9 Best Places to Stay in Bali: Based on 3 Years of Research Made by Our Team
I asked our team to compile this comprehensive guide explaining the best places to stay in Bali: where to party and where to relax; where to eat and where to meditate; where to surf and where to dive; where to stay with family and where to go alone; where to lay on the beach and where to climb mountains; and even where to watch dolphins. I've also included exceptional accommodation options from Booking (all rated above 9!) where you can stay in these areas, along with specific recommendations for the most amazing food experiences.
Since our team at Binaryx has been working on tokenizing Bali real estate for years, half of us, including me (Oleg, CEO of Binaryx), live permanently on this magical island. We've explored every corner searching for the best properties, and along the way, we've accumulated tons of unique knowledge that we're finally ready to share.
This guide represents our team's distilled 3-year experience living and working in Bali. It's packed with insider knowledge you won't find in typical travel blogs. Let's dive into the best areas to stay in Bali!
🏄♂️ Best Places in Kuta – Best for Nightlife & Beginner Surfing
❓ Why: Kuta gifts Bali's most vibrant nightlife with countless bars, clubs, and live music venues in a walkable area. Also, it’s great for beginner surfers due to numerous surf schools and board rental shacks dotting the beach.
Kuta forms the pulsating heart of Bali's tourist scene, stretching along a magnificent beach on the island's southwestern shore. Once a sparsely populated fishing village, Kuta was 'discovered' by Australian and American surfers in the 1960s and has since transformed into Bali's most famous beach destination. Despite the crowds and sometimes chaotic atmosphere, this area maintains an undeniable energy that continues to draw visitors worldwide.
📍Kuta Highlights
- Kuta Beach: A Wide stretch of golden sand with spectacular sunset views
- Beachwalk Shopping Center: Modern mall with international brands and entertainment
- Legian Beach Road: Pedestrian-friendly stretch with restaurants and sunset views
- Vivid night market: Local shopping experience after dark
📅 Best Time to Visit Kuta
Visit Kuta during the dry season (April to October) for optimal surfing conditions and beach weather. May, June, and September offer the perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds. Try to avoid the July-August peak season when Australian and European visitors flock to the area.
Pros & Cons of Kuta
✅ Pros:
- Closest beach area to the airport (15-20 minutes)
- Excellent for learning to surf with gentle, consistent waves
- Vibrant entertainment and dining options
- Lively atmosphere and social scene
❌ Cons:
- Often crowded and noisy, especially in high season
- Heavy traffic congestion on main roads
- Persistent beach vendors and touts
- Less authentic Balinese experience than other areas
🗺️ Where to Go in Kuta
- Waterbom Bali: Award-winning water park with slides and activities
- St. Fransiskus Xaverius Church: A lovely catholic church across from a big mall
- Double Six Beach: Popular spot for sunset drinks and beachside dining
- Kuta Art Market: Traditional market for souvenirs and local crafts
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Kuta
💰Budget Options in Kuta:
- Pudak Sari Unizou Hostel (9.1/10 from 900+ reviews) – Cheap, clean hostel located in the middle of Kuta, close to St. Fransiskus Xaverius Church. Features a swimming pool and provides easy access to Kuta's attractions.
- Fora Capsule Hostel Tuban Kuta Bali (9.0/10 from 1000+ reviews) – Located just a 10-minute walk from the airport, offering cheap, clean accommodations with comfortable, wide beds. Perfect for travelers seeking convenience in transportation.
💎 Luxury Picks in Kuta:
- Poppies Bali (9.3/10 from 1300+ reviews) – A quiet, green oasis in central Kuta with bungalows situated in a well-maintained garden. Rooms feature excellent air conditioning and wide, comfortable beds, plus there's an on-site restaurant serving very good food.
- Amnaya Resort Kuta (9.1/10 from 7500+ reviews) – Resort located 350 meters from the beach with outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, fitness center, and blooming garden. Rooms are comfortably decorated in modern country style.
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Kuta
- Norm’s Sushi Bar and Kitchen (4.8/5 from 700+ reviews) – Large, modern sushi bar offering Japanese cuisine alongside various Asian and Western dishes. Suitable for all types of meals throughout the day.
