Where to Stay in Bali: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Trip

Bali's genius is that the island is really four different stays inside one. Pick your base by what you want the morning to look like - and plan to move bases at least once, because nobody experiences Bali well from a single hotel room.

Canggu: the young south

Villas and boutique stays sit between rice paddies and beach, with the island's best cafe scene on your street. It gets busy and sometimes muddy in wet season, but the energy is unmatched.

Ubud: the green centre

Rice-field resorts, infinity pools over jungle and a deep yoga-and-food scene. Ubud suits travellers who want culture and calm over parties - and it has the best-value hotels of the whole island.

Uluwatu: the cliff edge

Temples and wild coastline, with a handful of exceptional clifftop resorts. Fewer shops, more sweeping views, and the island's best sunsets. Rent a scooter or budget for a driver: the area is spread out.

Where to avoid staying

• Kuta itself: crowded, dated and rarely the Bali you pictured
• Fully isolated villas inland: gorgeous, but every meal means a car ride
• Near the airport with no plan: you will just watch the departures go by

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