Set within the Indian Ocean, Bali is only a quick ferry journey from the neighbouring big of Java. However this Hindu-majority island couldn’t be extra completely different.
The Balinese aesthetic virtually runs by way of the veins of this intriguing land. Its lovely temples boast distinctive structure, its eating places entice millennials with their shareable interiors, and its wellness retreats induce leisure as quickly as you step by way of the door.
Famed for the whole lot from its browsing and seashores, to its vibrant nightlife and impossibly stylish design, there’s rather a lot on supply in Bali for any customer. You’ll be able to observe yoga in untouristed villages by the ocean, catch waves within the bustling beachfront bastions of the southwest, or unwind in rice paddy paradise in its hilly inside.
Map of one of the best locations to remain in Bali
Wherever you select to remain, getting round isn’t too tough – it’s only a matter of an inexpensive taxi journey or renting your individual wheels to get from one hotspot to a different. Staying in Bali couldn’t be simpler. Because of the world’s long-term love affair with the island which began as early because the Nineteen Thirties, there are many locations to put your head at night time, from unfussy shacks to the utmost in luxurious sleeping preparations.
Already a famed backpacking-cum-hippie vacation spot earlier than Eat, Pray, Love turned it right into a magnet for anyone on a soul-searching mission, Ubud lies within the heart of Bali. There are not any seashores right here: it’s all mountain views, jungle escapes and the luminous inexperienced of rice paddies.
The upland city of Ubud itself, extra a cluster of villages, affords up an entire lot of cafes, bars, craft outlets and eating places to select from. Staying right here is nearly as good for backpackers, with its hostels and reasonably priced homestays, as it’s for these searching for a non-public paradise – suppose rainforest treehouses and villas in rice paddies.
And naturally you’ll have the macaque-filled Ubud Monkey Temple to go to at your leisure when you keep close by.
The place to Keep in Ubud
-
luxurious
- Alaya Resort Ubud – Nestled subsequent to rice paddies and located in manicured gardens, that is positively a ravishing place to calm down. There’s a swimming pool and health heart to maintain you energetic, however there’s additionally a restaurant and bar with stay music within the evenings. On the subject of the rooms, these are sublimely Balinese, with delicate particulars and terraces that open out onto nature. When it comes to location, this scrumptious 5-star providing may be very near Ubud Monkey Forest and inside strolling distance of Ubud Market.
- Ulun Ubud Resort – Set amidst luscious tropical greenery overlooking the Tjampuhan River, this resort affords a soothing retreat. The ambient bedrooms characteristic four-poster beds, balconies, and impartial coloration schemes – some even have direct entry to a swimming pool. There’s a restaurant on web site that serves up Indonesian specialties, in addition to a lounge bar and library. Elsewhere, there’s a spa and wellness heart to essentially unwind and let all of your troubles slip away. Positioned in Sanggan Village, it’s simple to get into the middle of Ubud from right here; the lodge offers a free shuttle service.
- Pajar Home Ubud & Villas – Pajar Home Ubud & Villas affords a collection of rooms and villas to go well with completely different visitors’ wants, all of that are embellished with excessive rattan ceilings, white tiled flooring, and four-poster beds. A few of these even include outside bogs to essentially really feel at one with nature! This 3-star providing boasts its personal landscaped gardens the place visitors will discover an out of doors swimming pool. To get out and discover the encircling space, or for dinner at close by eating places, the lodge offers free bike leases. The Ubud Botanic Gardens is simply two kilometers away, as an illustration, however the lodge additionally offers a free shuttle bus to Ubud.
midrange
funds
Trendy Seminyak is a little bit little bit of an antidote to the get together paradise of Legian and the town environment of Kuta. This upscale city is dwelling to upscale choices by way of consuming, ingesting and lodging to match. Staying right here means luxurious villas and fantastically designed accommodations.
Common with expats, in addition to vacationers with a style for the finer issues, it’s in Seminyak the place you’ll discover Instagrammable cafes, eating places with interiors to wow and spas for enjoyable therapies from manicures to massages.
The stretch of shoreline right here is dominated by the favored Double Six Seaside, the place you may hire your self an umbrella, pull up a beanbag, and calm down within the ambiance of Balearic beats blaring from one of many many beachside eating places and bars right here.
