Wondering where to stay in Bali? This article will guide you through Bali’s main regions to help you find the best fit for your stay based on our first-hand experiences on this beautiful island.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Bali is a traveler’s dream, with stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and countless activities.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with friends, Bali has a wide range of options for you.
Choosing where to stay in Bali can be overwhelming.
Are you looking for tranquility and lush rice fields? Ubud might be your ideal spot.
If you’re in the mood for a party atmosphere, consider South Bali’s Uluwatu, Canggu, or Kuta.
For breathtaking waterfalls, head to the North or East regions.
If you prefer a secluded and off-the-grid experience, Munduk in North Bali is worth exploring.
Dreaming of dramatic cliffs and dazzling beaches? Nusa Penida is the place to be.
Ready to save time & money planning the perfect Bali trip? >> Download Explore Bali Travel Guide
In this article, we’ll explore the best budget-friendly places to stay in Bali for various travel styles and budgets.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Central Bali’s healing atmosphere and endless rice terraces
- North Bali’s laid-back villages tucked away from the hustle and bustle
- East Bali’s spectacular waterfalls and unique temples
- South Bali’s busy beach towns with exciting nightlife
- Nusa Penida’s majestic landscapes for picture-perfect getaways
We’ll also include the general cost of popular activities in different regions to help you decide which area suits your style and budget.
Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, boutique hotels, private villas, or private rooms, we’ll provide tips to find the best accommodations for your Bali vacation.
Keep reading for some amazing budget-friendly places to stay during your next Bali vacation!
Central Bali: Ubud, Tegalalang, and Beyond
Central Bali is a great location to explore for rejuvenation and some adventure.
Ubud is a small town located in the central part of Bali, Indonesia.
Despite its size, Ubud has gained immense popularity over the years and has become one of the top tourist destinations in Bali.
The term “ubad” means medicine and this is where the name Ubud is derived from.
There’s an abundance of healing found in Ubud from the ancient temples, to the energizing yoga, peaceful spas, and high-vibrational food available. (There are over 30 top-rated restaurants in our Explore Bali Travel Guide.)
There are also many cultural activities that take place in Central Bali – Taman Beji Griya, Pura Tirta Empul temple, and Kecak fire dance performances.
Keep reading to see if Central Bali has the right atmosphere for you and some recommendations on where to stay!
Chew Tip: Having a private driver for our trip (who doubled as a tour guide and photographer) significantly saved us money from the overall cost of booking tours. We only had to pay small entrance fees. Fair-priced and highly reliable private driver details are included in our Explore Bali Travel Guide. If you prefer to book tours instead, we have direct links to tours included throughout this article.
Bali Rice Fields
If you close your eyes and imagine Bali, one of the first images that come to mind will likely be a stunning landscape of emerald green rice paddies.
The island offers several rice fields to explore.
And one of the most popular rice terraces is in Central Bali.
Located just thirty minutes from Ubud is the Tegallalang Rice Terrace.
Tegallalang offers an unforgettable experience. You can wander through seemingly endless winding pathways alongside the terraces.
With its lush greenery, picture-perfect views, and calming atmosphere, Tegallalang Rice Terrace is one of the most popular attractions in Central Bali and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Price: We paid just under $4 USD per person to enter Tegallalang Rice Fields.
Bali Swing
The Real Bali Swing offers a thrilling experience as you soar over the lush rice paddies, river valleys, and waterfall views.
These stunning aerial views are like none other.
It’s an incredible opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature from a new perspective.
Don’t forget to pack your long colorful dress to magically float over the stunning landscapes as you swing!
Price: Real Bali Swing packages start at $35 USD per person.
Bali Flower Bath
Finally, no visit to Central Bali would be complete without experiencing a luxurious flower bath.
The concept of flower baths has been around for centuries and is deeply rooted in Balinese culture.
Flower baths are believed to be a therapeutic experience that not only cleanse the body but also soothe the mind and soul.
The flowers used in the bath vary depending on the season. They can arrange the flowers into different designs and wording.
