Bali Area Guide: Find the Perfect Spot for Your Vibe!

Not sure where to stay in Bali? You’re not alone. With so many stunning spots, each with its own vibe, it can be tough to figure out which area is right for you. Whether you're chasing waves, jungle adventures, yoga retreats, or just a quiet beach to unwind, Bali has something for every kind of traveler.

In this Bali Area Guide, I’ll break down the most popular regions—from surfy Canggu to spiritual Ubud and wild Nusa Penida—so you can find the perfect spot that matches your travel style.

Let’s find your Bali base!

Canggu

Canggu is one of Bali's trendiest hotspots, especially popular with surfers, digital nomads, and anyone chasing that laid-back beach lifestyle. If you want to learn how to surf, Canggu is a great place to start. There are a lot of surf schools and mellow beach breaks that are perfect for beginners. However, Canggu is a hotspot for tourists. Expect traffic, crowded cafes, and a very international, touristy vibe.

That said, there is surely not shortage of stylish restaurants, Instagram-worthy cafes, and smoothie bowls that will make your mouth water. It is also a great place if you want to meet other travelers, thanks to its lively social scene. Additionally, if you are into wellness, yoga studios, and co-working spaces, you will find them everywhere. Canggu definitely has charm, although it is not the Bali you will see on postcards.

Ubud

Personally, Ubud was my favorite place during my time in Bali—and I highly recommend planning enough days there to soak it all in. Nestled in the heart of the island, Ubud offers a totally different vibe from the beach towns. Think lush jungle surroundings, a slower pace, spiritual energy, and a mix of cultural experiences and nature. It’s definitely more peaceful than places like Canggu or Seminyak, but still lively enough to keep you busy.

There’s a lot to do here: from exploring local markets full of handmade crafts to enjoying affordable food and drinks in cozy cafés with rice field views. It does attract its fair share of tourists, but it still manages to feel more grounded and authentic.

Some activities I loved and recommend:

• White-water rafting through the jungle - an adrenaline rush with stunning scenery.

• Tirta Empul (the holy water temple) - beautiful and sacred. Just note: if you’re a woman on your period, you won’t be able to participate in the purification ritual.

• The famous rice terraces - a must-see, especially in the early morning.

• Monkey Forest - it feels a bit like a zoo, and yes, it’s touristy, but still fun. Pro tip: walk around the streets near the forest to see monkeys a bit more naturally. And seriously, don’t bring plastic bags or loose items like sunglasses or phones. The monkeys are bold and will steal them!

• Waterfalls - there are plenty in the area. If you're looking for the less touristy ones, check out my separate blog post about Hidden Bali waterfalls.

• Mount Batur Sunrise Hike - I didn’t get to do this one myself, but it’s at the top of many people’s Bali highlights. If you’ve got the time and energy, it’s worth adding to your list.

If you’re craving even more jungle vibes and fewer tourists, check out Amed or Sidemen—both are beautiful, quieter alternatives. And if swimming with dolphins is on your bucket list, Lovina in North Bali offers just that (you’ll hang onto a metal bar attached to the boat as dolphins swim nearby).

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is absolutely breathtaking! But be prepared, it’s no hidden gem. This island off the coast of Bali is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and Instagram-famous spots. It’s well worth visiting, but expect plenty of tourists, especially at the most popular locations.

We visited Diamond Beach, which is surprisingly accessible compared to other beaches on the island, you can easily walk down to the sand. Broken Beach was also beautiful, but very crowded. I recommend going early in the morning or after 5 PM, when most day-trippers have left. Manta Point is another must-see, especially if you're into snorkeling, seeing manta rays in the wild was a highlight of my trip!

Kelingking Beach (yes, the one that looks like a T-Rex) is just as stunning in real life. While the main viewpoint gets packed, take a short walk along the cliffs toward the grassy hills, you'll find fewer tourists, epic views, and even some cheeky monkeys along the way.

