5 Hidden Gems: The Best Place to Stay in Bali You Never Knew About

Bali is a collection of neighbourhoods with totally different day-to-day realities. 

If you’re an Australian planning a long stay in Bali, picking the wrong area can mean wasted hours in traffic, noisy nights, and a rental that doesn’t match how you actually live. That’s why the best place to stay in Bali depends on fit, not hype.

Since Australia has consistently held the position of the highest foreign arrivals share in 2024, according to Katadata, approximately 24%, demand stays competitive in popular zones. That’s why you want a clear decision process before you book.

Use these 3 filters to choose the best places to stay in Bali:

1. Who you’re travelling with (solo, couples, families)
2. What do you want to do in Bali (culture, surf, quiet, diving)
3. How long are you staying (week, months, or a minimum one year)

We’ll map the best locations to stay in Bali across Ubud, Sanur, Amed, Uluwatu, and Canggu, plus a 6–12+ month section comparing hotels vs Bali villas for rent and Bali villas for rent long term. 

If you’re choosing between beach zones and nightlife hubs, take a quick look at Australia’s official advice on water safety and alcohol risks (including drink spiking and methanol). It can influence the best area for your group.

Start with Indo Property Hub’s curated stays: Bali villas for rent

Quick Bali Match Quiz: Best locations to stay in Bali by your travel style (Matrix)

Use this as the “decision table” right near the top of the article.

Traveler type	Features	Area	Accommodation that fits	Top Suggestions
Couples, solo, wellness, remote workers	Culture + jungle views + wellness	Ubud	Jungle-view villas, quiet boutique stays	Ask Indo Property Hub for Ubud villas with strong Wi-Fi+calm nights
Families, first-timers, slower pace	Calm beach routine + easy logistics	Sanur	Family villas, resorts with kids features	Get Indo Property Hub’s family-safe picks (pool safety + walkable areas).
Divers, chill travelers, budget long stays	Diving/snorkeling + quiet value	Amed	Simple villas, ocean-view stays	Request Amed options with reliable water/AC/Wi-Fi.
Couples, surf trips, friend groups	Cliff sunsets + iconic beaches	Uluwatu	Romantic villas, cliff-view stays	Indo Property Hub can shortlist sunset-view villas within your budget.
Digital nomads, surf + food lovers	Trendy cafes + coworking + social vibe	Canggu	Modern villas, long-term rentals	Get Indo Property Hub’s 12-month rental shortlist (contracts + included services).

Bali demand is not “low season = empty” anymore. Popular pockets book out, and prices shift quickly.  Star-rated hotels also ran at 58.10% occupancy in May 2025, showing steady competition for quality stays, according to BPS. 

How to use this table

• Define your traveler type  → pick the features that you want  → choose the area → decide the accommodation type (hotel vs Bali villas for rent / Bali villas for rent long term).

Time vs traffic reminder

• Choose a place-to-stay that is close to your main activity. Bali traffic can turn “near on the map” into a daily time drain.

Not sure which match you are?

• Contact us now, let us help you to find the right place and neighborhood where you belong!.

Ubud – The Cultural Heart

For long-stay Australians who want culture, wellness, and a calmer routine, Ubud is one of the best places to stay in Ubud Bali. This suits you best if you’ll spend weekdays working, training, or living a “normal life” instead of hopping from beach to beach.

Best places to stay in Ubud, Bali: Choose your micro-area

1. Central Ubud: walkable cafes, gyms, coworking, errands. Trade-off: congestion, late-night noise, tighter parking.
2. Penestanan / Sayan: greener, quieter, more “retreat” energy. Trade-off: more scooter time for daily needs.
3. Nyuh Kuning / Mas: more residential, often better value for longer contracts. Trade-off: less “instant Ubud” buzz.

BPS reported that most Bali visitors stay short time in one base (average length of stay at star hotels was about 2.70 nights in Nov 2024). If you are considering a long-term stay to experience a full normal daily life in Bali, we recommend long-stay wellness renters to pick Ubud.

