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If you happen to’re planning a visit to Bali quickly, you’re in all probability getting overwhelmed by the sheer variety of lodges and areas to select from! The place’s the most effective place to remain? Is it in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, or some other place? Don’t fear, on this article, we’ll assist you determine what’s greatest for you.
If you have a look at Bali on the map, it seems to be small. First-timers simply assume it’s as small as Phuket, Santorini, or Singapore. However in actuality, Bali is an enormous island. It solely seems to be small as a result of it sits subsequent to Java, which is far, a lot bigger. The truth is, it’s eight instances greater than Singapore, 10 instances greater than Phuket, 64 instances greater than Santorini, greater than 500 instances bigger than Boracay! Within the Philippines, size-wise, Bali is extra akin to your entire island of Cebu or Leyte.
Why am I saying this? As a result of this issues whenever you’re selecting the realm to remain. It’s important to perceive the island’s geography first.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the starting stage, you can even go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our beneficial lodges and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We have now a compilation for locations around the globe.
Understanding Bali’s Geography
That is Bali. It’s composed of eight regencies and one metropolis, Denpasar.


Understanding its geography is much more essential, contemplating that the important thing points of interest are scattered all through the island. Therefore, the most effective space to remain depends upon the locations you need to go to, particularly in the event you solely have a number of days.
Every has its professionals and cons. So let’s discuss and break down every of those vacationer hotspots one after the other. By the best way, that is in no specific order. The numbers are simply there for simpler reference.
1. KUTA
Greatest for: Price range vacationers, backpackers, and social gathering animals
Kuta is the preferred space amongst vacationers, particularly first-timers. It put Bali on the map of worldwide vacationers.
PROS
A part of the Badung Regency, its location may be very handy. It’s near the airport and the seaside!


You’ll discover virtually every thing you would probably want right here: ATMs, cash changers, banks, comfort shops, eating places, bars, retailers, tour businesses, and even bike leases. It’s additionally the place many excursions kick off since most businesses are based mostly within the space. And naturally, Kuta is legendary — or perhaps notorious, relying on how you are feeling about it — for its wild, energetic nightlife.


Kuta additionally has the largest cluster of lodging in Bali. Positive, there are a number of upscale lodges round, nevertheless it’s actually greatest recognized for budget- and backpacker-friendly choices.
If you happen to’re after the seaside vibe with easy accessibility to every thing, together with the airport and vibrant nightlife, Kuta could also be for you.
CONS
Kuta doesn’t have a sterling fame. And a few of the criticisms are usually not unfounded. Some seasoned vacationers advise in opposition to staying right here. They are saying it’s overhyped, overcrowded, and overdeveloped. It’s true that Kuta is extremely busy and touristy.
Visitors jams are fairly frequent, particularly throughout rush hours, and it’s a must to be alert, as lots of Bali’s circumstances of scams, pickpockets, and cellphone or bag snatching occur right here.

Maintain up, let’s be clear. Bali is mostly secure. Crime price is low. And violent crimes are uncommon. I’ve by no means felt unsafe, even in Kuta. However it’s a must to safe your valuables when strolling round Kuta and close by areas and be vigilant.
You may escape the hustle and bustle of Kuta by selecting an even bigger, well-appointed resort.
The place We Stayed
Just lately, our group was in a position to keep at Anathera Resort Kuta. It’s a contemporary mid-range resort conveniently positioned only a few minutes from Kuta Seashore and the primary purchasing and nightlife areas. It strikes a pleasant steadiness between accessibility and luxury, making it an important base for vacationers who need to be near the motion however nonetheless get pleasure from a peaceable retreat after a protracted day trip.

The property options a big swimming pool, a youngsters’ pool, a health club, a spa, and even a deck lounge the place company can unwind. The rooms are vibrant and spacious, most with personal balconies overlooking the pool or backyard. Every room additionally has free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV. The workers was additionally pleasant and useful.
It’s not essentially the most luxurious possibility in Bali, nevertheless it delivers stable worth for cash. You may e book a deluxe room for 2 for as little as IDR 560,000 (PHP 2,000) per evening on Agoda together with taxes.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!
And it could go even decrease in the event you use our promo code AGODATPT, which offers you 10% OFF. That’s a number of financial savings, particularly in the event you’re reserving costly lodges or a number of nights, as a result of it’s capped at USD 100 or roughly P5800. That’s an enormous low cost.
✅ To redeem this code, obtain and open the Agoda app, and on the COUPONS tab, enter AGODATPT (all caps). Then select a property and room sort, and upon checkout, enter AGODATPT once more to avail of the particular price.
You should use this code for many lodges on Agoda!
Prime Accommodations in Kuta
Listed here are a few of the greatest locations to remain in Kuta, as rated by vacationers on-line.
Seek for extra Kuta Accommodations!
2. SEMINYAK
Greatest for: Households and anybody who loves Kuta’s enjoyable, beachy vibe — minus the chaos and crowds
Similar to Kuta, Seminyak is a paradise for surfers. It shares the identical shoreline and the identical spectacular sunsets, solely with more room to breathe.
PROS
Consider Seminyak as Kuta’s barely calmer, classier neighbor to the north, the place the streets are lined with fashionable villas, luxurious resorts, and chic spa retreats. You’ll additionally discover fine-dining eating places, designer boutiques, and stylish bars. However that’s to not say there aren’t any reasonably priced choices. It has a wide variety of hostels and finances lodges, too.
Many of those locations cater to households and teams, making it an important spot if you’d like consolation with out sacrificing comfort.

