Where To Stay In Bali: 7 Best Areas + What To Do In Each

Not sure which areas to stay in Bali? You’re not alone. From jungle vibes in Ubud and beachy Uluwatu to buzzing Canggu and peaceful Sanur, choosing the right place to stay can completely change your Bali experience.

I’ve visited Bali several times, including a month-long solo trip. It’s no secret why everyone is obsessed with Bali; this island really does have it all, which is why it stays at the top of the world’s bucket-list destinations year after year.

In this travel guide, I’m breaking down 7 of the best areas to stay in Bali, what each area is like, who it’s best for, where to stay, and the best things to do nearby. Ready? Let’s go.

Join the Everything Travel community on Facebook to ask and find answers to travel-related questions.

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase any cool products or experiences through these links, I may earn a little something as a thank you. There is no extra cost to you, promise!

Bali is one of those places where choosing where you stay can be just as important as choosing what you do. The island’s different areas each have their own personality, so the best place for you really depends on what kind of trip you’re looking for.

Still not sure?

Don’t worry, I’ll break down each area below so you can find the one that best fits your ideal Bali trip.

Everyone raves about Ubud, and honestly, I get it. Surrounded by jungle, rice terraces, and some of Bali’s most beautiful scenery, Ubud feels completely different from the island’s beach destinations. This is the place to come if you want to slow down, soak up Bali’s culture, and be surrounded by nature.

You can wander through the Sacred Monkey Forest, explore ancient temples and rice terraces, discover local markets, or simply spend an afternoon enjoying Ubud’s cafes, restaurants, and wellness scene. It’s also a great place for spiritual healing and retreating.

But don’t mistake peaceful for boring. Ubud has plenty for the most adventurous traveller too, from quad biking and rafting to the famous Bali Swing. It also has some of the most activities to do in the country, and while there are no beaches here, you really don’t need one in this neck of the woods.

If you’re looking for culture, nature, adventure, and a slower pace, Ubud is one of the best places to base yourself in Bali. Plus, Ubud has some of the best accommodation in the world.

Jatiluwih Rice Terrace around a 1-hour drive from Ubud

Best Things To Do In Ubud

From temples and spas to jungle adventures and iconic Bali experiences, Ubud has plenty to keep you busy. Here are some of the best things to add to your itinerary to complete your Ubud experience:

Best Areas To Stay in Ubud

Ubud is fairly spread out, so where you stay can make a surprisingly big difference to your experience. Central Ubud is ideal if you want restaurants, markets, and attractions on your doorstep, while areas around Tegallalang suit a quieter, more scenic escape.

📍 Central Ubud – Best for: First-time Visitors & Convenience

If you want to be in the heart of the action, Central Ubud is the obvious choice. You’ll be close to vibrant markets, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, with places such as Ubud Palace within easy reach. It’s also a convenient base for exploring more of the surrounding area. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Como Uma Ubud – Stylish rooms, a holistic wellness spa, and a restaurant overlooking Tjampuhan Valley.

📍Tegallalang – Best for: Rice Terraces & a Peaceful Escape

If you’d rather wake up surrounded by greenery than be in the middle of Ubud’s busy centre, Tegallalang is a beautiful alternative. The area is famous for its stunning rice terraces and offers a more tranquil, scenic atmosphere while still being within driving distance of central Ubud. You’ll also find art studios, workshops, and plenty of countryside scenery around here. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Kanva Ubud – Gorgeous architecture and seriously boujee vibes, with the famous Tegallalang rice terraces and Bali swings nearby.

My Ubud Hotel Highlight

Suara Alam Hotel Ubud was one of those stays that completely nailed the Ubud vibe. It’s intimate, surrounded by lush greenery and rice-field scenery, and feels super peaceful without being miles from everything.

I loved pretty much everything about my stay here, like the atmosphere, the food, the staff, the room, and the super delicious breakfast. It felt special without being ridiculously expensive, which is exactly the kind of Bali stay I love finding! For me, it was a solid 10/10 and an absolute winner; that’s why it’s my Ubud hotel highlight.

Click the image to expand

Who is Ubud Best For?