No worries, you still can have a lot of entertainment options in Ubud! Here are our top sorted of what to do in Bali (Ubud edition): 

1. Sightseeing in rice terraces, temples, and join cooking classes
2. Visit waterfalls and nature walks
3. Attend yoga studios, wellness cafes, and spa routines

Top villas in Bali (Ubud-style) 

There are several villa types that you can pick in Ubud. Some of those include: 

1. Jungle-view villa, 
2. Rice-field view villa, 
3. Private-pool villa, and 
4. Multi-bedroom group villas. 

For long stays, confirm quiet-night checks, workspace setup, and cleaning frequency.

What impacts price + comfort (Ubud villas)
Typical inclusions: pool, staff/cleaning options, Wi-Fi (sometimes breakfast). Price usually shifts with:

1. View (jungle/rice-field), distance to centre, and villa size
2. Noise risk (main roads, ceremonies, construction)
3. Wi-Fi reliability: Indonesia’s fixed broadband speed was 35.96 Mbps (median, June 2025, according to DPR RI). However, villa speeds vary, so you should ask for a recent speed test before paying deposits 

Explore Top Villas in Bali, Ubud through Indo Property Hub, 

Ask for 3 options in your budget + 1 ‘nice-to-have’ on your bucket list.

Sanur – Quiet Beaches and Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Best places to stay in Sanur Bali

Sanur is a smart long-stay base if you want calmer days, easier routines, and less “party spillover” at night. It sits in Denpasar, so you’re closer to practical services than you are in many beach-heavy areas.

Bali stays busy year-round, especially in Sanur, which has been designated a Health & Tourism Special Economic Zone (KEK Sanur). This Special Economic Zone covers an official footprint of 41.26 hectares and a legal basis under Government Regulation No. 41/2022.

We sorted the list of recommended activities in Sanur on What to do in Bali (Sanur edition):

• Cycle or walk the beachfront path for daily exercise
• Easy beach days for kids and non-surf swimmers
• Fast access to ports for island day trips (check your departure point)

Beach conditions vary

Sanur is more sheltered, but tides still change the swim zone and reef exposure. Before beach days, you should check local marine conditions and tide forecasts through this official website: BMKG Pelabuhan Sanur. 

Best place to stay in Bali with family

For families, Sanur often beats trendier hubs because it supports routines. We compare the features of a villa and a resort for a family’s long-term stay in Sanur. 

Villa vs resort (quick comparison)

1. Villa: kitchen, laundry, multiple bedrooms, private pool, better for longer stays
2. Resort: kids club, on-site dining, daily service, easier short-term logistics

As you bring your family, we recommend that you follow this practical parent checklist to ensure safer and panic-free stays. 

​​Practical parent checklist

1. Pool fencing or child-safe barriers
2. Stair/railing safety, non-slip surfaces
3. Close to medical clinics, quiet nights, walkable basics

Bringing your child to your long-term stay is fun, but don’t forget to always pay attention to water safety and alcohol risks (including drink spiking/methanol), following the Australian Government’s Smartraveller guidance.

Since we want you to have a fully-immersed experience for your long-term stay in Bali villa, we recommend you pick this Sanur family stay. Get villas that are walkable + family practical (kitchen, laundry, multiple rooms).

Amed – A Diver’s Paradise

Best place to stay in Bali Indonesia

Amed is a true “hidden gem” if your ideal Bali routine is reef time, quiet streets, and early nights. It’s one of the best answers to the best place to stay in Bali Indonesia when you care more about snorkeling and diving than beach clubs.

However, it’s quite far from downtown. From Ngurah Rai Airport, the trip to Amed is typically around 4h 47m using public transport routes, and the straight-line distance is listed at 109 km (road distance can vary by route) according to Rome2Rio. Not to mention the heavy traffic jam if you use private transport.

