Where to sleep in Bali?

Are you planning a trip to Bali and don't know where to stay? From the north to the south, via the centre, east and west, we'll tell you the best places to stay in Bali to discover all the wonders of the Island of the Gods.  

 

What you need to know before choosing accommodation in Bali

 

Although relatively small (140 km long, 80 km wide and 5,780 km² in area), Bali is not an easy island to visit. And with good reason: you often have to travel many kilometres to reach the island's many points of interest. What's more, the more central towns are often hit by traffic jams.  

 

That's why it's best to plan your itinerary in advance. If you have time, we recommend that you choose several different types of accommodation on either side of the island, so that you can see all the must-sees on the Isle of the Gods. Not staying long? Then opt for one or two central destinations.

 

Where to stay in South Bali?

 

Kuta and Seminyak, the party towns

 

       

 

Kuta and Seminyak are located in the south of Bali, in the most developed areas of the island. With beautiful beaches and plenty to do (including surfing), these destinations are popular with party-goers from all over the world. What's more, they're ideal if you're in the mood to party. If you're looking for authenticity and tranquillity, however, you'll have to pass. 

 

The Bukit peninsula, the tranquillity of the south

   

The Bukit peninsula is the southernmost tip of Bali. Unlike the towns around Denpasar and the airport (such as Kuta), there are some fairly quiet spots here.  The programme for a stay on the Bukit peninsula includes initiation to and practice of surfing, lazing on the beach, walks along the coastal paths on the cliffs, a visit to the Pura Luhur temple, kecak shows (traditional Balinese dance), sunsets...

 

Among the towns where you can find accommodation on the Bukit peninsula, we particularly recommend Jimbaran and Uluwatu.

 

Canggu, bohemian atmosphere and surf spot

 

   

 

With its beach bars, trendy restaurants, yoga centres and hippy boutiques, the town of Canggu has become a bohemian haunt for travellers. It's one of Bali's best places for surfing and watching the sunset. The town is also close to one of Bali's most iconic temples: Tanah Lot.

 

Where to stay in Central Bali

 

Ubud, the island's cultural centre

 

   

 

Considered Bali's cultural capital, Ubud is home to numerous temples (Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati, Ubud Royal Palace, Goa Gajah temple, etc.), museums and galleries (Neka art museum, Puri Lukisan museum, etc.) as well as several stages for traditional dance and music performances. There are also numerous yoga centres, the Monkey Forest and a host of restaurants and bars. 

 

Ideally located, Ubud is also close to :

 

The Tegalalang rice fields (20 minutes away),

The temple and sacred springs of Tirta Empul (30 minutes away),

Numerous waterfalls (Tegenungan waterfall, Tukad Cepung waterfall, Tibumana Waterfall...).

 

As you can see, Ubud is an excellent base for discovering Balinese cultural sites and natural gems. It's the ideal place for a first stay or a short break in Bali. 

 

Where to stay in North Bali

 

Lake Batur, the starting point for many hikes

 

   

 

Located in the caldera of the famous Batur volcano, Lake Batur is Bali's largest lake. It's the ideal place for hiking, particularly for climbing Mount Batur. The ascent is usually made at night, to take advantage of the sunrise. At an altitude of 1,717 metres, Mount Batur offers an exceptional panorama of the lake and the region. On returning from the climb, hikers can relax in the lake's hot springs. 

 

Most of the accommodation is on the shores of the lake and at the foot of the volcano. Also on the shores is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, an important Shiva Hindu temple.

 

Lovina Beach, black sand beaches and dolphins

 

   

 

Located on Bali's northern coast, Lovina beach is renowned for its black sand beaches, coral reefs and dolphins. As well as lounging, dolphin watching, snorkelling and diving, Lovina beach boasts a number of sites of interest, including the Singsing waterfall, the Banjar hot springs and the Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist monastery. It's the ideal place for a family holiday or to escape the crowds. 

 

Munduk, a little piece of paradise in the middle of nature

 

   

 

A small high-altitude village nestling in the midst of a lush natural environment, Munduk attracts tourists for its tranquillity and extraordinary natural surroundings, with rice terraces, waterfalls and agricultural plantations (including coffee, cocoa and clove plantations). A real piece of paradise, the village of Munduk is recommended to all travellers looking for authenticity and discoveries off the beaten track. 

