Where to Stay in Bali: A Guide to the Best Areas

Deciding to holiday in Bali is the easy part. Working out where to stay in Bali can be considerably harder.

Although Bali isn’t a particularly large island, each area offers a very different holiday. Stay in Ubud and your days might revolve around temples, rice terraces and monkeys. Choose Nusa Dua and you could spend most of your holiday barefoot between the resort pool and beach. Head to Amed and the pace slows right down, while Seminyak and Canggu put restaurants, shopping, beach clubs and nightlife within easier reach.

And then there’s Bali’s traffic. Two places that look reasonably close together on a map can take much longer to travel between than you might expect. For families in particular, choosing the right area can make a big difference to your holiday.

We’ve travelled through Bali as a family and experienced several very different sides of the island, from the resorts of Nusa Dua to the temples and busy streets of Ubud and the quieter coastline around Amed. So, where should you stay in Bali? This guide breaks down the main areas, who they’re best suited to and the pros and cons of staying there.

Planning a Bali holiday? Visit our Bali travel page for more family travel guides, accommodation reviews and Bali inspiration.

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Where to stay in Bali: The best areas explained

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Sanur – best for families and a relaxed beach holiday

• Best for: Families, first-time visitors and a slower beach holiday
• Good for families? Yes, particularly families with younger children
• Stay here if: You want a relatively relaxed beach base with restaurants and facilities nearby
• Think twice if: You’re looking for big nightlife or a surf-focused holiday

Sanur is one of the first places we’d suggest families consider when deciding where to stay in Bali.

Located on Bali’s south-east coast, Sanur has a more relaxed feel than the busy west-coast destinations of Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu. Its long beachfront promenade is a major drawcard, making it possible to walk or cycle along the coast between hotels, restaurants and cafes. The offshore reef also helps protect Sanur’s shoreline, creating generally calmer conditions than the surf beaches on Bali’s west coast, although conditions and tides still need to be taken into account.

For families, it’s a nice middle ground. You’re not confined to a resort, but you don’t have to venture far to find somewhere to eat or things to do. Sanur is also one of the main departure points for fast boats heading to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, making it handy if you’re planning to add one of the islands to your Bali holiday.

Why families might like Sanur: calmer beach conditions, a beachfront promenade and a more laid-back atmosphere.

Potential downside: if your idea of Bali revolves around surf, nightlife and beach clubs, Sanur may feel a little too quiet.

Nusa Dua – best for an easy resort holiday

• Best for: Resort holidays, families with younger children and travellers who want an easy beach break
• Good for families? Very
• Stay here if: You want a beautiful resort where you can relax without having to plan much
• Think twice if: You want to step outside your hotel and immediately feel immersed in everyday Bali

Nusa Dua is one of Bali’s most polished resort areas. It’s home to large beachfront hotels, landscaped grounds and plenty of the things that make travelling with kids easy: swimming pools, kids’ clubs, restaurants, spas and direct beach access. If you’re dreaming of a Bali holiday where the resort itself is a major part of the experience, Nusa Dua makes a lot of sense.

We’ve stayed at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, which is a good example of the type of family resort you’ll find here. Nusa Dua’s beaches are also generally better suited to families looking for calmer water than Bali’s west-coast surf beaches.

The trade-off is that Nusa Dua can feel quite removed from the Bali you may have pictured before arriving. It’s a purpose-built tourism area, and if you spend your entire holiday inside a large resort, you may see relatively little of the island beyond it. For some families, that’s exactly what they want. For others, I’d consider combining Nusa Dua with somewhere like Ubud.

Ubud – best for culture, nature and activities

Best for: Culture, temples, nature, wellness and active families
Good for families? Yes
Stay here if: You want to explore rather than spend every day at the beach
Think twice if: Your number-one priority is a beach holiday

Ubud is completely different from Bali’s coastal resort areas, which is exactly why it’s worth considering. There is no beach here. Instead, you’ll find temples, rice terraces, galleries, markets, wellness experiences and a huge range of activities and day trips.

Ubud is also home to the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. We visited with our kids and found the experience much more organised and beautiful than we’d expected – although there are definitely a few things worth knowing before you go. You can read about our experience in our guide to visiting Ubud Monkey Forest with kids.

Don’t assume Ubud itself is a sleepy little jungle village, though. Central Ubud can be busy, and traffic through town can be frustrating. Where you choose to stay within the greater Ubud area can make a substantial difference to your experience.

You’ll find everything from simple guesthouses to luxury jungle resorts. We have stayed in the city at Meruhdani Boutique Hotel  (stay tuned for our review) and also at The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, which offers a very different experience from staying right in the centre of town.