- Bale Udang Mang Engking Kuta (4.7/5 from 20,800+ reviews) – Exceptional seafood dining where guests eat in bungalows surrounded by a lake with koi fish. Live musicians perform serene songs as you enjoy your meal.
🌅 Seminyak and Petitenget Area – Best for Sunset Dining & Beach Cafés
❓ Why: Seminyak and Petitenget are renowned for their beachfront dining spots and sunset cafés where visitors enjoy spectacular ocean views from beanbags strewn across the sand. The area has evolved into Bali's fashion district, where upscale restaurants showcase international chefs.
Seminyak used to be the primary pick for expatriates, who have now started moving north as tourists advance from Kuta and Legian. Now, Seminyak resembles the beaches further south, with massive resorts and crooked streets jammed with traffic and crammed with boutiques. A definite draw card is the handful of cafés with beanbags strewn across the beach in preparation for the sinking of the sun. Some expats have now escaped further north to Petitenget, where among the villas and boutiques are the striking 16th-century Pura Petitenget temple and some rare pockets of rice fields, accessible by bicycle along tranquil village lanes.
📍Seminyak and Petitenget Highlights:
- Sunset Beach Cafés: Laid-back venues with beanbags on the sand to watch the sunset
- Beachfront Dining: Restaurants providing fresh seafood and high cuisine
- Tranquil Village Lanes: Bicycle-accessible paths through remaining pockets of rice fields
📅 Best Time to Visit Seminyak and Petitenget
Visit during the dry season (April to October) when clear skies provide spectacular sunsets. May and September are the best, with good weather without the peak season crowds. Avoid December-January when rains can ruin the beach experience and outdoor dining.
Pros & Cons of Seminyak and Petitenget
✅Pros:
- Beautiful sunset views from beachfront cafés
- A diverse selection of cuisines
- Spacious beach areas for relaxing
- Opportunity to explore village lanes by bicycle
❌Cons:
- Traffic congestion on main streets
- Increasing development is diminishing the original character
- Grayer sand compared to some other Bali beaches
🗺️ Where to Go in Seminyak and Petitenget
- Pura Petitenget: A 16th-century temple for brief cultural immersion
- St. Mikael Church: An Elegant Protestant church rarely seen by tourists
- Remaining rice fields: Accessible by bicycle for a glimpse of traditional Bali
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Seminyak and Petitenget
💰Budget Options:
- CR Tris Rooms Seminyak (9.2/10 from 540+ reviews) – Very quiet homestay located in Seminyak, about 2 km from Double Six Beach. Offers shared kitchen facilities with cooking equipment available for guests during their stay.
- Kamar Kamar Boutique Hotel (9.1/10 from 240+ reviews) – Clean and authentic hotel with a pool. The owner is a designer and antiquities collector, with pieces from his personal collection displayed throughout, including items from all over Indonesia.
💎 Luxury Picks:
- Annora Villas Seminyak (9.7/10 from 2400+ reviews) – Located 4 minutes walk from Seminyak beach, combining traditional architecture with modern amenities. Villas are clean and spacious, with thoughtful touches like bathrobes, slippers, beach bags, and loose-leaf tea.
- Potato Head Suites & Studios (9.4/10 from 1600+ reviews) – Five-star resort connected to the popular beach club of the same name, with beach access on one side and a lively street of bars and restaurants on the other. Offers traditional suites or super modern studios with open-plan living and excellent views.
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Seminyak and Petitenget
- Hibiscus Restaurant Seminyak (4.8/5 from 1180+ reviews) – Resembles a cafe but offers high-quality food with a wide menu selection, impeccable service, and relaxed atmosphere. Known for great duck rolls and pork buns at reasonable prices.
- FARMER BREWS ROASTERY (4.7/5 from 720+ reviews) – Great spot for brunch with smooth, flavorful coffee and perfectly cooked eggs Benedict with delicious sauce. Popular morning destination for quality breakfast items.
