Bali is truly a paradise, with rice-terraces spreading down across the green slopes of volcanoes, fiery sunsets dripping onto powdery-white sand, and a unique and ubiquitous culture that dominates the island and its inhabitants. Some people enjoy surfing, shopping, and nightlife in Kuta, while others enjoy the spiritual and cultural activities in Ubud.
Bali is filled with wonderful places to visit and explore, so, to inspire your Bali itinerary and make sure you don’t miss any of the best sights, we’ve put together a spectacular guide to the best places in Bali for vacation. In this guide, you’ll find the best places to visit across the island and the best things to do there. You will also find the best Bali attractions for couples, families and honeymooners.
Best Place in Bali for Couples or Honeymoon: Jimbaran
For those who want a romantic holiday, Jimbaran is the best choice for you, a peaceful and intimate place where the hotels there are less child-friendly. The long, narrow, winding sandy beach is empty, ideal for sunbathing and strolling.
Every evening, the beach is packed with tables and chairs as the seaside cafes host romantic candlelight dinners with fresh seafood, fireworks, musicians and traditional dancing under the beautiful sunset.
Best Place in Bali for Sightseeing & Outdoor Activities: Ubud
With a wide variety of places to stay and eat as well as a very vibrant live music scene, Ubud is the best place in Bali for vacation, especially to enjoy and explore the charms of central Bali. Day trips to astonishing natural places such as the cliff statues of Gunung Kawi and the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of rice fields, even man-made attractions like Bali Zoo are easily reached by chartering a car with a driver. Rafting, hiking and mountain biking tours are quicker and cheaper from Ubud by minibus than in the southern resorts.
However, there is one thing you should probably know, especially for sea lovers. Ubud is definitely less suitable for surfing, snorkeling and diving.
Best Place in Bali for Nightlife: Kuta and Seminyak
Some people come to Bali just for Kuta’s nightlife, and Legian Street is home to high-rise nightclubs and sports bars where international DJs spin and compete fiercely for ‘cocktail specials,’ ‘free BBQ’, and ‘girls drink for free’. With a short taxi ride to the north, Seminyak offers live jazz, soul and R&B in a more sophisticated atmosphere, while further north in Canggu, the interiors and prices of the clubs are comparable to those in Europe.
If you’re craving something more westernized or you want to go clubbing, Kuta is the best place in Bali for vacation.
Best Place in Bali for a Spiritual Visit: Ubud
There is no doubt that for all things “spiritual”, Ubud is the place. Whether it is meditation, yoga, ‘spiritual healing,’ or traditional medical therapies, some tourists would stay nowhere else in Bali and never leave.
The village of Penestanan, a village part of Ubud, owns yoga shalas (studios) that offer regular and private classes and courses, while some resorts in the nearby jungle offer ‘rejuvenation’ packages. Want to have a healthy lifestyle with health conscious organic food and drinks made from locally grown products? Ubud is the place.
Best Place in Bali for First-Timers: Jimbaran and Sanur
Kuta, and its surrounding areas of Tuban, Legian, and Seminyak can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Especially during the holiday season, the roads are jammed and lanes are filled with tourists. So, to enjoy the best of Bali, stay in Jimbaran or Sanur. Both cities have limited nightclubs, surfing, and shopping malls, making them peaceful with smaller crowds, traffic, and noise.
Try to be like locals on a fishing trip and catch your own lunch, and don’t forget to sunbathe on the beach. Such a perfect place to spend a day.
Here they are, 5 best places in Bali for vacation, according to the purpose of the trip. You can’t miss any of these places, and since Bali is so easy to get around, you won’t have any trouble finding them. Happy travels!
