Where not to stay in Bali

Bali attracts travellers of all types and ages from every corner of the globe, but what is it that makes the island so popular? The answer is, of course, its diversity! Whether you’re an explorer, surfer, yogi, partygoer, or family unit, you can find your dream holiday on The Island of The Gods.

Each region of the Bali is different from the next, whether in terms of landscape, activities, or atmosphere. This makes it easy to plan your perfect trip, so long as you know where to go.

Depending on what type of traveller you are, some areas will obviously match your holiday goals better than others. Want to party? Head to Kuta or Seminyak. Keen surfer? Check out the swell off Bali’s west coast. Looking for adventure? Explore the wilderness of Bali’s central region!

First, here’s where you should stay

	Family	Party	Surf	Yoga	Couple	Luxury	Explore	Dive
Kuta	✔	✔	✔
Seminyak	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔
Gili T		✔						✔
Gili Meno	✔			✔	✔			✔
Gili Air	✔			✔	✔			✔
Nusa Penida					✔		✔	✔
Nusa Ceningan					✔		✔	✔
Nusa Lembongan					✔		✔	✔
Jimbaran	✔				✔	✔
Sanur	✔				✔	✔
Amed	✔			✔	✔		✔	✔
Nusa Dua	✔			✔	✔	✔
Candidasa	✔				✔	✔		✔
Ubud	✔				✔		✔
Gianyar			✔		✔		✔
Canggu		✔	✔	✔	✔
Uluwatu		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

But where should you not go in Bali? It goes without saying that, while some regions will be everything you dreamed of, others will seem less than ideal. So what areas should you avoid during your trip and why?

Which areas should partygoers avoid in Bali?

Bali has some of the coolest bars and clubs in Southeast Asia and is a dream destination for partygoers. But what are the best places to party on the island and which are of them you are better to skip?   

Where can you find the best parties in Bali and which areas are dead after dark?

Where NOT to go

Many places in Bali have a chilled out atmosphere and get quiet after dark. This is great if you want to relax, but not so much fun for night owls. If you want your trip to be filled with bars, clubs and bottomless drinks, avoid:

• Ubud
• Jimbaran
• Sanur
• Amed
• Candidasa

These areas are rather tailored to family travellers and people looking for cultural enrichment and purely relaxing holidays in the quiet and calm ambiance.

Instead, go to…

For a lively atmosphere, hip evening hangouts and nightly parties make your way to:

• Kuta
• Seminyak
• Canggu
• Uluwatu
• Gili Trawangan

Where should families avoid in Bali?

Bali’s beautiful, clean beaches and safe atmosphere make it a popular holiday spot among families. Some parts of Bali are fantastic for kids and have tonnes of family-friendly activities to make your trip memorable. Others aren’t as ideal and may be completely unsuitable for small children. So where can you go for the best family experience and where should you avoid?

Where NOT to go in Bali when travelling with kids

Some parts of Bali’s coastline are more rugged than others and the beaches in these places can be difficult to reach. With steep paths and stairs down to the sand, the following areas may be unsuitable for little legs:

• Uluwatu
• Nusa Penida

Certain towns in Bali attract big groups of partygoers and the streets here can become crowded and noisy after dark. If you want a quiet family trip, avoid:

• Kuta
• Gili Trawangan

Instead, go to…

The following areas have the safest beaches and most family-friendly amenities and activities in Bali. They are also easy to reach from the airport and conveniently set up for travellers – perfect if you’re travelling with children!

• Kuta
• Jimbaran
• Sanur
• Seminyak
• Nusa Dua
• Ubud

Where should adventurous travellers avoid in Bali?

The landscape of Bali is as varied as its visitors, ranging from beautiful beaches in the south to volcanoes, waterfalls and jungles in the northern and central regions. Active and adventurous travellers will want to fill their time in Bali with as much exploration as possible, but where are the best places to go?

