Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-term island resident, finding the best area to stay in Bali is not always easy. Here you’ll find emerald rice fields and stylish resort towns, sun-drenched tourist beaches and wild, untouched shores, and misty tropical forests. There is a vibrant nightlife for party lovers, amazing развлечения for children, and absolutely everything in between. Even though the whole island of Bali offers endless attractions and destinations for travelers, some areas are more developed and more famous than others. To get the best of the culture, cuisine, accommodation, and sights, explore the coolest areas of Bali, as we share below
Ubud area
Ubud is known as the cultural heart of Bali, and here, in this lush inland region, the hills are alive with the sounds of meditation, yoga, and… a lively town center. While central Ubud today can feel like a busy little city, Bali’s artistic beating heart still remains a very special place once you step away from the crowded central streets. Ubud is also the capital of yoga and meditation practices
Ubud became world-famous not only because of Julia Roberts’ “Eat, Pray, Love,” but also because of its postcard-perfect rice fields, palm trees, and lush greenery, as well as the wide range of cultural and soulful activities centered around nature and wellness. Not far from Ubud is the famous Monkey Forest
This place makes time slow down and gives you the right air to breathe. If you’re looking for a peaceful place with culture or adventure, then you definitely shouldn’t miss the amazing Ubud area
Kuta and Seminyak
Having been Bali’s most popular holiday destination for decades, these areas have turned into a lively tourist scene, with restaurants and shops lining almost every street. From the road directly opposite the beach — stretching for several kilometers inland — tourists can find almost everything: shopping malls, traditional markets, beach bars, art galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, and of course surf schools. In Seminyak, beach parties happen every two to three weeks and are listed among the best in the world
This is where you will find the noisiest and busiest areas of Bali
Canggu area
For many years, Canggu managed to keep a balance between being a well-known tourist destination and remaining a semi-rural coastal town with green rice fields and modest buildings
Here you will find hip cafés, incredible restaurants, accommodation for different budgets, spa complexes, world-famous beach clubs, and a laid-back community of hipsters, surfers, and digital nomads
Recently, Canggu has become very popular among young people, and every year more and more tourists come here to surf and relax, watching the sunset at a local beach club
Jimbaran area
Jimbaran’s proximity to the airport makes it a great choice both at the beginning and at the end of your Bali trip. It started as a fishing village and still remains home to the freshest seafood on the island
You can choose your seafood straight from the boats and have it cooked for you. Even for those who do not stay in Jimbaran, lunch or dinner at these famous beachfront restaurants is a must
With its calm waters, Jimbaran Bay is one of the best and safest beaches in Bali — with breathtaking sunsets as a bonus
It is a favorite place for families and couples, with its slower pace of life
Bukit Peninsula
This large area is often simply called Uluwatu, which is world-famous for its legendary surf breaks, dramatic cliffs, and pristine white-sand coves. This is the area where you can rent a thatched hut right by the ocean and enjoy healthy, deep sleep
It is located at the very south of Bali. You could say it’s a surfers’ paradise, because all the best surfers come here — so if you want to sunbathe while meeting a cute Australian surfer, this is probably the best place. The waves here are high and not suitable for beginner surfers at all
Nusa Dua area
This is where you’ll find many 5-star hotels and several 5-star villas with beautiful white-sand beaches
You can enjoy meals at the many restaurants, most of which are located inside the resorts. With its calm waters, paved streets, and well-maintained resort complex, it is great for families and first-time visitors to Bali
If you love a resort-style vacation with all amenities, this is the place for you!
Sanur area
This is a quiet seaside village in Bali. Filled with lovely small cafés, fantastic restaurants, the largest diving operators, lush hotels, and many spa salons, Sanur has plenty to see and do for those looking for a slower pace compared to Kuta or Canggu. Colorful wooden fishing boats line the beaches, and along the long beachfront path you can rent bicycles and ride. During windy season, you can also go kitesurfing and windsurfing here
Sanur generally attracts older travelers or family-oriented visitors
If you’re looking for a slower pace to swim in the calm ocean and feel like you’re in a village, this is the place for you!