Just double-check that the spelling will be correct! Our honeymoon flower bath spelled out “Just Maried” instead of “Just Married” – whoops.
It was thoroughly enjoyed anyway!
Udaya Resort and Spa is located in central Bali.
They offer lavish spa treatments and baths at an affordable price at their Kaveri Spa.
We enjoyed a three-hour treatment that ended in a beautiful flower bath.
Look out for sales at their Kaveri Spa on their website!
Price: We paid $42 USD per person for a 3-hour couple’s treatment at the Kaveri Spa which included a flower bath.
Best Places to Stay in Ubud
The Village Guesthouse – 1 Bedroom
This one-bedroom option is in walking distance of the Ubud Monkey Forest and the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
These popular spots are a short walk away that only takes about five minutes.
There are many incredible restaurants surrounding this accommodation in the heart of Central Bali. It also features a shared swimming pool.
Price: ~$30 USD per night.
Check rates & availability at The Village Guesthouse
Buana Tirta Ubud Villa – 2 Bedrooms
This two bedroom villa is located about two miles away from Ubud.
It includes a pool that’s perfect after a day of sightseeing around Central Bali.
This stay is a bit more secluded. The drive to Ubud City from Buana Tirta Ubud Villa is around 20 minutes.
Consider hiring a private driver. We include our highly recommended private driver details in the Explore Bali Travel Guide.
Price: ~$140 USD per night.
Check rates & availability at Buana Tirta Ubud Villa
RELATED ARTICLE: Where to Stay on Your Stopover in Doha
Villa Sebali – 4 Bedrooms
Villa Sebali is a large, 4-bedroom villa on the outskirts of Bali’s quaint Sebali Village.
It is tucked away in a lovely planted garden and has a private outdoor pool.
There’s lots of living space and stunning views of Mount Agung and the rice terraces from this villa.
Villa Sebali is located 20 minutes outside of Ubud.
This is a great group-trip option that can accommodate up to eight people.
When you split the cost of this villa amongst your group, you all are well on your way to “Seeing the World and Saving a Dollar!”
Price: ~$500 USD per night.
Check rates & availability at Villa Sebali
North Bali: Munduk and More!
If you’re looking for a more remote location, North Bali is the place for you.
In the northern region of Bali, you can take a dip into the hot springs, climb through waterfalls, adventure down natural waterslides, or watch dolphins flip around at sunrise on black sand beaches.
Munduk was the perfect location for us to go off the grid during our honeymoon.
Keep reading to see what more you can do in this region to help you decide if it’s where you’d like to stay during your Bali trip.
Chew Tip Reminder: Having a private driver for our trip (who doubled as a tour guide and photographer) significantly saved us money from the overall cost of booking tours. We only had to pay small entrance fees. Fair-priced and highly reliable private driver details are included in our Explore Bali Travel Guide. If you prefer to book tours instead, we have direct links to tours included throughout this article.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is known for its dramatic gushing waterfalls.
It lies in the heart of the jungle and easily became my absolute favorite waterfall.
It’s a bit of a trek to reach the waterfall, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
Once you reach the falls, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a fairy tale.
A dip in the cool waters beneath the waterfalls is the perfect way to cool off after your hike.
Price: We paid ~$9 USD for the 2 Falls Medium Trek option at Sekumpul Waterfall.
Ulun Danu Beratan
Ulun Danu Beratan temple is among the most photographed landmarks in Bali.
It has a stunning location on the shores of Lake Beratan in the north region of Bali.
Ulun Danu is a cultural and religious site, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century.
The serene landscape is perfect for relaxing.
But if you want a little thrill, you can go for a speed boat ride in the lake for $10 USD total.
We did this and it had us hanging on to the edges of our seats!
Price: We paid $5 USD per person to enter Ulun Danu temple.
Lovina Beach
Lovina Beach is a quiet, idyllic location that is blessed with calm waters and black sand.
One of the most popular things to do at Lovina Beach is dolphin watching.
We woke up before the sun came up and headed to Lovina beach. This is a really cool black sand beach.
We boarded traditional outrigger boats and headed out to sea.