Ubud is ideal for travellers who want to experience a different side of Bali, one focused on nature, culture, wellness, and adventure rather than beaches and nightlife. It’s particularly great for first-time visitors, couples, solo travellers, mum-daughter pairs, culture lovers, and anyone who wants to slow down and spend time surrounded by Bali’s incredible scenery.

If your idea of a perfect day involves exploring temples, capturing the beautiful rice terraces, trying a yoga or cooking class, and having plenty of activity options, Ubud could be your perfect Bali base.

I love Ubud; I always go back whenever I visit Bali. It just feels authentic, and I love being surrounded by the greenery. The villas are some of my favourites in this destination, and I always want to stay longer.

Just remember that Ubud doesn’t have a beach, and the centre can get busy with traffic and tourists. It’s also the farthest destination from the airport on this list, so you might want to start here if you’re splitting your time between multiple locations.

2. Uluwatu (Beaches & Sunsets)

If you’re looking for the Bali of dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and seriously good sunsets, Uluwatu is it. Perched on the island’s southern tip, this is one of my favourite areas for beautiful beaches, spectacular coastal scenery, and that laid-back, no-stress Bali feeling.

Uluwatu is best known for its clifftop Uluwatu Temple, the Kecak outdoor fire show, world-class surf, and some of Bali’s most gorgeous beaches. You can spend your days exploring Padang Padang Beach, discovering the hidden-away Suluban Beach, catching waves, or simply finding a clifftop spot to watch the sunset.

And while Uluwatu has plenty of beach clubs, restaurants, and beautiful places to stay, it feels less hectic than some of Bali’s busier southern areas. If beaches, sunsets, surfing, and spectacular views are your idea of Bali heaven, Uluwatu deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

Uluwatu Kecak & Fire Show is a must-see in Bali

Best Things To Do In Uluwatu

From clifftop temples and iconic views to fire shows, Uluwatu hosts a great selection of fun activities. Here are some of my favourite things to do and see in Uluwatu:

Uluwatu is spread across a fairly large area, so choosing the right base can make a difference. If you want easy access to one of Bali’s famous beaches, Padang Padang is a great option. On the other hand, Bingin offers a more laid-back beach-town vibe with plenty of stunning sunset spots.

📍 Padang Padang – Best for: Beach Access & Surfing

If being close to one of Bali’s most famous beaches is high on your list, the Padang Padang area is a great place to base yourself. The area has a relaxed surf vibe, with the beach itself tucked between dramatic cliffs and popular with surfers and beach lovers. It’s also well placed for exploring some of Uluwatu’s biggest attractions, such as Uluwatu Temple. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Suarga Padang Padang – A beautiful eco-conscious retreat with stylish recycled wood and bamboo (amazing aesthetics)

📍 Bingin Beach Area – Best for: Laid-back Beach Vibes

Bingin is a great choice if you’d prefer a more chilled-out, bohemian atmosphere. The area is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, surf culture, and a collection of cafes and beach bars, making it easy to settle into Uluwatu’s slower pace. It’s particularly appealing if you want to spend your days surfing, watching the sunset, and socialising. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

My Uluwatu Hotel Highlight

Amaka Villas is a gorgeous stay in Uluwatu, and really oozes boujee! I absolutely loved the vibe of this villa. It’s stylish and private, with that gorgeous indoor-outdoor Bali feel that makes staying here feel like part of the experience.

The private pool, spacious room, and semi-outdoor bathroom were definite highlights. I loved having my own little space to relax after exploring Uluwatu, and the whole villa had such a beautiful aesthetic. If you’re looking for a boujee Bali villa without the need for a huge resort, this one is a real winner. It’s in Bingin too, so you’re also well placed.

Click the image to expand

Who is Uluwatu Best For?

Uluwatu is ideal for travellers who want beautiful beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, surfing, and seriously good sunsets. It’s particularly suited to beach lovers, surfers, couples, solo travellers, and anyone after laid-back, beach club vibes.

