Where to Stay in Bali for First Timers: Best Areas & Hotels
Planning your first trip and deciding where to stay in Bali can be way more of a headache than it should be. Not because there aren’t good options, but because there are so many! And everything looks close on the map… until you meet Bali’s traffic.
The area you choose can pretty much change your whole trip. Pick wrong, and you’ll either spend half your time stuck in a Grab, or end up somewhere that looks great on Instagram but is actually a bit…meh in real life.
I’ve spent over 3 months in Bali over the years, sometimes solo and sometimes with my partner James, and I’ve stayed in a mix of spots across the island. I’ll share the areas I genuinely loved, and the one I won’t be rushing back to (I’m looking at you, Kuta!).
Ubud is great if you’re into wellness, culture, temples, and rice fields. Canggu is where you’ll find trendy cafes and a social scene that’s perfect if you’re travelling solo and love a Bintang.
And Sidemen is my personal fave if you want somewhere quieter, greener, and a stay in one of the iconic bamboo villas!
If you can, I recommend visiting a few locations across your trip. I’ll break down the best areas for first-timers, what each one is actually like day to day, and my top accommodation picks so you can book the right area (or areas) for your trip.
Bali Towns At A Glance
- Canggu — ✅ Cafes + social scene | ⚠️ Traffic + noise
- Seminyak — ✅ Dining + beach clubs | ⚠️ Pricier
- Uluwatu — ✅ Surf + sunsets | ⚠️ Spread out
- Ubud — ✅ Wellness + culture | ⚠️ Walkability varies
- Sidemen — ✅ Quiet + green views | ⚠️ Limited amenities
- Munduk — ✅ Waterfalls + mountains | ⚠️ Remote
- Amed — ✅ Snorkelling + slow pace | ⚠️ Very spread out
- Lovina — ✅ Calm north coast | ⚠️ Very quiet
- Nusa Islands — ✅ Island escape + beaches | ⚠️ Extra logistics
- Kuta — ✅ Budget + airport base | ⚠️ Chaotic
For your first trip, don’t try to see everywhere. For 2 weeks, I recommend picking 3 – 4 places. Your suitcase (and sanity) will thank you.
Easy route ideas:
10 days: Canggu/Seminyak (4) + Uluwatu (2) + Ubud (4)
2 weeks: Canggu/Seminyak (4) + Ubud (4) + Sidemen or Munduk (3) + Nusa Lembongan (3)
Choose The Right Area For Your Bali Trip
Canggu: Best For Solo Travellers & Social Scene
🛵 Getting around: Scooter, Grab or Gojek, Bluebird taxi🚶 Walkability: Varies by area
🌿 Atmosphere: Social, trendy, cafe culture
⚠️ Tip: Traffic can get hectic
🗓️ Ideal stay: 2 – 4 nights
Canggu is usually my first stop in Bali, and it’s a brilliant place to start if it’s your first time in Bali. It’s close enough to the airport that you’re not doing a grim post-flight mission, and the food here is honestly dangerous (in the best way).
Where to stay in Canggu really depends on the vibe you want: Batu Bolong/Berawa is the walkable, busy bit (cafes, bars, beach), while a little inland is calmer with more rice fields, but you’ll need a scooter or to use Grab or Gojek.
Food-wise, you’re spoiled, especially if you’re vegan. KYND Community is my fave. And if you’re travelling solo, Canggu is one of the easiest places in Bali to meet people without really trying.
For sunset, there are beach bars everywhere, and Old Man’s is a classic for a night out (I’ve definitely suffered a hangover or two from there). If you’ve got the budget, Finns and The Lawn are great too.
It’s also the perfect spot for beginner surfing, with loads of lessons and board hire.
Just a heads up: peak season traffic can be an absolute shit show, even if maps say somewhere is 10 minutes away, it never is.
Hotel Picks in Canggu
Budget — Kos One Hostel
This one’s more “boutique hostel” than party dorm. It has comfy rooms, a pool, an on-site bar + restaurant, and yes… two jacuzzis!
Perfect if: you’re solo and want to meet people, but still sleep.