If you happen to’re a member of the LGBT+ neighborhood, contemplate Seminyak as a result of it additionally has an lively LGBT+ scene. A piece of Jalan Camplung Tanduk Highway in Seminyak is the unofficial homosexual strip, with homosexual bars, drag reveals, and LGBTQIA+-friendly seaside bars.
It’s additionally pretty near the airport, only a tad farther than Kuta, however nonetheless accessible.
CONS
Seminyak suffers from virtually each drawback that you may say about Kuta. It’s additionally crowded and bustling with visitors jams and all, however not as hectic. Personally, between the 2, we favor Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
We stayed at Grandmas Plus Lodge Seminyak, an enormous resort providing finances rooms! We paid IDR 2,070,000 (USD 124, PHP 7328) for 3 nights.

That’s solely IDR 690,000 (USD 41.40, PHP 2443) per evening. It’s at a wonderful location, only a brief stroll from the seaside, eating places, and bars. It’s excellent for vacationers who need to keep within the coronary heart of Seminyak with out paying premium resort costs. The rooms are compact however trendy, outfitted with necessities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and cozy beds. There’s additionally a small swimming pool, an in-house spa, and a restaurant, all nice for stress-free after a day of exploring.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!
Prime Accommodations in Seminyak
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Seek for extra Seminyak Accommodations!
3. UBUD
Greatest for: Vacationers in search of some peace of thoughts, cultural expertise, and a central location
Ubud is usually thought-about the cultural coronary heart of Bali. It’s excellent in the event you’re after tradition, leisure, and a greener aspect of Bali. As a base for vacationers, it has loads of benefits.
PROS
It’s ultimate for vacationers who desire a slower, extra soulful expertise, away from the seaside crowds. You’ll discover artwork galleries, yoga retreats, wellness facilities, and native craft markets that provide you with a deeper look into Balinese tradition.
Many boutique resorts and villas are set amid tranquil rice paddies or alongside river valleys, providing peaceable views and a robust sense of connection to nature. Even these inside the city middle, most properties nonetheless really feel extra secluded and have a extra personal vibe. Most of the resorts or villas that get featured by influencers — these with a pool floating lunch tray — they’re in all probability right here in Ubud.




Additionally it is well-located for day journeys to waterfalls, rural temples, rice terraces, and scenic highland spots. Ubud sits within the center, making it a wonderful base. By staying right here, you received’t should take care of the Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar visitors jams for essentially the most half.
You’ll discover a number of excursions on Klook that begin or decide up right here in Ubud, so going round shouldn’t be a problem.
✅ If you happen to e book with Klook, go to www.thepoortraveler.web/klook to robotically get 5% OFF your reserving! You can even use our promo code THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK or TPTKLOOK5 for five% OFF!
CONS
Talking of visitors, Ubud isn’t with out its downsides. The city middle also can get congested with automobiles and scooters, particularly throughout peak hours, however not as dangerous as Kuta or Seminyak.
If you happen to’re touring to Bali for the seaside, properly, it’s fairly removed from the coast — round an hour and a half to 2 hours away, relying on visitors.
Costs for lodging and meals have gone up over time, reflecting its rising recognition. And though it’s typically calm, nightlife right here is proscribed in comparison with coastal areas like Kuta or Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
Right here in Ubud, we have been in a position to attempt Ari Cottages. It’s a captivating 3-star boutique property tucked away on Jalan Made Lebah within the Pengosekan space of Ubud, simply exterior downtown, so it’s very quiet. But it surely’s solely a brief stroll from standard eating places, cafés, and retailers. The very best half — proper throughout the street is a grocery store!

