Where is the best place to relax in Bali: review of resorts, beaches, surfing spots. Nightlife in Bali or club guide Nightlife in Bali

The island of Bali in Indonesia is capable of making the wildest dreams of tourists come true. Here you can relax noisily and cheerfully, serenely and in silence, or you can plan shopping and a rich cultural program. The resorts of Bali are very diverse, the cities are developing rapidly, so all parts of the island are loved by tourists to one degree or another.

When deciding where exactly to go on holiday on the island of Bali, look at photos and descriptions of the beaches, hotel ratings and prices for accommodation in them.

Nusa Dua

When dreaming of a vacation, you have long imagined luxury villas in five-star hotels, high-quality service, snow-white beaches and, of course, palm trees. You don’t need to rush anywhere, worry about anything, you just lie in paradise and enjoy life. These are the places you will find in Nusa Dua.

The southeastern resort area of ​​Nusa Dua is considered the birthplace of tourism in Bali. The very first hotels were built here. Today, these popular areas offer tourists a VIP experience. The entire coastline in Nusa Dua is dotted with five-star hotels: Mulia Resort, Grand Hyatt Bali, Grand Nikko Bali, Melia Bali are just a few.

Entrance to the hotel territory is strictly regulated; all beaches are well-groomed and located on the first line. On the territory there are luxurious golf courses, green walking paths, many swimming pools, restaurants, and expensive spas. In general, the Nusa Dua resort is very similar to a fabulous, polished area where vacationers value comfort, luxurious service and can afford it.

All the best resorts in Bali are concentrated around Nusa Dua, but don’t think that a budget holiday is impossible here. This is wrong. To rent inexpensive houses, you just need to drive a little away from the coast. Although you will have to live far from the ocean, you can relax on the same beaches that hotel guests use. There are no closed beaches in Bali; all of them are accessible to any tourist or local resident. The beach is significantly influenced by the ebb and flow of the tides; strong waves are not uncommon, but do not interfere with swimming.

Shopping and entertainment complexes in Nusa Dua are concentrated in the Bali Collection center, where free transfers are organized from hotels. As a cultural program, here you can get acquainted with the art of Bali by visiting the Museum Pasifika, walk to the statues of Arjuna and Krishna, which guard the huge book of Bhagwat Gita, and also go down through the park to the Water Blow rock. For theater lovers in Nusa Dua, you can visit the Devdan show, which takes place four times a week in a specially built theater for seven hundred people.

Tanjung Benoa

The ocean means splashes, jumps, bananas, boats, jet skis, parachutes and other water activities. If you can't imagine a beach holiday without all this, then your resort in Bali is Tanjung Benoa.

A small fishing village located north of Nusa Dua, it was once the island's waterway. Today, a small port still operates here, the main purpose of which is to rent out watercraft for active water tourism.

Tanjung Benoa is the youngest tourist resort, which is still developing, but has already gained popularity due to its large water entertainment centers. One of the first water amusement parks to appear in Benoa was Watersport. Now there are already several such centers in the area: North Coast, Benoa marine recreation, Sari Merta Segara - the main competitors of Watersport.

All these centers offer almost the same entertainment: various types of diving, banana boat rides, skiing, motorcycle riding, parasailing, swimming on spinning donuts, flying fish, and, of course, flying on the Jet Water Board, exploring the seabed and other forms of snorkeling. Prices in Watersport start from 55,000 rupees, in Benoa marine recreation - from 25,000 per person.

An unusual highlight that attracts tourists to Benoa marine recreation is the water excursions conducted here. You can go to a turtle center, wander through the mangroves, admire the dolphins, or just sit with a fishing rod and fish. If entertainment is booked online, then almost all companies provide discounts.

Kuta

If you are young and you can’t sleep at night, if you don’t like loneliness, and silence makes you bored, if you need noise, drive and fun for a good rest, then Kuta is your area. It is located slightly above the airport, the journey will take no more than 15 minutes.

An active youth movement of surfers from all over the world, unusual restaurants, nightclubs, and a cool water park provoked a tourist boom in Kuta. Now this is the most crowded resort in Bali, which stretches along the southwest coast at a distance of five kilometers. The Kuta map highlights three main streets.

The street closest to the beaches is Pantai, where hotels and surf schools are located. This is a kind of residential area. Next stretches Legian Street - the heart of youth life. This is where they have fun, socialize and shop. The Sky Garden club is also located here - the center of all Kuta parties. The next block is Mataram Street. Life here is completely different: everything is simple, cheap and without pathos. Among the shops and services, those related to surfing are especially in demand.

Kuta is not rich in cultural and historical monuments; the water here is opaque, sometimes even cloudy. But the sandy ocean bottom and safe waves create ideal conditions for learning to surf, which is conducted by international schools, including Russian. Because of this, it is always very crowded here, there are traffic jams on the streets, and it is noisy at night. In a word, a paradise for young people.

Sanur

When, while sitting at work, you dream of being alone with your life partner, spending time with your children, or living a leisurely family life, then when deciding which resort to choose in Bali, pay special attention to Sanur. This is a fairly large but very calm area of ​​the island. It is located far from the southern resorts of Bali; the journey here from the airport will take just under an hour.

Sanur is a south-eastern port that connects Bali with the neighboring islands of Gili, Ceningan, Nusa Penida and Lembongan. This place is valued by European tourists for its comfort, high level of service, lack of fuss and heavy traffic. Prices here are significantly higher than in Kuta, but lower than in Nusa Dua. There are different hotels - from 3 to 5 stars, but it’s difficult to find cheap accommodation here.

