Indonesia

Best Area to Stay in Bali: A 2026 Travel Guide

Last Updated: 1 July 2026
By: Peter Orsel

Bali is one of the most visited destinations in the world and bucketlisted by many. But what is the best area to stay in Bali? As someone who spent multiple years in Bali, I’d love to give you my recommendations for the best areas to stay. Bali might look small on a map, but it’s too big to discover from one location, that’s why I give you my take on every area and how long to stay in each.

For the bigger picture on visiting or living here, my complete Bali Travel Guide covers everything from visas to when to visit, this article goes deep on that one question: where should you actually base yourself?

In this blog, I focus on holidays or stays like weekend or one week trips. Interested in staying long term? Read my blog about living long-term in Bali or about the cost of living in Bali.

How to find the best area to stay in Bali?

Before you scroll through all the areas, a few quick questions to narrow it down:

How many days do you have? Under 5 days, pick one or two areas and commit to these. More than a week, splitting your stay across two or three areas is one of the best decisions you can make.
What are you actually coming for? Surfing, cafes and community, culture and rice fields, diving, or a resort you barely have to leave? Bali has a clear answer for each, but rarely in the same area.
What’s your budget? A private villa or Nusa Dua resorts are expensive. Smaller guest houses, or locations away from the crowd can be much cheaper. There’s something for everyone.
Are you comfortable riding a scooter? Some areas, Uluwatu and Amed for example, are genuinely hard to enjoy without your own transport. If you’re not confident on two wheels, budget for a private driver instead.

The ultimate tool that helps you decide where to stay

Rather not scroll through all the options? Click through my free and quick quiz below and I’ll point you straight to your best area to stay in Bali, or two, if you’re staying long enough to combine them.

Find Your Perfect Bali Area

Useful tips before visiting Bali

If it’s your first or second time in Bali, or your first time this far from home, it can feel overwhelming at first. The island has westernised in parts, but it’s still an Indonesian island with Indonesian culture underneath. You’ll see wealth and poverty living side by side, and a lot of things that work differently than you’re used to back home.

For more on getting around and daily costs, see my complete Bali Travel Guide.

Airport

The only airport of Bali is called I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Every day hundreds of flights arrive and depart from Bali and you can fly in from many places in Asia, the Middle East or Australia. If you’re looking for flights, check them through Kiwi.com for the best deals.

Visa

Indonesian visa rules change often enough that I’d rather send you to one place instead of maintaining the same information twice. I cover the current visa options, costs, and application steps in full in my Bali Travel Guide. The short version: most nationalities can apply for a Visa on Arrival or e-Visa for stays of 30 days, extendable once, and it’s worth applying online before you fly to save time at the airport. This way you can use the auto gates, and you don’t have to stand in line.

As soon as you have your visa, pay the mandatory tourist tax online as well. Within 72h before arrival, you can also fill in the custom forms. If you forget, no worries, there is a stand to do this right after arrival in Bali too.

Currency

The national currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah.

In June 2026 the rate is around this:

$1 USD = ± 18,000 IDR
€1 EUR = ± 20,500 IDR
$1 AUD = ±12,300 IDR

International creditcards are accepted in hotels and tourist areas, but not in most small supermarkets like Indomaret and Minimart or other markets on the street. That’s why it’s smart to always carry some cash.

Traffic

The Balinese traffic can look very intimidating and chaotic. Traffic is driving on the left in Bali and if you haven’t seen it before, it looks like there are no rules at all. Bikes are passing by on all sides and cars just try to fit in wherever they can.

If you’re looking for a way to get around, consider hiring a private driver. It’s affordable in Bali and much safer than finding a way to drive on your own.

Mobile Data

The best internet provider in Bali is Telkomsel. They offer SIM cards with 24GB for about $10 USD or 160,000 IDR. SIM cards at the airport are more expensive, expect to pay around 250,000 IDR for the same package there.

If you want to arrange your data beforehand, consider an E-SIM of Airalo. I love how E-SIMs are normalised these days, they save you the hassle of changing physical cards.

