In Bali, you can stay in a beach bungalow in Uluwatu, a treehouse in Ubud, a resort with an infinity pool in Seminyak, or at a Balinese man named Wayan’s guest house in Canggu.
With full knowledge of how dramatic this sounds, where you stay in Bali is a very personal decision. Only you can decide which type of stay is best for you. But, with so many options to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide where to stay in Bali.
This guide will arm you with the knowledge to help you choose where to stay in Bali.
Let’s get into it.
Location, location, location
Where you choose to spend your time in Bali says a lot about you as a person. Do you like to immerse yourself in culture? Or, would you rather lie on a beach with a photogenic cocktail in your hand?
There are four main cities or villages on the island that tourists stay in: Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu. The best way to get to know Bali is by hopping from village to village. Each location has its own distinct personality. Let’s find out which village matches yours.
Ubud for the culture
Ubud oozes culture. It’s home to the most revered temples, the biggest art markets, and the best restaurants on the island.
Ubud is also a haven for people who love the outdoors. Waterfalls, volcanos, and rice terraces are less than a two-hour drive from the city center. It’s a great area to base yourself for day trips to explore the wilder northern part of Bali.
You should base yourself within walking distance of downtown Ubud. I stayed in a villa on the outskirts of town by the Campuhan Ridge Walk. It was far away enough to feel isolated and peaceful but close enough to the city where we could walk to dinner.
Book your stay at Wiswarani Villas on Airbnb.
Seminyak for the scene
People go to Seminyak to see and be seen. Seminyak is home to legendary beach clubs, upscale boutiques, and trendy restaurants.
Stay near Petitenget Beach or along Petitenget Road to be close to the action. Because traffic in Seminyak is bad, you want to be within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and other attractions.
I skipped Seminyak during my trip in lieu of Canggu. You should pick one or the other on your trip.
Canggu for the vibes
Canggu is the low-key version of Seminyak. It’s filled with open-air cafes and laid-back beach clubs. I chose to stay in Canggu over Seminyak because I’m not the biggest partier.
In Canggu, you should stay between Batu Bolong Beach and Echo Beach. A good point of reference is Love Anchor Bazaar Market. Staying near here will keep you close to the action and within walking distance of the beach. The further inland you go, the more into the rice fields, you’ll be. The rice fields are beautiful but full of mosquitos.
Uluwatu for the beach
If you’re the friend who likes to play mermaids instead of tan by the pool, Uluwatu is for you. Uluwatu has some of the best beaches in Bali, especially for swimming and surfing. But, Uluwatu isn’t all about the beach, it has a rich cultural history on display at the Uluwatu Temple.
When visiting Uluwatu, stay as close to Padang Padang Beach as possible. Bingin Beach is another good and more affordable area to stay in, but you’ll likely hear construction here during the day because it’s rapidly growing.
Unlike Canggu and Seminyak, Uluwatu isn’t plagued by constant traffic, making it easier to get around.
Types of stays
Most travel destinations give you three options on where to stay: a hotel, a vacation rental, or a hostel. In Bali, it feels like you have endless options to choose from. From villas to homestays, we’ll go over what each stay is like.
Villas
Staying in a villa is an essential part of your trip to Bali. A villa is a private accommodation serviced by locals. A typical Balinese villa is an indoor-outdoor living space with an air-conditioned bedroom and bathroom indoors and an open-air living room and small kitchen outdoors.
The splurge on a villa with a pool is worth it, but be mindful that it will not be heated. The best places to find a villa are Airbnb and Booking.com.
The price range on villas can vary depending on location, but you can easily find a villa for around $100 a night. I recommend Wiswarani Villas in Ubud and Yume Villas in Uluwatu.
Resorts
Luxury resorts attract travelers with their all-inclusive packages and photogenic infinity pools in the jungle. It seems like the perfect place for a getaway, right? Well, the downside of staying at a resort is the location. Many resorts are tucked away in the jungle in Bali, making it hard to reach the action in the village or on the beach.
If you want to stay in a resort, pick one that has a free shuttle into town or hire a private driver to help you get around during your stay.
Resorts are typically the most expensive type of accommodation in Bali.
Hotels
Like any destination, Bali has many hotels to choose from. Many multinational hotel chains have made their mark on the island with properties by the beach and in the jungle. Local hotels without frills run by Balinese families are also available.
The best part about a hotel is they are typically right in the middle of the action, sometimes even steps away from a beach. You’ll pay about the same for a hotel as a villa but you will have less space and privacy.
Homestay
You can spend the night in the family compound of a local at a homestay. For the Balinese, family is everything. They live in a family compound with its own temple with their entire family until they die (or get married).
Some locals, rent out a guesthouse in their family compound for tourists. You can find these unique stays on Airbnb.
Hostels
Hostels are the most affordable option in Bali. At a hostel, there are typically shared rooms and bathrooms with other travelers. These are the type of accommodations people brag about paying $5 a day for.
Where should you stay in Bali?
When I was planning my trip, I wished someone would just tell me where to stay in Bali, so I’m going to be that friend for you. If you love adventure, culture, and good food, I recommend staying in villas, splitting your time between Ubud and Uluwatu. I didn’t fall in love with Canggu, so I likely won’t be going back there.
Where to book
Booking.com is the best travel partner to find hotels, resorts, and private villas in Bali. Airbnb is another great option specifically for villas and homestays.
The price range ranges dramatically depending on the type of stay, location, and vibe you’re booking. It’s best to set yourself an ideal budget and see what you can afford based on your preferences.
If you need any advice on booking your stay in Bali, I’m happy to answer any questions in the comments below.
More Southeast Asia Guides
The Non-Influencer Guide to Bali
The Bali Bucket List: 18 Things To Do on the Island
The Ultimate Guide to Singapore
Reply