BALI2017 GUIDE

Where to stay in

CLICK TO FINDCHEAP FLIGHTS

BALIBASIC TRAVEL TIPS

CLICK TO SIGN UPFOR FREE NIGHTS

CLICK TO SEEBOOK DEALS

GET THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS

I always use Skyscanner thanks to their handy

'everywhere' search feature which will show you

the cheapest flights from your closest airport.

Hit that button to give it a spin!

GET THE FREE HOTEL NIGHTS

I nearly always book my accommodation with

Hotels.com because for every 10 nights stayed

they give you a free one. Awesome eh! Hit that

button and sign up as a member now!

DON'T MISS THE BEST BITS

Hate coming home and then finding out you

missed that hidden gem? Grab a Lonely Planet

guidebook before you leave to cover all bases.

Hit that button to check out their current offers!

Some of these links are affiliate partners I know and love. They cost you nothing extra, but provide a little commission so I can keep producing content. Thanks!

Ultimate Bali Guide + Where to stay in Bali Guide 2017 www.danflyingsolo.com /where-to-stay-in-bali-indonesia-travel-guide/

Deciding where to stay in Bali can make or break your trip. So picking the area and hotel to call ‘home’for a few days is essential…

Whilst there is no denying both the good and bad of Bali I love it. The ‘Island of the Gods’ has so much more tooffer than luxury resorts and party spots and is small enough you can stay in more than one place on your tripthere.

After spending over 8 months here in 5 visits I think I’ve finally got it sussed out – hope this helps!

PS. I usually use Hotels.com because of there book 10 nights, get one free – if you aren’t signed up for itI highly recommend you become a member for free here .

{Disclosure: Seem of the links in this post are affiliate links. No extra charge to you, they just help keep thiswebsite costs running – One of the hotels listed was a comp/review stay – all others off my own dollar }

Main SouthThe long beach strip along the south coast from the airport up to Tanah Lot is one of the most popular places tostay on the island, but each part is different.

Kuta – Good for partying and ease of access

Kuta gets a bad (fair?) rep as being the party central part of the Island. When I was 21 I loved it but now I give ita wide berth (Though maybe sometimes you’ll find me reliving the good old Alley cat days) .

It is close to the airport, full of nightclubs, bars, small shops and plenty of haggling opportunities. There are1/16

plenty of accommodation options and shops here which are a good price and right by the beach.

POPULAR KUTA ATTRACTIONS:KUTA BEACH SUNSETS | DISOVERY MALL SHOPPING | NIGHTLIFE

LUXURYSheraton Kuta Resort

This luxury resort is bang in Kuta, connected to amall and has beautiful pool views of the ocean andsunset.

Check It Out

MID-RANGEThe 101 Hotel

Affordable choice with rooftop pools and has a partyvibe you can join in or avoid. Located on the mainparty road.

Check It Out

BUDGETGora Beach Inn

Affordable twin rooms built around a pool. A heavyparty place located in the Poppies streetssurrounded by shops.

Check It Out

Seminyak – Good for beach chillsand stylish nightlife

Further along the coast Seminyak still has plenty ofrestaurants, nightlife and the beach but also comesserved up with some of the famous premiumnightspots such as Potato Head and Ku De Tah. It isslightly more chilled out than Kuta and here you willfind plenty of luxury hotels and villas.

POPULAR SEMINYAK ATTRACTIONS:BEACH CLUBS | FANCYRESTAURANTS | SUNSETS

LUXURYSawangan Villas

My favourite place in Bali I stayed – luxury private villas with breakfast chefs, pools and in the heart of Seminyak.

Check It Out

MID-RANGEThe Ize

2/16

Great location in Seminyak and affordable prices.Clean minimalist look with a rooftop pool and chillvibes.

Check It Out

BUDGETHotel Neo Petitenget

A little out but part of the class and affordable Neochain. Has a pool, simple rooms and the staff wearsilver wigs?!?

Check It Out

Canggu – Good for surf and chill

Moving along the coast you hit Canggu which is myfavourite of the three. With a more chilled out surfervibe here you will find plenty of Acai bowls and coolcoffee shops as well as Echo Beach which is wellknown for it’s surf. There are also plenty of riceterraces around you so you get a good mix of theinland and the coast. It is also in the direction ofTanah Lot, one of the most famous temples in Bali.

If you are a digital nomad in Bali then Canggu isalso great with the DoJo co-working space being areliant internet and working spot.