When is the best time to visit Bali?

Bali is an all year round destination, but there are some pros and cons. The dry season is usually from April until October, while the wet season starts in November until March. Bali gets particularly busy in late December, Australian Christmas holidays, and in July and August, European summer holidays. On top of that, Lebaran (the end of Ramadan) brings a wave of domestic crowds from Java each year, so it’s worth checking that date before you book.

Visit Bali in rainy season if you want to see lush green rice fields, if you want to enjoy Bali without too many tourists or if you don’t mind when it rains.

Visit Bali in dry season if you want to enjoy clean beaches, enjoy beach clubs and if want to make the most out of your time outdoors.

There’s usually more rain in the middle and northern part of Bali, while it’s more sunny in the areas around Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua and Sanur.

Let’s go to your best area to stay in Bali!

Ubud

Best for: Culture, rice fields, nature
Distance from airport: ~75 minutes
Vibe: Lush, spiritual, touristy traffic
Popular for: Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Monkey Forest
Typical crowd: Families, nature lovers, backpackers, art lovers, people looking for spiritual activities.

Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. It draws huge numbers of visitors every year, even though the roads are always macet (the Indonesian word for traffic jam). Many people want to stay at least a couple of days here. Once you drive out of Ubud, there’s lots of nature and things to do. Ubud is perfect for those looking for the famous rice fields, waterfalls, and little day trips right out of town. It’s also home to some of the best wellness facilities on the island, and you’ll find lots of good cafes and restaurants here. If beaches and nightlife are what you’re after, this isn’t the place, that’s further south.

Tip: take a walk at night through Jalan Goutama. Traffic isn’t allowed here, and you’ll surely find some great restaurants!

How long Should I stay in Ubud?

4 days is a good amount of time in Ubud. This way you can spend 2 or 3 days exploring, and take some time to relax as well. I’ll write about some things to do below.

Where to stay?

Ubud has a wide range of accommodations from guest houses to villas. Here are some options in any budget:

±$34 USD per night, Guest House: Yana Villas Kemenu
±$100 USD per night, 5* Resort: Ubud Nyuh Bali Resort & Spa
±$140 USD per night, Private Villa: Airsania Ubud Antique Villas

What are the best activities in Ubud?

There’s a lot to do in and around Ubud. Some of the most famous activities are:

Visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Do the Campuhan Ridge Walk
Combine waterfalls with a visit to the famous Cretya Beach Club
Visit Tegenungan Waterfall or one of the other waterfalls
Visit Monkey Forest

Don’t limit yourself to these options, as these are just the most popular activities around Ubud. If you’re looking for more authentic experiences, do your research and dive into the local culture.

Kintamani: the perfect trip from Ubud

Kintamani is only about an hour from Ubud, too small and too quiet to build a whole stay around, but it makes one of the best day trips you can do from there. The air up here is so fresh after the heat and haze of the south. Temperatures are much colder too, so bring a hoodie! Most of the people you’ll see here are domestic tourists, so it’s also a good look at how Balinese and Javanese travelers spend their own holidays.

Coffee: Kintamani has some of the best cafes on the island. Several of my favorites open before sunrise: Pahdi, Paper Hills, Lunamoon, and Akasa. Early morning, before anyone else is around, is the most peaceful spot I know in Bali.

These cafes open their doors as early as 5:30AM, so you can soak in Batur views with a cup of coffee in your hand. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Hot springs: Being a volcanic area, Kintamani offers plenty of hot springs. Basically all the groundwater here comes out hot, which is why most accommodations in Kintamani have their own hot spring pools. No stay planned? Head to Batur Natural Hot Spring instead, several baths, all naturally heated.

Staying the night in Kintamani: Falling asleep under Kintamani’s clear night sky, and soaking in a hot spring while you’re at it, is a proper bucket list experience. I stayed in Kintamani a couple of times and my absolute favourite was Sunrise Hill Camp. This glamping site has gone viral on Instagram multiple times and is in my opinion totally worth the hype. They have tents and cabins, a great hot pool with the best lake views, and a hot tub with naturally heated water. Bookings go through WhatsApp, not a regular booking site.