No worries, your trip can still be worthwhile if you follow our recommended activities in Amed. 

What to do in Bali (Amed edition)

1. Shore snorkeling and reef time right off the beach
2. Day diving trips (Amed + Tulamben sites are commonly paired)
3. Sunrise viewpoints and slow mornings in chill cafes

Budget guide: certified fun dives in Amed Dive Center can start around IDR 470,000–490,000 per dive (site-dependent), while 2 dives are commonly priced around IDR 770,000–795,000.

Bali villas for rent

Amed suits Bali villas for rent seekers who want value and quiet. Pricing often rewards longer stays: nightly rates can look high, but monthly or annual deals are more considerable once utilities and service terms are clear.

Once again, the key is clarity! Avoid surprises (especially for a Bali Indonesia villa for rent) by checking the villa features:

• Water supply consistency and water pressure
• AC in bedrooms vs open-air living (humidity impacts sleep)
• Wi-Fi proof (speed test), and what cleaning is included

Explore Bali villas for rent in Amed through Indo Property Hub.

Tell us your stay length, and we will optimize for the best annual value!

Uluwatu – Cliffs and Sunset Views

Best places to stay in Uluwatu Bali

Uluwatu sits in Badung Regency, Bali’s main tourism engine. That matters because demand pressure and pricing don’t come from “Uluwatu hype” alone. Meanwhile, they come from a region where tourism and accommodation drive the economy.

In Uluwatu, you can choose between two stay styles:

1. Cliff-front zones: premium sunsets and dramatic views, but more exposure to wind, stairs, and higher prices.
2. Inland pockets (Pecatu side streets): quieter nights and better value, but you’ll rely on transport for beaches and dining.

If you’re staying at Uluwatu, we’ve listed the things that you can do. What to do (Uluwatu edition): 

1. Surf breaks (Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin)
2. Uluwatu Temple at golden hour (international entry is commonly IDR 50,000 adult / IDR 30,000 child) 
3. Kecak & Fire Dance: tickets are often around IDR 150,000 (separate from temple entry), book ahead via platforms like Klook and check the latest price before paying 
4. Beach hopping with realistic expectations. This is because some beaches require stairs. Suluban, for example, involves about 100 steps down the cliff.

Best place to stay in Bali for couples

Uluwatu is the cliff-and-sunset end of the Bukit Peninsula. It’s a strong pick if your “Bali routine” is surf, beach hopping, and slower evenings, and you’re happy to trade walkability for views.

This area is the most popular choice for couples who want to stay in Bali. For those who prioritize privacy and sunsets, Uluwatu is the perfect fit. Look for:

1. private pool, quiet-night buffer, sunset-facing outdoor space
2. easy dining access or private chef option, spa services nearby
3. Wi-Fi proof if you’ll work from the villa

Browse the couple villas recommendation in Uluwatu by Indo Property Hub here

Request a shortlist by vibe: Message “your dates + must-haves”, Indo Property Hub will filter fast. 

Canggu – Surfing and Trendy Vibes

Best places to stay in Canggu Bali

Canggu is built for a “live like a local” year, where you can surf before work, visit cafes and fitness studios on repeat, then cowork and socialize at night. It’s one of the best places to stay in Canggu Bali if you want community and convenience, but you need to choose your pocket carefully.

Pick your pocket (noise trade-offs are real)

1. Berawa/Batu Bolong/Echo Beach: closest to beach clubs, bars, and the main action. According to Finns, these areas are also where nightlife concentrates. 
2. Quieter residential lanes: more sleep-friendly, better for families and remote work, but you’ll scooter/drive to hotspots.

Your Canggu daily life shouldn’t be endless bar hopping. We have collected several activity recommendations in Canggu. 