Worth knowing: it’s easy to get stuck staying too far out in Canggu on a budget, so this is a great base.
Mid-range — Kalm
Kalm is a great spot if you want somewhere that feels a bit more, well, calm, than a hostel, but still good value for Canggu.
Perfect if: You want comfort and a nice vibe without going full splurge.
Worth knowing: It’s a 16 minute walk to Berawa Beach.
Luxury — The Cali Villas Canggu
If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, The Cali Villas is giving slays (it’s on my bucket list!), chic, neutral-toned, and your own private pool.
Perfect if: you want a luxe villa stay that still feels like Canggu (not cut off from everything).
Worth knowing: It’s not too far from the beach.
Seminyak: Best For Couples & Honeymooners
🛵 Getting around: Scooter, Grab/Gojek, Bluebird taxi🚶 Walkability: Walkable in pockets
🌿 Atmosphere: Polished, restaurants, beach clubs
⚠️ Tip: Prices jump fast near the beach clubs
🗓️ Ideal stay: 2–4 nights
Seminyak is right next to Canggu and, honestly, they’re pretty similar, so if you’re not starting in Canggu, Seminyak is the other easy choice.
It’s got the same trendy, social feel and unreal food everywhere, but it’s a bit more polished (and usually pricier). This is where you’ll find more luxury resorts, boutique shops, and big-name beach clubs, so if you’re here for nice dinners and cocktails, Seminyak will make you very happy.
It’s especially popular for couples and honeymoons, but it’s not like you’ll be Billy no mates if you’re travelling solo! I’ve stayed here on my own and still met plenty of people. There are hostels and budget stays too, you just have to be a bit pickier with location.
And if beach clubs are on your Bali bingo card, you’re sorted. Potato Head is an oldie but a goodie, Mrs. Sippy is always a vibe, and it’s easy to bounce between spots for sunset drinks and a night out.
Personally, I still prefer Canggu… but the truth is, they’re so close you can stay in either and spend time in both, especially if you’ve got a scooter or you’re using Grab or Gojek (Bali’s version of Uber).
Hotel Picks in Seminyak
Budget — White Penny Hostel
White Penny gives you both dorms and private rooms, and it’s a short walk from Petitenget Beach and the temple, handy if you want beach time without trekking everywhere.
Perfect if: you want affordable + well-located.
Worth knowing: It’s not a party hostel.
Mid-range — Comoda Seminyak
Comoda is a great mid-range option if you want that villa feel without going full splurge, private pool included, and you’re only about a 10-minute walk from Seminyak Square and Seminyak Village for food and shopping.
Perfect if: you want comfort + a handy location (without the luxury price tag).
Worth knowing: Petitenget Beach and Petitenget Temple are not too far away.
Luxury — Cyrus Villa Seminyak
Cyrus Villa is giving boho-meets-Morocco, and it’s such a nice choice if you’re honeymooning or just want to treat yourself. Each villa has its own private pool and a bathtub, so it’s a very romantic holiday vibe.
Perfect if: you want a gorgeous private villa stay that feels special.
Worth knowing: villas like this are best when you actually plan to spend time at your accommodation.
Uluwatu: Best For Surfers & Beach Clubs
🛵 Getting around: Scooters, Grab & Gojek, Bluebird taxi🚶 Walkability: Low (it’s very spread out)
🌿 Atmosphere: Laid-back surf + dramatic coastline
⚠️ Tip: It’s spread out, choose based on surf vs beach clubs
🗓️ Ideal stay: 3–5 nights
Uluwatu is stunning, but I’m not going to lie, I found it the least walkable area in Bali, which is a bit of a pain if you’re like me and don’t drive a scooter. It’s more spread out than it looks, so you’ll be relying on Grab/Gojek or taxis a lot more here.
That said… if you love surfing and proper beach days, Uluwatu is the spot. It’s more for experienced surfers than Canggu, and there are loads of surf camps if you want to properly commit for a few days.
It’s not just surf either, there are loads of yoga and wellness spots around, so you can be balanced and healthy… before sunset drinks.