The beach is clean, cozy, white sands, the ocean is very calm, waves are rare. During low tides it is quite shallow, which attracts families with small children. It is not at all dangerous for them to swim here, except in the morning hours, when reverse currents are possible. There are many convenient walking paths around. The only place in Bali where you can ride a bike safely.

The shopping and entertainment infrastructure is very developed. Many restaurants, shops, water entertainment centers. The cultural program consists of a visit to Le Mayeur Museum (examples of Belgian impressionism) and Mangrove Forest Conservation (walks above the mangroves along canopy paths). Kite flying sports festivals are also held here.

Lovina

You are terribly tired of the bustle of the city, of people and of all the delights of modern civilization. Your only desire is to escape somewhere to a desert island to enjoy nature and relax on your own, away from everything and everyone. If you recognize yourself in this description, then of all the resorts in Bali, Lovina is best suited for you. This area is located in the northern part of the island; the journey from the airport by taxi will take almost three hours.

The beaches of Lovina are known for their unusual black sands, as well as the calm ocean, unusual for Bali, where there are practically no waves. You can find inexpensive housing or a room in a good hotel in the village of Kalibukbuk, which is the main infrastructure center of Lovina. There are a few restaurants with live music and bars on the beach where you can play billiards and watch performances by local dancers in the evenings.

Ubud is interesting for a variety of tourists. You can come here for unique souvenirs. To do this, immediately go to the street of craftsmen, where you can visit wood and silver workshops, and a batik factory. There is also a very large selection of souvenirs at the local market.

This city is unique for exploring the architecture, history and culture of the island. There are a lot of attractions, temples, museums, art galleries. There are also stunning landscapes, rice terraces, magnificent walking paths with names that speak for themselves, like the Artists' Trail, for example. But the most impressive place is the monkey forest.

In Bali, the dry season lasts from May to September, but the most comfortable time to relax is July. The rainy season is warmer, but not everyone who is unfamiliar with the Asian climate can tolerate the increased humidity combined with high temperatures.

The areas of Bali are very different and have different microclimates, infrastructure and nature, but together they make Bali a multifaceted and unique holiday destination. The south of the island is more populated and more tourist developed; the north and center of the island also attract tourists, albeit in smaller numbers. The east of the island offers a more calm and measured holiday. The western part of the island is chosen by tourists who want privacy and a taste of more traditional Balinese life.

Despite the relatively small size of the island of Bali, its different parts have a different atmosphere from each other.

There are eight municipalities (kabupaten) on the island of Bali.

1. Badung
2. Buleleng
3. Bangli
4. Denpasar
5. Gianyar
6. Jembrana
7. Karangasem
8. Klunkung (which includes the islands of Lembongan and Penida)

However, do not think that the municipalities and districts of Bali are the same thing.

But in this article we will not describe the administrative regions of Bali (more precisely, municipalities). The fact is that this information will not be very useful for readers who are planning their vacation on the island. Instead, we will tell you about the areas of Bali that tourists will need information about when choosing a place to stay on the island.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua (literally translated as “two islands”) is located in the very south of the island and is a separate resort area. Clean and well-groomed territory, some of the best beaches on the island, the absence of annoying beach vendors, restaurants, cafes, shops and 4 and 5 star hotels make this area ideal for a relaxing and comfortable holiday on the island. There is practically no budget housing in this area. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the airport from Nusa Dua.

Advantages
-best beaches on the island
-quiet and relaxing holiday
-not all areas of Bali can boast of such cleanliness as in Nusa Dua

Flaws
-accommodation is not cheap

- little Balinese flavor
- the ebb tides are quite noticeable

Tanjung Benoa

Tanjung Benoa district is a peninsula near Nusa Dua. There used to be a small fishing village there. Now these are 3-4 star hotels. A large number of companies offering products are concentrated on the beaches of Tanjung Benoa. The beach is quite good for swimming, but it is also worth keeping an eye on the low tides, as they are felt here. The cost of living is slightly lower than in Nusa Dua. A large number of small but cozy cafes and restaurants offer a variety of cuisines. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the airport.

Advantages
-good selection of hotels
-close to the airport
-well-developed infrastructure
-close to the beaches in Nusa Dua

Flaws
-not the best beach in Bali
-it’s a long drive to the main attractions of Bali
-there are minor problems with cleanliness

Jimbaran

Jimbaran is close to Kuta and the airport. Famous for its coral sand beach and beach restaurants with fresh seafood that open in the afternoon. The best time to visit them is in the late afternoon, when you can sit at a table right on the ocean and watch a beautiful sunset while enjoying a delicious meal. The range of prices for accommodation in this area is very wide. Here you can find both budget accommodation and luxury villas and hotels of the same class. It's a 10-minute drive to the airport.

Advantages
-developed infrastructure
-nice beach
-convenient to travel to other areas of the island
- large selection of places to stay
-opportunity to watch sunsets

Flaws
-noise from the airport

Kuta and Legian

These areas of Bali in the south of the island offer mainly budget holidays. Here you can find a large number of inexpensive bars and cafes, small shops with souvenirs, massage parlors and nightclubs. The main contingent is European youth and budget tourists from Australia. These areas of Bali have a bad reputation due to scammers trying to deceive gullible tourists when exchanging currency and offering counterfeit watches, gold jewelry, etc. The main advantage of these areas is, of course, the famous Kuta Beach, which is perfect for learning to surf and contemplating incredibly beautiful sunsets (the best time is April-June and August-October). The areas are very close to the airport.