The place to Keep in Seminyak
-
luxurious
- W Bali – Serving up a slice of high-end luxurious, this actually 5-star lodge ought to present the whole lot you’ll want to make your keep in Bali unforgettable. W Bali is about in an enormous, sprawling advanced which comes full with a ravishing pool space set proper subsequent to Seminyak Seaside itself, a restaurant with a wide array of meals, in addition to a late night time cocktail bar. The rooms listed below are spacious and fashionable; they’re all about gleaming interiors and outside terraces. Non-public villas include their very own personal swimming pools, too! Right here, all of Seminyak’s stylish eateries and bars are on the doorstep.
- The Haven Bali – Embellished in gentle, impartial colours, comfortable greys, and pure wooden, The Haven Bali lives as much as its identify and offers trendy, comfy rooms. A few of the rooms include their very own kitchen, lounge and personal pool for that additional, “residing the dream” feeling. There’s an elegant communal pool to play in, plus an onsite spa to calm down in. The restaurant at this 4-star lodge serves a collection of natural dishes, while the bar offers drinks (in fact) in addition to Italian delicacies. Seminyak Sq. shopping center is shut by, as is Legian Artwork Market.
- Grandmas Plus Lodge – A enjoyable, fashionable and trendy lodge, the interiors at Grandmas Plus Lodge are minimal with punches of enjoyable coloration and fascinating art work. There’s a vibrant bar space which places on stay music performances for enjoyable within the evenings. For a extra enjoyable daytime, there’s additionally a spa and an out of doors pool. You’ll discover a restaurant on web site for good meals and sundown cocktails. There are numerous cultural actions placed on by the lodge, reminiscent of yoga and cooking lessons. Staying right here additionally means being only a stone’s throw from the well-known Seminyak Seaside itself.
midrange
funds
For a concurrently laid-back but hectic city-by-the-sea feeling, keep in Kuta. This was one of many first locations in Bali the place the vacationer scene first kicked off, and as such is full of all of the facilities you might ever need.
From high-end eating places and native meals, to personal villas and decidedly funds lodging, you’ll discover all of it in Kuta. There’s additionally nice procuring available right here when you really feel like shopping for up your individual slice of Balinese design.
It’s notably standard for browsing, owing to the constant waves at its seashores. Even when you’re not a professional and also you wish to strive your hand at browsing, you’ll be capable to have a go right here due to the numerous locations providing board rental and classes.
For bustling nightlife, the close by space of Legian is a simple stroll from Kuta.
The place to Keep in Kuta
-
luxurious
- The Patra Bali Resort – Set on the sands of South Kuta Seaside, this luxurious resort boasts a big lagoon pool and a espresso store which serves up meals. You’ll additionally discover tennis courts – all set in sprawling, grassy grounds strewn with luscious greenery. The rooms are available in numerous styles and sizes however are all spacious and embellished in darkish wooden with balconies that open out onto the tropical environment. There’s a children membership right here, in addition to loads of actions to take pleasure in, reminiscent of water polo and cooking classes.
- Amnaya Resort Kuta The rooms at large Amnaya Resort are embellished with refined touches, polished tiled flooring, plush furnishings, and include massive beds and ground to ceiling home windows that permit in loads of pure gentle. All of it’s completed in a modern but rustic model. There’s a soothing outside pool, in addition to a lodge restaurant that serves up a complete vary of meals for breakfast – and night meals too, in fact. Near Discovery Procuring Mall and Waterbom Bali, there’s a lot to just do on the doorstep.
- Cara Cara Inn – A enjoyable and funky place to remain, Cara Cara Inn is a high-end hostel set inside a ravishing Balinese villa. Days right here will be spent splashing round within the pool, hanging out and making associates within the hostel lounge, or absorbing some solar on the roof terrace. Non-public rooms listed below are all polished concrete, while dorms characteristic custom-made, pod-style beds. Excellent for a funds keep on Bali, the placement of this 3-star providing is close to Kuta Sq., plus only some minutes from Kuta Artwork Market to choose up some souvenirs Kuta Artwork Market.
midrange
funds
North of Seminyak is the extra chilled however nonetheless fairly cool space of Canggu. Wholefood cafes and hipster-friendly bars dot this space, as do multicolored beachside choices that make spending a day on the seashore virtually too simple on this artsy, inventive sliver of Bali.
As with many locations in Bali, Canggu is a good spot to hit the surf. You are able to do so at considered one of its seashores, a few of that are uncommon in that they characteristic black sand. Alongside the shoreline to the north is the magical Tanah Lot, a Balinese temple set on a rocky island out at sea.
Staying right here received’t break the financial institution, due to quite a lot of reasonably priced however trendy accommodations; extra lavish choices, for a little bit more cash, are additionally a part of the surroundings right here.