The beaches are some of the best in Bali, but you do have to earn them. A lot are down steep cliffs, and I got proper vertigo on the way down once and had to take it VERY slowly.
Nyang-Nyang is one of the harder ones to reach, but it’s also one of the most beautiful.
If beach clubs are on your Bali bingo card, you’re sorted! Savaya is the iconic one, and Single Fin is a classic for a Bali sunset.
You’ve also got Uluwatu Temple here too, just keep an eye on your stuff, because the monkeys are clever little thieves and we saw a few unlucky tourists lose their sunnies.
Book Bingin/Padang Padang if you want surf + cute cafes nearby. Book Ungasan if you’re here for Savaya.
Hotel Picks in Uluwatu
Budget — Bukal Sari Villas
Bright, spacious rooms and a calm little setup that’s perfect for switching off after a beach day (or a cliff-stair mission).
Perfect if: you want somewhere peaceful that still feels like a treat on a budget.
Worth knowing: it’s pretty set back from the beach, so you’ll need a scooter or Grab/Gojek.
Mid-range — Gravity Eco Boutique Hotel
We spent 2 nights here, and it’s genuinely my favourite place in Uluwatu. It’s up in the hills with gorgeous sea views, boho decor, and two pools.
Perfect if: you want boutique vibes + views without going full luxury villa.
Worth knowing: this is a “stay put and relax” kind of place, plan a pool day (or two).
Luxury — Hidden Hills Villas
Hidden Hills is proper wow-factor. Perched up in the hills with sweeping ocean views, and each villa has its own theme: Santorini, St Tropez, Morocco.
Perfect if: you want a special occasion stay (honeymoon / splurge / “we deserve this”).
Worth knowing: book it if you actually want to spend time at your villa, not just sleep and leave.
Ubud: Best For Wellness & Rice Fields
🛵 Getting around: Scooters, Grab & Gojek, Bluebird taxi🚶 Walkability: Varies a lot (Ubud is spread out)
🌿 Atmosphere: Jungle, culture, wellness
⚠️ Tip: “Ubud” hotel listings can be 20–40 mins out of the centre
🗓️ Ideal stay: 3–4 nights
Ubud is Bali’s main hub for wellness, yoga, sound baths, and all the healthy-girl resets. Even if you swear it’s not your vibe, you’ll probably still end up here on your first trip because loads of the popular tours and day trips run through Ubud.
I always make time for it because it’s a proper palate cleanser after the beach towns. The centre can get busy (Bali traffic strikes again), but staying central isn’t a bad thing! I’ve had some genuinely gorgeous stays right in the middle that are tucked back from the road
Central Ubud is actually pretty walkable, which is a rare win in Bali.
Once you’re out of the centre, it gets quieter and greener fast, lush jungle, rice paddies, riverside stays, but walkability drops off a cliff, so you’ll want to plan for a scooter, driver, or being happy to Grab everywhere.
Ubud’s also the cultural heart of Bali, with temples, offerings on the pavement, markets, the whole lot. It’s one of my favourite bases for day trips too, because you’ve got rice terraces and hidden waterfalls really close by.
And the food is unreal. I’m vegan and gluten-free (which can be a struggle), but I’ve never had an issue eating well here. Sage is my absolute fave, and it’s listed on Google as women-owned (go on, girls!).
Hotel Picks in Ubud
Budget — Joglo Organik Guesthouse
A proper peaceful little spot. It’s a Javanese Joglo house set in organic gardens, with rooms looking out over rice paddies.
Perfect if: you want quiet, nature-y Ubud vibes on a budget.
Worth knowing: it’s quite far out, so you’ll want to factor transport into your plans.
Mid-range — Ubud Lila Concept
Modern, clean, spacious and really comfortable. You’re also within walking distance of the main Ubud sights like Monkey Forest, and not too far from Ubud Palace if you fancy popping into town.
Perfect if: you want a stylish, comfy base that’s not a total mission to get around from.
Worth knowing: Ubud distances can be deceptive, so map it to the specific spots you care about.
Luxury — Fivelements Retreat
This one’s on my Ubud bucket list. Fivelements is a proper wellness sanctuary along the Ayung River, mixing traditional Balinese healing with eco-luxury accommodation.