Advantages
-a large selection of inexpensive hotels and guesthouses
-a large number of bars, restaurants and shops
- close distance to the airport

Flaws
-traffic jams
-many merchants on the beach
-presence of scammers
-noise

Seminyak, Krobokan and Petitinget

These areas of Bali are located northwest of Kuta. A large number of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes, clubs, spas and designer boutiques are always welcome to visitors. Also in these areas there are many luxury villas, the price range of which starts from $170 per night. The nightlife is intense and a large number of young people (and not only) flock here. Seminyak Beach is famous for its beach bars, where you can watch the sunset over a cocktail. It's only a 30-minute drive to the airport.

Advantages
— areas of Bali with the most developed recreational infrastructure
-rich nightlife
-it’s convenient to get to other areas from Seminyak
-nice beach

Flaws
- the cost of living is quite high
-a relatively large number of vacationers
-big waves on the beach and strong currents

Sanur

Sanur is located east of the airport and is a quiet and peaceful resort area. That is why it is so popular with older European tourists. There are a large number of inexpensive restaurants, bars and shops here. The cost of living is slightly higher than in Kuta. The beach line is quite large, but low tides greatly affect the comfort of swimming in the ocean.

Advantages
-quiet and peaceful area
-a large number of inexpensive restaurants and shops
- close location to the airport

Flaws
- low tides on the beaches of Sanur, making swimming uncomfortable
-a large number of coral fragments on the beaches

Ubud

An area of ​​Bali where you can experience the authentic culture and traditions of the island. Accommodation can be found both cheap and expensive in boutique hotels or luxury villas and hotels. A large number of good restaurants with different cuisines and a number of cultural show programs in them. It is here that various cultural festivals, artist exhibitions and conferences are held. It is not for nothing that this area of ​​Bali is considered the cultural and spiritual center of the island. Also in the surrounding area are many of Bali's very popular attractions. Among them are, for example, a cave, holy springs, a monkey forest, and many others. Ubud is located in the hilly central part of the island and therefore you can see picturesque rice terraces, mountain rivers and gorges. Ubud has a special atmosphere of friendliness and leisurely pace.

Advantages
-quiet and relaxing holiday
- clean and cool air
-a large number of good restaurants and bars
-beautiful nature
-close distance to many attractions

Flaws
-great distance from the coast
- a lot of precipitation
-nightlife is practically non-existent

Amed

Amed is located in the east of Bali and consists of several villages along the coast. Mass tourism has not yet arrived here, so a quiet and relaxing holiday is guaranteed. Amed is one of the driest areas in Bali, so during the wet season it becomes more attractive among tourists in the know. The area is very picturesque due to the proximity of hills and mountains to the coast. Amed has excellent snorkeling. If you get up early in the morning and swim into the ocean, you can see schools of dolphins swimming for breakfast. Near Amed there are such attractions as the Kerta Gosa Palace and the Tirta Ganga Water Palace and others. The cost of living is very comfortable and you can find good accommodation from $40. The airport is really far away - 2-3 hours depending on traffic.

Advantages
- relatively low prices for accommodation
- peace and quiet
-opportunity to see real Bali
-good diving and snorkeling

Flaws
-no shopping
- quite hot climate
-small black sand beaches
-very modest infrastructure

Candidasa

Bali Candidasa area is located in the east of the island and, like Amed, consists of several villages. The area is very quiet and peaceful. The beach has black sand, although there is one section with white coral - it’s called White Sand Beach. This beach can be classified as

Bali region, located in the very north of the island. The area, due to its remoteness from the airport and the south of the island, which is traditionally popular among tourists, is not as developed as the southern areas. Tourists also relax here, albeit in small numbers and usually come from the south for a couple of days. Accommodation in hotels and bungalows is budget and average in cost. Beach with black volcanic sand, there are almost never waves. In Lovina, early morning trips to the ocean to watch dolphins swim in pods for prey are very popular. There are few bars and restaurants, but they still exist. The drive to the airport is about 4 hours. There has been talk for a long time about the construction of a second international airport in the north of the island. If these plans come true, Lovina will experience intensive development.

Advantages
-low cost of accommodation
- relaxing holiday
-cheap prices in establishments
-there is an opportunity to get acquainted with the real Bali

Flaws
-beach is not for everyone
-far location from the airport
-not all tourists like a relaxing holiday

Pemuteran

This area of ​​Bali is not known even by some expats living on the island of Bali. It is located next to Menjangan National Park on the northwestern coast of Bali. It is a small village with a small number of inexpensive hotels. This area is ideal for a secluded and relaxing holiday in a purely Balinese atmosphere. Excellent diving and snorkeling, friendly Balinese who are not tired of tourists, and a great opportunity to get acquainted with the traditional life of the islanders. However, it is a long drive from the airport - 3-4 hours, depending on traffic congestion.

The absolutely fabulous island of Bali is a unique place that has earned the status of a standard of paradise vacation. Local resorts are preferred by newlyweds and married couples, as well as those who like to be surrounded by natural beauty - dense exotic vegetation, azure sea, snow-white beaches and impressive beaches.

The best resorts in Bali - photos

During the high season, the air temperature in Bali rises to +33°C, and at night drops to +24 degrees. There is no heavy rain almost all the time, and the sky is clear without a single cloud, but the heat is softened by the ocean breeze. If you are planning a vacation during the peak season, then you should take care of renting housing in advance, and also take into account that during this period holiday prices are much higher.

Low season comes to Bali rain season, which is especially noticeable between December and January, but this feature does not stop tourists, since at this time the waves are especially high, ideal for surfing.

Beach holiday

The main reason why tourists choose Bali is luxurious beaches located on the coast of the Indian Ocean.

This Indonesian island has quite a wide selection of wonderful places for a beach holiday.