Ubud is particularly good as part of a split stay. A few days here followed by – or following – a beach destination gives you two completely different Bali experiences without needing to cram them into day trips.

We also spent time in Ubud as part of our Intrepid Bali Family Tour, so it’s a destination that works well for families who prefer a more active style of holiday too.

Seminyak – best for restaurants, shopping and villas

• Best for: Restaurants, shopping, villas and nightlife
• Good for families? Yes, depending on what you’re looking for
• Stay here if: You want plenty happening around you
• Think twice if: You want calm swimming beaches and a quiet atmosphere

Seminyak sits north of Kuta and Legian on Bali’s west coast and has traditionally been the more upmarket of the three.

It’s known for its restaurant scene, shopping, villas, beach clubs and sunset drinks, with accommodation ranging from smaller hotels to luxurious private villas and high-end beachfront resorts. Indonesia’s official tourism site describes Seminyak as an upmarket coastal area with a more sophisticated and laid-back atmosphere than Kuta.

Families shouldn’t automatically dismiss Seminyak because of its nightlife reputation. Having restaurants, shops and plenty of accommodation choices nearby can be extremely convenient, particularly with older children and teenagers. However, the beach experience is very different from Sanur or Nusa Dua. This is Bali’s surf-facing west coast, and families with small children wanting easy swimming may prefer somewhere else.

Traffic is another consideration. Staying within walking distance of the places you expect to visit regularly can make life considerably easier.

Canggu – best for cafes, surf and older kids

• Best for: Cafes, surfing, beach clubs and a lively social scene
• Good for families? Better suited to families with older children
• Stay here if: You like having lots of cafes, restaurants and things happening around you
• Think twice if: You’re travelling with toddlers and want to walk everywhere with a stroller

Canggu has changed enormously as its popularity has grown and is now one of Bali’s best-known destinations for cafes, surfing, beach clubs and longer stays. There’s no shortage of places to eat and drink, and families with teenagers may appreciate having plenty happening around them.

However, Canggu isn’t necessarily the easiest Bali destination for families with younger kids. It’s spread out, traffic can be heavy and pedestrian infrastructure isn’t as straightforward as somewhere like Sanur. Bali.com similarly rates Sanur and Nusa Dua more highly for young families, while suggesting Canggu can work better once children are older.

If you’re travelling with teens who want surf lessons, cafes and a bit more energy, however, Canggu could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula – best for spectacular beaches

• Best for: Surfing, dramatic scenery, beaches and clifftop stays
• Good for families? Yes, but generally easier with older children
• Stay here if: Beautiful beaches and ocean views are high on your wish list
• Think twice if: You want everything within an easy walk

At Bali’s southern end, the Bukit Peninsula feels different again. Uluwatu is known for its limestone cliffs, surf breaks, spectacular beaches and Pura Luhur Uluwatu, the clifftop temple where visitors can also see a traditional Kecak performance around sunset.

This part of Bali can be breathtaking, but it’s worth understanding the geography before booking. Attractions, restaurants and beaches are spread out, and some beaches involve navigating substantial staircases down the cliffs. Surf conditions can also be powerful, so don’t assume every spectacular-looking beach will be suitable for young children to swim at.

For families with older kids who love surfing and beaches, the Bukit Peninsula could be fantastic. For toddlers and families wanting to wander out of their hotel with a stroller and find everything nearby, Sanur or Nusa Dua will generally be easier.

Jimbaran – best for a quieter beach stay

Best for: Beach holidays, seafood and a quieter southern Bali base
Good for families? Yes
Stay here if: You want a beach holiday without being too far from southern Bali’s attractions
Think twice if: You want lots of nightlife and shopping on your doorstep

Jimbaran sits on the western side of the Bukit Peninsula and is perhaps best known for its seafood restaurants, where tables are set up on the sand for dinner as the sun goes down. But it’s also worth considering as a place to stay.

Jimbaran Bay offers generally calmer swimming conditions than the exposed surf beaches further up the west coast, and the area is home to several family-friendly and luxury resorts. It’s also relatively convenient for Bali’s airport and exploring attractions around the Bukit Peninsula.

For families trying to decide between Jimbaran and Nusa Dua, the distinction I’d make is that Nusa Dua is the more polished, resort-centric experience, while Jimbaran has more local life around it.

Kuta and Legian – best for budget, shopping and convenience

• Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, shopping, activities and being close to the action
• Good for families? It can be
• Stay here if: Convenience and price matter more to you than tranquillity
• Think twice if: You’re dreaming about peaceful, postcard Bali

Kuta sometimes gets dismissed in lists of the best places to stay in Bali, but there’s a reason travellers continue to stay here. It’s close to the airport, accommodation covers a huge range of budgets, and you’re surrounded by shops, restaurants and entertainment. Kuta Beach is also well known for surfing and surf lessons. For families, attractions such as Waterbom Bali are another drawcard.

