The best area to stay in Bali

If you have the chance to visit Indonesia for the holidays, explore the best places to stay in Bali! Here is a cities, neighborhoods and area guide of Bali.

Located between Java and Lombok in Indonesia, the island of Bali is a paradise for travellers and surfers, and is a dream destination for holiday-makers. With a surface area of ​​5,637 km², it is home to 3,890,000 inhabitants. From Denpasar, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Legian, and Sanur to the south of the island, to Ubud in the centre, and Lovina Beach to the north, finding accommodation in Bali will not be difficult, as you’ll find an abundance of hotels. Bali lies approximately 8 degrees latitude south of the equator. In other words, the island enjoys a rather hot and humid equatorial climate, with an average temperature of 82°F throughout the year. Attracting more than 3 million tourists per year, Indonesia’s richest island can count on mass tourism as its main financial windfall.

Terraced rice fields, white sandy beaches, lush vegetation, temples, and hot weather all year long: Bali is a dream destination. Since accommodation is always an issue when planning a trip, we’ve prepared the following presentation to help you decide where to stay in Bali.

South Bali

Photo credit: Flickr – zsoolt

Kuta? No. Kuta is a “temple” of Western tourists. The favourite haunt of Australian visitors, the area is like an open-air amusement park serving a single purpose: mass tourism. Avoid Kuta, unless you enjoy partying all night, though you will not see many Balinese people around here. As soon as you land on the tarmac at Denpasar, we advise you to head towards the Bukit peninsula for your stay in Bali. Take the opportunity to treat yourself to some surfing beginner classes on the beach: the water is 30°, take a dip in Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Discover temples – Pura Luhur -, enjoy walks with majestic views of the Indian Ocean – Dreamland Beach, Bingin Beach, Pantai Melasti, Pantai Pandawa, etc. – and relax in a laid-back and stress-free environment. If you are looking for cheap accommodation, South Bali is a great area to stay in Bali.

The eastern part of Bali

Photo credit: Flickr – Shark Attacks

Black sandy beaches, traditional fishing ports, a coastal road winding around the mountains between Amlapura and Kubu, Amed, Sibetan and the Salak plantations, the rice fields of Sidemen: all these areas have an “authentic” feel, and are still untouched by mass tourism. A great area to be in contact with the local population and witness its hospitality first-hand. To stay in East Bali, there are few hotels, but more bed and breakfasts or homestay accommodation options.

Ubud in the centre of Bali

Photo credit: Flickr – Graeme Churchard

With 34,034 inhabitants, Ubud is a fairly big city compared to the many small villages of Bali. It is the cultural capital of the island, and offers many activities to its visitors. From lush green rice fields to art galleries, local craft shops and yoga centres – Hinduism is the island’s main religion, practiced by 95% of the population – your getaway is bound to be magnificent and memorable. As for accommodation, you’ll find everything from cheap guest houses to luxury hotels, so staying in Ubud is sure to be revitalising!

Around Batur Lake

Photo credit: Flickr – Sue

In the north-eastern part of the island, overlooking the Batur volcano – 1,717 metres above sea level – and its lake of the same name: here you will find a magnificent place to stay if you are fond of hiking in the countryside. Climb the volcano’s ridges to admire the caldera and Mt. Abang, which rises to 2,152 metres above sea level. The accommodation in the area – including resorts, homestays, and guest houses – is easily found on the edge of the lake, at the foot of the volcano: the best accommodation in Bali!

Main photo credit : Flickr – Selamat Made