Where to stay

Pick the area first. The hotel comes second.

Families with little kids should look at Nusa Dua or Sanur, couples at Seminyak, Uluwatu or Ubud, and groups of mates at Seminyak.

The areas at a glance

Map of Bali's main areasMost hotels are in the south of Bali, around the airport. Seminyak and Jimbaran are on the west coast, either side of the airport. Uluwatu is on the cliffs at the southern tip, and Nusa Dua is on the south-east corner of the same peninsula. Sanur is on the east coast, facing Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Ubud is inland, north of Sanur.Indian OceanMt AgungLembonganNusa PenidaUbudSeminyakSanurJimbaranUluwatuNusa DuaAirport20 kmNMap data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Tap an area to see the hotels I'd book there.
AreaBest forThe beachFrom the airport
Nusa DuaFamilies, Couples, LuxuryCalm, reef-protected and clean, but tidal. Swim at high tide; low tide is seagrass.About 25 minutes, 45 in traffic
UbudCouples, LuxuryNone. You're inland, so the pool does all the work.About 75 minutes, 2 hours in traffic
SeminyakCouples, Groups of matesWide, surfy west-coast beach. Great sunsets, rough for small swimmers.About 30 minutes, 60 in traffic
SanurFamilies, Best valueCalm, reef-protected water. Low tide can mean a long walk to swim.About 30 minutes, 50 in traffic
UluwatuCouples, LuxurySmall cove beaches down steep stairs. You come for the view, not the swim.About 45 minutes, 75 in traffic
JimbaranFamilies, CouplesA gentle, curved bay. Good swimming most of the year.About 20 minutes, 40 in traffic

Transfer times are door to door from Ngurah Rai airport. Traffic in Bali is a lottery, so plan for the longer number.

Aerial view of a calm beach in Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua

Gated resort land with calm, reef-protected beaches. The safe bet for families.

✈ About 25 minutes, 45 in traffic

Tegallalang rice terraces just outside Ubud

Ubud

Jungle, rice terraces and yoga. No beach, so pair it with a few nights on the coast.

✈ About 75 minutes, 2 hours in traffic

Seminyak Beach on a clear day

Seminyak

Restaurants, beach clubs and sunsets. Best for couples and groups of mates.

✈ About 30 minutes, 60 in traffic

Early morning light over the water at Sanur Beach

Sanur

Quiet east-coast strip with calm water and a beach path. Relaxed and early to bed.

✈ About 30 minutes, 50 in traffic

Uluwatu cliffs above a blue sea

Uluwatu

Clifftop resorts and the island's best sunsets. Gorgeous, but far from everything.

✈ About 45 minutes, 75 in traffic

Beach umbrellas at sunset in Bali

Jimbaran

Big beachfront resorts on a calm bay, with seafood dinners on the sand.

✈ About 20 minutes, 40 in traffic