💻 Canggu Area – Best for Digital Nomads and Food Lovers
❓ Why: Now it’s Bali's most developed digital nomad hub with numerous coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafés, alongside a thriving international food options and beach club culture.
Once a laid-back surf destination with little development, Canggu has transformed dramatically in recent years. The beach is still wide, although the sand is grayer than southern beaches and the waves just as menacing as at Kuta. Now it’s Bali's hippest enclave that attracts a younger crowd of digital nomads, surfers, and backpackers.
📍Canggu Highlights:
- International Food Scene: Over 100 cafés and restaurants along Batu Bolong offering global cuisines
- Beach Clubs: Trendy venues like La Brisa, Finns, and Atlas offering daybeds and sunset cocktails
- Surf Breaks: Various beaches providing waves for different skill levels
- Coworking Spaces: Purpose-built facilities for remote workers and digital nomads
- Rice Field Views: Pockets of traditional landscapes still visible between developments
📅 Best Time to Visit Canggu
September and October are the best two months with fewer crowds after peak season. During the rainy season (November to March), many digital nomads still stay for long-term visits, enjoying lower accommodation prices.
Pros & Cons of Canggu
✅ Pros:
- Well located for exploring the rest of the island
- Best international food scene in Bali
- Lively nightlife with options every night of the week
- Many affordable homestays and social hostels
❌ Cons:
- Few traditional cultural attractions
- Gray to black sand beaches less visually appealing than southern beaches
- Rapid development changing the character of the area
- Can feel like an expat bubble disconnected from authentic Balinese life
🗺️ Where to Go in Canggu
- Tanah Lot Temple: A famous sea temple within short driving distance
- Echo Beach: Popular surf spot with seafood barbecue restaurants
- Sunday Markets: Local markets featuring handmade goods and crafts
- Seseh: Traditional village area still showing glimpses of pre-tourism Bali
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Canggu
💰Budget Options:
- Canggu Nadi 2 Guest House (9.7/10 from 60+ reviews) – Outstanding value for that cost in Canggu. It has a great location in walking distance to everything, well-kept grounds with lots of foliage and a swimming pool, and friendly staff.
💎 Luxury Options:
- Karra Loft (9.5/10 from 140+ reviews) – Large stylish lofts with everything needed for comfortable living, whether short-term or monthly. Includes communal pool, green areas, sun loungers, covered parking, reception, and security. Management provides free bike rental, airport transfers, and breakfasts from Accente restaurant. Two Karra Lofts are tokenized on Binaryx.
- Blossom Eco Luxe Villas (9.5/10 from 470+ reviews) – Sleek, stylish one and two-bedroom pool villas hidden in a peaceful garden just minutes from the beach. Modern design emphasizes both luxury and privacy.
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Canggu
- Teamo - Gastro-Bistro (4.8/5 from 1300+ reviews) – Excellent food and drinks in an authentic Italian dining experience. Truffle pizza and Cacio e Pepe are standout dishes. Features a cozy atmosphere with beautiful lighting and great music.
- Santanera (4.8/5 from 1600+ reviews) – Vibrant fusion restaurant combining Latin American flavors, Mediterranean influences, and local ingredients. The roast duck and baby octopus are considered their best dishes.
👨👩👧 Sanur Area – Best for Families & Relaxation
❓ Why: Sanur offers calmer, protected beaches ideal for family swimming and a more laid-back atmosphere than the western coast. The extensive beachside walkway makes it great for morning strolls, cycling, and enjoying seaside cafés without the crowds and intensity of Kuta.
Somehow, Sanur still retains a village atmosphere, with a produce market, temples and beaches popular with locals from Denpasar, especially on Sundays. A beachside walkway lined with cafés, souvenir stalls, and hotels stretches the entire length of Sanur from the makeshift 'port' for boats to Nusa Lembongan to the mangroves in the south. It passes the Museum Le Mayeur, with works of art by one of Sanur's earliest foreign settlers, and the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel, the first and only multistory building on Bali. (Horrified elders immediately introduced regulations to prohibit further construction anywhere on the island taller than a palm tree.)
