Here’s Where To Stay in Bali for a Slice of Tropical Island Paradise

When you think of Bali, crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches and green rice paddies spring to mind. This Indonesian island is one of those bucket list destinations that has long attracted holidaymakers keen to discover its beautiful nature, fascinating culture and delicious food. Deciding to visit is easy – deciding where to stay is a little harder. Whether you want to get in touch with your inner zen, celebrate a special occasion with a luxury stay or spend time with the family, Bali’s vast destinations offer a different experience for visitors. To help you decide, our travel experts at Plum Guide have put together a list of where to stay in Bali so that you can choose the best option for you.

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One of the very first areas of Bali developed for tourism, Kuta is the original beach town. It’s popular with surfers, with huge stretches of sand and good waves all year. If you’re a beginner, you’ll come across plenty of surf schools up and down the coast. When you’re not riding the waves, why not experience Kuta’s famous nightlife? It has a reputation as a party destination, and you’ll have tons of bars, clubs and beach clubs to choose from.

Having said that, Kuta is also a great place for a family holiday. There are many activities to keep little ones entertained, with a plethora of shopping malls as well as the iconic Waterbom Waterpark. If you don’t want to be in the thick of things but still want to be within easy access to restaurants, spas and markets, just north of Kuta is Legian. Here you’ll find beaches, hip eateries and beach bars with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than buzzing Kuta.

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If you’re looking for somewhere quieter but with easy access to Bali’s attractions, Uluwatu is a fantastic option. Located on the Bukit Peninsula on the southwest tip of the island, it’s just an hour’s drive from the centre of Kuta. The area is known for its dramatic cliffs, white sandy bays and excellent surf breaks. But don’t expect a shabby surf town – Uluwatu is all about luxury, with clifftop abodes and swanky beach clubs.

It’s an attractive destination for beach bums, who can spend their days learning to surf on Padang Padang Beach – it's where Eat, Pray, Love was filmed – as well as swimming at Bingin Beach and topping up their tan on Melasti Beach. You’ll find many stylish beach bars and laid-back cafes where you can get your daily smoothie fix. At sunset, make a beeline for Uluwatu Temple to catch a mesmerising Kecak dance performance. We recommend ending the day at Mana Uluwatu Restaurant & Bar for cocktails and dinner with a side of sea views.

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Those wondering where to stay in Bali for a luxurious experience, Seminyak is home to upmarket restaurants, designer shopping and stylish bars. It's also set right on the coast, so you can spend your days swimming, sunbathing and trying out a range of watersports. When you're not at the beach, take a walk down the many little side streets packed with boutiques. It's a haven for shoppers, and you'll find plenty of bargains, be it handcrafted Bali lace or silver jewellery.

Once you've worked up an appetite, take your pick from the many cafes and restaurants. We like Sisterfields for Aussie-style brunches, Kynd Community for vegan food and Coffee Cartel for light bites and coffee. If you're keen to try Indonesian food, there are plenty of local eateries, including the long-standing Made's Warung. After dark, Seminyak has a more refined nightlife scene with cool cocktail bars like Single Malt to clubs like La Favela.

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Nature and yoga enthusiasts looking for somewhere to stay in Bali should head to Ubud. It’s the island’s cultural and spiritual heart, where you’ll find lush forests and postcard-perfect rice paddies. Built around the sacred Ayung River, the town is full of yoga studios, art galleries and health-food cafes. Culture vultures can join a Balinese cooking class, shop for souvenirs at Ubud Market or visit the many Hindu temples such as Tirta Empul, where locals go for ritual purification in the temple’s holy water.

Ubud is also an ideal base if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Bali’s verdant nature. Take a walk through the idyllic Tegalalang rice fields, meet the monkeys in the Monkey Forest or visit the orangutans at Bali Zoo. For something a little more high adrenaline, don your helmet and go white water rafting down the river. Those looking for a challenge can hike Mount Batur, one of the island’s two volcanoes.

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A favourite amongst digital nomads, influencers and start-up entrepreneurs, Canggu is a trendy little neighbourhood north of Seminyak. This is where to stay in Bali if you want to hang out with the cool kids. But it's not all 'work work work' here. There are plenty of places to let your hair down and have some fun, from world-famous institutions like Finn's Beach Club to family-friendly spots like Splash Water Park. However, Canggu is perhaps best known for its Echo Beach surf spot and Batu Bolong Beach, where you can grab a fresh coconut from one of the beach shacks and watch the sun go down.

The neighbourhood is also a great place to shop, and is home to many chic boutiques. As well as fashion stores like Magali Pascal and Yoli & Otis, you'll also find homeware stores like The Jungle Trader and Bungalow Living. It's the perfect destination if you're looking to pick up a few goodies to take home.

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If you’re travelling with little ones, the resort area of Nusa Dua on the island’s southeast coast is best for family-friendly holidays. With clean, white sand beaches and calm waters, it’s the perfect spot for a kid-friendly getaway. When you’re not splashing about in the sea, have some fun with a range of exciting watersports. Nusa Dua is one of the best places in Bali for it, and you can try everything from banana boating and water-skiing to wakeboarding and parasailing. Want to explore beneath the waves? Try scuba diving or snorkelling to explore colourful reefs and spot tropical fish.

Meanwhile, parents can tee off at Bali National Golf Club, an international-standard 18-hole golf course. For something a little more slow-paced, why not pamper yourself with a spa day? Nusa Dua has an amazing selection of luxury spas where you can indulge in traditional Balinese massages, reflexology and beauty treatments – we particularly like Zahra Spa. From beach clubs to fresh seafood on the sand, you’ll find a fantastic selection of restaurants in Nusa Dua, so you won’t have to worry about picky eaters.

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While it may not seem like it, there are several places to go if you’re wondering where to stay in Bali for peace and quiet. The north is relatively untouched, so you can enjoy natural beaches, vibrant coral reefs and stunning rice paddies without the hordes of tourists getting in your way. Lovina is the best place to stay along the north coast, a charming town with volcanic black sand beaches. One of the must-dos is to take a sunrise boat tour to see the pods of wild black dolphins – it’s a magical sight and one you can only find here.

North Bali is home to many impressive waterfalls, such as Gitgit, Jembong and Banyumala, and a stay in Lovina means you’re just a short drive away from them. One of the most picturesque waterfalls is Aling Aling, with its collection of four falls. Swim in the gorgeous turquoise waters and, if you dare, jump into the pool from the cliffs. After a long day of exploring nature, head back to Lovina. The restaurants and eateries are of the more relaxed kind – you won’t find loud beach clubs or bars here.

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Also on Bali’s southeast coast is Sanur, a resort popular with families and mature travellers. It has a more laid-back feel, with relaxed beaches and shallow waters ideal for swimming. Its reputation as a sleepy resort town has mostly kept the crowds away, so you’ll be pleased to find that the streets and restaurants here aren’t overcrowded. Spend your days strolling along the promenade, stopping at the beachfront cafes for a fresh coconut or cold drink. Pop into The Nest, a beachside spa where you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage while you gaze out at the ocean.

If you’ve been meaning to explore underwater, Sanur is a hub for scuba diving with many professional dive schools. It’s also a great location for day trips and exploring further afield, with boat connections to the neighbouring islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. These paradisiacal islands are definitely worth a visit while you’re in Bali.

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Explore our hand-picked collection of homes in Bali.