What to do in Bali (Canggu edition)

1. Surf lessons (Batu Bolong): small-group lessons in Dian Surf School start around IDR 400,000 per person.
2. Take beach runs, visit a trendy cafe, and attend gym classes
3. Subscribe coworking day pass to support your digital nomad occupation. Tropical Nomad lists a 1-day pass at IDR 230,000 
4. Join an easy day trip. For instance, you can take a trip and sightseeing Tanah Lot sunset (foreign adult ticket IDR 75,000). You can also take a trip to Seminyak and Ubud with a correct plan and timing
5. Make sure to visit social spots without committing to “party every night.”

Bali villas for rent long term

In practice, “long-term” means either monthly leases (more flexible) or annual contracts (better value, stricter terms). What’s often excluded are utilities, internet upgrades, and repairs beyond basic wear.

Long-term stay in Canggu is recommended, especially for digital nomads. However, you should plan your day around traffic. It is a non-negotiable.

According to Merah Putih, rush hours commonly hit around 7:30–9:30 and from 16:30 onward, so schedule school runs, gym time, and meetings outside those windows. Even though the airport-to-Canggu distance is only ~18 km (16 km by road), travel time can swing hard by time of day. 

You should also save this long-stay checklist for villa rentals in Canggu:

1. Contract clarity, deposits, and maintenance response times
2. Workspace setup + internet plan (Databoks shows Indonesia’s median mobile download at 49.30 Mbps in Oct 2025, but villa Wi-Fi speed is more volatile) 
3. Banjar/community rules, parking, and noise buffer

Check here for Canggu long-term rentals recommendations by Indo Property Hub. Tell us your lease plan (e.g., 1 year), and we’ll share contract-ready options!

Choose The Best Place to Stay in Bali Smarter!

Your best place to stay in Bali comes down to matching a base to your real weekly routine, not trends. Use these five “hidden gems” as quick shortcuts:

1. Ubud: culture, wellness, green views, calmer long-stay rhythm
2. Sanur: family calm, easier logistics, quieter nights (great for the best place to stay in Bali with family)
3. Amed: diving and snorkeling, slower streets, better value (a smart best place to stay in Bali Indonesia option)
4. Uluwatu: cliffs and sunsets, surf energy (often the best place to stay in Bali for couples)
5. Canggu: cafes + coworking + social base (strong for Bali villas for rent long term)

Build your Bali plan around what to do in Bali (surf, diving, school runs, wellness) that drives your routines, and choose the area that makes that routine easy.

As a foreigner, don’t forget to check the rules, because they are always updated. For instance, Bali’s official tourist levy is Rp 150,000 per person, paid once per visit, via the Love Bali system. Additionally, keep the current official travel advice in mind for safety and local laws. 

Ready to book smarter? Start with Indo Property Hub’s curated Bali villas for rent 

Find Your Ideal Bali Stay with Indo Property Hub

Long stays work when you get the basics right. It includes rental agreement clarity, deposit terms, and who pays repairs. Also filter for the real-life issues such as Wi-Fi proof, neighbourhood noise patterns, and flood exposure. 

Flood exposure matters because IFRC reported Bali flooding impacted 7 districts/cities in September 2025, with reported water levels from 50 cm up to 300 cm in affected areas. Consider it thoroughly. 

Browse through Indo Property Hub to find a flood-free villa

Aside from natural disaster risk mitigation, anticipate Bali Villa scam with these simple rules:

1. Don’t pay full upfront without a verified listing + contract
2. Avoid pressure tactics or “today-only” deals
3. Use reputable platforms and vetted providers

Find vetted agents and legal services in Indo Property Hub to protect your transaction from scams

Message Indo Property Hub on WhatsApp with dates, group size, preferred areas, budget, and must-haves (Wi-Fi, pool, quiet, family-safe).

FAQ: Best place to stay in Bali

What is the best place to stay in Bali with family?

For most families, Sanur is the default with a calmer pace, easier mornings, and less nightlife noise. If you want more nature and wellness, Ubud (Nyuh Kuning/Mas) works well. Meanwhile, if you want reef time and quiet, Amed can be a slower, budget-friendly base.