On the island of Bali there are beaches suitable for any needs of tourists. In addition to the noisy Kuta, the coast of which is so loved by many tourists for the opportunity to fight the waves, quieter and more comfortable ones are in demand here - Seminyak And Legian– two beaches on the west coast where you can swim and sunbathe without being surrounded by people.

For those who just want to swim in the waters of the Indian Ocean, the following beaches are suitable:

• Geger– southern beach, located near Nusa Dua;
• Amed– a secluded and most flat beach in the eastern part of the island;
• Pemuteran– a coast where you can not only swim, but also snorkel;
• Padang-Padang– a quiet and cozy beach with a gently sloping bottom for children;
• Nyang-Nyang– a deserted beach with azure water of incredibly bright colors;
• Karma Beach– paid beach with developed infrastructure.

Every year more and more interesting beaches are opened in Bali, serving as an excellent alternative to those that already exist now.

How to save money on vacation?

Bali is considered one of the most expensive resorts, but tourists have the opportunity to save significantly on their trip by following a few tips:

1. Costs decide in advance with place of residence, based on reviews;
2. Accommodation in a villa in a small town much more profitable than in a hotel room;
3. Kuta has quite a lot of guesthouses;
4. IN Denpasar– the capital of the island – buying a tour or excursion is much cheaper;
5. plane tickets are cheaper if you buy them as soon as possible;
6. Cafe prices are cheaper where they are away from tourist spots;
7. On Bali Taxi- This is not only the safest, but also a fairly cheap way to get around the island.

Traveling to Bali can be incredibly interesting and eventful if Right approach the choice of a place to relax.

To take a dip in the sea or ocean, it is important that the water temperature is not low. Read on at what temperature you should enter the water.

Watch how to choose a holiday area in Bali in this video:

You are going to, you have heard many different names of places associated with Bali - Denpasar, Kuta, Sanur, Uluwatu - but you have no idea how one place differs from another, and which one you should choose for your vacation. BaliBlogger will honestly tell you which part of Bali is best to relax in, and how different areas of Bali differ from each other.

In a nutshell: the main center of tourist life in Bali is the areas and Seminyak. Most hotels are focused there. In addition to hotels in Seminyak, you can also rent a villa: this type of holiday in Bali is very popular.

In addition to Kuta and Seminyak, popular areas in the resort southern part of Bali are the areas of Canggu and its surroundings (Kerobokan, Umalas), Jimbaran and various areas of the Bukit Peninsula (Ungasan, Balangan, Dreamland, Pechatu, Padang Padang, Uluwatu), as well as areas of Nusa Dua , Sanur. These are the areas where beach holidays and surfing are possible. Another popular area - the town of Ubud - is located in the center of the island and the beaches are an hour and a half drive away.

In all of the above areas there are hotels and houses for rent. Depending on what format of vacation you are interested in, whether you plan to travel mainly on foot or by taxi/car/scooter, whether proximity to the beach or surfing spots is important to you, one or another area will be better suited for you. Different areas differ in prices, intensity of tourist traffic, privacy, proximity to tourist attractions, walking distance to the beach, etc.

Recommendations for different areas of Bali depending on the type of holiday:

Beach in Kuta

For the young and restless, for those who want to party and party every day: Kuta and Seminyak.

If your goal is not privacy in a villa with a book by the pool and in the evenings you don’t like to go to bed early and want constant movement, if you need a party every day, if you want to have breakfast, dinner and lunch in restaurants, then only two places in Bali will suit you – either cheap backpacker Kuta or its more expensive neighbor Seminyak.

Trust me, if you want an active nightlife, constant parties and meeting new people, only these two areas are suitable for you. Don’t dream of settling in another area and going to Kuta or Seminyak every day: you’ll get tired of standing in traffic jams.

It is very important to carefully choose between Kuta and Seminyak: if you choose Kuta, you will find yourself among surfers and backpackers, local cafes, young people and noisy parties and happy hours; if you prefer Seminyak, then you will find decent restaurants (some of the best in Bali), trendy bars and clubs, villas and a more affluent crowd. In these areas there are cafes, restaurants, bars and all the shops you need on every corner, and most importantly you won’t be bored there.

Another reason to settle in Kuta or Seminyak: if you don’t plan or, then in these areas everything is located compactly next to each other and you can at least somehow get around on foot. In other areas, without personal transport can be problematic.

By the way, if you decide to try to learn surfing, surfing training for beginners usually takes place on the beach in Kuta, where all the surf schools are located.

Of the minuses: these areas are noisy and there is almost no nature or greenery. The beaches are not suitable for swimming and they are not the most picturesque in Bali.

Kuta

The choice of Kuta or Seminyak is easy. If you love Asia for its democracy and cheapness, if you have no special complaints about the external environment and gloss, if you want to be in the center of the surfing scene, then Kuta is for you. If you want to easily meet an Australian or Brazilian surfer while walking down the street, then Kuta is your place. If you want crazy parties every night, happy hours in bars with super-cheap alcohol, then Kuta is for you. If you don’t understand why you should overpay for food just because the restaurant has a tablecloth, then Kuta is the place for you. If you want to stay in a hotel for $10-20 per room or $250 per month, then you will only find this in Kuta. Kuta is the heart of surfing Bali.

Seminyak

If you are inclined towards decent restaurants, white sofas or European interiors, and lounge-style bars, then Seminyak is for you. If you want everything to be “decent and clean”, then you have only one way - Seminyak. There you will find: Jalan Raya Seminyak street with designer boutiques, DoubleSix and Dhyana Pure, Oberoi and Petitenget streets, as well as Kunti I with numerous bars, clubs and restaurants. It is a little more expensive there than in Kuta, but you will get a decent level and comfort. (By the way, even there, restaurants are still cheaper than in Russia:) It is in Seminyak that most hotels are located within walking distance from the beach; it is in Seminyak that there are many cozy villas and houses for rent.