A deeper Ubud accommodation guide, with sub-areas and more picks, is on its way.

Canggu

Best for: Digital nomads, surf, cafes
Distance from airport: from 60 to 90 minutes
Vibe: Trendy, busy, young
Popular for: Surfing, beach clubs, cafes, sports & lifestyle
Typical crowd: Young digital nomads and expats, heavily foreign

Canggu became Bali’s most famous town for young people, and it’s easy to see why. Beach clubs, fantastic restaurants, and some of the best healthy-living options on the island, think smoothie bowls, yoga studios, and gyms on every corner. Even with all the growth, Pererenan, Seseh, and Cemagi still have real green rice fields tucked between the villas. Especially from 2017 until the pandemic hit, it was the place to be, and for a lot of people it still is.

It’s not for everyone. The crowds have grown, traffic can be brutal, and the OG Canggu feel is harder to find than it used to be. But it’s still there if you know where to look.

How long Should I stay in Canggu?

You can stay in Canggu as long as you want. Some people run away after a day, some people stay for years.

The best places to stay in Canggu, Bali

Booking.com states there are over 2,000 available accommodations in Canggu, so I guess there’s something for everyone. Hostels, guest houses, villas and more. Remember that Canggu is a big area and not everything will be close by. I recommend staying in Pererenan, Seseh and Cemagi, as these areas suffer less from the traffic than Berawa and Batu Bolong.

$30 USD – Guest Houste: The Ume
$86 USD – 1BR Villa: Canggu Wooden Green Paradise
$130 USD – 2BR Villa: Babali

What are the best activities in Canggu?

The main thing people look for in Canggu is surfing, parties and beach clubs. If you’re into surfing, you could give it a try here. The waves are usually a bit higher than the Kuta/Seminyak area.

The most famous beach clubs of Canggu are Finn’s Beach Club and Atlas, the biggest beach club in the world. For healthy lifestyle, you can find many well equipped gyms. These have a price tag, but top notch and better than most places anywhere in the world. Great options are Nirvana and Obsidian.

If you want to discover the island, you might want to wake up early to visit the rice fields of Jatiluwih or dive in the local markets of Tabanan.

A full Canggu accommodation guide, with a proper Berawa/Batu Bolong/Pererenan breakdown, is on its way. This is your quick answer for now.

Uluwatu

Best for: Surfing, cliffs, beach lovers
Distance from airport: ~60 minutes
Vibe: Wild, dramatic, still developing
Popular for: Surfing, dramatic beaches, cafes and sunsets
Typical crowd: Surfers, young adults and long-term expats

Many long-term residents have moved to Uluwatu, and it’s not hard to see why. Where Canggu used to be the place to be, people relate more to Uluwatu right now: dramatic clifftop views, some of the best beach clubs on the island, and a food and drink scene that’s starting to rival Canggu’s without the same crowds. It can take a while to conquer the road to Uluwatu, but once you’re there, traffic isn’t really an issue anymore.

The surf scene attracts good surfers from around the world, but you don’t need to be one to fall for this place. Sunsets are the main event here, I’ve written dedicated guides to Batu Jaran and Copy House, two of my favourite sunset spots on the island, check it out to see how good it gets. As a booming area, there’s a lot of construction going on, with more restaurants, villas and facilities popping up every month. The area hasn’t settled into its final shape yet, which is exactly what makes it exciting right now.

How long Should I stay in Uluwatu?

Uluwatu is a place you could stay for 4 to 5 nights or even more. There’s a lot to do and to see, and you already need a couple of days to discover all the beautiful beaches here!

Where to stay in Uluwatu?

Uluwatu offers a huge range of accommodations. From guest houses to villas, there’s something in each budget.