POPULAR CANNGU ATTRACTIONS:SURFING | TANAH LOT TEMPLE | RICE PADDIES

LUXURYPan Pacific Tanah Lot

Beautiful and luxurious golf and pool resort. Furtheraway from Canggu but over looking Tanah Lot and impressive sunsets.

Check It Out

MID RANGEBali Dream Villas

Not the easiest to access but beautiful villas and rooms with a jungle feel and tranquil pool to escape the Balimadness.

Check It Out

AIR BnBAmazing Place!

If you are a group of friends and want to be near the beach this AMAZING 4 bed loft style Air BnB blew meaway!

Check It Out3/16

Traditional Balinese Dance

4/16

The BukitBelow the airport is a small bulge off the main Island known as the Bukit. Full of luxury resorts, private beachesand local villages you are spoilt for choice here.

BTDC – Good for luxury resorts

The BTDC is a gated, private development which houses some of the most luxury resorts. It has a beautifulbeach (but not those killer sunsets) and some high end beach dining. To be honest, I am not a massive fan ofstaying away from the real Bali but for a few nights to chill out you can’t go wrong here. The prices are prettysteep but if you are on honeymoon or looking to literally just switch off and not explore this is a great spot.

LUXURYThe St Regis

I wish I could personally afford to stay here. Thefood was amazing, the resort and serviceimpeccable and my friend who got to review it wasblown away beyond words.

Check It Out

MID-RANGEMarriott Courtyard

A great affordable option on the outskirts of theBTDC area. Marriott style luxury resort built aroundpools and gardens with a short walk/shuttle to areserved beach area.

Check It Out

BUDGETThe Grand Whizz

Located right next to the Sofitel and minutes fromthe beach this resort actually can be super cheap ifyou look for the right deals at the right time.

Check It Out

5/16

The Ritz-Carlton Suite Views

Nusa Dua – Good for village life

The BTDC sits within Nusa Dua but as it is outsidethe development I’ll give it its only place to shine.Home to one of the most ‘luxurious resort’ in theworld the Mulia – it sits in contrast to the small localvillage of Sawangan slightly further in land I spent acouple of months calling home. There is some greatsurf around here near Geger Beach.

There are a few secret beaches nearby which arestunning and usually empty (drive down the dirt

tracks near the Ritz).

POPULAR NUSA DUA ATTRACTIONS:BEAUTIFUL BEACHES | SURFING & BLOWHOLE | LUXURY RESORTS

Top tip – For $80 you can get Sunday brunch at the Mulia with free flow food AND booze for four hours,when you know how expensive wine is in Bali it will seem like a steal!

6/16

LUXURYThe Ritz-Carlton

This recently opened hotel with its private beach,Bali vibes and so much greenery is the ultimateplace to stay and relax whilst being close enough toplenty of activities.

Check It Out

MID-RANGESwiss Bel Segara

Located further away from the beach but thusaffordable, simple rooms, great pool and a breezyvibe. Car / Bike recommended.

Check It Out

BUDGETVilla Anjing

One of those super chilled places in the village Iused to call home so you get a much more localfeel. Pool and ocean views at the top of the hill. Car /Bike recommended + a love for a few dogs.

Check It Out

Benoa – Good for water sports

Benoa is the stretch of sand which points back to themainland on the map. The beach here is not thebest for sunbathing or families but has plenty ofwater-sports options and as such theaccommodation prices here are usually cheaperthan the main Bukit area.

That said, the beaches here are a lot more local infeel and with the water sports going on aren’t thebest sands for relaxing / cleanliness.

POPULAR KUTA ATTRACTIONS:FERRIES TO ISLANDS | WATER SPORTS | SCUBA DIVING

7/16

LUXURYMantra Sakala

This suite hotel + beach club with its lagoon poolyou can roll out of bed into was perhaps one of thebest hotels I have ever seen except when I stayedthe pool was closed due to Algae so I checked outearly.

Check It Out

MID-RANGEIbis Styles

A pretty standard Ibis hotel which can usually bebooked at a great price and good value given itsproximity to the beach.

Check It Out

BUDGETWangsa Condo

Apartment style accommodation down a small sidestreet but not a long walk to the beach. Great pricesand good pool to chill in.