Neighbouring Legian offers many of the same conveniences and is worth considering if you want to stay in this part of Bali without being right in the centre of Kuta. The downside is obvious: this is one of Bali’s busiest tourism areas. If the holiday you’re picturing involves rice paddies, quiet beaches and peaceful evenings, look elsewhere.

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Where to stay in Bali away from the main tourist areas

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Bali doesn’t end once you leave Ubud and the busy southern beaches. If you’re prepared to travel further, some of our favourite Bali experiences can be found in the island’s quieter regions.

Amed – best for snorkelling and diving

• Best for: Snorkelling, diving and slowing down
• Good for families? Yes, particularly adventurous families
• Stay here if: You want a quieter coastal experience
• Think twice if: You want shopping, nightlife and big resorts

Amed was one of those places that reminded us just how different one part of Bali can feel from another. Rather than one compact resort town, Amed refers to a collection of villages stretching along Bali’s north-east coast. The area is known for its volcanic beaches, traditional outrigger boats, views towards Mount Agung and, most importantly for many visitors, good snorkelling and diving.

Jemeluk Bay is one of the area’s popular snorkelling locations, and nearby Tulamben is famous among divers for the USAT Liberty wreck.

The pace here is considerably slower than southern Bali. Accommodation tends towards smaller hotels, villas and guesthouses rather than enormous integrated resorts. We stayed at Hidden Paradise Cottages in Amed, which will give you a better idea of what a family stay in this part of Bali can look like.

Amed is a long way to travel if you only have a short Bali holiday, but if you have the time and want to see somewhere beyond the main tourism centres, it’s worth considering.

Sidemen – best for rice fields and rural scenery

• Best for: Scenery, rice fields, nature and slowing down
• Good for families? Yes, for the right family
• Stay here if: You want to experience a quieter, greener side of Bali
• Think twice if: Your kids need a long list of organised attractions to stay entertained

Sidemen, in eastern Bali, has become increasingly popular with travellers looking for the green landscapes and rice terraces they imagined when planning a Bali holiday, but without staying in busy central Ubud. This is a place for slowing down rather than ticking off a huge attraction list. Think rice fields, villages, views towards Mount Agung and smaller-scale accommodation.

For families, Sidemen could make a lovely two or three-night stop as part of a longer Bali trip, particularly if your kids are happy hiking, swimming and spending time outdoors. If you’re after kids’ clubs, water parks, shopping centres and a different restaurant every night, it probably isn’t the best fit.

Lovina and North Bali – best for a quieter side of Bali

• Best for: Waterfalls, nature, dolphin trips and escaping southern Bali
• Good for families? Yes, if you’re comfortable travelling further
• Stay here if: You have enough time to explore beyond the usual Bali circuit
• Think twice if: You’re only visiting for a few days

On Bali’s north coast, Lovina offers yet another version of the island. The area is known for its dark volcanic beaches and sunrise dolphin-watching trips and can be used as a base for exploring northern Bali’s waterfalls, hot springs and inland landscapes.

It’s much quieter than southern Bali, but getting there takes time. That’s precisely why I’d treat North Bali as a separate part of an itinerary rather than trying to squeeze it into a rushed day trip from the south. For a first five-day Bali holiday, I probably wouldn’t make Lovina a priority. If you have two weeks and want to explore more of the island, that’s a different story.

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Where to stay in Bali with kids

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If you’re specifically wondering where to stay in Bali with kids, my shortlist would start with Sanur, Nusa Dua and Ubud. Sanur is probably the best all-rounder for families who want a beach, plenty of places to eat and a destination they can explore outside their hotel.

Nusa Dua is hard to beat if you want an easy, luxury resort holiday. It’s particularly appealing with younger children when a great pool, kids’ club, beach and on-site restaurants can make the difference between a relaxing holiday and one that feels like hard work.

Ubud would be my pick for families who want to do more. There is plenty to see around central Bali, and it offers a completely different experience from the coast.

For families with older children and teenagers, the options open up further. Canggu may appeal to teens interested in surfing and cafes, while Uluwatu could work well for active families interested in beaches and surf.

Best Bali areas for babies and toddlers

Look first at Sanur and Nusa Dua. Both make it relatively easy to have a resort or beach-focused holiday without constantly moving around.

Best Bali areas for primary-school-aged kids

Sanur, Nusa Dua and Ubud are all strong choices. At this age, I’d seriously consider splitting the holiday between the coast and Ubud.