$29USD per night – Guest House: The Tempekan Heritage
$85USD per night – Resort: S Resort Hidden Village
$190USD per night – Marriott Resort: Renaissance Uluwatu
$245USD per night – Private Villa: The Suites

When my mom came over, we stayed in Renaissance for three nights. It’s a bit further from the action, but calm and perfect for those looking for a proper hotel with 5 star service. The breakfast was one of the best buffets I’ve had and my personal favourite thing was their beach club Roosterfish, included in the stay with free shuttle service all day.

What are the best activities in Uluwatu?

If you’re an experienced surfer, Uluwatu will be your favourite place to catch waves. It’s the place where the international surfing competitions are held. Besides that, it offers some of the most beautiful beaches of Bali.

Visit the best beaches like Balangan Beach, Padang Padang, Dreamland Beach, Bingin Beach, Nyang Nyang Beach, Thomas Beach and Uluwatu Beach
Visit the GWK park
See sunset at Batu Jaran
See sunset at Copy House

A full Uluwatu accommodation guide, broken down by Bingin, Padang Padang, and Balangan, is on its way.

Kuta - Seminyak

Best for: Nightlife, beach clubs, dining, proximity to airport
Distance from airport: 15-30 minutes
Vibe: Polished and social (Seminyak), budget-friendly and busy (Kuta)
Popular for: Beach clubs, sunset drinks, surf lessons for beginners
Typical crowd: Package tourists and beginner surfers in Kuta, a slightly older resort crowd in Seminyak

Kuta & Seminyak were Bali’s first tourist destinations. If you know people who traveled Bali in the 90s or 00s, they probably have legendary stories about Kuta Beach, that’s where all the backpackers came to. Since then, tourism has shifted northbound along the coast. When Kuta got full, they started building in Seminyak. When Seminyak got full? Canggu was the next place. However, Kuta or Seminyak could still be a proper pick for your trip.

Kuta and Seminyak aren’t quite the same trip though. Kuta is the budget-friendlier, busier one, popular with beginner surfers and backpackers who want to be close to the airport without spending much. Seminyak is the more polished side, with better resorts, beach clubs, and restaurants.

Both are perfect when you want to be close to the airport. Imagine you’re doing a trip to Lovina, Amed, or Munduk, which are all multiple hours away. Before heading back, you want one or two final nights near the airport, that’s where this area comes in handy. The area has great local food, especially around Dewi Sri. Beach Walk is a fantastic beachfront shopping mall. For the best sunsets, head to Double Six Beach at the famous La Plancha. Seminyak offers stunning beachfront resorts too, so a luxurious holiday close to the airport is still possible.

Even though the glamour it once had has faded a little, it can still be a great pick for those who don’t want to travel far, and just want a good resort stay with restaurants all around.

How long Should I stay in Kuta/Seminyak?

2 to 3 nights is enough for either, usually at the start or end of a longer trip rather than as your main base.

Where to stay in Kuta/Seminyak?

Stay tuned, this list is currently being updated.

What are the best activities in Kuta/Seminyak?

Beach clubs like Potato Head, Mrs. Sippi and Ku De Ta in Seminyak
Sunset drinks at Double Six Beach, at the famous La Plancha with your feet in the sand
Shopping and dining at Beach Walk, a beachfront shopping mall with many international brands
Try local food in and around Dewi Sri
Shopping along Jalan Kayu Aya (Seminyak’s main street)
Surf lessons at Kuta Beach, the most forgiving waves on the island for beginners

Sanur

Best for: Families, calm pace, island access to the Nusa islands
Distance from airport: ~30 minutes
Vibe: Walkable, quiet, classic
Popular for: Sunrise walks, day trips to the Nusa islands
Typical crowd: Mostly European tourists, families and retirees

Sanur has been a popular beach town for decades, walkable, calm, and popular with European tourists long before Canggu existed. Beachfront restaurants line a proper promenade, and the sunrise here is one of the best on the island, with the water calmer than the surf beaches down south. Most of the people I see here are from Germany or the Netherlands, plenty of them coming back year after year.