In Seminyak you can stay in a hotel ($60-150 per room) or rent a villa (from $180-250). Accommodation and restaurant prices are much more expensive here than in some other areas of Bali, but you will be in the center of everything.

Just remember, living in Seminyak or Kuta is not for those looking for privacy. No rice fields or rocky shores as a view from the window. No seafront villa with private beach - there is no such thing here. Narrow streets full of motorbikers, cars and wandering tourists are what awaits you. But it’s never boring here! It even seems to me that it is better to make your first trip to Bali to Kuta or Seminyak in order to experience the real Bali. I spent all my holiday trips to Bali here.

About villas in Seminyak: the prices for villas here are quite high, plus the areas of most villas are not very large due to dense buildings; in general, for the same money you can get a more interesting option in Canggu or Bukit. So choose what is more important to you - a spacious villa and a cheap price or proximity to the tourist center.

Beach cafes in Seminyak

You can save a little if you find a villa not in Seminyak itself, but in its surroundings. For example, in Kerobokan (just west of Seminyak), in the Umalas area, on Batu Belig Street or between Legian and Sunset Road. Seminyak will be 5-10 minutes away by transport, and the price difference can be significant. But again, you lose walking distance to streets with restaurants and cafes, except that you save a little on taxis compared to more remote areas of Bali.

For surfers: Canggu or Bukit Peninsula.

If the main purpose of your trip is surfing, if you don’t plan to party every day until the morning, but are looking for proximity to surf spots, if you want a little more Balinese flavor, if you already know how to ride or plan to learn during your trip, and if you If you don’t see any difficulty in getting around the island on a motorbike or by car, then the best option is to rent a villa or find a hotel in Canggu, or on the Bukit Peninsula - at the southern point of Bali (these are the areas of Jimbaran, Ungasan, Dreamland, Pechatu, Padang Padang, Uluwatu).

Beach cafe in Canggu / Echo Beach

Changu.

Canggu has ideal spots for both longboarders and progressive surfers, as well as for fairly experienced surfers. Famous spots and beaches are Brawa beach, Batu Bolong, Old Man, Echo Beach, Pererenan and so on. Canggu is a picturesque green area with an authentic Balinese village, green rice fields and black sand beaches. In addition, Canggu is the most trendy area at the moment, it is full of hipsters, all sorts of creative people, fashionable surfers and various other advanced youth. There are many European restaurants and cafes in Canggu, so you will always find somewhere to have lunch or dinner.

Canggu is located west along the coast from Kuta and Seminyak. From Seminyak beach to the beach in Canggu is about 5 kilometers. On the road from Canggu to Seminyak and Kuta - about 10-12 km. Most of the beaches in this area are deserted, almost wild, except for surfers, there is almost no one there, except that the locals sometimes come out at sunset, either during ceremonies or on weekends. There are no “organized” beaches in Canggu: that is, there are almost no sunbeds, umbrellas and beach cafes, but is all this really necessary for real surfers? The surf spots themselves are equipped with parking lots and cafes where you can leave your things and have a snack. But you won’t be able to swim in Canggu because of the strong surf and waves.

Canggu's nightlife is not as vibrant as Seminyak's, but there are also regular parties. And Seminyak is just a stone's throw from Canggu if you travel on a scooter and have found out all the shortcuts through the rice fields. I really love Changu because it is beautiful, green, fresh, there are excellent spots for surfing for different levels and a lot of places with delicious food. If you plan to travel to Kuta and Seminyak often, just look for a villa closer to Seminyak, for example, in areas such as Kerobokan, Umalas, Batu Belig, Brava.

The surfing season in Canggu lasts from April to November, other times in this part of Bali are not too ideal, but still suitable for beginners. By the way, here in Canggu in the summer months (June-August) there is good wind for kitesurfing.

The surrounding area of ​​Canggu is a good option for a relaxing holiday with the family, but you will definitely need a car or scooter to get around.

Bukit Peninsula: from Jimbaran to Uluwatu.

The second accommodation option is the Bukit Peninsula and the most famous surf spots for advanced surfers - Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Balangan, Dreamland, Green Bowl, Bingin and so on. The Bukit Peninsula has its own microclimate, it is a little drier and hotter than in Canggu, there are no green rice terraces, but there are wonderful winding country roads surrounded by the greenery of local trees, and high rocky shores with beautiful secluded beaches, to which you often have to go down down the endless stone steps.

Bukit has the most beautiful (and most expensive) villas with the so-called cliff view - villas on a hill or on the edge of high cliffs, overlooking the ocean and horizons stretching into the distance. True, for such a villa you will have to pay 250-500 or more dollars per night.

Bukit is different from the rest of Bali in terms of nature and atmosphere. Populated mainly by surfers, it is quite secluded and there is not much going on. If you live in Bukit, then you still have to go to Seminyak for glamor and chic. 25 km to Kuta, 20 km to Seminyak. Bukit is the heart of surfing Bali, or more precisely that part of it that comes for real big waves, and not for parties in Kuta. But there are not many surf spots for beginner surfers; it’s better not to surf here at all without an instructor.

Bukit doesn't have as much action or good restaurants as Canggu or Seminyak, so you need to know where to go. And in general, many tourists here get a little bored. If you are not a fan of privacy, then perhaps Bukit is not for you. There is nothing to do in Bukit without personal transport.

Canggu or Bukit?!