Watching the dolphins flip around in the glistening blue water was so mesmerizing.
Dolphin watching was a very special experience that I’d highly recommend doing in the north region of Bali.
Price: We paid ~$11 USD per person to go dolphin watching at Lovina Beach
Best Places to Stay in Munduk
Nadya Homestay – 1 Bedroom
Nadya Homestay is a beautiful one bedroom option in the serene setting of Munduk.
It has a garden, pool, and breakfast included.
Price: ~$30 USD per night
Check rates & availability at Nadya Homestay
Gunung Paradis Retreat – 2 Bedrooms
Gunung Paradis Retreat is a two bedroom bungalow with garden views in Munduk.
It’s only ten minutes away from Banjar Holy Hot Springs. Lovina Beach is 15 minutes away.
Price: ~$160 USD per night
Check rates & availability at Gunung Paradis Retreat
Munduk Mountain Estate – 4 Bedrooms
This 4-bedroom estate has a garden, private infinity pool, hot tub, and incredible mountain views.
This spacious villa is perfect for a group trip. It accommodates up to eight people.
Splitting the cost of this stay amongst friends or family makes the overall cost more bearable.
Price: ~$900 USD per night.
Check rates & availability at Munduk Mountain Estate
East Bali: Sidemen, Amed, and More!
East Bali has breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
This region is known for it’s picture-perfect temples and views of Mount Agung volcano.
When you venture away from the hot tourist spots in the region, you’ll find a more local and remote feel.
Amed and Sidemen are in the midst of jungles, rivers, and rice paddies.
It’s easy to find the perfect escape in East Bali.
Chew Tip Reminder: Having a private driver for our trip (who doubled as a tour guide and photographer) significantly saved us money from the overall cost of booking tours. We only had to pay small entrance fees. Fair-priced and highly reliable private driver details are included in our Explore Bali Travel Guide. If you prefer to book tours instead, we have direct links to tours included throughout this article.
Lempuyang Temple
The Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple is an incredible temple that offers stunning views over Mount Agung and the surrounding area.
It’s grown in popularity to capture some unforgettable photos.
You have the opportunity to dress in traditional clothing for ~$5 USD per person.
Be sure to take the transportation up to Lempuyang Temple.
The climb up is quite steep. The shuttle cost us ~$3 USD per person to get to the top.
Price: We paid ~$4 USD to enter Lempuyang Temple.
Tirta Gangga
For a unique experience, check out Tirta Gangga in East Bali.
This tranquil oasis features pristine pools of water and towering statues that will transport you to a different time and place.
The large, multi-colored coi fish are the main attraction.
To get a closer look at them, you can entice the fish with some fish food that costs $0.50 USD.
Don’t forget to explore the lush gardens that surround it.
It’s best to arrive here early, as it does get crowded throughout the day.
Price: We paid ~$3 USD to enter Tirta Gangga.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Tukad Cepung is one of the most unique waterfalls on the island.
To reach Tukad Cepung waterfall, you must first walk down a narrow path between two cliffs.
As you walk towards the left-sided waterfall, you’ll notice natural light filtering through the openings above.
This creates an illuminating effect.
Once you reach the end of the path, you will be greeted by a stunning view of a waterfall cascading through an opening in the cliff above.
This is the perfect place to leave you glowing! The best time to visit Tukad Cepung is during early morning before 12 pm to witness this light phenomenon.
Price: We paid $1 USD per person to enter Tukad Cepung waterfall.
Best Places to Stay in Sidemen and Amed
Great Mountain Views Villa Resort – 1 Bedroom
This is a one-bedroom villa with a swimming pool and restaurant on site.
The villa has gorgeous views of Mount Agung, which is 10 minutes away by car. Peace is at your fingertips when you stay here.
Price: ~$45 USD per night
Check rates & availability at Great Mountain Views Villa Resort
Villa Mimpi Tamarind – 2 Bedrooms
This two-bedroom villa in Amed. It features breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. It’s about one mile away from Selang Beach.
This villa also has an incredible pool that overlooks the dreamiest landscapes.