Perfect if: you want a full wellness retreat experience, not just a nice hotel.
Worth knowing: it’s best if you’re planning to spend real time onsite (treatments, relaxation, slow days), it’s around 9km from the centre.
Sidemen: Best For Bamboo Houses & Volcano Views
🛵 Getting around: Scooters, taxi and private drivers (No Grab & GoJek)🚶 Walkability: Limited (you’ll walk locally)
🌿 Atmosphere: Rural, scenic, slow-paced
⚠️ Tip: Great reset spot, but fewer amenities
🗓️ Ideal stay: 2–3 nights
I know we’re not supposed to have favourites, but between you and me… Sidemen is my favourite place to stay in Bali.
When I come here, I always book a bamboo house and genuinely don’t plan on leaving for a few days. I’ll buy a few bottles of wine, some snacks, and won’t wear shoes pretty much the whole time. And when I do leave, it’s usually for a slow walk through the rice fields.
If you’re planning to explore more than your immediate area, just know Sidemen is really spread out, so you’ll want to plan on using a scooter or a driver. You can walk shorter distances though, and we loved strolling through a little village right next to our bamboo house.
It’s one of the most untouched and rural parts of the island, which is exactly why I love it (and I really hope it stays this way). Sitting in the shadow of Mount Agung, Sidemen is full of lush rice terraces, dense jungle, and waterfalls you can hear in the distance.
This is also where you’ll find some of the most beautiful bamboo houses and eco-stays, tucked into the jungle and rice paddies.
There aren’t loads of hostels around, but if you want to do Sidemen on a budget, there are plenty of gorgeous homestays and guesthouses, and they feel like a more authentic Balinese experience anyway.
Hotel Picks in Sidemen
Budget — Villa Dukuh
Spacious wooden rooms with garden and mountain views, looking out over the rice terraces. It’s peaceful, pretty, and feels very Sidemen without needing to splurge.
Perfect if: you want quiet views and a comfy base on a budget.
Worth knowing: Sidemen is spread out, so you’ll still want a driver/scooter for anything beyond local strolls.
Mid-range — Alambali Bamboo House
A bamboo-house stay without going full splurge. Jungle setting, open-air bathtub, and very much “I’m here to switch off” energy.
Perfect if: you want bamboo-villa vibes but still want to keep the budget sensible.
Worth knowing: it’s more of a relax-and-reset stay than a “walk to everything” location.
Luxury — Samanvaya
A gorgeous eco-luxury resort with rice terrace and volcano views that’ll make you want to cancel any other plans. Tranquil, scenic, and really special.
Perfect if: you want a luxe stay that still feels peaceful and nature-y.
Worth knowing: the resort has amazing vegan options on the menu.
⭐ Bamboo house stay (my personal favourite in Sidemen) — Hideout
I’ve stayed in three of Hideout’s bamboo houses, Lightroom, Hideout (the original), and Beehive, and I’m literally obsessed. They’re tucked into the jungle next to a river, totally secluded, and it honestly feels like your own little lush paradise.
Perfect if: you want to disappear in the jungle for a few days.
Worth knowing: you can order food on-site, and Great Mountain Views Resort up the road has awesome food too (gado-gado is my fave).
Munduk: Best For Waterfalls & Mountains
🛵 Getting around: Scooter or private driver (no Grab or Gojek)🚶 Walkability: Limited (you’ll walk locally)
🌿 Atmosphere: Cool air, misty hills, nature focus
⚠️ Tip: Nights are cooler
🗓️ Ideal stay: 2–3 nights
Munduk is a bit of a gem up in the mountains, although it’s not exactly “hidden” anymore, but still way quieter because it’s a bit of a trek (over 2 hours from the airport).
It’s full of eco-resorts and cosy homestays (only a handful of hostels), so it’s a nature reset, definitely not a party base.
I went for 2 days, not really knowing what to expect, and honestly could’ve stayed longer. I was kicking myself because I loved where we stayed.