If your perfect Bali day involves finding a beautiful beach, ocean views with a drink in hand, clifftop temples, fire shows, and watching sunsets, Uluwatu is right up your street. I loved Uluwatu; it was just refreshing and the right vibes for me. I enjoyed the beach bars, and the atmosphere was the complete opposite of Ubud’s.

Uluwatu is quite spread out, so you’ll likely need a scooter, taxi, or driver to get between beaches and attractions. If you want to walk everywhere easily, Uluwatu probably isn’t your best bet.

3. Seminyak (Food & Nightlife)

If you love good food, beach clubs, shopping, and a little bit of nightlife, Seminyak could be your perfect Bali base. The stylish coastal area is packed with cafes, boutique shops, and beach clubs, giving it a lively atmosphere without feeling quite as hectic as nearby Kuta.

Seminyak has plenty to offer, from great brunches to beaches and sunset beach clubs. It’s easy-going by day and lively by night, making it a great all-rounder. You won’t be short on dining options either, with local Indonesian food and international restaurants around every corner in Seminyak.

If you’re looking for a Bali stay that combines food, nightlife, shopping, beach days, spectacular sunsets, and a touch of luxury, Seminyak should be a strong contender.

Beach in Seminyak. Credit: Segawa7 (Adobe)

Best Things To Do In Seminyak

Seminyak is less about ticking off a huge list of attractions and more about enjoying the Bali lifestyle. Here are some of my favourite things to do in Seminyak:

Best Areas To Stay In Seminyak

Seminyak is fairly compact, but where you stay can change the feel of your trip. Staying close to the beach is ideal if sunsets and beach clubs are your priority, while basing yourself around Eat Street puts you right in the middle of Seminyak’s shopping and food spots.

📍 Seminyak Beach – Best for: Beach Clubs & Sunsets

If beach days, beach clubs, and sunset cocktails are high on your Bali wishlist, Seminyak Beach is a great place to base yourself. You’ll be close to the sand and within easy reach of some of Seminyak’s most popular beach clubs, while the surrounding streets are packed with stylish hotels and boutiques. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa – A beautiful, luxurious 5-star stay right by the beach.

📍 Eat Street (Jalan Kayu Aya) – Best for: Food & Shopping

For me, Eat Street is the pick if you want to be right in the heart of Seminyak’s food and shopping scene. Jalan Kayu Aya is lined with bars, food spots, and boutiques, so you’ll have plenty to explore right outside your door. It’s also within easy reach of the beach, making it a convenient base for a first visit. It’s lively, but you can still find quieter accommodations tucked away from the main road. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 The Club Villas Seminyak – A gorgeous stay with a private pool and clean, spacious rooms.

My Seminyak Hotel Highlight

Danu Villas Bali is an absolute gem, and one of those stays where everything just worked. I loved the villa’s vibe and aesthetics, but the real showstopper was the private pool that flowed straight from the bedroom and bathroom. Such a dream!

The villa was spacious, beautifully designed, and had everything I needed for a comfortable stay. It felt private and peaceful, yet close enough to Seminyak’s restaurants, shops, and beach spots. And the best part? At under £65 per night when I stayed, it was an absolute steal! For me, Danu Villas was a proper little hidden gem.

Click the image to expand

Who is Seminyak Best For?

Seminyak is for travellers who love good food, stylish surroundings, beach clubs, and a little nightlife. It’s a great choice if you want your Bali trip to revolve around delicious food spots, boutique shopping, and plenty of places to go out to in the evening for sunset drinks.

It’s particularly well suited to couples, solo travellers, groups of friends, foodies, and anyone who enjoys a more polished beach destination. Families can also enjoy Seminyak, especially if you choose accommodation with a pool and stay in a quieter part of the area.

Just bear in mind that Seminyak is busy and developed, rather than a quiet or remote slice of Bali. If you’re looking for jungle or deep cultural experiences, somewhere like Ubud may suit you better.

If you want to go on a solo trip but are unsure where to start, the Female Solo Travel Ebook covers everything you need to know for an epic solo adventure!