Rooms right here have terraces that overlook their swimming swimming pools. The one we bought comes with each day afternoon tea, however we didn’t get to avail of it as a result of we have been at all times exterior exploring. Insect repellent spray was additionally supplied.
The workers have been pleasant and welcoming. It’s a implausible alternative if you’d like a trendy, mid-budget stick with a little bit of character in Ubud.
We paid IDR 3,926,000 (USD 235, PHP 13,884) for 3 nights. That’s IDR 1,308,600 (USD 78.35, PHP 4,628) per evening. Not dangerous contemplating it was peak season after we visited, and actually, it was one of many few remaining moderately priced personal rooms we discovered on the time.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!
Prime Accommodations in Ubud
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4. CANGGU
Canggu is one other village additional north alongside the identical seaside as Kuta and Seminyak, however a lot quieter, extra laidback, and cheaper. There’s a good number of lodges and hostels, but additionally flats for weekly or month-to-month hire and co-working areas.
Due to its ambiance and affordability, it’s turn into a favourite amongst digital nomads and those that are staying in Bali longer than common.
Prime Accommodations in Canggu
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5. DENPASAR
Denpasar is Bali’s capital. It can provide you a style of Balinese metropolis life away from the vacationers. It has its share of worthy points of interest, from native markets to essential temples. And the meals scene right here is nice, providing not simply genuine Balinese fare but additionally different Indonesian cuisines.



Notice, nevertheless, that whereas its Sanur district has a very good seaside, town middle is much from the coast. And regardless of Ngurah Rai Worldwide Airport additionally being referred to as Denpasar Airport, it’s really in Badung, exterior Denpasar. In actuality, Denpasar’s metropolis correct is far, a lot farther from the airport than Kuta or Seminyak.
Prime Accommodations in Denpasar
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6. NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua is the polished, family-friendly face of Bali. It’s residence to lots of the island’s luxurious resorts, every with pristine beachfronts and top-notch amenities. The vibe right here is serene and safe, nice for honeymooners, households, and anybody who simply desires to loosen up with out chaos. The seashores are broad and delicate, excellent for swimming or water sports activities.
On the flip aspect, it feels a bit faraway from genuine native life, with a lot of the motion occurring inside resort grounds.
Prime Accommodations in Nusa Dua
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7. ULUWATU
Uluwatu is perched on Bali’s southern cliffs. It presents a few of the island’s greatest ocean views and sunsets. Lodging choices vary from finances to luxurious.

The realm, nevertheless, is sort of unfold out with restricted transportation modes and far fewer industrial institutions. It’s not ultimate for individuals who need walkable neighborhoods. But it surely’s a haven for surfers or simply those that need to keep someplace quieter however nonetheless very accessible from the airport.
Prime Accommodations in Uluwatu
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What’s the Greatest Space to Keep in Bali?
So, what’s the greatest space to remain in Bali? That depends upon what sort of traveler you’re and your itinerary.
- If you happen to’re a backpacker or finances traveler who likes to social gathering and need to be within the middle of the motion, Kuta could be a good selection. It’s energetic, loud, and loaded with reasonably priced lodges and hostels. Good in the event you love nightlife, simple seaside entry, and assembly different vacationers — not a lot in the event you crave peace and quiet.
- If you happen to’re a gaggle of buddies on the lookout for fashionable spots, Seminyak is the place to be. It has a mixture of consolation, comfort, and elegance. You’re near nice eating places, purchasing, and seaside golf equipment, however not as busy or crowded as Kuta.
- If you happen to’re an explorer and also you need to see a lot of the island, keep in Ubud. Its location makes it a great base for day excursions to the temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces.
- If you happen to’re a digital nomad who likes a social, artistic scene, select Canggu. Anticipate trendy villas, boutique guesthouses, and co-living areas. It’s informal, enjoyable, and ultimate if you wish to work, surf, or simply hang around someplace cool.
- If you happen to’re a pair on a romantic getaway, e book a villa in Ubud or a resort in Nusa Dua and even Uluwatu. Your alternative of lodging might be essential right here, so at all times examine evaluations.
- If you happen to’re a luxurious traveler who prioritizes consolation and leisure, contemplate Nusa Dua. The gated resort areas are calm, clear, and secure, with large lodges providing every thing you want inside strolling distance. Nice for individuals who desire a stress-free seaside vacation.
- If you happen to’re a nature or tradition lover, Ubud is your greatest wager. Palms down.
- If you happen to’re a household, keep in Nusa Dua when you’ve got the finances and also you need to be away from the vacationer chaos. But when your loved ones prefers to be near extra institutions, Seminyak is an efficient alternative too.
- If you happen to’re a foodie, Denpasar is nice. Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, and different areas have a very good meals scene, too, however in our expertise, Denpasar is the most effective for restaurant and café hopping and market crawls.
Personally, if I might return to Bali now and I’ve six nights, I might keep in Ubud for the primary three nights and in Seminyak for the final three. In any other case, select only one. Which one? If you happen to requested me 5 years in the past, I’d say Seminyak. However now that I’m a bit older, I’d decide Ubud.
Have you ever skilled staying at any of those locations in Bali? How was it? Tell us within the feedback part under.
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is elective, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey may be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, contemplate PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced price.
Updates Log
2025 11 12 – First uploaded
Co-written with Asta Alvarez
Images by Yosh Dimen, Asta Alvarez, and Mariah Cruz
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