People slide into my DMs on a daily basis asking where they should go in Bali. And I get it! There are a lot of options and it can be overwhelming. So I decided to break down popular areas of Bali, what makes them special, and what to do in each area.
Sanur
I’m starting with Sanur because that is where we lived and the area I know the best. This beachside town is filled with retirees and young families, so it is best for people who like (relatively) quiet roads and tranquil beaches. If you like beaches with no waves, riding your bike or walking on a paved path along the beach and being close to the airport, this town is for you. You probably won’t like it if you want to have a lively nightlife or the trendiest restaurant.
Things to do:
- Rent a bike and ride along the 9km path on the beach
- Spend a day at Byrd House beach club
- Have a meal at the famous Tanjong Sari Hotel on the beach one evening
- Try kite surfing at Rip Curl
Canggu
So many people message me about Canggu. And it is no surprise – it is where many influencers live, thus show on social media. Due to this curated online view of the area, many visitors are surprised to find the insane congestion on the roads. Canggu draws many 20 and 30 somethings but also many young families. There are amazing restaurants and nightlife and beach clubs. Villas on this side of the island also tend to be more “instagram worthy” than in say, Sanur. There is also a ton of construction going on at the moment.
Things to do:
- Spend a day at La Brisa beach club
- Take the kids to Parklife
- Eat Indonesian food and pet bunnies at Casa Tua Canggu
- Watch the sunset at Tanah Lot temple
Seminyak
This area is for tourists. Rich ones. Which has its pros and cons. Think amazing villas, fabulous shopping and loads of beaches. This is an upmarket area, so a great place to go if you want to avoid backpackers and budget travelers. Down the beach is Legian and Kuta, which I really only recommend going to if you are under 25 and looking for a party.
Things to do:
- Visit the eye-poppingly gorgeous morrocan themed spa Bodyworks
- Go shopping. This is where many stores are.
- Have a sundowner on Double Six beach surrounded by colorful umbrellas and amazing people watching
- Go down the way to Legian for a beginner surf lesson with Santa Surf School
ULUWATU
At the very southern end of the island is the Bukit, full of world class surfing beaches, stunning cliffs and an increasing amount of new shops and restaurants. You’ve probably seen photos of Uluwatu temple, perched on a cliff at the southernmost point of Bali and famous for its nightly fire dances. This area is great for surfers, people who don’t mind a few stairs and laid back nightlife.
Things to do:
- Take the elevator down the cliff to Sundays beach club
- See the Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple
- Watch surfers at Bingin Beach
- Have dinner while the kids watch a movie and play at Ohana Restaurant
UBUD
The cultural heart and center of Bali. It is definitely on most visitors lists, and for good reason: It is amazing. However, if you don’t know where to go or what to do it can also be really frustrating. Thanks to Eat, Pray, Love, it has gotten a lot busier and many of the most popular tourists sites are swarming with people. Ubud is full of temples, waterfalls and vegetarian food.
Things to do:
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Go early to avoid crowds. I like going to Tis Cafe for a great view, and they even have a gorgeous pool you can use if you buy food there.
- Try a sound bath session at Serendipity Sounds or Pyramids of Chi.
- Visit Titi Batu for a fun day with the whole family
- Get a day pass at Bambu Indah to enjoy their natural pools, restaurant and gorgeous bamboo architecture.
Nusa Dua
If you’re looking for 5 star resorts, beautiful beaches and to stay put at the resort, this is the place for you. There is not a lot of culture or things to do but there are amazing pools and buffets, so if that is your thing, stay here.
Things to do:
- Have dinner “under the sea” at the Kempinski hotel aquarium
- Visit the famous Waterblow
- Enjoy your resort!
East Bali
For travelers who are a bit more intrepid, you may want to check out East Bali. I actually didn’t want to share about this part of Bali as it is one of my favorites and I don’t want to see it overrun like in other parts of the island. Everyone is talking about Sidemen these days, which is slower and more back to nature than some other places in Bali. You can also check out Candi Dasa and Amed. The landscape in this part of Bali is stunning and you’re more likely to see rural life of how Bali “used to be.”
Things to do:
- Visit Bias Tugel Beach, otherwise known as Virgin Beach for a different beach experience
- Explore Tirta Gangga, a beautiful water palace
- Stay at Subak Table Villa and learn about customs and practices of the balinese people.
WEST BALI
Another relatively undiscovered area in Bali, and one I’d like to spend more time in. From sleepy surf breaks to buffalo racing to ferries to neighboring Java there is a lot going on here. It is not close to the airport, so prepare yourself for a bit of a drive when exploring this part of the island.
Things to do:
- Menjangan Island for the best snorkeling in the area
- Visit a hidden waterfall by Desa Musi
- Discover a Catholic Cathedral hidden in the hills of Palasari Village
This gives you a brief overview of the different parts of Bali and what there is to do in each one.