📍Sanur Highlights:
- Beachfront Pathway: 7km paved walkway perfect for cycling and morning walks
- Protected Beaches: Reef-sheltered waters ideal for family swimming
- Traditional Market: Authentic local produce and goods in a village setting
- Museum Le Mayeur: Art museum showcasing works by early Sanur settlers
📅 Best Time to Visit Sanur
May, June, and September are the best months with fewer crowds. July and August see more visitors, but the area remains relatively calm compared to western coast resorts.
Pros & Cons of Sanur
✅ Pros:
- Calmer seas protected by offshore reef
- Mostly visited by families and silence lovers
- Good mix of local life and tourist facilities
- Easy access to nearby islands via boat services
❌ Cons:
- Poor sunset views
- Fewer shopping and nightlife options
- Beach quality varies along the coast
- Some areas affected by low tide (exposing reef)
🗺️ Where to Go in Sanur
- Bali Orchid Gardens: Beautiful collection of tropical flowers
- Mangrove Center: Ecological site with boardwalks through mangrove forests
- Pulau Serangan: An Island with Turtle Conservation Center and Pura Sakenan Temple
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Sanur
💰Budget Options:
- Bali Komang Guest House Sanur (9.4/10 from 1500+ reviews) – Quiet guesthouse with a beautiful garden drowning in greenery. The food is tasty and inexpensive, staff are kind and helpful, and the deep pool is always clean. Daily room cleaning is provided.
- Erwin's Guest Room (9.2/10 from 360+ reviews) – Clean, cheap, and cozy accommodation that provides free drinking water in the room (not just one bottle). Run by really lovely people who create a welcoming atmosphere.
💎 Luxury Picks:
- Tandjung Sari Hotel (9.6/10 from 760+ reviews) – One of Bali's oldest hotels, opened in 1962, featuring individual bungalows with traditional Balinese décor set under canopies of tropical trees. Historic property has welcomed notable guests including David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, and Yoko Ono.
- Klumpu Bali Resort (9.7/10 from 580+ reviews) – Intimate resort with only 8 rooms, offering great bungalows and a nice pool in a beautiful garden. The villa design keeps them cool even in high temperatures, and the well-manicured gardens provide a relaxing environment.
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Sanur
- Naughty Nuri’s Warung (4.8/5 from 3300+ reviews) – Best barbeque in the area, with ribs that are a must-try—so tender they melt in your mouth. Every bite delivers smoky, savory goodness that keeps customers coming back.
- Warung Mak Beng (4.6/5 from 20,000+ reviews) – Operating since 1941, this eatery serves a limited number of meals, but those are all you need: a package of fried fish, fish head soup, and rice. The crispy fried fish and bold, spicy soup have remained unchanged for generations.
🌿 Ubud Area – Best for Cultural Immersion and Rice Fields
❓ Why: Ubud is Bali's spiritual, cultural, and artistic heartland, offering the island's richest collection of museums, performances, and traditional crafts. The bucolic town surrounded by rice fields provides a perfect base for those seeking authentic Balinese experiences away from beach crowds.
Ubud is the best Bali has to offer in general, except, of course, beaches, but these are only an hour away to the east and south. If you should pick the one place only to stay in, it probably should be Ubud. There are: the finest selection of arts and crafts to buy from innumerable galleries or admire at world-class museums; an inordinate range of traditional dances and music performed in temples and palaces; a variety of courses in cooking, crafts, and language; and visits to nearby rock-hewn monuments and sacred springs.
📍Ubud Highlights:
- Art Museums: World-class collections at Puri Lukisan, ARMA, and Neka Art Museum
- Sacred Monkey Forest: A Forest sanctuary with temples and macaque monkeys
- Traditional Performances: Evening dance shows at temples and palaces
- Craft Villages: Surrounding villages specializing in specific crafts like wood carving and silver work
- Rice Terraces: Stunning agricultural landscapes on the town's outskirts
📅 Best Time to Visit Ubud
May and September offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists. During July-August peak season, Ubud gets crowded with day-trippers from beach resorts. The cooler highlands provide relief from coastal heat, though evenings can be chilly.
