Bali’s main tourist areas (south and central)
Get to know each of Bali’s touristy regions and the things to do in each area
general information
If you are coming to Bali with a travel agency, there are a few destinations that always make it onto the trip itinerary, and you might not be able to improvise much.
However, if you are planning the trip yourself, I am excited for you because you have plenty of options to choose from. You can visit places that match your personal interests and spend more time at these locations. Although the island doesn’t seem that big and you’ve heard that getting from the South to the North takes around two hours, you should know that in Bali, a two-hour drive—whether on a scooter or in a car—is considerable and tiring.
So, I am giving you some important information about the locations and sharing some personal tips from my visits to these areas. It is important to know what each areas offers in order to make most of your trip and avoid disappointment or waste of time.
South Bali
Canggu
Once a small fishing village, today Canggu’s turned into the hub for digital nomads and entrepreneurs due to the amount of co-working spaces, gyms, western cafes, beach access, and connection to like minded people. It is definitely a very busy area which is expanding into the surrounding villages of Perenanan, Seseh and Niyani which also offer similar ambience. The ocean is more suitable for surfing rather than swimming.
Know for: long coastline, digital nomads, trendy eateries, boutiques, overconstruction
Crowd: younger crowds, entrepreneurs, couples, young families
Main activities: beach walks, socialisation, night life, food scene, spa, surfing
Accommodation: unique modern villas, small Balinese resorts
My tip: it’s a cool area to explore for a day or 2. I like having long morning walks on the beach, watching the sunset, and having lunch at trendy cafes and dining and romantic restaurants. Some of the streets are not suitable for walking at all. Also, I wouldn’t rent a scooter there as the traffic is hectic, I recommend using Grab/Gojek taxi bikes.
Kuta/Seminyak
In 1970’s Bali experienced the first tourism boom when Australian surfers and backpackers were drawn to the areas of Kuta and Seminyak. This has led to the overdevelopment of the region and today, you can find loads of shopping centres, big resorts, markets, and restaurants.
Know for: busier atmosphere, big shopping malls and street markets, huge coastline and surfing, proximity to the airport
Crowd: Australians, families, party people
Main activities: night life and pubs, surfing, dining, shopping
Accommodation: lux and mid-range hotel resorts and villas
My tip: good area to do some shopping or get a surf lesson but unless you are into nightlife and pubs, I ‘d skip these areas.
SANUR
Sanur is a beachside town located on the southeast coast of Bali, just 30 minutes from the international airport and the capital, Denpasar. It is known for being well-developed, featuring numerous villas, large supermarkets, and various facilities. However, Sanur is considered a quieter area due to the absence of nightlife, making it a popular long-term residence for families and senior citizens.
What attracts many people to Sanur is its 5 km long beach coastline, which is perfect for walking and cycling. Few areas in Bali offer such a lengthy stretch for walking. The biggest mall in Bali, ICON MALL, is also located here.
Known for: long coastline, shopping, more chilled vibe, fast boats port to the Nusa Islands
Crowd: families, senior citizens, couples
Main activities: relax on the beach, cycling, shopping, spas, restaurants, night markets
Accommodation: beachfront resorts, villas, and home stays
My tip: The first time I visited Sanur, I didn't fall in love with it, although I really enjoyed the long coastal walk. Today, I like returning to Sanur for day trips to shop, enjoy food near the beach, and take leisurely walks. If you prefer more relaxing experiences, then Sanur is the perfect area for you.
Southernmost
Uluwatu
Located in the southern peninsula (Bukit), Uluwatu has some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. It has dramatic landscapes offering cliff point views, cool white sand beaches, and super advanced surfing spots. It’s also a famous area for expat communities as there is an ongoing development of villas, gyms, and everything that an expat might need.
Know for: cliff views, Uluwatu temple, beaches, surfing, trendy cafes
Crowd: expats, couples, solo-travellers
Main activities: visit pristine beaches, advanced surfing, yoga
Accommodation: surf camps, cliff resorts and villas, Balinese home stays and resorts
My tip: I’d definitely add Uluwatu to any Bali itinerary. Explore the variety of beaches it offers, eat fresh seafood at Bingin beach, and watch the sunset from on the many cliff tops.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is located in the western part of the Bukit Peninsula, a 30-minute drive from Uluwatu. I’d describe it as a holiday village developed for tourists, where you can stay in five-star beach resorts and not even think about leaving the area. My favorite beach, Geger Beach, is located in Nusa Dua and offers a long beach path and various water sports.
Know for: 5-star luxury resorts, white sand beaches, watersports, Bali Collection shopping area
Crowd: couples, families
Main activities: enjoy the beaches and relax in your resort, relax
Accommodation: mainly mid-range and high-end resorts such as The St. Regis Bali Resort and the Grand Hyatt
My tip: If you want to relax and primarily spend time on the beach without the hassle of traveling around, Nusa Dua is a great choice. It could be the relaxing and romantic part of your Bali trip.
Central Bali
UBUD
Okay, you might notice my love for this area because I’ve been living here for the past year. Located somewhat in the center of the island (although the exact center of Bali is covered with jungle), Ubud is just an hour north of the capital, Denpasar. It is surrounded by lush rice terraces and jungle landscapes.
Before arriving in Ubud, I knew it was the spiritual and artistic capital of Bali, and it has proven to be exactly that. The area has a very authentic feeling, and even though there are many modern businesses, the majority are adapted to the Balinese style and blend in seamlessly. The city center itself is busy as not only the Ubud Palace and the Ubud Art Market are located there but also there is a huge amount of cafes, restaurants and traditional and boutique shops.
Known for: art and spirituality, outdoor activities, Hindu temples, Ubud Monkey Forest
Crowd: solo females, couples and families, expats, spirituality seekers
Main activities: yoga and healing practices, rice terrace trekking, visiting waterfalls, shopping
Accommodation: Balinese resorts, villas, home stays
My tip: a must-visit area where I recommend staying at least three nights!
What’s coming up in the next post? - Explore the touristy areas in the East, North, and West of Bali
