I’ve recently returned from a family celebration in Bali.
It was my sixth time to this tiny island paradise and upon returning I remembered just why Bali stole my heart on my first ever visit all those years ago...
As soon as I stepped off the plane (a delightful 8 ½ hour flight thanks to some pretty strong headwinds) my senses came alive and I felt like I had returned to a familiar place… the kind of feeling you feel when you return home.
The Balinese people are truly some of the kindest most genuine people you could ever meet. They smile, greet you warmly wherever you go and nothing is ever too much trouble. Just a side note, sometimes the English as a second language barrier can get a little confusing however this can provide for some fairly hilarious conversations during your stay. Trust me I know!
In this blog about Bali I wanted to focus on some of the areas of Bali and give you a bit of an insight into the neighbourhoods. It can be quite mind-boggling to try and select where you want to stay and everyone has differing opinions so I hope the below can help you just a little.
If you need more info always feel free to drop me a line erin@hertribetravels.com and I'd be happy to help.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is where the fancy resorts are (think St Regis, Four Seasons, Hilton, Shangri-La and a number of 5 star private villas) and sits high up on a cliff top on the Benoa Peninsula. The sun sets on the other side of the island so if sunsets are your thing then you’d be better off in Jimbaran Bay or Seminyak.
Pros – nice and quiet area with very little hawkers, beach traffic or shopping. Great place to go if you want to flop and drop and want the real resort holiday.
Cons – its quite a drive! Distances in Bali are not far but because of the traffic it can take a VERY long time to get anywhere. So if you are in a hurry and don’t fancy sitting in traffic to get to your location then Nusa Dua might not make your list.
Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran Bay is only a ten minute drive from the airport and is one of my absolute favourite locations. I love it because it has a beautiful stretch of beach, the seafood restaurants on the beach, really lovely beachfront resorts such as the Intercontinental (a fave of mine). From Jimbaran you can also make your way quite easily up to Uluwatu temple which is a stunning temple that sits at the top of the peninsula.
Pros – its busy enough but quiet enough if you know what I mean. For example there is enough to do in the area and shopping is available close to the resorts but when you want time out the beach and resort pools provide a nice quiet haven for relaxation.
Cons – it is near the airport so planes can regularly be heard. To be honest it never bothered me. The resorts are quite high end so if you feel your budget is better spent on wining, dining and shopping then you might want to consider a cheaper neighbourhood alternative.
Seminyak
Another of my favourite locations in Bali. Seminyak is the cool, hip younger sibling with amazing boutique shopping, fun and funky accommodation options and a really cool laid back vibe. The beach is dotted with small beach bars and restaurants where colourful bean bags adorn the sand and brightly coloured parasols provide cover for you and your Bintang. The sunsets are stunning!
Pros – Accommodation options for all budgets are on offer in Seminyak and the area is quite condensed so not difficult to get around. In fact you’ll enjoy spending the day meandering through the lanes and stores, finding little surprises and excitement when you least expect it! It is one of those neighbourhoods you can never get tired of and when you do there is always a fab restaurant not far away where you can enjoy cocktails and delicious Indo-fusion delights.
Cons – Seminyaks road traffic is crazy! Scooters, scooters and more scooters! It is one of the most popular holiday locations in Bali at the moment so be prepared! And try not to get run over… those scooters come from everywhere.
Kuta
Back in the day Kuta was the legendary place to go. It is still a great option if you want a cheap, authentic Balinese holiday on a budget. Poppies Lane 1 & 2 are famous markets full of everything and anything your heart desires and you can haggle with stall holders to get some great bargains! Gone are the days when it is just fake knock off watches, shoes and bags that are on offer… they’ve come a long way with some pretty cool offerings in the market lanes. In addition you can find small day spa’s and nail salon’s on almost every corner and services are cheap! So take advantage!
Pros – The shopping! Need I say more! They have markets, shopping malls, branded stores… you name it, it can be found in Kuta.
Cons – I found it a little bit tired and dated. It is still a great option if you are on a budget and certainly was very popular but the hotels are all a bit tired and compared to some of the newer neighbourhoods it certainly didn’t feel as trendy.
Legian
Legian sits between Kuta and Seminyak and offers the same easy access to shops and bars but a slightly more relaxed and less chaotic feeling. It is a low-key area where you can still get the low prices of Kuta without some of the hassle. The whole of Legian is no bigger than a few blocks in a large city, but despite its small size, this area has a very high profile with visitors due to the lovely beach frontage, and its plethora of mid-market hotels.
Pros – With reasonably priced resorts located right on the beach, you’ll find yourself with some of the best beach views. So if you are on a budget but still want a reasonable hotel and nice beach then Legian is for you.
Cons – Legian’s beachfront road is pedestrian only with no accessway for cars or scooters. It can be a far walk from one end to the other so make sure you bring your comfy shoes!
Ubud
If Kuta is the racing heart of Bali (because you can’t get much busier than Kuta)… then Ubud is the soul… nourishing, relaxing and earthy. Ubud is located about 1 hours drive from Denpasar airport. Once you arrive in Ubud you will feel a sense of calm and tranquillity. The resorts in Ubud specialise in wellness and offering everything from spa, meditation, yoga. In addition if you still want some activity to balance out the zen you can enjoy cycle tours, cooking lessons, visit temples and even climb Mt Batur at sunrise.
Pros – Getting back to nature and taking time out. We all need it, we all deserve it! The food is impressive and Ubud’s dining scene is among the island’s most progressive.
Cons – Due to its increasing popularity Ubud is still extremely busy, particularly the main area of Ubud so it can feel quite crowded if you decide to venture out from your resort or spa hotel. If you’ve had a day of relaxation and quiet, it may feel a little overwhelming. It is also quite a commute from the airport and beach towns due to traffic.
Canggu
Canggu is the newest neighbourhood holiday hotspot! Quieter than its friends (Kuta, Legian & Seminyak) down the way, it provides a new hip offering for the young and young at heart. Think holiday villas rather than resorts as this is what you will find more of in Canggu. Hip little cafes, stylish beach clubs, surfing spots and funky stores can be discovered in Canggu.
Pros – It is a much quieter area and with the majority of accommodation being holiday villas you will find it to be very affordable compared to staying in a resort.
Cons - Unfortunately, local drivers are expensive and with taxis and ride share services like Grab restricted in the area (you can usually get dropped off but its difficult to get picked up), getting around is Canggu’s achilles’ heel. The area is very spread out so not really walkable like some of its neighbours where everything is at your doorstep.
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