When choosing Canggu or Bukit for surfing, do not forget to check the seasonality of the waves - for example, from November to March there are almost no waves at many spots in Canggu. At this time, spots are open in Nusa Dua (eastern part of Bukit) and on the east coast in the Sanur area.

In general, if you are a real surfer, then for the sake of the waves you will always be ready to load your board onto a motorbike and rush almost to the other end of the island, so in fact, it doesn’t matter in which part you live. You can, for example, settle in Kuta, then it will be approximately the same time to get to all the spots, plus you can surf in Kuta.

Well, the last piece of advice - if you are a beginner surfer (but already surfing on your own), then it’s better for you to choose Changu: the surf spots there are much simpler than on Bukit, and the Batu Bolong spot is generally practically a training spot, where surf schools bring their students . If you ski very confidently, or hardly ski, then the Bukit spots will most likely be beyond your capabilities. You can also focus on Kuta beach, this is the main educational spot in Bali, all schools are located there and classes for absolutely zero students are held there. Important detail: some surf schools provide their students with free transfers from their place of residence to the school and to the location of the surf lessons. Another reason to settle in any area you like and use the school transfer.

For those looking exclusively for: Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Sanur.

Those who plan to spend most of their time on the beach, who are traveling with their family and do not want to end up in noisy tourist Seminyak, will most likely suit a hotel or villa in Jimbaran, Sanur or Nusa Dua.

But in general, going to Bali for a beach holiday is a very bad idea. If you can still change your mind, then it’s better to go, for example, to Thailand, because if you come to Bali solely for a beach holiday, you will be very disappointed. Firstly, there is an ocean here, which means strong waves, in some places so strong that you won’t be able to not only swim, but even get into the water without losing your swimsuit (for example, in Canggu); and in some places the bottom is rocky or reefy and there’s not much to buy either (Bukit). The only exceptions are Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Sanur - there are no waves there and you can swim and sunbathe on the beach.

Secondly, Bali is not at all bounty beaches with white sand, palm trees and bamboo bungalows on the shore. Bali is a volcano island and many beaches have black (or at least dark) volcanic sand. The only exception is the Bukit Peninsula, where there is really beautiful white sand, but you will have to get to the beaches by transport and not all beaches are suitable for swimming due to the waves. In addition, in some places there are corals and stones in the water, and the ocean has the property of ebb and flow, so at low tide the stones and corals are exposed, so you can only get to the water with special shoes.

And lastly: Bali has a huge number of deserted beaches, but they are not equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas and other beach infrastructure. The same beaches where this beach infrastructure is present (like the beach in Kuta or Seminyak) can disappoint you with a huge number of people, both surfers and everyone else, plus souvenir sellers will not leave you alone for a minute. In addition, in winter, the beaches of Kuta are generally different in that even surfers are afraid to come there - the ocean throws a huge amount of garbage directly onto the beach. You can only put up with this garbage if you are a desperate surfer and are driven by a thirst for waves. Read about the differences between these places below.

By the way, if you are a true connoisseur of a beautiful beach holiday, then do not miss a trip to the beach, where there are really beautiful beaches and you can live right in a bungalow on the shore.

An important detail: in Bali the beach does not belong to anyone except the Balinese villages, so there are almost no private or closed beaches in Bali. The maximum you can get is a villa or hotel located close to the beach or when the beach is within walking distance. Villas near the beach are usually much more expensive, so decide based on your budget. In Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak and Jimbaran there are hotels located on the first line from the sea, but the beaches are still open to everyone.

Once again about the waves: everywhere, in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Bukit - the waves break right at the shore and you won’t be able to swim in calm water, in addition, almost all the beaches in Bali are beaches with black or gray sand (the exception is Bukit Peninsula). Bukit has a white sand beach, but the coast itself is rocky; to get to the beach you often have to go down a lot of steps. And there are waves everywhere.

The exception is Sanur and the Nusa Dua region, where the waves break far from the shore and therefore the water near the shore is more or less calm. On Nusa Dua there are the beaches of Geger, Nico Beach, Sri Lanka, Mushroom Rock and so on. In Jimbaran, the waves are generally not very strong, so it is possible to swim there.

Seminyak. Seminyak has good hotels right next to the beach, and the area itself has a huge number of restaurants, cafes, bars and designer shops. You won't get bored here in the evenings and Seminyak is equally close to most interesting places in Bali. I already wrote above that Seminyak is for those who do not want to sit around the clock on the hotel grounds, but want active evening and night life. The advantage of Seminyak is its active tourist infrastructure, but the disadvantages are the breaking waves and not as picturesque beaches as in other places. And don’t forget that the beaches of Kuta and Seminyak are places for learning to surf; don’t expect calm waters, there will be people with boards around.

Jimbaran. An alternative to Seminyak can be considered Jimbaran, which is located on the Bukit Peninsula, there are more or less organized beaches, where there are waves much less often than in other places in Bali. Although there are quite a lot of large hotels in Jimbaran with a whole range of entertainment, I think Jimbaran is ideal for renting a villa near the beach. There are slightly calmer beaches here than in Seminyak, fewer restaurants and cafes, but overall not far from Kuta and Seminyak. I don’t see any particular advantages in Jimbaran, except that if you rent a villa there, you have a better chance of finding a villa with an ocean view and a little larger in size than for the same money in Seminyak, since Seminyak is quite densely populated.

