You’ve probably heard about the incredible travel stories of people who visited Bali. These stories are not only amazing, but we’ve also heard them. Bali is a popular tourist destination. It cannot be easy to choose what to do. Many people only spend time in one or two areas of Bali and miss out on the many amazing attractions this tiny Island has to offer. We’ve compiled a list of 10 top areas to visit in Bali to help you explore the Island most enjoyably. This will help you decide which areas you want to explore and not limit yourself to one area. Let’s now get to the list and explore all of Bali’s areas!
SANUR
Sanur is centrally situated, making it an ideal place to stay if your plans include a day trip from Ubud or other parts of East Bali. You can truly experience the local life on the boardwalk at Sanur’s beach. It is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise, especially early in the morning. Many locals enjoy relaxing at the beach with their families on Sundays. They often host a picnic or barbecue. If you’re interested in trying it yourself, you don’t have to worry about bringing your food. There are plenty of restaurants, street food stalls, and resorts that you can go into and enjoy a meal.
PEMUTERAN & MENJANGAN ISLAND
Penmureran, a peaceful fishing village on the northern coast of Bali, is Penmureran. Pemuteran Bay is one hidden gem of Bali. This is a beautiful spot with coral reefs and untouched beaches far from the crowds of tourists in South Bali. This is the ideal place to experience Bali in its original, unspoiled form.
Pemuteran is a great place to go on nature hikes, trek at the National Park, and visit the sacred temples. If you wish to explore Menjangan Island or its surrounding reefs, it is a great place to stay. Menjangan means “deer” in Bahasa Indonesia. Don’t be surprised to see furry friends join you for lunch! You will find a variety of underwater creatures living on the reefs, which you can swim with as the sun sets over the water.
AMED
Amed is a region that comprises a collection of fishing villages spread out over 10km along the east coast. This is a wonderful place for expats and locals who live in Bali’s busy areas to relax. You can enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
This area is known for its exceptional diving. Tulamben is located about 30 minutes from Amed and is the home of the USS Liberty shipwreck. This dive site is renowned as one of the most popular globally. This dive is easy for beginners. This legendary dive is a great way to welcome scuba divers to the sport.
NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua is ideal for families and those who want a relaxed Bali vacation. For a glimpse into Balinese culture, nightly cultural performances often occur in your resort. Although it can seem a little artificial, it’s still quite entertaining. Nusa Dua is a great way to unwind for a few days after a hectic day in Seminyak and Canggu. But more about that later.
KINTAMANI
Kintamani is a dog breed that you may think you might be considering. Kintamani Bali Dog, a native dog to Bali, is originally from Kintamani. Kintamani has laid-back village vibes and cheeky monkeys. It also offers stunning views of Mount Agung (and Mount Batur) from its rooftop. Mount Batur is the most popular thing to do in this area, located next to Batur Lake. The view from the top of Mount Batur is breathtaking, especially at sunrise. You can also explore the local villages and cafes to get a taste of Bali, far from the touristy resorts.
ULUWATU
Uluwatu is home to some of the best white-sand beaches and surf beaches anywhere in the world. Bingin and Dreamland, Padang Padang and Balangan all have world-class surfing spots. It’s worth a visit, even if it’s just to see the surfer catch waves. For delicious Indonesian food and cold beer, stop by one of the surf bars or family-run warungs on the cliffs.
There are also some incredible resorts and beaches in Uluwatu that draw a lot of tourists, including honeymooners, who come to the area for weddings and expats from Canggu and Seminyak.
If you’re in the area, make sure to visit Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu). Monkeys steal guests’ items, including sunglasses, flip-flops, and hats. These items are then turned into the staff for the temple, which will use them to harvest fruit and nuts. While this encourages the monkeys to steal more, watching how clever they are is quite amusing. A Kecak dance performance is held every day in the temple at 6 pm, on the cliff-side during the sunset. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sites in Bali.
SEMINYAK
Seminyak is a popular area to visit in Bali, especially for tourists from other cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, or Bandung. You will find great shopping, luxury hotels and delicious places to eat in this area. Seminyak has a vibrant nightlife scene. You can find great bars like Motel Mexicola or La Favela in the area. Expats often live in villas in the area, located about 7-10 minutes from the action-rich areas near the beach.
Seminyak also has Bali’s most beautiful beaches, including Petitenget Beach, Seminyak Beach, and Double Six Beach. La Plancha, a beachside bar and restaurant known for its colorful umbrellas, is the best place to see one of Bali’s most famous sunsets.
NUSA PENIDA
Nusa Penida, an island in the southeast of Bali, is famous for its Kelingking Beach, one of Indonesia’s most Instagrammable places. Locals and tourists flock to the 200m tall cliff for a spectacular shot with the beach in the background. Because of its unique shape, the bay below is known as the T-Rex bay.
A common way to see Nusa Penida, aside from the famous viewpoint, is to take a one-day trip from Bali and then travel around the Island by boat or snorkeling. Although you won’t find fancy bars or hipster cafes, Nusa Penida is worth the trip. When you return home, your Instagram page will be full of content.
UBUD & TEGALLALANG
Ubud is one of the most unusual places on our list. You will find fresh mountain air here that is cooler than in the southern part of Bali. You will also find excellent food, great hotels, and beautiful views from many villas. You can feel the Bali culture with all the art and craft markets.
Ubud is a place many people visit to relax, heal or get in great physical condition. For years, Ubud has been a sanctuary for yogis. Many expats live in this peaceful jungle environment over Seminyak and Canggu. Ubud is home to some of the best fitness centers, such as Academy Fitness and The Yoga Barn. These are great options for those looking for the ultimate holiday in fitness.
This is the home of over 1000 monkeys. You can get personal with them and even see their jungle habitat. On day 9, we’ll head out to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, which is the ultimate Instagram spot. You can enjoy coffee in a cafe with a view of the rice terraces or go ziplining or swinging if you feel adventurous.
CANGGU
Canggu is now a bustling neighborhood in Bali. It was once a hipster surfing spot. Many digital nomads, backpackers, and young travelers call Canggu home. Canggu is home to some of Bali’s most popular cafes and coworking spaces, making it a great place for anyone who wants to do some work while on vacation. Milk and Madu and Crate Cafe are some of the most popular cafes in Canggu. The Shady Shack is a good choice with its vegetarian and vegan options.
Canggu has a vibrant beach club scene. The Lawn, La Brisa and Berawa Beach are just a few minutes away. There is also the famous Finns Beach Club.
BONUS TIP – EAST JAVA & GILI T
You can also go diving in the pristine waters of Gili Trawangan if you have more time or wish to explore other islands around Bali. If you’re looking for an unforgettable nightlife experience, this is the place to be.