The place to Keep in Canggu
-
luxurious
- The Haven Suites – A pleasant combine of recent minimalism and conventional Balinese model, every room at The Haven Suites is embellished with wooden particulars, excessive ceilings, patterned tiled flooring, and sultry lighting. This lodge is decidedly design led – suppose massive glass home windows, uncovered brick, and concrete. There’s a big outside pool right here, plus a children’ pool. Friends can dine within the lodge restaurant, or you might rent a motorbike and pedal to any variety of locations to eat close by. Alternatively, simply hit the surf or absorb some rays on Berawa Seaside simply subsequent door.
The stability that Sanur appears to have achieved between being a resort city, and but remaining laid-back, lovely and genuine, is the rationale why it’s so standard. Set on the southeastern facet of the island, previous the capital of Denpasar, it feels decidedly completely different – extra mature and fewer energetic – than the west facet of the isthmus.
There’s no scarcity of massive accommodations in Sanur, making it a superb possibility for a household journey. The relative proximity to the airport additionally helps by way of comfort. There are laid-back, extra mature facilities to take pleasure in right here: a sandy stretch of seashore lined with conventional fishing boats, a picturesque coastal biking path, and tree-lined roads full of outlets and high quality eating places.
Right here you’ll discover the gorgeous Blanjong Temple, extremely crafted from coral. It additionally options Tenth-century inscriptions which are of historic significance to Bali, and picturesque lotus ponds.
The place to Keep in Sanur
-
midrange
- Puri Santrian – Set proper on the sands of Sanur Seaside, staying right here is all about reclining on luxurious loungers beneath palm timber with a view of the ocean and never a care on this planet. The rooms at Puri Santrian are elegant and conventional, with rattan furnishings combined with crisp linens and gleaming, tiled flooring. The entire resort is gorgeous. There are numerous swimming pools to take pleasure in, luxurious Balinese massages to expertise, two eating places, yoga lessons, and even a library to browse, amongst different issues. When it comes to location, Denpasar is a 15-minute drive away.
- Peneeda View Seaside Lodge – Staying right here, you may both select to remain in a cottage, a bungalow or a spacious household suite – the selection is yours. The decor at Peneeda View Seaside Lodge is all about darkish wooden and easy model combined with conventional touches There’s a restaurant serving native Balinese delicacies; within the evenings, the bar offers stay leisure. Through the day, stroll alongside Sanur Seaside itself or just take a dip in one of many 4 outside swimming pools on supply.
funds
South of Bali’s airport and the town environment of Kuta head to Jimbaran on the Bukit Peninsula in order for you a extra laid-back seashore vacation spot. Nonetheless retaining a few of its fishing village really feel, Jimbaran is dwelling to a number of seashores, dramatic cliffs and nice seafood eating places.
Regardless of the virtually quaint village really feel, there are fairly just a few luxurious lodge choices to select from in Jimbaran, which is sensible given the proximity to the airport, and the best way it’s neatly set away from Bali’s southeastern motion in Kuta and Legian.
Browsing is the order of the day right here. The lengthy crescent of white sand boasts an honest surf that’s nice for grabbing a board and giving it a go your self. In any other case, enjoyable on the sand and having fun with the paradise vibes of the place is all you’ll want to do in Jimbaran.
The place to Keep in Jimbaran
-
midrange
- Keraton Jimbaran Resort – You’ll be able to stand up to rather a lot at this high-end resort, from candlelit beachside dinners and swimming within the outside pool to video games of seashore volleyball. There are three completely different eating places to select from onsite, so that you’ll by no means be caught for meals. There’s a pool as effectively, however the personal villas right here boast their very own personal swimming pools. Keraton Jimbaran Resort is all about its rustic, ornate carved wooden furnishings in gentle, vibrant rooms boasting fashionable bogs; every additionally comes with a non-public balcony or terrace.
Nicely away from the energetic and touristed districts of Bali additional north, Uluwatu is a refreshing breath of contemporary air on the island’s Bukit Peninsula.
Resorts in Uluwatu match the environment. They vary from just a few informal choices to extra upscale cliffside retreats, with luxurious touches like infinity swimming pools, all wrapped up with a bow of Balinese aesthetics.
Staying right here means being conveniently near the airport, although nonetheless far-off sufficient from it (and the busier areas of the island) that it seems like an precise getaway.
On the acute southwest of the peninsula there’s the gorgeous Uluwatu Temple, a serene and dramatic clifftop non secular web site the place you may watch the enigmatic kecak dance and be mesmerised by unimaginable sunsets.
