Areas to stay in Bali

Best areas to stay in Bali

Bali is a diverse country with plenty of rural countryside, beautiful natural landscapes and stunning beaches to choose from, with more than enough opportunities to get out onto (or beneath) the illustrious waters. Family homestays are a great way to gain an insight into local ways of Balinese life; opt for a losmen, technically a homestay but generally used to describe anywhere small and cheap. There’s also a range of boutique hotels, cottages and more than enough slick hotel resorts to base yourself in.

South Bali
Ubud
East Bali
North Bali
West Bali

1. South Bali

One of the most tourist-heavy areas, South Bali is busy for good reason. Base yourself here and you’ll find yourself at the heart of the action: make the most of beach life by going surfing, embrace the shops and nightlife or simply kick back and enjoy a slower pace from the comfort of one of the many tourist resorts here. Within South Bali itself, the region spanning Kuta, Legian and Seminyak is a decent shout with cheap, chic and colourful accommodation options. But there are literally thousands of other decent options in Denpasar, Sanuron and on the Bukit Peninsula.

Vibe: Sun, surf and shops.

While you’re here: Head across the 12km stretch of water to the Nusas (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida islands) for a laidback stay.

2. Ubud

If you’d like to surround yourself with arts and culture during your Bali holidays, base yourself in Ubud. Although it’s certainly more built-up for tourists these days, it’s still a great area to find out more about the arts and traditions of the Balinese; meditation and visits to local healers are popular, and you’ll still likely encounter locals painting, making music and dancing. There will probably be a festival taking place, too. To continue the traditional and local feel, consider booking a homestay where you can stay with a family and discover even more about Balinese culture, and maybe make friends with a few of the locals, too!

Vibe: Traditional Bali.

While you’re here: Base yourself on one of the smaller roads for a more peaceful atmosphere.

3. East Bali

In need of a greenscape? Base yourself in East Bali, which offers soothing vistas of rice terraces and pleasant walks through villages where traditional ways of life still reign supreme. Throngs of tourists cling to the coastlines because diving is a popular activity here, with reefs and accessible wrecks waiting to be explored. Further inland, there are some mighty volcanoes to take in, the holiest of which is Gunung Agung. In fact, the area’s entire landscape makes for fantastic drives, hikes or simple ambles along – so instead of visiting the likes of Gianyar, Bangli or Candidsa on a day trip, add on a few days and stay in one of the hotels located in a rice terrace or central cottages to make the most of this stunning area.

Vibe: Greenscapes.

While you’re here: Take in the black sand beaches before snorkelling off the Amed Coast.

4. North Bali

There are plenty of inland adventures to be had in North Bali, with its high mountains and impressive waterfalls; its natural landscape makes it almost ethereal-like and provides some of the most picturesque scenery Bali has to offer. One of the best areas to stay in Bali is laidback Lovina, which is the perfect antidote after an energetic day spent exploring or as a base to take day trips from. Lovina is the main beach in northern Bali, and while its beach isn’t as sublime as other Balinese beaches, the area has a chilled out, mellow vibe. Besides, if you can get over the grey sand beach, there are banana palms, quirky cafes and beachside restaurants to enjoy.

Vibe: Off the beaten track.

While you’re here: Take a dolphin-spotting boat tour or a cooking class.

5. West Bali

Some of the highlights in West Bali are the ancient rice paddies along Jatiluwih road and the tropical haven of Balian Beach, but the real big-hitter here is immersing yourself in a rainforest retreat in Sarinbuana. It’s a relatively remote setting but this lends itself to the tranquil theme; positioned high up on the hill, this eco-hillstay is worth a couple of nights stay, but you might want to linger here for up to a week. Treat yourself with a massage, take a cultural class such as basket-weaving or go trekking, all before retiring to your wooden bungalow that feels hidden away from the rest of the world, let alone West Bali.

Vibe: Remote rural stays.

While you’re here: Pay a visit to the Subak Museum which celebrates local rice farming.

Holidays Bali

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