This is a destination for families, retirees, and anyone who wants a slower, more grown-up version of a Bali beach holiday. If you’re chasing nightlife or beach clubs, this isn’t your area, Sanur goes quiet after dinner.

How long Should I stay in Sanur?

Sanur is a great place to use as a base point for the east coast. If you’re planning to visit Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, it’s also a great place to catch the boat to one of these islands. From Sanur, you can also do day trips to the area south of Ubud, several waterfalls and the Sukawati Art Market are close enough to do in a day. 4 days in Sanur should be enough, or make it a week if you stay in a resort to relax as well.

Where to stay in Sanur?

Sanur has a variety of places to stay. From cheap guest houses to big resorts, you can find everything here. Here are some recommendations.

$20 USD – Guest House: Dirga’s House Sanur View
$65 USD – Hotel/Guest House: Villa Puri Ayu
$210 USD – 5* Hotel: Hyatt Regency Bali

What are the best activities in Sanur?

Sanur itself is a typical tourist town where you can find everything you need on a holiday. Some of the best things to do in Sanur:

Go for a sunrise walk/run at the walking track next to the beach
Visit the new ICON Bali mall in Sanur
Do a day trip to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida

Nusa Dua

Best for: Luxury resorts, families, calm beaches
Distance from airport: ~20-30 minutes
Vibe: Polished, resort-heavy, low traffic
Popular for: Calm beaches, paragliding, water sports
Typical crowd: Families and resort-goers, quiet outside the hotels

Nusa Dua is the place to be for those looking for a calm, 5 star resort experience. Unlike most of Bali, this area was actually planned. Back in the 1970s, the Indonesian government designated Nusa Dua specifically for large-scale tourism, separated from the surrounding villages. That’s why it feels so different from anywhere else on the island, it was never allowed to just grow organically the way Canggu or Kuta did, and as a result it looks clean, organised and very well taken care of.

It’s full of 5* resorts, many of them kid-friendly too. A lot of hotels have direct access to the beaches, which are great for swimming as the water is calm and protected by a reef further out. The beachfront promenade runs for a few kilometers and connects most of the resorts, so you can walk between hotels, restaurants, and the small shopping area at Bali Collection without facing real traffic.

Nusa Dua also has a strong golf and conference scene. Bali National Golf Club sits right in the middle of the enclave, and the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center brings in a steady stream of business travelers alongside the holidaymakers. If you want a resort that quietly handles everything for you, without needing to think about scooters, traffic, or finding your own restaurants, this is where you’ll find it.

How long Should I stay in Nusa Dua?

If the luxurious hotels are something you’re looking for, you can make this your home base for your holiday in Bali. It’s still easy to discover beaches in the southern area and even Ubud isn’t that far, considering the toll road you can take to save time. I’d say stay at least a week in Nusa Dua and discover the island from there.

Where to stay in Nusa Dua?

You won’t be short on options for a stay in Nusa Dua. Most big resorts are branded, and you can find some of the world’s finest resorts in this area. With my family, I stayed at Conrad Bali. A well known resort with flawless service throughout your stay. I haven’t been able to try the Kempinski yet, but it’s high on my list. Here are some options in any price range:

What are the best activities in Nusa dua?

Even though you don’t have to leave your resort, I mean they’re huge and fancy themselves, you still want to do something with your time! Here are some recommendations:

Try the beaches of Nusa Dua like Geger Beach, Green Bowl Beach or Tanjung Benoa
Paragliding in Pandawa
Try water sports in Tanjung Benoa
Go for a sunset cruise with dinner included
Visit the Peninsula to see Waterblow and combine it with a visit to Bali Collection, a small shopping center

Sidemen

Best for: Bamboo villas, Mount Agung views, rice fields
Distance from airport: ~90 minutes
Vibe: Quiet, dramatic, mountain-facing
Popular for: Bamboo villas, rice fileds, Gembleng Waterfall, climbing Mount Agung
Typical crowd: People looking for the bamboo villa experience, or those trying to escape the crowds.