Pros & Cons of Ubud
✅ Pros:
- Authentic cultural experiences and traditional performances
- A cooler climate than coastal areas
- Beautiful natural surroundings with rice fields and forests
- Excellent dining options from local warungs to gourmet restaurants
- Yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats
❌ Cons:
- No beaches (nearest are an hour away)
- Can get congested with day-trippers during peak season
- Increasing commercialization in central areas
- Limited parking and transportation options
- Frequent afternoon rain showers even in the dry season
🗺️ Where to Go in Ubud
- Goa Gajah: Ancient "Elephant Cave" temple complex
- Gunung Kawi: 11th-century rock-cut shrines and temples
- Tirta Empul: Sacred spring temple where locals perform purification rituals
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Spectacular stepped rice paddies
- Green School: Innovative bamboo educational campus
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Ubud
💰Budget Options:
- Jero Griya Ubud (9.7/10 from 440+ reviews) – Located just far enough from Ubud's center to feel peaceful yet accessible to all the action. Features stunning views of the surrounding greenery, especially from the upper floors.
- Teba Junjungan Cottages (9.2/10 from 500+ reviews) – Cute guest house with friendly staff functioning as a bed and breakfast. Offers amenities including an outdoor pool, garden, terrace, and free private parking.
💎 Luxury Picks:
- Airsania Ubud Antique Villas (9.7/10 from 370+ reviews) – Accessible via a small walkway off the main road, with staff transporting bags by motorbike. The villa features a beautiful wooden structure that complements the surrounding rice field views and includes a spacious pool for a one-bedroom unit.
- Stone House (9.8/10 from 160+ reviews) – Set in the heart of nature, offering delicious breakfasts served near a waterfall with birds singing and views of forest and fields. The rooms include thoughtful details, with an open-space bathtub amid the forest decorated with rose petals.
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Ubud
- This is Bali Eatery (4.9/5 from 8700+ reviews) – A creative restaurant with unique multi-level seating under a glass roof, where tables are arranged at different heights. Uses an innovative ordering system with cards, an ink pad, and stamps for selecting dishes. Serves delicious food, drinks, and desserts.
- Seven Paintings Ubud (4.9/5 from 200+ reviews) – Offers a unique dining experience combining 3D visual animation with delightful dishes that tell legendary stories. Each course is timed with immersive storytelling, with highlights including Foie Gras Cranberry, Hamachi, and Braised Beef Cheek.
🏝️ Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa - Best for Resort Seclusion & Water Activities
❓ Why: Nusa Dua offers a gated resort enclave with zero hawkers, broad footpaths, and negligible traffic, creating a peaceful sanctuary. At neighboring Tanjung Benoa, protected breakwater beaches host the island's highest concentration of water sports operators offering everything from parasailing to banana boats.
Nusa Dua, which means 'two islands', lends its name to the twin headlands shaped like islands and topped with temples. Now it is a gated compound of resorts, meaning that most of the entries are controlled to secure a separation from the rest of the Bali environment. Tanjung Benoa is positioned along the extended 'thumb' of Bukit Peninsula. Foreigners rarely venture to the likable village at the tip that boasts an admirably harmonious cluster with a Chinese temple, mosque, and a Hindu temple. Some parts of the beach are molded with breakwaters that create protected curves of white sand, so swimming is wonderful and every conceivable water sport is available.
📍Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa Highlights:
- Tanjung Benoa Village: Harmonious cultural mix with Chinese temple, mosque, and Hindu temple
- Pristine White Sand Beaches: Meticulously maintained shorelines
- Water Sports Center: Parasailing, jet skiing, banana boats, and more at Tanjung Benoa
- Paved Beachfront Promenade: 7km walkway connecting the areas
📅 Best Time to Visit Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa
May to October is ideal for water sports and beach activities. September and October offer excellent value with good weather and lower occupancy at luxury resorts. During the January-February rainy season, the beaches remain usable, but water sports may be limited.
