What are the best destinations to visit in Bali?

There is no easy way to answer to this. Bali is a very diverse island, with each destination offering something different. If you are visiting Bali for the first time, this should be the page you spend the most time exploring before booking a hotel. Each area has its own unique vibe, culture, activities, travelers, and positives and negatives.

Make sure you take a look at our recommended itineraries if this is your first trip to Bali. The majority of the island’s destinations can be found in the south, from Ubud in the center to Bukit in the very south. The most popular southern destinations are shown on the map. More information is available by clicking on the names on the map

The Best and most popular Destinations in Bali at a Glance:

Canggu & Berawa

Canggu (including Berawa and Pererenan) is Bali’s most up-and-coming destination. There’s something for everyone, from backpackers to partygoers to families and spiritual seekers. Feels like Ubud but with a beach. Despite a few traffic jams, digital nomads and surfers love it here. There is a big range of accommodation choices, as well as coffee shops, bars, beach clubs, gyms, spas, and yoga studios.

#everything #beachclubs #yoga #party #coworking #healthyfood #coffeeshops #smoothiebowls #sunset

Canggu Travel Guide

Kuta & Tuban

Kuta is the most popular travel destination beside Seminyak, Ubud and Canggu. This low-cost alternative is perfect for individuals who want to have fun at the beach without breaking the bank. You may buy souvenirs, dine at fast food chains and chain restaurants, and stay at hotels that are typically 3 or 4 ratings. Australians and “backpackers” love it here.

#party #young #affordable #easysurf #sunset

Kuta Travel Guide

Seminyak & Petitenget

If you travel north from Kuta, you will find Petitenget, which is perhaps Bali’s most well-known destination. Beach Clubs, Shops & Boutiques, and Luxury Villas & Resorts can all be found here. There are some incredible restaurants and culinary marvels nearby. This is the finest place to start exploring the nightlife of Bali, with its great international crowd. 

#nightlife #greatfood #mixed #easysurf #sunset #shopping #luxury

Seminyak Travel Guide

Ubud

A must-visit destination. It is Bali’s cultural and artistic mecca where people from all over the globe come to attend seminars and workshops focused on taking care of their mind, body, and soul and finding more balance and well-being in all parts of their lives. Excellent location from which to explore Bali’s north, including its many temples and rice terraces. Popular among digital nomads due to its amazing coffee shops, healthy food options, and traditional dance shows. Don’t forget about the monkey forest, either.

#spiritual #art #temples #coolbreeze #nature #relaxed

Ubud Travel Guide

Nusa Dua

Away from it all, on the south-west tip of Bali. The international beachfront resorts here have wonderful restaurants and bars and attract visitors from all over the world. The area is often chosen for events with a universal theme, such as weddings, honeymoons, international meetings, and other large-scale gatherings.

#luxury #beach #vip #5-star-resorts #culinary #conventions #golf

Nusa Dua Travel Guide

Legian

Legian, which is north of Kuta, is a quieter option that is still close to bars and clubs. Families from Down Under frequent here because of the variety of hotels, cafes, and nightlife spots available to them. Still reasonably priced, there are a number of high-end 4-star hotels and many gift shops to choose from.

#beach #mixed #affordable #easysurf #sunset #families

Legian Travel Guide

Sanur

As one of Bali’s oldest tourist destinations, it has managed to stay charming, serene, and quiet. It’s great for kids because the beach is safe for swimming and it has a beautiful promenade with hotels and restaurants right on the beach. There are a lot of 3- to 5-star hotels in a residential area, and a port where boats to Lembongan leave. 

#families #relaxed #calmbeach #serene #romantic #traditional

Sanur Travel Guide

Jimbaran & Kedonganan

A beautiful bay in a more relaxed part of Bali. Beach resorts for families with some of Bali’s most iconic hotels.The southern end of the beach is known as Kedonganan, and it is well-known for its beachside seafood BBQ.

#families #relaxed #whitesand #seafood #romantic #sunset

Jimbaran Travel Guide

Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, Penida

From Sanur, it takes 40 minutes by boat to reach Bali’s three “sister islands.” Some compare it to Bali 30 years ago, but with a more comfortable atmosphere. A tropical paradise with some of the area’s best diving. Small bungalow hotels rule the roost, with simple but decent restaurants. However, in order to get around, you must be able to ride a scooter.

#tropical #adventure #whitesand #paradise #romantic #scubadiving

Nusa Islands Travel Guide

Uluwatu & Pecatu

The south west coast of the Bukit Peninsular has white sandy beaches in Balangan, Padang Padang, and Binging. Backpackers, surfers, and a growing number of digital nomads love it here. Pecatu, which is quieter and more laid back, is home to some of the best luxury villas in Bali, as well as upcoming 4-5 star resorts in Pecatu with golf courses.