There are loads of waterfalls, coffee plantations, and unreal viewpoints over Mount Catur and the Twin Lakes (just double-check any plantation is ethical… I accidentally ended up at a grim luwak farm once).
The main thing to know: Munduk is spread out. You can do little walks near your stay, but for waterfalls/viewpoints you’ll want a driver or your own transport. We hired a private driver for the day for about £25, and it made life so much easier.
Hotel Picks in Munduk
Budget — Adila Warung and Homestay
Gorgeous views over the hills and jungle, and a really great base if you want to be close to waterfalls without spending a fortune. Also, a big win: filtered water available.
Perfect if: you want simple, budget-friendly, and surrounded by nature.
Worth knowing: Munduk is spread out, so there aren’t loads of shops or places to eat nearby.
Mid-range — Gumi Ayu EcoStay
A proper little hidden gem in the jungle, with lush forest views and waterfalls nearby. There’s also an on-site restaurant with a big menu.
Perfect if: you want a comfy eco stay with views, without going full luxury.
Worth knowing: some rooms have stairs/steps, so worth checking if that’s a dealbreaker.
Luxury — Munduk Moding Plantation
I loved my stay here, and I genuinely think this might be the best infinity pool in all of Bali (big claim to make, I know!). On a clear day, you’ll have volcano views from the pool while you’re surrounded by their own coffee plantation. Unreal and great for couples!
Perfect if: you want a day or two where you don’t need to leave the hotel (they have so much here!).
Worth knowing: if you want the iconic infinity pool photo, we got up at sunrise for it.
Amed: Best For Black Sand Beaches & Snorkelling
🛵 Getting around: Scooters (taxis are limited, no Grab & Gojek)🚶 Walkability: Limited (spread out along the coast)
🌿 Atmosphere: Sleepy seaside, early nights
⚠️ Tip: Bring cash, limited ATMs
🗓️ Ideal stay: 2–4 nights
Amed is the one place in Bali I still haven’t made it to (yet), but it’s top of my list for my next trip, and I wanted to include it because people absolutely love it.
If you’re already heading to Sidemen, it’s also not that far, so it’s a really tempting add-on if you want something quieter after the busier west coast.
It’s a totally different vibe from Canggu/Seminyak/Uluwatu, black sand beaches, Mount Agung views in the background, and a much slower, more local feel. It’s also known for snorkelling and diving straight from shore, so you can get into the water and see loads without needing a big boat day.
Just be respectful of the coral. I saw a TikTok of tourists literally standing on it, and my blood boiled. Please don’t be that person.
The main thing to know is that Amed is really spread out, and the nights are quiet, there are fewer big restaurants, limited taxis (no Grab/Gojek), and you’ll want to bring cash because ATMs can be hit or miss from what I’ve been told.
It’s perfect if you want chilled ocean days… not the one if you want nightlife and convenience on tap though.
Hotel Picks in Amed
Budget — Agung Inn Amed
Warm, homely vibes with absolutely jaw-dropping Mount Agung views! A budget stay that still feels special because the setting does the heavy lifting.
Perfect if: you want a comfy, affordable base with epic scenery.
Worth knowing: you can walk to the beach, but the best snorkelling spots are further along the coast, so a scooter helps.
Mid-range — Solaluna Beach Homestay
Literally steps from the beach and snorkelling spots, with a restaurant onsite and sea views!
Perfect if: you want to roll out of bed and be in the water in 5 minutes.
Worth knowing: reviews mention the WiFi can be a bit slow, so don’t come here expecting to smash out work calls.
Luxury — MATHIS Lodge Amed
Perched up in the hills overlooking Amed, this is a proper retreat with private lodges, and some come with either a private pool or a spa bath!
Perfect if: you want a quiet, treat-yourself stay with views.
Worth knowing: it’s hilltop rather than beachfront, so you’ll be travelling to/from the coast for swims and snorkelling.
Lovina: Best For a Quiet Escape
🛵 Getting around: Walk locally + driver for day trips🚶 Walkability: Walkable in pockets (it’s a small town)
🌿 Atmosphere: Sleepy north coast, rustic warungs, slow pace
⚠️ Tip: Skip the dolphin tours, I didn’t find them ethical at all
🗓️ Ideal stay: 1–3 nights
Lovina is what I imagine other towns in Bali were like before tourism really took hold, and it’s one of the best places to stay if you’re after a very quiet escape.