Check It Out

Jimbaran – Good for seafood andsunset

Jimbaran bay beach looks back across the airportand has some killer sunsets. I always head down totreat myself at Sundara beach club for an amazingspice old fashioned and to catch the last rays of theday from the pool. The beach is nice and there areplenty of fresh fist restaurants to pick from plus a lotof accommodation options. Being pretty close to theairport makes this the perfect nearby stop point fromthe Airport if Kuta is off the radar.

POPULAR JIMBARAN ATTRACTIONS:

FRESH FISH MARKET | DISOVERY MALL SHOPPING | SURF NEARBY

8/16

LUXURYFour Season

Again, one I wish I could stay at but I have only usedthe Sundara beach club, pools and the resortrestaurants as a guest. Perfect location, greatrooms but insane prices. Maybe one for yourhoneymoon trip…

Check It Out

MID-RANGEWatermark Hotel & Spa

The Watermark Hotel is crazy cheap for theaccommodation it offers. With a rooftop and groundlevel pool, top service and amazing room detailsincluding private pool villas the five minute walk tothe beach is covered with your own private shuttle.

Check It Out

Uluwatu – Good for temples andbeach clubs

On the far south of the Bukit is Uluwatu – famous forits beautiful cliffside temples and monkeys. It is alsohome to plenty of luxury hotels, villas and surf bars. I

have hung out at Finns beach club and Single Fin which are great spots to chill by day or the latter for a fewevening drinks as well.

POPULAR ULUWATU ATTRACTIONS:MONKEY TEMPLE | TRADITIONAL DANCE | PRIVATE BEACH CLUBS

LUXURYThe Ungasan

These beautiful ocean views and chilled out vibesare all over Bali but here felt super special. You alsohave the bonus of the beach club with its crystalclear coral waters.

Check It Out

MID-RANGEUluwatu Cotages

An affordable option if you want ocean views fromyour pools – a good choice if you have a group and want to stay in a similar place but not at villa prices.

Check It Out

BUDGET

9/16

The Bingin Inn

Simple, affordable and a good option for this area.Prices are pretty high around the Bukit but you canusually get a crazy cheap deal here.

Check It Out

Rice Terraces of Ubud

Central HotspotsHead inland in Bali and it seems a world away from the beaches. Known for hippy hangouts and Yoga sessionsthe jungle and rice terraces are an ideal place to switch off.

Ubud – Good for culture and yoga

Ubud, the ‘cultural capital’ of Bali is home to the famous Yoga Barn, plenty of vegan cafes, lots of cookingschools (trust me, you want to be able to cook Balinese food!) as well as the Monkey Forest which draws in the

10/16

crowds. Enjoy the traditional dance here, visit the palace and pick up beautiful handcrafted woodwork.

POPULAR UBUD ATTRACTIONS:CULTURAL SHOPS | MONKEY FOREST | THE PALACE | YOGA BARN

Top Tip: You may have seen the amazing Hanging Gardens pool hotels of Bali, but you need to be ahotel guest… Jungle Fish Pool Club makes for a great alternative!

LUXURYMandapa: The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz Carlton hotel here is something special.100% in tune to the beautiful nature and feel ofUbud. On the pricey side but good for a specialoccasion (which Bali is ideal for!)

Check It Out

MID-RANGESri Bungalows

I really loved staying here and opening the curtainson to rice fields and a pool set within them. Greathospitality and super close to everything in Ubud.

Check It Out

BUDGETPondok Frog

Offers brilliant priced rooms on the main road,personal cabins in a little square with breakfast onthe patio each day. One of the cheapest places Ihave stayed in Bali.

Check It Out

Bali Travel Basics

Get Cheap Flights to BaliFind Group Tours in BaliGet the Lonely Planet Bali Book

Read The Indonesia Travel Guide & Tips

Tegalalang & Kintamani – Good fornature & Mountains

Slightly further north of Ubud is Tegalalang which iswell known for its rice terraces you should haveseen on any postcard of Bali. Most people will headhere for a few hours in the day but the in this beautiful location I loved spending two nights there and listening tothe sound of the jungle whilst watching the fire-flies dance outside the window.

Kintamani is also usually passed through quickly as people come to do the sunrise trek up Mount Batur and snap

11/16

Lake life after trekking Mount Batur

a few shots of the temple on the lake (you know the one, it is on all the brochures) but there is actually plenty oftrekking and lush greenery here so you can easily spend a couple of days exploring. Find a local guest house or

grab a tent and enjoy the natural side of the island.

