– ESCAPE THE CROWDS –
AN INDEPENDENT TRAVEL GUIDE
Where to stay around Bali
We've been exploring Bali’s backroads for decades, and have picked up a few favourite, very special, places to stay. If you appreciate the peace of West Bali, you'll enjoy these places too...
Sidemen
Lovely low-key Sidemen (East Bali) is an ideal base for hiking and, increasingly these days, for silver workshops. Wapa di Ume is our favourite Sideman resort and it is a great place for kids. Gorgeously designed with curvaceous bamboo architecture, Samanvaya (an adult-only resort) is also highly recommended. For a more affordable stay, it's hard to beat Abian Ayu Villa and Loka Amerta.
Tabanan
The peaceful Tabanan area offers easy access to the Central Highlands and Jatiluwih rice terraces. Sarinbuana Eco Lodge is a sublime boutique jungle resort, and the gorgeous Puri Dajuma Terrace has exquisite views. Along the coast Nirjhara is an idyllic escape (their beautifully designed Canopy Suites are really special), and ultra-luxurious Soori Bali offers a private beachfront escape.
Candidasa
This underrated east coast escape is an ideal base for exploring East Bali. With gorgeous joglos set in a palm grove, Ida's Homestay is a brilliant budget option. If you want a pool, Sagara Candidasa and The Forty-Eight Resort, which overlooks the town's lotus pond, are also highly rated. Candi Beach Resort is an excellent destination if you're wanting to enjoy some luxurious downtime.
Amed
The coastal road that swoops around Bali’s far eastern bulge offers the sort of scenic road-trip adventure that’s hard to find outside West Bali. Amed is a favourite with divers and free divers, and Blue Earth Village is an exceptional spot for underwater fans. Kirana Homestay is a welcoming budget option. Solaluna is right on the beach and if you're looking for an ocean view, Aquamarine Beach Villas are fab.
Munduk
Munduk in Bali's cool highlands is known for its waterfalls and walking trails across hills and through forests. Munduk Moding is an earth-focussed resort with exceptional views, and the lovely Puri Lumbung Cottages have excellent trekking guides. Desa Eko is outrageously beautiful, and if you book a superior room at Puri Sunny Munduk you'll get beautiful views at a budget-friendly price.
Ubud
Yes, Ubud suffers from insane traffic jams – but there are still some truly special places to stay. With incredible bamboo villas and intriguing design, sustainable-focussed Bambu Indah is out of this world. Capella Ubud is one of the most remarkable boutique hotels we've ever seen. Stunning Bisma Eight is a 10-minute walk from town but feels a world away, and very central Nick's Homestay is our affordable go-to.
Canggu & Seminyak
If you know where to look even Canggu and Seminyak have quiet corners. In Canggu Hotel Tugu Bali remains an oasis of calm with lush grounds, Indonesian artefacts and lovely historic timber buildings; budget-friendly Serenity Eco Guesthouse is close to the beach and offers yoga classes. In Seminyak the luxurious suites at Potato Head are a peaceful, good-for-the-earth escape.
Nusa Lembongan
This sliver of an island holds plenty of charm and offers great diving and snorkelling as well as excellent surfing. Hai Tide Beach Resort has lovely lumbung (rice barn) style rooms right on little Mushroom Bay. Isla Indah Retreat hosts yoga, surf and freediving getaways, while sustainable-focussed Batu Karang is an outstanding luxury option on the island. Kubu Semer Badung is a great budget option.