Pros & Cons of Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa
✅ Pros:
- Cleanest and most well-maintained beaches in Bali
- Secure environment with controlled access
- Peaceful atmosphere away from Bali's traffic and crowds
- Comprehensive water sports offerings
❌ Cons:
- Isolated from authentic Balinese culture and daily life
- Higher prices than most other areas of Bali
- Limited local dining options outside of resorts
- Feels somewhat artificial compared to other parts of Bali
🗺️ Where to Go in Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa
- Museum Pasifika: Exceptional art collection from across the Asia-Pacific region
- Twin Headlands: Temple-topped promontories that give Nusa Dua its name
- Bali National Golf Club: Championship 18-hole course
- Waterblow: Natural rock formation creating spectacular water displays during high tide
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa
💰Budget Options:
- Frangipani Homestay (9.7/10 from 370+ reviews) – One of the few good affordable options in Nusa Dua. The rooms match the pictures in the hotel profile, and the staff and hosts are very friendly and helpful. Functions well as a bed and breakfast.
💎 Luxury Picks:
- The St. Regis Bali Resort (9.7/10 from 400+ reviews) – One of Bali's most expensive hotels, featuring all-villa and suite accommodations decorated with traditional fabrics and sea views. Includes a full-service spa, outdoor lagoon pool, six restaurants and bars, 24-hour butler service, and special experiences like beach picnics and fire shows.
- The Apurva Kempinski Bali (9.3/10 from 1900+ reviews) – Luxury resort in a peaceful beachfront location in south Nusa Dua. Many of the elegant modern rooms feature small private plunge pools. Houses Bali's first aquarium restaurant, Koral, and offers multiple swimming pools, a luxury spa, and several high-end restaurants.
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa
- Nusa By/Suka (4.8/5 from 3100+ reviews) – Elegant Mediterranean restaurant serving delicious wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, and grilled meats and fish. Features an expansive international wine list and hand-crafted signature cocktails.
- Raja Bali - Balinese Authentic Restaurant & Activities (4.9/5 from 200+ reviews) – Beautifully prepared Balinese cuisine served by friendly staff, with high attention to detail and quality ingredients—many grown on-site. Offers popular cooking classes that attract return visits.
🐠Amed Area – Best for Diving
❓ Why: Amed is Bali's premier mainland diving location with exceptional marine life, corals, and the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck nearby at Tulamben.
Located in Bali's far eastern region, Amed is a stretch of fishing villages along a dry, harsh coastline. The landscape here is strikingly different - villagers survive primarily by fishing and logging, with the scarred, terraced slopes showing evidence of failed agricultural attempts in this arid environment. The beaches are mostly gray, rocky, and sometimes difficult to access, but what brings visitors to Amed is beneath the surface. For tourists, this area serves primarily one purpose—scuba diving—with the coast offering exceptional marine sites. The newly paved road from Ujung has made this once-remote area more accessible, helping Amed grow in popularity despite being in the driest part of Bali.
📍Amed Highlights:
- Scuba Diving Sites: Extraordinary underwater gardens and drop-offs
- USAT Liberty Shipwreck: Accessible dive site at nearby Tulamben
- Traditional Jukung Boats: Colorful fishing vessels lining the black sand beaches
- Mount Agung Views: Spectacular vistas of Bali's highest volcano
📅 Best Time to Visit Amed
Diving works all year round, but September and October offer the greatest value as tourist numbers decline, but the dry season is still in charge.
Pros & Cons of Amed
✅ Pros:
- World-class diving and snorkeling directly from shore
- An authentic fishing village atmosphere largely unchanged by tourism
- Dramatic landscapes with volcano and ocean views
- Peaceful environment away from crowds and commercialization
- Affordable accommodations and diving packages
❌ Cons:
- Remote location (3+ hours from the airport)
- Limited dining and entertainment options
- Harsh, dry landscape with less lush vegetation than other parts of Bali
- Basic facilities and infrastructure compared to southern Bali
🗺️ Where to Go in Amed
- Tulamben: A Small village with the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck dive site
- Tirtagangga Water Palace: Elaborate water gardens built by royal family
- Ujung Water Palace: Historic royal retreat with fountains and pavilions
- Puri Agung Karangasem: Former royal palace in Amlapura with mixed architectural styles
- Lempuyang Temple: Sacred temple complex with the famous "Gates of Heaven"
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Amed
💰Budget Options:
- Bubu Racok Homestay (9.5/10 from 390+ reviews) – Located right on the sea coast with beautiful views of Agung volcano and adjacent to a coral reef for snorkeling. Masks and fins can be rented directly from the hosts.
