Best Places To Stay In Bali – Top Areas, Attractions And Tips
IndonesiaPristine nature, incredible beaches, lively local traditions, and mesmerizing temples, you will never forget your time spent in Bali….
Notable Places
Discover Indonesia
Use the map to start exploring the islands, our Bali itinerary is also the perfect place to plan your trip.
Indonesia Quick Guide
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Language: Bahasa Indonesia
- Emergency Number: 112 (general emergency)
- Tipping: Not required, but appreciated (5–10% in restaurants is common)
- Fun Fact #1: Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, with over 17,000 islands
- Fun Fact #2: It’s home to the world’s largest lizard—the Komodo dragon
- Fun Fact #3: Bali has its own distinct Hindu culture, unlike the rest of the mostly Muslim country
Where to Stay in Indonesia
From luxury resorts in Bali to eco-lodges in the jungle and homestays on quiet islands, Indonesia offers a wide range of places to stay. Popular regions include Ubud for culture and wellness, Canggu for surf and cafes, and the Gili Islands or Flores for beachside escapes.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
Plan Where to Stay
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How to Get Around Indonesia
Traveling between Indonesia’s islands often involves domestic flights or ferries. Bali and Java have well-developed transport, including ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek, as well as taxis and private drivers. In smaller or remote areas like Flores or Lombok, transport can be limited, so guided tours or private drivers are ideal.
Scooter rentals are common in tourist hubs like Bali but should be used cautiously. Trains are a great option for exploring Java, especially between Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. Boats and ferries connect places like Bali to the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida, but weather conditions can affect schedules.
For trips into national parks or volcanoes, organized tours often provide the easiest access.
Must-Visit Places in Indonesia
- Bali – Spiritual retreats, surf beaches, lush rice terraces, temples, and nightlife in areas like Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu
- Yogyakarta – Cultural capital of Java, home to ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan
- Komodo National Park – Unique wildlife, pink beaches, and world-class diving near Flores
- Mount Bromo – Iconic volcanic sunrise hikes on East Java
- Gili Islands – Small, car-free islands with turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving
- Nusa Penida – Dramatic cliffs, beaches like Kelingking, and Instagram-famous viewpoints
- Sumatra & Kalimantan – Jungle treks and chances to see wild orangutans
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Indonesian Food to Try
Indonesia’s cuisine is as diverse as its islands, rich in spices, coconut, and bold flavors. Each region offers something unique:
- Nasi Goreng – Nationwide: Indonesia’s beloved fried rice dish, often served with a fried egg, prawns, or chicken
- Satay – Java & Bali: Grilled skewers of meat served with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce
- Rendang – Sumatra (Padang): Slow-cooked beef in rich coconut and spice paste, deeply flavorful and tender
- Gado-Gado – Nationwide: A salad of steamed vegetables, tofu, egg, and peanut sauce
- Babi Guling – Bali: Balinese-style roast suckling pig seasoned with turmeric and spices
- Soto Ayam – Java: Aromatic chicken soup with noodles, boiled egg, and crunchy toppings
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover Indonesia
- Mount Bromo: Journey through the Tengger Caldera’s black sand plains, watch the sun rise over Mount Bromo, Batok, and Semeru from Pananjakan viewpoint. Trek through the Sea of Sand to the crater rim and explore Teletubbies Hills. Perfect for those wanting volcanic panoramas without the logistical challenge.
- Komodo Island: Cruise from Labuan Bajo to Komodo, Rinca, and Padar islands, trek to encounter Komodo dragons in the wild, snorkel at Pink Beach and Manta Point, and visit turtle bays. The ideal way to see the dragons and dive into Indonesia’s rich natural world.
- Borobudur: Best to rise before dawn and journey to Setumbu Hill to witness a spectacular sunrise over Borobudur, then climb to its top before continuing to the stunning Prambanan Temple. A stunning way to visit two of Indonesia’s most iconic UNESCO sites.
- Besakih Temple & Lempuyang Temple: Another one to start early from Bali’s cultural heart to eastern Bali. Ascend to Lempuyang Temple (the iconic “Gate of Heaven” with Mount Agung as your backdrop), and explore the holy Besakih Mother Temple set across terraced courtyards.
- Ubud: It is possible to explore Bali’s cultural heart in one day, first stroll through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, then explore the Ubud Royal Palace and Artisan Market, see the scenic Tegalalang Rice Terraces, purify at Tirta Empul Temple, and admire nature at Tegenungan Waterfall.
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