4. Sanur (Relaxation & Sunrises)

If you’re looking for a slower, more laid-back side of Bali, Sanur could be exactly what you’re after. With calm, reef-protected waters, a long beachfront promenade and beautiful sunrises over the sea, Sanur has a much more relaxed feel than some of Bali’s busier beach destinations.

This is the kind of place where you can start your morning watching the sunrise, hire a bike, and cruise along the beachfront, stop for breakfast by the sea, then spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing or simply enjoying the slower pace of island life. It’s also a handy base for the nearby ferries if you plan on visiting nearby Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan.

Sunrise at Sanur Beach with Mt Agung in the background. Credit: Cn0ra (Adobe)

Best Things To Do In Sanur

Sanur isn’t really about rushing from one attraction to the next. It’s about enjoying the slower side of Bali. If you fancy exploring further, Sanur is the main departure point for ferries to the Nusa Islands. Here are my favourite activities from Sanur:

Sanur stretches along the coast, so where you stay mainly comes down to whether you want to be close to the main beachfront and restaurants, or prefer a quieter southern base around Metasari.

📍 Sanur Beach – Best for: First-Time Visitors & Convenience

If you want the classic Sanur experience, staying around Sanur Beach is a great choice. You’ll have easy access to the beachfront promenade, calm waters, sunrise views, and plenty of places to stop for food and drink. The central beach area is also one of the easiest parts of Sanur to explore on foot. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Seascape Luxury Resort & Spa – A luxurious 5-star stay with a boujee resort vibe and a relaxed atmosphere.

📍 Mertasari Beach – Best for: A Quieter Stay

For a slower, more peaceful version of Sanur, head farther south towards Mertasari Beach. This stretch has a quieter feel than the busier central areas, with a wider beach, calm waters, and plenty of space to relax. It’s also handy if you plan to visit Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, as the southern end of Sanur is close to the fast-boat connections. Just bear in mind there are fewer shops immediately around you. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Samitra Luxury Villas & Resort – Offers a more private, upscale stay with beautiful surroundings, perfect for unwinding.

My Sanur Hotel Highlight

Pink Private Sanur had such a vibe and was basically covered in pink, which is totally me. From the rooms and pool area to all the little details, the whole place was incredibly cute and aesthetically pleasing; I really just loved the atmosphere of this hotel.

It’s a small, intimate stay, plus adults-only, which gives it a really peaceful feel. The rooms are cool, and the staff are super friendly, leaving gifts and bringing good vibes. One of my favourite things was the free pink bikes you can use to explore Sanur; it was such a fun way to get around and made exploring the beach areas and Sanur part of the experience.

Click the image to expand

Who is Sanur Best For?

Sanur is ideal for travellers who want to slow down and experience a more relaxed side of Bali. It’s particularly well suited to couples, families, solo travellers, older travellers, and anyone who would rather swap busy beach clubs and nightlife for calm beaches, sunrise walks, and leisurely days by the sea.

It’s also a great choice for exploring the nearby Nusa Islands without staying in an overly hectic area. You can enjoy a quiet morning cycling through Sanur, hop on a boat to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, and then return to a more peaceful evening by the beach.

Just bear in mind that Sanur isn’t the place I’d choose if you’re looking for dramatic surf, big nightlife, or Bali’s most social and trendiest beach clubs. For that, Uluwatu or Canggu will probably suit you better.

5. Nusa Dua (Luxury & Relaxation)

If your idea of the perfect Bali escape involves beautiful beaches, a gorgeous resort, and absolutely no need to rush anywhere, Nusa Dua could be your perfect match. Located on Bali’s southeastern coast, Nusa Dua is known for its pristine beaches, manicured resort grounds, and calm turquoise waters.

This is Bali’s polished, resort-style side. Spend your days lounging by the pool, relaxing on the beach, booking spa treatments, doing water sports, and enjoying dinner and drinks overlooking the water. Everything feels easy here and is home to some of Bali’s most luxurious resorts, which is exactly the appeal.