POPULAR CENTRAL BALI ATTRACTIONS:RICE PADDIES | TREKKING MOUNT BATUR | ULUN DANU BRATAN TEMPLE

TEGALALANGAbing Terrace

In the middle of the Jungle surrounded by palmsand rice fields and a beautiful pool. Pay the extra fora suite to get the best views.

Check It Out

KINTAMANISegara Hotel

Super simple and nothing fancy but boasting agreat location right next to the lake. Friendly crewand good for a pitstop.

5Check It Out

East Coast

12/16

The east coast of Bali offers black sands and some great diving spots. Padang Bai is where the boats jet offtowards the Gili Islands but there is more to see than just the dock.

Sanur – Good for families

Sanur is a good middle ground between quiet beaches and noisy nightlife. You can get a good balance here aswell as a great base to take day tours from. The beach is protected by a reef making it a great spot for families.With plenty of accommodation as well as bars and restaurants which aren’t exclusive to resorts you don’t haveto spend a small fortune here as you would in say the BTDC.

POPULAR SANUR ATTRACTIONS:ISLAND FERRIES | TAMAN FESTIVAL ABONDEND GHOSTLAND | MASSAGE & YOGA

LUXURYThe Fairmont

My friends stayed here as a family and really lovedthe facilities and the location. It’s a bit on the priceyside IMO but seems a popular pick for those withkids.

Check It Out

BUDGET/MID-RANGEThe Janan Villa

A great value option with extra space and a goodlocation – a really short walk from the beach butworth it if you want to save some cash and still havea pool and nice facilities

Check It Out

Amed – Good for scuba and relaxedvibes

Amed has the ultimately sleepy town vibe to it. Thinkblack sands, plenty of dive shops and small huts to kip in and you get the picture. Music nights is shack like bars,dust roads that kids play on and plenty of pop up hammocks. I loved it but got slightly bored after two nights.There are also plenty of dive shops here. I used No Fear Diving, who can take you the 30 minute drive up thecoast to Tulamben to dive the Japanese Wreck of the HMS Liberty, a great dive site I have visited a couple oftimes.

POPULAR AMED ATTRACTIONS:HMS LIBERTY DIVING | BLACK SAND BEACHES

MID RANGEHidden Paradise

These cottages surround a tranquil pool and have a perfect location on the tip of the coast offering great oceanviews from the restaurant.

Check It Out

BUDGET13/16

Diving Sites in Amed

Bila Bungalows

Cheap and cheerful with super nice hosts and a on-site dive centre. On the road just back from the beach viewsand hammocks hanging outside each room.

Check It Out

14/16

Further AwayThat sums up most of the main spots but of course, there is plenty more. A couple of last suggestions are belowbut as with any Island, going to hunt your own ideal location is sometimes the best answer.

(I haven’t stayed over night in these locations so no personal accommodation recommendations…)

Lovina – Good for dolphins

Situated on the North coast and a popular spot on route from Java (the ferry crosses into Gilimanuk, 90 minutesaway). Lovina is well known as a spot for watching Dolphins. With the same dark sands of the north-eastimagine a laid back resort. With a lack of high rises and some good bargains to be had it might be worth the(long-ish) trip up here during Dolphin season.

On a side note, there is a SICK dolphin attraction in the south of the island with toothless dolphins stuck in achlorinated pool just meters away from the ocean so head up here to see them in the wild rather than get fooledinto seeing them there.

South-West Coast – Good for peace and escape

The long stretches of beaches that span from Tanah Lot up to Gillimanuk makes for a stunning drive, which isgood as it can be painfully slow! If you have a driver it is well worth stopping off to see these empty stretches ofparadise to imagine what the Island could have been like years ago. There are a few hotels and guest houses

15/16

Familes at Tanah Lot

dotted along which are perfect if you want to be away from the main tourist bustle of the resort areas and have abike or car.

Getting Around Bali

Getting around Bali is pretty affordable. Blue Bird taxi group offer metered fares, Uber now operates in the main

south and you can pick up a driver for the whole day for around $40 – There is also a great new service calledGoJek which is bookable by app and is a crazy cheap bike taxi service! For about $5 a day you should be ableto hire your own bike.

Want the honest truth about Bali?

Bali has its pros, but it also has its cons – After spending so long there over so many visits it would be niave forme not to point them out. Check out this post to get an idea of what to watch out for in Bali:

Bali: Beautiful or Beyond Repair?

16/16