- Comeon Amed (9.6/10 from 180+ reviews) – Located across from a nice cove with a beautiful reef and calm sea. Nearby options include mountain climbing for sunset views, and snorkeling equipment can be rented from the guesthouse.
💎 Luxury Picks:
- Aquamarine Beach Villas (9.3/10 from 320+ reviews) – Very green property with flowers and beautiful trees, featuring villas with private pools and access to a secluded beach with fine black shiny sand. Offers tasty, inexpensive breakfasts and is located next to an Italian restaurant that delivers to the villa.
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Amed
- Galanga (4.8/5 from 1200+ reviews) – Offers a unique mix of Balinese and French cuisine reflecting the backgrounds of the couple who runs the place. Features traditional tables in a garden setting with thoughtful touches like mosquito repellent for guests.
🐬 Lovina Area – Best for Dolphin Watching
❓ Why: Lovina offers Bali's most famous dolphin watching experiences in a relaxed coastal setting far from southern tourist crowds. The area provides a glimpse of traditional Balinese life with lower prices and a laid-back atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time to Bali before mass tourism.
Lovina stretches for some 10 kilometers along Bali's northern coastline. The calm waters are ideal for swimming, but the beaches are gray and gritty, often strewn with rubbish and lined with jukung fishing boats. The attraction is the relaxed and compact village-style atmosphere, an appealing antithesis to the hedonistic south. Almost obligatory is the much-lauded early morning boat trip to spot and pursue curious and amenable dolphins along the Lovina coastline.
📍Lovina Highlights:
- Dolphin Watching Tours: Early morning boat excursions to spot wild dolphins
- Banjar Hot Springs: Natural thermal pools in lush jungle settings
- Brahmavihara Arama: Bali's largest Buddhist monastery
- Calm Beaches: Protected waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling
- Traditional Village Life: Authentic local atmosphere largely untouched by mass tourism
📅 Best Time to Visit Lovina
May to October, during the dry season, provides the best conditions for dolphin watching with calmer seas. July and August see more visitors, but the area remains peaceful compared to southern resorts. The early morning hours (around 6 am) offer the best dolphin sightings regardless of season.
Pros & Cons of Lovina
✅ Pros:
- Significantly lower prices than southern Bali
- Peaceful atmosphere away from mass tourism
- Central location for exploring northern Bali attractions
- Dolphin watching opportunities not available elsewhere
❌ Cons:
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Fewer luxury accommodation choices
- Long distance from the airport (3+ hours)
- Beach quality inconsistent with some areas needing cleaning
🗺️ Where to Go in Lovina
- Singaraja: Bali's former capital with colonial architecture and port area
- Air Sanih: Natural cold springs for swimming
- Sekumpul Waterfall: Spectacular cascades considered among Bali's most beautiful
- Gitgit Waterfall: Bali's highest waterfall at 35m
- Menjangan Island: Excellent diving and snorkeling site in the west
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Lovina
💰Budget Options:
- Rumah Askara (9.1/10 from 260+ reviews) – Very cozy, clean, and spacious rooms with friendly staff. Features a cool, quiet courtyard and a nice, small pool. Conveniently located near the sea and many cafes.
💎 Luxury Options:
- The Damai (9.2/10 from 260+ reviews) – Set in lush hills overlooking Bali's North Coast among spice plantations, with views of Java's distant volcanoes. Comprises just 14 villas decorated with local antiques and hardwood furniture, plus an award-winning restaurant and spa.
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Lovina
- The Global Village Foundation Kafe (4.8/5 from 790+ reviews) – Local cafe serving Asian and Western food with all proceeds supporting disabled and disadvantaged people in Bali. Combines good food with a strong social purpose.