The place to Keep in Uluwatu
-
luxurious
- Suarga Padang Padang – Though this lodge affords fantastically rustic beach-hut model rooms, in addition to much more high-end spacious rooms with tiled rooms, it’s all concerning the views at Suarga Padang Padang. Arrange excessive on the cliffs, the ocean views are naturally gorgeous from this 5-star lodge. The lodge itself blends seamlessly with the encircling pure atmosphere and has been constructed virtually completely of recycled wooden and bamboo. You’ll be able to swim in one of many outside swimming pools, hit the surf at Padang Padang Seaside, or take one of many lodge bicycles and cycle only a quick solution to the breathtaking Uluwatu Temple.
- PinkCoco Bali – Kitsch and cute, PinkCoco Bali boasts rooms with whitewashed partitions, polished concrete flooring and – in fact – splashes of daring pink all through. A few of the rooms at this 3-star providing include their very own personal balcony, so visitors can unwind within the tranquil atmosphere. Only a 5 minute stroll away from Padang Padang Seaside, it’s a soothing place to remain, with three outside swimming pools surrounded by solar loungers. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant serving up a mixture of Italian delicacies and sushi.
funds
A stone’s throw north from the vacationer centre of Kuta, Legian is the place to go if you wish to get together. You’ll discover numerous bars and golf equipment on the busy Jalan Legian itself, however there’s loads of alternative to relax out after a late night time, due to its beachfront location.
Staying in Legian is a good thought if you wish to be near all of the motion. Plenty of locations to remain listed below are located proper on the seashore itself, however there are many inland residences and villas. For those who fancy a extra deluxe possibility, there are some high-end choices on this space, too.
Procuring is nice right here, and alternatives abound to choose up a cut price. After which when the solar units, head to the seashore for a well-known Bali sundowner earlier than you barhop round Legian’s energetic ingesting holes.
The place to Keep in Legian
-
luxurious
- Pullman Bali Legian Seaside – Sat proper on Kuta Seaside itself, this stylish lodge is the place to remain when you’re searching for luxurious. Boasting all of the providers you’d count on of a 5-star lodge, reminiscent of two lagoon swimming pools, a rooftop infinity pool, three bars, a restaurant, in addition to a implausible spa and health heart, you received’t want to depart this department of Pullman. Legian Artwork Market and Beachwalk Procuring Mall are each, nevertheless, in strolling distance. Decor within the rooms is straightforward and classy, with darkish picket flooring, massive beds, and spacious bogs – these additionally include superb seashore views, too.
- The Akmani Legian – The Akmani Legian is simply 5 minutes from Kuta Seaside and is about in grounds which are overflowing with luscious vegetation and tropical flowers. This 4-star lodge contains a rooftop bar and lounge the place you may sip on sundown cocktails, plus a restaurant that serves up a collection of completely different cuisines. Every of the rooms has been embellished in a easy, refined coloration palette and accented with picket particulars. All of the nightlife and daytime procuring of the world are a stone’s throw away, together with the whole lot from Legian Artwork Market to Exhausting Rock Cafe.
midrange
Located off the coast of the bigger Nusa Penida, and near the neighboring (and smaller) Nusa Ceningan, the famend Nusa Lembongan seems like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Balinese mainland.
Beforehand solely the area of unfussy surfers, this island is regularly changing into considered one of Bali’s go-to retreats. With that in thoughts you’ll be spoilt for alternative for affordable lodging, nice information for anybody on a shoestring funds. However there are quite a lot of deluxe choices, too.
Exploring the island with the ability of your individual ft is the factor to do right here, as simple paths edge and crisscross this island. It boasts lovely seashores and turquoise seas, charming glimpses of native life, otherworldly coastal views. And all simply half-hour from Bali by boat.
The place to Keep in Nusa Lembongan
-
midrange
- The Palm Grove Villas – The combo of recent decor and conventional picket particulars, plus coloration pops and minimal model, is the secret within the rooms at The Palm Grove Villas. These are set in lush, inexperienced gardens – a peaceful oasis that options two outside swimming swimming pools in addition to a spa and health heart for work-outs and unwinding. There’s a captivating resort restaurant that serves up completely different dishes all through the day. The lodge affords bicycle rent, so you may pedal round exploring the world. Nearer to dwelling, Mushroom Seaside and all its nice eating spots are mere paces away.
