Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas to stay in Bali Indonesia for the first-timers

For vacation trips, planning is never excessive. One of the elements determines the success of your trip. It decides your mood and your health during the trip. Can you think of the bustling activities one day as nothing more than a quiet bed and a quiet space at night? A good news for you is that during your Bali trip, it will not be too hard to find great places to stay whether your wallet is much or less money. The article below will give you great tips for choosing the place for your vacation stay.

So, where to stay in Bali Indonesia and top places to stay in Bali for the first-timers? Let’s discover plus and minus of top 10 best areas to stay in Bali Indonesia including best budget places to stay in Bali for tourists who the first time traveling to Bali through our where to stay in Bali blog below.

Best area to stay in Bali Indonesia: Seminyak

Renowned for its beautiful beaches at sunset, Seminyak is a luxury beach resort in Bali which is considered a five-star resort. With secluded villas, world-class beach clubs and place to view the fantastic sunset. Most of the island’s best restaurants are found in this area. This place is also a shopping paradise with many design shops and brands.

Who is this place for?

• Anyone interested in the center where everything is happening
• Rich visitors

Plus points

• Many shops and eateries
• Strong and passionate nightlife
• Full energy day and night

Minus points

• Some services are a bit distance and you have to walk

Best area to stay in Bali Indonesia: Ubud

Situated in the central highland of Bali, Ubud is a small town offering an alternative accommodation for tropical beach scenes at popular resorts. The area is dominated by lush river valleys and the famous bamboo rice dish. Along with that, the relaxation spa system is located in the village area helps you regain your energy after joining outdoor activities.

Who is this place for?

• Anyone interested in the center where everything is happening
• Travelers who like to explore the local life and culture
• Those who do not like ocean air or want to experience new something

Plus points

• Many shops, restaurants, spas
• Many temples are suitable for exploring life
• Strong and passionate nightlife
• Full energy day and night

Minus points

• The scenery is less attractive than the beaches

Top places to stay in Bali: Kuta Beach

Considered to be the mecca of surfing, this place attracts surfing enthusiasts from many places come to Bali. Especially the Kuta Beach area is bustling with night parties, beer, and music. Only 10 minutes north of Kuta Beach, you can find a water park, shopping mall, and restaurants.

Who is this place for?

• Travelers have an average budget
• Travelers like the sea and surfing

Plus points

• Many shops and eateries
• Lodging, hotels in a variety of quality and price
• Suitable for sports activities, surfing

Minus points

• The area is quite crowded, especially in peak seasons (June – December)

Top places to stay in Bali: Legian

Located between Seminyak and Kuta, Legian is also a popular beach for relax. Not only are the hotels with many prices, even some are the cheapest Bali, Legian also has the most bar and party space. Even so, the day is still quieter than Kuta.

Who is this place for?

• Travelers want to find places with affordable prices
• Travelers want to stay near the beach but they are afraid of crowded Kuta
• Visitors want space in the style of every little one, quiet and vibrant

Plus points

• Many shops and eateries, bars
• Bustling nightlife
• Quite during the day

Minus points

• The road system is quite complex

Top places to stay in Bali: Jimbaran Bay

One of the most beautiful places to enjoy the sunset in Bali. Most of the hotels are in international restaurant chains and five-star resorts. In addition, it is well known for its restaurants, cafes, beach bars with specialty cocktails, seafood and grilled dishes.

Who is this place for?

• Rich visitors
• Honeymooners
• Guests wishing to enjoy 5-star food
• Guests wishing to stay close to one of Bali’s most beautiful bays

Plus points

• Many choices of dining, entertainment and day and night options
• One of the most beautiful sunset spots in Bali
• Romantic, suitable for couples
• The most luxurious Bali services

Minus points

• Quite far from the center, it takes time to get to the sights and other areas of Bali

Best places to stay in Bali: Nusa Dua

Renowned one of the most luxurious beach of Bali. The beautiful white sands of the south-east are ideal places for you to lay down in the sun with a book or sip a glass of cocktail. Nusa Dua is also home to a variety of entertainment, fun activities and always ready to serve you.

Who is this place for?

• Guests are on a honeymoon trip
• Rich visitors
• Travelers prefer to stay at luxury resorts with private beach

Plus points

• Many choices of dining, entertainment for day and night options
• More romantic space, suitable for couples
• Marine recreational services: scuba diving, banana boat, sea walk, …

Minus points

• Quite far from the center, preferring to maritime activities rather than exploring Bali culture

Best places to stay in Bali: Sanur

As one of the first areas to be introduced into tourism, Sanur has a good infrastructure, slow pace resort style. Coming to this place, you can enjoy a Bali book as praised books: 5 stars resort, best food, blue water beach.