- Secret Garden Restaurant (4.7/5 from 540+ reviews) – Set in a pretty garden away from Lovina's noisy main road, offering excellent cooking with attention to detail. Known for serving some of the best calamari—perfectly cooked and perfectly seasoned.
⛰️Munduk, Bedugul, and the Mountain Lakes – Best for Mountain Scenery & Crater Lakes
❓ Why: Bali's most spectacular volcanic landscapes with three crater lakes and lush forests. The region around provides the coolest climate on the island and stunning mountain views.
Munduk and Bedugul are two towns in Bali’s central highlands near three large picturesque lakes: Lake Bratan, Lake Tamblingan, and Lake Buyan.. This mountainous region is home to two major volcanoes: Gunung Batur with its massive crater lake, and Gunung Batukau, the island's second-highest peak. At 1,400 meters elevation, the area stays noticeably cooler than the coastal regions, with lush rainforests covering the mountains. Near the distinctive 'Corn Cob Statue' landmark sits the 160-hectare Bali Botanic Garden, one of just four botanical gardens in Indonesia and a refreshing retreat from southern Bali's heat.
📍Munduk, Bedugu,l and the Mountain Lakes Highlights:
- Three Crater Lakes: Danau Beratan, Danau Buyan, and Danau Tamblingan with misty mountain views
- Munduk: Quaint village with waterfalls and colonial charm
- Bali Botanic Garden: 160-hectare sanctuary of native and exotic plants
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: UNESCO-recognized emerald green rice terraces
- Bedugul Recreation Area: Water sports and activities on Lake Bratan
📅 Best Time to Visit Munduk, Bedugul, and the Mountain Lakes
May to September offers the clearest views of the mountains and lakes with less cloud cover and fog. Early mornings are best for lake views before afternoon clouds roll in. Due to the higher elevation, even during peak season (July-August), the area remains cooler and less crowded than coastal regions.
Pros & Cons of Munduk, Bedugul, and the Mountain Lakes
✅ Pros:
- Significantly cooler temperatures than coastal areas
- Breathtaking natural scenery with mountains, lakes, and forests
- Fewer international tourists than southern beach areas
- Excellent hiking and outdoor activity opportunities
- Cultural attractions including unique temples and traditional villages
❌ Cons:
- Frequent rain and fog can obscure views even in dry season
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Chilly evenings requiring warmer clothing
- Fewer accommodation options, especially luxury properties
- Long distance from the airport (2+ hours)
🗺️ Where to Go in Munduk, Bedugul and the Mountain Lakes
- Pura Ulun Danu Beratan: Iconic lakeside temple with scenic gardens featured on the Indonesian 50,000 rupiah note
- Pura Luhur Batukaru: Ancient temple set within mountain forest
- Twin Lakes Viewpoint: Spectacular vistas of Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan
- Handara Gate: An Iconic Balinese temple gate popular for photography
- Wanagiri Hidden Hills: Instagrammable swings and nests with lake views
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Munduk, Bedugul, and the Mountain Lakes
💰Budget Options:
- Desa Hostel (9.9/10 from 270+ reviews) – Offers free laundry service—a rare amenity. Staff treat guests like family and do everything to enhance stays. Features good food in a relaxed atmosphere where it's easy to meet people.
- Artomoro Bali (9.9/10 from 90+ reviews) – Tucked away down a steep, narrow, winding lane filled with beautiful flowers and plants. This peaceful haven is free from road noise, newly renovated, and spacious enough for families. Located about 10 minutes drive from waterfall trails.
💎 Luxury Options:
- Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort (9.6/10 from 1260+ reviews) – Eco-luxury resort on an organic coffee plantation, famous for its iconic infinity pool overlooking northern Bali's jungles. Facilities include a bamboo gym, spa, yoga hut, library, and restaurants, plus a schedule of free classes and cultural activities.
🍽️ Best Places in Munduk, Bedugul, and the Mountain Lakes
- Warung Heaven Munduk (4.8/5 from 790+ reviews) – Small local eatery with beautiful landscape views and delicious homemade food. Signature dishes include Sweet Sour Chicken and Mie Goreng with Tempe.
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