Where to stay in Bali

Bali is one of the most celebrated and visited islands in the Indonesian archipelago. It is a feast for the eyes with its many attractions.  It is very probable for the majority of people, the very mention of the name invokes a round of ecstatic thoughts.  Although moderately small, the island offers demonstrations of Balinese ethnicity, both primordial and contemporary, counting in some remarkable cuisine. In short, Bali is not just a place; it is an emotion. The varied culture of the island plays out at all echelons of life. It would not be without those that this island has sobriquets of extol like ‘Island of Gods’, ‘the Last Paradise’ among many others.

Although the essence of Bali lies in its many beaches, the island is more than just the entertaining retreat. In here, you are guaranteed to lose yourself in the pleasures of a lavish getaway. It has everything from verdant greens to ancient monuments to make your visit worthwhile. At the end of the hour, it is Bali’s loaded culture, breathtaking sights and the sheer delight of the residents that makes it quite a haven for the tourists. Plunge into the Balinese spirits is as uncomplicated as catching a perfect wave. No matter what you want, with its diverse neighbourhood, Bali is positive to score a place in your heart. On that note, here are our top picks for the best places to stay in Bali.

Kuta

Effortlessly one of the most mainstream destinations in the whole of Bali, Kuta is known for its bustling tourism panorama. With countless shopping malls to traditional markets, from high-end restaurants to ‘warungs’ which are family-run restaurants, this neighbourhood is on the fast track to being a nucleus of tourism.  The phenomenal Kuta Beach flanked with expansive walkways and myriad restaurants, has soft golden sand.

With plenty of options when it comes to leisure activities, there is no chance that you would be bored in Kuta -surfing, swimming, and a number of beach games are the most prominent. Famed for its high waves and waist-deep water, the Kuta beach is a much-favoured haven for novice surfers. If you are visiting with children, a visit to Waterbom Bali is a must. With plenty of water rides, this is one of the largest water parks in the city. The Upside Down World is a fun place that you cannot simply go wrong with. If you are looking for shopping, you would be soon struck by the amazing choices. It can be described as a world of stark contrast. On one end, there are quaint local markets and on the other, largely upscale commercial stores. Get ready to be spoiled by the fine dining options here. The neighbourhood is packed with restaurants that serve international fares, but if you want to explore the traditional culinary scene, you should not miss out on local warungs in town.  You can also make use of the spa to relax and pamper yourself.

Seminyak

Time and again christened as Kuta’s more upscale sister, Seminyak has its share of beauty and splendour. It is a reflection of the former’s rudiments, but with everything accentuated up a notch. In short, it is an address line which people take pride in. With a spectacular coastline that is engaged by warm and comfortable beanbag chairs from Bohemian cafés, they are breathing pivots of many actions. The neighbourhood also stands out as a commercial destination where you can splurge your money for good.  The top draws definitely are its aesthetic beaches and mellow vibes.

Situated in the north of Kuta, Seminyak Beach presents an idyllic distraction that lures many tourists. It remains moderately hushed during the day and the sun-drenched ambience provides a great shot for those who want to sunbathe or go swimming. If you want to explore further, the Double Six Beach and the Echo Beach are very well recommended. The coasts are fashionable with local expats and have a sophisticated identity to it. A handful of superiorly lavish beachfront hotels lend its address to these beaches. Although little overshadowed by recent expansions, the neighbourhood’s central cultural landmark Petitenget Temple is a must-see.  The antiquity provided by the red bricks and sandstone is a true highlight. With an impressive total of unique artworks and immersive paintings, the Dream Museum Zone is guaranteed to transport you to an alternate realm of reality.  Seminyak is also home to scores of restaurants and you are certainly in for a treat with world-class dining scene here.

Ubud

This neighbourhood imbues every awakening and is a colourful offering among the streets. The spellbinding sprains of gamelan are a relentless soundtrack in Ubud. With its showcase of ingenious inventiveness when it comes to design, the mindfulness when it comes to culinary initiatives, and the best offering in terms of global tourism, expect nothing but the best. A treasure trove of cultural pointers, explore ancient temples, stately royal palaces, and other cultural highlights.
With the right mesh of old and new, this neighbourhood promises a one-time stop for everyone. Positioned on the suburbs of central Ubud is the Ubud Monkey Forest, a natural sanctuary that is home to as many as seven hundred macaques. For scenic landscapes, visit the Tegallang rice terrace where Bali’s time-honoured, age-old cooperative irrigation system has carved a breathtaking terraced panorama.

If you want to understand the craftsman’s dominion, head on to the Pakudui Village. With the recurring mythical features and avid sculptures, this village presents an astonishing assortment of decorative woodwork and carvings. If you are craving to explore an assortment of historical sites, the Goa Gajah is an impressive option. The relic-packed courtyards and rock carvings are positive to leave you wanting to linger on there for long. The Ubud Royal Palace is a well-preserved landmark in the neighbourhood that is quite a visual treat for anyone with an eye for details. Opposite the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace, is the Art Market that has many handcrafted goods. These handmade goods are chiefly from neighbouring villages and make a strategic shopping centre for Balinese handicrafts and souvenirs. When it comes to the dining scene, it is no secret that Ubud is home to a few of the finest restaurants in the whole of Indonesia.  From gourmet to gastro, non-vegetarian to vegan, it has everything to keep you satiated.