Stunning sunset in Nusa Dua

Best Things To Do In Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is made for taking things at your own pace. There are some local attractions and a few worth venturing out for, so you can mix relaxation with a little adventure. Here are some of my favourite activities for Nusa Dua:

Best Areas To Stay In Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is primarily a resort destination, so where you stay is less about choosing between completely different neighbourhoods, and more about what kind of resort experience you want. The main beachfront area is ideal if direct beach access is your priority, while the BTDC zone puts you close to resorts, dining, shopping, and attractions.

📍 Nusa Dua Beach – Best for: Beachfront Luxury

If waking up just steps from a beautiful beach is high on your Bali wishlist, staying around Nusa Dua Beach is a fantastic choice. This is where you’ll find some of the area’s gorgeous beachfront resorts, calm waters, and manicured tropical surroundings. The reef-protected coastline also makes this part of Bali particularly appealing for a relaxed beach holiday. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Merusaka Nusa Dua – A beautiful beachfront resort with elegant accommodation and plenty of facilities for a luxurious, relaxing stay.

📍 BTDC / ITDC Area – Best for: Convenience

The BTDC area is the heart of Nusa Dua’s purpose-built resort enclave, so this is a great option if you want everything to feel easy and organised. This is probably the best all-round choice for a first stay in Nusa Dua. You’ll be surrounded by major resorts, restaurants, the beachfront promenade, and attractions including Bali Collection, while still being close to the area’s beautiful beaches. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Novotel Bali Nusa Dua – A 5-star polished, boujee resort, with spacious rooms and apparently really good vibes.

My Nusa Dua Hotel Highlight

The Nest Hotel Nusa Dua was such a sweet, affordable stay, and one of those places where I ended up spending way more time there than I expected. The rooftop pool was the star of the show, with gorgeous views and some seriously unreal sunsets. I spent a lot of my time there because of the good atmosphere.

For me, it was the perfect option if you want the Nusa Dua experience without staying at a resort. The food was good, the vibes were right, and the sunset views were just stunning. It was just a really lovely place to relax without needing to go anywhere.

Click the image to expand

Who is Nusa Dua Best For?

Nusa Dua is for travellers who want their Bali escape to be easy, relaxing, and a little bit boujee. It’s particularly suited to couples, honeymooners, families, solo travellers, and anyone who loves beautiful beaches, swimming pools, spa days, and lots of resort facilities right on their doorstep.

You don’t need to book a five-star resort to enjoy Nusa Dua either. While the area is famous for its luxury hotels and polished surroundings, there are more affordable stays too, so you can enjoy the calm beaches and resort-style atmosphere without necessarily spending a fortune.

This is a great choice if you want to slow down, treat yourself, and actually enjoy your accommodation. It’s also a great base for water sports and exploring some of the attractions around the peninsula.

6. Kuta (Budget & Nightlife)

If you want a lively, convenient and budget-friendly base in Bali, Kuta is worth considering. Just a short drive from the airport, Kuta puts you close to the beach, shopping, restaurants, bars, and plenty of entertainment, making it an easy place to start or finish a Bali trip.

Kuta is one of Bali’s more developed and energetic tourist areas, with a much busier feel than somewhere like Sanur or Nusa Dua. It’s not the most peaceful corner of the island, but that’s exactly why some travellers love it. There’s always somewhere to eat, something to do, and plenty of people around.

It’s also a popular spot for beginner surfers, with Kuta Beach offering a long stretch of sand and waves that can be suitable for learning, while the surrounding streets are packed with shops, markets, and affordable places to stay.

Scenery of Kuta Beach in Badung Regency, southern Bali, Indonesia.

Best Things To Do In Kuta

Kuta is all about keeping busy. It’s lively, affordable, and packed with things to do, which is exactly why so many travellers choose it as a base. Here are some of my best activities in Kuta:

Where you stay in Kuta really comes down to how much of the action you want on your doorstep. Central Kuta puts you right in the middle of the beach, shopping, and nightlife, while neighbouring Legian gives you a slightly more relaxed base without being far from everything.

📍 Kuta Beach – Best for: Nightlife & First-Time Visitors

If you want to be right in the heart of Kuta, stay around Kuta Beach. You’ll have the beach, surf schools, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife all within easy reach, making it a convenient base if you want to spend your days exploring and your evenings out. It’s busy, energetic, and definitely not the place I’d choose for peace and quiet. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 MAMAKA by Ovolo – Gorgeous & urban beachfront hotel with ocean views and plenty of fun Kuta vibes.