Who is this place for?

• The couples are on a honeymoon trips
• Travelers are wealthy or willing to spend money to have a dream vacation
• Travelers enjoy the famous resorts

Plus points

• Many dining and relaxation options
• Many romantic, quiet spaces
• Space suitable for couples, families and older people
• Quiet in the evening for very little nighttime activities

Minus points

• The area is quite “old” and less active at night, so it is not suitable for young people

Best places to stay in Bali: Tanjung Benoa

The area concentrates the recreational activities of Bali. Tanjung Benoa brings you to the thrilling experiences of paragliding, water skiing, windsurfing, jet skiing, … In parallel with shopping centers, local markets, shops and stores with all the items from luxury to popular. This area is also a paradise for those who love food and like to party at night.

Who is this place for?

• Young travelers, like activities, play more than relaxation
• Honeymooners
• Travelers have average or rather budget

Plus points

• Many dining options, relaxation, shopping, night entertainment
• Many recreational activities meet the hobbies and ages
• Suitable spaces for couples, families and young people

Minus points

• This area is too “young” and quite noisy at night

Where to stay in Bali reviews: Candidasa

Situated just east of Bali, Candidasa is a new option for those who want to escape the crowds. Although there are no stretches of sand, there is still a 360-degree sea view and fresh air. There are many motels and hotels and some are the extremely affordable price. From here, you can easily explore the eastern part of Bali.

Who is this place for?

• You want to find new things
• Visitors have the moderate budget for eating, resting
• Travelers want to have time to explore other places than sea islands

Plus points

• Many dining options, relaxation, shopping, night entertainment
• Conveniently move and explore the eastern part of Bali
• Space suitable for many objects from couples, families to visitors to go with friends

Minus points

• This area does not have the famous white sands of Bali
• Quite far from the center and fewer activities at night

Where to stay in Bali reviews: Denpasar

If you want to try live in a Bali village instead of traveling to Denpasar. Bring to your visitors a bold local space with many motels, hotels in price. From here, you can explore South Bali.

Who is this place for?

• Travelers are low and moderate cost, dusty tourists
• Guests want to have time for exploring the culture of the island

Plus points

• Many dining options, relaxation, shopping
• Many types of motels, hotels at all prices
• Conveniently to move and explore the southern part of Bali
• Space suitable for many objects from couples, families to visitors to go with friends

Minus points

• Crowded and quite noisy

Useful information for you when traveling to Bali for the first time

• Should wear lightweight clothes and suitable for going to the beach
• Bring at least one long sleeve shirt/jacket to visit temples when necessary.
• If you go from about 5-6 people, you can choose to rent villas to stay more comfortable but it is cheaper
• Enjoy seafood and watching the sunset on the beach are two activities that you definitely should not miss

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Bali you can refer to

• Bali All Time Favourites Private Day Trip
• Bali Private UNESCO Heritage Sites Trip
• Nusa Penida Full Day Trip from Bali
• Bali Swing and Waterfall Full Day Tour in Ubud
• Bali Instagram Tour
• Private Ngurah Rai Airport Transfers (DPS) for Bali
• Private Sightseeing Custom Tour for Bali
• Private Sightseeing Custom Tour for Ubud & Surroundings
• Bali Private Car Charter
• Ubud All-Inclusive Private Day Tour
• Lovina Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour in Bali
• Nusa Penida Day Tour from Bali
• Bali ATV Ride in Ubud through Tunnel, Rice Fields, Puddles
• Mount Batur 4WD Jeep Sunrise Tour With Photographer
• Instagram Tour with Photographer in Bali
• Waterbom Bali Ticket
• [ALL-IN] Bali Private Car Charter
• Nusa Penida Instagram Tour & Snorkelling from Bali
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking or Jeep Private Tour in Kintamani Bali
• Fast Boat Ticket between Bali (Sanur) and Nusa Penida
• Fast Boat Ticket between Sanur and Nusa Penida by Axe Stone
• Scooter & Motorbike Rental in Bali
• Nusa Penida Private Car Charter
• Bali Safari and Marine Park Ticket
• Ayung White Water Rafting
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking Experience
• Kecak Fire and Dance Show Ticket in Uluwatu and Melasti Beach Bali
• 3G/4G Prepaid SIM Card (DPS Airport Pick Up) for Bali
• 4G Portable WiFi for Bali
• 4G Portable WiFi for Indonesia from Uroaming
• 4G LTE WiFi (MNL Delivery) for Asia

Are you looking for more Bali travel guide and top things to do in Bali: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Bali travel blog — The fullest Bali travel guide blog for a budget trip to Bali, Indonesia.