In terms of time, 1.5 to 2 full days on Nusa Penida is ideal. One day can be spent touring the island’s iconic spots, and the other doing something adventurous, like snorkeling or diving. Personally, I felt that one full day and a half day would’ve been enough to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Top tip: If you do anything on Nusa Penida, go snorkeling with manta rays. It was one of the most magical experiences of my Bali trip. 

Press here for a Nusa Penida Travel Guide.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is famous for its epic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most unforgettable sunsets in Bali. We spent two full days here, and while it’s a beautiful spot to slow down and soak up some sun, it’s worth knowing what to expect before you go.

The area is pretty spread out, so getting around usually means hiring a scooter or driver, and being patient. There’s not much in the way of markets or shops. Uluwatu is mostly about beach clubs, surfing, and views. If you love that luxury beach club vibe, you’ll probably love it here. But things are on the pricier side compared to the rest of Bali, and if you're not into the scene, you might find yourself ready to move on after a couple of days, like I was.

One of the highlights for me was a surf lesson at Balangan Beach. It was a lot of fun, but the beach has a rocky sea floor. Luckily, they provide long-sleeve rash guards and reef shoes, which help a ton. Just a tip: always jump feet first when getting off the board to avoid hitting the rocks.

Don’t miss the Uluwatu Temple. Not only is it perched on a stunning cliff, but the Kecak fire dance at sunset is one of the most magical cultural experiences in Bali. It was hands-down the best part of our time in Uluwatu. I especially recommend the show during sunset, and being on time to secure the best seats. Warning! The monkey there are very bold. Try to put your sunglasses in your backpack when walking around the temple area until sitting down. Also avoid plastic bags. And hold on tightly to your phone!

We also visited the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, home to the massive statue you’ve probably seen in photos. While it’s impressive, the entry fee felt a bit steep for what’s currently accessible, parts of the park were still under construction in 2024.

All in all, Uluwatu is ideal if you're into surfing, sunsets, and upscale relaxation. Just know that beyond that, it’s a little quiet and spread out, so plan accordingly!

Gili Trawangan

I know, Gili Trawangan is technically not a part of Bali, as it belongs to Lombok. However, Gili Trawangan is 100% worth adding to your itinerary, and you can catch a ferry from Bali to the island. If you're dreaming of turquoise water, laid-back island vibes, and swimming with sea turtles right off the beach, this is your spot.

We stayed for 5 days and went snorkeling on three of them, and every time, we saw turtles. You can literally just rent a snorkel for around €1.50, walk into the water, and within minutes you’re swimming with these gentle creatures. It’s one of the most magical (and affordable!) experiences of the trip.

Getting to Gili Trawangan is pretty easy from Bali, with boats running from several ports. Pro tip: try to get a seat on top of the boat for fresh air and views. Otherwise, the ride can feel a bit rough, especially if you're prone to motion sickness. In that case, it’s a good idea to pack some travel sickness pills just in case.

If you’re craving simple island life, a break from scooters and traffic, and some of the best casual snorkeling in the region, Gili T is calling your name.

Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Spot in Bali for Your Vibe

At the end of the day, the “best” place to stay in Bali completely depends on what kind of vibe you’re after. Whether you’re looking for surf and social life in Canggu, jungle peace and culture in Ubud, dramatic cliffs and luxury beach clubs in Uluwatu, or once-in-a-lifetime adventures on Nusa Penida or Gili T, Bali truly has something for every type of traveler.

My biggest tip? Don’t try to cram everything into one spot. Each area offers a totally different experience, so if you have the time, mix and match. Spend a few days in the jungle, a few by the beach, and maybe hop over to the islands. That way, you get to experience all the sides of Bali, from serene to social, spiritual to adventurous.

Wherever you decide to stay, I hope this guide helped you feel a little more confident in picking your Bali base. And no matter where you land, one thing’s for sure: Bali is going to be unforgettable.

With love & wanderlust,

Patty 🧭