5 parts of Bali to consider for your next trip

23 Nov 2022

Bali is one of the favourite destinations of Australians looking for a quick jaunt overseas without having to break the bank or spend half a day on a flight.

But where you stay in Bali will really depend on what you’re looking for. Here are five destinations in Bali and what you can expect on a trip there.

1. Kuta and Legian

The first place many will look when beginning to research Bali, Kuta is located right next to Denpasar Airport, the main international airport of Bali, while Legian is located just a little further north of there.

Kuta and Legian are arguably the most “touristic” areas of Bali – it’s cheap, has loads of popular (if a bit conventional) restaurants, and plenty of opportunities for souvenir shopping. The accommodation options here are also on the inexpensive side, ranging from two- to four-star hotels. Kuta has a reputation for being a bit “wild” and popular with the backpacker crowd.

Legian, on the other hand, is a little quieter and more popular with families. It maintains many of the characteristics that make Kuta popular – close to the airport, affordable and touristic – without as heavy a dose of party and night life. A great option if you’re travelling with your family.

2. Seminyak & Petitenget

Arguably Bali’s most popular destination, Seminyak and Petinteget are only a little further north from Kuta and Legian, but the vibe here is quite different. The accommodation options here are remarkable, with many luxury resorts and five-star villas to choose from at prices you won’t find in too many other parts of the world.

It’s also all about the food here: you’ll find award-winning restaurants at every turn. In Seminyak, you’re likely to find a handful of top-shelf restaurant within walking distance of your villa, and even more just a short taxi ride away. Many resorts and villas even have their own buggies (or carts) with drivers, so they can take you for a quick jaunt up the road. 

The beach clubs here are some of the best in Bali – places like Potato Head and Ku De Ta are huge multipurpose entertainment precincts with multiple dining options to choose from as you watch the sun set to the west.

3. Ubud

For those who want to get away from the touristic beaches and experience a more authentic side of Bali – while still having access to all the amenities – Ubud is the place for you.

Known around the world as a destination for art and spirituality for many decades, you can use Ubud as a base to visit Balinese temples; get in touch with nature while exploring the rice terraces and nearby forests and waterfalls; and participate in yoga and health retreats. The weather here is a little different too. Since it’s located in the Balinese foothills, temperatures are cooler than on the beaches. Despite all this, Ubud’s growing popularity as a tourist destination means there’s no end to luxury accommodation – think bamboo huts and beautiful villas with private plunge pools amid the lush vegetation that defines the region.

4. Bukit Peninsula

Head south from Denpasar Airport instead of north and you’ll find yourself on the Bukit Peninsula, home of areas including Nusa Dua, Benoa, Jimbaran, Uluwatu and Pecatu.

Here, in the shadow of the giant, 122-metre Garuda statue – the second tallest statue in the world – you’ll find some of Bali’s best luxury resorts in a more remote and less built-up part of the island that’s popular with destination weddings and as locations for international conventions.

While you won’t find the dining options on every corner like you will a place like Seminyak, you will find plenty of all-inclusive resorts with beautiful accommodation options, private beaches, and classy, laid-back restaurants and bars – everything you need in the one place, basically.

5. North Bali 

If you really want to avoid the crowds, make the two-hours-plus drive to Bali’s north coast and discover the untouched wonders on a side of the island that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the south. 

The most popular tourist town up here is Lovina, located right in the middle of Bali’s northern coast and famous for its black sand beaches and dolphin spotting. In the north-east you’ll find Amed and Tulamben, two fishing villages in the shadow of Mount Agung. And in the north-west, spend some time around West Bali National Park, Menjangan Island and the nearby towns and resorts; you’ll find some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in the world, as well as quiet accommodation options undiscovered by the masses.

Remember, these are just five of the options in Bali – it’s far from an exhaustive list, with areas like Canggu, Nusa Lembogan, Candidasa, Bedugul and more all offering their own delights.