On a first trip, I’d only really add Lovina if you want a slower pace and you’re happy being out of the way.
I loved the rustic little warungs, and we found a vegan one, Vegi House, that was so good.
The north coast is calmer in general, and Lovina’s black sand beaches are made for very chilled days. There are some nice snorkelling spots around here too.
I found it pretty walkable from where we stayed on the main road, but some hotels are further out, so check your location if you want to walk to food and the beach.
If you do go, you’ll notice pretty quickly that Lovina is full of dolphin boat tour ads, they’re literally everywhere.
Some are marketed as “ethical,” but honestly… after what we saw, it felt like bullshit. We did one (that claimed it was ethical), and it was rough to watch at times, with loads of boats chasing and circling the dolphins.
As tempting as it is, I really don’t recommend funding it.
Hotel Picks in Lovina
Budget — Lovina Life Rooms & Cafe
This is where we stayed, and we really liked it. The rooms are spacious and comfy, and the coffee at their cafe was so good. It’s great value for money and only a short walk to the beach.
Perfect if: you want somewhere affordable that still feels nice (with good coffee on tap).
Worth knowing: it’s pretty walkable from here to reach the cafes and the beach.
Mid-range — Lata Lama
Really central, with loads of options depending on your trip, from simple double rooms to three-bedroom private villas with a pool.
Perfect if: you want to relax.
Worth knowing: because it’s central, it’s a great base if you want to walk to dinners/warungs rather than rely on drivers.
Luxury — Muara Lovina Hotel
Right on Agung Beach with stylish rooms, and there’s a restaurant onsite that serves veggie, vegan, and gluten-free options (love that).
Perfect if: you want ocean views and a bit of a splurge.
Worth knowing: it’s further up from Lovina Beach, so you’ll want to factor in transport.
Nusa Islands: Best For Island Vibes & Beaches
🛵 Getting around: Scooters, private driver, boats between islands, golf buggy (yes lol)🚶 Walkability: Lembongan = Medium | Ceningan = High | Penida = Low
🌿 Atmosphere: Ocean views, beach days, slower rhythm
⚠️ Tip: There are 3 islands, plan logistics (boats, tides, luggage)
🗓️ Ideal stay: 3–6 nights
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan was the first Nusa Island I visited, and it’s only about a 40-minute boat ride from mainland Bali.
The island is small, but you won’t be able to walk everywhere, so you’ll want a scooter… or a golf buggy (yes, an actual golf buggy).
James and I rented one on our first trip here, and we spent the whole time absolutely wetting ourselves driving around, it was such a laugh.
There are loads of beautiful beaches, a few really sweet cafes, and even some surf if you fancy it.
Hotel Picks in Nusa Lembongan
Budget — Kakiang Guesthouse
Really good value for what you get, and you’re in a handy spot, a short walk to Tamarind Beach and close to Devil’s Tears.
Perfect if: you want a budget base that’s still in a great location.
Worth knowing: it’s also close to the popular Mushroom Beach.
Mid-range — Jenggala Hill
Infinity pool with ocean views (yes please), and it’s a short walk from Jungutbatu Beach. A great mid-range pick if you want views without going full luxury villa.
Perfect if: you want pool + views and an easy beach base.
Worth knowing: they have an on-site restaurant with reasonably priced food and drinks.
Luxury — White Horse Resort
Stylish, spacious villas just a stone’s throw from Tamarind Beach, with beautiful ocean views.
Perfect if: you want a luxe villa stay near the beach.
Worth knowing: the resort is on a rocky track, and transport may be needed.
Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the 3 Nusa Islands, and it’s connected to Nusa Lembongan by the Yellow Bridge. You can’t drive a golf buggy over the bridge (it’s not wide enough), but we parked up nearby and walked across.
On our second trip to the Nusa Islands, we actually stayed on Ceningan, and it was so lovely and quiet. There are a few small bars and restaurants with gorgeous views across the ocean, plus a couple of the classic Bali swings and hammocks in the water.
