Areas of Bali

Bali Area Guide

We truly believe that there is an area of Bali to suit everyone! Some questions we’re asked quite often are:

Where to go in Bali?

What are the best areas to stay in Bali? 

What are the most popular Bali regions?

Whether you are looking to holiday in Bali or to live in Bali, choosing the areas to spend your time in wisely, will help you get the most out of your time on the Island. 

We’ve listed our favourite areas of Bali below and given you a run down on what to expect when spending time in each area. We hope this helps you decide where to stay in Bali. 

But before you go, here’s top activities in Bali: 

Top things to Do In Bali

• 🌊 It’s no secret that Bali is the perfect destination for water lovers – if you’re one of them, then don’t lose this ticket to get the best watersport package here in Bali
• 🏍️ Get a Bali ATV Ride and have a great experience in the hills of Ubud with amazing scenery through the rice terrace, plantation, bamboo forest, jungle, river, villages, and spectacular panorama
• 🚌 If you’re short in time, get this trip to North Bali that will take you to a different atmosphere and the opportunity to get the best views from each location
• 💆 Don’t miss Balinese massage! It’s a combination of gentle stretches, acupressure, reflexology, and aromatherapy to stimulate the flow of blood and bring a sense of wellbeing
• 🌳 Bali Jungle Trekking is one of the most famous activities you can do to get an unforgettable experience on Bali Island and explore its lakes and jungles

Map of Bali

When in Bali I want to see
Temples
Beaches
Waterfalls

Bali Has So Much To Offer!

Beaches, waterfalls, temples, cultural sites, water activities, and so much more….

Where to stay with a group of friends? What activities to do with kids? Where to find the best spas? 

Our Bali Itinerary Planner answers all your questions. 

Get Your Planner for Only USD 35

Kuta & Legian

Bali’s first touristic area, Kuta is known for its stunning beach and great waves. It is one of the most popular areas of Bali. This is where you will find a lot of hustle and bustle, lots of bargain market shopping, beach bars, restaurants, bars, and clubs. This area is also home to the famous Waterbom Park (—> Get Waterbom Day Pass with Private Hotel Transfers here) and Beachwalk Shopping Mall. There is a small selection of private villas in this area and many resorts and hotels from budget to five-star luxury.

If you are looking for downtown Bali, fun on the beach, and some time spent bartering, Kuta & Legian are one of the best places to stay in Bali for you!

Read Our Complete Kuta & Legian Guide

Seminyak

Seminyak is a favourite spot among many tourists to Bali. With a wide selection of private villas and resorts, boutiques shopping, fine dining, funky cafes, 5-star beach clubs, and trendy bars it is attracting a legion of returning fans. Seminyak is home to some of the Island’s most popular restaurants and cafes, it has a fun beach vibe and fantastic shopping for those looking for something unique. But that’s not all, you’ll also find some of the Island’s finest villas in Seminyak. 

If you love the café scene, high-end nightclubs, shopping, and sunsets on the beach, Seminyak is the best place to stay in Bali for you!

Read Our Complete Seminyak Guide

Canggu and Beyond

Canggu has grown wildly in popularity over the past years. It’s gone from a sleepy surf area to Bali’s number one tourist spot and home to many of the Island’s digital nomads and a lot of other expats. Known for its hipster surfers, amazing sunset spots, and a vast array of healthy cafes, which can all be enjoyed with this relaxed private tour.

Canggu is not as quiet as it was once known for as it is gaining in popularity at a rate of knots. However, there are still some gorgeous rice fields left to enjoy and there is a range of accommodation on offer from huge, luxury villas to cheap homestays… and everything in between!

If you are a surf lover, shopper, partier, or foodie, Canggu is one of the best Bali areas for you!

Read Our Complete Canggu Guide

Umalas

Set inland, Umalas is only a 5 – 10 minute drive to the streets of Seminyak in one direction and Canggu in the other. With a good range of private villas, Umalas is proving to be a popular spot for tourists wanting to be close to Seminyak and Canggu but not in the thick of it all. Umalas is home to some hidden gems when it comes to places to eat and is a gorgeous rice field area. It is also home to a large expat community. 

If you are looking to be close to Seminyak and Canggu, but away from the busy streets and want you can still easily explore the island with Bali’s best day trips, Umalas is probably the best area to stay in Bali for you!

Read Our Complete Umalas Guide

Jimbaran

Jimbaran’s proximity to the airport makes it a great choice at the start or the end of your Bali trip.

