Where To Stay In Bali Based On The Type Of Experience You're After
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the reason why I think it’s so important to talk to an expert before going to Bali is because the amount of content and options are legit. - endless.
It IS SO DAMN overwhelming. I believe the stats are; there is over 600,000 villas within the ONE island of Bali!
X’s that, by options to eat out under the rice paddy fields, and your mind might explode.
Everyone will tell you, the “absolute BEST” place to stay in Bali is "blah blah” Each answer will be different. So here’s a little post to squash it and narrow it down based on the type of traveler YOU are, and what exactly you’re looking for from your experience.
Bali can be split into 6 areas
Central Bali Hello Jungle LIFE!
West Bali Can you seen pictures of Flores islands and the Komodo Dragon National Park? This is where that’s about.
North Bali Think waterfalls!
East Bali Think Volcano Region
Southeastern Islands Southeastern Islands includes Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida … A underwater divers go-to.
Canggu
DIGITAL NOMAD KINDA TRAVELLER
Personally my favorite location in Bali, why?
Price, atmosphere, collaboration opportunities, and the ‘CANGGU VIBE’ it’s hard to explain but I’ll try. This is where the digital nomads stay, and most people that come to Bali for long-term end up. Canggu is where you’ll have ALL the cafes you see on Instagram in one spot. This is where the trendy fitness studios are and where you’re guaranteed to find something to do on any given night of the week. Canggu is 100% Bali’s most up and coming ‘it place’ Has anyone seen Gypsea_lust and @doyoutravel mansion in Bali? Yup - that’s Canggu. So if two of the world’s biggest travel influencers live there… That’s saying something.
Downside: you will not find the crystal blue beaches here….
Seminyak
BOOKED & BUSY KINDA TRAVELLER
Seminyak was where I stayed on my first trip to Bali back in 2015, I would refer to Seminyak as the ‘Cancun’ of Bali. By this I mean, it’s BOOKED & BUSY. Full of tourists, overpriced oceanfront restaurants and bars. This is where you go shopping, hit up the nightclubs, and be RIGHT in the middle of it. Seminyak is about 20 minutes (with traffic) from Canggu and prices for everything are up 15-20%. This is where you will find the iconic Potato Head Beach Club & The W Hotel.
Downside: Traffic is horrendous and like Canggu, these are not the beaches of Bali you see on Instagram.
Ubud
JUNGLE & YOGA VIBES KINDA TRAVELLER
Monkey Forest anyone? But seriously, just don’t look them in the eye!!!!!! Ubud is known for it’s luscious rice paddy views, SO MUCH GREEN! Ubud is your jungle vibe location in Bali. If you want to relax in the jungle, do yoga in the AM and massages in the PM. Ubud might be the spot for you. Ubud is BUSY (still v-touristy) but it offers a more low-key vibe next to places like Seminyak. It’s not where you go to get wasteey with your squad, you go to Ubud to get down with mother earth and treat-yo-self to a spa day - errrrr’ day.
Downside: Ubud is more centra Bali which means you are without the ocean.
Bukit West & Uluwatu
SURFER & BEACH LIFE KINDA TRAVELLER
NOW - this is where you’ll find some stunning turquoise blue beaches in Bali. Uluwatu offers stunning cliffside views, out of the world sunsets, and serious chill beach vibes. Uluwatu is a surfer’s paradise. If you’re going on a couples trip or want a low key beach experience where you don’t need to worry so much about heavy traffic on your scooter. Uluwatu would be a great option for you. (around an hour drive from Seminyak/Canggu)
Downside: Uluwatu can feel isolated if you’re expected the hustle and bustle
Gili Islands
A DIVER’S PARADISE KINDA TRAVELLER
There is 3 Gili Islands each is different based on your preference, Gili T is infamous for being the ‘backpackers favorite choice’ with plenty of parties and organized events. Personally not my fav, but back in 2015, I do remember loving it for these reasons. Gili Meno & Air are considered the ‘lovers islands’ very low key, relaxed and quiet (things to note, finding hot water and great plumbing on the islands is next to none) just be prepared for that.
Downside: low-key, no scooters are allowed on the island
Nusa Islands
ADVENTURE-ISLAND LIFE KINDA TRAVELLER
Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Pendia
Nusa P is home to one of the most photographed beaches in South East Asia; Kelingking Beach. The island offers many scenic viewpoints and would be great for a nights stay if you didn’t want to be rushed experiencing it all in half a day.
Downside: The roads are VERY underdeveloped, if you suffer from car sickness, I would NOT recommend.
Nusa L, is one of my favorite spots in Bali, easy to get around by scooter, minimal traffic, gorgeous blue beaches, great spots to chill for an afternoon drink and awesome hospitality. PERSONALLY, if I was to spend a few nights on an island in Bali, Nusa Lembongan would be it!
Downside: no hot water, if you need that, it could be an issue.
Jimbaran
THE BEVERLY HILLS MEETS BALI KINDA TRAVELLER
Legit the ‘The Beverly Hills of Bali‘. Jimbaran you can find the most stunning beaches and beach bars on the whole coast, HELLO, high-end spas and luxury villas.
Pro Tip: Ayana Resort… is one of the few you can experience for a quick day fee of $20 AUD.
You can lounge underneath the palm trees and shop in the chic boutiques amongst the small streets of this charming, picturesque hub.
Downside: Not the Bali budget you had imagined when your friend said how cheap Bali was.
Nusa Dua
THE KIM K IN BALI KINDA TRAVELLER
This is where you’ll find the ritzy hotel chains in Bali, located on a gorgeous beach-front location in Bali. Nusa Dua is where you go to stay in your hotel and never leave. You can experience great water spots here and some of the finest “chef renowned’ restaurants.
Downside: Like Jimbaran expect to pay a premium price for your experience.
Lombok
OFF THE BEATEN PATH KINDA TRAVELLER
Only recently has Lombok upped their tourist game. More peeps are making the hop to find their piece of perfection. With tumbling waterfalls and stunning beaches. Known as the ‘unspoiled Bali’ Lombok has many heavenly beaches on offer.
Downside: chill, quiet and might be considered under-developed depending on your expectations.
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