Price: ~$90 USD per night
Check rates & availability at Villa Mimpi Tamarind
Villa Kropak – 4 Bedrooms
This four-bedroom villa in Sidemen is smack dab in the middle of a lush, green landscape.
There’s a huge private pool, and provides an overall luxurious feel. This is an ideal accommodation for a group trip.
Price: ~$330 USD per night
Check rates & availability at Villa Kropak
South Bali: Uluwatu, Canggu, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua
South Bali is known for its amazing nightlife and alluring beaches.
Try exploring Uluwatu for lively beach clubs atop cliffs.
Check out Canggu for supreme surfing.
Explore Seminyak for fun beaches and local shopping.
South Bali is quite a popular destination, so you’re bound to meet a lot of tourists looking for a good time.
South Bali’s beach towns set the scene for a lively vacation and many watersports with easy access to beaches.
Nusa Dua is great for families or anyone who loves an amazing secluded resort experience.
The waterslides and private beach access in the Hilton Bali Resort can make your vacation complete!
(It’s the ultimate option if budget is not your concern or if you have some Hilton points to burn.)
Chew Tip Reminder: Having a private driver for our trip (who doubled as a tour guide and photographer) saved us money from the overall cost of booking tours. We only had to pay small entrance fees. Fair-priced and highly reliable private driver details are included in our Explore Bali Travel Guide. If you prefer to book tours instead, we have direct links to tours included throughout this article.
Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in South Bali to help you decide if it’s the right region for you to stay in.
Waterbom Park
If you love watersport activities, you will want to check out Waterbom Park.
It has over 15 slides and pools ranging from mild rides to extreme ones.
To make sure you don’t miss out on any fun, it’s best to book your tickets online in advance.
Price: A single-day pass at Waterbom Park costs ~$30 USD
Savaya Bali Beach Club
If your dream vacay involves a luxurious experience by the beach, then head over to Savaya Beach Club.
This beach club is perched atop a cliff, offering an amazing view of the Indian Ocean.
It features a range of entertainment including live music, DJs, and delicious food from local restaurants.
Savaya Bali Beach Club also has a great range of sunbeds, lounge chairs and umbrellas to make your stay even more comfortable.
Price: Varies, but starts at ~$8 USD. Book tickets in advance on Savaya Bali Beach Club website.
Surfing Lessons
If you’re looking for some surfing lessons, South Bali is the place to be!
Whether you’re a beginner or a little more advanced, you’ll have a great time learning new skills.
There are plenty of affordable options that can teach you how to surf and even help with renting out the gear in South Bali.
Price: Beginner surf lessons in Bali ~$13 USD per person
Best Places to Stay in Canggu and Seminyak
Nova Guesthouse – 1 Bedroom
This one bedroom guesthouse is nearby Pererenan Beach, Echo Beach, and Seseh Beach.
This guesthouse has a light and airy feel and features a swimming pool.
Price: ~$ 20 USD per night
Check rates & availability in Nova Guesthouse
Villa Elyse Seminyak – 3 Bedrooms
This three bedroom villa is nearby Batu Belig Beach and Berawa Beach in Canggu.
This is a stunning villa with pool and hot tub features that make for an incredible group trip in Seminyak.
Price: ~$250 USD per night
Check rates & availability at Villa Elyse Seminyak
Villa Padi Karo – 4 Bedrooms
This four bedroom villa screams luxury. It’s a spacious accommodation that can fit up to six people.
It features a private pool with mountain views in Canggu.
Villa Padi Karo is close to many beaches including Taman Ahimsa Beach, Karang Cemagi Beach and Mengening Beach.
Price: $248 USD per night
Check rates & availability at Villa Padi Karo
Nusa Penida
Taking a one-hour ferry ride off the coast of Bali for ~$25 USD per person will land you in Nusa Penida.
This island was known for its secluded hideaways.
However, it has rapidly grown in popularity on social media.
You might ask yourself, “How many photo-ops can one island have?”
When it comes to Nusa Penida, that number keeps on growing as fast as the number of daily visitors.
