The Indonesian island of Bali can be found on the bucket list of people with an incurable case of wanderlust. I mean, who doesn’t want to experience a booming arts scene, paradisiacal beaches, heart-pumping adventures and delectable dishes that awake the senses?
Even though the island is considered small (2,176 sq mi), it can take you weeks to explore all it has to offer. For travelers with a limited amount of time, it is advisable to select one or two “home” bases. Those bases should be selected based on preferences.
Here are some ideas on where to base yourself + friends and family. The more the merrier for your stay in Bali!
Table of Contents
Jimbaran
Jimbaran is located south of Kuta and the airport. It is known for its calm waters, fish restaurants and colorful boats.
Things to do
- Visit the Uluwatu Temple- this is a must if you are in the area!
- Watch the sunset from Jimbaran Bay
- Wake up early and see the daily catch at the fish market
- Have a massage or treatment at one of the renowned spas in the area
- Eat a big seafood platter right at the beach!
Where to Stay
There is a wide arrange of amazing properties in the area. The AYANA Resort, Karma and the Four Seasons Resort are very popular among travelers. Budget properties include the BALQUISSE Heritage Hotel and the Open House.
Ubud
Ubud is located in the uplands of Bali. It is considered the island’s cultural center. The town is surrounded by rainforest, rice paddies, temples and shrines.
Things to Do
- Visit the monkey forest
- Marvel at the area’s temples and historic sites. For example, you can visit Pura Gunung Kawi, Pura Kehen or Puri Saren Agung. Please review the proper temple etiquette before visiting these places
- Museum lovers rejoice! Pay a visit to the Blanco Renaissance Museum, Agung Rai Museum of Art or the Neka Art Museum
- Take a cooking class
- Walk around the rice paddies or terraces
- Cool down at the Tegenungan Waterfall
- Go river rafting, canyoneering or tubing with one of the adventure companies based on the area
Where to Stay
Ubud is home of Insta-famous hotels such as Amori Villas, Komaneka and the Chedi Club (all with larger than life pools). The Lokha Ubud and Bebek Tepi Sawah Villas are good options too.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is located on the eastern side of the Bukit Peninsula (close to Kuta and Jimbaran). The area is known for its beautiful white beaches.
Things to Do
- Stroll the white sands of Geger Beach (Pantai Geger)
- Visit the Pasikifa Museum – the museum is considered a well kept secret. It showcases art of Bali, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific region (including foreign artists who lived in the area)
- Check out the action at the Water Blow – this is a formation where waves colliding onto the rock wall create a giant splash
- Take a boat to Serangan Island and visit the turtle conservation area
- Get adventurous by practicing water sports (parasailing, diving, fishing, etc.)
Where to Stay
The beautiful Conrad Bali has a premier beachfront location in Nusa Dua. The hotel has spacious rooms, restaurants and a spa. Budget conscious traveler may prefer to stay at The Grand Bali or VOUK Hotel. I suggest using Traveloka.com to book your hotels in the islands. They offer great rates and promotions which can make your stay way cheaper than anticipated.
Lovina
Lovina is a quiet coastal town located in the northern part of Bali. Since it is far away from the main tourist spots, it provides opportunities to experience the authentic side of the island.
What to Do
- Visit one of the area’s black beaches
- Take a dolphin sightseeing boat trip (do your research and pick a company who participates in this activity responsibly)
- Release some stress at the Banjar Hot Springs
- Go on a day tour to Lake Batur
- Stop by the Sing Sing Waterfall
Where to Stay
There are no big developments in this area. Therefore, there is an opportunity to stay in cozy properties such as The Damai, The Lovina or the Puri Bagus.
Canggu
Canggu is emerging as the surf capital of Bali. Since it is located several miles away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist centers, it presents a more relaxing atmosphere of dining, cultural and beach activities.
What to Do
- Surf, surf, surf! If you are a beginner, it is easy to take classes in the area
- Take a Bali country side tour (get prepared for waterfalls, rice terraces and traditional ways of life)
- Observe village culture and traditions
- Rent a bike
- Stroll around one of the beaches (Berawa, Nelayan, Echo Beach and Pererenan)
- Visit Tanah Lot
Where to Stay
The Hotel Tugu is the most sought after stay in the area. If surfing is your thing, you may consider staying on one of the many surf lodges dotting the beaches.
Where would you like to stay in Bali?
Pin it for later?
Rhonda Albom says
I was in Bali a couple of days ago (only for the day). It was very interesting and I wish I could spend more time there.
Anda says
How beautiful! I would so love to spend at least a week there. Everybody seems to be visiting Bali these days. You guys make me very envious. I’ve never been anywhere in Asia.
Sarah Christie says
Bali is somewhere I have never been but it looks so incredibly beautiful, I would most definitely want to be on a beach. Maybe try out a water bungalow x
Laura says
Love this post! I spent 4 days in Bali a couple years ago, and I’ve been itching to go back ever since. I’ll have to consult this post whenever I plan my return 🙂
Puterii Ariska says
Bali is amazing.
Liam Smith says
Hi Ruth,
Thank you for this great and useful article. I too have had this dilemma. Eventually, I chose to stay at this little villa in Bingin and it was absolutely the right choice. The next three times I always stayed in villas and my opinion is that they offer the best value for money.
Wishing you all the best on your future travels and please continue with these amazing articles.