 

Where to stay in East Bali?

 

Amed, a diver's paradise

   

Situated between the sea and volcanoes on Bali's east coast, Amed is a small fishing village where life is good. As well as its charm, the village is renowned for being the ideal starting point for scuba diving and snorkelling. 

 

The best-known spot is the wreck of the USAT Liberty in Tulamben, a former cargo ship that was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942. Initially stranded on Tulamben beach, the cargo ship eventually sank to the bottom of the sea following the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963. Situated just 30 metres from the beach and at a shallow depth, it is an ideal spot for divers and snorkellers alike. 

 

Sidemen, a haven of peace in the heart of the rice fields

 

   

 

Do you need to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature? Looking for absolute peace and quiet? Then head for Sidemen, a small mountain village in the heart of the rice paddies, with Mount Agung as a backdrop. As well as walking through the rice fields, the village is famous for its silver jewellery workshops. 

 

Just over a 30-minute drive away is Pura Besakih, one of Bali's must-see temples. Commonly known as the "mother temple", it is the largest and most sacred temple in Bali.

 

Still rarely visited by tourists, it's THE place to stay if you want to enjoy nature and peace and quiet while being close to a number of major sites. 

 

Where to stay in West Bali?

 

Pemuteran, off the beaten track

 

   

 

If you're looking for a true cultural immersion, away from mass tourism, we recommend heading to the north-west of Bali and staying in Pemuteran. A small fishing village with a discreet and authentic charm, Pemuteran attracts very few travellers due to its remoteness from the rest of the island. Yet this region promises some marvellous discoveries.

 

Travellers can trek through primary forests or the West Bali National Park, visit the region's temples (such as Pura Pulaki, Pura Pabean and Pura Melanting), help save the turtles with the Turtle Hactery Project run by the reef Seen Divers' Resort, dive around the island of Menjangan...

 

Where to stay on Bali's neighbouring islands?

 

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, exploring and diving with manta rays

 

   

 

Situated 30km from Bali, the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are the perfect opportunity to take a trip within a trip. Say goodbye to Bali's characteristic rice paddies and make way for landscapes dominated by blue ocean, mangrove forests and steep cliffs. It's from these islands that you can dive for manta rays. Both islands are easy to visit by scooter or even on foot. To get there, you can take a boat from the town of Sanur, to the east of Bali.

 

The Gili Islands and their heavenly beaches

 

   

 

Contrary to popular belief, the island of Bali has very few heavenly beaches. If you're looking for white sandy beaches with turquoise waters, we suggest you visit the Gili Islands. Located off the coast of Bali and Lombok, the Gili Islands are made up of 3 islets: Gili Trawangan (the most lively), Gili Meno (the wildest and most isolated) and Gili Air (the most family-friendly).

 

Where to choose accommodation in Bali: what you need to remember

 

   

 

As you can see, Bali is packed with sites of interest scattered all over the island. That's why it's best to plan a loop and book accommodation accordingly for each of your stops. If you don't feel like running, or if you don't have much time, we advise you to concentrate on the Ubud region.  

There are many different types of accommodation in Bali. Bear in mind that it's fairly easy to find accommodation and the value for money is almost unbeatable. 

Among the different types of accommodation, you can choose between: 

 

• .       Hotels: whether bungalows or rooms in boutique or luxury hotels, you can opt for a hotel to enjoy all the comforts and tourist services of this type of infrastructure. It's worth noting that there are a number of hotels offering special services for honeymooners.
•        Villa rental: if you want to enjoy an intimate setting (with your family, as a couple or with friends), you'll find plenty of private villas to rent, often with swimming pools or views of the beach or rice paddies. This is the most expensive type of accommodation you'll find in Bali.
•        Losmens, guesthouses, homestays or bed and breakfasts: for a stay with the locals, we recommend this type of accommodation. As well as giving you the chance to get up close and personal with the locals, it's one of the cheapest options. Breakfast is often included, and the services offered are on a par with those in hotels.
•        Homestay: if you're looking for a real immersion in Balinese culture, then you won't find a better experience than staying with a family in a traditional Balinese house. 

Need help finding accommodation during your stay in Bali? Don't hesitate to contact us for our expert advice!