📍 Legian – Best for: Calmer Vibes

If central Kuta sounds a little too hectic, Legian gives you a nice middle ground. It’s just north of Kuta and shares the same long beach and spectacular sunsets, but has a slightly calmer atmosphere while still putting restaurants, shops, bars, and nightlife within easy reach. It’s a great choice if you want to enjoy Kuta without sleeping right in the middle of it. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa – Stunning beachfront resort with beautiful infinity pools and direct access to Legian Beach.

Who is Kuta Best For?

Kuta is for travellers who want plenty going on without spending a fortune. It’s particularly popular with backpackers, solo travellers, first-time visitors to Bali, surfers, and anyone who enjoys a lively social scene.

The combination of affordable accommodation, a long sandy beach, beginner-friendly surfing, shopping, and nightlife means you can pack a lot into your stay without travelling far. And with the airport just a short drive away, Kuta can also be a really convenient place to start or finish your Bali adventure.

If you’re travelling on a budget, you’ll find plenty of accommodation and food options at different price points. Just know what you’re signing up for; Kuta is busy, developed and energetic. If you want quiet beaches, slower mornings, or a polished resort experience, Kuta is not that.

7. Canggu (Surf & Social Life)

If you love surfing, great food and a social atmosphere, Canggu could be your best Bali match. This popular coastal area has become one of Bali’s biggest hotspots for younger travellers, digital nomads, and those looking to meet others while still enjoying plenty of beach time.

Canggu has a distinctly laid-back, youthful energy. Spend your morning catching waves, find a seriously good brunch spot, browse through independent shops, and then head to the beach for sunset before checking out the bars and nightlife.

There are plenty of hostels and social spaces bringing travellers together. You can be as busy or as chilled as you like, although Canggu definitely rewards a social battery. So, if your primary aim is to mingle with others, Canggu is the best spot.

Canggu brings colourful vibes

Best Things To Do In Canggu

Canggu is all about the lifestyle. Whether you want to be active, social, or simply eat your way around Bali, there’s plenty to keep you busy here. Here are some of my favourite activities for Canggu:

Best Areas To Stay In Canggu

Canggu isn’t really one compact area, so where you stay can make a surprisingly big difference to your experience. Berawa is great if you want beach clubs, restaurants, and plenty happening around you, while Echo Beach is better suited to surfers and sunset lovers who want a more beach-focused atmosphere.

📍 Berawa – Best for: Beach-Clubs & Social Life

Berawa is a great choice if you want to be close to Canggu’s famous restaurants, nightlife, and beach clubs such as Finns Recreation Club. It’s one of the more developed and lively parts of Canggu, so you’ll have plenty happening around you without being right in the middle of Batu Bolong’s busiest streets. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Swarga Suites – Gorgeous beachfront resort with spacious rooms, a polished feel, and plenty of luxurious facilities.

📍 Echo Beach- Best for: Surf & Sunsets

If surfing and sunsets are higher on your Bali bucket list than being surrounded by nightlife, Echo Beach could be better suited to you. This part of the coast has a more beach-focused feel and is particularly popular with surfers, while the west-facing coastline makes it a brilliant spot to watch the sun go down. It’s a good compromise if you want Canggu’s energy without being in its heart. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Eastin Ashta Resort Canggu – An affordable, lively stay close to Echo Beach, with huge rooms and a social atmosphere.

My Canggu Hotel Highlights

The Wina Villa Canggu was honestly one of my favourite stays in Bali, and for the price, I was seriously impressed. The villa was huge, with a gorgeous bedroom and bathroom, a separate kitchen and dining area, a decent-sized private pool and a chilled upstairs lounge. It felt like my own little Bali home.

The whole place gave me serious boujee vibes, but the best part? I paid under £65 a night. For that much space, a private pool, and the overall experience, I thought it was an absolute steal. I loved having somewhere I could properly relax between exploring Canggu. This villa rating deserves a 12/10 for me; I genuinely didn’t want to leave. One little tip: If you’re booking, I’d recommend requesting one of the newer villas.