. This is part of the Bukit Peninsula with picturesque white sand beaches and not very many people. People coming to Bali are divided into those who come to Nusa Dua and everyone else who comes to Bali. Nusa Dua has its own glory: this place is a real tourist reservation for package tourists, this is the place of huge hotel complexes with beaches, so beloved by Russian tourists that sometimes Nusa Dua resembles Turkey or Egypt. Plus, all the cafes and restaurants there are much more expensive than in any other place in Bali. Many people living in Bali avoid Nusa Dua and rarely visit there, unless they come to ski in the winter at local spots or sunbathe and swim at local beaches. So, I would not recommend going to Nusa Dua to a hotel. It is better to rent a villa nearby and come to the beach every day by car or motorbike. In general, Nusa Dua has only one advantage compared to other places - beautiful beaches. There are no more advantages, but rather only the disadvantages described above.

This is another beach-resort place, characterized by the fact that in the huge hotel complexes there you can get all the entertainment right on the spot - massages, spas, tennis courts, cafes and restaurants, so you don’t have to leave the hotel at all. The water on the beach is calm and there are no waves, as the beaches are fenced with special bays and breakwaters. Sanur is a favorite among wealthy European and Australian retirees, so overall it has a very relaxed holiday atmosphere. In my opinion, it is too boring for those who are not looking exclusively for a hotel and beach holiday. But Sanur has a significant advantage compared to Nusa Dua - there are still almost no Russians there and Sanur has not yet turned into Turkey or Egypt in terms of the type and format of vacationers.

. And finally: for a super beautiful beach holiday, go to the Gili Islands for three or four days. A ticket on a fast boat to Gili and back costs around $35-55. Somewhere, but on the Gili there is a real bounty: the whitest sand, the clearest blue water, small islands that can be walked up and down in one day, no cars or motorbikes. The main thing is, don’t forget to take a book, movies or a boyfriend, after two days you will realize that there is absolutely nothing to do on the islands, and all the possible fish and inhabitants of the underwater world are already greeting you when they meet

For those who need a beautiful villa, it does not matter whether it is far or close to surf spots or the beach.

Based on how far you want to move away from the tourist crowd into the green thickets, or, on the contrary, you want to be closer to the main “movement”. For those looking for solitude, Canggu, Bukit or even Ubud are suitable (read about it separately further). If you want to be somewhere in the middle, then between Seminyak and Canggu you can look at places like Kerobokan and Umalas, and between Seminyak and Bukit you can look at Jimbaran. I have already described the difference between Bukit and Canggu above. In addition, Canggu is usually much cheaper than Bukit.

If you want villas with an unusual beautiful view, then look at the villas on the hills of Jimbaran - this is the Ungasan area, very beautiful (but expensive villas) on the rocky shores and hills in the Pechatu, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang area.

If you want beautiful views of Balinese villages, green rice terraces and the like, then your option is to get further away to Canggu. Overlooking even more beautiful tropical greenery and jungle - this is Ubud.

For those seeking solitude in the greenery of the rice terraces and who do not need the ocean at all:

If you are looking for a relaxing holiday away from the tourist areas, want a real Balinese village and fresh greenery around you, if you don't need the ocean, or if you are intrigued by the book "Eat-Pray-Love", then perhaps you need to rent a house in Ubud?

Ubud is another "life center" in Bali, but completely different from Kuta and Seminyak. Ubud has a huge number of restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries, but at the same time, Ubud has its own kind of tranquility. Around Ubud there are real Balinese villages, with endless rice terraces, green forests and winding mountain-like rivers. In addition, Ubud is a place that is imbued with creativity - there are a huge number of galleries, art shops, and a huge number of artists, sculptors and designers, both local and foreign, live here. Here, every village around Ubud is famous for some kind of craft: in Cheluk they make silver jewelry, in Masa they make wooden crafts, and in Singakert they carve stone statues of Buddha, Ganesha or someone else.

It also seems to me that Ubud is an ideal place for a gastro-relaxation tour, there are a huge number of restaurants, very different and very tasty, there are excellent spas, some of which, like Maya Spa Ubud, are known throughout the world. Here you can do creativity, yoga, or just be alone with yourself.

In Ubud there are a large number of different hotels from cheap to expensive, located either in the picturesque green Balinese jungle or on the pretty streets of Ubud. In Bali you can also rent a house or villa.

Less popular tourist areas:

Places, including those described above, as well as areas of Bali that you have probably heard about, but in which we do not recommend you spend your entire holiday unless you have a compelling reason to do so. Read about these areas and the reasons below:

– the east coast of the island, super secluded hotels and black sand beaches. Only divers usually come here, as there are interesting dive sites and diving centers on the east coast. If you don't plan to dive, you will be bored there. Maximum worth spending there: 2-3 days.

– northern coast and Bali Sea. A place for even quieter foreign retirees, sometimes reminiscent of Russian southern resorts in April, before the season begins. Quiet, deserted and life seemed to stand still. You can go there for one or two days, but more time there will simply be boring.

Find out which resorts in Bali are the best to relax at! We talk about prices, beaches, infrastructure, waves, attractions and choose the best places for a beach holiday.

Bali is a unique island in Indonesia with a special national flavor and natural charm. To choose the best resort in Bali, you need to decide on your vacation plans.

How can you relax in Bali? Here you can surf, dive, snorkel, visit temples and nature reserves, study local life and customs, practice yoga and soak in the spa. Some tourists do not stay in one place - the island is small in size and can easily be traveled around in a short time. In this review we will talk about the best Bali resorts for beach holidays and surfing spots.

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Resorts and beaches of Bali on the map

The best holiday resorts in Bali

Not so long ago, Kuta was a favorite haunt of hippies; now it is the most famous and lively resort in Bali. It is conveniently located (close to the airport), with developed infrastructure and good sandy beaches. Kuta has a water park, and 20 km from the resort is the famous Tanah Lot Temple, majestically rising above the ocean.

