Welcome to Ask Sheila – your place to ask me all those big (and small) questions you have about visiting or living in Bali. This week – Where should you stay in Bali
Where should I stay in Bali? Which areas are best?
Bali has something for everyone! However, depending on what you like to do and who you’re going with, you should choose where you stay carefully, so you can relax, explore, and meet like-minded other people. In this blog post, I’m going to briefly lay out where you should stay in Bali so you have a fantastic holiday.
Where to stay in Bali for young solo travellers and couples looking for adventure
In the old days (back before the pandemic), Kuta was the place to stay. But these days, Canggu has become the place to base yourself if your idea of fun is plenty of beach time, some gym sessions, good food, and then partying all night. Alternatively, head to the new Canggu, aka Uluwatu, for more of the same with an added dose of intense surfing adventures.
Where to stay in Bali for families with young children
If you’re in Bali for a week or so, and just want some relaxation time, head straight to one of the big resorts in Nusa Dua. Make sure they have a kids club and that your kids are not too old or too young to participate. While it may not be the most culturally immersive experience, it’s the perfect way to ensure everyone in the family has a great experience. Trust me, if you need a real break from full-time parenting and working, a big resort has got you covered. If that’s not your cup of tea, try heading to Sanur, which has some lovely beaches with no surf, as well as a fantastic promenade for walking or cycling.
Where to stay in Bali to experience the culture
Bali is a real melting pot, with visitors from all over the world, as well as many Indonesians who have moved here from other islands. The majority of people are Balinese Hindus, and Ubud is the spiritual home. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, Ubud is definitely the place for you.
Where to stay in Bali if you love relaxing beaches
Canggu, Kuta, and Uluwatu are well-known but often very crowded. If you prefer quiet beaches, you’ll need to travel further away from the masses, but believe me, it’s worth it. Amed on the north coast is famous as a scuba diving and snorkelling haven, but it’s also a cute little beach town with lots of great cafes and restaurants. Or head over to the east where the coastal town of Candidasa is lovely, especially with the stunning Virgin Beach to the north.
Where to stay in Bali for quiet and relaxing natural places
Bali is one of the most popular global tourist destinations, so there may be a lot of other people visiting that “secret” natural location that you’ve heard about. You’ll need to base yourself further away from touristy southern Bali if you want to experience some beautiful and relaxing places in Bali. Sidemen in east Bali and Munduk in central/north Bali are just what you need. Both have enough tourist infrastructure so that you’ll have a comfortable stay, as well as gorgeous nature to fill your heart!
So….where should I stay in Bali
Choosing where to stay in Bali is very important to ensure you have a great trip! Make sure you do your research so you find the place that offers you exactly what you’re looking for! Don’t forget that you can use one of these areas as a base and then head out for day trips in other areas to have different types of Bali experiences.
Now you know which part of Bali you will stay in, check out our Directory to see our favourite hotels & villas, restaurants & cafes, and many more!
Got a question for Sheila? Visiting Bali and not sure what to do or where to go? Building a villa in Bali? Want to know my favourite secret spots? Tips on how to have the best Bali holiday? Send your question to admin@bali-interiors.com