- Koji Backyard Huts – Offering bungalows with thatched rooves, Koji Backyard Huts affords the prospect to remain in conventional Balinese lodging. The bogs within the huts are fashionable and tiled, but in addition include outside rain showers! Every room options its personal veranda that appears out onto the backyard, plus there’s an out of doors swimming pool so you may cool off with a dip when the warmth will get an excessive amount of. Nice for seashore lovers, this 3-star providing is true on Tamarind Seaside, however can be very near Mushroom Seaside.
funds
On the jap facet of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula is Nusa Dua, an enclave of lavish 5-star resorts, an 18-hole golf course and an entire lot of gorgeous seashore to luxuriate on. The seas are calm right here so it’s much less about browsing and extra about paddling and swimming.
Away from Geger seashore itself is Geger Temple, excellent when you’re concerned about Balinese tradition. The intricate carvings of the stone on the forested outcrop into the ocean provides it a timeworn, virtually mystical feeling.
To the north is the peninsula of Tanjung Benoa, the place you’ll discover cheaper lodging in addition to the village of Benoa itself. This has been developed considerably and comes with exercise choices to match the inflow of tourists, with watersports being however one solution to spend your time.
The place to Keep in Nusa Dua
-
luxurious
- INAYA Putri Bali – It is a tremendous modern and polished upscale lodge that can present all of the consolation and leisure you’ll want in your keep in Bali. The rooms listed below are all about Balinese aesthetics mixed with up to date design. There are quite a few outside swimming pools located in its 9.1 hectares of grassy grounds, plus a alternative of three eating places in addition to a cocktail lounge and seashore bar. Excellent for {couples} and households searching for a decidedly 5-star possibility on the seashore, INAYA Putri Bali is located alongside the seafront at Nusa Dua, however there are different seashores to discover within the space.
- Ayodya Resort Bali – One other upscale, luxurious providing, Ayodya Resort Bali is unfold alongside 300 meters of personal seashore and boasts an infinite outside pool set in immaculate gardens. The buildings listed below are historically Balinese – and so are the interiors. Spacious rooms boast massive beds, parquet flooring, and numerous understated picket particulars. Even the eating areas listed below are about mixing traditional modernism with Balinese aesthetics – grand and unique. This lodge can be near the Bali Assortment Procuring Centre, which is lower than a kilometer away.
On the lookout for an space of Bali that also feels correctly genuine? Look no additional than Amed. Really a set of fishing villages in East Bali unfold alongside the northern coast, this place oozes conventional, out-of-the-way appeal.
Staying right here is affordable and backpacker-friendly because the vacationer crowds have but to make a major affect on this space. The roads have been solely tarmacked right here as not too long ago as 2000, though you can find improvement and accommodations within the scenic space of Candidasa. However what they’re lacking out on is a few unimaginable scuba diving, in addition to possibilities to centre your self with a spot of yoga.
Earlier than it turns into a world of boutiques and juice cafes, go to Amed and revel in its secluded feeling, and marvel on the views of Mount Agung within the distance.
The place to Keep in Amed
-
funds
- Oasis – An reasonably priced possibility for a visit to Bali, the French-run Oasis is about in tropical gardens with an out of doors swimming pool and many house to unwind and calm down – like a veritable oasis, true to its identify. Though easy, the rooms are clear and up to date, with white tiled flooring, crisp linen, and rustic, stone-clad bogs. There’s a scrumptious breakfast served daily too. Location-wise, this 3-star providing is about reverse Amed Seaside, plus the Amed Ferry Terminal is just not far-off.
A small island off the southeastern shores of Bali, Nusa Penida is a getaway from a getaway. The unspoiled nature on this lovely gem of an island would possibly offer you an thought of what Bali might need been like a very long time in the past earlier than the vacationers arrived en masse. It’s a veritable paradise.
Mountain climbing is especially good within the hilly panorama. Nice trails and a few superb cliffsides reward intrepid walkers with panoramic sea views. The coast itself, that includes gorgeous hidden coves and glowing turquoise lagoons, is one thing you actually need to discover right here. The neighboring islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are simple to find, too.
Staying on Nusa Penida is simple, with tons of reasonably priced choices, primarily within the north. These come within the type of accommodations, homestays and bungalows, a few of which incorporate that lovely Balinese model.
The place to Keep in Nusa Penida
-
midrange
- Coco Resort Penida – There are some actually trendy bungalows on supply at Coco Resort Penida. Suppose rattan partitions, conventional hardwood furnishings, low however comfy beds, and terraces that both look out onto the backyard or the swimming pool. In addition to Balinese therapies and therapeutic massage providers on the spa, there’s an open-air restaurant and bar for visitors to take pleasure in. Crystal Bay Seaside is only a three-minute drive away from this resort; visitors can rent bikes and even vehicles from the lodge, too.