In recent years, they’ve added tourist attractions that draw in many people from all over the world to Nusa Penida.
You’re bound to have an adventure exploring the stunning cliffs and beaches of Nusa Penida that make for the perfect photo backdrop.
Nusa Penida is also a good choice for anyone looking for amazing snorkeling and diving around incredible coral reefs.
If beach bars are your thing, Nusa Penida is also a good place to check out.
Chew Tip Reminder: Having a private driver for our trip (who doubled as a tour guide and photographer) saved us money from the overall cost of booking tours. We only had to pay small entrance fees. Fair-priced and highly reliable private driver details are included in our Explore Bali Travel Guide. If you prefer to book tours instead, we have direct links to tours included throughout this article.
Check out some of the top things to do in Nusa Penida to see if it’s the best area for you to stay in Bali.
Kelingking Beach
One of the most iconic sights in Nusa Penida is Kelingking Beach.
This beach is located on the west coast of the island and has become famous for its distinctive rock formation shaped like a T-Rex dinosaur head jutting out into the ocean.
The view from above is breathtaking and you can hike down to the beach for an even better experience.
Price: The entrance fee for Kelingking Beach is less than $1 USD per person. We went just before sunset and didn’t have to pay a fee when we visited.
Diamond Beach
Another popular spot in Nusa Penida is Diamond Beach.
If you dare to venture down the steep cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful stretch of sand.
Personally, the climb down to this beach was extremely difficult, and I wouldn’t do it again.
The picture above is me smiling on the way down to Diamond Beach before we reached the really hard part.
Spoiler alert: handrails became a thing of the past and I had to rely on a rope to pull myself up and down the extremely uneven and steep steps along the side of a cliff.
For my husband, the climb down to Diamond Beach is what landed it on his top beaches in the world list. To each his own.
Diamond Beach is located on the east coast of the island and is certainly for the adventure seeker.
Price: We paid less than $1 USD per person to enter Diamond Beach.
RELATED ARTICLE: 14 Common Travel Mistakes (& How to Avoid Them At All Costs!)
Rumah Pohon Treehouse
Rumah Pohon Treehouse is a particularly popular photo opportunity.
It appears to be a treehouse that overlooks the deep blue waters on the east side of Nusa Penida.
But it’s empty inside, and the ladder that leads up to the treehouse is designed solely to host a photoshoot.
When you arrive, you will pay the entrance fee, and receive a numbered ticket. This is your place in line.
We waited at least 30 minutes before it was our turn to take a picture at the Rumah Pohon Treehouse.
There are stunning landscapes all around while you wait.
There are also a lot of tourists, as well.
If you’re camera shy, taking pictures here in front of crowds of people may not be your ideal situation. (Hence why my back is turned to everyone in our picture.)
You’ll also need to bring your own camera – your phone is fine. And have your own photographer.
Our driver doubled as our photographer. We’ve included his contact information in our Explore Bali Travel Guide.
Price: We paid ~$5 USD per person to enter Rumah Pohon Treehouse
Best Places to Stay in Nusa Penida
Kesari Glory Hotel – 1 Bedroom
This one-bedroom hotel in Nusa Penida has an outdoor swimming pool and on-site restaurant.
This accommodation is nearby Mentigi Beach and Sun Sun Beach.
Price: ~$30 USD per night
Check rates & availability at Kesari Glory Hotel
Arya Resort – 2 Bedrooms
This two-bedroom cottage has a pool and mountain views. It’s nearby Crystal Bay Beach.
Seganing Waterfall and Angel’s Billabong are just under 10 miles away from this cozy stay.
Price: ~$80 USD per night
Check rates & availability at Arya Resort
Nau Nusa Villa – 3 Bedrooms
This three-bedroom villa is a great option for a group trip. It has a modern, sleek, and Earthy vibe.
It also features a private pool, and is close to Batununggul Rastafara Beach and Sampalan Beach.
This stay has great value for all that it offers, and fair pricing when it’s split within your group.
