The best spots to stay in Bali

Whether it’s a serene getaway you’re after or you want to be in the thick of the action, these are the spots in Bali you need to consider.

For some, Bali conjures images of crowded beaches and wild parties in Kuta. Others think of Bali and imagine a tropical oasis and serene sunsets.

It’s all true about Bali. Despite its relatively small size, this Indonesian island is a complex place of varying regions and experiences, offering holiday-makers a new and different experience from one spot to the next.

Whether you’re a first-timer to the island or just looking to shake up your usual Bali routine, here’s a breakdown of some of the best places to stay on the island and what’s unique about each of them.

KUTA

Kuta: For the fun lovers.

When you hear of tourists going wild in Bali, it’s usually in Kuta. This is Bali’s party town.

Popular with budget travellers and those wanting to be in the thick of the action, Kuta is loud, flashy and energetic. You’ll find everything in Kuta: nightclubs, shops, restaurants, a massive water park — considered one of the best in Asia — and a huge array of accommodation options, all within 10 minutes of Denpasar airport. It’s also got Bali’s most famous beach, which boasts legendary sunsets. There’s a reason why Kuta is so insanely popular.

SEMINYAK

Seminyak: For a more refined palette.

Seminyak is just north of Kuta, and while it’s a hive of activity in its own right, it’s considered to be a little more sophisticated and less crowded than its rowdy southern neighbour.

Here you’ll find up-market boutiques, stylish speciality stores and trendy places to dine and drink — including some of Bali’s best restaurants. The accommodation is more luxurious than what’s in Kuta, so it tailors for a slightly more affluent crowd, but it’s still a firm favourite among couples and families.

CANGGU

Canggu: For laid-back hipsters.

As Kuta and Seminyak grow ever more crowded, this trendy little spot is an emerging as a cooler alternative.

Canggu is an artsy beachside hub north of Seminyak, between Kerobokan and Echo Beach. Think: beachside yoga, vegan cafes and trendy bars. The vibe is trendy and chilled-out, and thanks to its excellent surf conditions, it’s also a hit with the international surfing community.

This coastal village is also in an interesting part of the island, surrounded by picturesque rice fields and featuring some of Bali’s famous black volcanic rock sand beaches.

UBUD

Ubud: For a spiritual, holistic experience.

Now we’re heading inland to rural Ubud, Bali’s arts and cultural centre that’s popular among tourists seeking a more spiritual Balinese experience.

Cooler than the coast thanks to its highland location, Ubud is where you’ll find royal palaces and ancient temples nestled among the green rice paddies and in the shadows of dramatic volcanoes. There are art galleries and museums, day spas and authentic crafts markets — not to mention more yoga and meditational classes than you’ll find anywhere else in Bali. A popular attraction here is the Ubud Monkey Forest, home to about 750 cheeky macaque monkeys.

SANUR

Sanur: For those who want the quiet life.

Beach-seeking tourists wanting to escape the hectic energy of Bali’s west coast should head to the east coast and especially to Sanur — a quieter, sleepier, more refined beach town. There are heaps of restaurants and drinking holes, but they tend to wind down a little earlier than you’ll find in Bali’s wild west.

Sanur stretches about 5km along the coast and its reef-protected beach provides gentle waves, ideal for easy swims. There are plenty of waterspouts here to enjoy, and it’s easy to get around to see the local attractions, but lazy and laid-back is the mood in Sanur.

NUSA DUA

Nusa Dua: For luxury in seclusion.

Down in the island’s southeast is beautiful, secluded Nusa Dua — a luxury escape from the chaos of Bali. It’s a gated compound of five-star resorts, carefully manicured gardens and a pristine waterfront — a bit like Bali in a bubble. You need to pass security checkpoints to get here.

Built in the 1970s, Nusa Dua is now the most developed resort town on the island, and while there are things to do — markets, restaurants, the stunning beach — this is a spot for tourists who want to luxuriate in their all-inclusive resorts.

LOVINA

Lovina: For the dolphin lovers.

Up in the North Bali regency of Buleleng is Lovina, spanning 2km along the island’s northern coast. It’s quiet, and the pace of life is slow and traditional, which makes it another great option for tourists looking to escape the well-worn streets and beaches of Kuta and Seminyak.

Lovina is famous for its stunning black sand beaches, large array of cafes and, most especially, dolphin watching. A towering statue of a dolphin stands near Lovina Beach as the official landmark of the area.