It’s started as a fisherman’s village and is still home to the freshest seafood on the Island. You can choose your seafood that comes straight off the boats to be cooked up.

Even for those not staying in Jimbaran, dining at these famous beach restaurants is a must-do activity and if often combined with a Uluwatu Temple trip.

There are many gorgeous villas, resorts, restaurants, and attractions that have been added to this area of the Island in the past few years. It is also a fantastic spot to enjoy a beautiful Bali sunset. 

If you are looking for a gorgeous seaside stop close to the airport, among all places in Bali, Jimbaran is the place for you!

Read Our Complete Jimbaran Guide

Uluwatu and Bukit Peninsula

Home to many of Bali’s most beautiful beaches, Uluwatu has grown a lot in popularity over the years and has stepped up in the list of best areas in Bali to visit. 

Favoured by surfers in the high season looking to catch the reef break, the general area has a laid-back feel. There is a range of accommodation available, some with the most epic beach views, this area is also home to quite a big surfy expat community. You can visit some 5-star beach clubs in this area as a day visitor and enjoy a Bali’s famous kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple.

If you are looking to surf the reef break, explore stunning beaches, and stay with a killer view, Uluwatu and Bukit Peninsula is the place for you!

Read Our Complete Uluwatu & Bukit Peninsula Guide

Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa

Home to many 5-star hotels and a few 5-star villas, Nusa Dua features gorgeous white sand beaches. You can feast at the many Sunday brunch options of restaurants most of which are housed within resorts. When you’re looking for a great night out away from your hotel, the Devdan Show is highly recommended. The streets of Nusa Dua are immaculate, there are a few shops to be enjoyed and a lovely beach pathway to take a walk or a bike ride along. 

If you are into resort-style holidaying and going 5-star in a sprawling resort with all of the trimmings, Nusa Dua and Benoa are the best cities in Bali to visit!

Read Our Complete Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa Guide

Sanur

Sanur generally attracts an older and more family-orientated crowd. With a great sheltered beach for swimming and a much slower pace than the Kuta/Seminyak/Canggu area, Sanur offers a more village feel, making it one of the preferred areas of Bali for families.

The beaches are lined by colorful wooden fishing boats and the long 8km pathway along the beach is popular for hiring bicycles and riding along or for morning walks. There are still plenty of restaurants, shops, and spas to enjoy in this area.

It’s also where the fast boast leaves for Nusa Lembongan & Penida, making them an easy day trip from this area. 

If you are looking for a slower pace, to swim in a calm ocean and feel like you’re in a village, but still have all of the comforts of great restaurants and spas, Sanur is the best area in Bali for you!

And did you know you can enjoy a day in Sanur for only 100K? 

Read Our Complete Sanur Guide

Gianyar

This area can often be overlooked by tourists as a place to stay, but it is a place that many have visited during their day trips. Gianyar is home to Bali Zoo & Safari Park, it has a lot of waterfalls close by and it has one of the most famous local food markets on the Island. It is located on the East Coast so getting to any area on the East is very easy from Gianyar. 

If you want an up-close animal experience, a central East Coast area, and love some local street food, Gianyar is one of the best places to stay Bali has to offer!

Read Our Complete Gianyar Guide

Ubud

Up in the mountains, Ubud has long been known as the cultural heart of Bali. Ubud is a scenic 1-hour drive from Seminyak/Legian/Kuta and is popular for day trips among tourists.

For those who wish to soak in the culture and beauty longer Ubud has many luxurious villas and a range of hotel-style accommodation (in all budgets).

Home to the famous Sacred Monkey Forest, rice terraces, art and craft markets, cultural performance, and various activities on offer Ubud is a paradise all of its own.

Since the famous book & movie Eat, Pray, Love, the streets of Ubud have certainly become busier than the Ubud that once was (there’s even an Eat, Pray, Love tour!). With this we’ve also seen a huge culinary movement in Ubud, there are fantastic food experiences to be had in this area. 

If you are looking for a cultural or spiritual experience and to discover the beauty of the rice terraces, Ubud is the place for you! You can even enjoy a day in Ubud for 100k Rupiah only!

Read Our Complete Ubud Guide

Lovina & North Bali

Lovina is one of the most popular areas in the North of Bali but the entire Northern Coastline is full of different villages, temples, and waterfalls to explore. Think Bali 30 years ago, the North offers the famous Bali welcoming vibe, uncrowded beaches, no traffic jams, and not a lot of Westernisation. There is fantastic snorkelling and diving in this area of Bali also.

If you are looking for old-school Bali vibes you are going to want to head North as Lovina is one of the best places in Bali to stay for such experiences! 