Villas win for privacy with personal kitchen/space/laundry areas, while resorts win for kids clubs and daily service.

Find your best place to stay through Indo Property Hub.

What is the best place to stay in Bali for couples?

Choose Uluwatu for sunsets and surf energy, or Ubud for wellness, jungle views, and quieter evenings. If you’re planning a long stay, pick the base that fits your weekly routine (dining access vs retreat-style calm).

Romantic villa must-haves:

1. privacy + quiet nights
2. private pool + view
3. easy dining or private chef option

Explore the perfect romantic couples villas in Bali through Indo Property Hub.

Where is best for a long-term stay in Bali (6–12+ months)?

Canggu suits coworking and social routines, Ubud suits calm/nature, and Sanur suits family logistics and steady days. For Bali villas for rent long term, always check the contract terms, deposit schedule, maintenance response time, and internet proof.

Visa admin matters too, don’t forget to choose the right visa because Indonesia’s overstay fine is IDR 1,000,000 per day (up to 60 days). 

Discover your best deal long term rentals in Bali through Indo Property Hub

How to choose the best places to stay in Ubud / Sanur / Uluwatu (quick picks)?

1. Ubud: best for culture/wellness; watch for traffic and road noise near the centre.
2. Sanur: best for quiet beach routines; watch tide/reef exposure and choose walkable pockets.
3. Uluwatu: best for sunsets/surf; watch stairs and transport needs between beaches. 

Book around activities, not trends, because your base should reduce daily friction.

What are the best places to stay in Ubud Bali for first-timers?

Stay central Ubud if you want walkability, or just outside (Penestanan/Sayan/Nyuh Kuning) if you want quieter nights and views. Check scooter access, distance to main streets, and construction/noise risk before committing.

What are the best places to stay in Sanur Bali if you want a quiet beach base?

​​Choose beachfront or near the main path for easy mornings and relaxed dining. It suits families, first-timers, and couples who want calm and don’t care about nightlife-heavy zones.

What are the best places to stay in Uluwatu Bali for sunsets and beaches?

Pick cliff-view areas for iconic sunsets or inland villas for quiet and value. Expect transport between beaches, and note that several spots involve steep stairs, which can be a deal-breaker with kids or mobility limits.

Request dramatic sunset-view villas in Uluwatu info to Indo Property Hub.

What are the best places to stay in Canggu Bali, if you want cafes and coworking?

Stay close to your main coworking/cafe cluster, but use quieter residential lanes if you’re noise-sensitive. Check traffic choke points, parking, Wi-Fi speed proof, and nearby construction (it can change noise fast).

Get Indo Property Hub’s “quiet-but-close” Canggu list

Is it better to stay in a hotel or Bali villas for rent?

For long stays, Bali villas for rent usually win on space, privacy, kitchen/laundry, and work-from-home comfort. Hotels win on daily service, facilities, and predictable operations. Decide based on trip length, group size, and how often you’ll work from the property.

How do I find Bali villas for rent long-term (minimum one year) safely?

Verify written contract terms, deposit schedule, included utilities, and maintenance responsibilities before paying. Red flags: pressure to pay upfront, unclear ownership/agent authority, or refusal to share full property details and legal terms.

Ask Indo Property Hub for legal support for contract-ready long-term options in Bali

What should I check before booking a villa in Bali (to avoid surprises)?

Follow this checklist: 

1. Wi-Fi speed proof, 
2. Water pressure, 
3. AC in bedrooms, 
4. Pest control, 
5. Noise level, and 
6. Power backup plan. 

Always confirm inclusions (cleaning frequency, linens, pool maintenance) and any utility caps for monthly/annual deals.

Which area in Bali is best if I don’t want crowds?

Go for quieter picks like Sanur (calmer base) or Amed (slow travel/diving routine), and choose side streets over main drags. Timing helps too, because shoulder seasons and weekdays often feel dramatically less busy than peak weekends.