Price: ~$200 USD per night
Check rates & availability at Nau Nusa Villa
Plan Your Trip to Bali
Bali is a destination that caters to all types of travelers, regardless of budget.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, culture or partying, Bali has it all.
So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and welcoming locals.
Planning a trip to Bali can be expensive, especially if you don’t know where to look for budget-friendly options.
In the Explore Bali Travel Guide, we provide you with tips on the best ways to have a budget-friendly Bali experience.
What’s inside the Explore Bali Travel Guide? It includes over 100 top recommendations:
- Ultimate things to do and see
- Best places to eat (including vegan and vegetarian options)
- Unique accommodations from budget hotels to luxury resorts
- What to pack
- Apps you should download before you go to Bali
- Trusted, private driver information
- Sample 8-day itinerary
All of our recommendations are organized by budget to help you “See the World and Save a Dollar!”
Tips for Best Areas to Stay in Bali
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Bali, there are several things you should consider.
Think about the location, budget, type of accommodation, amenities, and reviews.
Location
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing where to stay in Bali is location.
Do you want to be near the beach or in a more secluded area?
Are you interested in exploring the local culture or do you prefer a more touristy vibe?
Are you a foodie and want to be within walking distance of the best dining options?
Depending on your preferences, different areas of Bali may be better suited for you.
RELATED ARTICLE: Food in Aruba: 6 Must-Try Restaurants
Budget
Another important consideration when choosing where to stay in Bali is budget.
This will likely be your first consideration.
There are accommodations available at every price point, from budget hostels to luxury resorts.
Determine how much you’re willing to spend and look for options within that range. You’ll be surprised by how cheap some luxury stays are in Bali.
We’ve included over 20 amazing accommodations in our Explore Bali Travel Guide that are organized by budget.
RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Tips to Save Money on Your Turks and Caicos Vacation
Type of Accommodation
Bali offers a variety of accommodation options including villas, hotels, guesthouses, and hostels.
Each type of accommodation offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages so choose one based on what suits your needs and budget.
RELATED ARTICLE: 8 Best Ways to Get a Discount on Airbnb
Amenities
Before booking your accommodation make sure it meets all your requirements such as air-conditioning or fan, Wi-Fi access (particulary important for digital nomads), swimming pool etc.
RELATED ARTICLE: Should You Use a VPN for Travel While Abroad?
Reviews
Reading online reviews can offer valuable insight into other travelers’ experiences with the property before making any reservations.
You should read through the good and the bad reviews before selecting your stay.
What is “good” or “bad” to someone else may not align with your opinion.
So be sure to consider how others experienced their stays and how that would affect your potential stay before you finalize your booking.
RELATED ARTICLE: Bora Bora vs Tahiti: Which is the Better Vacation for You?
Transportation
Consider how easy it will be for you to get around once you arrive at your chosen location since transportation can vary widely depending on where you’re staying.
Staying in a central location can help cut the costs of transportation by staying within walking distance of where you plan to visit.
Driving can be tricky in Bali.
Commonly, visitors will rent scooters. Just be aware that the roads can be very busy and fast-paced and the street signs are written in Indonesian.
We had very reliable private drivers that were fair priced and took the stress out of getting from point A to point B.
We have their contact information included in our Explore Bali Travel Guide.
RELATED ARTICLE: Is Spirit Airlines Safe?: 3 Things to Know Before You Fly
Where to Stay in Bali FAQS
- Which part of Bali is best to stay?
- The best part of Bali depends on your travel style. For waterfalls, stay in Ubud in the central region. For a party beach scene, explore the southern region. For a remote escape, try the north or east regions. For incredible beaches and adventure, visit Nusa Penida. Each region offers a unique experience.
- Where do families stay in Bali?
- Families often stay in Nusa Dua, a luxury resort area with family-friendly features. The southern region is also popular, offering great beaches, beginner surf lessons, and the Waterbom water park.
- Where do backpackers stay in Bali?
- Backpackers usually stay in the southern and central regions. Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud are popular areas for backpackers.
RELATED ARTICLE: How To Travel More Spend Less: See the World and Save a Dollar
Found this article helpful? Share it!