Read Our Complete Lovina Guide

Menjangan

Situated in West Bali, Menjangan is famous for its West Bali National Park and free-roaming deer. Being one of the most remote areas of Bali, here you’ll only find a few luxury resorts and some lower budget options. This area attracts dedicated visitors (as it is quite a drive from the airport!). Those who make the drive to this area are rewarded with crystal clear water to explore, views of Java, no traffic, and tons of spots to explore.

If you are wanting to experience some gorgeous water and don’t mind some time travelling in the car or bike, Menjangan should be on your list of places to visit in Bali!

Read Our Complete Menjangan Area Guide

Amed

Famous for its diving and snorkling opportunities, Amed attracts a large diving crowd. Accommodation and dining are easily found. Most people come here for the water.

One of the most popular areas of Bali among divers, Amed has a very laid back, has an old school Bali vibe and there are two wrecks in the area and many underwater statues to explore while diving and snorkelling. 

If you are keen on diving and snorkelling, Amed is a spot for you!

Read Our Complete Amed Guide

Candidasa

Candidasa is a quiet seaside area on the East Coast of Bali. The beach is a sequence of sandy shores and breakwaters. It offers plenty of accommodation, dining and shopping opportunities. You can explore waterfalls and close up views of Mt Agung, there are dive and snorkel opportunities close by also. 

If you are looking for a quiet, seaside escape away from the traffic and the crowds, Candidasa is a good option for you!

Read Our Complete Candidasa Guide

Sidemen

Sidemen is the Bali of old, rolling rice fields, little development, traditional villages, and lots of hidden waterfalls. In between all of this, there are some real lovey places to stay from luxury resorts to quaint homestays.

Don’t expect a lot of shops or restaurants, this is a place to enjoy the nature and village life of Bali.

If you want traditional Bali, nature, and love to explore, do not leave Sidemen off your list! 

Click here to read about our experience in Sidemen.

Read Our Complete Sidemen Guide

Bedugul and Munduk

Central Bali is one place you may actually need some warmer clothes and you will even sit by a fire at night! This area of Bali is an adventurer’s delight with many rice field trekking spots, lakes, and waterfalls to explore. It has a quiet, mountain vibe but you will still find a lot of places to stay and things to do.

It is a great point to stop if you are heading to the North of Bali too. Bedugul is home to Bali’s best produce and has lots of opportunities to pick strawberries too.

For those looking to get off the beaten track and experience some cooler weather, Bedugul & Munduk are the places for you!

Read Our Complete Bedugul and Munduk Guide

Mount Batur

What is the best location to stay in Bali if you’re looking for nature activities? Well, Mt Batur is an active volcano in Bali, and not many tourists stay in this area. However, many make the drive to enjoy trekking up the volcano and enjoying the sunrise at the top. The area itself has hot springs, temples, and plenty of village areas so when you’re considering which Bali cities to stay in, Mount Batur is highly recommended. 

If you love trekking and getting off the beaten track, you defenitely want to spend some time in Mt Batur. 

Read Our Complete Mount Batur Guide

Nusa Lembongan, Cenigan, and Penida

Just a 30-minute boat ride from Sanur, Nusa Lembongan, Cenigan & Penida are great add-on destinations to your Bali holiday.

With crystal clear water and white sand beaches, these Islands are a water lover’s paradise. Although there are many options for day trips to Lembongan and Nusa Penida day tours, the islands have many different styles of accommodation on offer for longer stays. 

If you are looking to enjoy the water (snorkel, surf, stand-up paddleboard, dive) and totally relax with an Island vibe, Nusa Lembongan, Cenigan & Pendia are the places for you!

Read Our Complete Nusa Lembongan, Penida, and Cenigan Guide

Lombok and the Gili Islands

Accessible by boat or plane Lombok and the Gili Islands are another option as an add-on to your Bali Holiday. Beautiful water and great surf these Islands are still quite traditional but do offer a range of accommodation and a selection of dining options. Some spots also offer some massive beach parties!

If you are looking for either a truly quiet Island getaway or a mass Island beach party, Lombok & the Gili Islands are the place for you!

Read Our Complete Lombok & Gili Islands Guide

When in Bali I want to see
Temples
Beaches
Waterfalls

Bali Has So Much To Offer!

Beaches, waterfalls, temples, cultural sites, water activities, and so much more….

Where to stay with a group of friends? What activities to do with kids? Where to find the best spas? 

Our Bali Itinerary Planner answers all your questions. 

Get Your Planner for Only USD 35