#surfing #cliffs #whitesand #remote #nomads #temple

Uluwatu & Pecatu Travel Guide

Amed & Tulamben

It is home to two quiet, down-to-earth fishing villages in Bali’s northwestern region, and it is well-known for scuba diving and snorkeling, nature tours, and amazing views from Mount Agung. The less well-known beaches and villages of Jemeluk, Lipah, and Selang are nearby and well worth a visit.

#diving #remote #blacksand #raw #simple #nature

Amed & Tulamben Travel Guide

Candidasa

East Bali’s main tourism area, yet still quiet and remote, with decent accommodations. Excellent starting point for day trips and excursions, including snorkeling and diving.

#diving #remote #blacksand #raw #simple #nature

Candidasa Travel Guide

Ungasan & Kutuh

Quiet and remote, nestled on Bali’s most southern tip, with stunning coastline and steep cliffs. It is home to some of the best resorts, beach clubs, and luxury villas and estates in the world. Melasti Beach, in particular, is popular for weddings.

#cliffs #beachclubs #villas #remote #nature #villas

Ungasan & Kutuh Travel Guide

Tanah Lot & Tabanan

The area stretches from the coast of Tanah Lot Temple to the north of Batukaru Mountain. known for eco-retreats and eco-tourism. It’s remote, quiet, and full of nature, with rice terraces and cacao plantations, making it ideal for trekking and waterfalls. 

#batukaru #remote #nature #eco #waterfalls #riceterraces #temples

Tanah Lot & Tabanan Travel Guide

Lombok & The Gilis

Lombok is known for its pristine natural landscapes, incredibly pleasant roads, and excellent surf, all of which can be seen from Mount Rinjani. Motorsport enthusiasts really like the brand-new Mandalika Race Track. The Gilis, a group of tropical islands, are popular with motor-free enthusiasts, particularly young people and newlyweds.

#rinjani #nature #surfing #raw #mandalika #quiet #pearls #diving

Lombok & Gilis Travel Guide

More Bali Destinations & Tourism Areas

Bedugul & Baturiti
Bali’s Highlands, with lakes, hot springs, forests, amazing trekking, fruit and coffee plantations, and the majestic Mount Batur volcano.

Padangbai
Small, quiet, laid-back coastal town in eastern Bali with good diving. It also has a ferry terminal and speed boats to Lombok, the Gilis, and other Lesser Sunda Islands.

Tanjung Benoa
Peninsular north of Nusa Dua with 3-5 star beachfront resorts that offer family-oriented water sport activities and peace and quiet.

Lovina, Singaraja, North Bali
Near Menjangan Island and the nature reserve park, there are very quiet black sand beaches with small hotels and resorts, guest houses, nature, and diving.

First time in Bali?

Moving around and spending some time in different parts of Bali is easy and rewarding.

Not many people stay in one hotel for their whole vacation anymore. It has become very common to travel to different places and see what each area has to offer. Bali isn’t very big, so it’s easy to get from one place to another when you want to change where you’re staying. 

Travel itinerary suggestions for first-time visitors to Bali (between 10 days and 3 weeks)

  1. First, take your time exploring the South and arrive early to get used to the time zone and weather: A few days in Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua (easy arrival and chill).
    (2-4 nights)
  2. Then go sightseeing and explore the Center. Relocate to Ubud to learn about the culture and natural sites of central and north Bali (Daytrips & Tours, Chilling, Health, Yoga, Nature).
    (3–5 nights)
  3. If you have the time, go to the islands of Lembongan and Ceningan Islands for a tropical and more simple way of life like Bali had 30 years ago (and great diving). Or, you can hop over to the Gilis, which takes a bit longer.
    (2–4 nights)
  4. Finish up your trip in the south by going out, partying, shopping, or just relaxing at sunset in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, or Canggu.
    (3–5 nights)

With such choices, you may do a lot in a short amount of time (say, two to three weeks).When you go back to Bali, there is more to discover and explore. For decades, Bali has been a popular travel destination, and it has remained so due of the island’s abundance of wonder and wisdom.

HOT TIP – Save some time

When moving to another location, we recommend that you use the check-out day to do some sightseeing and rent a car with a driver. Your driver will pick you up after breakfast and take you on a half- or full-day tour. He keeps your luggage safe in the car while you visit temples and other interesting sites and locations before driving you to your next location.

This is an excellent way to avoid wasting time traveling between your chosen accommodations while also saving money.

Map Overview of Bali’s Main Tourism Destinations

Nine regions of Bali
Nine regions of Bali