Canggu

Time and again, Canggu has stricken a delicate sense of balance between being a renowned tourist destination and remaining a semi-rural coastal town. With verdant rice fields and modest buildings, the young streets are overstated with beach-enthused restaurants, Bohemian cafés, and other accommodations. Contemporary arts assume a significant role and be prepared to see awesome murals at every spin.

This previously hidden corner of Bali has now transformed into a bracing undercurrent surf-shack groove.  It is the ideal wedding of fashion and aesthetics that makes Canggu enticing. Beaming with vigour and liveliness, this neighbourhood is the home to quaint views, never-ending activities and fun vibes. It is safe to say that the neighbourhood is budding into a catch-all name, full-blown Bali hotspot set to the villa-occupied expanse of land flanked by Kerobokan and Echo Beach. It is crammed with an increasingly tempting collection of big businesses to casual cafes. Furthermore, Canggu has waves to indulge in. The Berawa Beach and Batu Balong Beach are great picks to rally around and hit the waves. You might also want to catch the sunset at Tanah Lot, a celebrated holy site positioned atop a rock structure. If you are seeking to evade the buzz of the city and experience the authentic Balinese culture, make it a point to explore the many rice paddies from Jalan Pantai Pererenan to Jalan Raya Seseh.

If visiting on weekend, the organic Sunday market offers fresh, healthy local fruits and vegetables. As far as the gastronomy is concerned, Canggu is quite a foodie’s paradise. Mouthwatering meals await you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The amazing restaurants cater to a wide range of cuisines-Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Vegan, and obviously Indonesian,

Nusa Dua

If you are in search of a refined neighbourhood, the Nusa Dua is possibly the most urbanized region in Bali. It is a superlative pick to have the benefit of resort living by the famous beach of Nusa Dua. Countless prolific and legendary resorts share the foundation, making it plentiful in well-appointed constructions with a modest tropical blend. Anticipate stunning infinity pools. Palm trees, comfortable daybeds and never-ending activities to indulge in.

This upscale district of Bali could be quite a misnomer for first-time visitors. A dedicated tourist area, you will not find a leaf out of place here with the uptight security studded everywhere. This neighbourhood can feel a world away from the rest of the city with its carefully maintained surroundings. Thus, if you are looking for a calming beach holiday, away from the hubbub, look no further than Nusa Dua. Pantai Geger is one among the public strips of sand that you can actually enjoy. With a great number of outsized cafes in and around the beach, the coastline is dotted with conveniences you simply cannot resist.

One of the unsurpassed natural sights of the neighbourhood comes in the form of Water Blow, an enormous gust puncture from where you can watch the water erupt from the sea into the sky. Although camels may not necessarily be the first image that pops into your head when you picture Bali, the camel ride at Bali Camel Safaris can be a great way to see around the vistas along the sand. Another famed attraction in the neighbourhood is undoubtedly along the phenomenal Gegar beach- the Pura Gegar. Despite the small size of the temple, the breathtaking vistas make it worth paying a visit. Unsurprisingly, Nusa Dua has a wealth of restaurants and inexpensive spots if you want to evade the pricey restaurants in the resort.

Sanur

Polished with the serene east-facing seaboard of Bali, this slack beach town in is a great pick to enjoy some of the fun-filled activities that the neighbourhood has in store. The beach’s tranquil waves complement the town’s individuality- it is a safe haven for adults as well as kids. The neighbourhood lures visitors mainly for its beautiful beach resorts, stunning ocean-front restaurants, and largely, due to its heartening temperament. Bali’s distinct culture and natural backdrop are visibly evident here in Sanur. From the prominent historical landmarks such as the Le Mayeur Museum, and the Blanjong inscription, the neighbourhood maintains a taut history.  

The shoreline of Sanur extents between the coastal frame of the Gianyar regency and Denpasar's mangrove forest towards the South. It could be a launching pad for those who want to dive and discover the magnificence of the close-by islands. Scores of areas around the island are fit for diving and snorkelling with plentiful aquatic life and healthy corals.  The impressive tiled beachfront cycle-path widens into a lovely space for scenic bike riding and other fun-activities like kitesurfing, and wakeboarding. The Bali Seawalker offers a breathtaking view of the underwater. This unique approach facilitates walking underwater amidst beautiful reefs and sultry maritime creatures. Yet another interesting activity would be to drop by Bali Sharks, a private nature conservation initiative where you can stopover to see a turtle hatchery, a marine garden aquarium and do snorkelling. The Le Mayeur Museum that houses the many artworks of painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres, is a place you shouldn’t miss. Sanur is well-serviced when it comes to the culinary scene. If you are searching for delicious food without being hard on your pocket, the Night Market is a great choice.