Where to Stay in Bali: Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur and Nusa Dua

Where you stay in Bali shapes your whole holiday: Ubud if you want culture, nature and tranquillity; Seminyak or Canggu if you want beaches, restaurants and sunsets; Sanur or Nusa Dua for a quiet beach holiday with the family; Uluwatu for surfing and ocean views. Most travellers split their stay in two: a few nights inland in Ubud and a few nights on the coast. As traffic on the island is heavy, choosing the right area also cuts down the hours spent on the road.

Types of accommodation

Before we move on to the areas, let us take a quick look at the styles of accommodation in Bali:

• Villa: Villas with several rooms and a private pool are very common in Bali. They are popular with groups of friends and families.
• Resort: Properties with a beach or valley views and a wide range of services. They are found especially around Nusa Dua and Ubud.
• Boutique hotel and homestay: Staying in part of a Balinese family's home or in a small business is a lovely way to see local life up close.

Ubud: culture and nature

Who it suits: Culture lovers, those interested in yoga and wellbeing, first-time visitors.

Ubud, set among rice fields and forests, is the island's centre of art and tradition. The palace, market, temples, dance performances and cooking classes are here; the Tegallalang terraces, Tirta Empul and the Monkey Forest are nearby. It has no coastline, and getting to the beach takes time. The centre is crowded and busy with traffic; for a quieter stay, people prefer places with valley views outside the centre.

Seminyak: beaches, restaurants and shopping

Who it suits: Couples, lovers of restaurants and shopping, those who want a comfortable beach holiday.

With its boutique shops, cafés, restaurants and beach clubs, Seminyak is the stylish part of the south coast. Watching the sunset on the beach is the highlight of the evenings. Waves can be strong on the west coast; when swimming, pay attention to the flags and lifeguard warnings.

Canggu: surfing and a young vibe

Who it suits: Surfers, young travellers, long-stay visitors and remote workers.

Interwoven with rice fields, Canggu has become very popular in recent years for its cafés, surf schools and relaxed atmosphere. The beaches are better suited to surfing. As the area has grown, traffic and construction have increased.

Kuta and Legian: buzz and easy transport

Who it suits: Budget-conscious travellers, beginner surfers, those who want to stay near the airport.

With its proximity to the airport and its long beach, Kuta was one of the first centres of tourism in Bali. It is lively and crowded, with a vibrant nightlife. It may not be the first choice for those seeking peace and quiet, but it is practical for a one-night stay after a late arrival or before an early flight.

Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula: ocean views

Who it suits: Surfers, couples looking for views and tranquillity.

The area stands out for the high cliffs at the southern tip of the island, the hidden coves below them and accommodation with ocean views. Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak dance are here. Some beaches are reached by long flights of steps. Because the area is spread out, it is hard to explore on foot, and you need a vehicle to get around. Nearby Jimbaran is known for seafood dinners on the beach.

Sanur: a quiet coast for families

Who it suits: Families with young children, older travellers, those who want a quiet holiday.

Sanur is known for its shallow, calm, reef-protected sea, its long beachfront promenade and its serene atmosphere. It is the sunrise coast. As many of the boats to the Nusa islands leave from here, it is also practical for island trips.

Nusa Dua: resort holidays

Who it suits: Families, corporate groups, those who want everything in one place.

Nusa Dua is an orderly, well-kept area with large resorts. The beaches are generally clean and the sea calm. On the other hand, you stay relatively far from local life and Bali's cultural fabric. As it also has meeting and event facilities, it is popular with corporate groups.

The east and north: quiet alternatives

• Sidemen: An inland alternative quieter than Ubud, with rice fields and mountain views.
• Amed: A quiet coastal village known for snorkelling and diving.
• Lovina: On the north coast, known for its calm sea and sunrise boat trips.
• Munduk: In the mountains, with waterfalls and cool air, for nature lovers.

How should you split your stay?

On a one-week trip, for example, three nights in Ubud and four on the coast (Seminyak, Sanur or Uluwatu) is a good balance. For ten days or more, you can add Sidemen or Amed in the east, or Nusa Lembongan. Allow for each move between areas taking up to half a day. For a list of the highlights in each area, take a look at our article Things to see in Bali, and for choosing the season, our article When to go to Bali.

We do not have a ready-made catalogue programme for this route; if you would like us to plan one for your group, you can write to us via our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Where should first-time visitors stay in Bali?

Splitting your stay in two is the most balanced approach: a few nights in Ubud for culture and nature, and a few nights in Seminyak, Sanur or Uluwatu for the sea.

Which area of Bali suits families with children?

Sanur, with its calm, shallow sea, and Nusa Dua, with its resorts and well-kept beaches, are popular with families with children.

Is there a beach in Ubud?

No. Ubud is inland and has no coastline. Getting to the nearest beaches takes time, depending on traffic.

Villa or hotel in Bali?

For groups of friends and large families, villas with private pools are practical and enjoyable. For those who want more services and facilities, resorts and hotels may be more suitable.