Sidemen is another beautiful mountain area, with dramatic views of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest mountain and volcano. There’s lots of rice fields here too.

You’ll find some of the best bamboo villas on the island here, the perfect stop for a honeymoon or a few days close to nature. One thing to know before you book: a bamboo villa is open, no glass, no solid walls in most rooms, which means insects come with the view. Once you’re settled into one of these villas, you won’t want to leave. But if you do, Sidemen rewards it. Take a scooter into the hills, hike through the rice fields, or even climb Mount Agung.

How long Should I stay in Sidemen?

Sidemen is a great area to stay 2 nights. If it fits your budget, try to book one of the amazing bamboo villas and you’re up for an amazing treat. I personally stayed in Makerti Bali, and it was amazing!

Where to stay in Sidemen?

Sidemen is the best place for bamboo villas in Bali, but they can be expensive. If you’re looking for a cheaper accommodation, there are options for you too:

$50 USD per night – Room in villa: Sawa Indah Villa
$140 USD per night – Luxurious suite: Surya Shanti Villa
$240 per night – Bamboo villa: Makerti Bali

Bamboo villas are in high demand. Book them ahead of time. If Makerti is not available, try Magic Hills, Hideout, Veluvana, Camaya, Bird Hills or one of the others!

What are the best activities in Sidemen?

If you have a great accommodation, you want to spend some time to chill there. Besides that, these are some activities I can recommend!

Gembleng Waterfall – the waterfall with the small infinity pool
Explore the rice fields
Climb Mt. Agung

Amed

Best for: Diving, snorkeling, slow pace
Distance from airport: ~2.5 hours
Vibe: Slow, ocean-oriented, off the main tourist trail
Popular for: Diving, snorkelling, freediving
Typical crowd: Watersport lovers, backpackers willing to explore

Amed is Bali’s diving coast, a string of black sand fishing villages along the northeast where the reefs start just meters from shore. You can walk into the water from most beachfront stays and be snorkelling within minutes, no boat required for a lot of the best spots. Mount Agung looms over the whole coastline, and on a clear day it’s one of the best views in Bali.

This is a destination for divers, snorkellers, and anyone who wants a slow, unglamorous few days by the ocean. It’s not the place for nightlife or beach clubs, Amed is quiet after the sun sets, and that’s exactly the point.

How long Should I stay in Amed?

Amed is a great region to visit for 3-4 days. Life is slow, there’s not a lot of traffic and everything is ocean oriented. If you’re into diving, you could stay a bit longer than 3 or 4 days, to get the most out of your time in the water.

Where to stay in Amed?

Whether you want to stay in a private villa or in a small guest house, Amed offers both options. Most of the accommodations are beachfront and offer a great sunrise view in the early morning.

±$32 USD per night – 3* Resort: Amed Beach Resort
±52 USD per night – 4* Resort: Puri Wirata Dive Resort & Spa
±$80 USD per night – Private Villa with pool: Villa Aska

What are the best activities in Amed?

As mentioned before, Amed is especially known for diving and snorkelling. It’s also a good place to learn freediving. Besides that, consider visiting Mount Agung or drive along the coastline to discover authentic Balinese life.

Whatever you do, make sure you see at least one sunset from the beach. The sun sets behind Mt. Agung, a beautiful view.

Munduk

Best for: Waterfalls, twin lakes, jungle air
Distance from airport: ~2.5-3 hours
Vibe: Moody, cool, off the beaten path
Popular for: Waterfalls, the twin lakes, jungle hikes
Typical crowd: Very few tourists, genuinely off the beaten path

Located in the northern jungle of Bali, Munduk still isn’t on most people’s radar. Waterfalls, twin lakes, and jungle trails replace the beach here, and the weather is moody more often than not, but the air is clean and the views make up for the occasional rain. This is a destination for travelers chasing quiet and greenery over sun and sand. If a beach day is non-negotiable for your trip, skip this one. But if you’re into fresh air, and don’t care about the sun too much? This is where you want to be.

How long Should I stay in Munduk?