It’s also the most walkable of the islands, although loads of people still use scooters here too.
Hotel Picks Nusa Ceningan
Budget — Le Pirate Nusa Ceningan
This is where we stayed! The beach huts are tiny (like, properly compact), but they overlook the ocean towards Nusa Lembongan, and you can step straight out of your little beach shack into the infinity pool. It’s adults-only too, which I loved.
Perfect if: you want cute island vibes, peace and quiet, and you don’t need loads of space.
Worth knowing: the huts are small, so it can be a faff if you’ve got loads of luggage (we managed though).
Mid-range — Alinn Villas
Tucked away in lush greenery near the Yellow Bridge, with water views and a restaurant onsite. The staff get loads of love in the reviews too, which always matters.
Perfect if: you want a comfy base in a handy location (especially if you’re hopping between islands).
Worth knowing: WiFi can be a bit patchy, according to some reviews.
Luxury — The Cove Bali
Infinity pool, big windows, and those gorgeous water views that make you want to sit there doing absolutely nothing for hours. A really nice “treat yourself” option on Ceningan.
Perfect if: you want boutique luxury with views (and you’re happy to chill).
Worth knowing: there are stairs to access some of the villas, so worth checking if that’s a dealbreaker.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the biggest and most rugged of the three islands, and it’s my favourite too. But I’m not going to sugar coat it: it can be a proper pain to get around if you don’t drive a scooter, so you’ll want to hire a driver for the day.
This is where you’ll find Kelingking Beach, which is genuinely stunning… but it’s also a good example of how popularity can ruin a place a bit. They started building a lift on the side of the cliff (yes, an actual lift), which is mad to me and rightly caused loads of uproar.
They’ve since been told to take it down, but at the time of writing, part of it is still standing, and it does take away from how beautiful it used to feel.
There are still loads of unreal spots though, Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach are gorgeous, and there’s so much wild, untouched jungle around too (and I really hope it stays that way).
And if you’re vegan, Vegan Soul Kitchen is a must while you’re here. The gado gado was delicious, and the staff were so kind when we went.
Hotel Picks in Nusa Penida
Budget — VnS Beachfront Guesthouse
Beachfront with stunning Mount Agung + ocean views, and it’s close to the port, which makes arrival/departure way less of a faff.
Perfect if: you want an easy base that’s convenient and still has gorgeous views.
Worth knowing: Penida is spread out, so being near the port doesn’t mean you’re near the famous beaches. Plan on a driver/scooter for sightseeing days.
Mid-range — Penida Bambu Green
An eco-friendly bamboo stay with beautiful jungle views. Unique structures, gorgeous scenery, and still comfy.
Perfect if: you want that bamboo/eco vibe without going full luxury villa.
Worth knowing: the location is up in the jungle, so you’ll need transport.
Luxury — MAUA Nusa Penida Bali
Chic, modern private villas with unreal views across Gamat Bay and out towards Nusa Lembongan.
Perfect if: you want a wow-factor stay and you’re happy to build in downtime.
Worth knowing: it’s beautifully tucked away, so you’ll need a scooter or a driver to get around.
Kuta: Best For Budget Stays & The Airport
🛵 Getting around: Scooter, Grab & Gojek, Bluebird taxi🚶 Walkability: High (busy but walkable)
🌿 Atmosphere: Busy, touristy, convenient for the airport
⚠️ Tip: Choose it for convenience
🗓️ Ideal stay: 1 night
Kuta… I’m not going to lie, I really hated it when I was there, and I wouldn’t recommend it for most trips. It’s known for the huge party scene, schoolies, messy stag dos, and the occasional person throwing up in the street.
And look, I’ve got nothing against that. I’ve definitely done my fair share of these kinds of trips too (a very long time ago)… but it’s just not where I’d choose to spend my time when the rest of Bali is so much prettier.
That said, if you can look past the chaos, Kuta does have a couple of genuine pros. It’s actually a great place to surf, there are loads of cheap places to stay (including loads of hostels), and it’s super close to Denpasar Airport.
