Where to Stay in Bali Long-Term

Bali is a diverse island, and when it comes to choosing where to live long-term, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. While technically you can settle anywhere, your ideal location will depend on your lifestyle, work situation, family needs, and what kind of environment you want to be surrounded by.

Some people want to be close to coworking spaces and vibrant cafés, others need to be near international schools, and some simply crave peace, nature, or surf. In this article, we highlight the most popular areas for long-term living in Bali — including the pros and cons of each.

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Map Overview
Destinations Overview
Ratings ★★★

The most popular destinations in Bali for long-term visitors are located in the South


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The 6 Most Popular Areas to Live in Bali (Long-Term & Families)

Bali offers many lifestyle options for those planning to stay long-term — whether you’re relocating with family, working remotely, or starting a business. Here are five of the most popular areas to live in, and why they stand out.

Canggu, Babakan & Pererenan

  • Popular among digital nomads, creatives, and entrepreneurs
  • Strong café, coworking, and surf culture
  • Babakan (north of Jl Canggu Raya) is more residential and family-friendly
  • Good mix of modern villas and local housing
  • Traffic and crowding can be a downside
  • Lots of entrepreneurs and business owners (cafes, bars, restaurants, villas)
Canggu

Ubud

  • Ideal for nature lovers and wellness-focused lifestyles
  • Cooler climate, surrounded by rice fields and jungle
  • Yoga studios, spiritual centers, art communities
  • Lower cost of living than coastal areas
  • Popular Green School within reasonable distance
Ubud

Sanur

  • Flat and walkable beach promenade — very family-friendly
  • Safe, peaceful environment with calm beaches
  • Popular with retirees and long-term expats
  • Close to good hospitals and international school
  • Less nightlife and slower pace than Canggu
Sanur

Umalas / Kerobokan

  • Residential feel between Seminyak and Canggu
  • Strong French & Russian Communities
  • Popular among families and long-stayers
  • Villas with gardens and reasonable access to private schools
  • Not really touristy, but still central
  • Some areas are still developing

Uluwatu

  • Stunning coastal scenery and surf beaches
  • Great for individuals and couples seeking tranquility
  • Growing café and wellness scene
  • Not ideal for families due to infrastructure gaps
  • Transport needed — not very walkable
  • Popular for surfers & nomads
Uluwatu

Tabanan – Nuanu Creative City

New Development

  • 20-30min North of Canggu
  • new Development focusing on a “serene lifestyle
  • New Villas & Apartments under construction
  • International School & Kindergarden
  • With the mission to empower creativity in arts, environment, technology, and design

Destination Rating

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DestinationPartyCulinaryNatureSmall KidsCultureLuxury TravelingBudget TravelingTranquility & TrafficShoppingRomanceSurfing
Canggu ★★★★☆★★★★★★★☆☆☆★★☆☆☆★★☆☆☆★★☆☆☆★★★★☆★☆☆☆☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆
Berawa (Canggu)★★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆☆★★☆☆☆★☆☆☆☆★★☆☆☆★★★★☆★☆☆☆☆★★★☆☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆
Sanur★★☆☆☆★★★★☆★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Uluwatu / Pecatu★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★☆☆☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★★★★
Ubud★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Tabanan / Batukaru★☆☆☆☆★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★★☆☆★★★★★★★☆☆☆★★★★☆★★★★★★☆☆☆☆★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Ratings of all Main Destinations