Munduk is a great area to stay for 2 to 3 nights. It gives you time to explore and time to rest as well. As it’s far out from other destinations, be aware of the traveling time to get there too.

Gojek and Grab are not available in Munduk, so make sure you arrange your transportation beforehand. Getting there is easy, but getting to your next destination might be hard. An option is to ride a scooter or arrange a private driver beforehand.

Your accommodation might be able to help you get drivers too, but expect it to be more expensive.

Where to stay in Munduk?

Munduk has very local accommodations but luxurious stays as well. I personally stayed in Munduk Cabins, a fancy destination and part of the Desa Hay chain in Bali. But there’s something for everyone’s budget:

$30 USD – Guest House: Munduk Clove
$60 USD – Bungalow: Sri Lestari Banyuatis
$250 USD – Luxurious Cabin: Munduk Cabins

What are the best activities in Munduk?

Being high up in the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable. Plan your trips timely or embrace the cold and the rain! Here are some things to do:

Explore one out of many waterfalls in and around Munduk
Visit the twin lakes
Do a hike in the jungle of Munduk

If you’re not visiting Lovina, you can do the activities in and around Lovina as well. It only takes about 40 minutes to travel from Munduk to Lovina or vice versa.

Lovina

Located in the north of Bali, Lovina gained its popularity thanks to the dolphins found just offshore. But dolphins aside, this is really where you come for rest. The pace up here is slower than anywhere in the south, no traffic jams, no beach clubs blasting music, just black sand beaches and a proper break from the crowds. Villas here are also good value for what you get, several properly nice options without the price tag you’d pay for the same standard in Canggu or Seminyak.

Most people come to Lovina for the dolphins. Boats head out before sunrise to catch them in open water, and it’s one of the more reliable wildlife sightings you’ll get in Bali. Once you’re up that early anyway, use the rest of the day to explore the waterfalls scattered through the hills behind Lovina. Gitgit, Aling-Aling, and Sekumpul are all within reach and worth the detour.

How long Should I stay in Lovina?

For a relaxed stay in Lovina, I’d recommend to stay at least 3 nights. It takes a while to get there and your next destination is not going to be close either, so it gives you enough time to discover the area. It’s also a great spot to unwind from the crowds in the south.

Where to stay in Lovina?

In Lovina, accommodations are usually a bit cheaper than in other places of Bali.

$30 USD – Room in a villa: Villa Manayasa
$60 USD – Villa: Kayu Manis Villa (that’s right! For only $60USD a night you can get a private villa in Lovina!)
$140 USD – Villa: The Damai

What are the best activities in Lovina?

Most people travel to Lovina to see the dolphins, but there’s more to do! Here’s a list of activities to do in and around Lovina:

See the dolphins
Visit the Banjar Hot Springs
Visit the Gitgit, Aling-Aling or Sekumpul waterfalls

If you don’t visit Munduk on your trip, consider the activities for Munduk as well. Munduk and Lovina are located just 40 minutes from each other.

Nusa Lembongan

Best for: Island escape, snorkeling, slow pace
Distance from airport: ~45 minutes drive + 30 minute boat from Sanur
Vibe: Small, relaxed, ultimate island feel
Popular for: The Yellow Bridge, seaweed farms, snorkelling
Typical crowd: Mix of backpackers, Bali long-termers on a getaway and families.

Nusa Lembongan is one of my favourite places in and around Bali, a small island just 30 minutes by boat from Sanur that still feels like a proper escape. Seaweed farms line the shallow water, the pace drops the moment you step off the boat, and the yellow bridge connects Lembongan to its quieter neighbour, Nusa Ceningan, so you can explore both in one trip.

This is a destination for people who want an island within their island trip, snorkelling, slow mornings, and none of the traffic. If you’ve come this far, my full Nusa Lembongan guide covers it in more depth, three visits’ worth of recommendations.

How long Should I stay in Nusa Lembongan?

The best amount of time is 4 days. It gives you enough time to discover the islands, and do one or more of the amazing activities you can do here.

