reasonably priced choices. It has a wide variety of hostels and price range resorts, too.
Many of those locations cater to households and teams, making it a fantastic spot if you need consolation with out sacrificing comfort.
If you happen to’re a member of the LGBT+ group, take into account Seminyak as a result of it additionally has an energetic LGBT+ scene. A piece of Jalan Camplung Tanduk Highway in Seminyak is the unofficial homosexual strip, with homosexual bars, drag reveals, and LGBTQIA+-friendly seashore bars.
It’s additionally pretty near the airport, only a tad farther than Kuta, however nonetheless accessible.
CONS
Seminyak suffers from nearly each drawback which 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 Resort Seminyak, an enormous lodge providing price range 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 wonderful location, only a brief stroll from the seashore, eating places, and bars. It’s good for vacationers who need to keep within the coronary heart of Seminyak with out paying premium resort costs. The rooms are compact however fashionable, 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 stress-free after a day of exploring.
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Prime Motels in Seminyak
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3. UBUD
Finest for: Vacationers searching for some peace of thoughts, cultural expertise, and a central location
Ubud is usually thought-about the cultural coronary heart of Bali. It’s good in the event you’re after tradition, leisure, and a greener aspect of Bali. As a base for vacationers, it has loads of benefits.
PROS
It’s best for vacationers who desire a slower, extra soulful expertise, away from the seashore 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 throughout 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’s also well-located for day journeys to waterfalls, rural temples, rice terraces, and scenic highland spots. Ubud sits within the center, making it a wonderful base. By staying right here, you received’t must cope with the Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar visitors jams for probably the most half.
You’ll discover a whole lot of excursions on Klook that begin or choose 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 may get congested with automobiles and scooters, particularly throughout peak hours, however not as unhealthy as Kuta or Seminyak.
If you happen to’re touring to Bali for the seashore, properly, 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 over time, reflecting its rising reputation. And though it’s usually calm, nightlife right here is restricted in comparison with coastal areas like Kuta or Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
Right here in Ubud, we had been in a position to strive Ari Cottages. It’s a captivating 3-star boutique property tucked away on Jalan Made Lebah within the Pengosekan space of Ubud, simply exterior downtown, so it’s very quiet. Nevertheless it’s solely a brief stroll from common eating places, cafés, and retailers. The perfect half — proper throughout the highway is a grocery store!
Rooms right here have terraces that overlook their swimming swimming pools. The one we received comes with every day afternoon tea, however we didn’t get to avail of it as a result of we had been all the time exterior exploring. Insect repellent spray was additionally supplied.
The workers had been pleasant and welcoming. It’s a improbable selection if you need 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 unhealthy contemplating it was peak season after we visited, and actually, it was one of many few remaining fairly 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 seashore as Kuta and Seminyak, however a lot quieter, extra laidback, and cheaper. There’s a good number of resorts and hostels, but in addition residences for weekly or month-to-month lease and co-working areas.
Due to its ambiance and affordability, it’s turn into a favourite amongst digital nomads and those that are staying in Bali longer than regular.
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 sights, from native markets to vital temples. And the meals scene right here is nice, providing not simply genuine Balinese fare but in addition different Indonesian cuisines.
Word, nevertheless, that whereas its Sanur district has a very good seashore, the town heart is much from the coast. And regardless of Ngurah Rai Worldwide Airport additionally being known as Denpasar Airport, it’s really in Badung, exterior 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 lots of the island’s luxurious resorts, every with pristine beachfronts and top-notch amenities. The vibe right here is serene and safe, nice for honeymooners, households, and anybody who simply needs to chill out with out chaos. The seashores are vast and mild, good for swimming or water sports activities.
On the flip aspect, it feels a bit faraway from genuine native life, with many of the motion occurring inside resort grounds.
Prime Motels in Nusa Dua
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7. ULUWATU
Uluwatu is perched on Bali’s southern cliffs. It affords among the island’s finest ocean views and sunsets. Lodging choices vary from price range to luxurious.
The world, nevertheless, is kind of unfold out with restricted transportation modes and far fewer industrial institutions. It’s not best for many who need walkable neighborhoods. Nevertheless it’s a haven for surfers or simply those that need to keep someplace quieter however nonetheless very accessible from the airport.
Prime Motels in Uluwatu
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What’s the Finest Space to Keep in Bali?
So, what’s the finest space to remain in Bali? That will depend on what sort of traveler you might be and your itinerary.
- If you happen to’re a backpacker or price range traveler who likes to celebration and need to be within the heart of the motion, Kuta is likely to be a good selection. It’s full of life, loud, and loaded with reasonably priced resorts and hostels. Good in the event you love nightlife, simple seashore entry, and assembly different vacationers — not a lot in the event you crave peace and quiet.
- If you happen to’re a bunch of associates searching for fashionable spots, Seminyak is the place to be. It has a mixture of consolation, comfort, and elegance. You’re near nice eating places, purchasing, and seashore golf equipment, however not as busy or crowded as Kuta.
- If you happen to’re an explorer and also you need to see a lot of the island, keep in Ubud. Its location makes it an excellent base for day excursions to the temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces.
- If you happen to’re a digital nomad who likes a social, inventive scene, select Canggu. Count on fashionable villas, boutique guesthouses, and co-living areas. It’s informal, enjoyable, and best if you wish to work, surf, or simply hang around someplace cool.
- If you happen to’re a pair on a romantic getaway, ebook a villa in Ubud or a resort in Nusa Dua and even Uluwatu. Your selection of lodging can be essential right here, so all the time verify evaluations.
- If you happen to’re a luxurious traveler who prioritizes consolation and leisure, take into account Nusa Dua. The gated resort areas are calm, clear, and protected, with large resorts providing all the pieces you want inside strolling distance. Nice for many who desire a stress-free seashore vacation.
- If you happen to’re a nature or tradition lover, Ubud is your finest wager. Arms down.
- If you happen to’re a household, keep in Nusa Dua if in case you have the price range and also you need to be away from the vacationer chaos. But when your loved ones prefers to be near extra institutions, Seminyak is an efficient selection too.
- If you happen to’re a foodie, Denpasar is nice. Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, and different areas have a very good meals scene, too, however in our expertise, Denpasar is the most effective 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? If you happen to requested me 5 years in the past, I’d say Seminyak. However now that I’m a bit older, I’d choose Ubud.
Have you ever skilled staying at any of those locations in Bali? How was it? Tell us within the feedback part under.
Updates Log
2025 11 12 – First uploaded
Co-written with Asta Alvarez
Images by Yosh Dimen, Asta Alvarez, and Mariah Cruz