Click the image to expand

Who is Canggu Best For?

Canggu is for surfers, social travellers, solo adventurers, digital nomads, and anyone who loves a good beach day, sunset, and chill. This is a great place to stay if you want a young, lively, and social atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers, and it’s particularly good for solo travellers and backpackers because of its hostel scene.

But you don’t have to be a surfer, solo traveller, or digital nomad to enjoy it. If you simply love good food, beautiful sunsets, and having loads of things to do, you’ll probably have a great time here.

Just be aware, Canggu is busy, popular, and increasingly developed. Traffic can be frustrating, and if you are looking for peaceful, beautiful beaches or a traditional Balinese atmosphere, Canggu probably isn’t your best match.

Join the Everything Travel community on Facebook to ask and find answers to any travel-related questions.

Bali Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Language: Indonesian is Indonesia’s official language (Bahasa Indonesia), while Balinese is also widely spoken across the island, particularly in local and cultural settings. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble communicating during your trip. That said, learning a few local words is always a lovely way to connect with the locals and culture you’re exploring. Here are a few useful phrases to get you started:

Currency: Bali uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), written as Rp. You’ll probably see some very large-looking numbers when shopping, eating out, or booking activities, but don’t panic. The Rupiah has many zeros, so Rp 100,000 is only about £5, depending on the exchange rate. Cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and larger shops, but cash is still essential for smaller businesses, paying locals, markets, taxis, and some attractions. ATMs are widely available also.

Accommodation: Bali has accommodation for pretty much every budget, from cheap hostels to private pool villas and seriously boujee 5-star resorts. And honestly, one of my favourite things about Bali is how much you can get for your money. During my travels, I stayed in gorgeous hotels and villas around Bali; here are my Top 10 Bali Stays, all of which were under £65 per night when I booked them.

When to Visit: Bali is a year-round destination, but the island has two main seasons: a dry season from around April to October, and a wet season from around November to March. The shoulder months April-June, September, and October are great times to visit with fewer crowds. The wet season doesn’t mean it rains all day, by the way; you can still have plenty of sunshine, although heavy tropical showers and humidity are more likely.

How Long to Stay? I’d recommend spending 10-14 days in Bali if you want to experience several different areas without constantly packing and unpacking. Bali might look small on a map, but getting around can take much longer than you’d expect, especially with traffic. If you only have 7 days, don’t worry; you can still have an amazing trip. I’d recommend choosing 2-3 areas rather than trying to see the entire island.

Getting Around: Getting around Bali is relatively cheap and easy, with plenty of options depending on how you like to travel. You can use taxis, ride-hailing apps like GRAB, private drivers, organised tours, or rent a scooter if you’re confident riding one. Bali’s distances can be deceiving. A journey that looks short on a map can take much longer due to traffic, especially in busy areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta. This is worth keeping in mind when choosing where to stay on arrival and departure.

Island Hopping from Bali: Bali is a great base for exploring some of Indonesia’s beautiful nearby islands. The Nusa Islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan are among the easiest additions to a Bali trip, with fast boats connecting them to Bali. You can also head further out to the Gili Islands, which are particularly popular for their beaches, clear waters, snorkelling, diving, and laid-back vibes.

That’s A Wrap!

And there you have it, 7 amazing areas to stay in Bali, each with its own personality, vibe, and reasons to visit! Whether you’re chasing culture and nature in Ubud, beaches and sunsets in Uluwatu, food and nightlife in Seminyak, relaxation in Sanur, luxury in Nusa Dua, budget-friendly fun in Kuta, or surf and social vibes in Canggu, there’s a Bali base for pretty much every type of traveller.

And honestly, you don’t have to choose just one area. If you’ve got 10 days or more, splitting your stay between two or three areas is a great way to experience more of the island without spending your entire trip on the road.

I’ve visited Bali several times, including a month-long solo adventure, and it’s one of those places I could happily keep going back to. Bali really is the dream. So, which area will you stay in first? Pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!