Where NOT to go

The resort areas of Bali are all about relaxation, spas and fine dining and may not have a lot to offer the adventurous traveller. If sunbathing and bars bore you, you may want to skip:

• Jimbaran
• Sanur
• Nusa Dua
• Kuta
• Seminyak

Instead, go to…

Bali is brimming with opportunities for adventure, but what are the best areas for exploring? If craggy coasts and hidden beaches are your thing head to:

• Uluwatu
• Nusa Penida

For waterfalls, jungles and volcano hikes check out:

• Gianyar

Where should divers and snorkelers avoid in Bali?

Bali is part of the coral triangle, an area of the Pacific ocean with the greatest marine biodiversity on earth. The island is, therefore, a divers paradise, with vibrant coral reefs and incredible marine species all around the coast. Some areas have better conditions for diving and snorkelling than others, however.

Where NOT to go

The east coast of Bali may be ideal for divers, but conditions are not so favourable off the west coast. Big waves and strong currents make diving and snorkelling impossible around:

• Uluwatu
• Canggu

Some coastal areas in Bali have calm waters, but there’s not a great deal to see in terms of fish and corals. These include:

• Sanur
• Jimbaran
• Kuta

Instead, go to…

The following areas have calm waters, small waves, high visibility and awesome dive sites:

• Amed
• Candidasa
• The Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno and Air)
• The Nusa islands (Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan)

Where should surfers avoid in Bali?

World-class surfers have been visiting Bali for decades and the island is well known for having some of the best surf spots on earth. The swell around Bali’s coast is stronger in some places than others, so surfers of all levels can find the perfect place to hone their skills.

Where NOT to go

Not all waves are created equal and some parts of Bali have little to no surf. With calm, flat waters, the following areas are unlikely to appeal to enthusiastic surfers:

• Jimbaran
• Sanur
• Amed
• Lovina
• The Gili Islands
• The Nusa Islands
• Candidasa

Instead, go to…

Beginner surfers should check out:

• Kuta
• Seminyak

Intermediate surfers should head to:

• Canggu
• Keramas (Gianyar)

And advanced and expert surfers should check out the powerful waves and big barrels around:

• Uluwatu

Where should yogis avoid in Bali?

Bali has a thriving health and wellness scene, with yoga retreats and spas all over the island. But which areas have the best studios and the widest selection of yoga classes and courses in Bali?

Where to go

For the best selection of yoga classes, the healthiest restaurants and the most relaxed atmosphere, check out:

• Ubud
• Canggu
• Amed
• Gili Air

Where NOT to go

Some of Bali’s more popular towns can become crowded and noisy, especially during high season! Keep things zen on your yoga holiday in Bali and avoid:

• Kuta
• Seminyak
• Denpasar

 

Where should romantic couples avoid in Bali?

The Island of The Gods is a dream destination for many couples. Romantic sunsets, sensational scenery, secluded beaches and beautiful villas make Bali the perfect setting for a loved-up trip to paradise. But where are the best places for couples to visit and where should you swerve?

Where NOT to go

If you want your quality time in Bali to be undisturbed by noise and crowds steer clear of:

• Kuta
• Gili Trawangan

Instead, go to…

For a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, beautiful accommodation and dreamy sunsets make your way to:

• Seminyak
• Gili Meno
• Ubud
• Jimbaran
• Sanur
• Nusa Dua
• Amed
• Nusa Penida

Where should luxury travellers avoid in Bali?

Bali caters well to luxury travellers and has plenty of up-market spas and resorts, restaurants, villas and activities. So, where can you find the classiest experiences on the island and where should you avoid?

Where NOT to go

Some parts of Bali are more suited to budget travellers and will have less of the high-class living you’re after. Keep your creature comforts close and avoid:

• The Gili islands
• The Nusa islands

Instead, go to…

For fancy beach clubs, bars and resorts check out:

• Sanur
• Nusa Dua
• Jimbaran
• Seminyak