So if you’ve got an early flight… Kuta can make sense. I’d only stay here for convenience (airport/one night), not as your main Bali base.
Hotel Picks in Kuta
Budget — Beach Hut Hostel
You can actually walk here from the airport, which is so handy if you’re trying to keep costs down. There’s an onsite bar, restaurant, and a pool, plus loads of shared social areas if you want a bit of a hostel vibe.
Perfect if: you want the cheapest, easiest one-night stop near the airport or want to be near the party scene.
Worth knowing: Kuta is walkable, but it’s pretty hectic.
Mid-range — Poppies Bali
For a quiet stay right in the middle of Kuta, Poppies feels like a little oasis where you can escape the crowds. The bungalows are spacious and set in lush green gardens.
Perfect if: you want somewhere peaceful without being miles away from everything.
Worth knowing: it’s central, so you’re close to the action (even if your room feels tucked away).
Luxury — Amnaya Resort Kuta
Tucked down a quieter street but still close to Kuta Beach and the main buzz. You’ve got an onsite spa, fitness centre, and bar.
Perfect if: you want comfort and a bit of luxury near the airport.
Worth knowing: this is a great “last night in Bali” stay if you’ve got an early flight.
Other Bali Bases You Might See Recommended
You’ve probably seen these places mentioned when looking for the best neighbourhoods in Bali, but I haven’t stayed overnight in them, so I’m not going to pretend that I have. No shade to them, but they don’t seem like my cup of tea, to be honest.
Sanur is super handy if you want a calmer beach base, and it’s a popular choice for an easier pace and walkable bits. I’ve only ever been to Sanur to get the boat, not to stay, but if you want somewhere chilled without the Canggu chaos, it’s one I’d look at.
Jimbaran is known for sunsets and seafood dinners right on the sand, and it feels a bit calmer than the busier west coast.
I’ve been as part of a day tour, and it was really nice, it’s just not somewhere I thought ‘wow, I’d like to come back here!’
Nusa Dua is basically the big resort part of Bali. Good for easy beach days, big pools, and very low-effort relaxing. If you want a proper flop-and-recover holiday, I get why people love it. It’s not for me, but it’s comfortable, convenient, and very easy.
FAQs
Best area for a first trip to Bali?
Canggu is a brilliant first base for most people: great food, loads going on, and easy to meet people if you’re solo. For 2 weeks, I’d still choose 2–4 areas max so you’re not constantly repacking and stuck in traffic.
Best beaches in Bali?
Uluwatu has some of the best beaches in Bali, especially for surfing and dramatic cliff views. Just know you’ll often be doing a serious stair workout to reach them.
Most expensive areas in Bali?
Seminyak and Uluwatu tend to be the priciest, with more boutique stays, villas, and resorts. You can still find deals, but the average price is higher than most other areas.
How many locations should I stay in?
For a 2 week trip, 2–4 places is the sweet spot (depending on whether you add the Nusa Islands). Any more and you’ll spend way too much time in cars and repacking.
Where I Recommend To Stay In Bali
Planning your first trip to Bali really doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you’ve picked a couple of spots you actually want to base yourself in, the rest is easy. Bali is honestly full of great places to stay, and you can make pretty much any style of trip work.
The biggest thing that’ll shape where you stay is transport. If you’re comfortable on a scooter (show off), your options open up massively.
If you’re not (don’t worry, same), that’s totally fine, just lean into areas that are more walkable, or places where Grab and Gojek are easy to use (and they’re super reasonable).
If you want the simplest plan, here are the 2 routes I’d recommend:
10 days: Canggu/Seminyak (4) + Uluwatu (2) + Ubud (4)
2 weeks: Canggu/Seminyak (4) + Ubud (4) + Sidemen or Munduk (3) + Nusa Lembongan (3)
And if you want my personal favourite place to stay in Bali… it’s Sidemen (in case that wasn’t completely obvious by now).
If you’re going to splurge on one proper “wow” stay, the bamboo houses at Hideout are genuinely unreal and such a unique experience. There are loads of different ones to choose from, depending on how boujee you want to go.
