Where to stay in Bali?

You finally have a flight ticket to Bali, and now you’re wondering where to stay for your diving holidays. Bali is quite a big island so knowing where to go is fully part of what you need to decide when planning a trip to Bali. First, do you know if you’ll visit only one place or a few? Then check your expectations and your budget to find the perfect place to stay in Bali with my tips below.

Best areas to stay in Bali based on your preferences

One of the great advantages of Bali is the ability to sleep next to your dive site. No need for any early morning car rides; you can be ready in a matter of minutes after waking up. My favourite scuba diving spots in Bali are Tulamben and Nusa Lembongan. However, Amed, Pemuteran and Sanur are also excellent options. But on your way to the best dive sites in Bali, I recommend experiencing the inland side and the Balinese culture by going on a road trip.

Here is the list of my favourite areas in Bali, what you can find in each and who will love it the most :

• Sanur: This is a great place for beach lovers and scuba divers. You can easily go diving by boat from Sanur in the direction of Padang Bai or Nusa Penida. Thanks to its long sandy beach, which is only accessible to pedestrians and bicycles, you can be both social and relaxed in Sanur.
• Ubud: This is a great place for yoga, art, and culture lovers. Whether you’re interested in walking in the rice fields, visiting a historic temple, or going on a yoga retreat, you can be both social and relaxed in Ubud.
• Sidemen: This is a haven for nature lovers with rice fields and waterfalls. If you’re looking to relax alone on holiday, this is the place to go.
• Amed: A place loved by scuba divers, free divers and snorkelers, where you can be either social at its beach cafés or relaxed in the hills of Bunutan.
• Tulamben: This is a spot almost exclusively for scuba divers, especially those into underwater photography, thanks to the diversity of the macro critters and the world-famous Liberty shipwreck. If you prefer relaxing on your own, it’s the perfect place to go.
• Pemuteran: For scuba divers, snorkelers and nature lovers, thanks to the Bali Barat National Park and Menjangan Island, which is a part of it. Very few tourists venture that far north. If you’re on holiday to relax on your own, this is the place to go.
• Nusa Lembongan: There is plenty to explore underwater and beyond for scuba divers and nature lovers. This is the main hub to go diving with mola-mola and manta rays in the dry season. You can be both social and relaxed in Nusa Lembongan.

How much does accommodation cost in Bali?

Bali is seriously one of the best travel spots when it comes to value for money – it’s amazing! I can even go so far as to say that it’s the best. You can book cosy private bungalows in small family-run resorts that are decorated with extra love and care by local artisans. These bungalows feature large double beds and outdoor bathrooms that make you feel like you’re in paradise.

If you want to save money and go scuba diving more often than you planned, this option is perfect for you. However, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a bit of luxury in the middle of your adventure. If you decide to book a 4 or 5-star hotel in Bali, don’t worry about breaking the bank. I suggest looking at resorts around Ubud for those wanting to indulge in some pampering.

Bali offers a wide range of accommodation options with varying prices and comfort levels across the island. If you prefer the convenience of Western amenities, I would recommend booking at least a 4-star resort. The cost for a premium or luxury hotel in Bali starts from 90 € per night.

Affordable accommodations in Bali are easy to find and can be booked online. Guesthouses and homestays, also known as “Pondok”, are popular options that offer a chance to connect with Balinese families. These accommodations typically include breakfast and start at a cost from 14 € per night.

If you are on a tight budget, you can opt to stay in hostels and dormitories. These types of accommodations are usually found in areas like Kuta or Canggu, but you can also find some in Amed now. The prices for these accommodations start from as low as 5 € per night.

My favourite addresses in Bali

Bali is an incredibly sought-after tourist destination with a plethora of stunning accommodations to choose from. To ensure a stress-free vacation, I highly recommend booking your hotel online in advance, particularly if you’re intending to visit during the high season from April to October (dry season). From my personal experience, I have curated a list of top places to stay that I believe you’ll love:

• Swiss Hotel – Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur
• Sankara Resort in Ubud
• Harmony Bungalows & Villas in Amed
• Matahari Resort in Tulamben
• Arjuna Homestay in Pemuteran
• Pondok Baruna on Nusa Lembongan