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WHERE TO STAY

Where to stay in Bali: the best areas, compared

6 areas worth considering in Bali, who each one suits, how you'd get around, and one honest downside each. Click any area to search hotels there.

By the Viorvo team · Checked

Short on time? Our picks for Bali

The full comparison is below. These are the areas we would choose.

Best for familiesSanurSanur's beach is protected by a lagoon, so the water is calm for swimming and snorkelling.
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Best for Muslim travellersNusa DuaMasjid Agung Ibnu Batutah is in the Puja Mandala complex on Jl.
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Hotels in Bali for your dates

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Areas

Seminyak

$$$

Seminyak has five-star international hotels, upscale restaurants, spas and boutiques, and a row of beach clubs known for sunset views. It is calmer than neighbouring Kuta.

Best for
Luxury, couples, beach clubs and dining
Getting around
Close to Ngurah Rai International Airport. Canggu is about 25 minutes north.
Keep in mind
The beach clubs and bars run from day until late at night, so it is not the quietest choice.
Hotels in Seminyak ↗

Canggu

Canggu mixes village life with cafés, villas and surf. The beach is famous for its waves and hosts surf competitions. Tanah Lot temple is close by.

Best for
Surfers, remote workers, casual travellers
Getting around
About a 45-minute drive from the airport and 25 minutes north of Seminyak.
Hotels in Canggu ↗

Ubud

Ubud is Bali's arts and wellness town, with rice terraces like Tegalalang, galleries, museums, yoga and temples. It has a laid-back, peaceful feel.

Best for
Culture, wellness, quiet stays
Getting around
Inland. Prepaid cabs run from the airport, but the fare can be high. Pura Uluwatu is about 1.5 to 2 hours away.
Keep in mind
No beach, and it is far from the southern beach areas.
Hotels in Ubud ↗

Sanur

Sanur's beach is protected by a lagoon, so the water is calm for swimming and snorkelling. It has a long beach path and is known for sunrise views.

Best for
Families, quiet beach stays, early risers
Getting around
About 15 km from Ngurah Rai Airport, or 30 to 45 minutes by taxi or ride-share.
Keep in mind
Calm water means it is not a surf spot.
Hotels in Sanur ↗

Nusa Dua

$$$

Nusa Dua is a planned enclave of large international resorts, spas and golf courses with shallow, clear water and white sand. Masjid Agung Ibnu Batutah is inside the Puja Mandala worship complex here.

Best for
Families, luxury resorts, Muslim travellers
Getting around
About 15 minutes from Jimbaran and 20 to 30 minutes from Kuta.
Muslim-friendly
Masjid Agung Ibnu Batutah is in the Puja Mandala complex on Jl. Nusa Dua, where five places of worship stand side by side.
Hotels in Nusa Dua ↗

Uluwatu

Uluwatu has cliff-top views, strong reef waves for intermediate to expert surfers, and Pura Uluwatu temple on a 70-metre cliff with a Kecak dance at sunset. Padang Padang has a gentler side for beginners.

Best for
Experienced surfers, sunset views, couples
Getting around
About 45 minutes to 1 hour from Ngurah Rai Airport, and about 45 minutes from Kuta or Seminyak.
Keep in mind
Beach access is steep. Some beaches are reached by stairs down the cliffs.
Hotels in Uluwatu ↗

Price levels ($ to $$$) appear only where an official tourism source rates them. Hotel links search Booking.com, and some earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Before you book in Bali

  • Foreign tourists pay a one-time Bali tourist levy of Rp 150,000 per person per trip. Pay online through Love Bali before you arrive, or at the airport. You get a QR-code voucher by email.
  • Roads in busy areas can be heavily congested at peak times, and ceremonial processions sometimes block roads. Pick an area close to what you want to do.
  • Bali's airport closes for 24 hours once a year for Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence. Check the date before booking flights.
Still deciding? Search all of Bali and filter by area on the map.
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Plan the rest

More for your trip to Bali

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Questions

Common questions

Do Canadians need a visa for Bali?

Yes. You can get a tourist visa in advance or on arrival at select entry points. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive.

How much is the Bali tourist tax?

Rp 150,000 per person, paid once per trip. It is on top of the Indonesian visa fee.

Is there a mosque near the Bali resorts?

Yes. Masjid Agung Ibnu Batutah is in the Puja Mandala complex in Nusa Dua.

Sources

Checked September 30, 2026. Prices, rules and fees change, so confirm before you travel.

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