If you don’t have enough time but still want to visit the island, there are two day trips from Bali:

Day Trip: Snorkelling Highlights of Nusa Lembongan
Day Trip: Island Sights of Nusa Lembongan

Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan?

You can find accommodations in all price tags. One thing I noticed: Nusa Lembongan has some amazing guest houses. I was impressed by the value for money and the spacious rooms at Reynold Arta Guest House, a place I brought my mom too as well. But if you want something fancier, Nusa Lembongan has it for you too.

$20 USD – Guest House: Reynold Arta Guest House
$60 USD – Hotel with a view: Jenggala Hill
$130 USD – Villa: Lembongan Beach Club and Resort

What are the best activities in Nusa Lembongan?

Even though I’m more detailed in my other blog post about Nusa Lembongan, these are some must visits!

Visit the Yellow Bridge
See the Seaweed Farmers at sunset or sunrise
Go snorkelling between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida
Visit Devil’s Tear
Do a boat trip through the mangroves

Nusa Penida

Best for: Dramatic cliffs, photography, day trips, diving & snorkelling
Distance from airport: ~45 minutes + 45 minute boat from Sanur
Vibe: Rugged, increasingly busy, spectacular
Popular for: Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, manta ray snorkelling
Typical crowd: Heavy day-trip crowds, especially at the main viewpoints

During my first visit to Bali, in 2014, only one or two boats a day made the crossing to Nusa Penida. Now it’s the most booked day trip from Sanur, and for good reason. Kelingking Beach alone has dominated the Instagram feeds over the last year and the T-Rex-shaped cliff is now one of the most recognisable photo spots in Indonesia. But Penida is more than one viewpoint. Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Diamond Beach are all located within a short drive of each other, and if you go early enough, before the tour buses catch up, you get the place close to yourself.

This is a destination for photographers, day-trippers, and anyone chasing the kind of dramatic, cliff-and-ocean shot that doesn’t exist anywhere else in Bali. It can be a relaxed and quiet trip, but that means you gotta stay for a couple of days.

How long Should I stay in Nusa Penida?

You can do Nusa Penida as a day trip from Sanur, but you’ll be rushing between Kelingking, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Diamond Beach without much time to actually enjoy any of them. Two to three days gives you enough room to see the main spots properly, add a snorkelling tour, and still have time to relax.

If a day trip is all you have, book one from Bali, just know you’ll be moving fast.

Where to stay in Nusa Penida?

Accommodation in Nusa Penida got a bit more expensive over the last years, due to its popularity. Here are some recommendations in every price range:

- $27 USD – Guest House: Sawit Garden Cottages
- $70 USD – Guest House: Plumeria SP
- $190 USD – Private Villa: Eden Nature Villas
- $250 USD – Resort: Semaya Beach Resort

What are the best activities in Nusa Penida?

Visit Kelingking Beach
Visit Diamond Beach / Broken Beach / Angel Billabong
Go snorkelling with Manta Rays at Manta point

Conclusion: The Best Area to Stay in Bali

After all, it depends on your preferences and the time you’ll spend in Bali to find the best areas to stay. For nature, go to northern Bali. For beaches, combine the south with the Nusa islands. The best of both worlds? Combine some days in the north with some relaxing days in the south. Still not sure where that leaves you? Scroll back up to the quiz, six questions and you’ll have your answer.

If you’re interested in a personal itinerary, let me know. I can make custom made itineraries based on your needs. Contact me by email and I’m more than happy to tell you about these services.

More information about Bali? Head to my Complete Bali Travel Guide where I answer all the questions you have.

Tell your friends about it

There is more in Bali!

Copy House Uluwatu: Best Sunset on Karang Boma Cliff, Bali

Is Bali Still Worth Visiting in 2026? An Honest Answer From Someone Who Lives There

About Me

Peter Orsel is a Dutch travel photographer based in Bali, specialized in drone and landscape photography. He has visited over 40 countries and writes detailed, no-nonsense guides based on firsthand experience.