A holiday on the beach in Kuta is perfect for young people who lead an active lifestyle and come to Bali for surfing. The spots are suitable for beginners - medium-sized waves, no dangerous reefs or rocks. During the day, the beaches are very crowded; vacationers are constantly pestered by merchants, pushing their goods and services; at night, life is in full swing in bars and clubs.

Legian is located 2 km from Kuta. It’s a little quieter there, this is a good place for young and cheerful people who prefer to relax on the beach during the day and go to noisy Kuta at night. Beyond Legian is the resort of Seminyak. These three resorts literally adjoin each other, forming a single resort area. And if Kuta and Legian offer housing at affordable prices, then Seminyak is aimed at the gilded youth. There are expensive hotels and restaurants there, and the vacation is supposed to be lazy and serene, as befits VIP tourists.

Jimbaran

A small village where the local population earns money mainly from fishing. One part of Jimbaran beach is occupied by fishing gear and boats. The other is coastal restaurants where you can try fresh seafood (they are considered the best in Bali), and expensive 5* hotels. The resort has good places for diving and snorkeling, but only wealthy people can afford a vacation here - prices are high. You can swim calmly in the southern part of the beach, protected by a cape.

Nusa Dua

Once there were mangroves here, now this is one of the best places to relax on the island of Bali. Nusa Dua has all the conditions for a relaxing holiday: luxury hotels, golf courses, tennis courts and cycling paths.

Nusa Dua is the only Bali resort where the beaches are closed to locals, but its isolation does not allow you to get acquainted with the unique culture of the island. There are no attractions in Nusa Dua - in fact, it is a street along which hotels, cafes and excursion stands are located. If you arrived on a package deal and only want a beach holiday, then the resort will suit you. If you want to get acquainted with the culture of the island, it is better to choose another Bali resort, for example, Ubud.

Prices for accommodation and food in Nusa Dua are significantly higher than in other places on the island.

Tanjung Benoa

This developing tranquil resort, built on the site of a fishing village, is located next to Nusa Dua. It differs from its fashionable neighbor by the presence of 3-4* hotels and loyal prices for vacations. There are beautiful beaches and an international population. Different world religions coexist in Tanjung Benoa, as evidenced by the temples and mosques located next to each other.

During the day, vacationers go water skiing, surfing, snorkeling and parachuting, and in the evening they dine at one of the restaurants. Loyal pricing policy attracts newlyweds and married couples craving privacy.

Sanur

This is the oldest resort on the island, and its developed infrastructure makes it one of the best places to relax in Bali: there are hotels of different price categories, cafes and shops, and many well-kept tropical gardens. Holidays are cheaper than in the decent resort of Nusa Dua, but more expensive than in noisy Kuta. Most often families with children relax here, since the coast is flat and active people - calm water is conducive to snorkeling and diving. And the downside is that when the tide goes out, the water goes very far.

Sanur has ancient temples, a museum for the artist Adrien de Merpres and a large entertainment center with water slides and attractions. From Sanur it is convenient to get to the volcanoes and hot springs of Bali, and not far from the resort there is an island with giant turtles.

Ubud is the cultural capital of the island and the best place for those eager to get acquainted with the customs and traditions of Bali. The city is located among tropical forests in the mountainous part of Bali. There are no beaches, nightclubs or bars here, but there are many temples, souvenir shops and restaurants. Accommodation prices are affordable for any tourist.

The city has many museums, craft workshops and art galleries, where international exhibitions are periodically held. You can regularly see Balinese dance performances and music concerts.

In the shops you can buy handmade souvenirs. This town is set back from the coast but is great for walking and cycling. The surrounding landscapes are picturesque - rice terraces, green hills, tropical forests and rivers. There is the famous Monkey Forest.

The best beaches in Bali for swimming

The special features of Bali are permanent waves. Most places have them, making swimming difficult. The exceptions are the relatively calm beaches of Nusa Dua and Sanur, but they also have their drawback - high and low tides, due to which vacationers have to adhere to a schedule. When the ocean recedes, algae and other debris remain on the sand, and the water level becomes knee-deep. When choosing a place where you will relax in Bali, pay attention to the beach and read reviews from tourists.

• In Sanur The beaches are wide and long, with shallow water off the coast. To swim, an adult needs to walk several tens of meters away, but children have a great time swimming.
• Beach Tanjung Benoa spacious and clean with fine white sand but the same tide problem as Nusa Dua.
• A magnificent sandy beach in Bali can be found in Jimbaran. It is located in a small bay, shallow near the shore, the water is quite clean and calm, which makes it safe for children to swim.
• Good beach for swimming in Bali Padang-Padang. The water here is crystal clear, there are almost no strong waves near the shore. Surfers always go further away to surf, so there is no need to worry about sudden impacts from the board.
• Quite an unusual beach Pandava- perfectly clean with white sand and calm water. On its outskirts there are several caves where you can take pictures, and there are cafes along the beach, where you can rent a kayak or lie on a sun lounger.
• Glamorous beach Dreamland- one of the few bounty beaches in Bali. It is quite popular among tourists, but the waves here are high, and not everyone can swim.

The best beaches in Bali for surfing

The vast majority of Bali's surf spots are located in the south of the island within a radius of several kilometers from Kuta. During the dry season, there is always the right wave here, so safe swimming is only possible in the evening, when the waves subside and most of the athletes migrate to drinking establishments. There are fewer surfers on Bali beaches such as Legian and Seminyak, but strong waves are not conducive to swimming. The waves are even higher in Canggu and Uluwatu. These beaches are popular among experienced surfers.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that each resort and beach on the island is beautiful in its own way, and only after visiting all its corners can you determine for yourself where is the best place to relax in Bali.

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