Best Bali areas for teenagers

This depends much more on their interests. Canggu and Seminyak offer plenty happening around them, while Uluwatu could suit surf-loving teens. Ubud remains a great option for families interested in activities, culture and adventure.

If you’re still deciding whether Bali itself is the right destination, we’ve also compared Bali vs Thailand for a family holiday.

Should you stay in more than one area of Bali?

If you have enough time, yes. Changing hotels with kids can be annoying, so I’m certainly not suggesting moving every couple of nights. But Bali is one destination where a split stay can genuinely change the holiday. Staying in Ubud and travelling backwards and forwards to the beach wastes time. Likewise, basing yourself on the coast and repeatedly sitting in traffic to explore central Bali isn’t necessarily the best use of your holiday.

Instead, consider choosing two areas that offer different experiences.

Some combinations that make sense include:

• Ubud + Sanur: A great first-time family combination with culture and activities followed by a relaxed beach stay.
• Ubud + Nusa Dua: Combine exploring Bali with a few days where the biggest decision is which pool to swim in.
• Ubud + Uluwatu: A good combination for active families who want culture, scenery and spectacular beaches.
• Ubud + Amed: A slower, more adventurous itinerary combining central and eastern Bali.
• Sidemen + Amed: A good choice for returning visitors wanting to get away from southern Bali’s busiest areas.

Our Intrepid Bali Family Tour review and guide to small-group family tours in Bali are also worth reading if you like the idea of seeing several parts of Bali without organising all the logistics yourself.

How many days do you need in Bali?

You could easily spend several weeks exploring Bali, but most families won’t have that luxury.

For a five to seven-day Bali holiday, I’d stick to one area or split your time between two places that are relatively straightforward to combine. With around 10 days, two bases work well. This gives you enough time to settle into each destination instead of feeling as though you’re constantly packing.

With two weeks, you can comfortably consider two or three areas and venture further from southern Bali. This is when places such as Amed, Sidemen or North Bali become much easier to include.

The temptation is to see as much as possible, but Bali is much more enjoyable when you allow time to actually experience the places you’re staying.

How to choose where to stay in Bali

Still can’t decide? Start with the type of holiday you actually want rather than choosing an area because you’ve heard its name a lot.

Want an easy family beach holiday?
Start with Sanur or Nusa Dua.

Want culture, temples and nature?
Choose Ubud.

Want restaurants, shopping and nightlife?
Look at Seminyak.

Travelling with teenagers who like cafes and surfing?
Consider Canggu.

Want surf and spectacular coastal scenery?
Look around Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula.

Want a quieter beach destination?
Consider Jimbaran.

Want snorkelling and diving?
Head east to Amed.

Want rice fields and somewhere slower?
Look at Sidemen.

Want to escape southern Bali?
Consider Lovina and North Bali.

And if you want your holiday to revolve around slowing down, spas, yoga and reconnecting as a family, our guide to wellness travel for families in Bali may help you narrow things down further.

Getting around Bali

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when choosing where to stay in Bali is looking only at distances on a map. Traffic can make relatively short journeys surprisingly slow, particularly around the busy southern tourist areas and Ubud. Bali’s road network and traffic mean it’s generally better to plan your days geographically rather than constantly travelling backwards and forwards across the island.

Private drivers are widely used for sightseeing days and transfers between regions, while taxis and ride-hailing services are useful in many of the main tourist areas. Availability and local pickup arrangements can vary by location.

Walkability varies considerably too. Sanur’s beachfront promenade makes getting around on foot relatively easy, whereas areas such as Canggu and Uluwatu are much more spread out.

This is another reason why your accommodation’s exact location within an area matters. A hotel described as being in Seminyak, Ubud or Canggu may still be a considerable distance from the restaurants and attractions you expect to visit.

So, where should you stay in Bali?

There really isn’t one best area to stay in Bali because the right answer depends on the holiday you want.

For families visiting for the first time, Sanur or Nusa Dua would be high on our list for an easy beach base, particularly with younger children. If you have enough time, we’d then add a few nights in Ubud to experience a completely different side of Bali.

But that’s certainly not the only way to do it. Families with teenagers might prefer the energy of Canggu. Surfers may head straight for Uluwatu. Keen snorkellers could happily trade the big resorts for Amed, while families who have visited Bali before might skip the busy south altogether and head towards Sidemen or North Bali.

The important thing is to choose your base around the experience you want rather than trying to see the whole island from one hotel.

For more help planning your trip, head to our Bali travel guide, where you’ll find our first-hand accommodation reviews, family travel experiences and more Bali inspiration.

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FAQs about where to stay in Bali

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